| 2002 Season |
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2002 Season
The 2002 season began with great expectations. As defending state champions in 1999, 2000, and 2001, JCA was on a roll. Add to that the impressive group of talent returning in 2002, and you had state rankings from the Sporting News at #1, #4 in the Midwest, and #18 in the nation. Chicago sports writers identified them as most likely to repeat. Comments from outside observers and the key players returning were available on the 2002 Preview page.
The season started with wins over Fenwick, Loyola, and St. Viator. Prompting much speculation over the next two games, match-ups with Providence and Missouri heavyweight Rockhurst. A close loss to Providence, and a hard fought loss to a very disciplined Rockhurst team identified some corrections that needed to be made. Junior lineman Jadron was moved from TE to tackle, and Ross Crampton was inserted in the running back position, things started to click. JCA ran off 4 straight wins over Bishop Mac, Leo, Holy Cross, and Hales Franciscan. The entire season results are found on the 2002 Schedule and Results page.
Catholic opened the playoffs with a dominant performance over Norridge Ridgewood. This set up a second round match-up with Riverside Brookfield. While Catholic had some mistakes offensively, defensively the controlled RB most of the game, and survived on a late Field Goal by Ty Foley.
This set up a much anticipated rematch with Providence on their turf. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out to be the game everyone anticipated. Providence won going away which finished the season for JCA. Game statistics can be found on the 2002 Statistics page.
The Sophomores were defeated only once in 2002, the 13 points they allowed in that game were all they allowed in the entire season. Eight of nine games were shutouts, as the defense was on top of it's game all year long. Offensively JCA has some very good skill position players, and good sized linemen coming up, as witnessed by the 15 or so sophomores and freshmen called up when the playoffs began.
The largest Freshman Roster in recent memory at the Freshmen level is another sign of good things to come. The Freshmen went undefeated including wins over Providence away and previously undefeated Peoria Richwoods away to finish the season.
In the end, JCA had nothing to hang their head about. The Varsity lost 3 games to 2 teams, both of those teams ended up winning state titles. Rockhurst winning 6A in Missouri, and Providence winning in 5A. The Sophomores had one loss, and allowed an incredible 13 points all year, including 8 of 9 games resulting in shutouts. The Freshmen we undefeated including big wins over Providence and Peoria Richwoods on the road.
Things look very good for the future of JCA football. While there is no doubt that many fans, alumni and players are disappointed in the results of the 2002 season, things like this happen in spite of hard work. JCA will be back in 2003, Coach Sharp has talent, the coaches, and the ability to return to the top. The 2003 team is already in the weight room preparing for next year. For those that doubt us remember what it means to be a Hillmen.
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"Any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear - is
that moment he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted
on the field of battle . . . victorious."
Vince Lombardi
Our Lady of Victory . . .
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