Fenwick's Halftime Surge Topples Joliet Catholic 28-13
Source: The Shaw Local News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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Fenwick could not have scripted a better start to the 2026 IHSA football season. The Friars rolled to a 28-13 win over Joliet Catholic at Memorial Stadium, powered by a lightning-fast opening strike and a dominant second half. On their first offensive snap, quarterback Myles Hill launched an 84-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jimmy Watts, a play that hinged on trust and recognition. Hill saw single coverage and threw it up, allowing Watts to do the rest. “It’s really just a play where we got a one-on-one matchup,” Hill said. “I found my guy, threw it up to him, and he did the rest. No better way to start the season.” Watts finished with seven catches for 120 yards and that touchdown, emerging as Hill’s favorite target all night. But Joliet Catholic refused to fold. On Fenwick’s second drive, defensive back Keon Lynes intercepted Hill, setting up the Hilltoppers in the red zone. Senior running back Derrick Pomatto punched in a 9-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7. From there, both defenses dug in, and the score remained deadlocked through halftime. After the break, Fenwick found its rhythm. The Friars scored 21 unanswered points, gradually wearing down the Hilltoppers. Coach Matt Battaglia said the first half was less about scheme and more about execution. With several players making their first varsity starts, the team needed to shake off early jitters. “We’ve got a lot of guys who are making their first major starts,” Battaglia explained. “In the first half, there were a lot of moments where one guy would make a mistake, and it would lead to a big play right away. We just told them to take a deep breath, flush it and focus on the next half.” Hill agreed that the opening touchdown may have caused his offense to be overexcited. “I was honestly still a little riled up from the first play in my head,” he said. “I just had to settle in and really focus on what the defense was giving me. Once we talked some things over at halftime, I think it all just started to click.” Fenwick’s defense was relentless, holding JCA to just 198 total yards. The Hilltoppers’ only other touchdown came on a late drive that accounted for 77 of those yards. JCA’s offensive struggles were compounded by poor field position. “I don’t think until the fourth quarter did we get the ball over midfield,” said JCA coach Jake Jaworski. “Our defense played on half a field the whole second half.” That imbalance took its toll. “I’d love to see the snap count, but they probably ran 20, 25 more plays than we did,” Jaworski added. “Our defense got worn down from being on the field way too much. We’ve got to find a way to compete and finish.” Hilltoppers quarterback Liam Huffman completed 7 of 16 passes for 147 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Pomatto, a standout linebacker, also ran for 19 yards on four carries and scored the tying touchdown. Jaworski praised his senior leader: “Derek’s a stud. I wish we had about 20 more of him. He’s the type of guy who worked his butt off all offseason, and he’s committed to the process. He goes out there and does what he’s supposed to do.” For Fenwick, the victory represents a significant early-season statement. Hill said beating a 15-time state champion program sets the perfect tone. “It’s a great way to set the tone, because now we’re able to go up,” he said. “You don’t want to start down and then go up. We just took down a 15-time state champion powerhouse. That’s a great way to start the season.”
Article commentary
Fenwick’s season-opening win over Joliet Catholic offers several layers of insight into both teams. For the Friars, the victory reveals a program that can manage early adversity and execute under pressure. The 84-yard touchdown on the first play was a statement of explosiveness, but the true test came after Joliet Catholic tied the game. Fenwick’s ability to regroup at halftime and score 21 unanswered points speaks to the coaching staff’s knack for adjustments and the players’ mental resilience. Quarterback Myles Hill’s admission that his team was initially too amped up is revealing. It suggests that while the big play provided a jolt, it also disrupted the team’s rhythm. The halftime reset allowed them to recalibrate, and the second-half execution was far more disciplined. Defensively, Fenwick stifled a JCA offense that struggled to sustain drives, limiting big plays and forcing the Hilltoppers into unfavorable field position. The stat sheet shows only 198 total yards allowed, a clear sign of a well-prepared unit. On the other side, Joliet Catholic faces some important questions. Coach Jake Jaworski’s frustration with field position and snap counts highlights a systemic issue: the offense could not stay on the field, leaving the defense overexposed. The Hilltoppers’ inability to flip the field in the second half cost them dearly. While Derrick Pomatto provided a bright spot on both sides of the ball, the team needs more playmakers to emerge to relieve pressure. The 7-of-16 passing performance from Liam Huffman indicates inconsistency, though the interception was a key turning point. Looking ahead, Fenwick has momentum and a signature win to build on. The Friars now know they can compete with a storied program, which should boost confidence in the locker room. However, they must avoid the trap of relying too heavily on explosive plays. Sustained offensive drives will be critical against tougher opponents. For Joliet Catholic, the loss is a wake-up call. The defense played admirably for stretches but was ultimately worn down. The Hilltoppers need to find a way to balance time of possession and generate more consistent offense. The season is young, and with a leader like Pomatto, they have a foundation to build upon. This game also underscores the importance of halftime adjustments at the high school level. Fenwick’s ability to correct mistakes and refocus proved decisive, while JCA’s inability to adjust to the field position battle sealed their fate. Both teams will learn from this contest, but the early edge goes to Fenwick for its composure and execution when it mattered most.