Week 3 IHSA Football: Joliet West Shocks Rival, Lincoln-Way Schools Dominate
Source: The Shaw Local News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
The third week of Illinois high school football brought a mix of blowouts, defensive battles, and statement victories across Will and Grundy counties. Players and fans alike braved a sweltering Friday night, but the action on the field was anything but sluggish.
In the marquee matchup of the night, Joliet West finally found its footing. After two consecutive losses to open the season, the Tigers traveled across town to face a confident Joliet Central squad that had started 2-0. The result was stunning: a 41-0 shutout that left the Steelmen searching for answers. Joliet West quarterback Collin Bachand connected with Joseph Duffy for a 99-yard touchdown, and running back Ayden Collom added 90 yards and two scores on the ground. The Tigers defense held Central scoreless despite the home crowd's energy. Joliet West (1-2) now carries that momentum into a Week 4 road game at Oswego East, while Joliet Central (2-1) will try to bounce back at Plainfield East.
Lincoln-Way West continued its dominant start, beating Andrew 31-6 at home in New Lenox. The Warriors improved to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the SouthWest Suburban Conference, setting up a key showdown at Lockport next week. Their defense stifled Andrew's attack, while the offense moved the ball efficiently.
Over in Yorkville, Bolingbrook handed the Foxes their first loss of the season, 20-7. The Reapers held Yorkville scoreless until the 9:06 mark of the fourth quarter, when the Foxes finally found the end zone. Bolingbrook (2-1) will host Oswego in Week 4, while Yorkville (2-1) heads to Minooka.
Providence Catholic made a clear statement in New Lenox, shutting out rival Joliet Catholic 27-0. The Celtics (3-0) built an early lead and never let up, leaving the Hilltoppers (1-2) frustrated. Providence will host Carmel next week, while Joliet Catholic welcomes St. Laurence.
Coal City overcame a sluggish start at Benedictine University in Lisle, scoring 32 unanswered points from the second quarter onward to beat Lisle 39-14. The Coalers (2-1) host Streator next Friday.
Wilmington opened Illinois Central Eight Conference play with a dominant 48-8 road win over Peotone. The Wildcats (3-0, 1-0) showcased their rushing attack and stifling defense, setting up a home game against Herscher. Peotone (2-1, 0-1) will host Lisle.
Reed-Custer also impressed in conference action, blanking Streator 28-0 on the road. The Comets (2-1, 1-0) travel to Manteno next week to face the Panthers.
In other games: Dwight beat Deer Creek-Mackinaw 44-12 behind a balanced attack from Collin Bachand, Joseph Duffy, and Ayden Collom. Seneca earned its first win of the season, routing Iroquois West 35-0. Oswego stayed unbeaten at 3-0 with a 34-14 win over Plainfield North, while Plainfield East demolished crosstown rival Plainfield Central 60-0. Lincoln-Way East rolled past Homewood-Flossmoor 38-7, and Lincoln-Way Central edged Lockport 24-14. Minooka won a low-scoring Southwest Prairie Conference battle, 10-0 over Oswego East.
Several Chicago Public League games were postponed Friday due to excessive heat, including the Simeon at Morris matchup, which was rescheduled for Saturday.
Article commentary
Week 3 of the IHSA football season across Will and Grundy counties offered a revealing snapshot of the conference landscape. The most striking result was Joliet West's 41-0 demolition of previously undefeated Joliet Central. This game was not just a rivalry win; it underscored the volatility of early-season momentum. Joliet Central had looked sharp in its first two outings, but the Tigers' defense exposed vulnerabilities that could linger as conference play intensifies. For Joliet West, the victory is a lifeline. After an 0-2 start, this win provides a psychological boost and a template for how to compete against stronger opponents. The challenge now is consistency: can the Tigers replicate that performance against Oswego East? Lincoln-Way West's 3-0 start is no surprise, but the manner of their 31-6 win over Andrew suggests they are a legitimate contender in the SouthWest Suburban Conference. Their defense has allowed just 13 points in three games, a statistic that will worry Lockport next week. Similarly, Lincoln-Way East's 38-7 dismantling of Homewood-Flossmoor reinforces their status as a powerhouse. The Griffins have outscored opponents 114-21 so far and look like a team on a collision course with the state playoffs. Bolingbrook's 20-7 win over Yorkville was a classic defensive battle. Holding the Foxes to just one score until late in the fourth quarter shows that the Reapers can win ugly when necessary. Yorkville, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their schedule does not get easier, with a trip to Minooka next week. Providence's shutout of Joliet Catholic was meaningful beyond the rivalry. The Celtics are now 3-0 and have not allowed a point in their last two games. Their defense is emerging as one of the best in the area, and with Carmel coming to town, they have a chance to make a real statement. Joliet Catholic, on the other hand, has now lost two of three and needs to find offensive rhythm before conference play. The Illinois Central Eight Conference appears to be a two-horse race early on, with Wilmington and Reed-Custer both looking dominant. Wilmington's 48-8 win over Peotone was impressive, and Reed-Custer's 28-0 shutout of Streator shows defensive depth. Their meeting later in the season could decide the conference title. One concern from Week 3 was the postponement of Chicago Public League games due to heat. With climate change leading to more extreme weather, schools and athletic associations must reconsider scheduling protocols. Player safety must remain paramount, but rescheduling creates logistical headaches for teams and families. Looking ahead to Week 4, several matchups will clarify the hierarchy. Joliet West at Oswego East will test the Tigers' newfound confidence. Bolingbrook hosting Oswego pits two 2-1 teams against each other. The Lincoln-Way schools face tough conference tests, and Providence's home game against Carmel could be a playoff preview. The season is still young, but the contenders are beginning to separate from the pack.