By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
It may be hard for the average Illinois high school football fan to grasp the significance of a season-opening contest between storied programs Joliet Catholic and Mount Carmel, but the players from both programs know exactly what is at stake.
"There's a buzz in the school, and the team is really preparing for it. Everyone is anticipating it," Joliet Catholic senior linebacker Kevin Rouse said.
The feeling of excitement permeates the Mount Carmel community, as well. For a rivalry that first took root in 1928, it comes as no surprise.
"We know what they do, they know what we do," standout senior offensive lineman Arthur Ray, Jr., said. "It's another game that will go down in our history."
When the two schools do meet, it will be at an interesting crossroads. Joliet Catholic has much to prove, ranked nationally last year before being upset early by Morris in the state playoffs. The preseason accolades normally associated with the Hilltoppers are absent entering the 2006 campaign.
Mount Carmel, on the other hand, comes in with lofty goals and expectations showered down by prognosticators.
Neither side is taking anything for granted. If anything, there is a great amount of mutual respect between the two teams.
"As a team, we expect Joliet Catholic to be very tough. We respect all of our opponents, and don't take anyone lightly, especially Joliet Catholic, with more state titles than anyone else," Ray said.
"There's a lot of eyes on us every year," Rouse said. "There's always expectations, but this year, we think we can come out and surprise some people. If we work hard the rest of the summer, we can win."
Hilltoppers coach Dan Sharp and Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti have plenty of work to do before the August 26 showdown. Joliet Catholic boasts some strong returning players on defense, including Rouse and defensive end Shane Liston, who will challenge the ball on every snap.
Mount Carmel, anchored by Ray and senior quarterback Carter Kopach, will certainly test the Joliet Catholic defense. The Caravan defense has some playmakers of its own with linebacker Mark Oliver and defensive end Ron Newcomb.
As for underclassmen, look for big junior safety Nick Clancy to step up and establish himself during the year for Joliet Catholic. On the Mount Carmel side, junior inside linebacker Steve Filer could pose problems for opposing offenses throughout the season.
While the players change through the years, the magnitude of the Joliet Catholic and Mount Carmel rivalry certainly does not. Alumni from both schools are expected to turn out in record numbers to support their schools.
And what better venue for a game of such magnitude than Soldier Field?
"I'm a little nervous about playing on Soldier Field right now. But once we step onto the field, it's just 100 yards of grass," Rouse said.
Indeed, those 100 yards of grass will host one of the more historic rivalries in Illinois high school sports August 26.