On Friday, January 11th, the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard made its way to Illinois for the first of two planned stops in the state. First up was an enthusiastic and spirited, Joliet Catholic Academy.
Led by Head Coach Dan Sharp, the Hilltoppers started off their season by losing a heart breaker to Mount Carmel.From there, JCA didn't look back. Thirteen straight wins and 649 points later, Joliet Catholic Academy was crowned Illinois State Champion, following a 49-7 romp over Lemont.
MaxPreps' 17th ranked team in the nation (and top team in Illinois)held a school pep rally in support of the Tour of Champions. Coach Sharp and JCA were excellent hosts, welcoming MaxPreps' Frank Steele and the Illinois Army National Guard to honor their championship team. The Illinois Guard kicked things off by throwing ARNG t-shirts and iPod speakers into the crowd. Minutes later, Steele reflected on the incredible 2007 season and the well-known legacy of JCA football. Illinois National Guard BG Ron Morrow had the honor of presenting Coach Sharp with the MaxPreps Tour of Champions National Ranking Trophy, all to the thunderous applause of a rowdy JCA student body.
This was a great day for the Tour of Champions. All the pieces were in place.a festive school, a committed team, an appreciative coach and some amazing people from MaxPreps & the Army National Guard. Bettendorf High School was next up on the Tour - but for now, it is all about honoring Joliet Catholic Academy, a 2008 honoree of the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard!
