Chicago-Area High School News and Scores | Season Pass

The star

Joliet Catholic senior quarterback Craig Slowik was 7-of-11 for 146 yards and added a 25-yard touchdown run with 3:34 remaining in regulation to give the Hilltoppers a 24-17 lead.

The moment

After Joliet Catholic’s Ty Isaac (31 carries, 229 yards) scored on a five-yard run to put the No. 19 Hilltoppers ahead 31-24 in overtime, Carmel’s Tim Serio, who had been virtually unstoppable in the second half as the pitch man in the Corsairs’ option attack, scored what could have been the game-tying touchdown on a 10-yard run. But the score was erased on a block-in-the-back call. Carmel stalled from there, and Zack Jackovich intercepted a pass at the goal line on fourth down to end it.

The quote

“Oh, man, it’s nice to win, but the stress is terrible. And I’m only 16 — or 17, or whatever I am.” — Slowik

The breakdown

Joliet Catholic (5-2, 4-1 East Suburban Catholic) overcame four lost fumbles and qualified for the playoffs with the victory. With the loss, Carmel (2-5, 2-3) was eliminated from playoff contention. The Hilltoppers face East Suburban foe Notre Dame next Friday.