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Football: Scouting the East Suburban Catholic Conference

By Kevin Schmit

kschmit@dailyherald.com

East Suburban Catholic Conference

Teams: Benet, Carmel, Joliet Catholic, Marian Catholic, Marian Central Catholic, Marist, Nazareth, Notre Dame, St. Patrick, St. Viator.

Key games: Marist at Notre Dame, Sept. 7; Nazareth at Benet, Sept. 21; Benet at Joliet Catholic, Sept. 28; Marist at Nazareth, Oct. 5; Joliet Catholic at Nazareth, Oct. 12; Marist at Benet, Oct. 19; Joliet Catholic at Notre Dame, Oct. 19.

Top players: Jack Benish, DL, Benet; Devin Blakely, RB, Nazareth; Jack Cooney, DB-WR, Benet; Ty Gavin, RB, Notre Dame; Michael Love, RB-DB, Nazareth; Mike Markett, QB, Marist; J.J. McCarthy, QB, Nazareth; Dave Monnot III, OL, Joliet Catholic; Thor Paglialong, OL, Marian Central; Billy Skalitzky, WR, Marist; Jacob Snell, DL, Benet; Jadon Thompson, WR, Marist.

Outlook: It's at least a two-team race with Marist and Nazareth, but time will tell how many other teams enter the mix. Nazareth was a Class 6A finalist with 12 non-senior starters and quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who's already been offered by Indiana and Iowa State, on the bench as a freshman. The Roadrunners have unmatched athleticism with running back Devin Blakely and two-way standout Michael Love. Is it enough to edge the RedHawks? They'll have the ESCC's top offense with quarterback Mike Markett and receivers Billy Skalitzky and Jadon Thompson. Benet, after top-four ESCC finishes the last four years, hopes to win the title with the ESCC's best defense. Jack Benish, Jacob Snell and Jackson Stephens up front, Mike Wymer at linebacker, Jack Cooney and Billy Lawler in the secondary ... that's a load for offenses to handle. The ESCC is blessed with top quarterbacks, including emerging Benet junior Colin Gillespie. Benet's defense will excel at harassing every single one of them. Returning Benet running back Ben Hickey brings another weapon to the offense. Joliet Catholic is due for a bounce-back season after notching only four combined wins the last two seasons. With reigning conference MVP Ty Gavin returning, Notre Dame is a wild card.

Quotable: "Nazareth and Marist are obviously the top dogs in the conference," said Benet coach Pat New. "But there are tough games every week. It won't be easy for any of us."

- Kevin Schmit

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