2007 Schedule

8/26 12:00 @
Joliet (Catholic)
@ Soldier Field
8/31 7:30 @
Chicago (St. Ignatius)
@ St. Rita High School
9/7 7:00 H
*New Lenox (Providence)
@ Gately Stadium Stadium
9/14 7:00 H
*Chicago (St. Rita)
@ Gately Stadium Stadium
9/21 7:30 @
*Chicago (Brother Rice)
9/28 7:00 H
Chicago (DeLaSalle)
@ Gately Stadium Stadium
10/6 1:30 @
*Wilmette (Loyola Academy)
10/12 4:00 H
Chicago (St. Francis de Sales)
@ Eckersall Stadium Stadium
10/19 3:30 @
Chicago (Hales Franciscan)
@ Eckersall Stadium
#### - School Enrollment
* Conference game
Directions:
Gateley Stadium
- School

Week #1 vs. #18 Joliet (Catholic) (0-1)
8/26/2006

Ron Newsome hauls in the game winning touchdown for the Caravan, in their 13-6 win over Joliet Catholic. View more photos from this game & others

Turnovers Helped Keep Game Close

Chicago (Soldier Field) - As games go in the opening week, coaches will tell you there is always room for improvement and even Mt. Carmel's Carter Kopach realized that, which would explain why many people feel that this Mt. Carmel team has the leadership to return to the state finals.

"We've got a long way to go", Kopach said about his team's performance and outlook on the season. When asked if the score by JC late in the second was motivation for the team he added "If you don't get motivated by playing JCA, you don't belong on the field."

The first half may have looked like a defensive battle, but Mt. Carmel missed two prime scoring opportunities when they fumble twice on different drives that got them inside the 5 yard line and missed two field goal from under 30 yards out.

"The frustrating part at halftime was we felt like we were in control... We had some penalties & some missed execution, but it was zero zero" said Mt. Carmel head coach Frank Lenti. "When they scored we told [the players], 'we teach you to build character for a lifetime & now is the time to show them what you're made off' ".

All three of the games touchdowns came through the air, as John Ruettiger (QB 6'2 180 jr.) connected with tight end Cobey Fleener (6'6 215 sr.) for a 70 yard strike in the 3rd quarter. Kopach, hit Pat Jarvis (WR 6'4 200 sr.) for a 13 yard TD with 7;30 left in the game. A blocked extra point by Ryan Piechocinski, would help keep the game tied, but Kopach would find his go to guy, Ron Newsome, as he got away from a JC defender and broke down field for a 21 yard touchdown.

Joliet Catholic head coach Dan Sharp "I really appreciate the effort & the toughness our kids put out there today. They played hard today against one of the best football teams you're going to find in the country."

While the Caravan racked up some yards on offense, the Hilltoppers managed to hold them for the most part when it was needed in the red zone. "They're so big and physical. They're going to drag you for a few extra yards, then you're trying to commit more people to the option, but then they've got talent on the edge to throw to and a great quarterback" Sharp said about the Caravan offense. "We just scrapped and did every thing we could, but they're just so talented. They're one of the most talented teams I've seen."

by Vincent Johnson

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Tyler Hudetz, dives for a couple of extra yards in the first half of Saturday's game against Mt. Carmel.

Related stories
-2006 8A 2nd Round recap
-2006 Week #1 recap
-2005 7A Finals recap
-2005 Week #4 recap
-2005 Week #3 recap
-2005 Week #1 recap
-2004 Week #1 recap
-2002 Week #3 recap
-2001 Week #7
-2001 Week #5
-2001 Week #2
-2000 Week #2 Big Game
-2000 Week #2 re-cap
-Mt. Carmel Prep-Bowl history

Photo Archives
-2006 8A 2nd Round
-2006 Week #1
-2005 7A State Finals
-2005 7A Semifinals
-2005 Week #3
-2005 Week #1
-2004 Week #1
-2002 6A State Finals
-2002 Week #3
-2001 Week #7
-2001 Week #5
-2001 Week #2
-2000 5A Finals
-2000 Week #2
-1999 5A Finals

Photo Ordering

Team Accomplishments

State Champs
2002 6A, 2000 5A, 1999 5A, 1998 5A, 1996 5A, 1991 5A, 1990 5A, 1989 5A, 1988 6A, 1980 5A

Runner up
2006 8A, 2005 7A, 1995 5A, 1986 5A

Semifinals
2006 8A, 2005 7A, 2004 6A, 2002 6A, 2000 5A, 1999 5A, 1998 5A, 1996 5A, 1995 5A, 1991 5A, 1990 5A, 1989 5A, 1988 6A, 1986 5A, 1980 5A

Prep Bowl
2001 Champs, 1993 Champs,
1985 Champs, 1981 Champs
-more

Conference Titles
Chicago Catholic (Blue)
2006*, 2005, 2000, 1999, 1998,

*co-champs

School Facts

Football Enrollment:
2877.60

Conference:
Chicago Catholic (Blue)

Class:
8A

Nick Name:
Caravan

School Colors:
Brown/Gold/White

Head Coach:
Frank Lenti

Last Season's Record:
12-2

First Varsity Season:
1924

2006 Schedule

8/26 12:00 H
Joliet (Catholic) 1511.40
@ Soldier Field
9/1 4:00 H
Chicago (Hales Franciscan) 858.00
@ Gately Stadium
9/8 7:30 @
*New Lenox (Providence) 1775.40
9/15 7:00 H
*Chicago (Brother Rice) 3923.70
@ Gately Stadium
9/22 4:00 @
Chicago (Leo) 864.60
@ Stagg Stadium
9/30 7:00 H
*Wilmette (Loyola Academy) 2554.20
@ Gately Stadium
10/6 7:00 @
*Chicago (DeLaSalle) 1867.80
10/13 7:30 @
*Chicago (St. Rita) 2567.40
10/20 7:00 H
*Oak Park (Fenwick) 1907.40
@ Gately Stadium

2005 Schedule

8/27 1:00 @
Chicago (Morgan Park) 2085.00
@ Soldier Field
9/3 1:30 @
Chicago (Hales Franciscan) 442.00
9/10 7:00 H
*New Lenox (Providence) 1786.95
@ Gately Stadium
9/16 7:30 @
*Chicago (Brother Rice) 3798.30
9/23 4:00 H
Chicago (Leo) 999.90
@ Gately Stadium
10/1 1:30 @
*Wilmette (Loyola Academy) 3403.95
10/7 7:00 H
*Chicago (DeLaSalle) 1897.50
@ Gately Stadium
10/15 7:00 H
*Chicago (St. Rita) 2699.40
@ Gately Stadium
10/22 1:00 @
*Oak Park (Fenwick) 1900.80
@ St. Laurence