Joliet Catholic running backs Malin Jones and Josh Ferguson looked Big Ten-ready Friday during the Hilltoppers’ 49-7 victory against Washington in a Class 5A football playoff opener at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
Jones, a Northwestern recruit, and Ferguson, an Illinois recruit, combined for six touchdowns Friday.
Michael Mettille also was ready. He stole the show on defense with three interceptions and a fumble recovery for the No. 5 Hilltoppers.
“The defense did the job tonight,” Mettille said. “I just seemed to be in the right place at the right time.”
The offense wasn’t shabby, either.
Jones had 159 yards and touchdown runs of 38, 3 and 80 yards on 12 carries. Ferguson ran for 234 yards on 14 carries, scoring on 6-, 80- and 35-yard bursts.
“Now it’s time to focus on winning a state title,” Jones said.
“It’ll be great to have us both playing in the Big Ten,” Ferguson said. “We have some friendly competition going between us. Tonight the offensive line was great. We were ready to play tonight. We’ve talked about getting 14 (14th state title). We came out running and didn’t let up.”
It appeared the Panthers were going to score midway through the second quarter, but Mettille came up with a fumble recovery to end Washington’s drive.
Ferguson opened the fourth quarter with his third touchdown, a 35-yarder that gave Joliet Catholic a 42-7 lead. Jones completed the scoring with an 80-yard run.
Player of the game: Josh Ferguson, Joilet Catholic, 14 carries, 223 yards, 3 TDs.
Key performers: Joliet Catholic — Malin Jones, 12 carries, 159 yards, 3 TDs; Michael Mettille, 3 INT, fumble recovery; Washington — Isaac Fisher, 20-33, 234 yards, 2 INT.
Next: Joliet Catholic vs. Morton/Sterling.
