Welcome to Bishop Kaffer Stadium, where the Providence Catholic Celtics will be hosting the Joliet Catholic Hilltoppers in the latest chapter of the “Holy Wars.” These two teams are part of one of the most historic rivalries in our illustrious 21st season of the Great American Rivalry Series. Their first meeting dates back to 1989, and they have since faced off 17 times in a tightly competitive series, with Providence Catholic leading 9-8. 

In their last matchup, the Joliet Catholic Hilltoppers took one step closer to evening the series with a 31-21 victory in the State Semifinal game. Neither team has been a stranger to success and postseason glory, the Celtics have won 10 State Championships, while the Hilltoppers have claimed 15 State Titles. Joliet Catholic has also produced NFL talent, being the home of 3-time All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion Mike Alstott. 

Mark your calendars for October 25th, when 5,500 fans will pack into Bishop Kaffer Stadium to witness another thriller between these two historic programs.

We Know Friday Nights

  

MVP

Larry Stringman
Joliet Catholic

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Peter Saele JR

Providence Catholic

Peter is a dedicated and hardworking scholar-athlete, known for his reliability and commitment to excellence. Throughout his time on the team, Peter has consistently demonstrated a great work ethic, putting in as much effort during the off-season as he does during the regular season. Peter’s daily dedication to living up to the highest standards has earned him welldeserved recognition. As Peter prepares for his next chapter after his time at Providence, his continuous drive for improvement and team-first attitude will serve as a strong foundation for achieving high levels of success in whatever path he chooses. Presenting the award is Sergeant Vargas, Congratulations Peter!
Adam Bailey

Joliet Catholic

Adam is a distinguished scholar-athlete, actively contributing to both his academic and athletic communities. His achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Heritage Award, Franciscan-Carmelite Top Scorer Scholarship, and Kazma Family Scholarship. In addition to his academic accolades, Adam serves as the Treasurer of the Key Club and is an active participant in Student Ambassadors, Peer Mentoring, and Habitat for Humanity. Adam’s future aspirations include studying Sports Physical Therapy in college, where he plans to combine his love for sports with his desire to help others achieve their physical best. Presenting the award is Sergeant First Class Rivera, Congratulations Adam!

GAME SUMMARY

In an exhilarating matchup, the Joliet Hilltoppers triumphed over the Providence Celtics with a final score of 21-18. The game escalated quickly as the Celtics established an early 10-point lead by scoring a touchdown and field goal within the first two minutes. The Hilltoppers rallied on their next possession as their quarterback scrambled for a touchdown to narrow the early deficit. Moments later, Joliet’s defense came up with a 45-yard pick-six, swinging the momentum firmly in their favor. As the first half unfolded, both teams engaged in a fierce back-and-forth battle that saw the Hilltoppers enter halftime with a 14-10 lead. The Celtics came into the second half swinging by scoring a touchdown in the opening minutes and capping it off with a successful two-point conversion. Unfazed, the Hilltoppers responded with a combination of strong offensive plays and an impenetrable defense, posting another touchdown to retake the lead, which they held for the remainder of the matchup. Larry Stringham's standout performance earned him the title of MVP, highlighting his critical role in this intense rivalry matchup. The Hilltoppers' victory not only underscores their competitive spirit but also adds another thrilling chapter to the storied Holy War Rivalry.