8/25/07

Wolves squeak by Harper College with 29-28 win

The Joliet Junior College football team defeated Harper College by a score of 29-28 over Midwest football conference opponent Harper College. The Wolves led the entire afternoon, but Harper pulled ahead 28-23 with 1:55 left in the 4th quarter. A last chance effort by the Wolves unfolded as sophomore quarterback Mitch Watkins found wideout Marquis Harmon in the end zone to complete a 17 yard touchdown pass with 15 seconds to go.

"We'll take it and move on from there," Head Coach Tom Minnick said. "You never know what will happen in your first game."

Sophomore Anthony Stewart led the offensive charge scoring a 53 yard touchdown while gaining 187 yards on the day. Larry Dortch scored on a 8 yard touchdown run in the first half. Terrance Scott caught a 10 yard touchdown pass and scored on a 2 point conversion. Christian Graham led all receivers with 131 yards on 9 receptions. DeRon Putman and Mitch Watkins split time at quarterback. Putman was 18-29 for 264 yards, while Watkins threw 120 yards on 9-19 passing. Both threw one touchdown pass each.

On the defensive side of the ball, Eric Simmons led the attack with 6 solo tackles. Daris Quinn had 5 solo, while Shannon Cobb added 4 solo tackles and one sack. P.J. South chalked up one sack as well. Safety Jeff Clemens picked two passes for interceptions.

JJC (1-0 overall, 1-0 MFC) hosts MFC opponent College of DuPage in their home opener on Saturday, September 1, 2007. Game time is 1:00 pm at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

9/1/07

Too many turnovers plague JJC in loss

The JJC football team was defeated by Midwest Football Conference opponent College of DuPage by a score of 34-22. The Wolves dominated the first half with a 20-7 score at halftime, but too many turnovers cost the Wolves a victory.

"During the last two weeks in the second half, we don't put people away," Coach Tom Minnick said. "DuPage kept the pressure on and did a good job on defense. We didn't play very well."

Offensively, Anthony Stewart carried the load with a rushing and receiving touchdown. Stewart rushed for 101 yards and had three receptions for 61 yards at receiver. Tim Huguley scored on a 15 yard route up the middle. JJC received a safety in the fourth quarter as well. Brandon Bond totaled 88 yards on six receptions. As for the quarterbacks, DeRon Putman passed for 197 yards. Mitch Watkins totaled 51 yards and had one touchdown pass to Anthony Stewart.

Deonte Ball led the defense with five solo tackles. Daris Quinn and Bruce Cabell both had four solo tackles each. Trey Jackson recorded one sack for the Wolves. Freshman Jeff Clemens had three solo tackles and an interception for the Wolves.

JJC (1-1 overall, 1-1 MFC) travels to MFC opponent Iowa Central Community College on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Game time is 1:00 pm.

9/8/07

Wolves show improvement in 14-10 loss to Iowa Central

The Joliet Junior College football team was defeated by Midwest Football Conference opponent Iowa Central Community College by a score of 14-10. Despite the loss, the Wolves did not commit any turnovers this week.

"We did not commit a turnover today, but we simply did not have the ball very much in the first half," Head Coach Tom Minnick said. "We hung together as a team and played tough from start to finish."

Sophomore quarterback Mitch Watkins threw for 205 yards with one touchdown to receiver Jeff Gustafson in the fourth quarter. Gustafson totaled 143 yards with 10 receptions. Justin Zeeb kicked a 32 yard field goal.

The Wolves defense was hard at work with Shannon Cobb leading with seven solo tackles and Daris Quinn getting six solo tackles. Trey Jackson, Deonte McDonald, Eric Simmons, and Deonte Ball all finished with five solo tackles each. McDonald had two sacks, while Ball had one interception.

JJC (1-2 overall, 1-2 MFC) hosts MFC opponent North Dakota State College of Science on Saturday, September 15, 2007. Game time is 1:00 pm.

9/15/07

Wolves defense stops North Dakota

The JJC football team defeated MFC opponent North Dakota State College of Science by a score of 13-6. With a great defensive effort and no turnovers, the Wolves were consistent this week.

"A win is a win and we played well," Coach Tom Minnick said. "The guys played hard and got after it. We have to build on this win and carry through for the rest of the season."

Quarterback Mitch Watkins had a 3 yard rushing touchdown in the 2nd quarter. Watkins was 11 of 19 passing on the day for 101 yards. Kicker Justin Zeeb was good on two field goals and one PAT. Sophomore Anthony Stewart led all rushers with 91 yards on 19 carries. Receivers Jeff Gustafson, Jeremy Gettis, and Freddie Stewart combined for 85 yards on six receptions.

A hard hit by free safety Jeff Clemens in North Dakota's first series set the tempo to the Wolves defense. Clemens finished with three solo tackles and three assisted tackles. Daris Quinn had four solo tackles, followed by Dan Moore and Trey Jackson with three solo tackles each. DeAndre Filer, Deonte Ball, Austin Cook, and Bruce Cabell all had one interception each. Filer ran his back for a 35 yard gain. Deonte Ball had one sack.

JJC (2-2 overall, 2-2 MFC) travels to North Iowa Area Community College on Saturday, September 22, 2007. Game time is 1:00 pm.

9/22/07

JJC victorious on the road against North Iowa

The Joliet Junior College football team defeated MFC opponent North Iowa Area Community College by a score of 21-14. The Wolves bounced back from a 14-0 halftime deficit to earn their third win of the season.

"We showed some character to come back after falling behind 14-0," Coach Tom Minnick said. "Any win is a good one, especially when it comes on the road. This could be our biggest win so far."

Sophomore quarterback Mitch Watkins was 16-28 on the day with 206 yards. A'veon Jones scored two receiving touchdowns, both off of the arm of Watkins. Sophomore Anthony Stewart scored on a 36 yard run and totaled 168 yards for the game. In the third quarter, Watkins hooked up with Jeff Gustafson for a good 2-point conversion. Kicker Justin Zeeb was good for one PAT.

The JJC defense was a force to be reckoned with for North Iowa offense. Quentin Moten led the team with five solo tackles. Deonte McDonald had four solo tackles and 3 1/2 sacks. Trey Jackson, Eric Simmons, Daris Quinn, Bruce Cabell, and Austin Cook all had three solo tackles each. Kris Cooke recorded one sack, while Dan Moore was credited for 1/2 sack. DeAndre Filer had an interception for the Wolves.

JJC (3-2 overall, 3-2 MFC) hosts Ellsworth Community College on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Game time is 6:00 pm.

9/29/07

Wolves pound Ellsworth with 52-14 victory

The JJC football team jumped to an early lead and never looked back in their 52-14 Midwest Football Conference victory over Ellsworth Community College. The Wolves built a 45-7 halftime lead on their way to getting their third win in a row.

"This is a great momentum builder for the Rock Valley game," Coach Tom Minnick said. "With DuPage's loss to Iowa Central today, we control our own destiny."

The Wolves offense was a team effort with 378 rushing yards and 102 passing yards totaling for 480 yards. Running back Tim Huguley scored two touchdowns, followed by Anthony Stewart, Mitch Watkins, and Larry Dortch all with one rushing touchdown each. Watkins had a productive game throwing for two touchdowns to receivers A'veon Jones and Jeff Gustafson. Anthony Stewart led the running backs with 152 yards. Justin Zeeb had a busy day going 7 for 7 in PAT's and kicking a 47 yard field goal.

JJC limited Ellsworth to 90 total yards. Sophomore Dan Moore had 4 1/2 sacks in the contest.

JJC (4-2 overall, 4-2 MFC) travels to MFC opponent Rock Valley College on Saturday, October 6, 2007. Game time is 3:00 pm.

10/6/07

Joliet tops Rock Valley in 51-7 victory

The Joliet Junior College football team defeated MFC opponent Rock Valley College by a score of 51-7. The Wolves are gaining momentum with their fourth win in a row.

"Our kids have come together as a team and played well in the last three weeks," Coach Tom Minnick said. "We look forward to keeping the win streak going."

JJC's offense had a productive day. Quarterback Mitch Watkins threw for 188 yards and three touchdowns. Christian Graham had two touchdowns and Terrance Scott had one touchdown from the arm of Watkins. Larry Dortch had two rushing touchdowns, while Wayne Spires and DeAndre Haynes both added a rushing score. Tim Huguley led all rushers totaling 89 yards. Kicker Justin Zeeb kicked a 22 yard field goal and was 6 for 7 on PAT's.

Eric Simmons led the Wolves defense with five solo tackles. Marcus Washington, Deonte Ball, and Josh Bailey all had three solo tackles. Deonte McDonald recorded one sack, while P.J. South and Shannon Cobb each had 1/2 sack. Rod Harrington had two interceptions with one being a 38 yard return. DeAndre Filer had one interception.

JJC (5-2 overall, 5-2 MFC) travels to non-conference opponent Central State University on Saturday, October 13, 2007 to take on their varsity squad. Game time is 1:30 pm.

10/13/07

JJC defeats NCAA Division II Central State University

The JJC football team defeated non-conference opponent Central State University by a score of 40-14. The Wolves took on the Central State varsity team, who are a NCAA Division II four year school, for their homecoming game. With this victory, Joliet has recorded their fifth straight win of the season.

"There were lots of people who questioned our ability to go over there and play a competitive game against a Division II program," Coach Minnick said. "Our kids were anxious to prove that we could compete against a higher level team."

Tim Huguley scored two touchdowns for the Wolves with a 10 yard run and a 55 yard kickoff return. Huguley totaled 97 rushing yards on the day. Kyle Weber, Christian Graham, and Jeff Gustafson all had one receiving touchdown. Josh Bailey scored on a 60 yard interception return. Kicker Justin Zeeb was good on four PAT's. Quarterback Mitch Watkins threw for 156 yards and three touchdown scores.

Rod Harrington led the defense with five solo tackles. Daris Quinn, Josh Bailey, and Quentin Moten all had three solo tackles. Gary Lawson and Deonte Ball had two interceptions each, while Josh Bailey had one interception. Bob Uzandenis had one sack.

JJC (6-2 overall, 5-2 MFC) hosts MFC opponent Grand Rapids Community College on Saturday, October 20, 2007. Game time is 1:00 pm.

10/20/07

Wolves hold off Grand Rapids for win

The Joliet Junior College football team defeated MFC opponent Grand Rapids Community College by a score of 10-9 to secure the Midwest Football Conference East Championship. This was the first victory against Grand Rapids since the 2003 season.

"To be honest, this was a total team effort," Coach Tom Minnick said. "I know we hear that all the time in sports, but that was the case here today. The defense was amazing and they helped keep us in it. We moved the ball in the fourth quarter late when we had to get it done."

Anthony Stewart scored on a 4 yard run late in the first quarter for the Wolves. Justin Zeeb was good on one point after touchdown and a 33 yard field goal. Sophomore quarterback Mitch Watkins was 14 for 26 on the day with 210 yards. A'veon Jones led all receivers with 77 yards followed by Christian Graham with 57 yards.

A solid defensive effort across the board helped JJC secure the win. Trey Jackson, P.J. South, and Deonte Ball all had three solo tackles. Eric Simmons had 6 assisted tackles followed by Dan Moore with 5 assisted tackles. P.J. South had one sack and Deonte Ball had a 35 yard interception.

#1 JJC (7-2 overall, 6-2 MFC) hosts #4 Grand Rapids Community College in the first round of playoffs on Saturday, October 27, 2007. Game time is 1:00 pm.

10/27/07

Joliet gets by Grand Rapids in Playoffs

The JJC football team defeated Grand Rapids Community College in the opening round of playoffs by a score of 26-18. After being down 18-7 at halftime, the Wolves held Grand Rapids scoreless in the second half and kicked the offense in gear. Joliet has run their winning streak to seven games.

"We did well today, but we gave up 18 points," Head Coach Tom Minnick said. "You can't do that and expect to win many games."

The offense was spread out for the Wolves. Tim Huguley, Anthony Stewart, and Mitch Watkins all scored on rushing touchdowns. Kyle Webber scored on a 11 yard completion from Watkins. Kicker Justin Zeeb was good on two point after touchdowns. Huguley (129 yards) and Stewart (102 yards) split time at running back. Christian Graham led all receivers with 90 yards on five receptions. Mitch Watkins chalked up 134 yards on 11 of 21 passing.

The defensive effort in the second half carried the momentum to the offense. Deonte McDonald and Josh Bailey had five solo tackles. Daris Quinn and Eric Bogan came in with four solo tackles each. Trey Jackson and John Edwards each had one sack. Jackson also had a fumble recovery.

JJC (8-2 overall) hosts Harper College in the final round of playoffs on Saturday, November 3, 2007. Game time is 6:00 pm.

11/3/07

Wolves Claim Region IV Championship

The Joliet Junior College football team defeated Harper College by a score of 24-14 in the final round of playoffs to claim the Region IV Championship. With a 14-14 halftime score, Joliet came back with a late surge in the 4th quarter to pull ahead. JJC earned their eighth straight victory.

"We have let some teams back into the game by making mistakes," Head Coach Tom Minnick said. "Then we have to find a way to overcome those which we did tonight."

Sophomore quarterback Mitch Watkins was 15-for-25 for 244 yards and 2 touchdown scores. Watkins connected with Christian Graham on a 35 yard pass and A'veon Jones on a 52 yard pass. Graham led all receivers with 129 yards. Anthony Stewart scored on a 4 yard run capping off a 71 yard drive. Justin Zeeb was good on a 37 yard field goal and three point after touchdowns.

Daris Quinn led the defense with five solo tackles. Gary Lawson and Deonte McDonald both recorded four solo tackles, followed by Josh Bailey and Dan Moore with three tackles. Quinn also had two sacks. Moore, McDonald, and Kris Cooke had 1 1/2 sacks each, followed by Trey Jackson with one sack. Eric Bogan had one interception in the contest.

JJC (9-2 overall) takes on North Iowa Area Community College in the Graphic Edge Printing Bowl Game on Sunday, November 18, 2007. The bowl game will be held at the University of Northern Iowa in the UNI Dome (Cedar Falls, IA) at 3:00 pm.

11/18/07

Joliet wins at Graphic Edge Printing Bowl Game

The JJC football team defeated North Iowa Area Community College by a score of 28-21 in the Graphic Edge Printing Bowl held at the University of Northern Iowa.

Anthony Stewart led the Wolves with a 77 yard rushing touchdown and a 1-yard scoring run. Larry Dortch scored on a 17-yard drive. Marquis Harmon picked up the Wolves with a 91 yard kickoff return touchdown. Kicker Justin Zeeb was good on all PAT's. Quarterback Mitch Watkins received offensive player of the game honors.

"These kids have fought through a lot of adversity this year and never gave up," Head Coach Tom Minnick said. "We started out 1-2 and have won nine straight. These kids deserve this, it is what they have fought for and it is what they have earned."

JJC finishes out their season with a 10-2 overall record.