NORMAL—Logan Malachuk and Gabe Kaminski made vital impacts as freshmen for Nazareth. It was only a heat up for 3 years of excellence.
The Roadrunners beat Joliet Catholic 29-27 on Saturday at ISU’s Hancock Stadium. The win secured a 3rd consecutive Class 5A state championship for Nazareth.
Malachuk led the offense over these three titles and Kaminski the protection. The pair linked for a six-yard landing go within the third quarter towards the Hilltoppers. Kaminski, a Stanford recruit, additionally performs tight finish.
Malachuck was sensational in his third title recreation. He was 18-for-31 for 336 yards and 4 touchdowns. Trenton Walker had 4 catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns. James Penley caught three passes for 88 yards and a landing for the Roadrunners (12-2).
Kicker/backup quarterback Frankie Nichols had two huge moments for Nazareth. He pulled off a key faux punt and threw a two-point conversion.
Joliet Catholic (10-4) had an opportunity to tie the sport within the ultimate seconds. Vince Bremner scored on a two-yard run with 20 seconds left to chop Nazareth’s result in 29-27. However the Hilltoppers didn’t get the two-point conversion.
Joliet Catholic fails on the two-point conversion try with :20 left.
Nazareth leads the Hilltoppers 29-27 and are seconds from the Class 5A three-peat. pic.twitter.com/dfNJkkwi4h
— Michael O’Brien (@michaelsobrien) November 30, 2024
The working assault stored the Hilltoppers shut. Larry Stringham had 23 carries for 148 yards and Nate Magrini had 125 yards and landing on 21 carries.
It’s the sixth state title for Nazareth and the tenth for coach Tim Racki, who received six with Driscoll.
Joliet Catholic has 15 state titles. The Hilltoppers are tied for the all-time lead with Mount Carmel, which performs Batavia at 4 p.m. within the Class 7A state title recreation.
Verify again later for response from Nazareth and Joliet Catholic gamers and coaches.
