JCA Football Takes Providence Rivalry to ESPN

There was already plenty of hype for the first game hosted at Providence Catholic High School's  against the rival Joliet Catholic Hilltoppers.

Now the Celtics can add national TV to the mix with the contest being show on ESPNU, so there might not be a more crowded event on Friday, Aug. 24 in the Southland.

"It's a big game," said varsity football coach Mark Coglianese. "For one, it's the first game of the year, two, it's a rivalry game and three, it's on TV."

Kickoff for the Friday evening contest at Bishop Kaffer Stadium will take place at 7 p.m.

Providence Catholic athletic director Doug Ternik believes that whether the game was on ESPNU or not, it would have still brought out a spirited environment.

"I think the fact that it’s Providence and Joliet Catholic, the community is definitely going to support it," Ternik said. "We’re looking for a big crowd like we always have when these two schools play."

Marketing group Paragon contacted Providence during the winter last year about showing the event on ESPN. "Back in 2006, we had a game against Mount Carmel, and they do a great job," Ternik said of the marketing group. "It’s a lot of fun."

The Celtics and Hilltoppers will be starting the third annual ESPN High School Football Kickoff that takes place from Aug. 24-26. During those dates, 13 games will take place on ESPN, ESPN3 and ESPNU.

ESPN might have been drawn to this game due to the fact that its No. 70 overall high school football prospect Ty Isaac will be taking running back duties for Joliet Catholic. The 6-foot-2 and 215 pound Isaac commited to USC back in May.

Come back next week for a preview of the 2012 varsity Providence Catholic Celtics football team.