Nazareth has gotten off to slow starts each of the past two seasons, but in both years went on to win IHSA Class 5A state championships.
Roadrunners coach Tim Racki challenged his Roadrunners to start the year strong by winning games earlier in the year.
“Making history for being one of the worst teams in the regular season — we did that,” Racki said, referring to Nazareth’s 2023 season, in which the Roadrunners began the season 0-4 and became the first team in Illinois history to win an IHSA state title after entering the postseason with four wins. “Let’s not do that again and repeat history.”
Nazareth did get off to a better start this season, winning its first two games before a 56-33 loss on the road to Mount Carmel in Week 3. The Roadrunners bounced back last week, shutting out IC Catholic 33-0 in a CCL/ESCC Green matchup on Sept. 20 in LaGrange Park.
Nazareth improved to 3-1 overall and is 1-0 in the Green.
Garrett Reese had two of the Nazareth defense’s three interceptions against the Knights. With last week’s defeat at Mount Carmel in mind, the Roadrunners set out to establish an identity on defense and play as a group.
“The whole week we were talking about finding our identity on defense and doing what we needed to do and just prepare for this game,” said Reese, who plays defensive back and wide receiver. “It is a big win for us — three picks and the shutout. We have been working for this all week and we got it.”
Edward McClain Jr. had the other Roadrunners interception. McClain also scored a 14-yard rushing touchdown.
“They beat us last year, McClain said of IC Catholic, which beat Nazareth, 36-34, in 2023. “We came out and played a good game last year and it came down to the last play — overtime.
“We wanted that win tonight. It was well deserved. [Quarterback Logan Malachuk] played well, our offense played well, our defense shut them out and it was just a great team win.”
Racki was pleased with the defense’s response after allowing 56 points to Mount Carmel the week prior.
“We were really hard on the defense about finding their identity,” Racki said. “They stepped up and they did that.”
The Roadrunners’ offense has had no problem establishing its identity, having scored at least 33 points in each of their four games.
Senior wide receiver James Penley caught two touchdowns passes and senior receiver Trenton Walker scored on another.
Penley was ecstatic about getting the win.
“Once you get two, you want three,” he said of scoring touchdowns. “You want the hat trick. It is something in the receiver room we all joke about. It is what keeps us close.
“When we win, that’s all that matters.”
Nazareth’s next game is at home against Joliet Catholic at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27.
