It was a big deal last season when Joliet Central won its first game since 2019.

The Steelmen didn’t have to wait long to get their next one.

Joliet Central rallied from a 20-13 deficit entering the fourth quarter Friday night and came away with a 27-26 win over Thornridge. The win gives the Steelmen the best record in Joliet, as Joliet West and Joliet Catholic each lost their season-opening games.

Sophomore quarterback Jeffrey Woods scored on a 1-yard sneak with just under six minutes remaining to put the Steelmen ahead 27-20. Thornridge answered with a touchdown, but did not convert the point after. The Falcons then recovered an onside kick and drove into scoring position. On the game’s final play, a Thornridge pass went into the end zone and a Falcon receiver had his hands on it, b

See Full Page