Joliet West rolls to fifth win over Plainfield Central, becomes playoff-eligible

Steelers reach 5-2 record, improve to 4-1 in the SWSC

JOLIET, Ill. - The Joliet West football team rolled to its fifth win of the season Friday night, defeating Plainfield Central 42-14 at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

The Steelers improved to 4-1 in the Southwest Suburban Conference with the victory, becoming playoff-eligible in the process. Joliet West is now one win away from clinching a winning record for the first time since 2015.

Plainfield Central dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-4 in the SWSC with the loss. The Wildcats have lost four straight games since starting the season 2-1.

Joliet West took control of the game early, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions. The Steelers led 14-0 after the first quarter and 28-0 at halftime.

Plainfield Central got on the board with a touchdown in the third quarter, but Joliet West answered right back with a touchdown of its own. The Steelers led 42-7 after three quarters and cruised to the victory in the fourth quarter.

Junior quarterback Jaden Johnson led the way for Joliet West, completing 12 of 18 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Senior running back Cameron Vaughn rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. Senior wide receiver Keontae Jones caught five passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

On defense, senior linebacker Jaheim Oatis had a team-high 10 tackles, including two sacks. Senior defensive back Kylan Montgomery had two interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown.

Joliet West will host Lockport in a SWSC game next Friday night. Plainfield Central will host Lincoln-Way East in a SWSC game next Friday night.