Playoffs motivate IC Catholic Prep Knights

The best part about an experienced football team is long memories.

Fourteen seniors, a bunch of juniors and a sophomore quarterback all remember the disappointment of last season's four-win campaign that narrowly cost IC Catholic Prep a spot in the playoffs.

This season the Knights have the experience, the talent and the motivation to make sure that disappointment doesn't happen again.

"Last year was the first time they've been thrown in the fire," said Knights coach Bill Krefft. "Our maturity, our attention to detail is much better this year. I think that's all going to show."

The optimism starts on offense with junior running back Jordan Rowell, who last season rushed for 1,522 yards and 9 touchdowns and already holds a scholarship offer from Iowa. Like last year, the three-sport standout's poised to be among the top players in DuPage County.

With quarterback Luke Ricobene also back after throwing for 959 yards as a freshman, the Knights have no shortage of playmakers.

"With his ability Jordan can do so much out there," Krefft said. "Luke's grown physically, he's understanding the offense better. He keeps getting better every day."

The team's one area of inexperience is at linebacker, where Jose Rodriguez returns. Anthony Silva, a fullback last year, bolsters the ranks.

IC Catholic Prep's entire secondary returns while Jim Kenneally, Jack Lamborn and Jesus Unzueta are back on the defensive line.

A strong start is a must - especially after last season's 1-3 start - but this group appears more than capable.

"With the experience we have, it's pretty exciting," Krefft said. "We're not where we need to be right now, but we're getting there."

The breakdown

Coach: Bill Krefft (fourth year, 17-13).

2014 record: 4-5, 3-2, third in Metro Suburban West.

Top players: Jordan Rowell (RB, 6-2, 194, jr.); Luke Ricobene (QB, 5-10, 160, so.); Jeremy Annicella (OL-DL, 6-3, 250, sr.); Anthony Silva (OL-LB, 5-10, 195, sr.); Jose Rodriguez (WR-LB, 6-0, 185, sr.); Patrick Jordan (WR-DB, 6-0, 173, sr.); Garrett Cheng (WR, 6-0, 157, sr.); Frank Soto (DB, 5-11, 155, sr.); Pat Guinon (DB, 5-10, 175, sr.); Matt Sutton (DB, 5-8, 152, jr.); Jim Kenneally (DL, 6-1, 210, jr.); Jack Lamborn (DL, 6-1, 280, sr.); Jesus Unzueta (DL, 5-10, 175, sr.); Leo Guzman (RB, 5-7, 163, sr.).

- Kevin Schmit

Schedule

IC Catholic Prep

Fri, 8/28 IC Catholic Prep at Bishop McNamara, 7:30 pm

Sat, 9/5 Evergreen Park at IC Catholic Prep, 1 pm

Sat, 9/12 Walther Lutheran at IC Catholic Prep, 1 pm

Fri, 9/18 IC Catholic Prep at St. Edward, 7 pm

Fri, 9/25 Aurora Central Cath. at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 pm

Fri, 10/2 IC Catholic Prep at Riverside-Brookfield, 7:15 pm

Fri, 10/9 IC Catholic Prep at Wheaton Academy, 7:15 pm

Sat, 10/17 Glenbard South at IC Catholic Prep, 1 pm

Fri, 10/23 Fenton at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 pm