ACC Knights roll past Chargers

After Immaculate Conception's game at Aurora Central Catholic, Knights coach Bill Schmidt said what all his players were thinking - "Can you say playoffs, baby?"

In order to make the playoffs this year, the Knights needed to beat the Chargers. They did just that in a 35-6 decision in the final game of the regular season in Suburban Catholic Conference action Friday in Aurora.

"(Making the playoffs) was the goal right from Nov. 26 (last year) when we got into the weight room," Schmidt said. "We've had some tough years where we had key guys injured, always fell short of our goal of getting in the playoffs. But this team, to their credit, did everything asked of them. They worked hard for 9 months (and) fought through tons of injuries and diversity, especially early in the year. I told them I was proud of them and they deserve to go to the playoffs."

After a late start due to rain, IC (5-4, 4-3) scored in the first quarter on a 35 yard run from Carlos Rodriquez with 2:24 left in the quarter. The Knights did it again in the second, this time on a 55 yard run by Will Cronin. With both extra point kick attempts good from Olivia Vatch, they entered the break leading 14-0.

Rodriquez scored again in the third on an 8 yard run, followed by Paul Homstra's TD with 2:26 remaining in the quarter. Robert Peachey, who was successful on a 2-point conversion after Homstra's score, tallied a 13 yard touchdown. After a successful extra point, IC led 35-0 with 8:13 left to play.

Andrew Scott was responsible for all 7 of ACC's points, including his 32 yard run with 4:36 remaining in the game. The Chargers ended their season 0-9, 0-7.

"We had no answer for their size up front," ACC coach Mike Curry said. "They made the playoffs. They had to win tonight, and they did."