IC clinches playoff berth

Immaculate Conception extended its season with a 42-14 road win at Chicago Christian on Friday.

IC took an early lead and never looked back as the teams with identical nicknames clashed in the latest installment of the Knight Bowl.

“Our mindset all week was win and we're in (the playoffs), or lose and we're out,” said IC senior Conor Hendricks.

Hendricks finished the night with 3 touchdowns and 118 yards rushing.

After both sides exchanged punts to open the game, Immaculate Conception quarterback Cody Kotlow hooked up with Kyle Siranovic for a large gain into Chicago Christian territory. On the next play Hendricks rushed for 12-yard touchdown for the game's first points.

After a missed extra point, Chicago Christian (2-7, 1-4 Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division) had an opportunity to take the lead on its next possession. Chicago Christian drove all the way to the IC 15, but the drive stalled and IC took over on downs.

After shutting down Chicago Christian's best drive of the first half, IC (6-3, 4-1) capitalized with a night of dominance rushing the football.

“As of late were really clicking on offense and looking good,” Hendricks said.

Hendricks hit the line of scrimmage in full stride and proceeded to sprint 47 yards untouched for the second touchdown of the game. IC then tacked on a 2-point conversion to compensate for a missed extra point.

A short touchdown run from Kotlow extended the lead with seconds to go before halftime, but the masterful second quarter for IC did not end there.

After Chicago Christian took over for what looked to be the final drive of the first half, IC senior Jose Godinez intercepted the ball on first down. IC capitalized on the turnover with a short touchdown blast from Hendricks.

IC led 28-0 at the half.

Chicago Christian moved the changes effectively in the opening minutes of the second half and scored its first touchdown of the game.

“I think we lost our focus a little in the third,” said IC coach Mike Alberts. “(Our team) knew they were having their way and they took their foot off the gas.”

The Chicago Christian offense was highlighted by quarterback Jason VanderLaan. VanderLaan rushed for 149 yards and both of Chicago Christian's second-half touchdowns. Junior Michael Kamp finished with 116 yards receiving on 5 catches.

IC added two final scores on rushing touchdowns from Godinez and backup quarterback Dan Vatch.

IC will be making its 15th playoff appearance in program history. The Knights are two-time state champions, having won in 2002 and 2008.