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IC Catholic notches first 'playoff' win

One down, two to go.

IC Catholic Prep's football team officially entered playoff mode this week and responded with Saturday's 20-10 Metro Suburban West victory over Wheaton Academy in Elmhurst.

After suffering their fourth loss last week, the Knights (3-4, 2-1) knew they'd have to win their final three games to be eligible for the postseason. Saturday's win was a key step, but the Knights still have to beat Glenbard South and Fenton for any chance to extend their season.

“We love it,” Knights lineman Stephen Stam said of the team's playoff push. “It motivates us in practice every day. We push ourselves a little bit harder just because of it.”

The lead changed hands three times until IC Catholic Prep seized the advantage for good midway through the second quarter on freshman quarterback Luke Ricobene's 27-yard touchdown pass to Sean Packer. Despite the Warriors' Evan Williams blocking his second extra point, the Knights still led 12-10.

Midway through the third quarter the Knights extended their lead to 20-10 on the second touchdown run by Jordan Rowell, a 5-yarder, and his 2-point conversion run. Rowell carried the ball 29 times for 229 yards, giving the 6-foot-2, 190-pound sophomore 1,046 rushing yards on the season.

“For me I've been in playoff mode since last year's offseason,” Rowell said. “Since last year's loss against (Aurora Christian) I was just like, 'All right, it's playoffs'. Hopefully we can get two 'W's in a row.”

IC Catholic Prep nearly added to the margin in two red-zone trips but came away with no points after a missed field goal and a Wheaton Academy (4-3, 0-3) stand at its 10-yard line. The Warriors also forced a turnover on a fumble at their own 21.

“I'm real proud of our fight on defense, especially there at the end,” said Warriors coach Brad Thornton. “I'm proud of our guys for fighting through to the finish. We just didn't execute, and that's frustrating.”

Camden Meade, who rushed for 95 yards, carried the ball seven times to set up Wheaton Academy for a 30-yard Graham Cote field goal on the game's opening possession. Three plays later, Rowell answered with a 64-yard touchdown run and a 6-3 IC Catholic Prep lead.

“I think the seniors really embrace the position we're in right now,” said Knights coach Bill Krefft. “Our backs are against the wall, but our seniors really stepped up today.”

On the first play of the second quarter, Wheaton Academy quarterback David Thrasher, who completed 18 of 36 passes for 207 yards, found Sam Martinez for a 32-yard touchdown and a 10-6 lead. Ricobene, who was 10 of 14 for 84 yards, threw his go-ahead scoring pass to Packer on the next possession.

“We knew it was either this or go home, so we knew we had to keep going and push a little harder,” said Knights lineman Michael Perrone. “It's playoffs for us every game.”

Follow Kevin on Twitter @kevin_schmit

Images: Wheaton Academy at IC Catholic Prep football

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