ICCP blows out Wheaton Academy

The undefeated IC Catholic football team has a fan in Wheaton Academy coach Brad Thornton.

After the Warriors were the latest victim for the Knights, falling 50-0 in Elmhurst on Friday, Thornton had high praise for the opposition.

"They are spectacular," Thornton said. "That's the 3A state champion right there. They are disciplined, they are fast, my hat is off to them. I have a lot of respect for them. They are a very good football team with spectacular talent."

IC Catholic (7-0, 3-0 Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division) scored on each of its first six possessions, taking just 19 plays to do so. A 7-yard run by Jordan Rowell started it off, and the senior running back later caught three TD passes from quarterback Luke Ricobene.

The junior signalcaller added a 66-yard run to the end zone and also connected with Khalil Saunders for a 10-yard score.

In the second half Jacob Lytton ran one in from 36 yards out.

"Our offense has been rolling this year," Rowell said. "We are very explosive without a doubt and everybody is contributing."

The defense forced 4 turnovers in the first two quarters, including an interception by Rowell. Robert Vitek and Khali Saunders also picked off passes and Khalil Saunders recovered a fumble.

"Our defense, it makes no sense, I'm at a loss for words," Rowell said. "It's like we are a pack of angry dogs and the other team is the meat. We are chasing the meat every play."

The Knights close out the regular season with contests against Glenbard South and Fenton.

"Our offensive staff and kids are clicking right now," IC coach Bill Krefft said, "and our defense is physical and fast. I'm a fan of this group."

Wheaton Academy fell to 4-3 on the fall and probably must win the final two games to reach the postseason.