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Scouting the IC Catholic Prep Knights

IC Catholic Prep coach Bill Krefft's goal is to "win the day."

The Knights have the personnel to win on Fridays and, come October and November, perhaps Saturdays, too.

They don't return loads of starters, but those who are back helped propel IC Catholic to the Class 3A semifinals.

All-state tailback and cornerback Jordan Rowell, committed to Northern Illinois, ran for 1,682 yards and 24 touchdowns. He added 2,423 all-purpose yards and 29 touchdowns.

Over three seasons the lanky speedster has gained 3,735 yards rushing. He needs 985 this fall to join the IHSA's all-time top 20 rushers.

Coaches also worried about Lazerick Eatmen, who ran for 514 yards and 5 touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Tony Navigato will design ways to get both these backs the ball.

"They both bring different things to the table," said Krefft, 31, who played on IC's 2002 Class 3A champion.

As a sophomore quarterback Luke Ricobene ran for 335 yards and completed 61 percent of his passes for 27 touchdowns. His understanding of the zone read makes him like a coach on the field, Krefft noted.

Returning to the offensive and defensive lines with fellow senior Robert Vitek, honorable-mention all-state pick Jimmy Kenneally was credited with 157 tackles, 19 for loss, 23 sacks and 7 fumbles caused, 5 recovered.

"The kid's a machine," Krefft said.

On a good-sized Class 3A roster of 39 players, underclassmen will help out on both sides of the ball, which has never hurt IC. But also, key role players from last year's team - including Kemon Reese, Matt Sutton and Khalil Saunders - return to help show the way. Proviso West transfer Chris Johnson is also aboard at linebacker.

"We're just excited to compete, and we're looking forward to going against somebody of a different color," Krefft said.

- Dave Oberhelman

The breakdown

Coach: Bill Krefft (fifth year, 28-15).

2015 record: 11-2, 5-0, first in the Metro Suburban West.

Top players: Lazerick Eatmen (RB-DB, 5-10, 165, jr.), Chuck Hipskind (DL, 6-1, 175, sr.), Chris Johnson (LB, 6-1, 210, sr.), Jim Kenneally (OL-DL, 6-1, 235, sr.), Kemon Reese (LB, 5-10, 190, so.), Luke Ricobene (QB-DB, 6-0, 163, jr.), Jordan Rowell (RB-DB, 6-1, 195, sr.), Khalil Saunders (WR-LB, 5-11, 170, so.), Matt Sutton (WR-DB, 5-8, 165, sr.), Robert Vitek (OL-DL, 6-4, 220, sr.).

Schedule

Fri, 8/26, Bishop McNamara at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/2, IC Catholic Prep at St. Laurence, 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/9, IC Catholic Prep at Elmwood Park, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/16, Chicago Christian at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 9/23, IC Catholic Prep at St. Edward, 7 p.m.

Fri, 9/30, Riverside-Brookfield at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/7, Wheaton Academy at IC Catholic Prep, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/14, IC Catholic Prep at Glenbard South, 7:15 p.m.

Fri, 10/21, IC Catholic Prep at Fenton, 7:15 p.m.

One to watch: Week 1

There are important Metro Suburban Blue games down the line, but IC is 0-3 against Bishop Mac, including last year's opener and Class 3A semifinal.

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