O’Brien: IC Catholic cruises to Class 3A title

CHAMPAIGN — It would have been hard to find anyone around the state that believed Carlinville had a chance to upset IC Catholic in the Class 3A state title game. The Knights themselves were so confident they walked into Memorial Stadium planning to set records, not just win the title.

“We watched When The Game Stands Tall and the coach in that said to make unreal goals and pursue them,” IC Catholic running back Jordan Rowell said. “So we looked up the 3A records and wanted that and more.”

IC Catholic won the game 43-0 and did manage to set a record. Rowell rushed for 270 yards, a Class 3A title game record.

“I wanted 300, Rowell said. “I didn’t quite get there, but I’m not going to complain.”

Rowell scored three touchdowns, including a 78-yard scamper with 54 seconds left in the third quarter that started the running clock.

IC Catholic quarterback Luke Ricobene was 9-for-17 for 142 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

The Knights scored two touchdowns in the first minute of the game. Ricobene connected with Matt Sutton on a 37-yard touchdown pass with 11:09 to play in the first quarter and then found Lazerick Eatman for a 28-yard touchdown with 11:00 to play.

“I’m incredibly impressed with the way they started off,” IC Catholic coach Bill Krefft said. “Look at the crowd and the environment. It’s a lot for them to take in and still stay focused.”

It’s the third state title for the Knights (14-0). They won the Class 3A title in 2002 and the Class 2A title in 2008.

“When we came in as freshmen we decided we wanted to be the best class ever,” IC Catholic lineman Jimmy Kenneally said. “We set the goal back then to win the state championship.”

Carlinville (12-2) was led by running back Jacob Dixon, who rushed 31 times for 117 yards.

“It just wasn’t set in the stars tonight,” Dixon said. “We battled until the end. I didn’t expect them to hit as hard, honestly. Definitely the hardest hitting team we’ve played all year.”