Seniors Leonardo Guzman and Brendan O’Brien didn’t have to replace IC Catholic leading rusher Jordan Rowell Saturday, Sept. 12, in Elmhurst. Each of the running back duo just had carry his share of the load.
With Rowell on the sideline in street clothes, IC Catholic overwhelmed Walther Christian 51-6 in a Metro Suburban crossover football game at Plunkett Athletic Complex. Guzman and O’Brien combined to rush for 67 yards on 19 carries.
Rowell, who gained 206 yards and scored four TDs in a 56-28 win against Evergeen Park on Sept. 5, was held out by IC Catholic’s Bill Krefft. Krefft said Rowell was not injured and didn’t sit for disciplinary reasons.
Rowell is a 6-foot-2, 194-pound junior who set the school record in the 200-meter dash as a freshman. He rushed for 261 yards on 37 carries through two games.
“In our first two games, we have run Jordan heavily. It’s probably been 80-20,” Krefft said. “Those kids are great football players. We told them to be ready every day.”
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IC Catholic (2-1) starters played only the first quarter. Walther (0-3) gave up touchdowns on the Knights’ first four possessions, capped by O’Brien’s 15-yard dash for his first touchdown of the season. O’Brien (14 carries, 55 yards) played in the second half, while all of Guzman’s carries came in the first half.
Guzman entered the Walther game with nine carries for 53 yards and a TD, while the 5-foot-7, 165-pound O’Brien had five carries for 35 yards before Saturday.
O’Brien said he wasn’t surprised by his increased workload on Saturday.
“Leo and I were told from the outset that we would run the ball a lot,” O’Brien said about last week’s practices. “We would play the whole game and run more inside plays.”
O’Brien’s longest gain was an 18-yard dash off the right side to start IC’s second possession in the second quarter. The 5-7, 163-pound Guzman started the game at running back and his longest carry was four yards.
“I prepared the same way (for this game),” Guzman said. “I go hard in practice all the time. We don’t let up in games.”
O’Brien thanked his offensive line for helping him gain a season-high rushing total. IC’s offensive line included tackles Jack Lamborn and Jeremy Annicella, guards Jesus Unzueta and Anthony Silva and center Jim Kenneally.
Krefft did not rule out running backs by committee at St. Edward Sept. 18. He said all three backs could get carries against the Greenwave in the final game before the Metro Suburban West opener against Aurora Central on Sept. 25.
“Whatever works best that day. I’m sure they’ll carry the load,” Krefft said.
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