There was no panic from IC Catholic when it gave up a 78-yard touchdown run by Nicolas Del Nodal on the first offensive play of the game against Riverside-Brookfield.
There was also not too much concern when the game was tied 14-14 late in the second quarter. Instead, the Knights responded by scoring 31 unanswered points and rolled to a 45-14 Metro Suburban Blue victory in Elmhurst on Friday, Sept. 30.
IC Catholic (6-0, 2-0) did not expect the game to be easy.
“That was really good football team,” IC Catholic coach Bill Krefft said of Riverside-Brookfield. “That was a physical football team … and they were athletic. We knew they were going to be explosive on offense.
“It was a matter of if we could withstand the storm. We are happy we responded like we did.”
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The catalyst for the Knights’ strong response was junior quarterback Luke Ricobene. He recovered from three first-quarter sacks to throw five touchdown passes and also ran for a 52-yard score in the third quarter.
“He is unbelievable,” said IC Catholic offensive lineman/defensive end Jimmy Kenneally. “We just have to give him time and he will make some plays. He makes us (linemen) look a lot better than we are.”
Ricobene threw for 332 yards and connected with six different receivers. He tossed touchdown passes to Matt Sutton (two), Lazerick Eatman, Jordan Rowell and Brendan Russ.
“Some of the plays (Ricobene) made were broken plays and scrambles,” Krefft said. “Some of them were called by the offensive coordinator, Tony Navigato. He did an outstanding job for four quarters of calling that football game.”
Riverside-Brookfield dropped to 4-2, 1-1.
Patrick Kelly is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press