IC Catholic didn’t spend much time on offense in its 49-8 rout over St. Joseph-Ogden in the Class 3A first round. That’s because when the top-seeded Knights (10-0) were on the field Saturday, they were extremely efficient. They needed only 18 plays from scrimmage to score six touchdowns.
Junior running back Lazerick Eatman was at the center of the action for the offense with two of those six offensive touchdowns. He scored the Knights’ first touchdown on a screen pass in the first quarter for 36 yards and had a 21-yard run in the fourth quarter to cap off an impressive day for the Knights’ offense.
“(Eatman) is a special player for us, and he doesn’t always get recognized because of the talent we have on the field,” IC Catholic coach Bill Krefft said. “But he’s a great kid, and he does a lot for us on offense and defense.”
At cornerback, Eatman helped keep the Spartans’ running attack from being able to work the corners. It was a tall order for Eatman and the rest of the defensive unit, which spent a vast majority of the time on the field. This is nothing new for the Knights, given that they are a relatively small team with about 40 players on the roster. Versatility is a requirement.
“It helps me play every position and learn how to play the game,” Eatman said.
He also acts as a kick returner alongside senior running back Jordan Rowell, which is how he got his third touchdown. With IC Catholic leading 14-8 at halftime, the Spartans attempted an onside kick to start the third quarter, which was called offside.
With the element of surprise gone, St. Joseph-Ogden then kicked to Eatman. He cut down toward the Knights’ sideline, evaded the Spartans tacklers and scored on a 73-yard return. That touchdown gave IC Catholic a spark after a middling first half.
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“I kind of knew they would be kicking it to me after that onside kick, and I got some good blocks and was able to take advantage of the situation,” Eatman said.
Having a player who can score in three different ways gives the Knights a potent weapon in an offense that has proven it can beat opponents in just about every way imaginable.
“It was a good game for us and the kids responded well to adversity,” Krefft said. “Always room for growth.”
The Knights, who entered the playoffs as clear favorites in the Class 3A playoffs, will host Paxton-Buckley-Loda (9-1) in the second round Saturday.
“We just go day by day,” Eatman said. “We don’t look ahead.”
Chris Vavra is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press