Mount Carmel’s Alonzo Manning II took the necessary time to blend in.
But the junior running back, a transfer from CCL/ESCC Blue rival Marist, is beginning to stand out for the Caravan as a dual threat out of the backfield and as a receiver.
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The past is meeting the future.
“I have always been a fast or quick type of runner,” Manning said. “I did whatever was necessary to try to gain at least four yards every time I touched the ball.”
The 5-foot-5, 170-pound Manning did that again Friday, catching two touchdown passes from senior quarterback Blainey Dowling in a 42-0 victory over St. Laurence in Burbank.
Mount Carmel (7-0) scored on five of its first six possessions and led by the final score at halftime against the host Vikings (3-4), which will be fighting for its playoff life.
Running on plenty, Manning marked a perfect bookend to this night, catching a 9-yard TD pass in the first quarter and then a 34-yard TD pass the end of the first half.
“Week by week, I am learning the playbook and comprehending what the offense is about,” he said. “I love getting the ball in space and how I am being utilized in this offense.”
Manning also has the perfect resource in junior running back Darrion Dupree, who produced a 73-yard TD run and a 20-yard TD reception from Dowling.
“Darrion is a great mentor to have,” Manning said. “He goes over the offense with me and shows me how to be patient, learn where the holes are and how they develop.
“I have confidence now every time I step up.”
Senior quarterback Danny Fitzpatrick was injured early in the game for St. Laurence. The Vikings, who struggled to move the ball, did not gain a first down in the first half.
Junior defensive back Jalen Hayes had the lone highlight for St. Laurence with an interception late in the second quarter.
Senior linebacker Danny Novickas contributed four tackles for the Caravan.
The fast and physical play of Novickas, an Ohio recruit, symbolized the effort of a dominant defense that rarely allowed any space for the Vikings to operate.
“My style is definitely quick,” Novickas said. “Growing up, I played every position, so I know how everybody thinks. That helps me react faster, play quicker on my feet and make plays.”
The 6-3, 225-pound Novickas combines ideal size and range. He’s a converted defensive end who occasionally lines up at edge rusher in passing situations.
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Playing linebacker enables him to optimize his versatility by covering either tight ends or running backs, rushing the quarterback or making tackles at the point of impact.
“This is my second year starting,” Novickas said. “I am able to speed up and slow down the game whenever I want.”
Junior middle linebacker Parker Startz also has shown rapid improvement for the Caravan. Much like Novickas, Startz has great size at 6-3 and 225 pounds.
He earned important experience last season, rotating into games as a sophomore.
“I had the size,” Startz said. “I was tall, but I definitely put on a lot of weight. Last year was my time to learn and develop. Now, I can see plays and I know how react quicker.”
Startz has received recruiting interest from Cincinnati, Minnesota, Purdue, Kansas State and Wisconsin. He took a recent visit to Notre Dame.
Startz has all the elite physical attributes.
“I love playing fast and physical,” he said. “Obviously, that is what you need to be when you play middle linebacker.
“With our size, teams have to scout Danny and me and double or even triple team us.”
The Caravan posted their third shutout this season and fourth without allowing a TD. The starting defense has only given up only four TDs.
“There are always six, seven, eight guys running to the ball,” Novickas said. “Last year, we were all playing for ourselves. This year, we are playing as one.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.