On the first play from scrimmage, IC Catholic junior quarterback Luke Ricobene faked a handoff to senior running back Jordan Rowell, moved left, found an opening, eluded a couple of Wilmington defenders and scored on a 64-yard run for the Knights.
It was that kind of day for Ricobene, whose versatility and athleticism propelled the top-seeded Knights to a 48-14 Class 3A quarterfinal win over fourth-seeded Wilmington on Saturday.
“I faked the handoff, and I just saw the opening and my offensive line was able to make it easy for me,” Ricobene said.
IC Catholic (12-0) will face sixth-seeded Monticello (12-0) in the Class 3A semifinals.
Ricobene had eight carries for 198 yards and withstood plenty of pressure from an aggressive Wildcats (11-1) defensive line, turning what could have been sacks into positive yardage.
“My line did great for me tonight because we knew they were going to bring the pressure, and when it got to a 1-on-1 situation I knew I had to make him miss,” Ricobene said.
Knights coach Bill Krefft praised his quarterback’s skills as a runner.
“He is an elusive quarterback, and when he’s moving he keeps his eyes downfield at all times and makes plays for us,” Krefft said.
Ricobene was effective throwing the ball, as well. In the second quarter, Ricobene found senior receiver Matt Sutton open for an 81-yard touchdown pass to give the Knights a 23-7 lead.
“One of our goals was to be up early on them because we knew with their rushing offense they’d want to manage the clock,” Krefft said. “That pass allowed us to run the game like we wanted to.”
Rowell had 14 carries for 212 yards and three rushing touchdowns for IC Catholic on Saturday. Ricobene is 28-of-46 passing for 629 yards and seven touchdowns in the postseason, and his ability to stretch defenses has kept them from overplaying the Knights’ star running back. The Knights’ effective 1-2 punch has flattened opposing defenses all season.
Ricobene sees it as a collective unit rather than just two people.
“We’re an explosive offense, and we’ve done a good job making plays,” Ricobene said.
Sutton had two receptions for 89 yards, and sophomore Khali Saunders had the other Knights touchdown on a 42-yard reception. Senior kicker Sam Buffo also contributed with 39- and 29-yard field goals.
Wildcats senior running back Owen Weaver had 23 carries for 189 yards, and senior running back Dustin Kelly had 21 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns.
Chris Vavra is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
