by WEST SIDE, IL – Behind a dominant performance from senior running back Robbie Connor, the Saint Ignatius College Prep Wolfpack pulled away in the second half to defeat the DePaul College Prep Rams 24-14.
First Half
The Rams began the game on their first drive for a pair of first downs. Nevertheless, that did not stop the Wolfpack’s defense from clamping down and honoring their offense with the ball near midfield.
From there, Wolfpack’s Robbie Connor powered through the Rams’ front seven on a series of assorted carries.
A key 20-yard burst set up a first-and-goal for the Wolfpack, resulting in a touchdown by Connor to give the home team a 6-0 lead. The extra point by kicker Thomas Cilella was good, and the Wolfpack led 7-0 with 2:49 to go in the first quarter.
The Rams struggled to find an offensive rhythm until midway through the second quarter, when junior quarterback Jackson Grabinski began connecting with receivers downfield.
A connection to the Rams’ wide receiver Matthew Osterman and a gain of 7 yards from Grabinski translated to a second and 9 on the Wolfpack’s 15-yard line.
The pass to running back, Tyson Hooks, resulted in a Rams touchdown. Kicker Emmett McCue’s extra point veered left, leaving the score unchanged.
The Wolfpack entered halftime with a 7-6 lead, keeping the game anyone’s to win.
Second Half
The beginning of the third quarter was all Wolfpack territory. Connor received his second touchdown of the game by running through the Rams’ defense. The PAT by Cilella was good and moved the Wolfpack ahead 14-6 with 8:58 remaining in the third.
A later drive in the fourth quarter resulted to a 40-yard field goal by Cilella, which extended the Wolfpack’s lead 17-6.
The Rams fought back late in the fourth quarter. Down 24-6 after yet another Connor score, the Rams refused to give up.
Grabinski engineered a quick strike, hitting wide receiver Connor Barefield for a touchdown. The Rams decided to run a two-point conversion attempt, leading the ball into the hands of cornerback Nate Vesprini, which was a successful attempt. The deficit was cut to 24-14 with 2:57 remaining in the game.
The Rams had one final chance in the closing seconds, driving into Wolfpack territory behind sharp passes to Hooks and Barefield. But time ran out at the Wolfpack’s 30-yard line, sealing the Wolfpack’s victory.
DePaul College Prep will take on Marian Catholic next Friday at home, aiming to secure its first victory of the 2025 season. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. CT. As for Saint Ignatius College Prep, they will be traveling to IC Catholic Prep located in Elmhurst, Illinois. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.
Key Game Highlights:
Conor Gibbs led Saint Ignatius College Prep’s defense with 8 tackles
Tyson Hooks for DePaul College Prep scored a crucial touchdown in the second quarter to put the Rams on the board
Saint Ignatius College Prep 7 0 7 10 = 24
DePaul College Prep 0 6 0 8 = 14
