Volume 16:2
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FOOD REVIEWS--PG 6
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EBEL
December 9, 2016
Roncalli High School REBEL PRIDE: Seniors lead the cheer block during the State Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. This season was the third time in school history that the Rebels attained an undefeated season.
BY WILL ALLEN Sports Editor
PHOTO BY JULIE ALBERTSON
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umming up the most successful Roncalli football season in over a decade, one could use a single word: perfect. By the time Thanksgiving weekend rolled around and state games arrived, the Rebels had proven themselves worthy of the accolades their predecessors had garnered. The start of the season saw a last-minute, 80-yard pass by senior Derek O’Connor to senior Nick Fischer against Southport, and the postseason included two game-winning field goals by senior Patrick Sandler. After a day of eating and giving thanks with their families, only one obstacle stood in the Rebels’ way: a challenging state championship game against the Northwood Panthers. This monumental game presented several opportunities for the team. First, varsity head coach Mr. Bruce Scifres had the chance to gain his seventh state championship, further solidifying his title as one of the most successful high school coaches in Indiana. Also, the game offered the team a chance to play for the blue rings, which hadn’t been worn by a Rebel in over 10 years. This game could give Roncalli a sense of immense pride that had seemed to diminish since the title game of 2004. The Rebels needed to play a perfect game to claim the long-awaited victory. O’Connor, former St. Barnabas Warrior and senior co-captain, manned the helm all year long, leading the Rebels to the state game at Lucas Oil Stadium. “I knew that it would be a very good game,” O’Connor said. “Both teams being undefeated, there is obviously a reason why [Northwood] got there. But, there is a reason we got there, too. We knew they would be good, but we also knew that if we played to our potential, there would be no doubt that we would win.” And the Rebels made sure that there was absolutely no doubt. O’Connor ran for three touchdowns and threw for one. He rushed for 173 yards and passed for over 150 yards, completing 12 of his 18 pass attempts.
Junior Jacob Luedeman came away with two receptions, one for a 70-yard touchdown and the other an 85-yard catch. Senior Luke Smock contributed four carries, with one for a 35-yard touchdown. Senior Kenny Gillum was consistent, rushing for 70 yards on 12 touches. The Rebel defense contained Northwood’s high-powered offense throughout the game, with junior Cade Morgan and senior Alex Kuntz having six tackles apiece. A key interception with a 42-yard return for Dylan Williams cemented the Rebels’ position as a powerhouse in Class 4A football. The team was not the only impressive feat of the season. A massive student section followed the Rebels on the road, battling downpours and chilling temperatures . Seniors Ben Babb and Drew Faust, along with junior Jack Hegwood, were among the most vocal students at games throughout the year. A state championship at Lucas Oil Stadium provided a chance to up the ante. “Hegwood never sat down, and [Babb] was as loud as ever,” Faust said. “Especially since we were at Lucas Oil, there was a lot more hype and it was even more exciting to cheer.” The football team, however, needed to stay focused, not getting too caught up in the commotion of the crowd. “It was different, and there were a lot of people there,” senior and co-captain Ben Walesky said. “But I tried to take it as my last game instead of our biggest game. If you get too caught up in the details, that’s when you make mistakes.” The original roster for this season was listed with just over 100 players, but each individual worked as one team with one common goal. “I thought it was cool to see the crowd go crazy after each name,” O’Connor said. “When each player got called up for their medal it was a very humbling and inspiring experience.”
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News: Page 2
Features: Page 3
Features: Page 5
The Canned Food Drive has passed by, but not many know exactly what or who it benefits. Find out what happens to the cans you donate.
Many know of Ms. Kathy Peach, but have you heard her story? Delve into the exciting life of our band director, from fry cook to extraordinary conductor.
2016 is wrapping up and it has been one of the most eventful years to date for Roncalli and the world. Relive the past 12 months with our recap.
Sports: Page 8
Rebel swim teams look to rebuild their rosters by relying on underclassmen. Read up on the season so far and upcoming meets.