The DePaul Prep Rams went out to Arlington Heights on Friday evening to face the St. Viator Lions, the mighty, mighty Lions, in a big CCL/ESCC Purple showdown. The Rams dispatched the St. Patrick Shamrocks a couple games ago. Friday was the second of the games against Purple opponents. Benet will the last regular season game.
I said to Coach Mike Passarella after the game, “Every game this year I say to you that this is the biggest game you have coached at DePaul Prep.”
He let out a big laugh. The joy in it was palpable. It’s only a slight exaggeration. This is certainly the best season the Rams have put together in nine years. Bill Jeske was the coach then and he lead the Rams into the playoffs with a 5-5 season and a playoff appearance against Elmwood/Brimfield.
The Rams played the Lions basically even for three quarters but dominated them in the fourth and came away with a 39-23 win in convincing fashion.
This year’s Rams are 5-1 with their only lost coming to 8A defending state champions Loyola Academy.
They plan to win. The prepare to win. They expect to win. The is no quit in these Rams. They don’t lose heart if they give up a big play or fall behind. They play four quarters.
This program has turned. They, their coaches and their fans are winners.
But now the games only get bigger. I will have a chance to repeat my question to Coach Passarella about being the biggest game of his tenure after the next game.
Carmel Catholic in Mundelein is next. When I was in high school at St. Viator, Carmel was not much of a threat. I don’t think we ever lost to them. These are not your father’s Corsairs. Although they lost last night to Montini, Carmel is good and the Rams will not be the favorite.
As it happens, it looks like I will be available to cover the game. The game is at DePaul Prep. Come see the biggest of the DePaul Prep era, until the next game.
