Twenty-four hours after securing a Week 4 verbal agreement with Strong Vincent from Erie, Pennsylvania (see the corner's story from Wednesday), Saint Ignatius Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick '88 appears to have filled the Wildcats' 2012 varsity football schedule.
Rory said the John Adams Rebels have agreed to a Week 7 game, which most likely will be played at Byers Field. As is the case with Strong Vincent, an official contract has to be signed. However, Rory sounded confident that the full 10-game slate is now filled.
En route to its record 11th Division I state championship (adding to its previous record) this past season, Saint Ignatius defeated John Adams in Week 5. The Rebels did, however, have some talented young athletes who made a few memorable plays in the second half.
If everything works out as far as the contracts go, here is what the 'Cats' full schedule will look like.
Week 1 - Youngstown Cardinal Mooney at Browns Stadium; Week 2 - De LaSalle from Warren Michigan at 3 p.m. in Byers Field; Week 3 - the high-powered Mentor Cardinals at Byers Field; Week 4 - Strong Vincent (site TBA); Week 5 at Erie McDowell; Week 6 - the tradional battle with the talent-laden Glenville Tarblooders at Byers Field; Week 7 - John Adams (most likely Byers Field); Week 8 - St. Francis (Athol Springs, N.Y.) at Byers Field; Week 9 - at Cincinnati St. Xavier and the Week 10 showdown with St. Edward at Byers Field.
The game with defending Division III state champion Cardinal Mooney is part of the traditional Charity Game doubleheader. Don't get fooled by Division III. A tradition-rich program, Cardinal Mooney is as tough, talented and resilient as they come. And on the heels of Mooney comes De LaSalle and its University of Michigan quarterback recruit Shane Morris, and Mentor's high-flying offense led by all-everything quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Mitch has already been offered a scholarship from Urban Meyer, along with other big names. Of course the back end features the Bombers and the Eagles, who need no introduction. THIS IS A HEALTHY AND DEMANDING SCHEDULE!
As I've said before my friends, just call Rory a miracle worker.