Playing up front at defensive end last year in his junior season, St. Laurence’s Sean Rice showed his ability as a game-wrecker.
But this season, Rice found himself on the move back to linebacker.
For Rice, the view is different, but the goal is the same.
He’s looking to get into that backfield and wreak havoc.
Helping power St. Laurence to a convincing 41-0 victory over Leo on Sept. 27 at St. Xavier, Rice piled up a strip sack, fumble recovery and an interception.
“Playing off the ball, it’s a lot more fun,” Rice said. “You actually see what’s going on. I’m able to get to the ball easier and make a lot more plays. It’s fun playing downhill and still trying to rip someone’s head off.”
St. Laurence improved to 4-1 with the victory. The Vikings host Fenwick (4-1, 1-0) in Week 6 in a key CCL/ESCC White matchup.
Against Leo, senior running back Cory Les had a 17-yard TD run and also connected with senior Kameron McHugh on a 47-yard TD pass on a trick play.
Senior quarterback Jimmy McDermott added a 20-yard TD run, while sophomore quarterback Noah Taylor hit senior Matthew Williams for a 76-yard TD pass and also scored on a 3-yard run.
Up 7-0 early in the second, the St. Laurence defense looked to make a stand against Leo on a fourth-down play near midfield. On a blitz, Rice fought through the line to deliver a hit on Leo quarterback Jessie Seay, who fumbled on the play.
Rice pounced quickly, popping up and falling on the ball.
“I’m ready to celebrate. I didn’t realize he fumbled it,” Rice said. “I tried to scoop it at first, but just fell on it. I tried to hit the QB as hard as I could.”
On the next possession, St. Laurence scored on Les’ 47-yard pass to McHugh, and the Vikings eventually led 34-0 at halftime.
Rice is a three-year varsity player. His older brother, Jacob, was a standout basketball player for the Vikings. Sean also plays basketball, but football is his calling.
And as for that move to linebacker, he’s having a blast, both as a player and as a leader for a young Vikings squad.
“Playing linebacker has opened up a lot more things for me,” Rice said. “The biggest difference is being more of a vocal leader. I’m able to talk more and help my teammates out. That’s helped me be more confident. I’m able to play faster, see a lot more things and make more plays.”
Les said Rice has been a huge presence defensively.
“Sean’s a stud,” Les said. “A play needs to be made, he makes it. He’s one of the hardest hitters I’ve ever met. He’s a strong kid, just a playmaker. He’s going to get the job done, and we know that.”
Offensively, Les said the Vikings are enjoying keeping opposing defenses on their toes.
St. Laurence relies on its run game to set the tone, but continues to mix in its passing game to keep defenses honest.
“We haven’t even shown everything we can do,” said Les, a Louisville baseball commit. “The door is open for so much. We have so many guys who can throw the ball. You don’t know when we’re going to run or throw. We haven’t hit our full potential yet.”