Through three weeks of the season, Brother Rice has utilized two quarterbacks, rotating senior Rocco Galasso and freshman Sam Holcomb in from drive to drive.
For the QB duo though, there are no issues.
Whatever works best for the team, they’re on board with the plan.
“Me and Sam have a great relationship,” Galasso said. “We started training this winter. It’s no hard feelings because we play off each other and try to make each other better each week in practice.”
Holcomb rushed for an impressive 46-yard touchdown run and Galasso threw for 51 yards on Sept. 4 as host Brother Rice rolled to a 43-0 victory over St. Francis.
Senior Jameson Davis (19 carries, 112 yards, three TDs) and sophomore Aydan Yarbrough (nine carries, 92 yards, two TDs) powered the rushing attack.
Junior Jordan Moore (blocked FG) and senior Brayden Parks (fumble recovery) led a stingy defensive effort.
Holcomb arrived on campus as a highly-touted freshman quarterback.
Splitting time with Galasso, he echoed what his teammate said.
“We know the coaches will make the right decision,” Holcomb said. “Whoever they put in, we know that’s best for the team. It’s straight up supporting each other. We’re really cool.”
Galasso was the back-up to C.J. Gray (Army) the last two seasons. He also plays baseball.
With varsity experience to burn, he’s looking to help his freshman teammate however he can.
“I told Sam to play how you play. He’s a great quarterback,” Galasso said. “Playing Lincoln-Way East in your first high school game is definitely hard, so you tell him to let everything come to him and you’ll be fine.”
Brother Rice was firmly in control in the third quarter against St. Francis following the safety when Holcomb broke free on a run up the middle.
He shed several would-be tacklers and showed off his speed on a highlight-reel TD run as the Crusaders went up 36-0.
“I get those pregame butterflies for sure, but I know what I’m supposed to do,” Holcomb said. “I know I will do my job right and play ball from there.”
Coach Casey Quedenfeld said the duo knows how the series will develop and who comes in and when as the game starts.
“We have two starters,” Quedenfeld said. “Each knows exactly what the plan is. They’re friends and they’re working together cheering the other one on. Sam isn’t playing like a freshman, so we’re looking for him to lead a little bit more. He’s not playing like a freshman, so he might as well not lead like one.”
Davis split time at running back last year with Jaylin Green on the Class 7A state champion team.
Now, he’s leading a young running back room behind a revamped but impressive offensive line.
“We’re playing as one team,” Davis said. “On offense, we had to see what works for us running and passing. You saw a great Brother Rice offense come out and play today.”