Servite Answers Questions in Opener : Football: Cicero passes for 171 yards in first half of Friars’ 51-6 victory.

CHICAGO — Before Friday’s season opener, Servite Coach Larry Toner looked at his roster and scribbled a question mark beside the name of junior quarterback Greg Cicero.

“How well we do this season depends on him,” Toner said, “and we just don’t know what he can do. But our offense depends on the quarterback position.”

Cicero, a 6-foot-4, 180-pounder who was a reserve a year ago, erased all doubts by completing 11 of 22 passes for 171 yards and four touchdowns in the first half as Servite defeated Chicago De La Salle, 51-6.

“I wasn’t surprised by Cicero’s performance. On critical third-down situations, he had the poise to execute the play,” Toner said. “We adjusted to their pass defense and our receivers caught the ball well. But our running game was nonexistent; they dominated us in the line.”

In a tuneup for Friday’s game against Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium, the Friars gained 333 yards while permitting only 59. They forced six turnovers and blocked a punt.

Dan Cambay recovered two fumbles, returning one 45 yards for a touchdown, and Mike Azurin recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass.

Servite wide receiver Vince Reed caught five passes for 74 yards, including touchdowns of 3, 10 and 45 yards.