Playoff Profiles : Son on Rise at Paraclete

Paraclete High football Coach Steve Hagerty had doubts when he sent junior running back Sal Iabichella onto the field this season.

Hagerty wasn’t sure whether Iabichella would know what to do when the ball was snapped.

Iabichella had doubts himself because he didn’t play football until high school. But Iabichella figured some things about football might come instinctively.

His father Sal Sr. was a top running back for Reseda High in 1971. His uncle, Pete DeMarco, was also a key player for Reseda.

“I knew I was capable, but I’m definitely surprised with how much playing time I’ve gotten and how it’s turned out,” Sal Jr. said.

Iabichella, 5 feet 7, 145 pounds, leads Paraclete with 16 touchdowns and 787 rushing yards in only 90 carries. He averages 8.7 yards a carry. He also has six catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns and has returned an interception 31 yards for a score.

As the Spirits (7-5) have surged into the Southern Section Division X semifinals, meeting Orange Lutheran on Saturday night at Antelope Valley College, Iabichella has become Paraclete’s big-play man.

He rushed for 121 yards in 12 carries and caught two passes last week in a 25-0 victory over Big Bear. Iabichella scored twice and had a long run for another touchdown nullified by a penalty.

Playing time came Iabichella’s way only because the team lost fullback Brant Theurer, who remains in a coma after a July 29 auto accident. Hagerty moved Lance Austin to fullback and inserted Iabichella at tailback.

“He’d always been a quick kid, but he’s becoming a football player and he’s learning the game,” Hagerty said. “He’s worked hard. He hit the weights hard. And he’s a team player, which is important.”

Sal Sr. said all his son needed was a chance.

“He’s a horse, and he’s filling out now,” said Sal Sr., who averaged 5.9 yards a carry his senior year at Reseda. “If I had half that ability, I’d have been something special. God willing, this boy will not get hurt and he’ll have a shot to do something. I’m excited as all heck and also real proud. I just wish he’d carry the ball more.”

Said Sal Jr.: “He tells me a lot about his playing days. He says I’m faster than him, I am a better athlete. He said he wishes he could play like me and I think that’s a great compliment.”