Honoring Lucas

Chris Carberry has Atiq Lucas on his mind.

BY JASON MOLINET

Because of the weather and travel involved, the St. Anthony’s coaching staff recommended that Atiq Lucas stay home on Saturday. But Lucas was still very much with the Friars as they took on Iona Prep in New Rochelle.

It’s been an emotional week. Lucas, a senior running back, broke his right leg in a Week 7 win over Chaminade. He underwent surgery last Sunday and was released from the hospital on Tuesday.

Lucas and his parents returned to the school for the Thursday night practice. He was in a wheelchair at Cy Donnelly Field. It was one of the few times all year Lucas couldn’t escape the rush. That’s because the entire team reportedly took turns giving Lucas a hug.

Lucas is expected to make a full recovery. But his football season is done.

To honor their teammate, St. Anthony’s added Lucas’ No. 30 to the backs of their black helmets. Some even scawled the number on their eye black patches.

And as the game progressed, it was clear the Friars missed the breakaway threat. It had been suggested that St. Anthony’s could sustain the loss of Lucas because of its unusual depth in the backfield. The Iona Prep game, a rare 41-21 loss, proved that Lucas can’t be replaced.