By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

St. Charles Catholic’s Chris Ilski has recently signed a scholarship with Nicholls State, where he will continue his studies and football career.

Ilski, the Comets’ starting kicker over the past two seasons, was the Louisiana Football Coaches’ Association’s All-State kicker for Class 3A, as well as the All-District kicker in District 9-3A.

Ilski was an asset to the Comets that SCC Coach Frank Monica says will not easily be replaced.

“Whenever we crossed the 30, we felt like we should come away with at least three,” Monica said.

The points Ilski put on the board weren’t the only advantage he gave his team.

“You can’t put into words his value on kickoffs.,” Monica said. “70% of the time, he put it in the endzone for a touchback. When a team has to go 80 yards, 30-to-1 they’re not going to get a touchdown out of it. He was just a great, great weapon for us.”

Ilski only missed two field goals in his two years as Comets kicker (one from 53 yards), going 15-of-17. He was 45-for-46 on extra points. And opponents never blocked  an Ilski kick.

His prep career ended in memorable fashion. His 52-yard kick at the end of regulation netted the River Region All-Star team a win over the Bayou Region squad in December.

It was one of his two made field goals on the night, and one that proved an example of another attribute that his coach recognizes within him.

“His biggest asset is that pressure doesn’t bother him at all. It’s a tremendous quality,” Monica said.

It’s one of many attributes that should pay dividends for the Colonels in the coming years.