Craig Cicardo grew up with Lacey Township High School football.
Cicardo begins his third season as Lacey's starting quarterback tonight when the Lions meet Wall Township in the season opener at 7.
Cicardo's father, also named Craig, graduated from the school and is now the Lions' offensive coordinator.
Lacey finished 8-3 and reached the South Jersey Group III semifinals last season. The Lions return numerous standouts and are No. 4 in The Press Preseason Elite 11.
The 6-foot, 186-pound Cicardo has thrown for 1,204 yards and rushed for 603 yards in his career. The 18-year-old senior has a 4.386-grade point average.
Lacey will compete this year in the Shore Conference B South Division with Barnegat and Pinelands Regional.
On tonight's opener against Wall Township: It's a big test for us. It's going to show us where we stand as a team. Wall is always a strong team. They always have a strong team and that power run game off tackle.
On having his dad for an offensive coordinator: I don't know where to begin with this (laughs). I'm always around him 24/7. He's always working hard to make our team better. Having him there is great. I feel comfortable around him. I come home and I can learn by watching film with him.
On playing for Lacey coach Lou Vircillo, who with 232 victories is one of the winningest coaches in Shore Conference history: I've known coach Lou since I was born. He coached my dad too. I've grown up with him. Always called him "Uncle Lou." It's incredible what he knows and what he does for this team. There's no better you could ask for.
On his college plans: I have a strong interest in Colgate University. I visited Wagner (in Staten Island, N.Y.). I want to go to a school where I can get a good education as well as play good football. I'm a match guy. I want to (major) in accounting or finance maybe pre-law too.
On what he does to relax: I'll hang out with friends, play video games. I'm a big NCAA football guy. I'm good with West Virginia and (West Virginia running back) Noel Devine.
As told to Michael McGarry
