Bishop Dwenger in search of new quarterback yet again

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The Bishop Dwenger High School football program has demonstrated a unique resiliency to the dilemma of graduating its quarterbacks.

Now the Saints face the quandary of replacing one because of injury.

Junior quarterback Mike Fiacable suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during practice on Friday and is expected to miss the 2012 season.

“I was chasing after a guy and just kind of fell forward,” Fiacable said. “I heard a couple of cracks, and when I tried to get up I just couldn't.”

The Saints have always managed to find capable replacements at quarterback and usually are the beneficiaries of strong play from the newcomers.

After the graduation of John Goodman, Trevor Yerrick stepped in and played exceptional football during the 2008 season. The same held true for Wade Markley (2009), Patrick Ryan (2010) and the duo of Dalton Wheeler and Fiacable last season.

“The coaches do a really good job of putting the right players in the right spots,” Fiacable said. “That allows us to be able to make plays.”

As to who will now lead the Saints in their quest to bounce back after a subpar 7-5 mark a year ago remains to be seen according to Fiacable.

“That is a decision for the coaches,” Fiacable said. “It could be a couple of different guys.”

Fiacable replaced Wheeler in the fifth game of the 2011 season. He guided Bishop Dwenger to a 4-4 mark against a murderous schedule that included games against state champions Indianapolis Cathedral (4A) and Indianapolis Chatard (3A), as well as Fort Wayne-area powers Snider, Bishop Luers, Columbia City, New Haven and Leo.

He completed nearly 57 percent of his passes for 11 scores and nearly 1,300 yards.

“I've never had anything this severe,” Fiacable said. “I just laid there crying and praying that it wasn't an ACL, but it was.”

Fiacable will have a better idea of his rehabilitation in a few days when physicians are able to asses the damage after the swelling in the knee goes down. But it is expected that he would be out for the football and basketball seasons.

Tdavis@news-sentinel.com