Sophomore QB Marchiol already a force for Regis

As a high school sophomore, AUROR A

Nicco Marchiol is barely old enough to get a driver’s license. But on the field, he excels at leading drives.

Widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in Colorado for the class of 2022, the Regis Jesuit standout has thrown for 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns through five games.

“He doesn’t act like a sophomore; he definitely doesn’t play like a sophomore,” said Regis head coach Danny Filleman. “He’s mature beyond his years.”

Marchiol, 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, is the centerpiece of Regis’ young core. Though they have only 10 seniors on their roster the sixth-ranked Raiders (5-0) are undefeated and have double-digit wins over perennial Class 5A powers Pomona, Highlands Ranch and rival Mullen.

“We’re a young team and we’ve got to keep remembering that we’re going to make some young mistakes,” Filleman said. “But they keep fighting. So, for as young as we are, we’re off to a pretty good start.”

Marchiol is a big reason for that success. Rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports.com, he’s already received scholarship offers from Michigan, Arizona, Washington State, Colorado and Colorado State, among others.

Aside from his physical tools, Marchiol’s advanced football IQ and decisionmaking skills are critical to a Regis spread attack that relies on his ability to read opposing defenses.

“The main thing that really separates our offense is the diversity of plays we have,” Marchiol said. “All of the formations, plays, route concepts, checks that I’m making with every single player on the O-line and changing plays so that we’re in the best possible position — that’s the part that I really enjoy, because it takes a lot of commitment from me with every single play.”

It’s a commitment that Marchiol has readily accepted, according to Filleman.

“Nicco is quick with his reads, stays in the pocket and he’ll take shots when you have to take shots,” the Raiders coach said. “He’s really good about knowing where the ball is supposed to go.”

As the youngest of three sons of former NFL linebacker Ken Marchiol, football has always been a big part of Nicco’s life. The Marchiol boys traveled across the country with their youth football teams to test their mettle against the best in the country.

“That’s what I grew up on,” he said. “We did it because that’s what we wanted to do.”

As the Raiders’ primary starter at quarterback a year ago, he shared snaps with senior Joe D’Angelo. Regis stumbled to a 1-4 start. But things changed when conference play began and Regis made its playoff push.

“The game slowed down for him and he started playing really well,” Filleman said. “He’s a mature kid, he’s a natural leader and he’s not afraid to be a vocal leader. That’s kind of uncommon to be much of a vocal leader at a young age, but he backs it up with his play and the way he prepares.”

In spite of their undefeated record, the Raiders aren’t satisfied. The players know there’s a lot of work to be done in order to compete with 5A’s best.

“I’d say the biggest thing for us is keeping our focus and finishing games,” Marchiol said. “One thing my dad and football have taught me is you’ve got to keep your foot on the gas.”

If Marchiol and Regis are able to do that, their most important drive just might be for a state championship.