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Rice is the first player from Westchester County to participate in a Super Bowl since White Plains High School’s Art Monk with the Washington Redskins in 1992.
New Rochelle High School football coach Lou DiRienzo coached Rice during his time with the Huguenots from 2001-04.
“The thing I’m most proud of is if you listen to Ray talk, he’s a consummate professional,” DiRienzo said. “So, I’m real proud of the whole thing and the man he’s become. He’s just the complete package.”
The Ravens defeated the New England Patriots, 28-13, in the AFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2001. Rice carried the ball 19 times for 48 yards and a touchdown in that game.
In the playoffs, Rice has rushed 64 times for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also has four catches for 69 yards.
DiRienzo left Saturday night for New Orleans to attend the big game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. He expects to cross paths with Rice while there and “share a moment” at some point.
As for the game itself, the coach did not offer any predictions, but he made it clear he’s rooting for his former star.
“First and selfishly, I want to see Ray play well,” DiRienzo said. “And I want to see the Ravens win.”
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