April 16, 2024
Analysis | Friday Night Drive
Analysis

2019 season preview: Scouting the CCL/ESCC Orange

By FRIDAY NIGHT

Nazareth Academy's Tyler Morris (8), Riley Theobald (28) and Jermaine Baker (7) hit Simeon's DeAngelo Hudson (22) in backfield for a loss to secure the win in their 7A quarterfinal state playoff game in Chicago Nov. 10. (Sean King)

Benet

Head Coach: Patrick New (10th season, 62-37)

Last year's record: 6-4

Key returners: Jacob Snell (DE/TE), Colin Gillespie (QB), Luke Phillipp (OL), Mike McGivney (OL), Sean Torres (RB/LB), Tommy O'Malley (DB), Cole Walsh (DL), John Walsh (CB/RB).

Notable newcomers: Pierce Walsh (WR), John Weidenbach (LB), Graham Cooney (CB), Will Benish (LB).

Outlook: The Redwings stretched their playoff streak to seven last season, but failed to get out of the Class 7A first round with a 20-18 loss to Maine West. Benet brings back senior defensive end Jacob Snell, a Miami (OH) commit that will lead a defensive unit that has seven returning starters. Senior quarterback Colin Gillespie is entering his second full season. He started seven games as a sophomore as Benet reached the 7A semifinals. The Redwings should be able to find wins early in their schedule – a positive note with daunting contests against Loyola, St. Rita and Nazareth to close out the regular season.

De La Salle

Head Coach: Mike Boehm (6th season, 24-29)

Last year's record: 5-4

Key returners: Matt Byrnes (TE), Jamari Johnson (DE), Jason Moore (RB/LB), Aidan Ralph (LB).

Notable newcomers: David Ortiz (OL/DL), Taron Dabney (DB).

Outlook: De La Salle missed out on the playoffs last season due to a lack of playoff points after an appearance the year before. Boehm is optimistic for this season if the Meteors can stay healthy. Loyola and St. Rita are gone from the schedule, but Nazareth (Week 6) and Montini (Week 8) have been added around a Week 7 contest against Mt. Carmel. The Meteors will likely once again be fighting to reach five wins.

Nazareth

Head Coach: Tim Racki (15th season, 109-49)

Last year's record: 13-1

Key returners: Alex Carrillo (SS/RB), Breven Reifsteck (DB/WR), Derrick Strongs (RB), Riley Theobald (LB), Jailon Welch (CB), C.J. West (DT), Ryan Keeler (OL), J.J. McCarthy (QB), Tyler Morris (DB/WR).

Notable newcomers: Jon Sarich (DT), Lukas Salaviejus (DT/OL), Robert Gurley (LB), Domenic Virelli (OL/LS), Landon Morris (WR), Isaiah Emmanuel (WR), Sean O'Hara (OL).

Outlook: Nazareth will look to defend its 7A state title this season, and has a good case to do so even after graduating playmakers such as Michael Love and Diamond Evans. Junior quarterback and Michigan commit J.J. McCarthy returns, and he's far from the only next-level player for the Roadrunners. Senior defensive tackle C.J. West, junior lineman Ryan Keeler and sophomore wide receiver Tyler Morris all hold offers from major Division I programs. The Roadrunners will have a target on their backs, and the star power to back it up.

St. Laurence

Head Coach: Adam Nissen (1st season)

Last year's record: 3-6

Key returners: Nate Thomas (RB), Brailyn Johnson (WR), Brandon Wilson (DB), Sean Harrison (LB), Van Williams (DL), Aaron Wofford (CB), Myron Lewis (OL).

Notable newcomers: Antonio Vargas (RB), Keith McBee (WR), Jaylen Hamilton (WR), Damien Rhoden (LB), Anthony Petan (DB).

Outlook: Nissen takes over for Harold Blackmon, who led the Vikings to four straight playoff appearances before a down year in 2018. Nissen comes from IC Catholic, where he served as the school’s athletic director. Nissen was previously an assistant coach at Mt. Carmel. The first-year coach said the Vikings return most of their talent from last year.