SPRINGFIELD — In 44 years as a football coach, Steve Hancock has seen success.
Now, in his third season at Springfield Catholic, it's nearing the time for the Irish to share in it.
Head Coach: Steve Hancock
2015 Record: 3-7
Key players: Nick Crites (RB), Casey Console (OL/LB), Lincoln Jones (WR), Tiernan Hamtil (OL/DL), Jace Wells (TE), Grant Schoen (OL/DE)
"When you come into a new program, you think eveything is going to fall into place. It just takes time," Hancock said. "The kids have been patient and have done everything we've asked them to do. This year, we just stepped on the field and they know what we're doing and what we expect of them."
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After a 3-7 campaign, Catholic's experience carries a lot of weight… literally. Tiernan Hamtil (6'4, 295 pounds) returns to anchor the defensive and offensive line. All-COC Small defenive end Grant Schoen will flank him after shedding weight and gaining quickness in the offseason.
Jace Wells is the other returning all-conference selection after going through an impressive summer of workouts. That includes the Blue-Grey Combine at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. He will help on the defensive line and has the size, strength, and speed to impact any game.
Hancock said the same for Hamtil, including some high praise for the damage the senior could do up and down the schedule.
"You put those three (size, strength, speed) together and you have a chance to be a really good player. He's got unlimited potential if things click. He could dominate a game if he wanted to."
Catholic's skill players are still growing, a handful of which playing significant snaps as freshman in 2015. Nick Crites is back for his sophomore campaign at halfback and lineback after compiling 422 yards and four touchdowns.
Three-sport junior Lincoln Jones will be a go-to target for an Irish offense that Hancock said could be more prone to letting the ball fly.
"We hope to be more balanced. We believe in the run, but hopefully we can put together what we need to to take advantage of what the defense gives us. We've got potential to be a lot better there."
With 14 returning starters, Catholic has a core that is conditioned to Hancock's system. Now, it comes down to putting it together between the lines.
"We were really pleased with what they did in the summer for us. The hours they put in is has really paid off now in August."
Catholic travels to Strafford to open the season on Aug. 19.
