Last year was a breakout season for Catholic under Steve Hancock. After winning five games total in Hancock’s first two seasons, the Irish won six in 2016 and claimed a share of the COC-Small title for the first time in program history.
That momentum should carry over into season four under Hancock, which is his 46th year of coaching overall.
Tyson Riley leads the returning players after starting at quarterback and free safety as a sophomore. He was the Co-COC Small Defensive Player of the Year and third team all-state at defensive back. He led the team with 54 solo tackles and pulled down two interceptions from his safety spot.
On offense, Riley was the team’s second-leading rusher with 861 yards and 21 touchdowns on 149 carries. He threw for another 362 yards.
This will be the second season for the Irish to run a short pistol offense orchestrated by Riley.
“We feel the experience we received from last year running the triple option will help us tremendously this year both as players experience and coaches’ experiences,” Hancock said. “We know more what to expect and what to prepare for. We have good skilled players returning on offense which should be a great benefit.”
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Senior Casey Console will help lead the way up front for the run-first offense. He was second team all-conference on the offensive line. He will be a three-year starter at center and inside linebacker where he had 29 solo tackles last season.
Joining Console on the offensive line will be Wallace Squibb, Quinten Phillips and Logan George.
Lincoln Jones will be yet another returning two-way starter. He was second team all-conference as a wide receiver after hauling in 17 catches for 199 yards. He will join Riley at defensive back going the other way. He led the team with five interceptions last season.
Heath Southwick looks to be a rising player in his senior season after starting at outside linebacker as a junior. He tallied 44 solo tackles to go with three sacks on defense in 2016.
“Heath has gotten bigger and stronger for his senior year,” Hancock said. “He will compete for a starting running back position and return at linebacker. With a year of experience, he should have an outstanding season as a senior.”
Nick Crites will also be back in the backfield after rushing for 122 yards as a sophomore. He will also start at outside linebacker.
Other players to watch for the Irish include: Isaiah Whitley (DB/RB), Jacob Straus (FB/LB), Trey Buster, Drew Davis (TE/DL), Tanner Gustin (OL/DL), Garrett John (TE/LB), Finton Long (TE/LB), Parker Nichols (P), Chris Epperson (WR/DB), Logan George (OL/DL), Quinten Phillips (OL/DL), Riley Hearndon (WR), John Bagiuo (OL/DL), Caden Cook (OL/DL).
The Irish will have to rely on many two-way players, but Hancock is confident they can compete in the COC Small once again.
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“We know we have a great challenge with our schedule and conference. With our small numbers we know we have to excel in all other factors that make a great football program. Our philosophy is to out-work and out prepare our opponent,” Hancock said. “In order to do that we must have committed players willing to buy into our beliefs. Football is not an easy sport and we have to be mentally and physically tough through preparation. Our kids want to win and know they have to earn it.”
Catholic will travel to Hollister for its jamboree on Aug. 11 and face the host Tigers along with Ava and Diamond.
The Irish open the season on Aug. 19 at Strafford.
