By Chris Parker
Springfield Catholic football got off to a slow start last season losing the first six games of the year. The Irish responded by winning the final three games of the regular season before losing by just four points to Liberty in the district playoffs.
The Irish will look to get off to a faster start this season.
“We are really focused on getting off to a fast start this season,” Springfield Catholic head coach Wes Page said. “We have finished really well the last two seasons, but after excruciatingly slow starts. If we get things going early this season and in the first quarter in games, we think we can get over the hump and earn some postseason success.”
The offense, which returns four starters, will be more balanced than it was to end the 2024 season.
“We transitioned halfway through last season to the flexbone, and we quickly moved into being an extremely potent offense, but we expect to see a more dynamic attack this year,” Page said. “Last year’s senior quarterback Clayton Stuhlsatz ran the offense very well and was the biggest reason for our success late last year, but his ability to throw was hampered by an injured elbow. Jett (Lewis) has a very strong arm and is a playmaker in both the pass and run game so expect to see a strong passing attack this year in addition to our run game.”
Lewis is a sophomore who started a strong safety as a freshman with limited time at quarterback.
His top targets at wide receiver will be Conner Fenske, Jack Belz and Noah Whiteley.
“Conner has great straight-line speed and is a really tough blocker on the perimeter. Jack has some of the best ball skills on the team and is able to catch about any ball thrown in his vicinity. Noah is a utility player who will also see time at slotback. He can catch, run, and block really well,” Page said.
Rhett Layne returns to start at tight end.
Easton Gifford, Sam Boster and Michael Heredia will all rotate at slotback along with Noah Whiteley.
“All four have really good speed and are able to break a big play at any time in the run or pass game,” Page said. “Easton and Sam are returning starters from last season and averaged 11.8 and 9 yards per carry, respectively.”
Jacody Westhoff and Whiteley will be the team’s top fullbacks.
“Both complement each other very well with Jacody being a powerful runner who can run through tackles, and Drew uses his quickness to find big plays,” Page said.
Chase Billedo may also find his way to reps at fullback.
Senior Wyatt Cartwright returns to the offensive line where he has started since his freshman season. Jackson Samsel and Christian Hoerschgen have earned two of the starting spots on the offensive line after strong summers. Jason Kuria, Julius Kuria, Gavin Baird, Ryker Schultz and Hugo Zamora are in competition for the other two open offensive line spots.
Defensively, eight starters return.
“We play with an ultra-aggressive mindset,” Page said. “We rely on our defensive backfield to shutdown the pass and our defensive line to eat up blocks, allowing our backers to be tough, instinctive players.”
That secondary will be anchored by Noah Whiteley who is a three-year starter. He moves from cornerback to safety this season. Heredia and Lewis will both see time at free safety.
Fenske, Kyson Hauschildt and Belz along with Gabe Auzias de Turenne will also look for time at defensive back.
Gifford had a standout season at defensive back last season. He had 12 pass break-ups and 39 total tackles.
“Easton Gifford was also one of the best cornerbacks in the area last season,” Page said. “We were approximately 90% cover zero last season, and Easton only gave up six receptions all season when in man coverage.”
Cartwright, Layne, Jason Kuria, Julius Kuria, Samsel, Zarmoa and Yukon Kreher will be in the mix for time on the defensive line.
Boster and Ty Lewis will be outside linebackers.
“Sam Boster could be poised to have a breakout season on both sides of the ball, and special teams,” Page said. “He is a multi-tool offensive player, able to run between the tackles, break plays on the perimeter, make tough catches, and is a great blocker. Moving to outside linebacker this year will allow him to be more of a playmaker. He will be in a position to stop the run, defend the pass, and rush the quarterback, and will be someone every offense must account for. Last year, he was an elite returner as well and earned some votes over Fair Grove great Kellin Lair as first-team returner.”
Kennedy Brown and Boston Hartman could also see time at outside linebacker.
Jacody Westhoff and Andrew Whitley will start at inside linebacker.
“Jacody Westhoff could also breakout this season as well,” Page said. “He is a natural at the linebacker position, with a great combination of strength and speed. He should be a big boost to the defense this year.”
Billedo and Hoerschgen may also see time at inside linebacker.
Catholic will host a jamboree on Aug. 22 with Marionville, Pleasant Hope and Lighthouse Christian. The Irish open the regular season on Aug. 29 at East Newton.
“Our strength this year will be that we have no particular strength,” Page said. “If teams want to stop our inside run game, we can run on the perimeter. If they try to stop that, we can throw the ball. On defense, our strength at linebacker and defensive back will make picking on any one part of our defense difficult as well.”
