Head Coach: Bob Wunderlick
Last Season: 5-6 (missed playoffs)
Returning Starters: Offense – 4, Defense – 1, Specialists – 1
Offense
The Scheme: Jesuit base offense runs mostly out of four wide receiver sets. Running backs will mostly be used as extra blockers or as a last option for the quarterback.
Star Power: Though Jesuit will be using many different receivers in their version of the spread offense, look for Brian Wetzel to catch the ball and catch it often. One of the fastest players on the team, Wetzel (56 receptions for 660 yds, 3 TDs) uses his speed to contribute not only as a wide receiver but also in the return game.
Strongest Area: The passing game should be and will be the backbone of this offense this season. Wetzel leads a strong WR group comprised of Jake Oliver and Blake Vierling, with good depth coming from Greg Ackels and Hays Myers. Don’t be surprised to see both Wetzel and Oliver with over 1000 yards receiving by the end of the season. Also, be sure to look out for David Kaplan coming out of the backfield; he could be dangerous on screen plays this year.
Biggest Problem: Offensive Line. There is nothing bad to say of this group’s effort. They are hard workers and seem to play smart. Anchored by Senior OL Luke Zeske, there shouldn’t be any problems due to lack of miscommunication on this line. The only problem is their size. Only three offensive linemen came in this year over 240 pounds. With lockdown defenses such as Skyline in the district, look for teams this year to test the strength of this unit.
Overview: The biggest thing this group is going to have to do to be successful is be consistent. With above average offensive line play, all signs point to this offense being powerful. Senior Mike Savage, this year’s starting QB, should be able to rack up the yards in the air and on the ground this year with the number of weapons he has. The only thing the group needs to do is put up points night in and night out. Senior Greg Ackels says, “So far, Coach Hickman and Coach Wunderlick are both pleased with our development. We just need to concentrate.”
Defense
The Scheme: Jesuit usually stays with four down linemen in their base defense. The secondary usually plays cover 1 or cover 2 with the corners playing man to man defense.
Star Power: FS Jeff Schoettmer was a staple of the 2009 Ranger defense. He ended the season with three interceptions and 62 tackles, most on the team. He’ll be called on to create turnovers in an inexperienced secondary that will be facing high powered spread offenses this year.
Strongest Area: The linebackers. This group has tons of potential, headed by Senior MLB Will Michalak. Michalak missed three games last fall and wasn’t as active last season as he will be this year. With Michalak and OLB Derek Wilder holding the front seven together and solid depth coming from LB Steve Simion, the run defense should be very solid this season.
Biggest Problem: The secondary. This group seems to be probably the most athletic group on the team this year. With Jeff Schoettmer in the middle and speedy cornerbacks Harry Corbin and Andrew Lambert coming in, the group has three of the team’s best athletes this year. However, experience will be a major drawback for them this year. Every school in Texas has a different version of the spread this year and if this group cannot adapt quick enough, Jesuit could fall behind early in games this season.
Overview: It’s all going to depend on the secondary this year. If the secondary can force turnovers and keep offenses out of the end zone for a little bit, the Jesuit offense can then capitalize. Senior Andrew Lambert believes they can “sneak up on some guys” this year and become a feared unit this season. The front seven is pretty set, so don t worry as much about the run defense than the pass defense this year.
Special Teams
This unit is looking very strong this year. Senior kicker James Hairston should be one of the top point leaders in the state among kickers this year and he also handled kickoff duties last year with exceptional poise. Brian Wetzel comes back from last year after he ran for over 500 yards on kickoff duties as a junior. He should be able to return few back for touchdowns this year. The only setback this season will be kickoff and punt coverage. Jesuit has always been spotty in these areas so watch out for opposing teams going the distance against these units.
Final Analysis
This group is bursting with potential, but lacks the consistency to be unstoppable. “Our district we play in is going to be challenging,” says Senior Preston Paine, “But if we play to the best of our abilities for the whole game, I believe we can make a pretty good run.” The offense should be a top 20 offense in the state, but the same cannot be said for the defense. In essence, this defensive unit will have to find a system that can appropriately counter high powered offenses. CB Harry Corbin thinks that if “we just tighten up on tackling, study our opponents’ tendencies, and make the right calls” they could be a very serviceable group.
Faculty Predictions
Mr. Jude Harrington – (7-3)
Dr. Gruninger – (6-4)
Ms. Danysh – (7-3)
Mr. Seth Waits – (5-5)
Mr. Michael Couvillon – (9-1)
My Overall Prediction: 6-4
