Roncalli’s linemen, from left, Benjamin Dias, Daniel Heinrich and Alex Nettles aim to move the Rebels with the ball.
(3-7) – Rebels 50th season produced fewest wins since 2007 … coach Scott Marsh’s squad opened last season with four straight losses … graduated key Rebels, single-game pass reception (11) record by Luke Dill, leading rusher Elijah Mahan and 1-2 leading tacklers Cody Carmony and team MVP Brandon Berger … Rebels have talent but are young with only 20 seniors … defense led by senior preseason all-state defensive end Jack Wardzala, team-high 14 tackles for lost yardage and 9.5 sacks, plus fellow returning starters, linebacker David Clayton, junior safety Dominic Brown, and Tyler Newitt back after torn ACL … tackle Will Schoettle, d-back Davy Lopez and safety Sammy Baugh shore ups defense … senior place-kicker Owen Herndon hit 22 of 24 PATs and 3 of 5 PATs … offense features senior tackle Daniel Heinrich, who played only three games due to knee injury, center Benjamin Dias, guard Alex Nettles, soph quarterback Aiden Leffler, running backs Baron Huebler and Tommy Mullin and receiver Chris Parrett … young Rebels seek winning season and return to greatness.
Coach’s comments: “The main thing is that we stayed together last year. We faced many challenges, but we kept practicing and competing hard. It was not a typical Roncalli season and that left a bitter taste. We are ridiculously younger this year, but we are bigger, faster and more athletic. We have a talented group, but most of our experience and athleticism comes from the younger kids. When you look at our quarterback who started in seven games, he was a freshman. You must get them in games, so they gain experience. You can do all the situational things in practice, but until they find out what it’s like to make plays under the lights, they just aren’t comfortable. We could have five or more sophomores on the field at one time, but that’s okay. We think it (turnaround) will happen; how long it will take, we don’t know. This group is a lot of fun to coach, and we are excited about what this group potentially can do. We don’t have a big senior class. They (seniors) are tremendous leaders and they know the sophomore class is very talented. We hope we have more luck as the season progresses this year.”
Coach’s comments: “The main thing is that we stayed together last year. We faced many challenges, but we kept practicing and competing hard. It was not a typical Roncalli season and that left a bitter taste. We are ridiculously younger this year, but we are bigger, faster and more athletic. We have a talented group, but most of our experience and athleticism comes from the younger kids. When you look at our quarterback who started in seven games, he was a freshman. You must get them in games, so they gain experience. You can do all the situational things in practice, but until they find out what it’s like to make plays under the lights, they just aren’t comfortable. We could have five or more sophomores on the field at one time, but that’s okay. We think it (turnaround) will happen; how long it will take, we don’t know. This group is a lot of fun to coach, and we are excited about what this group potentially can do. We don’t have a big senior class. They (seniors) are tremendous leaders and they know the sophomore class is very talented. We hope we have more luck as the season progresses this year.”
Three specialists for Roncalli are, from left, kicker Owen Herndon and receivers Chris Parrett and Tommy Mullin.
Key defenders for Roncalli are, from left, linebacker David Clayton, safety Sammy Baugh, end Jack Wardzala, defensive back Danny Lopez and tackle Will Schoettle.
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