DELPHOS – Delphos St. John’s took a big leap last year.
The Blue Jays went from 1-9 in 2015 to 5-5 last season.
With another win or two this year, the Blue Jays realize they can be back in the playoff hunt.
“We went from 1-9 to 5-5 and now can we win those close games where we can go 7-3 or 6-4 and sneak in the playoffs?’’ St. John’s veteran coach Todd Schulte said. “Hopefully, that’s our next step.’’
The Blue Jays return 15 starters, with five on offense and 10 on defense.
Quarterback Jacob Youngpeter and running back Aaron Reindel are both gone.
“If you look on the offensive side of the ball, just about everybody who had an offensive stat has graduated,” Schulte said. “You have to look to replace those guys who did a lot on Friday nights for us. Fortunately for us, we have some key guys coming back up front who spent a lot of time in there.
“Defensively, we have eight, nine, (10) guys back who rotated in there. Obviously, the strength is there on the defensive side.’’
Of the five back on offense, three are on the offensive line in tackle Brandon Wrasman (6-3, 280), guard Derek Lindeman (5-11, 225) and guard Devin Cairo (6-0, 215).
Also back on offense are wide receiver Connor Hulihan and fullback/running back Cole Reindel.
Youngpeter threw for 1,480 yards and 12 TDs last year. He also ran for 393 yards and two TDs. He signed to pitch at the University of Toledo.
Two battled it out for quarterback in the preseason in senior Troy Elwer, the backup quarterback last year, and junior Jared Wurst.
The offense will have a one and two-back looks, with plenty of St. John’s power and option plays.
“Our quarterbacks are still going to run the option,” Schulte said. “That’s still a large part of our run package.’’
Aaron Reindel battled an ankle injury last year, but still ran for 918 yards and 19 TDs.
Taking over at running back will be Cole Reindel, Issac Musser and Troy Schwinnen. Reindel was moved from fullback to halfback a year ago when Reindel was less than 100 percent.
“I’d like to think we have three guys we can throw in there (at running back) and we feel pretty comfortable with,” Schulte said.
Also gone is tight end/defensive end Timothy Kreeger (28 receptions, 483 yards, 3 TDs). Taking over at tight end will be Lucas Metcalfe and Dominic Metzger.
Eric Vogt (33 receptions, 560 yards, 5 TDs) has graduated and Hulihan (5 receptions, 78 yards) will be expected to be the No. 1 receiver.
Also in the receiving group will be Curtis Schwinnen and Colin Will.
“I think the key for us (on offense) is up front,” Schulte said. “I think that’s a good place for us to start, if we can create some holes and protect our quarterback while those guys (the running back and quarterback) are getting their feet wet.’’
On the defensive side, coach Steve Recker will continue to run the 4-3.
Returning starters include Lindeman at end and junior Hunter Bonifas at tackle and Austin Adams at tackle.
The linebacking corps of Musser, Schwinnen and middle linebacker Cairo are all back. Cole Reindel also saw time at linebacker last year.
Schwinnen led the team with 90 tackles last year, while Musser was second with 78.
The secondary will be a veteran group with returning cornerbacks Will and Matthew Miller, along with free safety Elwer and safety James Garrett.
“That’s our strength (on defense) and early in the season, I’m comfortable with that,” Schulte said. “We want the offense to keep us in the game and don’t turn over the ball and we want the defense to wear them down. … We’ll rely on them until we find our niche (on offense).’’
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