Drew Boggs and the Delphos St. John’s Blue Jays are on a mission to get back to the playoffs.
Don Speck | The Lima News
Delphos St. John’s has a list of goals for this season but one stands out above the rest — make the playoffs.
The Blue Jays ended last year with a mark of 4-6 overall (2-6 MAC) and although they couldn’t work their way over the .500 mark, the season had some memorable moments.
It started with a win over Delphos Jefferson and a come-from-behind victory over Lima Central Catholic.
However, the conference schedule for Delphos St. John’s proved to be much more difficult as they suffered shutout losses in back-to-back games against Versailles and Marion Local.
That’s where the Blue Jays want to improve.
Todd Schulte begins his 26th season as head coach and despite losing 10 seniors, his team brings back a host of talent with a strong desire to return to the postseason.
“We want to build on the guys who have past experience,” Schulte said. “Logan Duncan started a few games last year as a freshman and Austin Arnold played a lot of offense. We foresee him (Arnold) doing good things on defense as well this season.”
The Blue Jays had a productive season on the defensive side of the ball starting with TJ Werts, the team’s leading tackler (55 solo, 84 overall). Werts, as a two-way player, also ran for 565 yards and six touchdowns.
Tyler Lindeman is also in line for a solid role on both sides of the ball.
“Tyler is a part of a solid core we have coming back on both sides,” Schulte said.
Drew Boggs should be back under center for the Blue Jays after throwing for 497 yards and seven touchdowns last year in a three-way split for the job with Grant Ulm and Drake Fittro.
On offense, Delphos St. John’s collected 2, 548 total yards with almost an even split between the pass and run (1,213 passing, 1,335 rushing).
The Blue Jays are hoping for an uptick on that side of the ball and a step forward on defense in order for them to compete in the daunting Midwest Athletic Conference.
“I think we play in the best league in the state. Every week is a challenge,” Schulte said. “If we can get through our two non-league games at the start and get into league play with a winning record, that would build a lot of confidence.”
Delphos St. John’s starts its season at home on Aug. 23 against Sidney Lehman. They’ll play LCC in week two before hitting the road for their MAC opener on Sept. 6 against Versailles.
TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Todd Schulte (26th season)
Division: VII
Last year’s record: 4-6, 2-6 MAC
Ticket information: delphosstjohns.org/TicketInformation.aspx
Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Tyler Lindeman (Sr., DB/WR), Austin Shafer (Jr., DB), Connor Gaynier (Sr., DB/WR), Drew Boggs (Sr., DB/QB), Braden Pohlman (Sr., DB/WR), Riley Mueller (Jr., LB), Alex Martz (Sr., LB), TJ Werts (Sr., LB/RB), Logan Duncan (So., OL), Austin Arnold (Jr., OL), Josh Mueller (Sr., DE/OL), Jackson Hoersten (Jr., DL),
Top newcomers: Christian Young (So., DB/QB), Owen Gilles (So., LB/TE) Hank Walpole (Jr., DB/WR), Camden Gable (Jr., LB/OL) Alex Herron (Sr., LB/OL)
2024 schedule
(Kickoffs scheduled for 7 p.m.; subject to change)
8/23 — Lehman Catholic
8/30 — at LCC
9/6 — at Versailles
9/13 — Marion Local
9/20 — at Fort Recovery
9/28 — Anna, 1:30 p.m.
10/4 — Coldwater`
10/11 — at St. Henry
10/18 — at Parkway
10/25 — New Bremen
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See more about 2024 high school football season at LimaOhio.com/tag/hsfootball24.
