John Carroll Catholic coach Will Mara with from left, Carson McFadden, Jack Chandler, CJ White, and Zach Archer.By Rubin E. Grant
As he enters his fourth season as head coach at his alma mater, John Carroll Catholic’s Will Mara hopes the program can finally put together a winning season.
The Cavaliers had consecutive 5-5 seasons in Mara’s first two seasons but slipped to 3-7 in 2022.
Mara believes the pieces are in place to have a better result this fall. The Cavaliers graduated 10 seniors from last year, but only three or four played significantly.
“There’s a lot of things I like about this group,” Mara said. “At any given time, we could play five or six freshmen, and nine of our 11 juniors started as sophomores. We’ll have 12 returning seniors who have played a lot of football.
“Our seniors are an amazing group of leaders. There’s been a lot of continuity. Since they were freshmen, they’ve seen what has worked and what has not worked.
“I’m not a big math guy, but we probably ran over 1,400 plays last year and if we could change 14 of those plays, we could have won a few more games.”
With that in mind, Mara and his staff have been emphasizing that their players carry out their assignments and play sound, fundamental football. He believes his players are committed to doing just that.
“There’s definitely a fire and hunger from some missed opportunities last year,” Mara said.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the 2023 Cavaliers:
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Senior quarterback Carson McFadden is coming off a successful 2022 season. He had several games in which he rushed and passed for more than 100 yards.
“He’s a very special and talented kid, one the best if not the best I’ve been around,” Mara said. “He’s like a coach on the field. I’m comfortable with letting him call plays.”
Sophomore Garrett Barnes will serve as McFadden’s backup. “He’s grown up a lot,” Mara said. “He’s mostly a pocket passer.”
Running Backs
Senior Mitchell Nutter and junior Koron Wright give the Cavs a solid tandem at running back.
Aubrey Walker, a transfer from Spain Park, also will get his share of carries.
“He’s a very natural instinct guy who ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash in a camp this summer,” Mara said.
Sophomore John Ford also will play some.
“He’s a tough kid,” Mara said.
Receivers
Senior Max Plaia is returning for his third season as a starter. Mara is expecting junior Austin Pfarner to make an impact.
“He’s a big-time player,” Mara said.
Versatile senior Zach Archer will play a key role.
“He played 95 percent of the snaps last year,” Mara said. “He can play slot, H-back or go out wide. Him and Carson are our two most valuable players.”
Sophomore Braden White, the son of former Auburn quarterback Stan White, also is in the mix at receiver.
“He’s kind of a possession guy,” Mara said.
Senior Ryan Redmond will play tight end.
“He had a little bit of a back issue last year, but he’s 6-foot-3 and super strong.”
Seniors C.J. Wyatt and Nic Crawford (6-3, 225 pounds) also will be used at tight end.
“Nic is a big kid who had been playing basketball and decided to come out,” Mara said. “He’s tough as nails.”
Offensive Line
The Cavs have a blend of youth and experience on the offensive line.
Junior Anthony Mokry (6-0, 263 pounds) will start at center, senior Jack Chandler (6-3, 222) returns for his third season as a starter at right tackle, Michael Helton will play right guard, Elzey Gibson will play left tackle.
Sophomores Bo Burke and Charlie Boone and freshman Che Johnson are competing for the starting spot at left guard.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Sophomore Nicholas Gagliano (6-5, 235) will anchor the middle of the defensive line, either at nose guard or tackle. Johnson and Crawford also will play on the interior.
Wyatt, a four-year starter, will play defensive end. Braydon Lowery is another returning starter on the edge. His versatility allows him to play on multiple levels, including dropping back into pass coverage.
Senior Brandon Rashleigh and junior Alex Perrin provide depth. “Alex is smaller (5-7, 160), but he’s quick and tough,” Mara said. “He’s almost like an outside linebacker in the body of a nose guard.”
Linebacker
Rashleigh, Plaia and Plaia’s younger brother Alex, a sophomore who Mara said is super smart, will play inside linebacker.
Sophomore Jacob Dichiara and Wright also will be used at inside linebacker.
Nutter, Lowery and junior Sequoah Hicks will play the “star or nickel back position” as outside linebackers.
Secondary
Senior Hayden Dupre and junior Jaylin Shepherd are returning starters at cornerback. Pfarner and sophomore Jackson Rankin also will play some corner.
Archer, a four-year starter, will play safety. “He’s only 5-9, but he can play any position on the field,” Mara said. “He’s just a football player.”
Walker, McFadden and Ford also will be used at safety in certain situations.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Cavs are looking for a new kicker with the graduation of Heath Jehu, who’s now at the University of Kentucky.
Junior Sebastian Guerrero, a multiple-sport athlete, has a big leg and is expected to fill the void left by Jehu.
Seniors Will Duncan and Charles Farr are also kickers. Perrin is in line to be the punter.
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