In today’s Friday Fast Break, we continue to preview the area’s football teams for the 2023 season that begins in just five weeks.
Marquette will look to continue to raise the bar as they continue to be one of the top area teams in Class 6. Cory Snyder returns to the sidelines at Westminster as he will attempt to get the Wildcats back to their winning ways. Priory has had a few good years under head coach Jake Parent and the Ravens will once again make some noise in the Metro League.
Marquette Mustangs
- Head Coach: Michael Stewart
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 5 (32-8)
- Conference: Suburban Yellow
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 10-2 (4-1)
- Starters Returning
OFFENSE
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- -RB: Justin Jackson
- ⁃WR: Da’Shaun Anderson
- ⁃WR: Tyree Bonnett
- ⁃C: Carter Stinehagen
- ⁃OG: Joe Williams
- ⁃OG: Donny Fitzmaurice
- ⁃OT: Ryan Mitchell
DEFENSE
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- ⁃LB: Caleb Syfert
- ⁃LB: Nick Miller
- ⁃LB: Nolan Kuchnicki
- ⁃CB: Robert Williams
- ⁃DB: Brian Fitzmaurice
Season Outlook: “On the offensive side of the ball, we will rely heavily on the dynamic running back Justin Jackson, said Stewart. “After his remarkable season last year, we have full confidence in his ability to lead our ground attack. Da’Shaun Anderson and Tyree Bonnett will provide reliable targets as wide receivers, adding depth to our passing game. Our offensive line, featuring Carter Stinehagen, Joe Williams, and Donny Fitzmaurice, and Ryan Mitchell will pave the way for Jackson and provide him with the necessary protection.”
“Defensively, we are fortunate to have a solid group of linebackers. Brian Fitzmaurice, Caleb Syfert, Nick Miller, and Nolan Kuchnicki will work together to apply pressure on opposing offenses and shut down the run game. In the secondary, Robert Williams and Nick Miller will be key players.”
“In addition to our returning starters and key players, we have some emerging talent to keep an eye on. Our promising defensive ends, Donovan Fitzmaurice and Max Scott will utilize their skills and athleticism to disrupt opposing offenses and create havoc.”
Westminster Wildcats
- Head Coach: Cory Snyder
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 5 years, 44-17
- Conference: Metro League
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 1-9, 0-5
- Top Returning Players: Caden Collison (WR), Chris Heard (RB), Joseph Anderson (DE), Case-Edward Miller (DL),
- Players to Watch: see above and add Josh Avery (LB/RB), Xander DeVerger (S), Mason Burnham (OL/DL), TC Collins (OL)
Season Outlook: “The Wildcats look to rebound after a tough 2022 season, stated Synder. “The team has a large, experienced, and close-knit senior class to lead the program this year and will be tested right out of the gate with traditionally strong opponents in the first four weeks. The players have been working hard to prepare for the season and are excited to get back on the field.”
Priory Ravens
- Head Coach: Jake Parent
- Years at School and Coaching Record: 5 34w – 17l at Priory; 120w – 76l overall
- Conference: Metro
- Last Year’s Overall and Conference Record: 7-4 overall; 3-1 conference
- Starters Returning – 6 offense; 5 defense
- Top Returning Players: Drew Flaherty 6’8, 305 lbs OL/DL; Nolan Glaus 6’3, 275 lbs OL/DL; Jack Carr 6’1, 220 LB/OL; Jack Jung 5’10, 165 lbs WR/DB; Grant McGowan 5’9, 160 lbs WR/DB
Season Outlook: “Priory looks towards their big, experienced offense line to anchor the team,” stated Parent. “New QB in Jack Parent, who led team in receptions and interceptions last year as a sophomore, will lead the offense this year. Replacing QB, RB, and top 2 receivers from last season.
Jim Powers has been covering prep sports in the St. Louis area for 15+ years and a part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association Championship Broadcasts for the past 11 years. Powers is also a part of the Fox 2 Verlo Mattress Prep Zone Friday nights at 10:10 during the football and basketball seasons. If you have a prep sports story, please contact Jim at japowers2421@yahoo.com. Follow Jim at @hssportscaravan
