Just the facts
Conference: Great Lakes Conference
OHSAA: Division IV, Region 14
Coach: Chase Farris, first year
2022: 10-3 (5-0), GLC runner-up, Division IV Region 14 semifinalist
Twitter: @ECHSAthletics
Home Field: Dan Reaser Stadium
Schedule (subject to change)
Aug. 18: Elyria Catholic at Liberty Benton, 7 p.m.
Aug. 25: Perkins at Elyria Catholic, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1: Elyria Catholic at Midview, 7 p.m.
Sept. 8: Holy Name at Elyria Catholic, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15: Elyria Catholic at Lakewood, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22: Elyria Catholic at Bay, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29: North Olmsted at Elyria Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6: Rocky River at Elyria Catholic, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13: Elyria Catholic at Fairview, 7 p.m.
Oct. 20: Elyria Catholic at Westlake, 7 p.m.
Projected lineup
OFFENSE
QB: Darrell Shumpert Jr., Jr., 5-11, 165
RB: Anthony DeMartinis, Sr., 5-10, 155
WR: Graydon Rollins, Sr., 6-1.5, 210
WR: Teddy Budinger*, Sr., 6-1, 185
WR: Timmy Phillips, Sr., 6-1, 190
LT: Jackson Smith*, Sr., 6-2, 260
LG: Kevin Milchen, Sr., 5-10, 260
C: Justin Vogel, Sr., 5-8, 230
RG: Kyle Fairbanks*, Sr., 6-0, 260
RT: Bryan Kelley, Jr., 6-1, 245
K: Sean O’Donnell, Jr., 5-10
DEFENSE
DE: Jackson Smith, Sr., 6-2, 260
NT: Justin Vogel, Sr., 5-8, 230
DT: Bryan Kelley, Jr., 6-1, 245
DE: Trent Merrill, So., 6-1, 210
LB: Graydon Rollins*, 6-1, 215
LB: Yadi Perez, Jr., 5-11, 190
DB: Brady Engle*, Jr., 6-0, 170
DB: J.J. Metzinger, Sr., 5-5, 140
DB: Alexander Rodriguez, Sr., 5-10, 145
DB: Anthony DeMartinis, Sr., 5-6, 150
DB: Deinye Campbell, Jr., 5-6, 140
P: Sean O’Donnell, Jr., 5-10
*. returning starter; Returning letter winners: 7
Key reserves: Grayson Kramer, Connor Petrus, Amari Lind, Mason Haliburton*
Best in the classroom: J.J. Metzinger, 4.5 GPA
Best bench press: Bryan Kelley, 265 pounds
Best 40 time: Connor Petrus, 4.5 seconds
Best squat: Jackson Smith, 405 pounds
Outlook
The Brotherhood of Ohio State has made its appearance at Elyria Catholic. The Panthers have their work cut out for them, as they have five returning starters. However, Farris has young and hungry players to fill in the spots across the board for the next generation. The offense should have a solid rush-pass blend with athletic receivers. Senior linebacker Graydon Rollins will anchor the defense in the middle.
Player to watch
Offensive tackle Jackson Smith is the only Division IV All-Ohioan selection to return out of nine in 2022. He excels at pass protection and down blocking in Elyria Catholic’s run schemes. Expect Smith to have a major impact in the trenches.
Underclassman to watch: Sports runs deep in Connor Petrus’ family. His uncle Brent is an Elyria Sports Hall of Famer at Elyria Catholic and is a cousin to the Kenneally family. Petrus has great speed that’s utilized at cornerback and wide receiver. He is not afraid to hit his hands dirty in bump-and-run coverage on the narrow side of the field.
Bottom Line
IF: The locker room maintains strong leadership, THEN: Elyria Catholic could potentially be a top-eight seed in the Division IV Region 14 tournament.
