2018 Sacred Heart Prep Football Season Preview

Key newcomers: Ray Price III (So.; QB); Dante Cacchione (Jr.; WR/DB); Ronan Donnelly (Jr., K/CB).

Outlook: It’s been three season since the Gators appeared in the Division 3-A state championship game. Since then, SHP has struggled, posting a pair of losing records — both overall (6-16) and in Bay Division play (3-7).

“We’d like to have a winning season (in 2018),” SHP’s second-year head coach Mark Grieb said. “If we do that, it gives us a good opportunity to make the playoffs.”

The Gators should have a good foundation on which to build with a number of key offensive linemen returning in Jake Davison, Cody Wiebe and Ben Horvath. The bad news is, that trio combined to play in just 15 games in 2017.

The offensive line will have to gel quickly to make life easier for whoever gets the starting nod at quarterback. Tommy Barnds and Jack Moultrup, each threw one pass last year in backing up Brad Yaffe. Both are back this year, along with rising sophomore Raymond Price III. Grieb was not ready to name his starter, but expects whoever is under center to experience some adversity.

“Young quarterbacks make young quarterback mistakes. But you hope to surround your young quarterback with enough good players, so you’re not putting too much pressure on (the quarterback),” Grieb said. “You have five (non-league) games to figure it out (who the starter will be for league play). We haven’t made our final decision yet.”

The bigger impact may be made behind whoever the starting quarterback will be in the form of the SHP running backs. Returning are seniors John Willard and Barnds, along with junior Tevita Moimoi, younger brother of former SHP standout Isoa Moimoi. They were the top three rushers for the Gators in 2017, combining for more than 1,000 yards.

The defense took a bit of hit with graduation, but the linebacking corps should be the strength, with Moimoi and Willard combining for 75 tackles last season. Joey Dalhkemper, who appeared in seven games last season and recorded one sack, will move into the starting defensive end spot.

With a number of key returners, along with some talented first-year players, Grieb is hoping the Gators can take step forward this season.

“It just feels like we have more depth this year,” Grieb said. “I think we have more guys who can contribute.”