TOLEDO, Ohio — The St. John's Jesuit Titans are coming off their first season in the Detroit Catholic High School League, but being in the same division as schools like Central Catholic and Detroit's De La Salle, it certainly wasn't easy.
"It took us by storm. We didn't know what was coming," said senior Aaron Lovett.
SJJ went 4-4 in conference play, including a 40-23 win over St. Francis and a 35-7 loss to Central Catholic.
"Last year I think was a learning experience for us. Different caliber of teams than what we're used to," said senior lineman Caleb Bowman.
The Titans began their conference season 3-1, but ended it on a 1-3 skid, their only win being a Week 10, 48-8 victory over Detroit Central.
"It's a good league. We're happy to be a part of it," said eight-year head coach Larry McDaniel. "I think this year, we'll be a little bit better prepared going into it, knowing the level competition we have up there."
Things won't be easy for the defensive side this season. SJJ is losing 10 out of 11 starters from last year's defense. McDaniel says their development will be super important this season.
"It's always going to be tough, but our kids are resilient," said McDaniel. "They've practiced well all summer. They understand they haven't played a ton, but that makes them more hungry. They're excited. We're excited for them to get this opportunity to play."
Lovett, who is prepared to see more playing time on the defensive side this year, agrees.
"It's a lot, but I feel like we can do it. We're well conditioned," said Lovett.
Meanwhile on the offensive side, the Titans have two guys with quarterback experience: juniors Carson Pawlowicz and Coy Hamic. McDaniel says fans can expect to see both guys out on the field.
"We're gonna play both guys all year," said McDaniel. "It's one of those things that people might think is a curse. But it's a blessing: the fact that we have two guys who have played a lot of football. We're going to give them both their opportunities to go out there and play."
St. John's overview:
2023 Record: 4-7 (Made playoffs)
Head Coach: Larry McDaniel (8th year)
Top Returning Players:
Kayden Grzymkowski, Senior OL (All CHSL)
Caleb Bowman, Senior OL/DL (All CHSL)
2024 Schedule:
WEEK 1 8/23 @ Wapakoneta
WEEK 2 8/30 vs. Anthony Wayne
WEEK 3 9/6 @ St. Mary (MI)*
WEEK 4 9/13 vs. River Rouge (MI)
WEEK 5 9/20 vs. St. Francis*
WEEK 6 9/27 @ Brother Rice (MI)*
WEEK 7 10/4 @ Central Catholic*
WEEK 8 10/11 vs. Catholic Central (MI)*
WEEK 9 10/18 vs. De La Salle (MI)*
WEEK 10 10/25 @ U of D Jesuit (MI)
*Denotes Catholic High School League game
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