By Tyler F. Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield-Catholic Fightin’ Irish football team has a new boss in 2022.
The Irish welcome head coach Wes Page as the man in charge.
Of course, Page is already familiar for the boys in green, as he previously served as the team’s offensive line coach.
Nevertheless, the era is one that is fresh, and Page has his proverbial cleats dug into the ground: looking to establish his own brand of Irish football.
The team went one-and-done at last year’s Class 2, District 3 tournament as it fell to Strafford in overtime, 7-0.
Page said that loss has fueled the fire this summer.
“Traditionally, we have been a pretty successful program,” Page said. “We struggled last year, but these kids coming up have seen an opportunity to lay a foundation.”
The team graduated 10 players off last year’s squad, most notably Liam O’Reilly (25 carries, 188 yards; 35 receptions, 588 yards, and 4 TDs) and and Major Riley (both named to Class 2, District 3 all-district team) and Evan Kilmer (all-conference; 32 rushes, 166 yards, and 1 TD).
Riley finished with 27 tackles (13 assists), 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.
Nine starters are gone, but since 2021 was home to a starting committee, 14 players with starting experience return this fall.
“We dealt with a lot of injuries last year,” Page said. “We have quite a few returning who started at least one game last year.”
Senior Reece White (5’11, 165) and junior Quinn Northrup (5’11, 185) served as signal callers last season.
“Reece started about half the games. He will be a full-time receiver this year,” Page said. “Northrup will be our starting quarterback this year. He has a heck of a lot of arm talent. Some of the best arm talent we have seen at this school in a long time.”
Northrup looks to rid himself of a tough couple years as he missed his entire freshman season with an injury sustained over the summer, before being tossed to the wolves last year, Page said.
Northrup’s first game action came Week 1 vs Lamar last year.
But the trials and tribulations have helped the Northrup grow.
“He was put into a pretty poor position last year,” Page said of his quarterback. “He had to do some growing up pretty quickly. He definitely has made a ton of steps forward this offseason. He has a ton of talent and is going to have a successful year.”
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After a tough 2021 campaign, a culture change has shored up the landscape, Page said.
“They knew coming in this year that changes needed to be made in terms of attitude and things like that and they have really embraced that,” added Page. “[They] are trying to lay a solid foundation moving forward for the future of Catholic football.”
The preseason jamboree is set for Aug. 19 against Ava, Clever, and Hollister.
Page said he will enter the jamboree hoping to get a solid look at the certain players, some under-the-radar players.
Added Page: “We feel like we have some pretty talented younger players. Some of them are going to need to step up at some point in the season. We are just looking for guys on our jamboree night who are going to rough it up. Guys who are willing on take on whoever lines up across from them.”
Last season, the Irish amassed 3,157 yards of total offense en route to a 1-9 record. The lone win of the season came at Mt. Vernon, 14-13, on Oct. 8.
With a new head coach comes a new system, and Page did not offer specifics, but he did say the offense will incorporate more of a balanced attack than years’ past.
Page has taught the students the past five years, so chemistry is one intangible that is not lacking.
“I have a pretty good relationship with most of these kids,” Page said. “In terms of what they can expect, it’s a pretty seamless transition. So far, they have met the expectations.”
The Irish open the 2022 season at home vs Nevada.
