Fitzpatrick’s Eagles set fall flight plan
St. Thomas full of confidence after spring practices conclude
St. Thomas’ biggest opponent during spring football practice was the constant rain. Otherwise, things went pretty well for the Eagles.
“The weather was an issue at times, but we got through it,” said St. Thomas head coach Tim Fitzpatrick. “We had a lot of good teachable moments and nobody got hurt. What’s there to complain about?”
Fitzpatrick has little reason for complaint. St. Thomas graduates only six starters off a 10-2 squad. The Eagles have enough talent and experience to contend for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Division I state title in the fall.
But Fitzpatrick acknowledged there are a few holes, most notably on the offensive line. St. Thomas must replace several veterans, most notably Campbell Clarkson (Air Force Academy).
“We’re still trying to find the right combination up front, but we made some progress this spring,” Fitzpatrick said.
It helped when Charlie Vatterott, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior, moved to the right tackle spot after starring on the defensive line a year ago.
Joining Vatterott are junior Nate McKinney (510, 290) and senior Parker Pallazzesi (6-0, 260) at left and right guard, respectively. Sophomore Max Banes (6-4, 290) emerged at left tackle this spring,
while senior Cole Anderson (6-0, 250) is the leading candidate at the center position.
“Our size certainly helps us set the edge,” Fitzpatrick said. “This is one of the largest offensive lines we’ve had at St. Thomas in a while.”
The Eagles are loaded at the skill positions, giving the coaching staff plenty of options.
Senior Michael Keating is back at quarterback and, according to Fitzpatrick, better than ever.
“Michael has gotten bigger, stronger and faster,” Fitzpatrick said. “He’s hard to tackle because he’s a big guy and moves so well.”
St. Thomas’ depth at running back was on display during spring ball, with seniors Mark Davis, Rowdy Hinckley and William Heck splitting time.
“Mark is a shifty runner and Rowdy scored on a 70-yard run in our spring game,” Fitzpatrick said. “William started the season well last year, but missed several games because of a high ankle sprain. We’re glad to see him healthy again.”
But one of St. Thomas’ most dangerous players missed a few snaps this spring. Senior wide receiver Landon Malouf (61, 185) competed in track and field for the Eagles, setting a TAPPS Class 5A state record while winning the 110-meter hurdles and claiming state titles in the 300 hurdles and high jump.
“Landon is in incredible athletic specimen,” Fitzpatrick said. “We need to get him the ball.”
Also in the mix is senior Drew Guidroz (6-4, 190), a hybrid tight end/ wide receiver. Fitzpatrick also noted that St. Thomas will add junior Jhamon Ausbon (6-3, 190), a transfer from Episcopal. That could give the Eagles one of the finest receiving corps in the state.
Defensively, Fitzpatrick was pleased his squad’s effort this spring.
The defensive line could be outstanding, with senior Lorenzo Neal (6-2, 325) at defensive tackle and senior Robert Gonzales (5-10, 270) at nose guard.
The defensive ends include junior Sam Yeboah, who moved from offensive guard, and sophomore Melvin Larkins.
Senior Pete Huggins anchors the defensive at middle linebacker. Fitzpatrick likes Huggins’ leadership and versatility.
“Pete is the one who gets everyone lined up properly,” Fitzpatrick said. “He also is good enough to play the run or pass.”
The secondary is impressive, even with senior David Jones playing a new position. Jones shifts to cornerback along with senior Peyton Ross, while juniors Grant Delpit and Dawson Hawkins are the safeties.
St. Thomas has a busy summer ahead, with morning workouts and 7-on-7. But it won’t be that long before fall practice and the season opener at Kinkaid at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, and the Eagles’ hotly anticipated showdown against rival Strake Jesuit at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at NRG Stadium.
“We need our guys to keep up the hard work and show up for practice in the best shape of their lives,” Fitzpatrick said. “We have the potential to be a pretty good team, but it’s up to them.”