The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Lake Catholic >>
Just the facts
Conference: Crown
Coach: Marty Gibbons, third year (12-9) OHSAA: Division IV, Region 13
2020: 8-3
Twitter: @LCCougarFB
Home field: Jerome T. Osborne Sr. Stadium
Outlook
High levels of excitement and motivation permeate the program after last season’s somewhat surprise run to the Division IV state title game. Although quite a few outstanding seniors graduated, Lake Catholic is set to return five starters on offense and five on defense. Gibbons likes the way this year’s squad works together. Senior Jaxon French, a transfer from St. Ignatius, will take over at QB, succeeding longtime stalwart Joe Malchesky, who is now at Akron. Gibbons describes French as a talented player with a nice arm who is picking things up quickly. The Cougars will compete in the revived Crown Conference this season after playing as an independent last year, along with familiar foes NDCL, Padua,
VASJ and Walsh Jesuit.
The run to the state final has already paid dividends:
The Cougars welcomed 28 freshmen this year.
Player to watch
Senior Tyler Seacrist (5foot-8, 150 pounds) is a returning starter at RB and DB who played a lot on both sides of the ball last season and will be relied upon as a key player this season. Gibbons calls him “an explosive player” and “a great athlete.”
Underclassman to watch:
Nick Pisano, a 5-11, 250-pound junior G-DT, is the epitome of a solid all-around player. Having demonstrated strong leadership skills, Pisano is the type of hard-nosed player who never wants to come off the field.
Bottom line
IF: The inexperienced Cougars grow up in a hurry and young players step in; THEN: the
Cougars are going to progress rapidly and be a tough out come the postseason.
— Jay Kron