When Chris Myers took over the football program at John Paul II, he knew he had a challenging rebuilding project ahead of him. Entering his third season at the helm, the Golden Warriors have built a solid foundation and are ready to start building up.
After a winless campaign in Myers’ debut season at JPII, the Golden Warriors went 3-6 a year ago and were competitive in nearly every game before capping the season with a thrilling 33-32 win at Beaufort Academy.
Numbers are up at the SCISA 2A school — Myers plans to dress 27 for Friday’s matinee opener at Hilton Head Prep — and the roster includes only four seniors, so JPII appears poised to continue its upward trend.
While the Golden Warriors have to replace a handful of key players, including star quarterback Jeremiah Young, defensive stalwart Austin McIntosh, and two-way standout Malone Kinard-Huisinger, their youth over the past two seasons has resulted in improved depth and a wealth of players who know the system, even if they haven’t yet been asked to perform on Friday nights.
“The fun part about them being young is every day is better than the one before,” Myers said.
Sophomore Christian Tilton takes over at quarterback after backing up Young last season, and speedster Jackson Ogden will start in the backfield and is a capable backup under center if needed. Junior Tony Hill gives JPII another back with the ability to break big plays, and converted offensive lineman Peter Hughes has emerged as an effective fullback.
Middle linebacker Michael Carbone will anchor the defense with Hill delivering big hits from outside linebacker and Noah Snyder serving as the primary run-stopper. Senior Mark Knight is a big-play machine at wingback and in the secondary, and as long as he stays healthy he will be one of the best athletes on the field every week.
Whether this is the year the Golden Warriors put it all together and contend for a region title is yet to be seen, but it’s shaping up to be Myers’ best season at JPII thus far, and the future looks even brighter.
JOHN PAUL II GOLDEN WARRIORS FOOTBALL
Coach: Chris Myers
Record at JPII: 3-16 (3rd season)
2020 record: 3-6 overall, 2-3 region
Top returners: WR/DB Mark Knight, RB/LB Michael Carbone, QB/RB/DB Jackson Ogden, RB/LB/DB Tony Hill, FB/LB Peter Hughes
Notable losses: QB/DB Jeremiah Young, FB/LB Austin McIntosh, WR/DB Malone Kinard-Huisinger
Breakout candidates: FB/LB Peter Hughes, RB/LB/DB Tony Hill, OL/DL Sebastian Slusne
BURNING QUESTION
Can the defense get enough stops?
With an experienced offensive line returning and plenty of talented athletes running the flex option, JPII should be able to move the ball, chew up clock, and score points. But the Golden Warriors allowed 29 points or more six times in nine games a year ago, and it’s asking a lot of a run-heavy option offense to put up 30+ on a consistent basis. JPII has big holes to fill on that side of the ball and will need some of the younger players to step up in key spots to get the offense back on the field quickly for the Golden Warriors to contend in the region.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tony Hill, RB: He might not even start on offense, but you can bet No. 12 will appear in every opponent’s scouting report. Entering his junior year, Hill has emerged as a potential haymaker in a 1-2 punch with Jackson Ogden, which should allow both to keep their legs fresh as a game — and the season — wears on. Hill had four touches for more than 50 yards in a jamboree with Edisto High School, and he’s going to get plenty of chances to show what he can do in the regular season.
Michael Carbone, LB: Here’s all you need to know about Carbone — he will travel with two jerseys. The ultimate utility player, the senior will pack No. 21 and No. 72, because although he is slated to anchor the defense at middle linebacker and line up at running back on offense, he’s perfectly capable of being one of JPII’s best linemen. As Myers says, when you can play every position on the field, you have to have a lineman’s number, just in case.
REGION AND BEYOND
It’s a stretch to expect the Golden Warriors to finish in the top two spots in a region that includes defending SCISA 2A state champion Hilton Head Christian Academy and a strong Orangeburg Prep team — those teams beat JPII by a combined 96-35 score last season — but it isn’t out of the question. HHCA has massive holes to fill, and JPII gets OP next week. If the Golden Warriors can get out of the gate strong and use their non-region schedule to keep improving and fine-tuning, it could be an interesting October.
SCHEDULE
8/20 — at Hilton Head Prep
8/27 — at Orangeburg Prep*
9/3 — vs. St. Andrew’s
9/10 — vs. Bethesda Academy
9/17 — vs. Memorial Day
9/23 — at Pinewood Prep
10/1 — at Thomas Heyward
10/8 — vs. Northwood Academy*
10/14 — vs. Hilton Head Christian Academy*
10/22 — vs. Hilton Head Prep*
10/29 — at Beaufort Academy*
By Justin Jarrett