Pope John Paul the Great football preview

To say that the Wolves of Pope John Paul the Great are on a mission during their first varsity season would not be a reach, according to head coach Carl Patton.
In fact, Patton says it is his hope and that of his assistant coaches that the team fulfills the school’s mission to educate and uplift the entire person throughout the season.
Having gone 6-1 during a junior varsity schedule last season, the Wolves “know how to win,” Patton said.
“The kids are excited and working very hard,” Patton said. “We had a good year last year and they learned what they needed to, which was to focus on doing everything in an efficient way and with precision. We work on fundamentals every day and the kids know they need to do the fundamentals right (in order to win). They understand we are not that big of a school, so we have to work harder and do things the right way if we want to win.”
Patton said the players know playing a varsity schedule will be much different and they are committed to doing what they have to in order to make the adjustment. The second-year school has no seniors this year.
“We have done several 7-on-7 drills with other teams this summer and so the kids know that the speed is a lot different on the varsity level,” Patton said. “I think we will have a good season if the kids stay true to the school’s mission and focus on doing things the right way. Part of what we want them to do (as coaches) is treat each other right and develop their entire person.”
Although he said he is not sure what the percentage of running or passing plays will be on offense, Patton said he is confident the team has good athletes who will do things the right way.”
“We have some weapons,” Patton said. “We have two good quarterbacks (Matthew Deakins and Marlin Parker) who can do some things. We have a few guys who can run. The main thing I know is the guys will work hard and play with the intensity the game deserves.”
Patton gave a nod to his assistant coaches, who he says will play a key role in teaching as the team transitions to varsity play.
“Our coaching staff understands good pedagogy and how to have kids focus on daily goals,” Patton said. “Our practices are definitely guided, with each person knowing what to do and making sure we do it until it is done right. What I hope to see is everyone working to do things right. It’ll take a little time to develop, but we always want things done with the mission in mind.”
Defensively, junior linebackers Aidan McNulty and Thomas Ciskanik and sophomore safety Brian Strickland, all of whom are back from last year, will anchor the defense.
“They all have good range and are good tacklers,” Patton said.