2016 Snapshot: McNicholas

Heartbreaking losses were the story for McNicholas in 2015. The Rockets lost five games by a total of 35 combined points. Three games by one, two and three points. A pair of those were to teams that finished the regular season at 9-1. A win in either of those contest would have put McNick in playoff contention.

McNicholas Head Coach Mike Orlando (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

With 13 starters having graduated from that team head coach Mike Orlando has many voids to fill. “We are inexperienced across the board. We lost a very talented group to graduation but it will create a lot of opportunities for this year’s squad. It’s too early to tell who those players might be. It should be a very competitive summer,” Orlando says.

There is still some high octane fuel left in the Rockets tank. The passing game has the potential to be something special with a quarterback that threw for over 2,000 yards and his top two receivers returning. Special teams will play a large role in McNick’ success. The kickers are top shelf.

The Rockets newcomers to “Friday night lights” or as they say at Penn Station Stadium “Matinee Saturday” will need to show discipline, be composed and stay within themselves early in the season. If they let the veterans take charge the rewards will be reaped during the back half of the schedule.

Division III, Region 12
2015 RECORD: 5-5, 4-3 GCL Co-eds
COACH: Mike Orlando (33-22 @ McNicholas, five years, 33-22 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Cole Carmosino, Sr, WR/K – One of the premier place kickers in the entire state Carmosino also broke out as a receiver in ’15. He caught 25 passes for 461 yards, with six receiving touchdowns, went 23-26 on extra points, connected on 12-14 field goals and tallied 95 total points (37.2% of the teams total). Carmosino garnered First Team All-GCL Central recognition as a kicker and receiver last fall.

McNicholas QB Cam Haynes (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Cam Haynes, Sr, QB – In his first year as a starter Haynes threw for 2,059 yards and 13 touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-GCL Central acclaim for his work.

Zach Woodke, Sr, DB – Woodke slid into a starting secondary spot as a sophomore and did not disappoint. He registered 35 total tackles and had three interceptions to earn Second Team All-GCL Central accolades.

Cole Burdick, Jr, WR – Burdick led the Rockets with 45 receptions and 496 receiving yard. He was named Second Team All-GCL Central after his varsity debut as a sophomore. Burdick also had two interceptions and handled the punting duties.

OTHER RETURNEES
Cameron Voelker, Sr, DB – An all-league caliber defensive back, Voelker has 77 career tackles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions including a 68-yard pick six last September versus Carroll.

Sean Kapp, Sr, OL – The 6-foot-4, 235 pound Kapp is a returning starter and the leader of the offensive line.

Alex Wehmeyer, Sr, TE/DE – An asset on both sides of the ball, Wehmeyer was in on 38 tackles with two sacks in ’15.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(10 appearances, 9-10) – 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 (Regional Champion), 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1985, 1984 (State Runner-up)

McNicholas WR/K Cole Carmosino (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

2016 SCHEDULE
Brutal is the best way to describe the Rockets schedule. They open up with non-conference local rivals Turpin and Anderson. They will get Wyoming in Week 3 in what has become a very entertaining crosstown match up. In CGL Co-eds play McNick will host four games against Roger Bacon, Purcell Marian, Fenwick and Alter. Going 3-1 in those affairs and 2-1 in conference play on the road will be enough to get the Rockets into the playoff picture.

THE ROCKETS WINNING WAYS
McNicholas has had four consecutive winning seasons in GCL Co-eds play. The Rockets are a combined 21-7 over their league rivals in that span. Four of those losses have been to Alter.

THAT KICKING CARMOSINO
Cole Carmosino has connected on 27 career field goals for McNicholas. He is 14 field goals away from the Ohio state record. Former St. Xavier great Danny Milligan holds the current record with 40 career field goals. Third place is held by Carey Spear of Mayfield who had 35 field goals.

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