2024 Snapshot: McNicholas

The cards may be stacked against them but If you are looking for a dark horse team to win a regional championship keep one eye on McNicholas. The Rockets will be challenged from the get-go with the move up to Division III, Region 12, having to replacing 11 of their 22 starters as well as running the gauntlet of a grueling schedule. As daunting as that all sounds, come November, we believe McNick will be a legitimate contender to capture a regional crown, the first for the program  since 2010.

McNicholas returns five starters on offense and six on defense. Those who are back are very accomplished and polished players. “We have experience and better depth at key positions, but we have to replace a nucleus of seniors that graduated,” head coach Mike Orlando says.

The jump up to Division III, Region 12 from a loaded and deep Division IV, Region 16 that features Alter, Wyoming, Clinton-Massie, Indian Hill, New Richmond and Valley View (who has won the last two Division V, Region 20 championships) may not be a bad thing for the Rockets. Region 12 sees four of its top seven seeds from the 2023 playoffs, all get bumped up to Division II, Region 8 – Badin, Trotwood-Madison, Mount Healthy and Butler. McNick will have a far better chance of winning the title in Region 12 than they would have had in Region 16.

Last season McNicholas lost six contests to teams that were a combined 69-14 (.821 winning %). Three of those defeats were by one, three and three points. With a schedule that includes seven schools that finished last season above .500 the Rockets are going to be more than battle-test when the postseason starts. They will have seen it all. McNick couldn’t ask for more opportunities to seize. This could be a special campaign.

Division III, Region 12
2023 RECORD: 6-6, 3-2 GCL Co-ed
COACH: Mike Orlando (76-65 at McNicholas, 13 years; 76-65 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Braden Bobo, Sr, QB – A model of consistency and the fuel that powers the Rockets offense. Bobo was named OPSWA Division IV Third Team All-Ohio after throwing for 2,240 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also ran for 439 yards and four scores. Bobo has amassed 5,099 yards of total offense (4,391 pass, 709 rush) and accounted for 60 touchdowns (52 pass, eight rush) in his career.

Bo Tobin, Sr, DL – A fierce competitor and key component on the Rockets d-line. Tobin tallied 50 total tackles, had four-and-a-half sacks and an interception on his way to OPSWA Division IV Honorable Mention All-Ohio accolades as a junior.

McNicholas LB Blaize Voelker (7) & DL Bo Tobin (85) (photo from: rogerbaconathletics.org)

Blaize Volker, Sr, LB – A Second Team All-GCL Co-ed performer as a junior, Volker is back for his third year as a starter. He has 137 total tackles and two sacks in his career.

Nate Colyer, Sr, WR/DB – One the top pickpockets in Southwest Ohio. Colyer was named First Team All-GCL Co-ed after snaring five interceptions and registering 51 total tackles in 2023. He has nine interceptions in a Rockets uniform.

Jack Mayer, Sr, LB – Teams with Volker to make a formidable linebacking core. An Honorable Mention All-GCL Co-ed selection as a junior Mayer has 106 total tackles, two sacks and four pass breakups at the varsity level.

McNicholas LB Jack Mayer (photo from: rogerbaconathletics.org)

OTHER RETURNEES
Rollie Gabriel, Sr, K – Back for his fourth year to handle kicking duties, Gabriel has been a model of consistency on special teams. He has connected on 131/138 extra points and 10/17 field goals for 161 points in his career.

Brady Gardner, Sr, DT – A healthy Gardner will provide a boost to the defensive line.

Brandon Sizemore, Sr, OL – The anchor and senior leader of the offensive line. The young Rockets linemen will look to Sizemore for Friday night guidance.

A.J. Gundler, Sr, WR/DB – A two-way starter, all signs point to a big senior season on offense for Gundler. Last fall, he had 13 receptions, 246 yards receiving, three touchdown catches, 16 total tackles and two interceptions.

Caleb Naumann, Jr, RB – One of the TriState Football Breakout Performers For 2024

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(15 appearances, 16-15) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 (Regional Champion), 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1985, 1984 (State Runner-up)

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Steubenville (13-2 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – WHEELERSBURG (9-4)  – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – KIPP COLUMBUS (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Roger Bacon (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – PURCELL MARIAN (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Chaminade Julienne (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – ALTER (12-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – BISHOP FENWICK (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – at Carroll (2-8) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – BADIN (13-1) – 7:00 PM

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