A driven senior class will lead the way for St. Xavier in its quest for the school’s fifth state title. The Bombers made it to the regional finals in 2024 but fell to league rival Moeller. That loss has been a motivating factor this offseason to be even better in 2025.
Division I, Region 4
2024 RECORD: 10-4, 2-1 GCL South
COACH: Steve Specht (186-77 at St. Xavier, 21 years; 186-77 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Kobe Clapper, Sr, LB – Arguably the best defensive players in the state. Clapper flows effortlessly through the back seven of the defense enabling him to track down foes. That versatility allows him to play safety or linebacker equally well. The Notre Dame commit was named OPSMA Division I First Team All-Ohio (DB), GCL South Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-TSF (DB) and TSF Cincy Defensive Player of the Year Finalist after tallying 105 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for losses, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups as a junior. He also had his first touchdown reception against Centerville, his only catch as a Bomber. Clapper has 195 tackles, 7.0 sacks, 16.0 tackles for losses, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and an interception in his career.
Jake Britt, Sr, RB – One of the most unheralded players in Region 4. Britt was named OPSMA Division I Honorable Mention All-Southwest District as a junior. He has run for 1,145 yards, caught 56 passes for 571 yards, racked up 1,877 all-purpose yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his career (six rush, four rec) in his career.
Daniel Vollmer, Sr, ATH – A gifted athlete who will line up all over the field on offense and play some defense this fall as well. Vollmer earned OPSMA Division I Third Team All-Ohio (RB) and Third Team All-TSF (RB) honors last season after amassing 1,426 all purpose yards, running for 834 yards, catching 18 balls for 211 yards and finding the end zone 19 times (13 rush, five rec, one KR). For his career, Vollmer has 2,543 all-purpose yards, 1,599 yards rushing, 24 receptions for 234 yards, 710 kickoff return yards and 24 total touchdowns (17 rush, five rec, one pass, one KR). Vollmer has committed to Vanderbilt where he will move to linebacker.
Grant Hester, Sr, OT – The anchor and leader of the offensive line. 6-foot-3, 285-pound Hester was named First Team All-GCL South as a junior. He has offers from Mercyhurst and Ohio Dominican.
William Sweeney, Sr, OL – A returning starter on an o-line that paved the way for a Bombers offense that grinded out 284.4 yards of total offense per game in 2024. He was named Second Team All-GCL South as a junior.
Brayden Reilly, Sr, DB – A tall, rangy defensive back at 6-foot-3 and 205-pounds who has amazing closing skills. As a junior, Reilly was in on 74 tackles, had 4.0 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, eight pass breakups and two interceptions. Those efforts earned him OPSMA Division I Honorable Mention All-Ohio and Third Team All-TSF accolades. He has recorded 112 tackles, 74 tackles,6.5 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 13 pass breakups and six interceptions. Reilly has committed to Northwestern where he will move to linebacker.
Josh Fasbender, Jr, DL – A rising star who plays with a high motor. Fasbender was in on 27 tackles, had 3.0 sacks and 8.0 tackles as a sophomore earning Second Team. He has offers from Eastern Michigan, Liberty and Toledo.
Aden Reeder, Sr, LB – Turned heads in his first year as a starter with his ability to disrupt opposing backfields. Reeder recorded 74 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 13.5 tackles for losses, a forced fumble and three pass breakups on his way to First Team All-GCL South honors in 2024. He has committed to Wisconsin
OTHER RETURNEES
Cam Taylor, Sr, WR – All signs point to this being a breakout year for Taylor. He has 40 receptions for 522 yards and six touchdowns in his career. Those numbers are all attainable this season alone.
Cam Carter, Sr, OL – A returning starter who has all-district potential. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Carter has offers from Ohio Dominican and Thomas More.
Jax Hendon, Sr, DB – A returning starter in the secondary who was rock solid in his varsity debut as a junior. He has 34 tackles, 4.5 tackles for losses, one forced fumble, two pass breakups and an interception. Hendon has picked up offers from Butler and Thomas More.
Conor Bareswilt, Sr, LB – Found himself in the rotation at linebacker a year ago and will look to slide into a starting spot this fall. He had 29 tackles, a sack, 3.0 tackles for losses, three pass breakups and interception as a junior.
Owen Davidson, Jr, K – Had an excellent sophomore campaign connecting on 35/37 extra points and 8/9 field goals attempts for (long of 38-yards) 59 points.
Nick Brady, Sr, LS – An integral part of the special teams, Brady is one of the best long snappers in the state.
NEWCOMERS
Aidan Newdigate, Jr, QB – A transfer from Springboro, Newdigate will compete for the starting job along with George and Frey. He threw for 70 yards, ran for 48 yards and had a reception for 27 yards last fall for the Panthers.
Thomas George, Jr, QB – Will battle for the job under center. George saw action in four games as a sophomore and threw his first two varsity touchdowns versus Life Christian Academy (VA).
Jackson Frey, Sr, QB – A transfer and son of former Bombers and Ohio State quarterback Greg Frey. Jackson only played in three games at Bexley last season but threw for 2,356 yards, ran for 551 with 20 touchdowns passes and 10 rushing scores for the Lions as a sophomore.
Spencer Stegbauer, Sr, RB – Will be in the backfield rotation. Stegbauer has carried the ball in six games over the past two seasons gaining 135 yards, with a rushing touchdown and two receptions for another 43 yards.
Griffin Lyons, So, LB – Earned a letter as a freshman playing on special teams. Lyons will compete for a starting role at linebacker.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(31 appearances, 59-27 overall) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 (State Champion), 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 (State Champion), 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 (Regional Champion), 2010, 2009, 2007 (State Champion), 2006, 2005 (State Champion), 2004, 2002, 2001 (State Runner-up), 2000, 1999, 1998 (State Runner-up), 1997, 1994, 1993, 1992 (State Runner-up), 1987, 1981. 16 straight playoff appearances for the Bombers.
2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – LAKOTA WEST (11-2 IN 2024) at La Salle (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – CENTERVILLE (11-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – at Cathedral (IN) (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – WESTERVILLE NORTH (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – At Moeller (14-2) – 7:00 PM*
Fri – 09/26/25 – ELDER (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – TRINTY (KY)(13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – LA SALLE (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at St. Ignatius (1-10) – 6:00 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (VA) (2-8) – 7:00 PM
*At West Clermont High School
