I think so, based on the way Pfaff and Lenehan played this year, especially late. 7 starters on offense returning and 6 kids who started at least 1 game on defense this season:
QB: Pfaff
RB: Lenehan
OL: Montgomery, Ryland, Keane, Witalis
WR: Bodamer
DL: Wasinski, Chalhoub
LB: Berger, Aerni (Palinski also mixed in this year)
DB: Taliak, Lair (Webster mixed in at CB)
I would agree there’s the opportunity to be a title contender next season (2021) due to the combination of some good players and a lot of experience returning (more than typical) from the current junior class + some good players from the sophomore/JV team. The record from this season’s freshman team speaks for itself and we’ll have to see if there will be a couple of kids that could be a stand-out, but it’d be beyond next season.
In addition to the ones you mention, there are several others who gained some experience via playing time this season and are expected to be contributors:
Current juniors:
RB: Waldron
TE: Ward (played in the 2 tight end sets)
WR: Tompkins
Current sophomores to note (besides Palinski at LB and Webster at DB):
DL: Robinson and Gibbons
DB: Favazzo - split time as a starter between DB and RB on the JVs. Considering that Lenehan and Waldron would be ahead of him on the RB depth chart, perhaps he could start as a DB.
Lenehan demonstrated he is a playmaker. The Cats need someone to stand out at WR.
If Pfaff continues as the #1 QB, then the coaches need to identify where Jaxon French can play as a starter. He has size, skills and ability that should not be sitting on the bench. Likewise, if French regains the #1 QB spot, can Pfaff play WR?
Nothing add to the debate on offensive play calling. However, there does need to be some thought about how to better defend the offenses that St X and Medina present. Ignatius (and Ed’s) struggled against such offenses and those are 2 teams that are title contenders next year.
For next season, there’s the typical St. Ed’s and Mentor challenges (and in 2 years, the current Ed’s freshmen will be making their mark). St X and Medina bring back a lot of starters and experience, along with D1 college QBs that sets them apart. Pick Central is the central Ohio team that reloads every year with D1 & D2 college talent.
I see the window being primarily next season and next season will be challenging.