2025 Bishop Watterson Eagles

Looks to me like St Brendan was an all world 8th g
Eagle_Panther said:
Creating a dedicated thread for the defending D3 state champs. Rather than having conversations in random threads I hope this can be a place where all those who are interested can come together for some good Watty football banter.

Congrats to those players from the graduating class of 2025 who recently made their college choices, wishing them nothing but the best.
Zach Weber (St. Brendan)- U of Charleston, Jake Uhlenhake (St. Brendan)- Ashland and Ben Gabrich (St. Brendan)- John Carrol. I believe Tommy Haley (St. Brendan), Cal Mangini (IC), Vance Graney (IC) and Dom Theado (IC) are still considering their options (mainly D3 schools) w/ Dom considering options for basketball as well. I believe CJ Youell (St. Brendan) has decided to hang up his cleats but I'm sure he would have made some college coach happy if he decides (had decided) to continue his career.

While they lose some really special kids they do have a lot of good talent coming back and some players who have been patiently waiting their turn behind this past year's amazing senior class.

OFFENSE (5 returning starters)
QB- Sr. D. Bellisari (IC). Stud.
RB- I would expect there to be a by committee approach as they did for the regular season last year with Sr. J. McCoy (IC), Jr. B. Uhlenhake (St. Brendan) and Jr. C. Mangini (IC) all sharing carries. Weber probably can't be replaced but B. Uhlenhake has a similar profile and potential but is also a special LB.
WR/TE- Losing all 4 starters here so probably the biggest unknown going into the season. However, there are some talented kids here who shined on JV and most other years would have played a lot. Sr. N. Holsinger (IC) probably slots into TE pretty seamlessly. Sr. B. McAnich (IC) probably fills in at the slot but would expect Jr. J. Hayes (Dublin/St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to see some snaps here as well. For the 2 outside receivers, I'd look for Jr. B. Lamielle (St. Brendan) and So. M. Steinbrenner (St. Brigid/St. Brendan) to receive strong consideration. Also wouldn't be surprised to see Jr. C. Bellisari (IC) and Jr. N. Henderson (IC) take some reps but I know Watty prefers to limit 2 way starters and those 2 are returning starters in the secondary. Henderson may also end up taking reps as the backup QB.
OL- 3 of 5 starters returning including both Ts who are garnering D1 offers. Sr. P. Egilitis (IC) is up to like 13 D1 offers including a few power 4 programs. Jr. D. Seaman (IC) has received a few MAC offers. Sr. B. Strausbaugh (Hilliard, all older siblings attended Watterson) returns on the interior. I would expect the last 2 spots to be filled from the following group: Jr. M. Theado (IC), Jr. C. McVey (St. Brendan), Jr. P. Melliere (IC?), Sr. C. Harey (St. Brendan), Sr. R. Alvis (N. Bishops?) Regardless of who fills the last 2 spots the line will have 3 strong anchors with the returning starters, great size and will receive maybe the best coaching in the state at their position.

DEFENSE (7 returning starters)
DL- returns 3 of 4 starters. Jr. M. Boyle (St. Brendan) is a dude at DT. Sr. D. Wickham (N. Bishops) and Sr. B. McVey (St. Brendan) return to platoon the 2nd DT spot. Jr. J. Schueller (IC) returns after platooning his Fr. year and holding down 1 DE spot this past season. For the other DE spot I would keep an eye on Jr. Jonah Gruver (IC) or R. Alvis.
LB- Weber and Gabrich will be hard to replace on the outside but having leading tackler B. Uhlenhake back in the middle is huge. Jr. R. Purcell (St. Brendan) has the bloodline, work ethic and talent and should slot into one of the open spots (although he could also play SS.) I would expect Jr. K. Jones (IC) to get a good look at the other spot but could also see J. McCoy get some reps on D.
DB- return 3 of 4 starters from a group that pretty much shut things last season. J. Hayes and C. Bellisari return at CBs. N. Henderson will man FS again. Will be a tough competition for the SS spot with R. Purcell being a candidate if he were to move from LB. Jr. J. Ward (St. Brendan) and Jr. A. Rubino (IC) are both fast, physical kids who should get looks at this spot as well. If Hayes and/or Bellisari see time on O I could see B. Lamielle and Jr. T. Zingery (Olentangy, older sibling attend Watterson) helping out at CB.

There are several talented Sophomores who should see time on special teams and may earn rotational minutes but are going to be hard pressed to crack the starting lineup. There are also credible rumors about some transfers joining the program including a potential starting quality LB and DB but if those rumors come to fruition and how the coaching staff manages those kids (knowing they'll sit the second half of the year) remains to be seen.

The senior class is small but talented with P. Egilitis and D. Bellisari both probably getting their college paid for at FBS programs in 2026. The junior class is stacked with several D-1 level athletes in that class- B. Uhlenhake (football/baseball), D. Seaman (football), M. Boyle (football/wrestling), J. Schueller (football), J. Hayes (football/lacrosse), N. Henderson (baseball) and potentially others.

I believe there is still one open date on the schedule. Depending on who they get in the Ironton Grid Iron Classic I would expect another undefeated regular season (although Big Walnut week 1 is going to a be battle) and another deep run in the post season culminating in another trip to Canton. TCC v Watterson III? Regardless, the future is bright for the program. I think when all is said in done the 2023-2026 time period will go down as the greatest in program history and probably one of the most impressive 4 year stretches in Ohio D3 history.
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grade to for a few years
 
watty1991 said:
And I believe that Uhlenhake's and Weber went to St timothy's
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Weber and Uhlenhake went to St. Tim's but St. Tim's students play for St. Brendan football. There are 3 Watterson feeder programs:
1. St. Brendan's which usually consists of St. Brendan's, St. Tim's and St. Agatha's (although St. Agatha's enrollment, especially male enrollment, is tiny.)
2. IC which usually consists of IC, OLP and St. Andrews.
3. Usually St. Brigid has a team that also consists of them and St. Mary's Delaware. It's rare that St. Brigid doesn't have enough boys to field a team but they usually end up with St. Brendan's when that happens.

St. Brendan's is one of the few parishes that are not dictated to go to one high school by the diocese. Their students can choose between Watterson and Ready. The number that go to Ready, especially after they left the CCL, is miniscule.

I know there's been some talk about Ed Niper and the credit he deserves for developing the kids from this past year's team. Ed was a blessing to IC's football program but when it came to collaborating with the other Watterson feeder programs and making sure Watterson was getting as many well developed players as possible, his focus was solely on IC. Completely his right and it worked for him but not sure it's what was best for Watterson. Since he's retired and there's new leadership of the CYO program downtown there's been much greater collaboration between the programs to make sure they're all as strong as they possibly can be.
 
Eagle_Panther said:
Weber and Uhlenhake went to St. Tim's but St. Tim's students play for St. Brendan football. There are 3 Watterson feeder programs:
1. St. Brendan's which usually consists of St. Brendan's, St. Tim's and St. Agatha's (although St. Agatha's enrollment, especially male enrollment, is tiny.)
2. IC which usually consists of IC, OLP and St. Andrews.
3. Usually St. Brigid has a team that also consists of them and St. Mary's Delaware. It's rare that St. Brigid doesn't have enough boys to field a team but they usually end up with St. Brendan's when that happens.

St. Brendan's is one of the few parishes that are not dictated to go to one high school by the diocese. Their students can choose between Watterson and Ready. The number that go to Ready, especially after they left the CCL, is miniscule.

I know there's been some talk about Ed Niper and the credit he deserves for developing the kids from this past year's team. Ed was a blessing to IC's football program but when it came to collaborating with the other Watterson feeder programs and making sure Watterson was getting as many well developed players as possible, his focus was solely on IC. Completely his right and it worked for him but not sure it's what was best for Watterson. Since he's retired and there's new leadership of the CYO program downtown there's been much greater collaboration between the programs to make sure they're all as strong as they possibly can be.
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Good information!
 
D3 Central District : Going into tonights District championship game DeSales and Watterson had played 132 times and their records stood DeSales 66 Wins - Watterson 66 Wins

Desales 51. ( 67-66 )
Watterson 36 ( 66 - 67)

Thats what happens in a rivalry when your FB Team throws for TD when your up 37-7 with 3 seconds left.

Karma and Revenge best served Cold. Sit down Mr Theado

Respect the rivalry always
 
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TCSoup said:
D3 Central District : Going into tonights District championship game DeSales and Watterson had played 132 times and their records stood DeSales 66 Wins - Watterson 66 Wins

Desales 51. ( 67-66 )
Watterson 36 ( 66 - 67)

Thats what happens in a rivalry when your FB Team throws for TD when your up 37-7 with 3 seconds left.

Karma and Revenge best served Cold. Sit down Mr Theado

Respect the rivalry always
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Good for you TC, going after a HS kid
TCSoup said:
D3 Central District : Going into tonights District championship game DeSales and Watterson had played 132 times and their records stood DeSales 66 Wins - Watterson 66 Wins

Desales 51. ( 67-66 )
Watterson 36 ( 66 - 67)

Thats what happens in a rivalry when your FB Team throws for TD when your up 37-7 with 3 seconds left.

Karma and Revenge best served Cold. Sit down Mr Theado

Respect the rivalry always
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Good for you TC, going after a HS kid. He didn’t call the play or make the decision to go for it. I guess desales running up the score in 2017 doesn’t matter.
 
TCSoup said:
D3 Central District : Going into tonights District championship game DeSales and Watterson had played 132 times and their records stood DeSales 66 Wins - Watterson 66 Wins

Desales 51. ( 67-66 )
Watterson 36 ( 66 - 67)

Thats what happens in a rivalry when your FB Team throws for TD when your up 37-7 with 3 seconds left.

Karma and Revenge best served Cold. Sit down Mr Theado

Respect the rivalry always
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Were your sensibilities all bother back in 2017 when DeSales ran the score up on Watterson 41-7?
 
TCSoup said:
D3 Central District : Going into tonights District championship game DeSales and Watterson had played 132 times and their records stood DeSales 66 Wins - Watterson 66 Wins

Desales 51. ( 67-66 )
Watterson 36 ( 66 - 67)

Thats what happens in a rivalry when your FB Team throws for TD when your up 37-7 with 3 seconds left.

Karma and Revenge best served Cold. Sit down Mr Theado

Respect the rivalry always
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You usually have decent takes but this one sucks. DeSales BBall played really well both in both of the last 2 matchups after losing round 1 earlier in the year. Congrats to them but leave Dom alone. Kid gave his heart and soul. I guess he will have to spend more time polishing his state championship football ring.
 
watty1991 said:
You usually have decent takes but this one sucks. DeSales BBall played really well both in both of the last 2 matchups after losing round 1 earlier in the year. Congrats to them but leave Dom alone. Kid gave his heart and soul. I guess he will have to spend more time polishing his state championship football ring.
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Dom can't help it the OC is a little weasel
watty1991 said:
You usually have decent takes but this one sucks. DeSales BBall played really well both in both of the last 2 matchups after losing round 1 earlier in the year. Congrats to them but leave Dom alone. Kid gave his heart and soul. I guess he will have to spend more time polishing his state championship football ring.
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TCSoup said:
D3 Central District : Going into tonights District championship game DeSales and Watterson had played 132 times and their records stood DeSales 66 Wins - Watterson 66 Wins

Desales 51. ( 67-66 )
Watterson 36 ( 66 - 67)

Thats what happens in a rivalry when your FB Team throws for TD when your up 37-7 with 3 seconds left.

Karma and Revenge best served Cold. Sit down Mr Theado

Respect the rivalry always
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If Desales wants to cry about one touchdown, maybe they shouldn't have given up the other 30 points. You can't even say respect the rivalry with a team that soft. Fly Eagles Fly ;)
 
HBTEAGLE20! said:
If Desales wants to cry about one touchdown, maybe they shouldn't have given up the other 30 points. You can't even say respect the rivalry with a team that soft. Fly Eagles Fly ;)
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Wait till this season's game at Desales. I predict watty gets that running clock going again!
 
watty1991 said:
Wait till this season's game at Desales. I predict watty gets that running clock going again!
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Always pride before the Fall . From 9-0 to 9-1

We all know the petty reason that play was called.

Using a Dad and his kids choice to beat your chest. Impressive
 
TCSoup said:
Always pride before the Fall . From 9-0 to 9-1

We all know the petty reason that play was called.

Using a Dad and his kids choice to beat your chest. Impressive
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Using a Dad and his kids choice?

Our qb came from feeder schools, your sorry qb came from olentangy
 
TCSoup said:
Always pride before the Fall . From 9-0 to 9-1

We all know the petty reason that play was called.

Using a Dad and his kids choice to beat your chest. Impressive
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I'm going to guess that the new poster is a high school kid and will hopefully cool the rhetoric a little. No need to be uncivil.

I'm curious about the "Using a Dad and his kids choice to beat your chest." comment. I'm not following. Are you saying Watterson ran up the score b/c of the Days?
 
Eagle_Panther said:
I'm going to guess that the new poster is a high school kid and will hopefully cool the rhetoric a little. No need to be uncivil.

I'm curious about the "Using a Dad and his kids choice to beat your chest." comment. I'm not following. Are you saying Watterson ran up the score b/c of the Days?
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Thats a theory. They had to go to the Bishop to get permission for him to attend DeSales after Watterson wouldn't release him because he was in their feeder school district. Then he throws the winning TD pass his freshman year on the last play to ruin their perfect regular season and win the CCL .
fast forward to the last play of last years game .
 
TCSoup said:
Thats a theory. They had to go to the Bishop to get permission for him to attend DeSales after Watterson wouldn't release him because he was in their feeder school district. Then he throws the winning TD pass his freshman year on the last play to ruin their perfect regular season and win the CCL .
fast forward to the last play of last years game .
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Day wouldn’t start at watterson.
 
TCSoup said:
Thats a theory. They had to go to the Bishop to get permission for him to attend DeSales after Watterson wouldn't release him because he was in their feeder school district. Then he throws the winning TD pass his freshman year on the last play to ruin their perfect regular season and win the CCL .
fast forward to the last play of last years
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The reason Watty went for 6 on last play is cause they couldn’t go for 7. It’s a rivalry game, you NEVER take foot off the pedal. If you have never played in it, you have no idea.
Competitive balances came out today, Watterson at 20 is amazing, All home grown talent from feeder schools. DeSales at 51, Hartley 56 and TCC at 156.
 
Cville1029 said:
The reason Watty went for 6 on last play is cause they couldn’t go for 7. It’s a rivalry game, you NEVER take foot off the pedal. If you have never played in it, you have no idea.
Competitive balances came out today, Watterson at 20 is amazing, All home grown talent from feeder schools. DeSales at 51, Hartley 56 and TCC at 156.
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Dude you have no idea i played in this game for 4 years on the field. I've been going to this game since 1966 . My dad who is in the Central District FB HOF Coached in this game 25 times. It was a cheap shot as far as this rivalry goes. This game has always been respectful, hard hitting and played the right way. So step off
Cville1029 said:
The reason Watty went for 6 on last play is cause they couldn’t go for 7. It’s a rivalry game, you NEVER take foot off the pedal. If you have never played in it, you have no idea.
Competitive balances came out today, Watterson at 20 is amazing, All home grown talent from feeder schools. DeSales at 51, Hartley 56 and TCC at 156.
Click to expand...
 
Cville1029 said:
The reason Watty went for 6 on last play is cause they couldn’t go for 7. It’s a rivalry game, you NEVER take foot off the pedal. If you have never played in it, you have no idea.
Competitive balances came out today, Watterson at 20 is amazing, All home grown talent from feeder schools. DeSales at 51, Hartley 56 and TCC at 156.
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Feel lucky Watterson is still in such a cake eater area drawing District. DeSales and Hartley probably have 35-40% Voucher students. DeSales didn't even field a freshman or reserve team last year. So good for the Eagles beating up on a down CCL .
 
TCSoup said:
Thats a theory. They had to go to the Bishop to get permission for him to attend DeSales after Watterson wouldn't release him because he was in their feeder school district. Then he throws the winning TD pass his freshman year on the last play to ruin their perfect regular season and win the CCL .
fast forward to the last play of last years game .
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These are the facts on how it went down. Days applied for a waiver from Watterson, it was denied because they had not taken a tour or talked to admissions - which is the same thing done at Hartley, DeSales, and Ready. The appeal process is to come in person and make your case, which they did. Neither the Diocese Office nor the Bishop were involved. Day did reach out to the HC at Watterson after the meeting to tell him why they chose DeSales, no hard feelings. Prior to the final decision Gene Smith did call Watterson to nudge them.
 
ohiofan148 said:
These are the facts on how it went down. Days applied for a waiver from Watterson, it was denied because they had not taken a tour or talked to admissions - which is the same thing done at Hartley, DeSales, and Ready. The appeal process is to come in person and make your case, which they did. Neither the Diocese Office nor the Bishop were involved. Day did reach out to the HC at Watterson after the meeting to tell him why they chose DeSales, no hard feelings. Prior to the final decision Gene Smith did call Watterson to nudge them.
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So what’s the deal with the Reynolds kid from Lancaster, then?
 
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