Bishop Garrigan football enters their third year of 8-player football looking to make a big jump after back to back three win seasons.
Head Coach Marty Wadle says there has been a great turnout for the football program this season.
With the players having a couple seasons of 8-player under their belts, Wadle feels everyone is picking up on the details smoothly this offseason.
Entering the season, the Golden Bears will have several key position battles to resolve, starting with quarterback. With three year starting quarterback Garrett Heying graduated, junior Drew Muller, sophomore Tate Foertsch, and freshman Michael Joyce have taken varsity reps at the position this offseason. Muller is the only one among that group with a varsity start at the quarterback position, starting the final game of the 2021 season against Riceville his freshman year.
One of the key parameters Wadle is evaluating is control of the ball.
The Golden Bears plan to continue leaning heavily into the running game and have the depth to do so. Senior Caden Roethler is the leading returning rusher after going for 233 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground last season. According to Wadle, Bishop Garrigan has multiple backs besides just Roethler who will be involved in the offense.
Bishop Garrigan also returns some experience up front with senior Logan Nemmers and junior Keaton Helleseth. Wadle feels the Golden Bears have enough depth to keep everyone fresh on the offensive and defensive lines throughout the games.
Wadle feels if the Golden Bears are going to have a successful season, it starts up front.
On the defensive side of the ball, Wadle feels the Golden Bears have made strides and are ahead of where they were last year at this point.
Bishop Garrigan will face similar competition in the district as they did last year, with the only change being Rockford replacing St. Edmond in the district lineup. Wadle expects some of the usual suspects to be strong once again.
Wadle says with the team entering its third year of 8-player football, it’s time to take a step forward.
Bishop Garrigan opens the season on Friday, August 25th with a visit to St. Edmond.
