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Sacred Heart Prep football lost quite a bit to graduation and is younger than has been the case in a number of years. Nevertheless, there’s a strong nucleus on hand for coach Mark Grieb to attempt to mold into a successful team.
With Teddy Purcell moving on, the quarterback job is up for grabs. Senior Jack Herrell and junior Mitchell Taylor have been competing for the starting role in fall camp.
There’s more experience at the running back position with Andrew Latu and Luis Mendoza both returning.
The line also lost its share of starters, but Grieb likes what he’s got coming back.
“The line has the potential to be good,” Grieb said. “It could be a real strong group.”
Senior John Adrian Dioli (6-0, 210) returns to start at center and take on a leadership role. Junior Shay O’Kelly (6-1, 210) will also start along with freshman Aseli Fangupo (5-9, 260).
“This is the first time we’ve had a freshman starting on the line,” Grieb said. “He’s very talented and athletic and mature for his age.”
R.J. Stephens (6-2, 210) , a mainstay rebounder on the SHP basketball team, will also help out.
“We’re fortunate to have him come out as a junior,” Grieb said.
Grieb said he was pleased with the development of TE/OLB Mat Bucher (6-2, 205). Jake York returns at wide receiver. Also returning is flyback Zach Freire, who Grieb said is, “one of the fastest guys we’ve ever had at that position.”
Carter Shaw, son of Stanford coach David Shaw, returns in the secondary and will also play wide receiver. Johnny Radeff, listed at 6-3, 168, is also slated to play defensive back and wide receiver.
“This is the tallest secondary we’ve had,” Grieb said.
The Gators open Aug. 28 at home against Sacred Heart Cathedral. The rest of their non-league schedule is on the road, at St. Ignatius, Mountain View and Hillsdale, before opening Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division play Oct. 1 at Burlingame.
