After one of the best seasons St. Dominic Football has ever seen, everyone is incredibly excited about what’s to come this fall. With seniors ready to pick up from where last season left off, and some newer players ready to contribute, Friday night lights will be as energetic as ever.

In the fall of 2021 the team made it farther than they ever have before, making it all the way to sectionals. With a record of 8-5 the school is so curious to see what they will do this season. 

“Each season is a new team that has to re-establish the expectations and culture of our program.  When you have a strong class like these seniors that can do that, you feel like they will maximize their potential and abilities because they are doing things right to keep the entire program going in the right direction.  We always say our goal is to be our best come November; meaning we will get better every practice and every week and prepare for successful postseason football,” Head Coach Markway said. 

With such a big program the team can’t rely on only the coach to lead. With many seniors ready to take on their roles, and take our team to a victorious season there’s no telling what they’ll be able to accomplish. 

“I plan to help lead the team by example on and off the field just like the past seniors before me did. The experience of having a year under most of the seniors’ belts is going to be great for our team,” senior quarterback Kelly Welby said. 

This talented team has big goals for this upcoming season and are ready to do whatever it takes to make them happen.

“I think we all are looking to go back to back district champions, but we want more than that. We want to go farther than any other Dominic team ever. We want to go to a final 4 and hopefully a state championship,” senior running back Jackson Overton said.

Unfortunately Jackson broke his collarbone during the jamboree last Friday, but will still be a huge leader off the field as that veteran voice who was such a huge piece to last year’s record season. Fortunately our team has the means to prevail and are prepared to fill his role. 

“Sam Cross and Thomas Pulliam will help fill Jackson’s shoes along with Conner Beerman as far as the offensive side of football… Sam started as a running back multiple times last year, and he has the experience to succeed,” Markway said. 

Though we expect big things from the team this year, it is also recognized how important the comradery is between these athletes and how they impact the atmosphere of St. Dominic. 

“I just really enjoy seeing the young men develop into great teammates, representatives of our school community and athletes over the years.  I would say that’s what I enjoy most about us having a program, and not just a random team here and there to be excited about…as a coach you’re excited about every senior class coming up to make the most of their opportunities because you’ve seen the 4 years of hard work to get to that point,” Markway said. 

With the first game of the season being next Friday against St. Charles West at 7 pm the anticipation to watch this team is rising. We are all looking forward to the road ahead and are ready to cheer them on throughout the fall.