An Elite program by all accounts, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, has won 3-straight state championships. People tend to focus on their elite senior talents, such as Norte Dame Signee [player_tooltip player_id="30137" first="Nolan" last="Ziegler"] or QB <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11259676">John Passinault</a>. Still, few knew that this State Championship Program had four sophomores play significant time on the offensive line. Today I’ll highlight these four up-and-comers and discuss what they mean for Catholic Central moving forward.
<strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14688248">Brendan Napieralski</a></span></strong>
Listed at 6’2" 245lbs, Napieralski showed excellent IQ, agility, and power, with fundamental prowess. His film is awe-inspiring with him driving people back with run blocks, pulls, getting to the second level after chipping the end, and is excellent in pass pro. I’m just scratching the surface with what Napieralski was able to do, but needless to say, I’m highly interested in what he’ll accomplish in 2022.
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14688232/Isaac-Chwalek">Isaac Chwalek</a></strong></span>
With experience on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, Chwalek displays great footwork and power as an interior lineman. He’ll play a signifigant role in protecting Catholic Central’s rising star QB [player_tooltip player_id="188030" first="Connor" last="Wolf"], and I’m excited to see how Chwalek transitions into 2022.
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14692455/Brendan-Roehr">Brendan Roehr </a></strong></span>
Will Smith III told me to look out for this 6’3" 245lb offensive tackle. As advertised, Roehr is a big, strong lineman who’s way ahead of the curve for his age. He had a great State Championship performance, and played a big role in the GRCC offense as a sophomore. It’s going to be very exciting to see what Roehr can accomplish in the postseason in 2022.
<a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16208343/Hugh-Lachman"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Hugh Lachman</strong></span></a>
I couldn’t find any film of Lachman, but I know had signifigant minuites on Varsity in 2021. What I do have are his throwing numbers from last year’s track season. Lachman posted a team-best 33’ 75" in the shotput, and a 2nd-best 91’ 4" in the discus. Needless to say, he’s an amazing thrower with great strength. Excited to see what he does on the football field.
