St Joseph Catholic School Looking to Make 2022 Memorable

The Irish finished the 2021 season two wins shy of the state championship, falling to Tri-County 14-7 in the state semi-finals. Tri-County would defeat Kirk Academy the next game to bring home the 2021 MAIS 4A state championship. Losing in the playoffs is hard, but it’s something that a team can build on and help motivate them to finish what they started the year before. The Irish are bringing back the core of their team in 2022 and plan to make another run to win a state championship. Here are six players that could play a significant role in the Irish making 2022 memorable. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">CJ Moore | 6’1" 184 lbs | QB </span></strong> In 2021 Moore was responsible for 18 passing and 5 rushing touchdowns. His play-making ability is something that everyone needs to see with their own eyes. Whenever he has the ball in his hands, the Irish have a chance to score. Moore can break down a defense and has the patience to strategically move the ball up the field. His feet and vision in the open field make him one of the more dynamic players to watch in 2022. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Tyler Montgomery | 6’0" 245 lbs | OL</strong></span> Montgomery was the centerpiece of an excellent offensive line in 2021. He has strong hands, quick feet, and incredible technique when engaging with a defender. Montgomery keeps defenders on their heels by utilizing his strong stance, creating a base that is hard to move. With Montgomery returning to anchor the Irish offensive line for his Junior year and after another off-season in the weight room, the offensive line will be one of the best in 2022. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Kye Nelson | 5’8" 160 lbs | RB</strong></span> 2021 put Nelson on the map. He finished 2021 as a 4A all MAIS Running back with 980 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. He is a smaller back that makes quick, decisive cuts and is explosive in the open field. In two games against Indianola Academy, Nelson ran for 355 yards and five touchdowns. The Irish are looking for Nelson to continue his success in 2021 and have another standout year in 2022. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Chris Mayfield | 5’11" 200 lbs | LB,S</strong></span> Mayfield proved to be one of the more versatile players on the Irish’s roster in 2021. He would sometimes be an outside linebacker or safety, depending on how the defense lined up. In his sophomore season, Mayfield continued to get better every week. His best game came against Tri-County in the state semi-final playoff game, where he finished with 13 tackles. In 2022 Mayfield will be counted on to play a crucial role in the Irish’s defense. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Cliff Perry | 5’10" 190 lbs | LB</strong></span> Perry is a brick wall in the middle of the Irish’s defense. He had several standout games in 2021, with the Tri-County game being his best, finishing with 14 tackles on the night. Perry is a playmaker who always finds himself around the ball and is very difficult for the offense to block. The Irish will have the best linebacker group in the state, with Cliff Perry and [player_tooltip player_id="119614" first="Carson" last="Graham"] anchoring the Middle of the Irish Defense in 2022. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Alex Foster | 6’4" 230 lbs | DE</strong></span> Foster finished the 2021 season with 62 total tackles, with his best performance coming against North Delta, where he had 16 tackles. At 6’4" tall, Foster’s wingspan makes him difficult to block. He contains the edge and keeps the opponent from having success getting to the outside. In 2022 he will play a significant role in the Irish defense, being one of the best defenses in the state. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;