PRZNY Team Previews: St John The Baptist Cougars

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Last season (7-4) “AA” Champions&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a magical season a year ago for St John The Baptist. After an up and down season, the Cougars came away with a championship. St John's defeated top seeded Moore Catholic in the AA title game 28-14. They also captured two AAA wins over Holy Trinity and Chaminade, as the Cougars officially put themselves in the conversation with the best programs in the area.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Prospect</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["930527"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a8301308ece"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The lengthy defensive back has received a ton of attention this offseason. Miller has received offers from Sacred Heart, Marist and has gotten interest from FBS schools. Miller's footwork is excellent and he's proven to be one of the top cornerbacks in the state after a successful junior campaign. His man coverage skills are off the charts, as he's produced against some great receivers. Miller is expected to take more of a leadership role in the secondary this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">X Factors </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["451507"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a8301308f25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best natural football players you'll find in the catholic league and one of the top linebackers in the state. Skoda had a phenomenal junior campaign where he earned all state honors. He was all over the field, leading the team in tackles with 79 on the year. Skoda is very physical and plays with a ton of energy. He also contributed at running back as he scored 7 times on the ground and will be a force at RB this upcoming season. He tends to play his best football when the lights are the brightest and he'll be an exciting player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1506367' first='Maxwell' last='Bowers']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St John The Baptist","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a8301308fc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best stories from last season. Bowers came into the year as the third string quarterback. Due to injuries, the junior had to step in at quarterback in the middle of the season. The kid they call “Sunshine” made incredible strides throughout the season and he led the Cougars to a championship win. Bowers is a strong dual threat quarterback that will be one of the teams leaders this season. Bowers is currently a Bryant lacrosse commit.&nbsp;<br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a8301309007"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After a great junior season, Rivera has picked up three Division 3 offers this summer and there's more to come. Rivera will be the leader of the St John's secondary alongside [player_tooltip player_id='930527' first='Jayden' last='Miller']. Rivera is an aggressive safety with great instincts. He delivered some hard hits last season and his speed gave opposing offenses a very hard time in the pass game. The Cougars are comfortable with moving him around and he'll be relied on to make playts for this defense all year long.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206379"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a8301309047"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After transferring in from Central Islip last year, Bonilla proved to be as advertised in the catholic league. He made a statement as just a sophomore being able to produce against some great teams. Bonilla has had a great offseason, he's gotten bigger and is now currently listed at 6'2 and 220 pounds. He forms a terrific duo with [player_tooltip player_id='451507' first='Luka' last='Skoda'] at the linebacker spot. He will be one of the top '26 linebackers in the state this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a8301309086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the strongest linemen in the catholic league. Vitucci was an excellent run blocker during his junior year. He could dominate the line of scrimmage and was a great puller. Vitucci played at 300 pounds last season and was able to move very well. This upcoming season he's named a team captain and will be the true anchor for a talented St John's offensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breakout Player</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brayden Mangan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St John The Baptist","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a830130910a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After graduating a couple of amazing receivers, Mangan has the potential to have a productive year. Mangan has excellent hands and is a precise route runner. He is a smooth receiver and is great at making plays in traffic. With the top 3 leading receivers gone, Mangan will be ready to step up as a senior and be one of the top targets in an SJB offense with several talented quarterbacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Names To Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>Name</td><td>Year</td><td>Position</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1283699' first='Logan' last='Asbell']</td><td>2025</td><td>OL</td><td>Amazing offseason, high IQ, multiple D3 offers&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Shamir Lisbon</td><td>2025</td><td>WR</td><td>Very fast and is explosive with the ball in space</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='806632' first='William' last='Klein-Varnot']</td><td>2025</td><td>OL</td><td>Dominant run blocker, consistent lineman&nbsp;<br></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='813175' first='Zaire' last='Grant']</td><td>2025</td><td>DL</td><td>Quick defensive lineman, important piece for the Cougars in the trenches</td></tr><tr><td>Kyle Cahill</td><td>2025</td><td>OL</td><td>Tall lineman (6'5), good feet and will start at Tackle</td></tr><tr><td>Noah Behrhof</td><td>2026</td><td>OL/DL</td><td>Transfer from Center Moriches, 2 way lineman expected to start at Tackle<br></td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='806234' first='Brandon' last='Moloney']</td><td>2026</td><td>DL</td><td>3 year starter on the DL, very tough and consistent</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1333888' first='Maurice' last='Scott']</td><td>2026</td><td>QB/ATH</td><td>Transfer from Riverhead, a very talented QB, has the athleticism to play DB as well.&nbsp;<br></td></tr><tr><td>Kevin Peters</td><td>2026</td><td>WR</td><td>A potential breakout candidate, played on varsity as a sophomore, great route runner and will be one of the teams top targets&nbsp;<br></td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key losses/commitments </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH Michael Wheat- Stony Brook&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DE Branden Raines- Franklin Pierce&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR DJ Lisbon- Post U</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>ATH Calogero Rosado- Grove City&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>K Lance Maiberg- LIU</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Lee Webeh- Hamilton&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Schedule </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/west-islip/st-john-the-baptist-cougars/football/schedule">https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/west-islip/st-john-the-baptist-cougars/football/schedule</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite losing a ton of great seniors, St John's returns a load of amazing talent from that championship group. This is a talented offense with a quality offensive line leading the way and they have several game changers on defense. St John's plays thier fair share of AA programs, but they will get tested with three AAA games this season. They will faceoff against Iona Prep, Chaminade and St Anthony's during the regular season.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Things going for the Cougars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>QB position: It's nice when you have two of the top quarterbacks on Long Island on the same roster. And what's also great is both are excellent athletes. Whoever isn't the primary QB will be impacting the game from a different position. Both [player_tooltip player_id='1333888' first='Maurice' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1506367' first='Maxwell' last='Bowers'] bring so much to this Cougars program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Brotherhood: St John's has an incredible culture that I witnessed last season. The Cougars have strong team chemistry and their leadership will look to guide this new group back to the title game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The Heaviez”: St John's has a talented group up front that will give them a chance to compete against the big boys in the AAA. The offensive line at SJB is a very hardworking group with a ton of potential for this season, 5 of them are mentioned above.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Area of Concern</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like most years, the concern is the depth for St John's. They have a challenging schedule and it will be important to stay healthy. As the season progresses, we'll learn more about other important role players they might have to count on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Last Word</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After winning the AA title last year, St John's is once again in the conversation for a championship. The AA will be tough, as Moore, St Peter's, Fordham, and Xavier all bring strong squads to the table. But SJB has the tools to go back-to-back this season. A great coaching staff accompanied by a talented senior class gives them a chance to surprise AAA teams and make a run when November comes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->