First Look: St. Charles Preparatory (Columbus, Ohio)

I stopped by St. Charles Preparatory to check in on Coach Colucci and the Cardinals as they prepared for the upcoming 2025 football season. There was a noticeable sense of focus and energy at practice, a clear reflection of a program that believes it's on the rise. Coach Colucci, now entering his second season at the helm after coming from the collegiate ranks as an offensive coordinator, is steadily putting his stamp on the team. Following a 4-7 campaign in 2024 that ended with a first-round playoff exit, Colucci is optimistic. He's eager to develop a talented yet still maturing roster, headlined by 12 seniors, and raise the competitive standard. With scrimmages lined up at Johnstown (Aug 8) and Licking Heights (Aug 14), the Cardinals are using every rep to fine-tune their identity.   Here's a breakdown of key players expected to make an impact in 2025.   Nick Kummer – RB/LB – 2026 A true cornerstone for St. Charles on both sides of the ball. Kummer boasts a 4.0 GPA or higher and backs it up with a gritty, physical playing style. He's a reliable two-way player and one of the emotional leaders on the field. Expect him to once again be the tone-setter, especially at linebacker where he thrives in pursuit and run fits.   Jack Brant – LT/DE – 2026 Brant is the engine of the trenches, logging every snap on both sides of the line. He's technically sound and fundamentally sharp, precisely the kind of player coaches trust in big moments. As a returning starter, Brant will be counted on to lead in both protection and edge defense.   Nate Deluca – Center – 2026 A multi-sport athlete whose versatility and experience are invaluable. Deluca started every game in 2024 and returns as the anchor of the offensive line. His awareness and quickness off the ball give St. Charles a solid foundation up front.   [player_tooltip player_id='1216250' first='Trey' last='Davis'] – WR – 2027 One of the team's most explosive playmakers, Davis is a big-time lacrosse recruit who brings elite spatial awareness and athleticism to the football field. He led the team in receiving as a sophomore and is a vertical threat with a wide catch radius. High football IQ makes him a favorite target in the Cardinals' aerial attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='1421386' first='Ben' last='Nickey'] – ATH – 2027 Perhaps the most dynamic player on the roster. A standout in hockey and track, Nickey's speed, toughness, and competitive drive shine through on the gridiron. He's the featured weapon in the spread offense and has the bloodlines to match—his father and uncle both played college football. Expect a breakout year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1733044' first='Patrick' last='Malouf'] – DL/OL – 2027 Recently moved to the defensive line to better utilize his physicality and explosiveness. Coach Colucci believes Malouf is primed for a breakout season. Known as the strongest player on the team, his impact in the trenches could tilt games in the Cardinals' favor.   Michael Zarick – RB/LB – 2027 Mirroring teammate Nick Kummer in toughness and versatility, Zarick is another all-conference returner. He'll be crucial to the defense at linebacker—tasked with tracking sideline to sideline and cleaning up in space—but his offensive skillset can't be overlooked. His two-way impact will be critical in close contests.   [player_tooltip player_id='1726898' first='Liam' last='Deal'] – QB – 2028 The future of the program is under center. Deal started one varsity game as a freshman and was the JV starter for most of the season. He's poised and athletic, with a strong arm and even-keel demeanor. Also a varsity lacrosse player, Liam's dual-sport experience translates into composure and leadership. His development could dictate the team's ceiling this fall.   Outlook: St. Charles enters 2025 as a young but battle-tested team under a coach with a collegiate pedigree. With a good balance of seasoned upperclassmen and high-upside underclassmen, they have the pieces to build on last year's foundation. Expect the Cardinals to be more competitive in year two under Colucci, especially if the offensive line gels and their key playmakers stay healthy. Their early scrimmages will be telling, but the trajectory of this team is headed in the right direction.

I stopped by St. Charles Preparatory to check in on Coach Colucci and the Cardinals as they prepared for the upcoming 2025 football season. There was a noticeable sense of focus and energy at practice, a clear reflection of a program that believes it's on the rise. Coach Colucci, now entering his second season at the helm after coming from the collegiate ranks as an offensive coordinator, is steadily putting his stamp on the team. Following a 4-7 campaign in 2024 that ended with a first-round playoff exit, Colucci is optimistic. He's eager to develop a talented yet still maturing roster, headlined by 12 seniors, and raise the competitive standard. With scrimmages lined up at Johnstown (Aug 8) and Licking Heights (Aug 14), the Cardinals are using every rep to fine-tune their identity.