PRZOH Team Previews: Bishop Watterson Eagles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July is here, and that brings us to team preview season! Throughout the entire month of July and into early August, I will be releasing team previews to prepare everyone for the upcoming season and highlight key players to watch. Articles will be published daily, so be sure to check back to see if your favorite program is featured! In this article, we will highlight the reigning D3 state champions, Bishop Watterson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":1} --> <h1 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop Watterson Eagles</h1> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Head Coach: Brian Kennedy (65-30)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Last Season (16-0)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 was a record-breaking season for Bishop Watterson on all fronts. Coach Kennedy knew the group he would have going into the season was ready to win a state championship. The year before, they fell to Toledo Central Catholic 27-7 in the state championship. Hungry and ready to take another swing, they started off the season defeating D2 semi-finalist Big Walnut on the road 20-0. After that, pure domination on the field. During their four-week stretch, they would outscore their opponents 175-22. The last week of September, the Eagles traveled to face off against CCC foe Bishop Hartley. They would take the game 28-13, but Hartley slowed down the machine Watterson was on that night. Watterson picked up their game again the very next week, and they wouldn't be in a close game until the state final. October and November saw a scoring margin of 395-62. Toledo Central Catholic, the team that defeated Bishop Watterson in the final the year prior, was the only team standing in the way of the Eagles' first state championship since 2010. The game started bleak for Watterson, as they punted early on, and the Fighting Irish would score early on from a 4th down conversion. Held to 44 yards in the first half and a seven-point deficit, Watterson woke up out of the break. Slowly but surely, the Watterson offense rose and put up a great effort to only trail 14-13 after a missed extra point early into the fourth quarter. After an incredible effort from Dominic Theado on 4th and long and a 9-yard touchdown run from quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='930271' first='Drew' last='Bellisari'], Watterson forced a turnover on downs and got the job done. Watterson fulfilled all the goals set early, with high expectations going into the season. Coach Kennedy brought the Eagles back to the mountain top in a truly dominant season, as they outscored teams 637-111.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thinking about a team that just completed a 16-0 season for the first time in school history, getting better is a scary thought. The offense will be the bigger question mark, as lead rusher from 2024 Zach Weber departs. Primarily, Watterson looks to run the ball to move the chains and sprinkle in the deep passing game. Finding out who your primary rusher will be or if you can have several guys key in for multiple downs will be objective number one. An experienced offensive line and quarterback combo will pair well going into the season. Defensively is what excited me the most for this Eagles squad. They look to get more athletic across the board and will look to start a lot of prospects I have had my eyes on. The front seven is what dominated last year which played very disciplined. The secondary will be lethal from the start of the season, and will be able to build the starting foundation of what should be one of the best defenses in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Losses</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RB/LB Zack Weber (Charleston)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR Jake Uhlenhake (Otterbein)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TE Dominic Theado (Otterbein Basketball)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>LB Ben Gabrich (John Carroll)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>OL Vance Graney (John Carroll)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>WR/DB Tommy Haley (John Carroll)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DB Cal Mangini (Case Western)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["930271"],"_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-6866876390098"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bellisari has put together quite the schedule during this summer, and has impressed. Bellisari has experience with the offense and has experience in big moments. It was him who spearheaded the game winning drive in the state championship game in December and it was him who ran the ball from nine yards out to put Bishop Watterson up with little time left. Drew wants everything he's worked for, and I think this will be the best football we've seen from him this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1095035"],"_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-6866876390104"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pete, now a Cyclone commit, was one of the more physical run blockers I saw last season. In person and on tape, his anchor is great in pass protection. He gets downhill well as a run blocker and will be one of the better offensive linemen in all of Ohio this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1602661"],"_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-686687639015a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seaman is a D1 prospect on both sides of the ball. As a left tackle, he moves very well and creates great push with his lower half. Defensively, he does a good job of shedding blocks and is a disciplined run defender. With a bit of added size, Seaman has the talent to push himself into prime P4 territory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["949526"],"_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-68668763901a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reynolds is a transfer from Lancaster. I've previously highlighted the potential I see in him, and my assessment remains unchanged. He plays with incredible vision and play recognition when it comes to pass coverage and getting in pursuit. Jackson will fit this defense like a glove and I am excited to see what he can put on tape with a great team like Watterson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1579370"],"_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-68668763901ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Boyle is someone I have very high regard for. As a state champion wrestler, Boyle brings over his balance and power to the interior defensive line. Boyle is quick to get off the line and can combo his power with his athleticism to stand his man up. He might be undersized on paper, but Boyle acts as a 6'6'' 350 lbs nose tackle when on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207684"],"_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-6866876390239"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayes will be someone to watch. He can play physical and press down the field. He has excellent hand placement and eyes when tracking down the field. As a sophomore, Hayes played a considerable part in their success, and I predict that he will take another step this season.</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='1851370' first='Jack' last='Schuler']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"230","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bishop Watterson","_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-6866876390305"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schuler comes into the season as one of several great pass rushers for Bishop Watterson. He's very quick off the line and possesses size to flex inside in a 3 man front on pass rush downs. He is strong and can use his hands to shake off offensive tackles. Schuler has all the tools to be a P4 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207695"],"_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-6866876390359"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ben was someone who impressed in Canton vs Toledo Central Catholic. He has good vision and can sniff out plays, which was impressive from the young sophomore. Going into junior season, I want to see Ben take after his brother and become a leader for the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Names to Know</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 DB/WR [player_tooltip player_id='1845589' first='Carter' last='Bellisari']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 OL Max Theado</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1854416' first='Kaden' last='Jones']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026 RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1211973' first='Jack' last='McCoy']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 WR/DB Austin Alles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 WR Ben Lamielle Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Schedule</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/22</strong> - Big Walnut</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8/30 (Sat.)</strong> - Ironton Gridiron Classic vs Middletown (DE)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/5</strong> - at Westerville North</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/12</strong> - Columbian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/19</strong> - Harvest Prep</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9/26</strong> - at St. Francis DeSales</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/3</strong> - OPEN</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/10</strong> - Bishop Hartley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/17</strong> - at Northwest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10/24</strong> - at St. Charles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->