The Skinny
The Pope Greyhounds come into the season looking to build on the success from last season. While the Greyhounds have not posted a winning season since 2012, they did qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five years. So what does Coach Griffin see as the teams biggest challenge in 2018?
“Not settling on the success from last year,” he said.
Last season, the Greyhounds were a run dominated offense. But that did not stop receiver Zack Owens from having a big season for the Greyhounds. Owens caught 37 passes for 658 yards and 7 TDs. Owens also garnered Second Team All-Region honors in 2017.
Quarterback Jackson Thain is slated to take the majority of the snaps under center this season. Last season as a sophomore, Thain split time with two quarterbacks, but still managed to lead the team in passing yards. Paris Cameron appears to be the heir apparent at running back for the Greyhounds.
Defensive end Marco Guillen and All Region Honorable Mention defensive back, Ryan Stuetzer will pace the Pope defense. Stuetzer recorded 6 interceptions last season and will certainly be looking to add to those numbers in 2018.
While there are no games in particular circled on the Greyhounds calendar. We have good reason to believe that the region games are highlighted. After all, they are the ones that matter in terms of qualifying for the second season. And they align with the teams goals for success. We asked Coach Griffin specifically about those goals.
He said, “Making the playoffs and competing for the region title.”
If they can overcome any complacency of last season’s success, the Greyhounds should have a chance to achieve those goals.
