TEAM OUTLOOK

It was another season… and another state championship in 2023 for the GR Catholic Central Cougars. A 13-1 season, with an only loss coming to Loyola Academy from Illinois was the punctuation of a career for a lot of experienced and talented players for coach Todd Kolster. The Cougars will look to reload and make a run at the all-new, re-formed OK-Black conference in 2024.

The first question for the team will be at the QB position where the battle is wide open going into fall camp, as the team looks to fill the big shoes of departed QB Connor Wolf. Whoever wins the job, will have a lot of talented options to throw to: Notably including 6’4 senior WR Jamison Williams and senior WR Lucas Thelen – who each were a part of the offensive attack in 2023. Raef Goosen also will be a strong target here, as a tough 200-plus pound TE that can serve as a good blocker and pass catcher.

On defense, the team has several key leaders that return from the state title team a year ago, especially in the middle at linebacker. Junior Brayden Sweeney returns after a strong sophomore season, and will play a bit of a hybrid role at LB and safety. Sweeney is a terrific and big athlete at 6’2 and 215 pounds. Senior MLB Derek Weiss also returns for 2024, as the experienced linebacker will be back to lead the way from the middle of the defense again. Up front, Goosen will also play a big role on defense, as he’ll start at defensive end along with his role at TE.