CASCIA HALL COMMANDOS
Coach: JOE MEDINA
9-3
The Cascia Hall Commandos clinched their third consecutive district championship last season in 3A-4 and now move down a class and will compete in 2A-1. Since joining the OSSAA in 1976, the Commandos have captured 5 state titles (1989, 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009), finished as finalists in 1990, 2001, 2005, and 2011, and have won 25 district titles. In 35 years as a head coach, Joe Medina has a career record of 324-103-2 and returns for his 28th season at Cascia Hall. Since taking over at his alma mater in 1999 Cascia Hall has posted a 268-65 record.
On the offensive side of the ball the big question will be who will replace Cascia Hall all-time leading passer Barrett Mullen. Coach Medina feels that there are two players that will fill the spot very well in Logan Hickerson and Manhattan Duffie. Both players have had outstanding spring and summer practices and will battle it out to see who is the starter. Each one is very capable of leading the Commando explosive offense.
Whomever is the starting quarterback will have outstanding weapons to throw the ball to. Fisher Lai (55 receptions) and Alex Nathman (31 receptions) are two of the best receivers in the state. Other offensive players to watch include Johnny Cannon (Sr.), Mason Shadlow (Sr.), Brock VanZandt (Sr.), Ray Farrell (So.), Barrett Roller (Jr.), Vaughn Graham, Josh Lewis, Bennett Rodgers, Brooks Stanford (Sr.), Jacob Toppins, Dason McBride (Jr.), Quinn Livingston, Rowan Alexander (Sr.), Blake England (Sr.), Aiden Estep (Sr.), and Brady Webster (So.).
A key to the Commandos success again was the “Blue Swarm” defense led by 4-year starter and leading tackler Aiden Estep (108 tackles). Estep has the size, ranges, and experience to be one of the top defensive players in the state. Alongside Estep at his inside linebacker position is Quinn Livingston (Jr.) who was second on the team in tackles. At the outside linebacker position the Cascia returns two starters in athletic Alex Nathman (Sr.) and Jacob Toppins (Sr.). Look for Vaughn Graham (Sr.) who returns to football after a year absence to bring another physical presence to the linebacking corps. Other players to watch Henry Rabb (Jr.), Blake England, Foster Gray, Bennett Rodgers, Mike Jones, Jude Aquino (Sr.), Fisher Lai, Manhattan Duffie, Logan Hickerson (Jr.), Whit Lai, and Mason Shadlow (Sr.).
8-28 – vs. Holland Hall
9-4 – vs. Rejoice Christian
9-11 – at Metro Christian
9-25 – at Blackwell
10-2 – vs. Crooked Oak
10-9 – at Chisholm
10-15 – vs. Kiefer
10-23 – vs. Bethel
10-30 – at Perry
11-6 – vs. Dewey
