Pope John Paul II continues building toward establishing winning culture

In what has been a process, Philip Pigott has established a solid culture in two seasons at Pope John Paul II.

Now, he looks to translate that culture and process into winning. The Jaguars are on the right track.

Pope John Paul II were close in 2022, going 4-6, losing two games by a total of six points. Pigott is hoping that experience in those games will help what is still a young team to get over the hump.

It has been a while since Pope John Paul II had a winning season and won a playoff game. In 2013, the Jaguars went 7-6, winning a playoff game and reaching the Division III quarterfinals.

“Coming in, we had a lot of ground to cover two years ago,” Pigott said. “It was all about building culture. We got some new kids to come out last year but we had to teach the game to many. We lost a big graduating class from last year but what we have is a ton of young kids who know our culture and we’re seeing a lot of growth and there is talent.”

The offense returns five starters.

Senior quarterback Allen Raimer (6-1, 180), who got extensive playing time a year ago, returns to run the offense.

“We moved Allen over from defense due to an injury and we taught him the position in a week and we figured out pretty quickly that he was fantastic,” Pigott said. “We’re excited about what he bring to the table throwing the football, running it and making good decisions.”

Junior running back Blaze Rodriguez (5-8, 155) returns as well to provide punch. He is joined in the backfield by sophomore Landon Guidry (5-9, 160) and fullback Dominik Smith (5-9, 175).

“Rodriguez rushed for about 1,000 yards last year and I believe he’s one of the best athletes it the state,” Pigott said. “He is really special. We will move him all around the field to create some mismatches. Guidry was really good as a freshman and we expect him to be even better.”

Sophomore Guz Pizza (5-11, 180) is the starter at wide receiver while the tight end is senior Mikey Strain (6-1, 200).

“Guz had a highlight game as a freshman with four touchdowns against Springfield,” Pigott said. “He is the son of Dr. Andrew Pizza, one of the best players in school history who is now our wide receivers coach.”

Up front, the Jaguars return three starters, including junior center Sean Smith (6-2, 250), senior guard James Thompson (5-11, 210) and sophomore guard Michael Theil (6-0, 210).

“Basically, our entire interior is back,” Pigott said. “Thompson is a great kid who is in the running to be our Valedictorian. We have moved Smith to center and he is very strong, a good player. Theil is a great player with a great future. He will also start at middle linebacker.”

Only three starters return on defense.

Up front, junior Nick Andre (5-11, 200) is back at one end spot while sophomore Brady Deharde (6-2, 215) is the other end. The nose guard is sophomore Wesley Gelman (5-10, 200).

“Andre is our lone returning starter,” Pigott said. “He was very solid last year, a gifted athlete. He can be a force.”

The inside linebackers are junior Cole Monnier (6-0, 185) and Theil.

“Thompson will also play at linebacker so our two-way guys don’t wear out,” Pigott said. “Monnier is new to the scene but he has size and speed.”

Senior Mikey Strain (6-1, 200) returns to start at outside linebacker and he is joined by freshman Joseph Sprinkle (6-1, 180).

“We feel Strain is a collegiate player,” Pigott said.

In the secondary, sophomore cornerback Josh Greenwood (5-8, 160) is a returning starter and he is joined by Rodriguez on the other side.

The safeties are sophomores Guz Pizza (5-11, 180) and Aiden Fairchild (5-9, 150).

“Our secondary is young but good,” Pigott said. “Greenwood is a very good player who can play running back as well. Fairchild has the tools.”

Senior Joseph Whitehouse (6-0, 170) is the kicker while sophomore Kale Oertling (5-11, 175) is the punter.

The schedule opens at Pearl River before the Jaguars host three straight games, against St. Martin’s Episcopal, Delcambre and Ben Franklin. The final non-district game is at Crescent City Christian.

“The first two games are very tough right out the gate,” Pigott said. “We played Pearl River very close last year. We had a shot to win last year. St. Martin’s is good and has a great running back in Harlem Berry. The head coach at Delcambre is Artie Liuzza, the son of our offensive coordinator. Ben Franklin has talent.”

District 7-2A play begins at St. Thomas Aquinas before the Jaguars host Northlake Christian and Independence. After a trip to Springfield, Pope John Paul II concludes its schedule at St. Helena.

“It would be hard to pick against St. Helena and Northlake Christian,” Pigott said. “Independence has a new coach doing a great job. Ryan Serpas does a great job at Springfield. It is a tough league.”

With a young team, the key is for the Jaguars to get off to a winning start in non-district play to build momentum going into league play with a shot at a winning season for the first time in a decade.

“Our future is bright with our sophomore class,” Pigott said. “We like where we are as a program. Everything is trending in the right direction. Players have bought into the program. They are just young. I’m more concerned about seeing them grow each week and being good by season’s end. I think we can be that team.”

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