Expectations Remain High as Football Returns

The goal for the Catholic Memorial football teams remains the same: Super Bowl or bust. While there are new faces and challenges, their 35-7 win over St. Thomas Aquinas to start the season left little doubt that the Knights are still the team to beat in Massachusetts.

The biggest conundrum for the offense will be replacing Boston Globe Division 2 Player of the Year, running back Mekhi Dodd ‘25, and rebuilding an offensive line that graduated four of the five starters. While finding a successor to a talent like Dodd is a tall order, Christian Simmons ‘28 and Ibrahim Kaba ‘26 will seek to prove that they are up to the task and will lead what may be, at least early in the season, a running back by committee.

The best speed option and closest thing to a Dodd replacement will be Ramar Thomas ‘28. The sophomore is the second-ranked Massachusetts recruit for the Class of 2028, who clocked a 10.77 in the 100 meters at the AAU Junior Olympics over the summer. A natural quarterback, Thomas is expected to see time at wide receiver, adding more zip to a group that includes Isaiah Simmons ‘26 and Caleb Garrity ‘26.

Throwing to them will be Harvard commit Kise Flannery ‘26. A dual-threat quarterback, Flannery’s ability to scramble makes him as dangerous on the ground as through the air.

The new-look offensive line features BC commit Marc Antunes ‘26 back at left tackle, with Logan Hernandez ‘27 at the other tackle. Jonah Smith ‘27 and Quinn Adams ‘27 will work the interior line as guards, and Donovan Burke ‘26 is slated to be the center.

On the defensive side of the ball, BC commit Mac Fitzgerald ‘26 leads a line that includes David Ramsdell ‘26 and Joe Sabourin ‘27. Newcomer Kennedy Hurte-Jones ‘28 is also expected to see significant playing time as a defensive end.

Liam Conlon ‘28, ranked seventh nationally among linebackers in his grade, is ready to take a larger role as middle linebacker, along with Joe Fitzgerald ‘28, Luke Salter ‘27, and Derek Austin ‘27. Fitzgerald turned heads during the opening game of the season when he returned an interception 85 yards for a touchdown.

The secondary is expected to continue to be one of the most dangerous backfields in the state, forcing quarterbacks to think twice about throwing deep passes. Cornerbacks Jackson Tucker ‘27 and Orion Fernandez ‘26 and safety Jaiden Johnson ‘27 will look to build upon the success they had last season. They will be joined by Al Tennyson ‘26 and Brian Green ‘27.

Matt Ciarocco ‘27 starts the season as the team’s place kicker, with Michael Hanley Jr. ‘28 and Augie Davis ‘28 filling out the depth chart.

Swiss army knives Reidar Davies ‘27 and Brown commit Seamus Henry ‘26 are expected to play significant roles, with Davies being used as a wide receiver, running back, and holder, while Henry can play on both the offensive and defensive lines or at tight end.

The Knights will visit St. Francis near Buffalo, New York, on September 20 before hosting their first home game of the year against Nashoba Valley Tech on September 26.