Fisher Catholic looks to rebuild around new offensive line
By: Charlie Ihlenfeld
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LANCASTER, Ohio (WOUB) — Fisher Catholic nearly pulled off a stunning upset to end the regular season.
Entering their final regular season game, the Grove City Christian Eagles had outscored the MSL-Cardinal 215-7. When they stepped foot on Fulton Field, the Eagles quickly found themselves in a 14-0 hole.
“They didn’t expect it from us,” said senior wide receiver Luke Cairns. “We’re just a small school. They didn’t expect us to come in and hit them in the mouth, but we did.”
But, the Irish were unable to seal the deal. The Eagles clawed back to earn a hard-fought 20-14 victory. This year is all about sealing the deal.
“We’re up big, 14-0 in one game,” said head coach Luke Thimmes. “Lost. Up 12 nothing one game. Lost. It’s just peaks and valleys. In a game there’s gonna be highs, there’s gonna be lows. But (we) have to stay even keel and have that belief and perseverance.”
Fisher Catholic will have a very different look at their skill positions this season. Their leading rusher, passer and receiver all graduated from last year. Gage Armstrong is gone at running back, Grant Keefer is gone at quarterback and Hyde O’Rielley is gone at receiver.
“I think we’re going to be more well-rounded,” said Thimmes. “Because, from (this) past year, 95% to 100% of our offensive production is gone.”
Filling their positions will be a committee of players. Senior Jared Welsh and Sophomore James Wilkinson will battle for reps at quarterback, and Thimmes said there is a possibility for a two-quarterback system. At running back, Leo Hampshire and Ethan O’Rielley will be taking charge.
“I’m really excited for the offense,” said Welsh. “I think we could do a lot. To be honest with you, we lost a lot of key points with O’Rielley, Grant and Gage. But, I think we could have a new identity on offense.”
Anderson Crook will be working at tight end, and Luke Cairns will highlight their receiver corps. But, the Irish will be strongest in the trenches.
Fisher Catholic returns four of five starters on the offensive line and hopes to utilize their chemistry.
“We’ve been looking to emphasize size,” said senior offensive and defensive lineman Caleb Delabar. “We’ve been in the weight room. All of our linemen have been putting up numbers, and realistically, we only lost Tommy.”
Players are hoping this year is a breakthrough for Fisher Catholic. The Irish have not had a winning season since 2019, and they have not won a playoff game since 2006.
“I think we need a winning record,” said Welsh. “I want to make the playoffs, and I want to try to win a playoff game before I leave.”
According to Thimmes, to make that possible, the Irish have to stay committed to their summer routine.
“It’s win the day,” said Thimmes. “From day to day, you can get better, you can get worse. That’s it.”