Delphos St. John’s Nolan Schwinnen is back behind center for the Blue Jays.
DELPHOS – Delphos St. John’s went all-in with the short, quick passing game last year.
Expect to see plenty of that again this year.
But the Blue Jays are also planning to run the ball more with returning running back Clay Paddubny, who is 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds.
“He’s (Paddubny) one of those guys who is a natural talent, who had a great offseason,” St. John’s coach Todd Schulte said. “He’s bigger, faster and stronger. He’ll get near 20 touches a game and will be one of our main go-to guys.
“He has good hands and we can also use him out of the backfield. But we want to get him the ball going downhill. He’s close to 220.’’
In all, the Blue Jays return four starters on offense and three on defense from a team that went 3-7 last year.
Several others were in the rotation at positions last year and have playing experience.
Nolan Schwinnen is back at quarterback. He threw for 1,073 yards and seven TDs. On the ground, Schwinnen ran for 280 yards and seven TDs.
“We’re still in the pistol, shot-gun look,” Schulte said. “I think we hope to stay balanced. It depends what we’re able to do. Last year we put the ball in the air more.’’
Graduation took the bulk of the receiver corps, including Braysen Schulte, Landon Elwer and Gavin Fittro.
Schulte and Elwer were first team all-Midwest Athletic Conference players last year.
Landen Grothaus was expected to return at wide receiver and defensive back, but a third shoulder surgery has ended his career. Instead, he’ll be helping the team as a coach this year.
Lettermen in the mix at wide receiver are Nathan Ditto, Ethan Druckemiller (tight end), Connor Gaynier, Braylon Metzger and Joel Schrader (tight end).
There’s also sophomore wide receiver Drew Boggs.
Camden Schafer (5-11, 190) returns at center and will anchor the line.
Jake Bonifas (6-foot, 230) saw plenty of time on the line last year and will play left tackle.
The defense switches to a 3-4 this year.
“We used the 3-4 about five, six years ago,” Schulte said.
One reason for the 3-4 is that a Blue Jays’ strength will be at linebacker.
Two starters return at linebacker in Schafer and sophomore T.J. Werts.
Veteran Paddubny played many snaps at linebacker a year ago.
Schwinnen moves from free safety to outside linebacker.
On the line, both Bonifas and Ethan Druckemiller (6-3, 200) were part of the defensive-line rotation last year.
The secondary was hit by graduation. Two newcomers who could see action back there are Boggs and Grant Ulm.
For the second straight year, St. John’s will open the year with its cross-town school Delphos Jefferson.
Last year Jefferson posted a 28-14 victory over the Blue Jays.
Then, in Week 2, the Blue Jays travel to Spartan Stadium to face Lima Central Catholic.
“This is the second year of a two-year deal with Jefferson,” Schulte said. “I’m sure we’ll get together this year and figure out where we’re at (as far as the future goes). It was a neat deal with Jefferson last year and a great atmosphere.
“Then we have our longtime rivalry with the Catholic school in our area, LCC. We have to be ready to go.’’
DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S
Coach: Todd Schulte
Year at School, Record: 25th (181-100)
Last year’s record: 3-7 (3-5 MAC)
Division: VII
Returning Lettermen: 14
Returning Starters: Clay Paddubny (Sr., RB); Nolan Schwinnen (Sr., QB/LB); Camden Schafer (Sr., OL/LB); T.J. Werts (Soph, LB).
Offense: Shotgun, 1-back look.
Defense: 3-4
Players to Watch: Clay Paddubny ran for 545 yards last year and will get plenty of touches in the offense this year. He’ll also be a key on defense at linebacker. Quarterback Nolan Schwinnen threw for 1,073 yards and ran for 280.
Top Newcomers: Drew Boggs (Soph., DB/WR); Grant Ulm (Jr., DB/QB); Josh Mueller (Soph, DT/OL).
SCHEDULE
August 20 – Jefferson
August 26 – at Lima Central Catholic
September 2 – at Versailles
September 9 – Marion Local
September 16 – at Fort Recovery
September 23 – Anna
September 30 – Coldwater
October 7 – at Minster
October 14 –at Parkway
October 21 – New Bremen
All games start at 7 p.m
