St. Francis has reloaded for its Class 5A state title defense. The preseason No. 7 Spartans picked up seven transfers over the summer, including Jadon Wilson, a possible star quarterback.
The 6-3, 190-pound junior was the backup quarterback at East St. Louis last season and is bursting with confidence.
“I can make every play on the field,” Wilson said. “If you want me to run the ball, I can run it. If you need me to throw the ball 60 yards, I can throw it. If you need me to throw it short, I can throw it.”
Spartans coach Bob McMillen says that “all arrows are pointing to [Wilson] being the starter Week 1.”
“He believes he may have been overlooked at East St. Louis and wants to show everyone his talents,” McMillen said. “He has a little chip on his shoulder. A nice little edge. He’s extremely smart, unbelievably athletic and has a cannon for an arm.”
Junior Blake Lohman returns at receiver for St. Francis and is joined by three transfers. Junior receivers Greg Bess-Henning and Noah Turner joined from Carmel and Alijah Valeri, who started high school at St. Francis, is back after a year in Wisconsin.
“The receiver group is spectacular,” Wilson said. “Wherever I throw it, they go get it. We are going to do special things.”
Senior running back Tivias Caldwell Jr. rushed for nine TDs and more than 900 yards last season.
“I’m definitely faster and better at breaking tackles,” Caldwell said. “I’ve been doing a ton of strength workouts. Coach always says the stronger you are, the easier it is to run through stuff.”
Six starters back on the defense should provide a solid core as the offense builds chemistry and works towards its potential.
Defensive backs James McGrath (WIU), Javonte Williams and Ryan Mullen return. McGrath had 120 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 interceptions and 3 sacks last season.
“I’m really confident with our defense,” McGrath said. “We have athletes all over the field. It should be fun to watch.”
Linebackers Peyton Shipley and Tyler Dunlap are back along with sophomore defensive tackle AJ Redmon.
“Obviously adding so many talented transfers isn’t normal,” McGrath said. “It takes a lot to put all of that together. We have to try and hang out outside of practice and do everything we can to build chemistry on and off the field.”
The talent level is high in Wheaton, but facing teams with significantly more players is always a challenge.
“When you only have 35 kids on the varsity roster, you have to make the kids not only physically tough but mentally tough,” McMillen said. “It turns into a challenge as the season goes on. We are very fortunate to have the type of kids we have in our program.”
St. Francis had trouble finding an opponent for Week 2 and will host Clemente. But the schedule is very difficult after that. Five of the Spartans’ last seven opponents played in a state title game in the past two seasons.
“Getting this new mix of guys together has been a little bit of a challenge,” McMillen said. “Just trying to get everyone on the same page and understanding what we do here. But it has been a fun summer so far.”
@michaelsobriensports St. Francis checks in at No. 7 in the preseason Super 25. The Spartans added 7 talented transfers over the summer. #ihsa #football #wheaton #stfrancis ♬ original sound – michaelsobriensports