The Roncalli Jets are looking to start the 2024 football season strong with a week one matchup against inner city rivals, Manitowoc Lutheran.
Last year, the Jets finished 1-9, winning their season finale versus Hilbert.
Roncalli and their head coach, Paul Kinsella, look to right the ship this season with a big rivalry game in week one.
Kinsella believes in this group and feels there has been a shift in the team’s mentality with a strong group of seniors and upperclassmen returning.
“Most of our starters are coming back. We have a lot of kids that will be two- or three-year starters so there’s a lot of potential,” he explained. “It’s a group of kids playing where we should have primarily juniors and seniors on the field, so no freshman or sophomores playing significant minutes, which is a big deal for us.”
Kinsella also commended this group of guys for sticking with the program when the results were less than ideal, record wise and for the work ethic they’ve exhibited.
One of these senior starters is quarterback Landon Chalupny who is entering his third year under center.
Chalupny said there’s a sense of urgency amongst the seniors to improve on what they accomplished last year.
Roncalli Head Coach Paul Kinsella
“I know all the seniors right now have bought in,” the signal caller said. “We all just want to start winning games, and that’s really everyone’s goal.”
Fellow senior and captain Drew Reimer, who plays running back and linebacker for the Jets, echoed his quarterback’s sentiments.
As for week one, Reimer said he can’t wait to get back on the field, especially going up against the rival Lancers.
He said, “It doesn’t matter where they’re from or who we’re playing, we’re taking the same energy for everybody.”
Senior offensive and defensive lineman Logan Schultz feels this team has more energy and physicality than past Jets teams.
He and all the captains believe these qualities can propel them to new heights this year, saying, “We’re shooting high. We’re going for state.”
The Jets take on the Lancers tonight (August 23rd) in a cross-town rivalry showdown at Ron Rubick Field.
Coverage for that game can be heard live on 97.1 WCUB and CubRadio.com with coverage beginning at 6:40 p.m.
