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Depth a concern, but Marmion has experience

While Marmion lost six key all-conference performers from a year ago, the outlook for the 2017 season is far from bleak.

That's because the Cadets return a trio of offensive stalwarts from that 2016 squad that went 6-4 and qualified for the state playoffs. Marmion's three regular-season losses last year were to teams who advanced to the state semifinals.

That returning offensive core includes senior quarterback Brandon McPherson (6-3, 225), senior running back Zach Urwiler (5-9, 170) and senior center Jacob Baxa (6-5, 255).

"Offensively we have a great quarterback in Brandon," said Marmion coach Dan Thorpe, in his 30th year as a head coach and 36th year overall.

Thorpe pointed out McPherson is being recruited by MAC schools as a quarterback and as an athlete who could play tight end, split end, outside linebacker or defensive back.

"He has thrown the ball great all summer and has developed excellent relationships with Zach and Jake Molenhouse," he said.

Molenhouse (5-11, 170) is a split end who also doubles as a returning starter on the other side of the ball as a defensive back. "Jake has the best hands I have had in 12 years at Marmion so we must target our passing game toward him," said Thorpe.

Urwiler has run a 4.4 40-year dash at several combines. "He can take any carry or reception for a touchdown with his speed," said Thorpe.

Baxa also is being recruited by Division I colleges and has many MAC schools interested in him, Thorpe noted.

Juniors Peter Ferraro (RB-LB, 6-0, 170), Patrick Daum (RB-LB, 5-9, 160), Ryan McMahon (TE, LB, 6-2, 185) and Miles Childers (SE-DB, 6-2, 180) will help at the skill positions, while juniors John Roche (G-LB, 6-0, 210) and Blake Kramer (G-T, 6-1, 225) will bolster the offensive line.

Charlie Gambs returns as well as the team's long snapper. "Charlie is one of the best in the state," said Thorpe. "We hope to score many points."

McPherson and Molenhouse are back in the secondary, while senior Jack Twitty (G-DE, 5-10, 210) and Roche are back as well as key defensive contributors. Roche, who Thorpe said "has a great motor at defensive end," will play some at middle linebacker as well.

A key concern for Marmion is the roster size. The Cadets have only 32 players on the varsity.

"With only 32 players, depth and injury will be key," said Thorpe. "Don't look for us to no huddle. We will slow the game down because we have too many players going both ways. Efficiency will be key on offense because we can't go three-and-out."

While Thorpe is concerned about the number of players working on both sides of the ball, he does see a positive with the situation. "What I like are the backups/juniors are all into football and they will contribute and contribute right away," he said. "Every player is very dedicated and working hard in practice. We have some great competition going on and I really like the attitude, work ethic and confidence these kids have. In the summer 7-on-7s we scored points and actually played well defensively with inexperienced players. As always we will and must play with great heart."

The numbers game, Thorpe explained, means Cadet coaches must coach differently. "Coaching this year will center around play-calling and schemes. Coaching will also center on being smart in practice with contact and rotations and playing kids on game day with intelligent substitutions. The sooner the newcomers/juniors can contribute, the sooner we will have success. I love the challenge with less numbers and the coaches and kids have had a great relationship working together all summer."

In terms of the Chicago Catholic League Green Division, Thorpe said competition will once again be fierce. "Montini returns many starters and the new coaching staff will be motivated to prove themselves," he said. "Fenwick with numbers and an excellent staff always makes them good. De La Salle, Marmion and St. Francis will battle it out."

Marmion also has games against St. Laurence, Bishop McNamara and St. Rita, with St. Laurence and St. Rita advancing to the second round or further in the playoffs. "We upset Bishop Mac and St. Laurence last year," Thorpe noted. "They will be motivated against us."

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