Countdown to kickoff: FW Nolan Catholic has new coach, same goals

Fort Worth Nolan Catholic

TAPPS Division I District 1

Last season: 5-7 (4-3 District 1), Lost in Div. I area round

Key players: OL James Hill (6-0, 275); DE Alec Austin (6-4, 250); DB Damon Ramirez (5-10, 175); DB John Pecot (5-11, 175); DB Grayson Hutka (6-2, 170); RB Rory Mitchell (5-10, 180); LB Na-Na Osafo-Mensah (6-4, 230)

The big picture: Nolan Catholic is looking to restart old winning ways with a new coach. David Beaudin takes the reins from Joe Prud’homme, who is starting the football program at Texas Wesleyan. Although Nolan Catholic got back into the playoffs last season after missing out in 2014, the Vikings will have to extend the new streak with a youthful roster. Beaudin has experience in building teams, having led St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio to a four-year record of 27-9. He arrived at Nolan in time for an abbreviated spring practice and likes what he sees. “They were always a well-coached bunch and are a tough, hard-nosed and great group of kids who come to work every day and want to get better,” Beaudin said. The initial challenge will be to replace QB Jacob Walden, who threw for more than 1,500 yards and 9 TDs. Beaudin hasn’t yet determined who has the inside track to the starting QB role. Fortunately for the offense, Rory Mitchell returns at running back after rushing for 948 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. There are question marks at receiver and on the offensive line, but Beaudin feels there are players ready to step up in an “extremely multiple offense. That’s who we are. It’s not a pro and not a spread,” Beaudin said. Defense is where Beaudin has the highest comfort level. Last year’s front seven have graduated, but a few experienced players are ready. The strength will be in the secondary with three returning defensive backs: Damon Ramirez, John Pecot and Grayson Hutka. Add in Alec Austin at end and Na-Na Osafo-Mensah at LB and the Vikings’ defense should be able to keep things in check until the new front develops. Ramirez expects the similarity in defenses from last year to this year will enable the Vikings to be contenders in the district again. The defense will be the anchor for the team early, according to Ramirez. To be successful, several sophomores will have to step in and contribute, Beaudin said. “But you won’t know what you have until we get there,” he said.

Quotable: “The kids hit the ground running and have responded well. I’m proud of how they came out and learned the new terminology. We’ll have some experienced guys in the back half of the secondary, in particular. They have to lead the charge.” — Coach David Beaudin

“We lost some good people but it happens every year. Some stars around the district have graduated, as well so we should be all right.” — DB Damon Ramirez

Notable: Before missing in 2014, Nolan had made the playoffs 15 consecutive years. The Vikings have won seven TAPPS state titles since 2004.

This story was originally published August 22, 2016 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Countdown to kickoff: FW Nolan Catholic has new coach, same goals."