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Season Preview: St. James

By Chad Rader, 810 Varsity, 07/19/22, 7:15PM CDT

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Thunder primed to three-peat in Class 4A

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Going from the hunter to hunted didn’t seem to bother St. James Academy in 2021. Now the Thunder are looking to stay ahead of the pack again.

A year after winning its first state football title in 2020, St. James Academy backed the feat up by repeating as Kansas Class 4A state champs in 2021. The Thunder started the season at 0-4, but then gelled and won nine in a row, capped by a 28-21 win in the title game over Andover Central.

“We look forward to building off the success of the last two seasons,” stated head coach Tom Radke, in his 12th season at St. James. “We are really looking forward to the leaders we have coming back in 2022”

One of the leaders will be returning all-state wide receiver John Niesen. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior hauled in 64 receptions for 1,275 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021.

However, Niesen will be catching balls from the third starting quarterback in three seasons at St. James. Quarterback Jackson House moved onwards, so junior Ben Wheeler takes the helm. Wheeler’s older brother, Sam, starred at St James and currently plays tight end for K-State.

“Ben has been around St. James football for years, and is ready to use his big targets to push the ball downfield,” Radke touted.

Joining Niesen as a target for Wheeler will be senior Finn Burritt, who’s older brother, Dakota, quarterbacked the 2020 title team. Finn, 6-foot-1, 170, did bring in 21 catches for 178 yards and a score. Fellow senior Callahan Huston (6-foot-2, 170) also snagged 17 balls for 163 yards and a TD a year ago. Michael Clayton (5-foot-7, 140) also will bring a weapon to the outside.


Finn Burritt looks to step up in 2022 for St. James. (Photo: Darryl Woods, 810 Varsity)

The running game will be entirely new, as junior Ayden Brady (6-0, 180) garnered just 15 totes as a soph. Junior Malcolm Russell also will get carries in the backfield.

Three seniors return up front in guard Jack Bickelmeyer (6-foot-3, 200), center Will Golomski (6-foot-3, 240) and guard J.P. Conley (5-foot, 220). Joining the trio on the offensive line will be a pair of monster juniors Bobby Ruben (6-foot-5, 290) and George Bright (6-foot-5, 315).

“The line will be in good shape with the returners, and a good group of young athletic linemen to round off the group,” Radke said.

The defense is anchored by Kansas Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year in defensive lineman Wade Spencer. The 6-0, 230-pound senior will be joined by returning senior defensive ends Nick McDermott (6-foot-3, 205) and Jayden Mabion (6-foot-3, 190) as well as junior lineman Braxton Guetterman (5-foot-9, 220).

Junior linebacker Spencer Dohm (5-foot-10, 210) returns along with newcomers in senior Ethan Boltz (5-foot-9, 185) and senior outside backer/defensive back Blake Boydston (6-0, 175).

The secondary brings back more experience in senior strong safety Andrew Holton (5-foot-11, 170) and cornerback Josh Boon (5-foot-8, 160). Senior cornerback Stephen Cumes (6-foot-3, 15) and senior free safety JP Root (5-foot-7, 145) join the fray.

“This group has a lot of experience coming back and look to uphold the solid reputation that our defense has earned,” Radke said.

St. James opens with a clash of defending champs, playing Class 6A champs Blue Valley Northwest on September 2.

“The EKL is always tough,” said Radke, as St. James went just 3-4 in the league before the postseason run. “But it’s proven to make us better, which we try to do each and every week.”

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