Page 20 Fall Football Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2026 sailor. mnsun. com
PROVIDENCE ACADEMY LIONS
Experienced QB leads a gritty 4A squad
JOHN SHERMAN john. sherman @ apgecm. com
Providence Academy’ s quest for an improved football season rests on the strong right arm of senior quarterback and captain JJ Rooney.
There were growing pains for Providence last season as the Lions posted an overall mark of 2-7, but with key starters around Rooney, it looks lie this year could be much better.
“ I am definitely more confident in my role and my identity as a quarterback,” Rooney said after an early-season practice.“ As a second-year captain, I am more mature. Nine games of starting experience last year prepared me for this season.”
During the off-season Rooney worked on all aspects of quarterbacking. Perhaps the most noticeable difference is how much further he is throwing the football. He estimates that he added about 15 yards in distance, which means that he can cut it loose for about 60 yards now.
“ We will be able to stretch some of the pass routes,” the Providence quarterback predicted.
Two of the other Lion captains are ready to catch Rooney’ s passes. Liam Sweet plays outside receiver and also plays safety on defense.“ It is good to be around other guys who had a year of experience last season,” Sweet said.“ I feel good about having a leadership role. It gives me a chance to help younger players. JJ [ Rooney ] is a good
( SUN PHOTO BY JOHN SHERMAN)
Providence Academy head coach Colin Rooney instructs during practice while working with running back Simon Hunter.
friend and we have a real connection on the field. He’ s a very accurate passer, who has the arm and the agility. I really trust him.”
One thing Sweet learned as a two-way player last season was that you can’ t take plays off.“ Obviously, the goal is to win,” he said.
Sweet has a chance to work closely with head coach Colin Rooney, who is charge of the offense, and coach Reed Boltmann, the former Edina High head coach, who is in charge of the Lions’ defensive unit.
“ Coach Rooney is up front with us and always helping us learn the plays,” Sweet said.“ Coach Boltmann gives us good drills and works to make us better people, not just better players.”
Sweet is fully entrenched in Providence Academy athletics. In addition to playing football, he is one of the star forwards on the hockey team and the golf captain.
“ We have great teachers at Providence,” he said.“ Among the student body, everyone is so close. My friends are in a lot of my classes.”
One of the other Providence Academy’ s other captains is two-way starter at tight end and defensive end Nick Willihnganz, who is on the NCAA Division I recruiting screen. He is one of the larger men on the team at 6-5 and 250 pounds. One of the colleges offering a scholarship is the University of St. Thomas. Another senior captain is Jon Wiseman, an experienced offensive and defensive tackle, who stands 6-3 and weighs in at 280 pounds. More size is available with senior 6-1, 245-pound offensive tackle and defensive end Jacob Gieseke.
Ayden Hanssen, Aiden Barnett and Simon Hunter are expected to do a lot of good things as skill-position players on offense. Kicker Noah Boro will expand his role to play from the line of scrimmage.
QUICK HITS
Head Coach
Colin Rooney Ninth Season
Last Year’ s Record: 2-7
Key Returning Players
JJ Rooney, the 6-1, 175-pound senior, returns as the Lions’ quarterback after starting all nine games last season. He passed for 1,387 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. Improved arm strength could make Rooney’ s ability to convert on deep routes a real weapon.
Two-way starters are expected to play a big role in Providence Academy’ s success. Liam Sweet is fast and fit as a 5-11, 170-pound senior safety and receiver. Up front, the Lions are blessed with size and good technique with Jacob Gieseke, Henry Willihnganz and Jon Wiseman as the most experienced players. Wiseman, who weighs 280, has been a regular since his sophomore season. Noah Boro could be one of the elite kickers in Class 4A football this season.
Providence’ s running game could be one of the most improved areas with Ayden Hanssen, Simon Hunter and Aiden Barnett rushing behind a big offensive line.
Schedule
Sept. 3: At Zimmerman Sept. 11: Delano Sept. 18: Westonka Sept. 25: At Kasson-Mantorville Oct. 2: At DeLaSalle Oct. 9: Hill-Murray Oct. 14: At Big Lake Oct. 20: Orono
Game times 7 p. m. unless otherwise noted