First Down 2025 | Page 47

* denotes Homecoming

Mann said he could be“ dang good” for the Wildcats despite only playing football for just two years.

PLAYER TO WATCH: TE Jude Saldivar, QB Rylan Griffith and running backs / fullbacks

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Sep. 26 vs Millsap

put in the position I’ m in.”

Experience on the offensive line will assist Griffith in his first year on varsity, while being surrounded by plenty of talent in the backfield.

Jackson McKinnerney returns from an ACL injury last season and is joined by Justin Hollingsworth. The third back within the committee is the one to watch for Mann to have a breakout 2025 in the“ explosive” Colt Bridges.

The A-back and slot positions are where Santo will see fresh faces, but a difference maker that could surprise people is tight end Jude Saldivar.

Defense

The youth impact continues and may be more apparent on the defensive side. New starters will be seen at free safety and outside linebacker, considered by Mann to be the useful positions for Santo.

“ There’ s gonna be things that they have to learn that only experience can teach them,” said Mann.

Barring any injuries that have sidetracked the past two seasons, the Wildcats hope to play the best version of Santo football. The characteristics that embody the program are blue-collar toughness, absolute grit and glorifying the Lord through football, according to Mann.

“ We’ ve got a lot of guys that are bought in and determined to mke a deep run,” said Griffith.“ We know how good we can be so trusting the process and going to work for eachother is a big part of what we’ ve got going.”

Mann remains curious as to how the young players will perform but is in high hopes that the WIldcats are on the verge of getting out of the hole they’ ve been the past two seasons.

AUGUST 2025 | FIRST DOWN 47