The football program at Pope John Paul II has long been identified with the classic Wing‑T offense, a run‑heavy scheme that coach Philip Pigott has refined over the past five years.
In a recent intrasquad scrimmage on May 14, sophomore quarterback Gage Trainor turned that reputation on its head, throwing for more than 200 yards and demonstrating a smooth, repeatable passing motion that caught the coach’s eye.
Coach Pigott lauded Trainor’s dual‑threat skill set, noting that the youngster’s ability to read defenses and deliver accurate throws downfield adds a dimension the team has not previously possessed.
Among the other standouts, junior Evan Bergeron continued to excel at fullback, positioning himself as the likely successor to Dominik Smith, who led the rushing attack last season.
Sophomore Cole McGhee proved equally versatile from the wingback spot, while 6‑foot‑3 sophomore Jai Williams made a strong impression at wide receiver after stepping onto the field for the first time since basketball season.
Junior tight end Brady Noto capped the action with a touchdown reception on the final play, underscoring the team’s emerging chemistry.
A Promising Young Core
The squad is composed primarily of sophomores and freshmen, yet the blend of experience from the senior defenders and the explosiveness of the younger skill players suggests a bright future for Pope John Paul II’s football program.