St. Viator is a promising team again after a 6-5 record last season and returns with a young core and a lot of experience.

St. Viator posted impressive wins over Montini (9-4 record) in the regular season and Richmond-Burton (7-3 record) in the playoffs before losing to Wheaton Academy (11-2 record) in the second round of the playoffs last year.

While an overall record of 11-10 over the past two seasons doesn’t sound overly impressive, they have faced strong competition during that time and are seeking their third consecutive playoff appearance.

“I think the last two years have been a great maturation period for our athletes,” said Dave Archibald, head coach of St. Viator (9th year, 34-40 record). “They just saw what it takes to win in our league and what it takes to play at a high level. We’ve done that really well.”

Archibald believes this group can be one of the best he has assembled during his tenure.

St. Viators starting quarterback this season is Cooper Kmet, the younger brother of Chicago Bears TE Cole Kmet. Cooper, the 2023 CCL/ESCC Purple Offensive Player of the Year, put up some amazing numbers last year. The 2023 honorable mention All-State quarterback threw for over 1,700 yards and 21 TDs in the regular season alone.

St. Viator QB Cooper Kmet is looking for a free receiver for the 2023 season.

“As every coach knows, there’s no substitute for experience at the quarterback position,” Archibald said. “Cooper now has the benefit of two playoff years and two years of film, preparation and study. So many hours where we were able to sit together and watch film and talk about the nuances of reads and decision making. Now it’s just great to have him as a senior where he’s always trying to fine-tune and continue that ascent.”

Kmet is brimming with confidence and experience, and neither of these things can be learned.

In addition to Kmet, St. Viator is led by returning all-conference players Ben Konopka (Sr., OL; Army West Point commit), Dayvion Ellis (Sr., WR/FS), Jaylan Szlachetka (Sr., WR/CB) and Ethan Angst (Sr.). Ellis, a 3-star recruit, was the 2023 CCL/ESCC Purple MVP and should be a difference maker this year.

Other important returnees are JR Clary (Sr., DE), Michael Tauscher (Sr., OLB/RB), Star Gu (Jr., NG/MLB), Peter LaFleur (Jr., OG/DT), David Hosnedl (Jr., OL), Sean McAndrews (Sr.), Zach Mascolo (Sr.), Allistar Kanyuh (Sr., LB) and Michael Zawilenski (Sr., LB). Important newcomers are Damacio Ortegon (So.) and Sasha Summers (Sr.).

St. Viator has a tough schedule ahead of him this year, but that’s no surprise.

“Everyone in our league knows you’re tested week in and week out,” Archibald said. “You don’t mark two or three games on the schedule as the tough games, you mark the entire conference schedule.”

Archibald believes the team really came together over the summer and he is excited to see them on the field this year.