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Hubbard, Mangan Lead Wildcats' All-District Selections

By Joe Ginley '12 , 11/18/19, 1:45PM EST

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Besides Hubbard (right) and Mangan, 3 Cats made 2nd team and 6 Cats made honorable mention.

The future is bright for the Wildcats, as evidenced by the selections of Saint Ignatius football players to the Northeast Lakes District all-star football teams.

Two Wildcats – both juniors – earned spots on the first team. Three Wildcats earned slots on the second team, including one junior. The honorable mention section was also peppered with Wildcats.

All in all, the Wildcats were well-represented on the All-District squads.

The Wildcats' leading tackler led the way for the Saint Ignatius representatives with a first-team selection. Aidan Hubbard repped the Wildcats on the defensive side, a feather in his cap for a great season. Hubbard finished the season with a team-best 40.5 tackles as a playmaking defender. The 6'4, 218-pound linebacker added 10 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in a stellar junior campaign. Look for Hubbard on the basketball court this winter. 

Declan Mangan also drew first-team recognition. The 5'11, 165-pound kicker enjoyed a fantastic season. Mangan hit 6 field goals, with makes from 47, 48, 49, 53, and 56 yards. The junior averaged 34.6 yards per punt on the year as the team's primary punter. Mangan also handled kickoff duties, with 34-of-52 landing for touchbacks. Mangan has Division I recruit written all over him, much like Matthew Trickett '18 – now a kicker at Kent State – did a couple of years ago. 

Two members of the Ryan Franzinger '02 defense snagged second-team honors – Anthony Gerace and Bennett Adler.

Gerace might have made first-team, if not for an injury that robbed him of a couple games. Even still, the big defensive lineman tabbed 32.5 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. Adler represents the bright future of the defense. The 6'3, 210-pound defensive end wreaked havoc all season long, leading the sqaud with 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Adler notched 24.5 tackles, too.

Connor Cmiel reps the Nick Restifo, Hon. 19 offense on the second-team squad. Like Gerace, Cmiel may have been higher, save for an injury that limited him late in the year. The real deal, Cmiel lit up the field with his speed and playmaking ability as a wideout and returnman. Cmiel hauled in 29 catches for 560 yards and 4 touchdowns. The two-way star also notched 10 tackles, 2 pass breakups, and 1 interception as a cornerback.

Six talented Wildcats made honorable mention, all special seniors. Offensive linemen Tony Georges and Nick Schwitzgebel made the cut after great seasons as tackles. Georges, scoring a 91% in blocking efficiency, is bound for Akron. Schwitzgebel, a stud left tackle grading out with a 93% blocking efficiency, is uncommitted but likely headed to Division I or the Ivy League.

A star member of the Linebacker Legion, Connor Francz also earned deserved recognition. The 6'3, 220-pound standout tallied 36.5 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks on the season. Francz is getting some Division I looks and will wow at the next level. The great young man also plays hockey and lacrosse for the Wildcats.

Jake Lang is another Wildcat getting some college looks. The 6'3, 195-pound tight end hauled in 33 receptions for 505 yards and 2 touchdowns. Lang is nearly impossible to tackle on the first try – he's a gritty player with athleticism, blocking ability, and muscle. He'll play baseball in the spring.

The leader of the offense, Griffin Hanna, also earned recognition. The quarterback joined the 2,000-yard passing club, becoming the 16th player to hit the landmark number, with 2,124 yards. Hanna finished the year with 17 passing touchdowns and 6 rushing scores.

And last alphabetically but certainly not least, Jack Welcsh rounds out the group. The two-way star carried the Wildcats for much of the season as a skilled playmaker. Welcsh led the team in rushing, with 140 carries for 602 yards and 5 touchdowns. The St. Chris alum added 16 catches for 207 yards and 1 touchdown. As a safety, Welcsh recorded 25 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1 interception. Look for him on the lacrosse field this spring.

In all, the Wildcats had plenty of representation on the All-District squad. Based on the number of juniors making the list, there's certainly reason for optimism for 2020.