Pope John Paul II Jaguars

Phillip Pigot has a lot to look forward to in his second season at the helm of the Pope John Paul II football program as he returns a deep and talented roster that has the components for a deep playoff run.

The Jaguars look to rebuild on a 2021 campaign that saw them compile four wins, the school's most in a season since 2016, as well as their first playoff appearance in three years. There is nowhere to go but up and that is what Pigot and his team have as a goal.

With the roster doubled in size from a year ago and with 70 players expected to dress out, PJP hopes to continue to make large strides. Although young, the Jaguars will be competitive over the next few seasons due to a large influx of talent at the ninth and tenth-grade levels.

However, a senior-ladened class will help to train the young faces on this year's team while hoping to make history. Defensively, the Jaguars return all 11 starters from last season and is expected to carry the team early in the year as the offense, which brings back five starters, finds its identity.

PJP has put together a competitive non-district slate including a season-opening contest against Class 4A Pearl River followed by three consecutive road trips. The Jaguars' defense will be tested early with a Week 2 game against St. Martin and powerful sophomore running back Harlem Berry.

In district play, PJP hosts St. Thomas Aquinas and Springfield while making trips to Northlake Christian, Independence and St. Helena Central.