Dowling Catholic Head Football Coach Tom Wilson address his team before team camp in July, 2014. Image via DCHS Football Facebook Page.

What do you do when you win a state championship for the second time in 4 years? As Steely Dan once sung “you go back, Jack, do it again.” The target is clearly on the back of the Dowling Catholic Maroons. Winning a state title will do that. Coach Tom Wilson would like to “do it again”, with the help of 1st team All-State quarterback Ryan Boyle (119-187/1,833 yards/21 TD/3 Int./1.332 yards rushing) returning for his senior campaign.

Coming off of a 14-0 campaign in 2013, the Maroons will start the season against the team they defeated for the 4A title: Cedar Rapids Xavier. Along with Boyle, who has committed to Iowa, Elijah Swehla and Cole Wymore will anchor the offense, and reliable Kicker Nick McClellan (8 for 13 in FG for 2013) is back. On the defensive side, a couple of stalwarts in Max Morris and Jo Jo Jok on the defensive line, and Nick Wilson patrolling the defensive backfield at free safety. Both Morris and Wilson have college offers in their pockets as they begin training camp.

Dowling Catholic Stats

2013 Record: 14-0 overall, 5-0 Divison 3

2014 Class & District: Class 4A, District 2
Coach: Tom Wilson, 22 years overall (9 at Dowling Catholic), 182-56 overall (91-17 at Dowling Catholic)

Returning Starters – Offense:
Ryan Boyle, QB, 12, 6-2, 215, 1st team All-State
Elijah Swehla, OL, 12, 6-3, 305
Cole Wymore, OL, 12, 5-9, 205
Nick McLellan, K, 12, 6-2, 170, 3rd team All-State

Returning Starters – Defense:
Max Morris, DL, 12, 6-2, 235, 1st team All-State
Jo Jo Jok DL, 12, 6-2, 235
Nick Wilson, FS, 12, 6-2, 105

Returning Letterwinners: 36 total

Coaching staff (new additions): Ryan Van Veen (WR), RB-Aundra Meeks (RB)

Offense scheme: Spread
Defense scheme: 4-2-5

Interesting stories about the squad, players or upcoming season: Aundra Meeks joins the coaching staff as Running Backs coach. Meeks was the long-time head football coach at Waterloo Columbus Catholic, winning the 2A state title in 2004. Coach Wilson’s concern is replacing many good players, but as customary with the Maroons, they rely on depth at each position and each player to do their job. The Maroons are second to Emmetsburg in playoff appearances overall (36), and are 56-32 overall in the post-season play since the playoffs were instituted in 1972 (4th best record, in all classes).

Team Motto: Team First
Team Goals: State Championship

2014 Schedule: (District games in bold)

Aug. 29 Cedar Rapids Xavier

Sept. 5 @ Urbandale

Sept. 12 Waukee

Sept. 19 @ West Des Moines Valley

Sept. 26 @ Council Bluffs Lewis Central

Oct. 3 Sioux City East

Oct. 10 @ Johnston

Oct. 17 Des Moines Roosevelt

Oct. 24 @ Des Moines Nort