Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles 2026 football preview

By Craig Adkins

Head coach Tom Dilley is back for his 13th season leading the Golden Eagles, going 77-56 in his first 12. In his first season, he led Guerin to its last sectional title in 2014. Prior to coming to Guerin Catholic, Dilley was at Lawrence North from 2003-2012, winning 45 and lost 61. His first four seasons as a head coach, Dilley was at Bishop Chatard from 1999-2002. He went 35-16 and won back-to-back Class 3A state championships in 2001-02. Overall in 26 years, he's 157-133.

Guerin Catholic was 7-5 and reached the 3A Sectional 29 championship game last season and was upended on the road at top-ranked Cascade (49-21), the eventual 2A state champ.

This season, GC moves up to Class 4A in Sectional 21 with potential sectional opponents' of Brebeuf Jesuit, Danville, Frankfort, Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Shortridge, Lebanon and Northview.

Last week, Guerin visited Indianapolis Lutheran for a scrimmage. On Friday, the Golden Eagles host McCutcheon. GC leads the series 7-1, including last year's win in Lafayette over the Mavericks, 30-13. After losing the 2018 opener, Guerin has won seven in a row over the Mavs.

In Week 2 they hope to reverse last year's fortune at 5A #11 Pendleton Heights on Aug. 28. Weeks 3 and 4 get Guerin back home for two in a row against Heritage Christian on Sept. 4 and Brebeuf Jesuit on Sept. 11.

Two pivotal Circle City Conference games on Sept. 18 and Sept. 25 at 4A #2 Roncalli and 4A #4 Bishop Chatard provide extremely tough mid-season battles.

The final home game of the regular season brings 3A #1 Andrean on a lengthy road trip to Noblesville. Weeks 8 and 9 conclude the regular season on the road at 5A #16 Mt. Vernon (Fortville) on Oct. 9 and for the Bishop's Cannon on Oct. 16 at 1A #10 Lafayette Central Catholic.  

The Golden Eagles return eight starters on offense and four on defense, but also have experience coming back with last season’s depth.

"Offensively we are excited about our returning starters as well as our newcomers.  Skilled perimeter players return and experienced offensive linemen will complement a new starter at quarterback," said 13th-year head coach Tom Dilley.

Senior Luke McDonald takes over at quarterback. As a backup in 2025, he completed 6 of 11 passes for 67 yards. Junior Kolbe Klee will see time at both running back and wide receiver. Klee produced more catching passes out of the backfield last year, reeling in 50 for 592 yards and scored 7 TDs. He also ran for 108 yards and scored a touchdown.  

McDonald will have the comforts of having 2,144 receiving yards back (74 percent) of the 2,881 that Quentin Klee threw for last year. Isaiah Lewis caught 65 for 905 yards and 6 TDs, Aidan Horn grabbed 42 for 490 and scored twice, along with Isaac Justin with 10 receptions for 141 and a TD. 

Anchoring the line up front on offense will be returning starters Will Countryman (senior), Ryan James (junior) at the tackles, senior Oliver Kerr at a guard slot and senior Isaiah Niccum at center.
 
"Defensively our team pursuit will be key with quickness in all three levels of the defense.  Our defensive unit will strive to create as much havoc as possible," added Dilley.

The top two tacklers return on defense for the Golden Eagles. Juniors Erik Sorensen (97 tackles) and Josh Wilson (79) will man the middle of the defense at linebacker. Senior Kail Weinrich, as well as juniors Grady Williamson and Andrew Cherba will see significant time at linebacker. 

Senior Cooper Fisher is the only defensive player back that recorded an interception last season. He'll be joined by juniors Nick Rooney and Vincent DiBlasio in the secondary, along with Parker Martin (junior) and Brody Cain (senior).



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