History: 1990's

1999 OLPH RAMS

Bottom Left to Right: Adam Foster, Brett Dalbey, Alex Godsey, Brendan Mullinex, Michael Appleby; Second Row: Kevin Torrence, Keith Lorenz, Alex Duke, David Bishop, Stephen Heimbecher; Top Row: Joseph Godsey, Braulio Espinoza, Adam DeoCampo, Michael Knabb.

1999 RAMS: 1st Team in 7 years to win Catholic Championship Game & make it to the ISC Championship [picture includes All-OLPH Team members: David Bishop (#8 MVP '99), Kevin Torrence (#10 '00), Michael Appleby (#32 MVP '00), & Honorable mention members Alex Duke (#22 '99), Bret Dalbey (#12 '99), & Keith Lorenz (#54 '00)]  

1999 Roster

ISC CATHOLIC CHAMPIONS  - ISC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

 LIVINGSWORTH ACADEMY (38-6)

BOYD BUCHANAN (14-6)

LOOKOUT VALLEY (12-0)

ST. JUDE (30-22)

SENTER (32-18)

 Losses to Senter and Boyd Buchanan in Regular Season and Loss to Boyd Buchanan in ISC Championship

1999: The Year of the Rams

    1999 was the year of the Rams. From the SuperBowl Champion Rams to the OLPH Rams who played in their own Championship game, it was a great year to be a RAM. Both teams improved drastically from previous seasons and far exceeded everyone’s expectations. The year started right with early practices in the hot summer, with team captain Brett Dalbey and all-purpose player Michael Appleby attending every practice this season. Brett had an excellent year at quarterback, accumulating over a thousand all-purpose yards while passing for four touchdowns and running for three. Michael had a remarkable year at linebacker, leading the team in total tackles and returning an interception for a touchdown for the biggest play of the playoffs. Appleby also performed great at fullback (w/ several two-point-conversions), end, and flanker (several big catches on our “surprise play”).

The season started off great with a 70-yard touchdown run by Alex Duke. Unfortunately we lost Duke to injury for 3 games, but upon his return we returned to form winning 3 straight games to put us into the Championship Game. Duke solidified the defense at linebacker and the offensive backfield averaging over an incredible 10 yards per carry. Braulio Espinoza provided determined blocking and much inspiration for the team. Braulio was always willing to match-up against Duke in tackling drills and motivated the team to outscore Boyd Buchanan in the second half of our regular season game after a flagrant spear cracked his tailbone. Miraculously, Braulio was courageous enough and tough enough to return for our playoff game against Senter, in which he provided us with our first complete defensive unit since the first game. It proved to be crucial, as our defense was able to halt Senter’s high-powered offense.

Our “dream season” may not have been if it were not for our superstar David Bishop. Bishop excelled on special teams, converting many extra-points, kicking onsides, and returning 4 touchdowns back after punts and kickoffs. Interestingly, David was asked only once to kick-off deep and to punt. While the kicks were deep, on both occasions the ball was returned inside the 5 yard line (that’s why we don’t do it). Bishop had over a thousand all-purpose yards (receiving, running, & returns), and proved to be the “go-to” guy when a big play was needed (especially in the big games). Bishop was one of the leading tacklers and was very tenacious at safety.  

One of the best surprises of the year was the outstanding play of Stephen Heimbecher. Stephen was a first-time player, but you couldn’t tell by his spectacular defensive-end play and awesome blocking skills. The accomplishments of the team, as well as the positive attitude of the team just would not have been the same without Stephen. Complimenting Stephen on the left side of the line was our most enthusiastic player, Nick Darras. Nick was always willing to help the team out (playing end, running back, tackle, center, kicker, noseguard, linebacker). Nick’s play in the first Boyd Buchanan game paved the way to victory. Nick not only opened up big holes for Kevin, he caught the game winning catch in dramatic fashion with time running out. Nick provided big plays on defense, leading the team in fumble recoveries and causing opponent mistakes.

At center, Keith Lorenz was the foundation and leader of the offensive line. Keith’s blocking was fantastic and his ability is only surpassed by his heart and toughness. Keith often played and practiced while enduring significant pain. The right side of the line was anchored by Adam Foster and Brendan Mullinax. Our motto is “attitude is everything”, and Adam, a first time player who blossomed into a seasoned blocker, exemplified a positive attitude. Adam was always willing to do more, from sprints to contributing during game time. Brendan contributed the biggest defensive play of the season, with his amazing interception against our Catholic rival, to seal our first victory against St. Jude in almost a decade. 

In his first year at running back, Kevin Torrence picked up where last years MVP, Joey Appleby, left off. Kevin rushed for an average of over 100 yards per game and supplied phenomenal play at linebacker. Despite missing a game and 1/2, Kevin scored 10 touchdowns and several two-point-conversions. The future looks very bright for Kevin. The future also looks great for Adam Deocampo, and our sixth graders, Alex and Joseph Godsey, and Michael Knabb. Adam supplied excellent defense against Livingsworth and Senter, knocking down a couple of passes and making several superb solo-tackles. Alex Godsey, who was fired-up and motivated, contributed solidly on the defensive line and especially the offensive line. Joseph helped all of our players to become better hitters and made significant improvements in his first year of football. Michael Knabb is very “coachable”, always has a great attitude, and is the heir apparent as our onside kickoff specialist. This truly was a successful year, a year that proved to be the YEAR OF THE RAMS.    

Coach Bucky Dearing being carried off the field after beating rival

St. Jude for the 1st time in almost a decade.

1999 Awards

1998 OLPH Rams

Roster

1997 Rams (1-5)

Top Row: Coach Mike Darras, Sean Forrester, Michael Saporito, Donald Benton, Chuck Smith, Chip Morris, Joey Appleby (All-OLPH Team), Coach Brian Casey; Middle Row: Coach Tony Duke, William Godsey, Steven Bishop, Nick Darras, John Kranske, Alex Duke; Bottom Row: Will Casey, Michael Hunt, Clay Wilson, Dennis Doyle, Hunter Eberle, Michael Doyle (not pictured: Nicholas Weiss)

1996 Rams (3-3) Coach Jay Bass

Front Row: Michael Doyle, Eric Burger, Michael Saporito, Chris Bechtel, Brian Hennen; 2nd Row: Paul Hatala, Joey Morrissey, Justin Zucconi, Pierre Abdelnour, Jeff Hunter; 3rd Row: Evan Smith, Jason Bass, Allen Horton, Willie Coty, Pat Christiana; 4th Row: Scott Castle, John Dunn, Anthony Wallace, Jason Cruz, Jonathan Davis

1995 Rams (3-3)  Coach Jay Bass

1st row: Jack Fahler, Marsh Eberle, Willy Cote, Chris Weiss, Scott Pack. 2nd row: Jonathan Davis, Chris Bechtel, Bryan Hunter, Evan Smith, Alex Chambers, Danny Robertson, Jason Bass. 3rd row: Tim Bruns, Chris Schleifer, Allen Horton, Bill Harmer, Jason Cruz, Bo Ray.

1994 Rams (3-3)  Coach Link Klassen

1st Row: Kit Nazor, Evan Smith, Jack Fahler, Steve Morgan, Jason Bass; 2nd Row: Chris Weiss, Joey Fones, Ben Whitaker, Travis Inman, Casey Errickson, Bo Ray; 3rd Row- Coach Link Klassen, Travis Burdette, Chris Kesterson, Terry Wilson, Louis Vineyard, Anthony Wallace, Chris Schleifer, Marsh Eberly

1993 Rams (1-4):  Coach Link Klassen

1st Row: Josh Hatcher, Kit Nazor, Joey Fones, Travis Burdette, Ryan Strothers, Patrick McIntyre; 2nd Row: Stephen Lynskey, Louis Vineyard, Robbie Peoples, Matt Meinert, Jason Delaney, Marcus Chambers, Jeremy Hatcher.     Not Pictured: Nathan Gayle, Shawn Williams, David Klingler, Chris Schleifer, Marsh Eberle, Scott Pack, Matt Reed, and Greg Ship

1992 Rams (5-3): 

Back Row: Coach Sompayrac, Jay Rivers, Trey Burdette, Jason Delaney, Brent Joly, Adam Bruns, Travis Vaughn, Nathan Buck, Coach Klassen. Middle Row: Brad Walsh, Aaron Campbell, Steven Lynskey, Jonathan Hickey, Andrew Clark, Lamar Bryant. Front Row: Robbie Peoples, Bobby Ankar, Travis Burdette, Nathan Gayle, Marcus Chambers, Matt Meinert.

'92 Rams Avenge Loss to Boyd and Play in Championship Game

   Trey Burdette (All-OLPH Team) led the Rams to another solid year. After losing to Boyd Buchanan in the regular season, OLPH knocked-off the Bucs in the playoffs to play the undefeated Senter Jets in the ISC Championship Game. The Rams fell a couple of touchdowns short and finished a fine season 5-3. This was Coach Sompayrac's last season with the Rams. He finished with a record of 24-14, competing in the Championship Game every year but one and winning the Championship in '88.

 1991 Rams (6-2): 

'91 Rams Rebound for 3rd Championship Game in 4 years

   OLPH rebounded from a tough year in '90 to finish a fantastic season 6-2. The Rams only losses came to powerhouse Lookout Valley, who were led by Tim Voiles (current ND coach) and finished the season undefeated. OLPH played the Yellow Jackets two great games and lost in an exciting Championship Game, 34-28. The '91 Rams played as a team and made up in heart what it lacked in talent. OLPH, led by Eric Schexnaildre (All-OLPH Team), lit up the score board all year in a wide-open offensive system (predominately ran-out of the shot-gun in a West-Coast style of play).

1990 Rams (3-4): 

'90 Rams Have Rebuilding Year

   The '90 Rams were hit hard by attrition and finished a frustrating 3-4. The Rams had a few positives, including MVP Moe Gustus (RB) (All-OLPH Team Honorable Mention) and the laying of a foundation for the '91 team.

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