Don’t let last season’s 7-5 overall record fool you on whether St. Xavier is still a powerhouse program in the Midwest. They have won state titles in 2005, 2007, 2016, and 2020. The Bombers have a tradition of playing a top-tier schedule year in and year out and always have an elite-level roster of prospects.
Was an early exit in the Ohio Division 1 State Playoffs disappointing to them? Of course, it was. When you lose to your arch-rival for the second time 10-7, it is never how you want to end the season. Both times were close and hard-hitting games where one or two plays are the difference in the outcome. The Bombers had a tough loss to Cincinnati Elder 32-31 in overtime. They were on the losing end to the Kentucky 6A State Champs (Trinity), and the Tennessee Division 2 Class AAA State Champs (McCallie).
The Bombers had big wins against Lakota West, Trinity Catholic (FL), Detroit Martin Luther King (MI), LaSalle, Withrow, St. Ignatius, and Springboro.
The 2024 team is geared up and ready to make a deep run in the playoffs. Its returning core group of proven players has loads of potential.
Offense
The Bombers’ offense has a two-quarterback system with senior Chase Herbstreit (6’2”, 185) and junior Daniel Vollmer (6’2”, 205). Both had nice seasons last year. Herbstreit threw for 1,522 passing yards, a 54% completion rate, and 10 touchdowns. Vollmer was more of an athlete in the wildcat formation. He rushed for 765 yards, a 6.3 average, and scored 4 touchdowns. Vollmer earned 10 Division 1 scholarship offers during the offseason, including Duke, Indiana, Cincinnati, and Toledo.
On the offensive line, St. Xavier has one of the best in the Midwest with Tucker Kattus. Kattus is a 6’5”, 290-pound left tackle committed to Kentucky and Coach Stoops. He was a 1st Team All-Southwest District performer the last two seasons.
St. Xavier has several outstanding offensive skilled players returning. Jacob Britt and Cam Taylor are both in the 2026 class. Britt was a 2nd Team All-Greater Catholic League running back who racked up 769 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. Taylor caught 18 passes for 203 yards and scored 2 touchdowns. He was also a great blocker on the perimeter in the running game.
Defense
St. Xavier’s defense in 2023 was stout and aggressive, making things difficult for opposing offenses. The Bombers held their opponents to 14.9 points per game. Outside of the Cincinnati Elder 32-31 overtime loss, they only gave up more than 13 points in one game all year: the McCallie 17-3 loss. The defense was dialed in and played phenomenal the entire year. They will miss Ted Hammond, a 6’5” defensive end who signed with Michigan.
Several Bombers were rewarded this offseason because of their great defense. Gordy Sulfsted, a 6’5”, 250-pound defensive end, has tallied 25 Division 1 scholarship offers and has committed to Notre Dame. He has the size, strength, and athleticism to get double digits in sacks.
St. Xavier has one of the top 2026 outside linebackers in the country in Ja’Kobe Clapper. Clapper is a 6’2” 200-pound All-League performer after finishing second overall in the conference with 90 total tackles. He has early offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and other Power 4 opportunities.
Aden Reeder (6’2”, 203) is an up-and-coming outside linebacker prospect who received a Division 1 offer from Toledo this summer. CaRon Seymor (5’10”, 210) and Ben Lehman (6’0”, 200) are senior linebackers who will be key pieces to the defense.
Shane Strayhorn (6’0”, 172), Breylin Horton (5’11”, 170), and Lucas Bishop (5’11”, 175) are three senior defensive backs with experience and talent. The top prospect in the secondary is 2026 safety Brayden Reilly. Reilly is a 6’3”, 190-pound 2nd Team All-League performer last season. He had 38 tackles and picked off 4 passes.
2024 Schedule
The Bombers’ 2024 regular season schedule will be intense each week. Their first game is on August 23 against Lakota West. This will be the fourth year St. Xavier will play Lakota West in Week 1. They are 2-1 in these games and 4-1 over the last six years playing each other. Centerville will be another tough game in Week 2. They play Cathedral (IN), Trinity (KY), and Life Christian Academy (MD) in their out-of-state games.
