Bishop Watterson Carries Its Championship Standard Into Division II With a Dominant 3–0 Start

The division may be different, but the expectations surrounding Bishop Watterson football have not changed. After winning consecutive Division III state championships, the Eagles entered the 2026 season facing a new challenge. Watterson was officially moved into Division II, Region 7, following the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s latest enrollment and competitive-balance calculations. So far, the Eagles have handled that transition impressively.

Watterson has opened the season with three consecutive victories, outscoring its opponents 104–10 and recording two shutouts. The Eagles defeated Anthony Wayne 35–0, Pickerington Central 28–0 and Ursuline 41–10.

Those victories have shown that this is not simply a team living off the accomplishments of the past two seasons. This year’s group is beginning to establish an identity of its own.

Mangini and Hoy Power the Running Game

Senior Caden Mangini has been the driving force behind Watterson’s offense.

Through three games, Mangini is averaging 122.7 rushing yards per game and has scored six rushing touchdowns. His combination of patience, toughness and explosiveness has helped the Eagles control games and consistently finish drives.

Junior quarterback Dash Hoy has added another dangerous dimension to the offense. Hoy is averaging 94.3 rushing yards per game and has scored four touchdowns on the ground. He has also thrown four touchdown passes, giving him eight total touchdowns during Watterson’s 3–0 start.

Hoy’s mobility places additional pressure on opposing defenses. If defenders concentrate too heavily on Mangini, Hoy can keep the football and create a big play himself. That balance has made Watterson difficult to defend during the opening weeks.

Carter Bellisari Leading the Receiving Corps

When Watterson goes to the air, senior Carter Bellisari has emerged as its leading target.

Bellisari is averaging 76.3 receiving yards per game and has caught three touchdown passes. His ability to create separation and make plays after the catch gives the Eagles a dependable option on the outside.

Nate Henderson has also caught a touchdown pass, while Ben Lamielle and Austin Alles have contributed to a passing attack that complements Watterson’s powerful ground game.

The offense has not needed to rely on one player or one style. Mangini can carry the workload between the tackles, Hoy can create plays with his legs or arm, and Bellisari provides a proven downfield threat.

Defense Continues to Set the Tone

As productive as the offense has been, Watterson’s defense may be making an even stronger statement.

The Eagles have surrendered just 10 points in three games, and those points all came in the victory over Ursuline. Watterson did not allow a point during its first two games against Anthony Wayne and Pickerington Central.

Senior Kaden Jones leads the Eagles with an average of 12 tackles per game. He has also recorded a sack and forced a fumble while contributing offensively as a running back.

Senior Ben Uhlenhake is averaging 11.3 tackles per game and has recovered a fumble. Senior defensive lineman Micheal Boyle is contributing 10 tackles per game and has recorded three sacks.

Senior Jack Schuler leads the Eagles with four sacks, while Joe Hayes has added an interception in the secondary.

Those numbers reflect a defense receiving production at every level. The defensive front is creating pressure, the linebackers are consistently finding the football, and the secondary is preventing opponents from generating explosive plays.

A New Division Brings New Challenges

Watterson’s move from Division III to Division II was determined by OHSAA enrollment and competitive-balance figures. The Eagles were assigned an adjusted enrollment of 368, placing them in Division II for the 2026 season.

That move will eventually create a more demanding postseason path, but Watterson’s early performance suggests the Eagles are prepared for the challenge.

The program is coming off consecutive state championships, but sustaining that success requires more than relying on previous accomplishments. Each new team must replace graduated leaders, develop younger players and build its own chemistry.

Through three weeks, this group has shown that Watterson’s championship standard remains firmly in place.

Glenville Presents the Next Major Test

Watterson’s next opportunity comes against perennial Cleveland power Glenville on Friday, September 11, at 7 p.m. It is the type of matchup that should provide an important early measurement for both programs. Watterson will enter the game with momentum, but the Eagles will need another disciplined and complete performance. The keys will remain familiar: establish the running game with Mangini and Hoy, create opportunities for Bellisari through the air and continue applying pressure defensively. Additional games against Harvest Prep, St. Francis DeSales, Bishop Hartley, Walsh Jesuit and St. Charles remain on the schedule. That challenging stretch should help prepare Watterson for its first Division II postseason. The Eagles have already proven they can win championships. Now they are showing that their success can carry into a larger division.

At 3–0, with a balanced offense and a defense allowing just over three points per game, Bishop Watterson has once again established itself as one of the Ohio teams worth watching closely.

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