2026 Prep Football Team Preview: Yuma Catholic Shamrocks

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Catholic Shamrocks are entering another season of change, but the foundation of one of the Desert Southwest's most successful football programs remains firmly intact.

Now in their second year competing at the 5A level, the Shamrocks are playing under their third head coach in three seasons.

Despite the turnover, players say the expectations and culture that have defined Yuma Catholic football for decades have not changed.

After serving as an assistant coach for the past three years, Marty Schaetzle has stepped into the head coaching role. According to senior linebacker and tight end Max Orozco, the transition has been a smooth one.

"Hasn't been that much of a difference from [Coach Schaetzle to] Coach Smith [to] Coach Stallworth," Orozco said. "They all have similar philosophies and [Schaetzle is] out here pushing us every single day to our limit."

For Schaetzle, the biggest adjustment has been overseeing every aspect of the program rather than focusing on a specific position group.

"The biggest change for me is I'm in charge of the whole group and trying to get them to move the way that we want as coaches," Schaetzle said. “It really comes from what I want. It's different and they're still learning."

The veteran coach brings nearly four decades of collegiate coaching experience to Yuma Catholic, including 20 years as the head coach at Mercyhurst University during the program's Division II era.

The Shamrocks also enter the season with a new starting quarterback. Scout Reese takes over after spending time learning behind former standout Nash Ott. Senior wide receiver and safety Brody Amon said Reese's takeover at the quarterback position has been a great one.

"We've always worked with Scout," Amon said. "He's been practicing with us every day, just like Nash has. He's a great player too."

Yuma Catholic faces another demanding schedule after an eventful 2025 campaign. The Shamrocks opened the season 0-4 before a victory by forfeit helped spark a seven-game winning streak that carried them into the second round of the state playoffs.

One game already circled on the calendar is a Week 3 showdown against Marana. The Tigers defeated Yuma Catholic twice last season, first with a 47-14 victory during the regular season and then 34-27 in the second round of the playoffs.

Adding fuel to the rivalry, Marana selected the Shamrocks as its homecoming opponent.

The Shamrocks will once again travel to Tucson seeking redemption, but both players and coaches believe the key to reversing last year’s results is consistency.

"You don't want to play two good quarters and two bad quarters,” Schaetzle said. "You want to be consistent."

"Playing all four quarters," Orozco added. "Just staying focused. When times get rough, just staying together and having that camaraderie, and just being one."

As the Shamrocks prepare for another challenging season, the combination of long-standing traditions and new team-building moments has helped create a familiar sense of unity.

With a veteran roster, a new quarterback ready for his opportunity and a coach committed to preserving the program's identity, Yuma Catholic believes it is ready to take another step forward in 5A competition.