Laguna Blanca’s Stephen McCaffery wearing a Washington and Lee shirt.
Laguna Blanca’s Stephen McCaffery announced his football future on Wednesday. The All-CIF Owls quarterback will transition from 8-man football to 11-man at Washington and Lee University in the fall.
McCaffery threw for 1838 yards and 25 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions. He rushed for 1,308 yards and 22 TDs. He also was a defensive leader at free safety.
“The first thing to come to mind is that he’s a true leader,” said Owls head coach Shane Lopes. “He’s hardworking, did all we asked of our players and more, and set a positive example for his peers, even when I first met him as a sophomore being a captain of this team. It’s been a pleasure coaching him.”
McCaffery says he’s looking forward to playing 11-man football after a high school career in the 8-man formation. He’s worked with famous quarterback coach Steve Clarkson to get prepared. While the 8-man field is only 80 yards long and less wide, McCaffery said all his workouts with Clarkson are done on a regular-sized field.
“I think it will be pretty natural. I know the 11-man game pretty well,” McCaffery said. “It will definitely be different. It will be like a shock at the beginning, but I don’t think it’s going to be a very hard transition. I’m looking forward to it.”
Laguna Blanca’s Stephen McCaffery ran for 22 touchdowns during his senior year.
He leaves Laguna Blanca having proved himself in the 8-man game. His performance in Laguna Blanca’s playoff opener stood out for Lopes, and not just because McCaffery accounted for a school-record nine touchdowns and two interceptions on defense while willing the Owls to a 66-44 victory.
“Statistically nine touchdowns is obviously a standout, but what really showed me a lot about him was his ability just to step up on offense and defense, and lead our team to victory in a do-or-die situation and our season was on the line,” Lopes said.
McCaffery will be competing to play quarterback but may play defense depending on how the depth chart shakes out. Washington and Lee, located in Lexington, Virginia, hasn’t had a winning season since 2012 but the Generals were 24-8 from 2010-12.
There will be some familiarity in Virginia because McCaffery’s father is a Washington & Lee alum and his brother is a junior there now.
