There is a bit of a conundrum now with St. John’s of Shrewsbury.

On the one hand, the Pioneers are located in Central Massachusetts, and that part has not changed.

On the other, St. John’s is a member of the Catholic Conference, a league with all teams from Eastern Mass.

So what is it? Is St. John’s an EMass or CMass team. Right now, the Pioneers get ranked in both EMass and CMass publications. Maybe the Pioneers are that rare team that exists on two planes. Who knows?

All we know is the Pioneers are one of the top programs in the state, that plays one of the top schedules in the state, with some of the best players in the state.

For now, that will have to do.

As we look at their prospects, it is clear that a very talented senior class will depart to the next level. Leading the way from the 2022 class is Cam Nolan, the co-offensive lineman of the year in the Catholic Conference. Nolan will continue his career at Holy Cross, which should be a terrific fit.

“He’s a perfect fit for Holy Cross,” St. John’s coach John Andreoli said. “They’re glad to get him. There were a lot of schools after him, but Holy Cross was for him.”

One of the leaders from the backfield, running back Bobby Rodolakis, is going to Bowdoin.

“His yards after contact were phenomenal,” Andreoli said. “It never took one guy to hit or knock him down. He’s an excellent student. The NESCAC is a perfect fit for him.”

Sebastian Romaine also carried the ball, but his primary role was at linebacker, a position he is expected to play at Colby.

“Just a great fit,” Andreoli said. “He is going to really excel in that league.”

Middle linebacker Alex Tsoumakas is going to Sacred Heart as a preferred walk-on.

“He loves to play the game,” Andreoli said. “He loves to get in the weight room. He has the opportunity to create something for himself.”

Defensive lineman Justyce Hathaway was a four-year starter for the Pioneers. He is at the moment undecided.

“What he lacks in height he makes up for in quickness and explosiveness,” Andreoli said. “The next month is going to tell a lot.”

St. John’s had a talented wide receiver corps and one of its best, Ryan Coonan, is going to Bridgewater State.

“He’s a great kid with a lot of charisma,” Andreoli said of one of his captains. “He’s a leader and a clutch player.”

Kicker Sam Lavallee is going to Holy Cross but not to play football, just as a student. However, Andreoli does not rule out Lavallee getting scooped up by coach Bob Chesney.

Offensive lineman Tyler Arnold is off to Univ. of N.E.

“The coaches are really high on him, and he’s excited about playing there,” Andreoli said.

As for the juniors, they’re just getting started with the process. Wide receivers Keith Sarkodieh, Michael Bonsu, and Matt Marchese are all getting looks. Keep an eye on the Ivy League and NESCAC there.

Quarterback Ryan Miller at 6-foot-5, 190 pounds “has come a long way since Fall II,” according to Andreoli.

Offensive lineman Pat Barowski has good reach at 6-5, 265, and is likely an offensive tackle at the next level.

Cornerback Rafferty Bosompem is another prospect who should have some options.

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