When most fans think of the Mount Carmel football team, their minds immediately jump to players such as wide receiver Quentin Burrell, quarterback Emmett Dowling, or defensive lineman Joey Quinn. 

Not many think about the three Caravan players wearing red hats and waving their arms and legs frantically.

Since in-helmet communication is not allowed in high school, signal callers are very important to every high school football team. They are the backbone of every team’s offense. 

“I tell them the play, they get to communicate it to the offense,” explains head coach Jordan Lynch ’09. “Without these guys, we can’t get a play called in. They’re just as valuable as the starting quarterback.”

The Red Hats, as they’re known, are seniors Terrence Dougherty, Jacob Carroll, and junior Danny Leyden, and they have a big responsibility that most fans don’t see. They have to memorize a complex system of movements that change weekly and yearly. Not many in the stands focus on them, but the Caravan’s offense doesn’t run without them.

For Leyden, learning those complex signals was a matter of daily practice. 

“The signals were different from last year, so it took a while to learn them, but just doing them every day in practice made them come easy,” he says. During the team period of practice, the Red Hats relay each play directly to the quarterback and the rest of the offense, often under the pressure of a roaring Barda-Dowling Stadium. 

“I just block out the crowd and listen to the plays,” Leyden adds. “It feels good knowing that I have a role in our team, an important role, without even playing. 

Dougherty remembers the dedication of learning all the signals. The system of signals is very complex, no signal is reused in the offense, everything is different. 

“To get the base stuff done, it probably took me three months,” he recalls. 

As the season goes on, new signals are implemented, and some are taken out. Dougherty’s responsibility goes beyond just signaling.

“When we are on defense, I talk to the offensive guys and see if there’s anything wrong with the calls,” he says. 

Dougherty explains that teamwork makes the system of signals work. If all the Red Hats aren’t on the same page, a play can get singled in wrong, and the wrong play will get run by the offense. 

“You have to make sure the quarterbacks know what the signal is. Sometimes [quarterback Emmett Dowling] forgets what the hand signal is, so I have to remind him, daily and weekly.” 

Jake Carroll, who is a senior and the Red Hats after being recruited for the position by former Red Hat, Marty Mann ’25. Carroll described the trust and independence required for the position. 

“I just get the play from Coach Lynch and signal it,” he says. “We get new signals every week.” He admits that minor mistakes can happen, but other than that, the signal system is flawless. “One time, we heard the play call wrong, and signaled the wrong play,” he remembers, “but that is very rare.” 

Beyond the technical side of signaling, Carroll appreciates the opportunity to be there, and be part of the team. 

“When we are on defense, we just chill, cheering on our team,” he says.

 Despite the complex signals, and the time spent memorizing them, the three Red Hats agree that the role has increased their knowledge of the game. 

“It’s very cool and very fun to really be a part of [the success] and not just standing on the sideline, cheering on the team,” says Dougherty. 

Leyden recalled a season highlight that he was glad to be a part of. “I’d say just beating Rice, that was a big moment,” he says. “They were really hyped up coming into the game, and I thought that was a big moment for our team.”

Coach Lynch recognized that their responsibility is earned, not given. 

“You have to be trustworthy, you don’t necessarily have to be a senior, but I have to trust you,” added Coach Lynch.

The Red Hats not only have to signal in games, but they also have to signal plays during the team and offensive periods of practices, to make sure that themselves, along with all the offense knows the signal for the called play. 

For Carroll, Dougherty, and Leyden, their role goes beyond just signaling plays. They play a big role in the success of the Caravan football team. 

“It feels good knowing that you have a role in the success of the team,” Leyden says. “Even though we are on the sidelines, it’s a crucial role. 

As the playoffs begin, bright lights will continue to shine down on Barda-Dowling Stadium, and the Red Hats will continue to signal. Their efforts may go unnoticed by most fans, but to the team, they are indispensable.