Although last season was a struggle the Crusaders persevered to make the playoffs, the 9th time in 11 seasons Catholic’s football team has achieved this. Coach Greg Seibert is hoping to capitalize off of this as momentum for the upcoming year. With 14 returning starters, 9 on the offense, they are optimistic for a much better year.
Leading rusher Abram Smiley (984 yards) will be coming back for his sophomore campaign. In front of him he will have offensive linemen Ethan Watson and Blake Brazewell. At receiver, the Crusaders will tout Kerrick Teamer and AJ Yates who have proven they can play. Coach Seibert states “we just want to be consistent and create manageable situations through consistent play calling.”
The goal of the coaching staff this past off season was to improve the overall athleticism of the team and they will look at some of the better players going both ways on offense and defense. “Every year our goal is to compete for the state championship”, says Seibert. “Our team this year is focused and has been working each day with this in mind”.
Although every game is important, the Crusaders are eyeing the second game of the year. They will host the Gulf Breeze Dolphins in a non-district matchup. As one can imagine, this is more about bragging rights.
Catholic Crusaders
Written by Arnold Gamber
