By Zac Chamblee
This senior class for Sacred Heart is a special one to Lonny Schraeder. It’s a group that first encountered Schraeder as 7th graders back in 2012, Schraeder’s first year on the job. Their growth since then has given him reason to think the Crusaders could take another step forward and do special things in what will be their last hurrah.
“Our seniors are determined, and a team is no better than its senior leadership,” Schraeder said. “I’ve known these kids since they were in the 7th grade. This is the first group I was with when I got here. They’ve been working hard and paying the price. When they were young, they took their lumps. Now we just gotta, one more time, get out there and see what we can do.”
Beyond the team’s senior leadership, its depth and quality of talent stand out to Schraeder.
“With all the offseason stuff, the weight lifting and speed training, I think we have more football players,” Schraeder added. “Hopefully, even though we will not have more people, we’ll have better and more quality depth than we’ve had.”
Offense:
Zach Weatherell returns for his junior season to quarterback the Crusaders. Weatherell, who missed most of last season with an arm injury, has looked good this offseason and figures to be a vital part of the Sacred Heart offense.
“Zach is taller, thicker and has grown,” Schraeder said. “He’s been lifting, working hard and throwing the ball well.”
In the backfield with Weatherell will be senior running back Campbell Klein, who led the team in rushing yards (811) and total touchdowns (11) in 2016.
“Campbell had a really good season last year,” Schraeder said. “He just has natural ability. You can coach that some but some of it is either you have it, or you don’t. He’s a really good running back.”
Joseph Bishop, Dylan Pipkins and Paul Thomas are also expected to see playing time at running back this season for the Crusaders.
Bishop, a senior, will also play a big role at wide receiver after leading the team in every receiving category last season. Carson Hall, Paul Rowell Jr. and Payton Ware are also expected to make big contributions there.
Junior Gavin Bradford anchors the offensive line. Bradford, the reigning Class 1A state champion in the super heavyweight lift, missed the majority of last season due to injury. His return has Schraeder excited.
“Gavin is a big, strong kid,” Schraeder said. “He got injured in the first half of our first game last year, so he missed all of last season, which was devastating. But he’s back and looks good.”
Tyson Charles, Garrett Crowder and Ethan Mooney will also play a lot on the offensive line.
“We’ve got a lot of those kids back, which is nice,” Schraeder said. “We’ve got some guys moving up and in that will help us. We’ll have a little bit of depth on the offensive line.”
Defense:
Much like on the offensive side, the Crusaders return several key defensive players. Senior Grady Leek, an all-state talent last season, will highlight the defensive line. Tanner Blakeney, Mikey McElroy and Ethan Mooney, along with Leek, help make up an experienced line for the Crusaders.
The team’s leading tackler last season, Hudson Garner, returns for his senior season at middle linebacker. Garrett Crowder, an all-state defensive lineman last year, has switched positions and will play alongside Garner. Dylan Pipkins is another name to watch at linebacker.
Joseph Bishop, Campbell Klein and Paul Rowell Jr. highlight an experienced defensive backfield. Schraeder is also expecting big things from both Devin Katerski and Payton Ware.
Special Teams:
Joseph Bishop and Carson Hall are expected to handle the punting and kicking duties for the Crusaders.
