Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

ALTHOFF: No more 'baby steps' for healthy, experienced Crusaders

BELLEVILLE -- There are a lot of ways Ken Turner could approach what happened during his first season as head coach of the Althoff Crusaders.

A pessimistic coach might view the school's first 2-7 season since 1997 as a cautionary tale involving injuries, turnovers and close calls.

However, Turner is more of an optimistic sort who views the hardships experienced in 2008 as something that could help set the course for a stronger 2009.

"Being young and with all the injuries we had, it was a recipe for disaster," said Turner, whose team returns eight offensive starters and nine more on defense. "Even saying that, in five of our seven losses we had a chance to win. Bad fourth quarters and failures in the red zone kind of doomed us all year, so we've been working on that a lot."

The Crusaders are 5-13 over the past two seasons after a six-year run of qualifying for the state playoffs. They would likely qualify in Class 4A if they make it this year.

Only two teams scored fewer than 21 points against Althoff in 2008, winless Centralia and 3-6 Northwest Academy.

A trip to the University of Michigan coaching clinic earlier this year by Turner and some of his assistants could turn out to be time well spent.

Coaches could ask as many questions as they wanted about Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez's spread option attack, the same one used at Althoff.

"We found a lot of things that we were doing wrong as far as alignments, position on run plays, everything," Turner said. "We got everything from him that they do, so it's improved the whole offense a lot. ... We sat down four or five hours every night just talking football."

Althoff lost its leading rusher and top scorer when Keith Chism (1,075 yards, 14 touchdowns) transferred to Belleville East last spring.

However, the Crusaders return a lot of backfield experience led by senior quarterback Brady Nowak, senior running back Pat McGlynn and a potentially explosive receiving corps.

They also plan to go with a full-time no-huddle attack that could lead to confusion and conditioning problems for the defense.

"Last year it was baby steps, having to learn a new offense and new defense," Turner said. "I've got guys at every position now that know what they're supposed to do."

Nowak completed 82 of 152 passes in 2008 for 1,022 yards and nine TDs with 10 interceptions.

"He looks really good and I almost consider him a second coach on the field," Turner said. "He has great knowledge of the offense and he's becoming a lot more vocal than last year."

McGlynn is the top returning rusher despite running only six times for 22 yards. He and Paul Cerafatti will get the bulk of the carries early, Turner said.

Senior Sam Wahlig (15 catches, 235 yards, two TDs) is the top returning receiver. He will be joined by speedsters Brendan Phillips and Jabari Taylor, with Taylor moving to receiver from quarterback.

Senior Sam Hanger (10 catches, 139 yards, one TD) and junior tight end Carson Sonnenberg are also receiving threats. Turner said Sonnenberg is also a devastating blocker.

Plenty of experience returns on the offensive line led by senior tackles Ed Fink (6-3, 225) and Ryan Maitland (6-3, 210). Senior Nick Spreen (6-1, 210) returns at center, with Vinton Harris (5-10, 250) at one guard spot and Dylan Lillis or Kyle Johnston at the other.

"I think we have the most athletic line we've had in a few years with our top five or six guys," Turner said. "These guys are perfect for what we do."

The Crusaders lost two Division I linemen to graduation with Will Lawson (Kansas State) and Tom Mabry (Kansas).

Injuries to Harris, Fink and Sonnenberg worked to derail Althoff's defense a year ago.

Turner said the key to the 2009 defensive game plan will be linebackers Maitland (67 tackles, two sacks, two fumble recoveries), Fink (24 tackles) and Sonnenberg (37 tackles).

"All three have had success in sports here and all three are very athletic," Turner said. "They all run well for their size and they're all three physical kids."

Spreen (35 tackles, one sack) and Lillis (24 tackles, one sack) are back at defensive end with Thomas Moore at tackle. Harris should also be a force on the line after missing all but the first three games last season with a broken forearm.

Seniors Cefaratti (43 tackles) and Wahlig (23 tackles) will be joined by Cody Keller, Ryne Harris and Hanger in the defensive backfield.

"It's a hungry defense and should be a lot better than we've had the last couple years," Turner said. "There's also a strong senior class this year, so that's a plus."