Lots of talent and excitement return for Althoff Crusaders

By Norm Sanders

Updated August 24, 2016 1:15 PM

In 2015, the Althoff Crusaders turned in one of the most exciting seasons in recent metro-east football history.

They blazed through 13 straight wins before their high-flying offense — which averaged nearly 45 points per game — was finally stopped in a 51-7 loss to Chicago Phillips in the Class 4A state championship game. What will they do for an encore?

“They know what it takes to get there,” Althoff coach Ken Turner said. “They all want it, they all want to have another successful season. When you’ve got a lot of guys back, they tend to feed off how their season ended.”

Offense

The biggest losses are record-breaking quarterback Jordan Augustine, the Belleville News-Democrat Small-School Player of the Year now playing at McKendree University, and all-state receiver Keenen Young (Jackson State)..

But a wealth of talent returns led by Miami (Ohio) running back recruit Jaylon Bester and Division I prospects C.J. Coldon at receiver and safety, linebacker Bryson Strong, receiver-cornerback Edwyn Brown and defensive lineman Christian Wills.

Spliting time with Malik Easley, the elusive Bester led Althoff in rushing as a junior with 1,246 yards and 18 touchdowns.

“He’s quicker, and he’s smarter,” Turner said. “He’s going to have a big year.”

Senior Bryson Strong and his brother, junior Justin Strong, will also see time at running back.

The quarterback is versatile senior Trey Mosley, who played well at the underclass level.

“He’s kind of a secret weapon,” Turner said. “Not many people know about him.”

There’s a wealth of talent at receiver, where Coldon (64 catches, 1,347 yards, 17 TDs) returns along with senior Jordan Goodwin (42 catches, 511 yards, three TDs), Brown and Melvin Brock. Goodwin drew football offers from Iowa and Texas despite playing only two seasons in high school. He recently made a verbal commitment to play basketball at St. Louis University.

“C.J. plays with a chip on his shoulder and it’s not in a mean way,” Turner said, noting Coldon (6-1, 175) has numerous Division I offers. “He’s always looking for that edge, playing tough. He’s going to have an explosive year.”

The offensive line includes senior four-year starter James Townsend, senior center Sam Fitch, senior left guard James Simoneaux, junior right guard Eric Rheinecker (6-3, 285), junior left tackle Jordyn Slaughter (6-4, 295) and senior Gage Rainey. Rheinecker is a transfer from Highland.

Defense

The defense has several Division I recruits including Coldon (69 tackles, two interceptions) at safety, the all-state Strong at middle linebacker, Brown (25 tackles, six interceptions) at cornerback and defensive tackle Christian Wills (79 tackles, eight sacks, one interception).

Strong had 155 tackles, 10 sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception last season.

“Nothing he does shocks me at this point,” Turner said. “He’s the emotional leader of the whole team.”

The defensive line includes four-year starter Wills, junior nose guard Devyn Nash (35 tackles, two sacks), junior end Anthony Hughes and senior Royce Payne. Four-year starter Chris Branson (129 tackles, three sacks) returns at linebacker and Brock (35 tackles, two interceptions) returns at cornerback.

Southwestern Conference

ALTON: Redbirds young, but looking to improve

BELLEVILLE EAST: Young Lancers looking to grow under Stephens

BELLEVILLE WEST: Maroons celebrating football centennial

COLLINSVILLE: Kahoks trying to take the next step

EAST ST. LOUIS: Flyers look forward from strike-shortened season

GRANITE CITY: Warriors looking for improvement

EDWARDSVILLE: Tigers, Epenesa ready for state run

O’FALLON: Panthers return plenty of depth, fire power

Cahokia Conference (Mississippi Division)

CARLYLE: Good depth of talent for Class 2A

CENTRAL: Cougars are primed to take a step up