Kapaun will look to advance past the first round of the playoffs this season |
Keaton Lewis returns at quarterback for the Crusaders.
Coach: Dan Adelhardt (28-23 in five seasons at Kapaun, 77-46 in 12 seasons overall)
2009 Recap: 6-4 (3-3), lost 31-14 to Salina South in first round of playoffs
Returning Starters: Offense 3, Defense 4
Returning Lettermen: 25
GWAL PREDICITON BLOG
2010 Outlook:
Offense:
Kapaun will have to replace four second-team all-league selections off of last season’s offense including star running back Dyllon Knox, wide receiver Tyler Nulik, tight end Brison Schulte and offensive guard Christian Kehr.
One spot that will remain solid is quarterback. Keaton Lewis was second-team all-league as a quarterback in his junior season last year.
“I think our core, the center and quarterback, is a strength,” said head coach Dan Adelhardt. “He (Lewis) has got a great command of the offense.”
The loss of Knox is a tough blow, but Adelhardt is optimistic about the running game’s prospects.
“We need to be balanced. We’ll miss Dyllon, but we’ll hope there’s no drop off,” Adelhardt said. “We’re centered around run and play action.”
Junior's Skyler Krehbiel and Jack Martin will be two of the players charged with stepping into the backfield. Krehbel will be more of a traditional back, while Martin will see action in the slot as well.
There is hope for the running and passing games because of a luxury on the line that Kapaun has not had for a while.
“Unlike other years, we’ve got some size on the offensive line,” Adelhardt said.
Some of that size and leadership on the line will come from seniors Spencer Utz, Matt Thomas and John Mitchell. Austin Griffith will also bring his 6-foot-5-inch frame to the line for his junior season.
Defense:
The defense loses two first-team all-league players in Knox at cornerback and linebacker Jonathan Truman. Senior Michael Reynolds, a first-team all-league defensive end will return to be a stabilizing force on the defensive line. Will Hutton will be the other returning starter on the line.
“Those two are returning on the defensive line and we’re excited to have them back and to see them continue to progress,” Adelhardt said.
Adelhardt would like to see them continue to progress into players that cannot be stopped by just one offensive lineman.
“It starts up there with those two guys,” Adelhardt said. “If they can be blocked by one person we’re going to be hurting a bit. We’re an aggressive defense.”
The aggressive Kapaun defense will miss the leadership and ability of Truman at linebacker, but senior Eric Peters and junior Nick Cook will give the linebacking corp some stability. All-state swimmer and senior Ryan Zwick will also factor in at linebacker.
The secondary will feature Derek Roberts, Nathan Degehardt and Michael Martin.
Kapaun is solid along its starters, but things get thin quickly in the reserves.
“Depth will be the big thing. We’re going to have to have some kids go both ways. Our depth after the No. 1 and 2 guys is tough,” Adelhardt said. “If we happen to get banged up (with) an injury here or there we are going have to rely on some sophomores in a hurry.”
Martin, Reynolds, Cook and Degenhardt will all be playing two ways for the Crusaders.
Odds and Ends:
Kapaun gets to open up the entire football season as it plays on Thursday, Sept. 2 against Northwest…The Crusaders have a difficult schedule this season as its opponents were 48-41 combined last season…Kapaun’s district is the biggest change as it adds the two Andover schools. Adelhardt is excited to play against USD 385.
“I like playing new teams,” Adelhardt said. “Being on the east side a lot of our kids know each other. It’s a natural little rivalry already.”
Keep an eye on kicker Jack Cantele. He was second-team all-league as a junior last season, and Adelhardt is excited about the advantage of having a good kicker.
“He makes our special teams something to be reckoned with," Adelhardt said.
