Crusaders Prepare Gridiron Attack, 2013 Stepinac Football Preview

Aug 30, 2013 Al Coqueran Stepinac Football

The Crusaders Football Captains who will lead Stepinac in 2013. [L-r] Defensive end Osaze Perry Porter, Defensive back Jerry Thompson, Center Brain Harris, linebacker Tatenda Zenenga, tackle Michael Carlucci and Safety Narendra Itwaru. Photo by Albert Coqueran

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the Stepinac High School Football Team ran through drills in preparation for the 2013 Catholic High School Football League (CHSFL) Season.

Earlier the same morning the Crusaders had some gallant role models visit practice and put them through some strength-building drills. At the invitation of Head Coach Mike O’Donnell the United States Marine Corps stopped by an early practice session and instructed the Crusaders through their Marine Combat Fitness Test course.

Stepinac is coming off a less than par 2012 CHSFL AAA season. They finished 4-6 overall and 3-5 AAA, while losing to St. Joseph’s by-the-sea in the Semifinals of the CHSFL AAA Playoffs.

However, this season the distinction of AAA or AA will be non-existent during the regular season in the CHSFL. The teams will be ranked one through 21 by power ratings until the playoff schedule is announced.

“The classification has been changed this year. The teams will be ranked one through twenty-one on power ratings and no teams will be classified as AAA, AA or A this year. Each team will be reclassified for the playoffs, “explained Stepinac Head Coach O’Donnell, who also serves as the Vice President of the CHSFL and the representative of Westchester County on the CHSFL Board.

If opponents’ defenses are going to be successful against the 2013 Crusaders, they will have to stop speed demon junior halfback Malcolm Major (right), who in practice drills was running past his own Stepinac defenders. Photo by Albert Coqueran

The Stepinac offense will be led into battle this season by junior quarterback Brandon Coleman, who assumes the position after the graduation of Danny Hoffer.

Coleman is a duel threat quarterback whose running ability is as potent as his passing game. Coleman’s duel threat abilities image the likes of Crusaders former quarterbacks Mark White who graduated a couple of years ago and Tyrell Goodman, who led Stepinac to their first-ever undefeated season in 2010.

“Brandon is an outstanding student/athlete with a 98 percent grade point average. The sky is the limit for him,” complimented O’Donnell. “He is very talented as well athletically; he is fast and makes great reads,” said O’Donnell.

“It is a big role,” commented the junior quarterback. “But I really do not feel the pressure because I have good players around me and they just take the pressure off me,” stated Coleman.

There are a few reasons why Coleman can make that statement regarding “having good players around him.” The junior QB has an array of talented receivers he will be throwing to this season. Senior Captain Osaze Perry-Porter will anchor the tight-end position, while another senior Captain Jerry Thompson will play in the slot position. There are also three talented juniors that will be receiving Coleman’s passes, split-end Demarcus Miller and receivers Gavin Heslop and Giancarlo Furio.

“I feel like we have a great team, as everyone is well motivated and ready to go. We can have a good season this year, if everybody does the right thing,” said tightend/defensive end Captain Perry-Porter.

Malcolm Major will start as running back this season, sharing the duties with another junior Tyquan Ennis. Major is a Champion high-school track and field runner, but gave it up this year to concentrate on football. Brain Malone will play full back this year.

The offensive line will be anchored by senior center Captain Brian Harris and senior tackle Captain Michael Carlucci. Also, on the line will be senior guard Joe Somereve and junior tackle Dwayne Scott with guard Timmy Hill and tackle Chris Jordan playing major roles.

Junior Brandon Coleman (left) is being guided by (right) Crusaders Offensive Coordinator Joe Spagnolo. Coleman is expected to takeover at quarterback this season, after the graduation of Daniel Hoffer, who is presently playing for the University of Maine. Photo by Albert Coqueran

Stepinac’s defense is stacked this season with the return of senior Captain Narendra “Nar” Itwaru at safety. Itwaru broke his leg last season and had to sit-out the playoffs. “Itwaru is a two year starter who was one of our leading tacklers the last couple of years,” stated O’Donnell.

Adding shutdown cornerback Gavin Heslop, linebacker Demarcus Miller, defensive end Perry-Porter and another Team Captain Tatenda Zenenga at the other defensive end, the Crusaders potentially have strong defense against the run and pass.

The Crusaders will open their 2013 football season at home against Mt St. Michael Academy, on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1:30 p.m.