CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE TEAM CAPSULES
PREP FOOTBALL 2012
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE
TEAM CAPSULES
(Team capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. He can be reached by email at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans)
CHSL-CENTRAL DIVISION
Birmingham Brother Rice
HEAD COACH: Al Fracassa, 53rd season (404-115-7 overall).
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 10-4, 1-3 CHSL-Central Division (fourth); Postseason: Def. North Farmington (34-8); def. Farmington Harrison (30-7); def. Southfield (16-6); def. Detroit King (27-26); def. Lowell (24-14).
NICKNAME: Warriors
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 24, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1983, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE: Multiple — Pro, Spread, Wishbone.
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Jon Reschke, sr. LB-TE (6-3, 235) (committed to Michigan State); Sergio Perkovic, sr. DE-TE (6-4, 225); Kevin Henry, sr. DE (6-5, 220); Jason Alessi, jr. SE-K (6-0, 170); Kyle Bindi, sr. DT (6-3, 265); Lucas Cherocci, sr. LB (6-1, 220); Cheyne LaCanaria, sr. QB (5-9, 160); Kyle Marsh, sr. OL (6-3, 230); Sage Baltrusaitis, jr. OL (6-1, 240); Greg Marzec, sr. FB (5-7, 200); Billy Pieroni, sr. OL (6-3, 240); Griffin Anderson, sr. OL (6-6, 270); Brian Walker, jr. RB (5-11, 220); Jon Forster, jr. P (6-1, 185).
KEY PROSPECTS: Joshua Flye, jr. KR-WR (5-7, 155); Grant Perry, soph. KR-WR-DB (5-11, 165); Chris Carter, jr. SE (5-11, 180); Jack Grisan, jr. FB-LB (6-2, 205);
Shaun Jones, jr. LB (5-11, 210); Grant Perry, soph. WR-DB (5-11, 165); John Plaskey, sr. WR-LB (6-3, 205); Shon Powell, jr. RB (5-6, 175); Corey Lacanaria, jr. WR (5-7, 160).
NOTABLES: The Warriors are on the heels of 13 straight postseason appearances, including last year’s 5-4 regular season which turned into a 5-0 postseason run and a state championship in Division 2. Like most Rice teams, this squad lost some talented players but has several returnees and a wave of potential standouts that will keep this tradition-rich program very relevant for another postseason berth.
Detroit U-D Jesuit
HEAD COACH: Paul DeLuge, second season (4-5).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Not available.
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 0-4 CHSL-Central Division (fifth).
NICKNAME: Cubs
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 3, 1999, 2000, 2001.
OFFENSE: Multiple.
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Parris Bennett, jr. OLB (6-2, 215); Peter Wenderski, sr. OG (6-4, 330); Curtis Smith, sr. WR-SL-DB, 5-9, 180); Mike Wroblewski, sr. LB-FB (6-2, 225); Jacquri Faulkner, jr. OT-DE (6-4, 260).
KEY PROSPECTS: Kenyetta Wells, jr. OG-DL (6-1, 250); Delshon Jeffries, sr. RB-DB (5-10, 190).
NOTABLES: The Cubs must replace four-year starting quarterback Brian Cleary (Michigan), OL Matthew Eleweke (Michigan State) and WR Alex Ziedas (Indiana). U-D must do so despite playing in the the loaded CHSL Central Division, which vaulted four teams into the Elite Eight last season, including three state finalists.
Novi Detroit Catholic Central
HEAD COACH: Tom Mach, 36th season (324-80-0).
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 12-2, 3-1 CHSL Central Division (second); Postseason: Def. Northville (56-6); def. Plymouth Canton (21-14); def. Ann Arbor Pioneer (21-0); def. Rockford (23-20); lost to Detroit Cass Tech in Division 1 state finals (49-13).
NICKNAME: Shamrocks
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 23, 1979, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
RETURNING STARTERS: Wyatt Shallman, sr. DE (6-3, 245; committed to Michigan); Derek Edwards, sr. OL (6-5, 270; committed to Central Michigan); Dylan Roney, jr. DE; Anthony Darkangelo, sr. RB; David Houle, sr. LB; Brandon Malinowski, sr. LB; JT Ayotte, sr. LB.
NOTABLES: The Shamrocks were stunned by Detroit Cass Tech in last year’s Division 1 state finals. As a program that has reached the postseason 23 times in 33 seasons, CC has the talent to do at least that in 2012. With two prospects ranked among the top 30 in the state and a bevy of other rising stars, the Shamrocks will contend in the CHSL Central Division and be a team to watch come November.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
HEAD COACH: George Porritt, 23rd season (206-57).
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 12-2, 4-0 CHSL-Central Division (first); Postseason: Def. Detroit Pershing (56-6); def. Redford Thurston (62-20); def. Linden ((49-7); def. Battle Creek Harper Creek (14-10); def. Mt. Pleasant (45-7 in Division 3 state finals). lost to East Grand Rapids
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 18, 1977, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011.
NICKNAME: Eaglets
OFFENSE: Spread
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Matt Linehan, sr. QB (6-3, 185); Jalen Watts-Jackson, jr. WR-RB; Austin Johnson, sr. OL; Andrew Koterba, sr. OL; Grant Niemiec, sr. RB-DL.
KEY PROSPECTS: Ja’Mar Antwine, soph. RB-LB (5-10, 165); Garrett Edgell, soph. RB; Ross Moore, jr. LB.
NOTABLES: The Defending Division 3 state champs lost a lot of its size in the trenches and several key players at the skilled positions. Like all St. Mary’s teams, howeve3r, they reload and not rebuild. There is special talent coming up through the ranks and by no means will this team fall from grace. Expect the Eaglets to keep soaring in the loaded CHSL and be relevant again come postseason time. OLSM has also debuted its new red turf in recent weeks and will join over 40 other high schools in Oakland County with turf fields in its athletics complex.
Warren DeLaSalle
HEAD COACH: Paul Verska,
ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike Lewis, Matt Lewis, Rick Corona.
2011 RECORD: 9-3, 2-2 CHSL-Central Division (third); Postseason: Def. Roseville (48-14)’ def. Warren Mott (35-6); lost to Detroit Cass Tech (6-0) in Division 1 regional finals.
NICKNAME: Pilots
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 9, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: Under Front
RETURNING STARTERS: Shane Morris, sr. QB (6-4, 205; committed to Michigan; considered state’s best player by some sources); Josh Cox, sr. RB-DB (6-0, 195); Andrew DiFranco, sr. OL-DL (6-0, 245); Cordell Crosby, sr. DB-WR (5-8, 165); Brent Morris, jr. WR (6-1,170); Mario Agosta, jr. WR (5-9, 175); Kyle Anderson, sr. OL-DL (6-5, 230); Chris DeSrosiers, sr. C (6-1, 180); Allan Jefferson, sr. OLB-TE (6-3, 195); Jordan Avgousti, sr. OLB-TE (6-0, 195); Sam Badalamenti, jr. OLB-WR (5-9, 180); Joe Fisher, sr. LB (6-1, 205).
KEY PROSPECTS: Carlos Meli, sr. OL-DL (6-0, 245); Stephan Wilkinson, sr. DL (6-1, 235); Stephen Garrity, jr. OL-DL (5-10, 215); Dammorria Lilly, sr. RB (5-9, 185); Jared Wrangler, jr. LB-WR; Jack Wangler, sr. WR-DB; Carter Wilson, sr. WR-DB; Ronald Johnson, sr. RB-DB.
NOTABLES: The Pilots soared to the Division 1 Elite Eight last season before stalling out against eventual state champion Detroit Cass Tech. With 65 players on the roster, eight starters back on offense, five back on defense, and the state’s top-ranked player, DeLaSalle may have enough to win the CHSL-Central Division and make another deep postseason run.
CHSL-AA DIVISION
Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
HEAD COACH: Brian Lemons, sixth season (42-10).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Not available.
2011 RECORD: 8-3, 2-1 CHSL-AA Division (second); Postseason: Def. Capac (35-0); lost to Almont (42-14) in Division 5 district finals.
NICKNAME: Fighting Irish
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 8, 1981, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE: Pro-Style
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Ashton Hundley, sr. RB (5-10, 165); Joe Kendzicky, sr. QB (6-1, 185); Steve Tracy, sr. WR (5-10 170); Drew Diedrich, sr. TE (6-3, 245); Kendric Fowler, sr. OL (6-3, 280); Kevin Busch, sr. OL (6-0, 185); Nick O’Donnell, sr. OL (5-9 230) Tyler Kirchoff, sr. OL (6-4 225); Sean Donnellon, sr. LB (6-0 190); Austin Hundley, sr. DL (5-10, 200); Ryan Ferris, sr. CB (5-10, 180); Arron Tishkoff, sr. DE (6-1, 180); Nick O’Donnell, sr. DT (5-9, 230); Ashton Hundley, sr. CB (5-10, 165); Steve Tracy, sr. DB (5-10, 170); Drew Diedrich, sr. DT (6-3, 245); Joe Kendzicky, sr. QB (6-1, 185); Steve Tracy, sr. WR (5-10, 170).
KEY PROSPECTS: Blaise Sterns, sr. WR (6-2, 190); Matt Johnson, soph. RB (5-10, 200); Pat Wolf, sr. WR (6-1, 190); Ken Kowalski, soph. LB (5-10, 170); Carsten Dembeck, sr. LB (6-0, 180) DJ Newlin, jr. DB (5-10, 175).
NOTABLES: The Irish finished second in their league last season and reached the district finals last season. The good news is that 18 players that started games last season and there are 40 players on varsity. The bad news is the CHSL is loaded as usual, meaning teams will have to earn wins. Many coaches feel that Gabriel Richard is the favorite in the CHSL-AA Division, so a ninth postseason berth is likely a reality.
Dearborn Divine Child
HEAD COACH:
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 4-4, 1-2 CHSL-AA Division (tied-third); did not qualify.
NICKHAME: Falcons
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 9, 1975, 1982, 1985; 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2010.
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS-OFFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS-DEFENSE:
KEY PROSPECTS:
NOTABLES:
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep
HEAD COACH: Kyle Zimmerman, fourth season (26-14)
ASSISTANT COACHES: Blaise Glennie, Dean Leach, Shon Hart, David Terzano, Jeff Allor, Brandon Chapman, Jim Garris, Steve Troy, Todd Bartus
2011 RECORD: 10-1, 3-0 CHSL (first); Postseason: def. Marysville (47-13); lost to Marine City (55-31) in Division 4 district finals.
NICKNAME: Fighting Irish
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 6, 1984, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011.
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: Jermaih Johnson, jr. RB (5-10, 180); Andrew Winiarski , sr. OL (6’1, 240) (third-year starter); Vinny Famularo, sr. LB (6-0, 190); Andrew Wodrich, sr. DE (6-6, 210); Aidan Cullen, jr. LB (5-10, 190).
KEY PROSPECTS: Connor Cervone, sr. DL (5-9, 150); Anthony Gunn, soph. SS-WR-RB (6-1, 195) (transfer from Ortonville Brandon); Brendan Newvine, jr. QB (6-0, 175) (transfer from Clarkston); Joe Kutil, sr. QB (6-6, 210).
NOTABLES: After starting 0-4 in 2010, the Fighting Irish ventured on a 15-game win streak through the second half of 2010 and during the regular season in 2011, which ended in a district finals loss to eventual Division 5 state runner-up Marine City. NDP lost several key players to the college ranks, but by no means will this team fall sharply off the map. There is ample holdover talent and several rising stars that will very much keep Fighting Irish in the hunt for another division title and potential playoff spot.
Macomb Lutheran North
HEAD COACH: Ryan Wesley, first season.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Will Ebel, Tim Hardy, Mark Hocevar, Bryan McConnell, Tim Kruse.
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 0-3 CHSL-AA Division (fourth); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Mustangs
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 9, 1990, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010.
OFFENSE: Double Wing, Spread
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Will Kruse, jr. QB (6-1, 170) (third-year starter); Trevor Mason, jr. RB-LB (6-1, 190); Eric Arthur, sr. OL-DL (5-10, 185); Jonathan Taykowski, jr. WR-DB (6-0, 170); Matthew Kennedy, jr. OL-DL (5-11, 205); David Craig, sr. RB-SS (5-11, 180) (third-year starter); Vince Petitta, jr. RB-CB (5-11, 165); JJ McGrath, sr. K-P, (-3, 220) (fourth-year on varsity; All-State last season; Division I recruit).
KEY PROSPECTS: David Halvorson, jr. RB-SS (5-8, 165); Seth Majeski, jr. RB-LB (6-0, 165); Jacob Hocevar, soph. OL-DL (6-1, 270).
NOTABLES: The Ryan Wesley era begins with high hopes as there is several key returnees back, including an all-state kicker and a third-year starter at quarterback. If the Mustangs can put it together, than a couple more wins and a postseason berth are both reachable goals.
CHSL INTERSECTIONAL DIVISION
Allen Park Cabrini
HEAD COACH:
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 2-7, 1-2, CHSL-Intersectional I Division; did not qualify.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 6, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008.
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS-OFFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS-DEFENSE:
KEY PROSPECTS:
NOTABLES:
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood
HEAD COACH: Steve Graf, fourth season (7-18).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Joe D’Angelo, Ken Kashubara, Tim Myrick, JD Reed, Andy Fairman, Darin Danaher, Vince Kelly
2011 RECORD: 2-6, 0-3 CHSL-Intersectional II Division (fourth); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Cranes
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 5, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005.
OFFENSE: Multiple
DEFENSE: 4-6
RETURNING STARTERS: Adam Bloomer, sr. OL-DL (6-3, 245); Jake Hall, sr. QB-DL (6-4, 265); Dan Mogill, sr. WR-DB (6-0, 175); Joe Myrick, jr. TB-DB (5-9, 180); Belvin Liles, jr. TE-DE (6-2, 190); Chris Lopez, sr. ILB-C (5-9, 200); Keegan Kelln, sr. OLB-WB (5-10, 180).
NOTABLES: The Cranes have not won more than five games since last making the playoffs in 2005 and have posted losing seasons in five of the last six campaigns. Coach Graf is trying to change the mentality of football at Cranbrook and is trying to do so with only 17 varsity players this season. The Cranes do have quality players, perhaps not enough depth to make a major impact this season in a division of tradition-rich programs.
Detroit Loyola Catholic
HEAD COACH: John Callahan
2011 RECORD: 11-1, 3-0 CHSL-Intersection I Division (first); Postseason: Def. Britton-Macon-Deerfield (44-14); def. Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (29-0); lost in Division 7 regional finals to Hudson (35-0).
NICKNAME: Bulldogs
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 7, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
RETURNING STARTERS: Keymonne Gabriel, sr. LB; J’Kwan Edward, sr. OL; Calvin Jackson, sr. DB; Marcus Hicks, sr.; OL; Sterling Kimbrough, sr. RB; Ka’John Armstrong, jr. OL; Malik McDowell, jr. DE; Darryl Clemons, soph. RB.
NOTABLES: Across the board, coaches in the expanded CHSL Intersectional Division consider Loyola the heavy favorite to win the league crown this season and make a deep run in the postseason. Less than a decade ago, Loyola ventured through a four-year period where they won just four wins. Now, the bulldogs will be going after their sixth straight postseason berth.
Madison Heights Bishop Foley Catholic
HEAD COACH: Tim Sagert, second season.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Juwan Shakespear, Ian Coughlin, Paul Sturr, Dave Nabozny, Doug Lock, Brian Black, Kyle McMahon, James Pazerena, Russ Williamson, Nick Harris, Chris Synagoga
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 2-1 CHSL-Intersection I Division (second); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Ventures
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 6, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010.
OFFENSE: Multiple, Pro
DEFENSE: 4-3
RETURNING STARTERS: Gabe O’Neal, sr. WR-SL-SE (6-1, 175); Dominic Davis, sr. FB-MLB (6-0, 210); Dominic Doxen, sr. OL-DL (6-2, 240); Nick Gwisdalla, jr. TE-SE (6-2, 180); Brennan McMahon, jr. WR-CB (6-0, 180); Steve Redding, jr. LB-FB (6-0, 225); Brian Wille, jr. LB-OL (5-10, 165).
KEY PROSPECTS: Nate Grys, soph. WB-SE (6-0, 180);
NOTABLES: The Ventures lost 16 players to graduation. Playing in an expanded seven-team CHSL-Intersectional Division with several loaded teams, Foley may take some hits this season. The new starters must mature in a flash if the Ventures are to equal or better last year’s record.
Riverview Gabriel Richard
HEAD COACH: Thomas Michalsen, first season.
ASSISTANT COACHES: Ellis Slaughter, Robert Cvetanoski, Robert Yauck Jr. Justin Girard, Ryan Prohasca, Mike Jernigan.
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 1-2 CHSL-Intersectional 2 Division (third); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Pioneers
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 2, 1999, 2003.
OFFENSE: Option
DEFENSE: 4-4
RETURNING STARTERS: David Ritchie, sr. QB-FS (5-11, 185) (fourth-year starter; 1,855 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns last season); Danny Baum, sr. WR-P-SS (6-4, 190); Michael Schigelone, sr. RB (5-11, 200); Tim Williams, sr. DB (5-9, 175).
KEY PROSPECTS: Jacob Lipetsky, fr. WR (6-3, 155); Colton Jarrat, jr. OL (6-4, 265); Patrick McBride, jr. OL (6-4, 270).
NOTABLES: With one of the better quarterbacks in the entire CHSL, the Pioneers are seeking better fortunes this season after finishing one game under five-hundred last season. Gabriel Richard will be part of the revamped seven-school CHSL Intersectional Division this season and is one of many teams hoping to give preseason favorite Detroit Loyola a challenge.
Royal Oak Shrine Catholic
HEAD COACH: John Goddard.
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 9-2, 2-0 CHSL-Intersectional 2 Division (first); Postseason: Def. Grosse Pointe Woods University-Liggett (49-7); lost to Detroit Loyola (29-0) in Division 7 district finals.
NICKNAME: Knights
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 13, 1977, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006-2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011.
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS: Connor Francek, sr. QB.
KEY PROSPECTS:
NOTABLES: The Knights do have one of the better quarterbacks in the CHSL. If
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes-
Clarkston Everest Collegiate Unified
HEAD COACH: Mike Boyd, 47th season (352-113-1).
ASSISTANT COACHES: Lonnie Mullins, Josh Sawicki, Mike Schiano, Kyle Seldon, Mo Phase, Greg Glover, Mark Smith.
2011 RECORD: 4-5, 1-1 CHSL-Intersectional 2 Division (tied-second); did not qualify.
NICKNAME: Lakers
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 22, 1982, 1983, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993;
1994, 1995, 1997, 1998; 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
OFFENSE: Multiple, I-Back
DEFENSE: 4-5, 4-5
RETURNING STARTERS: Sal Mastermatteo, soph. QB (5-8, 160); Chris Donohue, sr. OG (6-1, 205); Ryan O’Brien, sr. OG (6-1, 215); Garrett Ross, sr. WR (6-4, 210); Spencer Howell, jr. DB (5-8, 155); Richie Cross, sr. RB-SE (5-8, 165).
KEY PROSPECTS: Ross Nichols, sr. (5-10, 190); Andy Franko, sr. C (6-1, 185); Cole Dabino, sr. OT (6-0, 205); Blake Beauchamp, jr. WR-DB (6-0, 170); Jake Delasot, sr. RB (6-2, 210); Mitch Lasceski, sr. RB-DE (5-11, 185); Shawn Thomas, jr. RB (5-10, 170); Zack Beans, sr. SE (5-7, 175); Noah Burham, jr. LB (5-9, 170); Vinnie Puma, jr. WR-QB-DB (5-11, 170).
NOTABLES: The Lakers dipped below five-hundred last season for the first time since 1988. Although over half of the starters graduated, that necessarily isn’t a bad thing as last year’s group didn’t live up to expectations. There is plenty of talent in this year’s lineup. If the players can come together and gain a few more wins, then the Lakers could be back in the postseason for a 15th time in 16 seasons and 23rd time in 31 years.
8-MAN FOOTBALL
Marine City Cardinal Mooney
HEAD COACH:
ASSISTANT COACHES:
2011 RECORD: 6-6, 1-3 Mid-Michigan 8-Man (fourth); Postseason: Def. Flint Michigan School for the Deaf (70-47); Litchfield (62-20); lost to Carsonville-Port Sanillac (47-0) in 8-Man state quarterfinals.
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES: 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011 (eight-man).
OFFENSE:
DEFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS-OFFENSE:
RETURNING STARTERS-DEFENSE:
KEY PROSPECTS:
NOTABLES:
(Team capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. He can be reached by email at dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com. Follow on Twitter @LocalSportsFans)
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