As he heads into his ninth year as the Strake Jesuit football coach, Ron Counter is anticipating a strong showing from his Crusader team. Though he will only suit up 18 seniors, expectations are very high among the Crusader organization.

“We expect to be a playoff team this season,” Counter said. “I look for us to definitely be one of the four for the postseason.”

After finishing 4-6 last year, the Crusaders return with quite a few key players to ensure success. For starters, one of the top players coming back is quarterback Jeff McVaney. McVaney, who was an All-District linebacker in 2006, will take the snaps and lead the team.

“I started at linebacker, but I played some (quarterback) last year, so I know what to do,” McVaney said. “I’ll play any position because that is what a leader does.”

And to do so, McVaney needs room to operate. The offensive line also features a pair of solid players in Aaron Jackson and Sterling Carter. Both Carter and Jackson return after missing their entire junior season.

Speaking of defense, the Crusaders will look to defensive end David King to have a big season. King missed three games last year due to injury, but he is back and ready for action.

“I am the vocal leader who gets the guys pumped up on the field,” King said. “The guys look up to me as the on-the-field coach. I think once we get back in the groove, we will be all right.

“I think we will finish in the Top 3.”

Counter agreed. With an athlete like King on defense, Counter is sure that side of the ball is secure.

“David (King) has a chance to really be special,” Counter said. “He and Jeff (McVaney) are definitely the leaders of our football team.”

Joining King on the line are JoJo Williams and Wes Williams, both juniors. At free safety, James Scott leads the secondary.

With a roster of only 40-45 guys, depth is an issue that truly concerns Counter as they lay on the pads for 2007. So with that said, the Crusaders have to rely on many players to play a dual role on the team, offense and defense.

“Most of our athletes play both ways,” Counter said. “On top of that, all of our starters also play special teams so depth is always and issue we face here. We are a team with 4A numbers playing 5A teams.”

But, Counter will never question the toughness of his guys. They may not have the numbers, but will fight until the end.
 

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