CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE-CENTRAL DIVISION TEAM CAPSULES
Team Capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. Email dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or follow on twitter @LocalSportsFans.
School: Brother Rice
Nickname: Warriors
Coach: Al Fracassa
2012 record: 12-2, 3-1 CHSL-Central (tied-first)
Players lost: Jon Reschke, Kevin Henry, Kyle Bindi, Lucas Cherocci, Cheyne LaCanaria, Kyle Marsh, Greg Marzec, Billy Pieroni, Griffin Anderson
Players returning: Jason Alessi, sr. SE-K; Sage Baltrusaitis, sr. C; Brian Walker, sr. RB; Jon Forster, sr. P; Joshua Flye, sr. KR-TE; Grant Perry, jr. KR-WR-DB; Chris Carter, sr. CB; Jack Grisan, sr. FB-LB; Shaun Jones, sr. LB; Shon Powell, sr. RB; Corey Lacanaria, sr. WR; Ty Kiafoulis, sr. TE; Jeremy Hickey, sr. OL; Matt Phillips, sr. OL; Alberto Sandoval, sr. DT; Dominick Perkovic, sr. OL-TE
Notes: This is Fracassa’s final season at the helm, and he ranks high among the legendary high school coaches in the country in terms of wins and overall success. The Warriors have won back-to-back D2 state titles, and with several talented athletes back in the mix, there’s reason to believe that this team is capable of another long run.
School: University of Detroit Jesuit
Nickname: Cubs
2012 record: 2-7, 0-4 CHSL-Central (fifth)
School: Detroit Catholic Central
Nickname: Shamrocks
Coach: Tom Mach, 38th season
2012 record: 9-5, 3-1 CHSL-Central (tied-first)
Players lost: Wyatt Sherman, Anthony Darkangleo, Derek Edwards, David Houle, Kevin Walsh, David Widzinski, Jon Malone
Players returning: Zach Bock, sr. RB-DB; Alex Galiyas, sr. OL-DL; Dylan Roney, sr. TE-DE; David Wright, sr. LB; Sean Birney, sr. DB
Notes: Navigating a brutal schedule, the Shamrocks reached the D-1 state title game the past two years. This team rarely rebuilds, so high expectations again surround the program. It has some extra incentive this season – playing for a fallen comrade. David Widzinski, who started as a sophomore last season, died suddenly in the off-season. The Shamrocks will play for him and look to return to glory as one of the state’s top teams.
School: St. Mary’s Preparatory
Nickname: Eaglets
Coach: George Porritt, 25th season
2012 record: 11-3, 3-1 CHSL-Central (tied-first)
Players lost: Matt Linehan, Austin Johnson, Andrew Koterba, Grant Niemiec
Players returning: Jalen Watts-Jackson, sr. WR-DB; Jeremy Schram, sr. OG; Julian Jones, sr. NG; Jeff Robinson, sr. RB-DB; Michael Linihan, jr. LB-RB; Mark Zanders, sr. RB-DB; Spencer Hurst, sr. K-P
Notes: The Eaglets lost in the D3 final last year on a last-second field goal. This team has its strengths and weaknesses. A very young offensive line and a new quarterback are weaknesses, but it welcomes back an experienced defensive front and secondary. One thing that time has proven is that the Eaglets do not rebuild, they reload, and fans should expect this team to be in the league title chase and postseason once again.
School: De La Salle Collegiate
Nickname: Pilots
Coach: Matthew Lewis, first season.
2012 record: 5-4, 1-3 CHSL-Central (fourth)
Players lost: Shane Morris, Josh Cox, Andrew DiFranco, Cordell Crosby, Kyle Anderson, Chris DeSrosiers, Allan Jefferson, Jordan Avgousti
Players returning: Brent Morris, sr. WR; Mario Agosta, sr. WR-DB; Sam Badalamenti, sr. OLB-WR; Stephen Garrity, sr. OL-DL; Jared Wrangler, sr. LB-WR
Coach’s comment: “We will be young but look forward to developing our youth throughout the season. We have one of the most difficult schedules in the state, which really minimizes our room for error but creates a great opportunity for our program. We had a tremendous commitment to the off-season workout program. We hope that the effort and enthusiasm showed in the off-season will carry into the fall.”