CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE INTERSECTIONAL DIVISION TEAM CAPSULES
Team Capsules compiled by Dan Stickradt. Email dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com or follow on twitter @LocalSportsFans.
School: St. Frances Cabrini
Nickname: Monarchs
Coach: Chris Rea
2012 record: 6-4, 5-1 CHSL-Intersectional (second)
Notes: After finishing second in the league last season to Loyola, the Monarchs, with most of their starting lineup back, enter the season as the league favorite, as Loyola has been bumped up the CHSL-AA Division.
School: Cranbrook Kingswood
Nickname: Cranes
Coach: Joe D’Angelo, first season (32nd as a head coach in Metro Detroit)
2012 record: 2-7, 0-6 CHSL-Intersectional Division (seventh)
Players lost: Adam Bloomer, Jake Hall, Dan Mogrill, Chris Lopez, Keegan Kellen
Players returning: Joe Myrick, sr. RB-LB; Belvin Liles, sr. TE-DE; Brad Fraser, sr. QB-WR-FS; Joe Files, jr. OT-DT; Will Zhoa, sr. LB-OG; John Luciani, sr. OG-LB
Coach’s comment: “We have some very good athletes who are working hard to try to right the ship. We have a nice mix of experience and youth and a very talented freshman class. We hope to get better in every practice and every game and hopefully win a few more games than last year.”
School: Everest Collegiate
Nickname: Mountaineers
Coach: Mike Pruchnicki, first season
2012 record: This is a first-year program.
Players lost: n/a
Coach’s comment: “We are excited about our new program. We have 19 guys who are working hard, and we have some experience with a few of these guys playing in the Our Lady of the Lakes program last season. We also have a lot of players who are relatively new to football. We hope to keep working hard and keep getting better and maybe win a couple of games in our first year.”
School: Bishop Foley Catholic
Nickname: Ventures
Coach: Sean Cobb, first season
2012 record: 5-4, 3-3 CHSL-Intersectional (fourth)
Players lost: Gabe O’Neal, Dominic Davis, Dominic Doxen
Players returning: Nick Gwisdalla, sr. WR-SE; Brendan McMahon, sr. QB-WR-CB; Steve Redding, sr. LB-FB; Brian Wille, sr. LB-OL; Nate Grys, jr. RB-SE; Piotr Lewlski, sr. OL; Joesph Swenda, jr. OL; Alex Williamson, sr. LB; Tyler Gholston, sr. DL; David Balaze, sr. LB; Anthony Ortisi, sr. DL; Stephen Redding, sr. DL; Andrew Sturr, CB; Garrett Schilling, sr. K
Notes: The Ventures had a coaching change midway through last season, so Cobb is trying to settle the dust and create a winning program. Most of the starters are back, so expectations of a winning season and potential playoff berth are a realistic goal.
School: Gabriel Richard Catholic
Nickname: Pioneers
Coach: Thomas Michaelson, second season
2012 record: 2-7, 1-5 CHSL-Intersectional Division (sixth)
Players lost: David Ritchie, Danny Baum, Michael Schigelone, Tim Williams
Players returning: Jacob Lipetsky, soph. WR-QB-DB; Colton Jarrat, sr. OL; Patrick McBride, sr. OL-DT; Pat McBriade, sr. OT; Tyler Blaszczak, jr. RB-DB-P; Tyler Riney, jr. RB-DB; Joe Lavine, sr. LB; Devin Dickow, sr. DE; JT Sawicki, sr. DE; Nathan Mohr, sr. OLB
Notes: The Pioneers must replace a four-year starting quarterback. Most of the defense is back, which should help them yield fewer points. If this team can break in some offensive stars, it could move up in the standings.
School: Shrine Catholic
Nickname: Knights
Coach: John Goddard, 21st season
2012 record: 5-5, 2-4 CHSL-Intersectional (fifth)
Player lost: Connor Francek
Players returning: Tim Nihaus, jr. QB-DB; Chris Kelly, jr. FB ; Jordan Gee, sr. RB; Tripp Calanan, sr. LB; Will Arce, jr. TE; Troy Button, jr. C
Notes: With experience on the lines, the Knights should be able to break in a new quarterback. They are also trying to work in a new secondary, which could leave them vulnerable to passing teams early in the season. This team was quite young last season, starting seven sophomores, so this year and next season could be big for it. It has reached the postseason 10 straight times.
School: Our Lady of the Lakes
Nickname: Lakers
Coach: Josh Sawicki, first season
2012 record: 9-3, 4-2 CHSL-Intersectional Division (third)
Players lost: Sal Mastermatteo, Chris Donohue, Ryan O’Brien, Garrett Ross, Richie Cross, Ross Nichols, Andy Franko, Cole Dabino, Blake Beauchamp, Jake Delasot, Mitch Lasceski, Zack Beans
Players returning: Spencer Howell, sr. K-DB; Shawn Thomas, sr. RB; Noah Burham, sr. LB; Vinnie Puma, sr. WR-QB-DB; Charlie Cardeau, sr. CB; Nate Kotz, sr. DL-OG
Notes: After46 years of being under the direction of Mike Boyd, the Lakers have a new head coach. They are led by a pair of D-I recruits, plus several other quality athletes, and the expectations of contending for a league crown and postseason berth have not changed. The Lakers are going after their ninth postseason appearance in 10 years.
OTHER CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
School: Cardinal Mooney Catholic
Nickname: Cardinals
2012 record: 5-5, 3-3 North Central Thumb 8-Man League (fourth)
Notes: This is the fourth season for 8-Man football in Michigan. The Cardinals lost in the 8-Man Pre-Regionals to Portland St. Patrick 54-28 after finishing 5-4 in the regular season.