Familiarity may breed success for Crusaders
Giovanni DeMarzo battles a defender to make the reception during a passing drill at football training camp. The junior was Bishop Canevin’s top receiver last season.
Bishop Canevin assistant coach David Schoppe demonstrates the proper blocking technique to his lineman during football training camp drills.
A Bishop Canevin player makes the catch during a passing drill at football training camp.
PITTSBURGH – With one year of experience as Bishop Canevin football coach, Darren Schoppe no longer needs a lineup card to identify his players.
“We’re excited and optimistic,” Schoppe said of this season. “We know the players, and they understand who we are (as coaches) and what we want. I’m certainly more comfortable with them. Instead of having to say, ‘Hey, you,’ I know the kids’ names.”
If things go as planned, many in the WPIAL also will know the Crusaders’ names by season’s end. They have the strength, size and experience to compete in the Black Hills Conference. Bishop Canevin lost just five seniors from last year’s 3-7 club.
“We do have a lot of kids coming back with experience,” said Schoppe. “I’m just not sure how good an experience it was.”
The Crusaders learned they did not like losing. So, many of them hit the weight room and diligently labored during the offseason. Plus, many of the players simply matured; growing from freshmen to sophomores and juniors into seniors.
Bishop Canevin’s size is apparent in its line, which Schoppe says is the strength of the team.
While one tackle position was up for grabs during training camp, with plenty of good prospects, senior Matt Hartzell (5-11, 235) returns to the other tackle spot. The guards are veterans Jake Reddy (6-0, 220) and Alex Simpson (6-0, 210). Matt Zenk (5-10, 191) centers the line. With the exception of Reddy, who will play at linebacker, all will play on the defensive line with possibly Colton Causey (5-11, 194). A.J. Jancosko is an offensive lineman and Jayme Williams will help the Crusaders on both sides of the line. As a three-year-starter, Aaron Alke will be at multiple positions, including tight end and defensive end.
“We have lots of linemen with lots of experience but we also have gotten stronger,” said Schoppe. “This is the first offseason this group has gotten under their belts together. They have come a long way and worked hard. They have gotten bigger and stronger. Our size and experience will be a strength.”
Cam Rush is sure to gain playing time. The 6-4, 247 sophomore can play tackle and defensive end. Schoppe feels he could be one of the best players to come out of the program in four years.
“He’s not experienced now but he may be a Division I prospect,” said Schoppe.
Reed Relosky and Giovanni DeMarzo are players to watch in the conference. Relosky threw for 1,203 yards and 11 TDs last season. The senior QB also rushed for 239 yards and three scores. He also starts at cornerback. DeMarzo averaged 6.4 yards per carry. The three-year veteran moves to wide receiver this fall. He also plays in the secondary.
“Obviously, any returning 1,000-yard passer is huge for any high school program,” Schoppe said of Relosky. “Reed has arm strength. He worked hard during the offseason and he has great leadership and great poise.”
The Crusaders expect Sean Fitzgerald and Dom Palmosina to be leaders as they were in 2013. Last fall, Fitzgerald led the wide receivers with 28 receptions. Palmosina followed with 15. Austin Scott is another returning player who can catch the football.
Aman Bridgett will be featured at tailback. He averaged 3.5 yards a carry last season and ranked second on the team in touchdowns behind Fitzgerald with three. Dylan Direnna, a transfer from Brashear, gives the Crusaders depth in the backfield. He also strengthens the linebacker position, an area of concern.
Schoppe moved Bridgett, a safety last year, and Reddy to linebacker to ‘solidify’ the defense. Austin Liebro, who is a fullback on offense, and Donovan Leckie also spearhead the linebacking corps, which includes Nate Jancosko and Ben Zimmer.
By the time the Crusaders visit Fort Cherry Sept. 19, Schoppe hopes his team is ready. After scrimmages with Carlynton and Sto-Rox, Canevin kicks off the 2014 campaign at home against Riverside, which has dropped down from Class AA, and at Union. Both are non-conference clashes before the opener at home against Northgate.
“The biggest key is to get positive things early to happen. We have four weeks to prepare for Fort Cherry. That will be a key game for us,” Schoppe said.
In the Black Hills Conference, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic is the key game for all teams. The Trojans are the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions.
“North Catholic will be a challenge. They are the team to beat. From there, take your pick,” Schoppe said. “We are that competitive in this conference.
“But, I am very optimistic. I feel better about this season and with the group of players that we have here. Making the playoffs is a realistic goal. These kids have worked hard. This is their year. It’s up to them what they want to do.”