Trending
By ED LOOMAN
STEUBENVILLE -- Steve Daley likes what he sees when he looks at his 2017 Steubenville Catholic team.
Truth be told, however, he'd like to see a few more players wearing the Royal Blue and Gold.
Daley is entering his seventh season at the helm. His 2016 team went 5-5, finishing with a four-game win streak. He has guided the Crusaders to five consecutive campaigns of .500 or better.
"My biggest concern is with our numbers," Daley said. "But I've talked to coaches all over the valley and it seems like numbers are down everywhere, whatever the reason. It is what it is.
"We'll take the field with 29 (18 are returning lettermen) on our roster. I feel we have a good solid group of players. My concern obviously is with our depth. We have to stay healthy and as coaches, we have to be smart when it comes to getting guys rest. At the same time, our younger guys will have to step up, if only for a play or two, and give us the effort we need."
The numbers might be low, as Daley pointed out, they are pretty strong when it comes to "size, speed and skill."
"We have size on the line, especially with our starting five in the interior," he said. "We like what we have there. We have players returning at the skilled positions who are experienced. I like the speed that we have there. The speed goes across the board from split end, to slot, to our quarterback.
"We have a running back who runs hard between the tackles and our quarterback finished fourth in the state in the 100-meter dash. As a coach, you have to like that aspect of our team. Offensively, our goal is to spread the ball around, get our speed guys in space and let them make plays."
Justin Hartzell (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) returns for his second season under center. The speedy junior threw for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore, despite missing several games with injuries. He also ran for 477 yards and four additional scores.
"Justin has really matured and you can tell he feels more comfortable as the leader of our offense," Daley said. "He's been on the big stage during track season so getting under the lights shouldn't bother him this year. He's been throwing the ball better this summer and making better decisions with the run and the pass.
"For us to be successful offensively this season, it starts with him. I think he understands that now and is comfortable with what we're asking him to do."
Junior Noah Fayak, who took over last season when Hartzell was out, will be the primary backup at quarterback. Fayak has fully recovered from an injury he suffered a season ago. Sophomore Anthony Lefever will provide additional depth.
The running back Daley referred to is junior Craig Smith. He ran for 412 yards and four touchdowns after becoming eligible midway through the 2016 season.
"He's a hard runner, a punishing runner and he's put in a lot of work in the offseason," Daley said. "He will be a major factor in our offense this year."
Other running back candidates are sophomore Anthony Simmons and junior Jayden Keeder.
Those vying for time in the slot for Central are senior Amin Butler, Fayak and junior Anthony Fallon.
Split end candidates include senior Geno DiBiase, senior Jah Sawyer, junior Matt Bell, junior Matt Kilonsky, senior David Miller and freshman Jarred Roberts.
Senior Levi Thompson (6-2, 220) is the top prospect at H back. He missed much of last season with injuries. Junior Dom Argentine, sophomore Cole Maragos and freshman Vinnie Marcino also are in the mix.
The "size guys" up front are led by senior Vince Oliver (6-6, 305), who will be a starter for the fourth consecutive season. Oliver, who is receiving considerable attention from schools in the Ivy League, will start at guard along with junior Jordan Maul (6-2, 315).
"He's been starting since he was a freshman and he's gotten bigger and stronger every year," Daley said of Oliver. "He's been working hard on his quickness. We'd like to see him become more physical this season and be our leader up front.
"We're certainly really happy for the opportunities he's going to have after our season is over. We need major production from him this year in order for our offense to click."
Returning starters Kevin Cuervo, a senior, and junior Jacob Stoll (6-3, 270) will man the tackle spots. Sophomore Alex Ialenti will provide backup.
Junior Alec Constantini will take over at center with sophomore Indy Marcino providing depth.
Defensively, the Crusaders will utilize a 3-4 look.
Oliver, Stoll, Constantini, Ialenti, senior Christian Frazier, a transfer from Big Red, senior William Walsh, Maragos and sophomore Seth Fitzgerald all will be seeing time at defensive end.
Cuervo will again be the starter at the nose. Indy Marcino and Maul will provide depth.
Candidates at inside linebacker are Smith, Argentine, Vinnie Marcino and Simmons.
Thompson will start at one outside linebacker spot along with Bell. DiBiase and Keeder also will see considerable playing time there.
The defensive backfield will include Fayak, Fallon, Kilonsky, Sawyer, Butler, Lefever, Miller, sophomore Jeffrey Dawson and Roberts.
Bell will handle the punting duties with Roberts doing the kicking.
"Staying healthy -- that's going to be the primary key for us," Daley said. "We have to be careful, we certainly have to avoid any injuries that don't come on the field in game situations.
"I've been stressing throughout the offseason the need for us to come together as a family. I think that's vitally important. We have to play unselfish and play as a team. If that happens, we're going to be OK."
Daley's coaching staff has several new faces. Rick Gillette and Frank Marcino are the only holdovers. Tony Godich, Jeremy Presley, Matt Grimard and Matt Bellardine are the newcomers.