A look at this year’s Central Catholic football team:
HEAD COACH: Jeff Lindesmith, seventh year, 49-25
LAST YEAR: 6-4
POSTSEASON: Division VI, Region 19
RETURNING LETTERMEN (16)
Thomas Boron, WR-DB, 5-6, 140, Sr.
Riley Campbell, WR-LB, 6-4, 195, Jr.
Aaron Fox, WR-DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.
Caleb Glyder, RB-DL, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Danny Heck, WR-DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Ben Hopkins, OL-DL, 6-4, 230, Jr.
Gerald Johnson, WR-DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.
Joe Kane, OL-DL, 6-1, 175, Sr.
Matt Kling, K, 6-1, 165, Sr.
Michael Monastra, WR-DB, 5-7, 165, Jr.
Billy Murphy, WR-LB, 5-7, 155, Jr.
Owen Murphy, OL-LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Ethan Kestel-Porter, RB-DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Alex Stephen, OL-DL, 5-10, 200, Sr.
Jack Talkington, QB-LB, 6-2, 215, Soph.
Mason Vance, RB-DL, 5-10, 185, Sr.
IMPACT PLAYERS: Riley Campbell is productive on both sides of the ball. With 25 first hits and 21 assists at linebacker last year, he is among Central Catholic’s top returning tacklers. He also caught 32 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns. ... Lineman Ethan Kestel-Porter anchors the Crusaders defense with Campbell. He had 32 first hits and 25 tackle assists in 2020. ... Matt Kling is the latest in a long line of consistent kickers Central has produced. He has converted 58 of his 62 career extra point attempts.
WHAT’S NEW: Jack Talkington is in line to become the Crusaders’ starting quarterback. As a freshman last season, he gained some experience as Austin Beck’s backup. ... Head coach Jeff Lindesmith likes what he sees from his secondary. Aaron Fox, Danny Heck, Tom Boron and Michael Monastra have seen playing time as starters or backups. The cohesiveness they have built is what impresses Lindesmith.
OUTLOOK: Central returns a good nucleus of players who helped push the team to the brink of the playoffs in 2020. The postseason is guaranteed everyone this year, and the Crusaders will be more than prepared for whoever they face in Division VI. Their demanding revised schedule features games against Federal League opponents Perry and Jackson, home games against Louisville and New Philadelphia and their battle with rival St. Thomas Aquinas, which made the playoffs last season.