Crusaders relying on defense for another strong season

During its three-year streak of qualifying for the playoffs, a strong defense has played a big part in Grand Island Central Catholic's success.

In the Crusaders' wins during last year's 8-2 season, the team allowed a total of 58 points.

GICC coach Scott Rezac hopes that doesn't change this year.

"Our run defense will be pretty solid again," he said. "We have (senior Luke) O'Callaghan back at nose (guard). This is seven or eight years that we've had an O'Callaghan at nose guard, and unfortunately, he's our last one.

"All three of them had different styled nose guards. Luke has his own style, but he demands a double team. If you don't, he'll make a bunch of tackles."

O'Callaghan (5-foot-9, 181 pounds) is part of what should be a strong defensive line. Tommy Howard (6-6, 250, sr.) and Zach Schroeder (5-10, 257, sr.) return at the tackle spots.

"They're all big kids," Rezac said.

Behind that line will be an experience linebacking corps.

"Kelly (Zimmerman) in the middle will be a force," Rezac said of the 6-2, 233-pound senior.

Sophomore Garrett Coble (5-9, 175), who started towards the end of the year last year, also returns.

"He started at the end of the season as a freshman at linebacker," Rezac said. "That says a bit about him with the quality of team we had last year."

Senior Zach Staroska (5-8, 175) will move into a starting linebacker spot.

"With those three at linebacker, our defense is pretty solid," Rezac said. "We have three solid defensive ends to rotate. I feel pretty good on the front."

The secondary is a question mark. Senior safety Jay Osberbuhr (6-1, 174) is the only returning starter.

"Having Jay at free safety makes us better," Rezac said. "He was not able to do much this summer because of his shoulder (injury), but having him back there now really helps with our communication."

The offensive line returns plenty of experience with Zimmerman, Howard, Schroeder and center Curtis Gnewuch (6-0, 174, sr.) all back.

"This will be the first time in quite a while we've had that many kids back on the line," Rezac said.

Zimmerman, who returns to his guard spot, feels the O-line has good potential.

"Our spot with the most guys returning is right there," he said. "We have good depth too if anybody goes down. We have a lot of good guys who can play on the line."

The offensive line may need to carry the team early because the skill positions were hit hard by graduation.

"We have six guys (competing to start) at wide receive and six for running back," Rezac said. "But that's a positive. It's good that we have that competition."

Junior Casey Wiens and sophomore Seth Wardyn are competing for the starting quarterback position.

"They're different style quarterbacks," Rezac said. "Going into a game, I wouldn't have any doubts starting either one."

GICC kicks off the season Sept. 5 against Superior at Viking Field. The schedule should be a challenge again.

"There's a lot of playoff teams on there again," Rezac said. "There are a lot of familiar faces and a few new ones. It's a good schedule."

The Crusaders play their four home games over the first five weeks of the season. But Rezac said that won't add any early urgency, especially with GICC's home games split between playing at Grand Island Senior High and Northwest.

"We travel well and play well on the road," he said. "It doesn't seem to affect the kids. The kids like to play at home because you have more of a following. But road games don't affect the kids."

Central Catholic's district has changed with Hastings St. Cecilia the big addition.

"Going into the season, they're the district favorite," Rezac said. "But several teams in our district are definitely playoff caliber teams.

"We haven't played St. Cecilia at the varsity level for a number of years. When you watch tape on them, they are impressive."

Rezac said the team's goals remain the same. It hopes to be in contention for a district title late in the season.

"We want to find enough wins to get back to the playoffs," he said. "We want to extend our season.”