ECC HOPES FOR TURNAROUND IN 2004

ST. MARYS – With an expanded Class A playoff field, a big turnout and plenty of senior leadership, Elk County Catholic is looking to turn around last year’s 1-9 record and make a run at the District 9 playoffs this season.

The Crusaders under third-year head coach Joe Renwick (5-15) are looking to get to the playoffs for the first time since 1998 and are looking for their first winning season since going 6-4 in 2001.

With 42 players including 16 seniors out for the team this year numbers and leadership shouldn’t be a problem.

"It’s a big compliment to the attitude of the school that so many people have come out for football this year," Renwick told the TCS. "We’re very excited about the numbers that turned out."

Experience will be a key for ECC this year. Last year it had only four seniors which helped contribute to the 1-9 mark. But on the other hand, that means a lot of underclassmen got playing experience a year ago which should help out the Crusaders cause in 2004.

One of the key returnees is quarterback Andrew Blazek, who is competing with Kyle Mahoney and Chris Zampogna for the starting spot.

Last year, Blazek was 56-for-170 passing for 770 yards, three touchdowns but a staggering 19 interceptions.

Zampogna, meanwhile, saw limited action going 3-for-10 for 67 yards and one interception while also rushing 21 times for 85 yards and a score. He also caught nine passes for 72 yards.

Anthony Tettis, the team’s leading rusher last season with 392 yards and five scores on 92 carries while adding four catches for 21 yards, is also back as are fellow backs Anthony Mastrogiacomo, Scott Meholic and John Stager.

Mastrogiacomo had 39 carries for 79 yards last season, Meholic added 190 yards and a touchdown on 51 totes and 38 yards receiving on five catches and Stager rushed 14 times for 38 yards and caught one pass for 41 yards.

Nick Bojalad (3 catches, 36 yards), Matt Geer (2 catches, 40 yards), Travis Herzing (9 catches, 190 yards, 1 TD) and Nate Worman return as pass catchers for the Crusaders.

The offensive line will consist of guards Don Geci and Tim Bauer, tackles Kurt Kausman and Eric Seelye and either Ed Geci or Kurt Becker at center.

ECC will need to improve its offense if it wants to turn the corner this season.

Last year the Crusaders ranked 27^th out of 30 teams in D9 Leagues in offensive yards and its 7.8 ppg were the second fewest total in the District.

That negated a decent defensive effort that saw the Crusaders yield 22.9 ppg including five games of under 20 points. The defense weakened as the season went on, though, allowing an average of 35.8 ppg in the final four weeks.