HEAD COACH: Jeff Lindesmith, ninth year, 56-38
LAST YEAR: 4-7
POSTSEASON: Division VI, Region 21
RETURNING LETTERMEN (20)
Alex Anderson - RB/LB - 6-0 - 195 - sr.
Grady Angerman - K - 5-9 - 170 - sr.
Robert Belden - OL - 6-5 - 280 - sr.
Dan Boron - WR/DB - 6-0 - 180 - jr.
Thomas Buckler - OL/LB - 6-0 - 215 - sr.
Collin Domer - QB/DB - 6-1 - 180 - sr.
Sam Grant - WR/DB - 6-1 - 175 - sr.
Gabirel Grisez - OL/DL - 5-11 - 230 - jr.
Jack Hopkins - WR/DB - 6-0 - 170 - jr.
Michael Iribar - OL/DL - 6-1 - 215 - sr.
Jimmy Kane - WR/DB - 6-1 - 170 - jr.
Austin Morrison - OL/DL - 6-2 - 190 - jr.
Andrew Neal - WR/DB - 5-9 - 160 - jr.
Tanner Perkins - RB/LB - 5-10 - 170 - jr.
Timothy Perkins - OL/DL - 5-10 - 220 - sr.
Luke Pieper - WR/DB - 5-9 - 165 - jr.
Jonathan Stangl - OL/DL - 6-6 - 275 - soph.
Jack Talkington - QB/LB - 6-2 - 220 - sr.
Christian Vannan - OL/DL - 6-1 - 205 - sr.
Thomas Yingling - OL/DL - 6-3 - 235 - sr.
IMPACT PLAYERS: Dual-threat QB Jack Talkington is aiming for his best season yet. Talkington has thrown for 2,916 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed for 1,637 yards and 16 TDs in his Crusaders career. He ran for 1,137 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021 alone. ... Alex Anderson teams up with Talkington at linebacker and is a valued skill player on offense. He had a breakout junior season with 582 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. ... Dan Boron ranked among the Stark County leaders in interceptions last year with four. He is also a receiver and punter. ... LB Tommy Buckler is one of Central Catholic's top returning tacklers. ... Two-year starter Timothy Perkins helps anchor the Crusaders offensive and defensive lines.
WHAT'S NEW: Jonathan Stangl should play a bigger role on Central's offensive line. He gained valuable experience last year when he started about half the season. ... Christian Vannan will get a chance to make an impact on the offensive line at center. ... Jimmy Kane, Collin Domer and Sam Grant should see increased roles at receiver. They will also play in the secondary.
OUTLOOK: The Crusaders have the talent and experience to vault over the .500 mark. It has been a tough hill to climb lately. They have had just one winning season since 2016 when they won the Division V state championship. Another demanding schedule awaits, though. It includes a game against 2021 Division V state runner-up South Range and their annual matchups with Jackson and Perry out of the Federal League. That schedule will benefit the Crusaders if they are able to return to the postseason.