FORECAST:
1. Canisius
2. St. Joseph's
3. St. Francis
Offensive Players of the Year:
Xzavier Janczyk, St. Francis
Joe Jamison, Canisius
Dawson Tyger, St. Francis
Defensive Players of the Year:
Tyler Doty, St. Joe’s
Joel Nicholas, Canisius
Linemen of the Year:
Ben Schoenle, Canisius
Tyler Doty, St. Joe’s
Cole Gambino, St. Joe’s
Eric Schon, St. Francis
Unsung Players of the Year:
Jack Brandon, Canisius
Will McDonald, St. Joe’s
Underclassmen of the Year:
Jack Brandon, Canisius
Eric Schon, St. Francis
Strongest Players:
Tyler Doty, St. Joe’s
Eric Schon, St. Francis
Fastest Player: Joel Nicholas, Canisius
Top Scholar Athletes:
Harrison Davis, St. Francis
Mitchel Theal, Timon/St. Jude
Conklin Masters, Cardinal O’Hara
Most Versatile Athlete: Dawson Tyger, St. Francis
CANISIUS CRUSADERS
Crusaders have dominated the league for several years and championships. The Association has divided teams into 2 leagues with 3 teams each. At one time, the Association was comprised of 16 teams. Rich Robbin’s squad returns All-WNY candidates Jaurney Boyland, Joe Jamison, Joel Nicholas, Ben Schoenle, and Tristan Vandenberg. Jack Brandon takes over at QB from Jayce Johnson. They host Health Sciences/Maritime Charter in week 1 and play McQuaid in week 2. They play their rivals, St. Joe’s, in week 5. They will compete for league and state titles. Key to the season will be the play of the QB and line. C.J. Ozolins who starred at St. Mary’s will help the Crusaders’ defense this season.
Head Coach: Rich Robbins (62-18-0, 6 years)
Assistant Coaches: Brendan Barthel, Bryce Hopkins, Delano Fabor, Brian Taylor, Jon Miller, Dan Alexander, Jesse Black, Kyree Carter, Morgan Collins, Clint Hawkins, Mike Luchey
2017 Varsity Record: 8-4-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 5. Defense is 5.
Key Players: Joe Jamison, Joel Nicholas, Jack Brandon, Ben Schoenle, Tristan Vandenberg, Jaurney Boyland, Jim Desiderio, Doovan Cornelius, Christian Veileux
Key Losses: Kenyetta Huston, Paul Woods, Jyace Johnson, RJ Brandon, Brad Currell, Will McGennis, Ray Miranda
2017 JV Record: 4-4-1
ST. JOSEPH’S MARAUDERS
Marauders came close to winning the league championship in 2017. They have several quality potential All-WNY Players in Tyler Doty, Cole Gambino and Micah Brown. They play Bennett and host Canisius in week 5. St. Joe’s will try to defeat the Crusaders for the first time in 9 games. Marauders lead in the rivalry 47-39-3. 18 seniors graduated from the 2017 team. Their line will be their strength with Gambino, Doty, and McDonald. Casey Kelly has transferred to a school in North Carolina which is a huge loss for the Marauders. Nick DiCarlo, last year’s JV QB will compete for the position.
Head Coach: Derek Landri (9-10-0, 2 years)
Assistant Coaches: Mike McCarthy, Earl Perrin, Matt O’Malley
2017 Varsity Record: 7-5-0
Starters Returning: unknown
Key Players: Tyler Doty, Micah Brown, Cole Gambino, Will McDonald, Sam Kline, Kemychal Calrk, Anthony McCarley
Key Losses: Nick Julian, Cameron Dabill, Andrew Gradolph
2017 JV Record: unknown
ST. FRANCIS RED RAIDERS
Jerry Smith is in his 31st year as head coach. They return 18 starters on offense led by All-WNY candidates Eric Schon, Dominic Thomas, Jake Ritts, Xzavier Janczylik, Jacob Reilly and Austin Hall. Jake Ritts takes over at QB. They open at McDowell and host Erie in week 2. Offense to be led by Ritts, Thomas, and Dawson Tyger. Line to be anchored by Hill, Miller, and Schon. Defense to be led by Nolan Thomas, Schon, and Grayson Myers. They will compete for the league championship. Smith has won 156 games in 29 years.
Head Coach: Jerry Smith (156-138-4, 29 years)
Assistant Coaches: Steve Otremba, Mike Chuchla, Mike Hoak, Tom Bestpitch, Matt Jaworski
2017 Varsity Record: 4-6-0
Starters Returning: Offense is 9, Defense is 9.
Key Players: Dominik Thomas, Dawson Tyger, Eric Schon, Nolan Thomas, Dan Browning, Grayson Meyer, Reilly Miller, Jack Lauer, Dave Hayes, Jaron Alexander, Jake Ritts, Xzavier Janczylik
Key Losses: Cole O’Connor, Jadd Dolegala, Melique Straker
PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE
Offense
QB – Jake Ritts, St. Francis
QB – Jack Brandon, Canisius
QB - Micah Brown, St. Joe's
RB – Joe Jamison, Canisius
RB – Xzavieiz Janczylik, St. Francis
TE – Tristian Vandenberg, St. Francis
WR – Micah Brown, St. Joe’s
WR – Dominik Thomas, St. Francis
WR – Micah Brown, St. Joe’s
WR – Dominik Thomas, St. Francis
OL – Tyler Doty, St. Joe’s
OL – Ben Schoenle, Canisius
OL – Luke McMahon, Timon/St. Jude
OL – Eric Schon, St. Francis
OL – James Desiderio, Canisius
K – Tristian Vandenberg, Canisius
RS – Micah Brown, St. Joe’s
U – Will McDonald, St. Joe’s
Defense
DL – Austin Hill, St. Francis
DL – Jim Desiderio, Canisius
DL – Cole Gambino, St. Joe’s
DL – Connor Dean, Timon/St. Jude
LB – Joel Nicholas, Canisius
LB – Nolan Thomas, St. Francis
LB – CJ Ozolins, Canisius
LB – Riley Wood, St. Joe’s
DB – Jaron Alexander, St. Francis
DB – Anthony McCarley, St. Joe’s
DB – Dan Browning, St. Francis
DB – Dawson Tyger, St. Francis
P – Reilly Miller, St. Francis