Strake Jesuit head football coach James Clancy could not have been more pleased with the Crusaders' ...

1. Strake Jesuit football team plans to build on its spring
momentum
Strake Jesuit head football coach James Clancy could not have been more pleased with the
Crusaders' performance during spring practice.
Gearing up for his second season at Strake Jesuit, Clancy believes his squad accomplished most of
its goals.
"We got in 18 workouts, which is the maximum, and we needed every single one of them," Clancy
said. "The neat thing about the spring is it was the first time we've had our full coaching staff
together. We got a late start last year and it probably hurt us."
The Crusaders struggled a year ago, finishing 2-8 overall and 2-5 in District 19-5A in Clancy's debut.
However, he anticipates a few more wins - and possibly a trip to the Class 5A playoffs - in 2013.
"I feel like we've reached the next phase," Clancy said. "A year ago, we were putting in a new
system, both offensively and defensively. This spring, it was more of a refresh. We focused on
situational things and our execution."

2. Senior Colby Chapman took plenty of snaps at quarterback. Chapman primarily played wide receiver
last season, although he quarterbacked Strake Jesuit to a 21-20 victory over Katy Taylor.
"Colby was our second-leading receiver, but he led us to a big win against Katy Taylor," Clancy said.
"Colby brings a lot of energy to the field and has the tools to be an outstanding quarterback."
Chapman should have a few more weapons to utilize at the skill positions, including seniors Trevor
Groves and Miles Clutterbuck and sophomore Christian McStravick at wide receiver.
"We have two proven receivers back in Trevor and Miles and Christian is a young guy with a lot of
potential," Clancy said.
Clancy called junior wide receiver/running back Chase Johnson "probably the most-improved player
on the team." Junior running back Dwyer Bucey, up from the junior varsity, was impressive
throughout spring ball.
Junior center Gus Sulentic is the anchor of the offensive line. Joining him is senior Michael Welsh at
left tackle.
"Gus started 10 games in 19-5A as a 10th-grader, so he's battle-tested. He should be one of the top
offensive linemen in Houston as a senior," Clancy said. "Michael will be a three-year starter. We
have a couple open spots, but having Gus and Michael really helps."
There is less certainty on the defensive side, but the Crusaders do not lack talent.
"We have quite a few guys to replace on defense," Clancy said.
Senior Emmanuel Ellerbee is a three-year starter at linebacker. Ellerbee figures to be the heart of
the defense.

3. "Emmanuel is a proven player. He has colleges like Rice, Texas State and UNLV interested in him,"
Clancy said. "Emmanuel is going to have a huge year."
Other veterans include senior Major Adams at free safety and senior Ben Broussard at defensive
end/linebacker.
Strake Jesuit welcomes back senior defensive tackle Kaivon Hill, who played for the Crusaders his
first two seasons but sat out last year after transferring back from New Orleans.
"Kaivon would have been a starter if he had been eligible," Clancy said.
Hill will be paired with senior Tito Ejiogu, the other defensive tackle, in what might be one of the
league's strongest defensive lines.
"We also have a couple of incoming sophomores who could play," Clancy said.
While Strake Jesuit enjoyed a productive spring, there remains plenty of work ahead for the
Crusaders to challenge the likes of Katy, Memorial, Cinco Ranch, Morton Ranch and Seven Lakes in
District 19-5A. Two-a-days get under way on Aug. 12, with the opener against Dekaney on Aug. 30 at
Crusader Stadium.
Clancy said it's vital for Strake Jesuit to get off to a better start in non-district play. The Crusaders
lost to Dekaney, St. Thomas and Dallas Jesuit by a combined score of 115-14.
"Collectively, those three teams won 27 games last year," Clancy said.
"We definitely play top-notch competition."

4. Ultimately, Strake Jesuit will be judged on its District 19-5A finish.
"We won two district ball games last year (Katy Taylor and Mayde Creek), but obviously we have to
do better," Clancy said.
"We play in an extremely tough district with the Katy schools and Memorial. We have to crank it up
a notch."
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