Monday, August 04, 2008

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 18 St. Xavier

18. St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Last season’s record: 15-0, Division I state champion and National Prep Poll champion
Coach: Steve Specht
Key players: QB Luke Massa (6-5, 200, Jr.), OT Matthew James (6-7, 285, Jr.), WR Drew Grombala (5-9, 170, Sr.), RB Connor Early (5-11, 190, Sr.), DE Patrick Muldoon (6-4, 255, Sr.), LB Luke Kuechly (6-3, 210, Sr.), LB Pete Lees (5-11, 210, Sr.), LB David Herman (6-2, 215, Sr.), DB Justinian Mason (6-0, 180, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Tradition, 129 returning seniors and juniors
Question mark: 18 graduated seniors
Outlook: Claiming their second state championship and first National Prep Poll title by surviving arguably the nation’s most difficult schedule was an impressive feat last season for the Bombers. Beating nine teams that spent time in the national or regional rankings, and claiming three wins against postseason champions from other states was an accomplishment of the ages. But all of that might not be nearly as difficult as what St. Xavier has ahead of it in ’08. Eighteen of last year’s starters have graduated, including 12 who will play Division I or IAA football. As for the schedule, it might be actually more difficult this season. Specht says Massa has a great future at quarterback because of his strong arm, quick release and high football IQ. He played in the Bombers’ final seven games as a sophomore and threw for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Grombala will try to fill the shoes of last year’s Cincinnati Enquirer player of the year Danny Milligan (now at Cincinnati) at receiver. He is tough and has good speed and good hands. The primary tailback will be Earley, replacing a pair of Division I recruits in Darius Ashley (Louisville) and Luca Romeo (Cincinnati walk-on). The lone holdover on the offensive line is James, who started every game as a sophomore. Three-year starter Muldoon will be counted on for leadership as the senior member of the defense. He was all-state last season and has an explosive first step. Last year’s leading tackler, Kuechly, and first-year starters Lees and Herman fill out the linebacker corps. The fastest player on the team is Mason, who settles in at free safety after playing the nickel last year.
Toughest games: Aug. 22 vs. MW No. 19 Colerain, Aug. 30 vs. No. 19 Prattville (Ala.) at Kirk Herbstreit Classic, Sept. 5 vs. Cathedral (Indianapolis), Sept. 13 vs. No. 20 Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep, Sept. 19 at No. 15 Louisville (Ky.) Trinity, Sept. 26 at MW No. 14 Elder, Oct. 11 at MW No. 20 St. Edward, Oct. 18 vs. No. 11 St. Ignatius, Oct. 25 vs. MW No. 17 Moeller

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

10 games:
4 Preseason top 20 teams
4 Preseason Regional teams
2 tough games vs LaSalle and Cathedral

Here we go again! My biggest question remains on replacing S. Fred Craig and RB Ashley from last year. Both 3 year starters, they will be missed more than most realize.

Excellent coaching and playing team football are always strengths. Cant wait for the season to start!

Anonymous said...

A Top 20 ranking for this team, is saying a lot. I believe Jamie's. use of the word Tradition, in the evaluation, means a lot.
129 Juniors/Seniors, only time will tell. This team is blessed with a tremendous coaching staff.
That staff, coupled with a high quality schedule, will make this a "fun" season. A lot of Juniors will play this year, which bodes well for next year. But first this year...as Rick Pitino says "seize the moment", let see if they do.
GO BOMBERS....

Anonymous said...

ST. XAVIER - defending National Prep poll Champion. ENOUGH SAID.

Anonymous said...

UPDATE:
LUKE MASSA AND MATT JAMES ARE BOTH STARTING THE SEASON WITH INJURIES.

MASSA IS DAY TO DAY, QUESTIONABLE FOR THE SEASON OPENER VS COLERAIN.

JAMES IS A COUPLE WEEKS OUT, POSSIBLE RETURN IN WEEK 2 OR 3

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