Crusader Week One Article

Each week I will post the weekly article that I write for The Crusader on here. Last year, the Susquehanna football team finished atop the Liberty League standings, following an 8-2 campaign. Two years removed from a 2-8 season, Susquehanna had captured a league title that was described as "tremendous and unforgettable" by Head Coach Steve Briggs. However, changes are plentiful both on and off the gridiron. This year, the team has moved to the Centennial Conference and the interest in Susquehanna football has increased greatly due to the success of last year's team. Additionally, a familiar face is missing from the Crusader backfield this season. Dave Paveletz '10, the all-time leading rusher in Susquehanna football history is gone to graduation. On the loss of Paveletz, Briggs said, "It is difficult to replace someone like that. He is the best we have ever had at running back". Despite a changing of the guard at running back, expect the Crusaders to run the football consistently. "We will still run the ball," Briggs said. "We will use three players instead of one to run the ball". While a significant change is occurring behind the quarterback, many offensive contributors from last season's championship team return, including junior quarterback Rich Palazzi and junior wide receiver Mike Ritter. Both Palazzi and Ritter experienced a breakout season their sophomore year, with Palazzi throwing for twenty touchdowns, seven of which were caught by Ritter. On the touchdown combination, Briggs said, "It played a large part in our success, Rich was the unsung hero of our team last year". Briggs also said to expect Ritter to play an even larger role in the offense this season. While the continued success of Palazzi to Ritter will play a large part in the overall success of the team, there will be other factors as well. Certain critics may point out that a strong offense is the key to winning games, however, special teams also plays a crucial role in a team's success. The Crusaders clearly have an edge in the kicking game with senior Bobby Eppleman. Eppleman, a three-time All-Liberty League selection as a punter, is considered an invaluable part of the Crusader team. Briggs said, "The kicking game controls our offense and defense. (Eppleman) is an incredible weapon." Having a player who can control the opponent's starting field position easily, while also kicking field goals in excess of 40 yards, will be as important to the success of Susquehanna football this season as a star on the offensive side of the ball will be. While there are many prominent players returning to the team, there are also a few key transfers into the program to keep an eye on. The main transfers are on the defensive side of the ball. "We are pleased with Billy Mancini, who will be starting on defense, and also Aaron Inch at linebacker," Briggs said. Inch comes to Susquehanna from Delaware Valley College, and Mancini arrives from St. Joseph's Prep. Both of these players will see significant playing time and will contribute greatly to the team as a whole. While the Susquehanna football teamwinnig tea suffered a large loss with the graduation of Dave Paveletz, many of the key contributors from last year's championship winning team are back. The added year of experience along with the knowledge of the attitude and dedication necessary to win a championship will lead to another exciting year of Susquehanna Crusaders football.