40 Teams in 40 Days – Day 1 – Holy Redeemer (2)

Written by: David Mika on Monday, July 22nd, 2013. Follow David Mika on Twitter.

Holy Redeemer (2)

Conference: Wyoming Valley Conference, Division 2

Class: AA

Nickname: Royals

Coach: Pat Reece

2012 Record: 3-7

Returning Starters – Offense: C Robert Bertram; QB Jimmy Strickland; WR Eric Kerr; RB Pat Villani; WR Jason Hoggarth; FB Justin Renfer; WR Eric Shorts; WR Vince Villani

Returning Starters – Defense: DL Eric Shorts; DT Robert Bertram; FS Vince Villani; LB Chad Fahey; LB Justin Renfer; LB Pat Villani; CB Charles Ross; CB Eric Kerr

Special Teams: P Jimmy Strickland; KR Pat Villani

Top Newcomers: DE Mark Cantafio; DL T.J. Murphy; OL David Evans; OL/DL Jarret Gabriel

Coaches comments:

On offense the Royals return one lineman. “We have guys to fill those spots. Some were sophomores last year and some guys are going to fit in other spots and help out the line. This will give us more of an athletic line for our spread offense.”

What is your strength on defense?

“Our strength is our linebacker corps and our secondary. We have a lot of players coming back.”

 

What is key for a successful season?

“Half the battle is won as far as the players mental state. They believe they can win districts this year. That is half the battle. The three wins last year gave them a taste. They believe we can change it around from 3-7 to 7-3 this year. We are very excited this year with a lot of players coming back. We lost a few guys on both lines, but we have players to fill those spots.”

 

What about your offense?

“Last year was the first year we did the spread offense. This year coming into the season everybody knows what they are doing and its better. At the end of the season last year the offense was flowing perfectly. I think if we come out strong on offense and play some solid defense the sky is the limit.”

Last season the Royals won two of their last three games.

The offensive line is going to have to bond quickly to give QB Jimmy Strickland and company time to make plays. The Duo of Strickland and Eric Kerr could be one of the tops in District two. Strickland passed for 2,396 yards and 19 touchdowns. Most of his offense went to Kerr. He caught 57 passes for 1,009 yards and 10 touchdowns.

On defense they need to step up. Last season they gave up 440 points and scored 234 points.

The Royals are going to put up points this year. If they are going to turn it around the defense has to step it up this season.

2013 Schedule

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2 Responses to “40 Teams in 40 Days – Day 1 – Holy Redeemer (2)”

1. rollie ciffo says:
   July 23rd, 2013 at 12:35 am

   Agree with Rob. Redeemer get A’s for effort. But District 2 catholic schools will NEVER be confused with the Catholic schools from Districts 1 and 3.

2. rob says:
   July 22nd, 2013 at 7:34 pm

   Nice writeup…however, I highly doubt Redeemer makes any noise this year. 3 wins at the most.