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Talented backs, defense lead Crusaders By DAVE DAUGHERTY Gone is J.P. Naumes, one of the best backs in the Southern Cascade League. And gone are many of the linemen who cleared the way as the St. Mary's running back gained more than 1,000 yards last season. But Naumes and Co. learned to be competitive in 1998, and coach Dick Maurer hopes that characteristic, along with an experienced defense, can carry the Crusaders to a respectable season in '99. "Last year we competed and we were in games," Maurer says. "We were making adjustments at halftime and that was fun." Maurer only has 20 players out for the team, but he welcomes back five starters on offense and seven on defense from last season's club that went 3-6. Running backs Alex Duncan (6-foot-2, 190), Brandon Emrick (6-0, 175) and Nick Alston (5-7, 145) give the Crusaders ample talent and depth in the backfield. The big question mark is at quarterback, where juniors Tracey Terrall and Jason Caplan are neck-and-neck in the battle for the starting slot. "Tracey will probably get the nod because I guess you could say he has a little experience," says Maurer of Terrall, who took five snaps at the end of last season. "We have the makings of a good backfield, but the offensive line will make or break us." Seniors Gabe Winfrey (6-2, 200) and Robert Caldwell will be the anchors of the offensive line that Maurer will build around. Sophomore center Elliot Dodd will also be heavily counted on. Winfrey and Caldwell will be the only two players on offense who will suit up at the same positions they finished last season. "There are a lot of things that still need to be hammered out," says Maurer. "But I've been blessed with kids that want to play football." One of those kids is Winfrey, a second-team SCL linebacker, who will be the marquee player on the Crusader defense. "We expect him to be the heart and soul of the defense," says Maurer. "He has a good knack for sticking his nose in plays. Where there's a bang on the field, Gabe's usually right there." Defensive backs Terrall and Emrick, defensive ends Duncan and Alston and junior lineman Andy Erickson (6-2, 200) should keep the Crusaders in most every game. "The defense will be our strong point," says Maurer. "I've already told them they need to tighten up and make the other teams work a little harder for points." Though his team's chances of reaching the Class 2A playoffs may be slightly out of reach in '99, Maurer will be looking for victories, no matter how big or small. "We need positive things around here," says the coach. "We just want the players to have fun and enjoy the game for what it is." Crusaders at a glance COACH : Dick Maurer (fifth year, 5-30). ASSISTANTS : Mike Rust (defensive coordinator/linemen), Bill Bartley (backs/special teams), Pat Patella (linemen/linebackers). 1998 LEAGUE RECORD : 1-4 (fifth place, Southern Cascade). 1998 OVERALL RECORD : 3-6. PREDICTED FINISH THIS YEAR : Tied for fifth. 1998 REGULAR SEASON SCORES St. Mary's Opponents 26 Hidden Valley JV 16 36 Mohawk 31 12 Glendale 54 42 North Douglas 6 46 Gilchrist 13 6 Chiloquin 46 6 Bonanza 46 6 Cascade Christian 36 6 Lost River 48 RETURNING STARTERS OFFENSE (5) : Running Back Alex Duncan (6-2, 190, jr.), running back Brandon Emrick (6-0, 175, sr.), lineman Gabe Winfrey (6-2, 200, sr.), tight end Tyler Stout (6-4, 165, jr.), guard Robert Caldwell (5-6, 185, sr.). DEFENSE (7) : Defensive back Tracey Terrall (5-11, 175, jr.), end Alex Duncan, lineman Andy Erickson (6-2, 200, jr.), back Brandon Emrick, linebacker Gabe Winfrey, end Nick Alston (7-7, 145, so.). OTHER NOTABLES Receiver/defensive back Jason Caplan (5-9, 155, jr.), lineman Matt Naumes (5-9, 195 sr.), lineman Elliot Dodd (6-0, 175 so.). 1999 SCHEDULE Sept. 11 HIDDEN VALLEY JV, 1 p.m. Sept. 18 MOHAWK, 6 p.m. Sept. 23 HENLEY JV, 4 p.m. Oct. 2 at Mazama JV, 1 p.m. Oct. 9 BONANZA, 2 p.m. Oct. 16 at Gilchrist, 1 p.m. Oct. 23 CASCADE CHRISTIAN, 2 p.m. Oct. 30 LOST RIVER, 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at Chiloquin, 7 p.m. FOOTBALL 99 Index Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.