Casey era begins at Aurora Central
When a football team hasn't reached the playoffs in 12 seasons something has to change.
That's what was felt at Aurora Central Catholic, where after 23 years under Hall of Fame coach Mike Curry the Chargers are now led by Brian Casey, the former head sophomore coach and a 2001 Montini graduate.
Being an SCC man - though the Suburban Christian Conference differs from the SCC in his quarterback days - Casey knows what's in store. He's not afraid.
"Sitting here right now I struggle to think we cannot compete for a division championship and go into the playoffs," Casey said.
Leading a program that's won 11 games total since 2002, that's a bold statement.
He has many reasons for confidence. These Chargers have size, strength, intelligence, experience, some success on lower levels and a varsity roster than hedges closer to 50 players than to 20. After switching to the SCC Gold from the brutal Blue, ACC at least avoids playing Marmion and Marian Central.
Not everything's marvelous, of course. Tackling has got to be improved, Casey said, and pass defense. Primarily, though, the main bugaboo is developing confidence and the ability to overcome adversity. Simply learning how to win.
"I don't think that'll happen till the first time they do it," Casey said. "They've played well in spurts, but they cannot get over the hump. Once they get a taste of it I think it has the potential to snowball downhill fast."
Quarterback Stewart de Waard returns to command the offense. The tall slinger completed better than 50 percent of his passes in 2009 but with 3 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. Casey said most of his trouble came from nervous footwork, which was the bulk of de Waard's off-season work as well as sensing defensive pressure.
The senior should be protected behind returning starting linemen Adam Blake and John Belovich, and will be able to pick out a trio of 6-3 receivers: twins Mike and Joe Reuland and tight end Kent Brauweiler, a returning two-way starter with deceptive speed for a 235-pounder.
Returning backs Zach Tobin and Dominick Krachtus and adding junior Marcus Jefferson, Casey thinks he's got the ground strength to make teams pick and choose what to cover instead of just terrorizing de Waard.
"We've got the ability to run inside, we've got the ability to run outside," Casey said. "We'll force teams to defend the whole field."
Easier said than done for a team whose last winning record came in 1997. But Casey wouldn't be where he is if he didn't think it could work.
"Let's put it this way," he said. "Whatever happens, should something go bad it's not because the kids haven't worked hard."
Casey's debut as coach will come Friday when the Chargers travel to Genoa-Kingston.
Aurora Central returns the following week for Casey's home opener at ACC against Marengo.