St. Viator sizes up big challenge
St. Viator knows the physical scales are going to tip toward most, if not all, of its opponents.
So the Lions know they have a small margin for mental errors in order to tip the scoreboard their way.
"I like the group of kids we have and they work hard at what we're trying to do," said Viator coach Chris Kirkpatrick. "We're very small and we'll have to play our best every game. I think we can do that.
"Our kids are always prepared and always ready and they'll have to play to the best of their ability."
Senior Cameron Korab takes over at quarterback for two-year starter and East Suburban Catholic Conference MVP Julian Sipiora. Kirkpatrick thinks he'll bring a run-pass balance.
Jim Menges will be at running back and Nick Frett (14 catches, 163 yards) was the top returnee at receiver. The line is brand new as junior guard Sean Carney (6-feet-2, 270 pounds) is the biggest player on the roster.
"We're going to try and play as fast as we can," Kirkpatrick said, "and try to make it as up-tempo as we can because we can run. We're going to have to mix it up."
Third-year senior starter Anthony Pensa brings size and skill up front on defense at an end. Senior middle linebacker Mike Krzoska is coming off a big year with more than 100 tackles and will also play some receiver with versatile senior Justin Johnson.
Junior safety Frank Laterza and senior cornerbacks Joe Falduto and Kyle Martin will anchor the secondary.
"We're young and we lost a lot of linebackers from last year," Kirkpatrick said. "The kids know and we've talked a lot about it, we have to fight every game.
"I think we're going to surprise some people and I don't think anybody is expecting us to win the conference. But the kids are playing with a chip on their shoulder and they understand they have to earn respect and what they're going to get."
Lions at a glance
Coach: Chris Kirkpatrick (42-36, ninth year)
Last year: 5-5, 3-4 (T6th ESCC, 6A first round)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Cameron Korab 6-0/160 Sr.
RB Jimmy Menges 5-11/170 Sr.
T Mac Mastrangeli 6-1/215 Sr.
G Roy Pettingill 6-0/225 So.
C Brian Pichardo 5-10/220 Sr.
G Sean Carney 6-2/270 Jr.
T Mike Ferrazzuolo 5-10/240 Sr.
WR Quinn Murray 6-1/170 Sr.
WR Nick Frett 6-1/185 Sr.
WR Dominic Monaco 6-1/160 Sr.
WR John Balas 6-1/160 So.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DE Anthony Pensa 6-2/240 Sr.
NT Mike Wolf 6-0/205 Sr.
DE Ryan Romenesko 6-1/180 Sr.
OLB Justin Johnson 6-3/190 Sr.
ILB Jack Kellner 6-1/170 Jr.
MLB Mike Krzoska 5-11/190 Sr.
ILB Cosimo Cannella 6-1/190 Jr.
OLB Jack Kellner 6-1/170 Jr.
CB Joe Falduto 5-11/165 Sr.
CB Louie Capozzoli 5-10/160 Sr.
S Frank Laterza 6-0/170 Jr.
S Kyle Martin 6-2/160 Sr.