Growth continues for Christian Liberty
Christian Liberty knows where success starts after finishing its second full season of varsity football with the program’s first victory.
So, the Chargers celebrated by throwing an offseason block party.
“I think on both sides of the ball we’re going to be better up front,” said Christian Liberty coach Jim Calkins. “Blocking has been a priority and everybody blocks in our wing-T offense. I think those guys will be blocking for each other a lot better.”
Which could mean even better results and bigger win totals for the Chargers. Junior guard-defensive end Emilio Mondragon and sophomore two-way tackle Aaron Cunningham are two of their best blockers and returning starters.
“The offensive line will be better this year,” Calkins said.
That’s good news with junior Dan Glad (239 yards, 2 touchdowns) back at fullback. JD Dulinsky moves from quarterback to tailback with Blake Adelsperger and junior newcomer Marcus Silva.
Calkins likes sophomore quarterback Gabe Grob’s throwing ability. Grob went to Fremd as a freshman but was at Christian Liberty all through grade school.
Grob’s targets include Shawn Andersen, Alex Glynn and Aaron Karr. Tight end Ben Thomas caught 8 passes for 103 yards last year.
Junior Juan Pagan (265 pounds) and senior Steve Koch (270) bring size and experience to both sides of the line. Senior Jeremy Lee will also go both ways and moves from linebacker to defensive end to bring outside speed on the pass rush in the Chargers’ 4-4 defense.
“Two things we’ve really worked on, and obviously we struggled with last year,” Calkins said, “are better blocking and having a better defensive line.”
Dan Glad and his brother Matt are back at inside linebackers and Andersen anchors the secondary at safety. Junior move-in Tucker Berringer could also help at a variety of spots.
Avoiding injuries with a roster in the mid-20s will be vital again for the Chargers. But their experience and enthusiasm has them looking to start increasing their victory totals.
“There’s a lot of excitement going on,” Calkins said. “I know we’re going to make strides.”
Chargers at a glance
Coach: Jim Calkins (1-20, fourth year)
Last year: 1-8, 1-8 (9th Northeastern Athletic)
Probable starters
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Wt. Yr.
QB Gabe Grob 145 So.
FB Dan Glad 170 Jr.
TB JD Dulinsky 140 Jr.
T Aaron Cunningham 250 So.
G Emilio Mondragon 190 Jr.
C Matt Glad 160 So.
G Jeremy Lee 175 Sr.
T Juan Pagan 265 Jr.
TE Ben Thomas 180 Sr.
WR Shawn Andersen 160 Jr.
WR Blake Adelsperger 145 Jr.
DEFENSE
DE Emilio Mondragon 190 Jr.
DT Aaron Cunningham 250 So.
DT Steve Koch 270 Sr.
DE Jeremy Lee 175 Sr.
OLB Marcus Silva 165 Jr.
ILB Dan Glad 170 Jr.
ILB Matt Glad 160 So.
OLB Ben Thomas 180 Sr.
CB Alex Glynn 155 So.
CB JD Dulinsky 140 Jr.
S Shawn Andersen 160 Jr.