Winning numbers game key for Christian Liberty
Success at Christian Liberty hinges heavily on numbers.
With only 21 players currently available, good health is crucial for the Chargers as they enter their fourth full season as a varsity program.
“Injuries could really affect us,” said Christian Liberty coach Jim Calkins, who originally hoped he would have a 30-player roster. “Except for the numbers, I like the position we’re in. But the numbers could really change that quickly on us.”
Junior Gabe Grob is back to run the wing-T offense after throwing for 372 yards last year. His 2 touchdown passes came in the Chargers’ win over Kirkland Hiawatha.
“We’ll throw a little more this year,” Calkins said. “We played some 7-on-7 this summer and he got some good reads down and looks good. It was the first time we did 7-on-7 and it was a lot of fun for the guys.”
The Chargers return their top three rushers in Marcus Silva (394 yards, 3 TDs), Dan Glad (287 yards) and Shawn Andersen (265 yards). There is also good size and experience up front.
“If we’re healthy I think we’ll move the ball a little better,” Calkins said.
The 4-4 defense will be run by new coordinator Zach Cunningham, who played at Trinity International University and is the brother of two-way junior lineman Aaron Cunningham.
Cunningham and Dan Glad had 43 tackles apiece last season and Andersen had 51 for the Chargers.
“He brings a lot of excitement,” Calkins said of Zach Cunningham. “They’re working hard (at his system) and they’ll be ready for the first game.”
Junior receiver Brendon Brosnan is out for football for the first time and should help with junior Alex Glynn.
Freshman fullback-defensive end Pete Grob also has showed no fear of playing with the varsity and sophomore transfer fullback-nose tackle Frank Pavlik will help when he becomes eligible at midseason.
“Everyone knows what they’re doing and we have better athleticism,” Calkins said.
Chargers at a glance
Coach: Jim Calkins (fifth year, 2-28)
Last year: 1-8, 1-8 (9th NAC)
OFFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
QB Gabe Grob 6-0/150 Jr.
RB Dan Glad 5-11/180 Sr.
RB Marcus Silva 6-1/175 Sr.
T Juan Pagan 5-10/255 Sr.
G Emilio Mondragon 6-2/190 Sr.
C Adam Palmer 5-11/200 Sr.
G Matt Glad 5-11/180 Jr.
T Dan Andersen 6-4/265 So.
TE Aaron Cunningham 6-4/270 Jr.
WR J.D. Dulinsky 5-6/150 Sr.
WR Shawn Andersen 6-0/170 Sr.
DEFENSE
Pos. Name Ht/Wt Yr.
DL Dan Andersen 6-4/265 So.
DL Juan Pagan 5-10/255 Sr.
DL Adam Palmer 5-11/200 Sr.
DL Aaron Cunningham 6-4/270 Jr.
OLB Dan Glad 5-11/180 Sr.
ILB Emilio Mondragon 6-2/190 Sr.
MLB Matt Glad 5-11/180 Jr.
OLB Alex Glynn 6-0/165 Jr.
CB J.D. Dulinsky 5-6/150 Sr.
CB Marcus Silva 6-1/175 Sr.
S Shawn Andersen 6-0/170 Sr.