Seffner, October 16, 2018– The Crusaders have come a long way to glory after a disheartening 1-8 season in 2017. Nevertheless, the adversity-stricken squad handled the trials and tribulations as a challenge and boy, have they turned some frowns upside-down. Here’s a BCP inside look into how this 2A program has turned the corner; making major strides as they connect the dots, playing as a collective unit.
To say this team has just “turned around the culture of Seffner” would be an absolute understatement. They finally did it. The maroon and white are lossless at 7-0 and 4-0 in their respective district! Not to mention, capitalizing on their opportunities with a rather short-staffed 36-man roster- talented athleticism spewing out of this high-spirited bunch.
“Biggest thing defensively I’d say is that the Lord blessed us with the best defensive coordinator in Deverett Wade- got guys playing faster and harder this year. Brought in kids that fit our schemes in offseason as well- one thing I know undoubtedly is that you can sure lose with them, but we can’t win without them-that’s what it boils down to.
We’ve posted four defensive shutouts this year- haven’t done that yet, also thanks to our scout teams putting the pressure on in practice. Our culture we preach is ‘we not me’ mentality- we really believe in that- we don’t care who gets credit and what not, we just want to win at the end of the day,” Head Coach Travis Puleo states passionately.
Holding down the defensive accountabilities, MLB Tristian Kistler- who also plays soccer for Seffner, was voted Player of the Game in last week’s dominant win. He’s tallied 27 solo tackles, 81 total, has 9 TFL’s averaging 11.6 TPG on the year, also responsible for 14 points in PAT’s (extra point after a TD) with that futbol leg! Tough senior safety and basketball hooper, Corey Quarterman has collected 11 solo tackles, 25 total, 1 interception, a TFL and 60 KOR yards. Second-year big man and edge-rusher Michael Trigg is wreaking havoc on the outside, racking up 5 solo and 11 assisted tackles with 7 TFL’s, 3 sacks for 31 total yards for a loss, forced and recovered a fumble all while also collecting 316 receiving yards on 20 catches and 6 TD’s at tight end!
Coach Puleo continues enthusiastically, “No question our captain on defense is 5’10” 185-pound junior middle linebacker, Tristian Kistler- he’s performed tremendously on that side of the ball, leading us in communication and directing traffic. 6’3” 240-pound senior Defensive end Tim Collazo does a great job with his relentless motor on the edge for us, as well as 6’2” 195-pound sophomore, Michael Trigg, who brings a lot of energy off the edge as well. Trigg has a couple offers from FAU and Boston College- a sharp young man on and off the field. On the back end, if there was a fifth captain it would be him, Corey Quarterman is our senior force at safety at 5’11” 180 pounds and leads our team in special teams tackles as well; great kid to have in the secondary.
God has brought us an unbelievable coach from Plant High; Coach Kelly Everheart has done a PHENOMENAL job bringing our O-line up and keeping them motivated- a true key to our team. Our guys up front have made everything happen for us, from run blocks to pass protection. One of our offensive captains, WR Christian Helms has an uncanny leadership ability with his mature demeanor, and another captain wide receiver, Melek Ford is leading the team in receptions and yards. Two-way starter, Michael Trigg our defensive end also leads us in touchdowns at tight end. 5’9” 165-pound RB/slot receiver Chance Martin, is probably our leader in combined yards running the rock and junior 5’9” 170-pound running back Justin Stubbs leads in rushing yards- they split touches, but Justin is our workhorse; an undersized kid, but he sure runs like a 180-190 pounder.”
You can’t preserve something you want to keep un-touched without a strong, assertive force standing out in front. The front lines in shining armor take on ample amounts of responsibility and little acknowledgement in big picture at times- but the Crusaders give credit where it’s due. Seffner lands the 43rd spot among Maxpreps’ class 2A offensive passing Stat leaders, with 1,376 yards on 76 completions of 114 attempts in 7 games played- nearly half of the teams ahead have played 8.
“Without a doubt, our leader on offense is our man under center, Isaiah Knowles- the game finally slowed down for him, and he’s making some incredible decisions with the rock. Makes me look good when I call the wrong plays- smart kid! He’s put in SO much time off the field prepping and staying after practice too- unbelievable amount of work put in. Definitely our war lord and I’m most impressed with his percentage completion; he went from roughly 48% to 67% – he makes our offense go and puts us in the best position on the field.”
“Our offseason conditioning program has been the best we’ve ever had- we have never beaten Cambridge and Carrol wood in same season. Big hurdle we got over and Indian rocks neither, so more goals ahead, but of course taking it week by week basis.” HC Puleo finishes, whole-heartedly.
Last week, Seffner Christian blew out Merritt Island Christian with a final beat down score of 63-0. Head Coach Puleo and the Crusaders will take on Bayshore Christian in a non-conference game for their homecoming matchup, this Friday night at 7:30p.
Vaughan Sixbury, BCP Contributor