by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
slewis@sbgnet.com
(804) 240-2191
St. Christopher’s football has had its share of stars in recent years.
That may be the case in 2009, but the Saints have a myriad of weapons that new coach Michael Turner hopes all will get involved.
All but two days through camp, he’s sees progress from his Saints.
“There’s a lot of learning going on,” said Turner, who took over for coach Paul Padalino, who will concentrate on AD duties. “We’re working our way through growing pains. There were a lot of bumps. We ironed those out when we scrimmaged James River and Tucker.
“I think we’re in a good place going into the season.”
Going into the preseason, Turner didn’t know who his quarterback was.
Junior Rob Vozenilek won the job, as senior captain Peter Partee will back him up and start at strong safety.
The offense has weapons, including RB Brody Hingst and Charlie Forbes and kicker Alec Zovenilek, a scholarship kicker for sure.
St. Chris is going to have to wait on Division-I prospect Thompson Brown, a 6-3, 220-pound fullback. He’s out for a few more weeks with a broken wrist.
Brown is also a force defensively at end or linebacker, as the Saints don’t look to give up many points in 2009 after a 3-6 2008.
“I’m very impressed by how we’ve played defensively,” Turner said. “Intensity and pace … I’ve been really impressed.”
We’ll find out how the Saints look in live action as they travel to Trinity Episcopal for the season opener Friday at 4:30 p.m.
ALL ABOUT ST. CHRISTOPHER’S
Key players: Thompson Brown, Jr., FB/DL/LB, 6-3, 220; Peter Partee, Sr., SS/QB, 5-8, 180; Rob Vozenilek, Jr., QB, 6-0, 175; Mark Burlee, Sr., OL/DL, 6-0, 230; Alec Vozenilek, Sr., K, 5-10, 175
Key losses: Jackson Freeman, FB; Kurt Fleming, RB
Fast fact: Turner is oringinally from Philadelphia, Penn., but his latest coaching job was at Roxbury Latin School in Boston, Mass.
Big game: vs. Collegiate, Nov. 7. The Cougars have been the private-school bully for years on the gridiron.
Outlook: It is tough to tell how a team will respond to a new coach and new program, but watching practice, it looks like this will be a good year for St. Christopher’s.
MUST-SEE LINKS
2009 Schedule
2008 Schedule/Results
Back to 2009 Football Camp Tour
Team Page
CAN’T-MISS VIDEO
Stephen Lewis’ take on the Saints
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