Grand Island Central Catholic is entering its second year under head coach Jeff Ashby with ambitious goals. Ashby, who took over the Crusaders last season, is aiming for a winning record and a spot in the state playoffs, a milestone the team hasn’t reached in a while. “We have high expectations and attainable goals,” Ashby said. “We need to focus on playing well, one game at a time.”
In his inaugural season, Ashby led the team to a 2-7 record. The squad was young and faced a challenging schedule, but this year’s team benefits from increased experience. Ashby highlighted the improvement in the offensive line as a key factor. Last season, the team started two freshmen and a sophomore on the line, which impacted their running game. Despite this, they managed decent pass protection.
The team has grown in numbers and experience, which enhances practice efficiency and allows for more productive drills. Junior quarterback Grayson Sack, a notable returnee, is expected to play a crucial role. Last season, Sack accumulated 1,693 passing yards, 390 rushing yards, and 16 total touchdowns. “He’s a dual-threat quarterback, which puts pressure on the defense,” Ashby explained. He encourages Sack to take advantage of open field opportunities, emphasizing that even small gains are valuable.
Sack will be supported by familiar targets. Receivers Jack Alberts and Connor Haney, who contributed 397 and 393 receiving yards respectively last season, are back. Ashby noted their progress during spring practice, where they improved their understanding of offensive strategies and defensive adjustments.
The team also benefits from the leadership of senior Axel Escalante, the sole returning senior. Escalante will play both running back and linebacker, having finished last season tied for second in total tackles. His experience and versatility are expected to be significant assets to the team.
With these improvements and a year of experience under their belts, the Crusaders are optimistic about their prospects for the upcoming season. Ashby’s focus on developing the team’s strengths and capitalizing on their experience could be key to achieving their goals and making a successful playoff run.