September 6, 2006Crusader Hot Seat: Preseason Report with Coach FoxBy Scotty
Smalls It was not only the weather, but also Catholic’s play that dampened the spirits of the Crusaders' opponents over the first two weeks of preseason workouts. It appears as though the Crusaders came to camp motivated and, seemingly, with a common goal. The only question is, can they keep this early success from getting to their heads? After all, this is only preseason success. CrusaderNation.net Senior Analyst Scotty Smalls sat down with Coach Fox at the end of Week Two to address these issues and to get his take on how things are going. SS: Coach Fox, give us your report card for the first two weeks of workouts, does the team get an ‘A’ for its impressive play? CF: I would grade us at an A-. We have worked extremely hard this pre-season. I am proud of the team’s effort and hard work. They have started to come together as a team and their attitude (led by the seniors) has been great. We still have a lot of work to do. But, thus far, they have been terrific. SS: Aside from the weather, what’s one thing you would have changed with regards to how things have gone during the first two weeks of camp? CF: There are three things that I would have liked to have done more in the first week of pre-season: run, tackle, and work on special teams. The weather has hampered our ability to do those three things as much as I would have liked. SS: Any surprise possible "impact" players to begin the preseason? Meaning, is there anyone out there who might be in a position to take a larger role than you may have initially intended before workouts began? CF: I would have to say the biggest “surprise” so far this year is Anthony Conte at defensive tackle. We had him slated as a starter hoping that he would be able to handle the job - he has been great. He brings an energy to our defense that is contagious. SS: Special teams, this is something that you focus on specifically, and we all know the problems the team had last year. What can we expect from the Crusaders this year that may differ from years past? CF: I think if you take a look at our special teams last year, we had a great year. Unfortunately, we had two special teams' miscues in big parts of games, the Barlow game and the McMahon game, that were big plays. Overall, I was very happy with our kicking game. It is something we work on every day and will continue to do. SS: Sticking to special teams, who should Catholic fans expect to see at place kicker this fall? Will fan-favorite “Wheelz of Teggy Steele” be TCHS’ version of Adam Vinatieri this year? Or is the position up for grabs? CF: Teggy is currently our kicker. He has a real powerful leg; consistency is our biggest concern. We found out yesterday that David Arana is a very good place kicker who will compete for the job going forward and it looks as though Ryan Reed will do our punting. You ask for the TCHS version of Adam Vinatieri, I only want a punter who can perform as well as Andrew Shannon [last year’s senior captain punter] under pressure. SS: What are you going to do to keep the team level headed as you venture into the final week of preseason? Local football analysts have been impressed with how the team has handled its opponents in the first few scrimmages and have even spoke of big expectations for this team. Is it going to be hard to control the potential success from getting to their heads? CF: Yes. There are big expectations for this team. There should be; we have a lot of talent. That is good, I think, to have enough talent to have high expectations. I think as a team we try to ignore the expectations that are placed on us from outside sources. We put our own expectations on ourselves. As far as “me first," this team has no individuals. I truly think that this group of players has one goal and that is to go 1-0 each week. SS: So far, you have had preseason match-ups with rebuilding programs and with a perennial FCIAC powerhouse. What can you expect from your upcoming scrimmage with Bristol Central, who will be showcasing the top tight end in the country in University of Florida-bound Aaron Hernandez? Will this be a “man among boys” situation or can the Crusaders man-up this talent? CF: I think our guys are excited to play against Bristol Central. Obviously, there will be a lot of buzz around their tight end who is a tremendous player. I think the game will be a good match up. Last year they brought a lot of energy to the field and it will be a good opportunity to make sure we are ready to start the season. SS: Coach, we appreciate you taking the time to bring the fans up to date on the team and we look forward to your future comments throughout the season. CF: Scotty, thanks for having me.
 Big senior defensive tackle Vladimir Joseph swims by an offensive lineman in a 28-20 home victory over Fairfield Ludlowe on October 29, 2005. (CrusaderNation.net / Dana Maul)
 Junior defensive tackle Santiago "Teggy" Steele wraps up a Darien
rusher as his
 Junior center Cory Johnson prepares to snap the ball to fellow classmate
 The Crusader offensive line pushes Bassick around in the mud. The
Crusaders
 Senior wideout Rob Hawthorn races downfield to block as junior fullback
Eric Stephens
 2005 All-FCIAC East Offense Row 1, Left to Right: Eric Wells, Bassick; Willie Epps, McMahon;
Pete Raymond,
 2005 All-FCIAC East Defense Row 1, Left to Right: Joe Luchesi, Danbury; Greg Sabo, Danbury; James
Taylor, Danbury;
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