Crean Lutheran football squad looking to new starters to continue winning ways

Crean Lutheran Saints prepare for the season opener during practice this week. (Photos courtesy Crean Lutheran football).

Crean Lutheran head football coach Rick Curtis helped lead the Saints into the opening day of practice Monday on campus.

The Saints are preparing for their opener against Mullen from Denver, Colo. on Friday, Aug. 22 at home at 7 p.m.

“We are excited about this year’s team even though we have very few starters coming back after graduating 28 seniors last year,” Curtis said Tuesday. “Our JV team has been very successful the last two years and a lot of those players are stepping into starting roles for the upcoming season. 

“Our first two practices have gone very well. For practices, we are focusing on our core values of building strong team chemistry, setting high standards, holding each other accountable, building toughness, and focusing on a detailed approach.”

Junior quarterback Caden Jones, who missed time last season due to an injury, is expected to lead the Saints offense.

“Caden Jones is back at full strength and his arm strength has improved to where he can stretch the field vertically with our offense,” Curtis said. “The strengths of our team are the defensive line, the quarterback position and our receiving corps.”

The Saints are also looking for a big season from senior slot back DIllon Booth, who Curtis said is a “versatile athlete who will also line up at running back in our wildcat formation.”

Two other seniors are also key players.

“Anthony Jones and Ryder Barnes return at their defensive end positions and are keying up for great senior seasons,” Curtis said. “Javari Nash (senior) heads up a young but what we think is a talented secondary.” 

Crean Lutheran was 9-3 overall and finished second in the Epsilon League with a 4-1 record last season. The Saints defeated Mullen 35-12 last year in the season opener in Colorado.

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Crean Lutheran players go through drills this week on campus.

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