Football preview: A look at the top returning players for Crean Lutheran

COLE HARRIS, CB, RB: Harris a senior, “returns to his starting spot from a season ago at corner back,” said Coach Randall Reynoso. “He is one of the leaders of the team and figures to guard the best wide receiver on the opposition. Last year, he racked up eight passes defensed and three interceptions. Harris will also look to contribute a few carries out of the offensive backfield this season, a new role for him.”

MAX BAHOU, OL/DL:  Bahou, a senior, is ” primed to have a great season,” Reynoso said. “At 5-11, 280, he is the strongest player on the team. He has been working extremely hard in the off season, attending several camps. He is a three-year starter and will play every position across the offensive line at some point throughout the year. He will also contribute to the defensive line at the tackle position.”

JACK JOHNSON, RB/DB: The senior is back after a one-year break, Reynoso said. “He is one of the top track athletes in the area and was a standout at running back his freshman and sophomore year,” the coach said. “He will also lead the defensive secondary from the safety position. His speed and agility are his main weapons and he is quickly becoming a leader on the team. From his sophomore season (2016) Jack racked up 1,180 yards on 180 carries for nine touchdowns and 10 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He was a spot player on defense those years.”

MICHAEL BERELOWITZ, QB/LB: The senior returns to play quarterback.

“He was thrust into the QB number one spot in week three of 2017 when the starter was injured and he led the Saints to five wins and a playoff berth, thereafter,” Reynoso said. “He finished the year with 1,010 yards on 86 of 202 passes for 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. At 6-2, 215, Berelowitz will also line up at outside linebacker for the Saints defense.”

TOM GEORGE, DL/OL: George, a senior, was all-league last year as a defensive lineman. “He will start at the offensive line and defensive line positions. St. George, 6-2, 220, is extremely quick off the ball and will use his athleticism to look for another all-League type of year, this time in the Empire League,” Reynoso said. “In 2017, he finished with 52 total tackles and 14 tackles for a loss (seven sacks).

SETH HOLBROOK, WR: The junior is expected to be a big part of the Saints’ offense. “Offensively, he looks to be the primary pass catching target at wide receiver and he will bounce back and forth from safety to corner on defense,” Reynoso said. “His speed, agility, and intelligence will help him lead all units while on the field. Holbrook’s brother was a standout for the Saints the past two seasons, and he will hopefully continue that legacy. Holbrook will also return kicks and punts for the Saints.”