Class 3 Pre-Season Power Poll
#8 St. Pius X Warriors (2013 record: 6-5)
Just 6-5 a season ago veteran head coach Rick Byers is ready
to get his St. Pius X (KC) football squad back to the playoff caliber football
they are used to. Following a difficult start that saw the Warriors open
1-4 a season ago, they finished winning 5 of their last 6 and providing the
spark to motivate them throughout the off-season.
"We return a great group of specialty players", commented Byers. "Solid
running back's and receivers return and our quarterback is solid. They have been
working hard this spring." Among the 8th returning offensive starters for
the Warriors, senior quarterback Marshall Mason(6-0 180) brings
experience and leadership. Mason completed 50% of his passes for 1200
yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago.
Senior running back Gabe Akalugwu(5-10 190)
returns, he rushed for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns, while senior fullback
Nick Kelliher(6-1 200) returns, he rushed for 202 yards and a score.
Running the Pro-I, the Warriors will return several top
lineman including senior center John Perlik(5-10 215), senior Brayden
Thompson(5-11 240), junior Gabe Jury(6-2 220), and senior Noah Jury(5-11 215).
Akalugwu and Kelliher are top receiving threats out of the backfield and will be
joined by Trent Worboys(5-8 170), and senior Tommy Giesinger(6-3 175) as
wideouts. Keep an eye out for Joe Witherow(5-9 170) who will
step into the slot as a speedy sophomore.
The Warriors 4-3 defensive schedule will return five players and will be looking
for new lineman to fill the void. Kelliher is an anchor of the defense from his
linebacker position. Many of the talented offensive performers will also play
key defensive roles including Akalugwu at defensive back.
The lessons from a season ago have helped the Warriors grow. A week two
test with Maryville on the road will show them where they are and possibly where
they need to be in Class 3.
#8 St. Pius X Warriors (2013 record: 6-5)
Just 6-5 a season ago veteran head coach Rick Byers is ready
to get his St. Pius X (KC) football squad back to the playoff caliber football
they are used to. Following a difficult start that saw the Warriors open
1-4 a season ago, they finished winning 5 of their last 6 and providing the
spark to motivate them throughout the off-season.
"We return a great group of specialty players", commented Byers. "Solid
running back's and receivers return and our quarterback is solid. They have been
working hard this spring." Among the 8th returning offensive starters for
the Warriors, senior quarterback Marshall Mason(6-0 180) brings
experience and leadership. Mason completed 50% of his passes for 1200
yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago.
Senior running back Gabe Akalugwu(5-10 190)
returns, he rushed for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns, while senior fullback
Nick Kelliher(6-1 200) returns, he rushed for 202 yards and a score.
Running the Pro-I, the Warriors will return several top
lineman including senior center John Perlik(5-10 215), senior Brayden
Thompson(5-11 240), junior Gabe Jury(6-2 220), and senior Noah Jury(5-11 215).
Akalugwu and Kelliher are top receiving threats out of the backfield and will be
joined by Trent Worboys(5-8 170), and senior Tommy Giesinger(6-3 175) as
wideouts. Keep an eye out for Joe Witherow(5-9 170) who will
step into the slot as a speedy sophomore.
The Warriors 4-3 defensive schedule will return five players and will be looking
for new lineman to fill the void. Kelliher is an anchor of the defense from his
linebacker position. Many of the talented offensive performers will also play
key defensive roles including Akalugwu at defensive back.
The lessons from a season ago have helped the Warriors grow. A week two
test with Maryville on the road will show them where they are and possibly where
they need to be in Class 3.
