Dave Woods had been toying with the idea of converting the Bishop Fenwick football team to a spread offense in each of the last two preseasons. Each time, personnel issues prevented the Crusaders from making a full-time commitment.
Apparently, all those issues are in the rearview mirror now.
An experienced offensive line, a much-improved quarterback and the infusion of some new talent has made the complete switch a possibility.
"The last couple years we've run a little spread, but not much," Woods said. "Each year we've had some pieces. Chris Renzulli (last year's quarterback) could run but couldn't throw the ball downfield. In years past we've had kids who could throw but couldn't run or didn't have the receivers. This year we've got it all. We have linemen with experience, we have eight kids that can catch and run after the catch, and Brett Kidik in the offseason worked really hard and he's throwing the ball as well as anybody we've ever had throw it."
Kidik, now in his senior year, has seen limited action as the Fenwick signal-caller in each of the last two years, but the job is his this fall and he'll be asked to throw it frequently.
His most likely targets will be receiver Ryan Lipka, tight end Jake Bugler and tailback Tyler Thomann, as well as newcomers Eamon Barrett and Billy Klemczuk.
Barrett played freshmen year and part of his sophomore year, but is back on the gridiron now and expected to make a big impact this fall. He's 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and can make things happen when the ball is in his hands.
Klemczuk, meanwhile, is a basketball captain who is playing football for the first time.
"We thought of Eamon as a running back, but we'll use him as a slot receiver and a little at single back. The thing with him is that anywhere he is he'll excel. We'll use him a lot of different places," Woods said. "Billy is 6-3, 210 pounds and he'll be playing corner and wide receiver. He looks like LeBron James. He goes up and catches everything."
Thomann (TB/DB), Dan Delomba (OG/ILB) and Zach Nardone (OT/NG) will captain the Crusaders this year.
Delomba is just getting back into shape after recovering from a torn ACL. He tore it in the opening scrimmage last year, then rehabbed to return for the final few games before going in for surgery last December.
Nardone, meanwhile, is the Crusaders rock, a four-year starter on the offensive line who is getting collegiate looks from the likes of Wagner, Lehigh and West Point.
"He's definitely our best player," Woods said. "The best thing about having Zach is that I don't have to worry about them working hard. I don't have to worry about them being out on a Friday night. The kids follow him and he demands that. He's a great leader."
Fenwick facts
Last year's record: 4-7
Head coach: Dave Woods (12th season, 87-37)
Team captains: Tyler Thomann, Sr. TB/DB; Dan Delomba, Sr. OG/ILB; Zach Nardone, Sr. OT/NG.
Top returning rusher: Thomann (288 yards, 2 TDs)
Top returning passer: Brett Kidik (26 of 55, 402 yards, 2 TDs)
Top returning receiver: Thomann (13 catches, 136 yards)
Last league title: 2003
Did You Know?: For the first time in at least 25 years, according to Woods, freshmen participated in Fenwick's double sessions. Twenty freshmen came out and Woods was extremely impressed, expecting "three, maybe four" would see varsity minutes this fall.
2010 SCHEDULE
DateOpponentTime
Sept. 10at Saugus7 p.m.
Sept. 16Weston6 p.m.
Sept. 24Lynnfield7 p.m.
Oct. 1Hamilton-Wenham7 p.m.
Oct. 8at North Reading7 p.m.
Oct. 16at Georgetown1 p.m.
Oct. 22at Abp. Williams7 p.m.
Oct. 29Cardinal Spellman7 p.m.
Nov. 5Arlington Catholic7 p.m.
Nov. 12St. Mary's7 p.m.
Nov. 25at Austin Prep10 a.m.
