When Cardinal Gibbons Offensive Coordinator Matt Dubuc played for his alma mater, his teams were among the best in the state. Now, nearly three decades later, there is a push to return the Chiefs to that level.
As Dubuc and head coach Mike Morrill watch this program improve each year, the talent level has also gotten to the point where this program is ready for the challenge of playing in a district that includes American Heritage Plantation and BCAA members Dillard and Hallandale.
While the Chiefs went through some growing pains the past two seasons, last year, there were some positive sings that this is going to be a program to keep an eye on, and for that reason, the team leaves spring and heads toward the summer with plenty of optimism.
Even with some key holes to fill, Cardinal Gibbons will look to the senior class as a place where much of the experience will come from.
Led by highly-recruited players Nicco Whigham (DB, 6-1, 200), John Buchanan (OL, 6-4, 280) and Texas Tech linebacker commitment Erick Hallmon (6-1, 210), there is indeed plenty of athletic ability and skill level.
“This really has been a very productive spring for the entire team,” Dubuc said. “Coach Morrill and the entire coaching staff have been very pleased by the work ethic of the players. We are all happy that the young men out here see how close we are to turning the corner.”
In addition to Whigham, Buchanan and Hallmon, the Chiefs have other seniors who figure to be leaders includes quarterback Chase Bender (6-3, 200), kicker Kevin McLaughlin (5-11, 175), running back Tim Jadotte (5-9, 175), receivers Chris Crawford (6-0, 180) and Buddy Tight (5-10, 180), and Westminster Academy transfer Drew Offerdahl (6-0, 200), a running back/linebacker who is the son of former Dolphin standout, John Offerdahl.
As the senior class adds depth to this program, there are some underclassmen who figure to make a solid impact as well in the fall.
Rising juniors such as linebacker Keyon Robinson (6-0, 225), athletic Ryan Giarantano (QB, 5-10, 175) and versatile Mike Ferguson, a 5-11, 200-pounder who will play running back on offense as well as linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.
If the Chiefs are to compete for a district title in 2011 - and beyond - the Class of 2014 prospects will need to be talented and have some leadership. The group that this team has certainly has plenty of promise.
Among the players in this class include receivers Trevon Lee (6-0, 170) and Nate Barnes (5-7, 160), tight end Caine Foster (5-11, 210), offensive lineman Kadeem Smith (6-4, 260), athletic Marcus Dixon (5-11, 175) and quarterback prospect Payton Bender (5-11, 160).
You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.
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