St. Joseph seeking another taste of the
postseason St. Joseph finished with a flurry last season, reaching a CIF semifinal playoff game for the first time since 1986. The run has created a confident senior corps that has high hopes for the Knights in 2004.
The Knights, who finished 9-4 overall last year with a 5-1 record in the Los Padres League, boast seven returning starters on the offense and defense. Among key returners on offense are quarterback Casey Cathcart, wide receiver Dominic Catayas and running back Brad Escobar. Last year, Cathcart threw for 1,461 yards and 14 touchdowns, Catayas was the second-leading receiver with 22 catches for 400 yards, and Escobar rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and led the team by scoring 14 TDs. All three are anxious to begin their senior campaigns. "This is the moment I've waited for since I started playing," said Catayas, who caught three TDs last season. Brandon Merlo, another returning senior, said, "We surprised some people last year, now we feel like this is our year."
OFFENSE: Eames, who enters his 41st year of coaching football, said he'd like to see his team cut down on turnovers. "Casey threw about nine interceptions last year, but if we can get that number down to about six I think we'll be OK," Eames said. "Casey is a kid who came in here last year not knowing anybody and performed well under pressure. He did a nice job and he also did well in our summer passing league." Cathcart, whose grandfather Sam served as Santa Barbara High's head football coach from 1956-74, transferred to St. Joseph from Philadelphia when his family moved back into the county last year. His skills at quarterback have raised a few eyebrows, including those of his teammates. "He has a great touch on the ball and his short passes are pretty precise," said Catayas, who figures to be Cathcart's go-to guy this season. An addition to the receiving corps will be Ryan Adlesh, who was the Knights' point guard on their CIF champion basketball squad last year. Among the linemen protecting Cathcart this season will be tackles Jake Rooney and Matt Ruiz, center Ryan San Juan, and guard Stern Jacob. DEFENSE: Jacob and San Juan will also play along the defensive line, which has also caught Catayas' attention. "Our 'D' is looking strong," he said. "Our D-line will be keeping people in the box this year." Catayas will play corner on defense while Escobar drops back to free safety. Phillip Adam, who's also a running back and punter, will serve as a linebacker along with Merlo. Eames said he hopes for big things from juniors Ryan Henn and Vince Gibilisco, a pair of wide receivers off last season's junior varsity. Ben Streeter, he said, also figures to see time at wideout this season. Another key newcomer to the varsity squad will be kicker Scott Chenoweth. When asked about the team's relatively quick transformation from 2002 to 2003, Merlo said playing for Eames has been the difference. "He's not one of these coaches who yells at you," Merlo said. "He's a motivator who gives you a lot of positive feedback, it's not always negative." Catayas added: "Coach Eames has that old-school approach. This is the best coaching staff I've played for." The Knights lightened their schedule load from 2003. They faced tough competition that prepared them for league play, but it also had a side effect. "We were the only team in the county outside of the Pac 5 to have four Pac 5 schools on a schedule," Eames said. "But as we entered league, we were a little dinged up and didn't get healthy until the end of the season." St. Joseph kept Atascadero on its schedule, but dropped San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande and Paso Robles in favor of Pacifica, Bishop Diego and Montclair Prep. — Mike Traphagen |
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| Bishop Diego Cardinals
• Cabrillo Conquistadores •
Carpinteria Warriors • Dos
Pueblos Chargers • Lompoc Braves |
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"When
I came in here my first year, we were a young team that finished
2-8," said Barney Eames, a veteran coach entering his third
season at the helm of the Knights. "Then last year, we got
into the playoffs, reached the semifinals and with a little luck,
we could have faced Lompoc for the Division 10 title. This team
has come a long way in a short amount of time."