Program Profiles: Kapaun Eying a State Title Run

<p style="font-weight: 400;">The Class 5A Division has been controlled by the Mill Valley Jaguars over the last three seasons, but there could be a new champion crowned this fall. There are a few programs on the west side of the playoff bracket that could give them a run for their money. One team that should be considered serious contenders is Kapaun Mt. Carmel.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Crusaders have been a well respected football program for decades, and they are looking to get back into the state title game this fall. They’ve experienced some heartbreaks these past few seasons, as they came just shy of their first state championship appearance in years last fall. Still yet, they finished the ’21 campaign with an impressive 10-2 record and featured one of the top rushing attacks in Class 5A. They’ll more than likely have to get through Mill Valley and Maize High School to be crowned champions, but these are five prospects that can help get them over the top.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="259786" first="Omari" last="Elias"], 5’9”, 185, RB, <i>Class of ’24</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">While the Crusaders’ offense does feature <i>Kansas State</i> commit [player_tooltip player_id="87669" first="Will" last="Anciaux"], it is undoubtedly headlined by [player_tooltip player_id="259786" first="Omari" last="Elias"]. The No. 1 ranked back in the Class of ’24 is ready to pick up where he left off as a sophomore. Elias has been grinding this summer to prepare for another heavy workload. He’s been sharpening his footwork and has stayed competitive by attending multiple camps this summer. There’s a slight chance he may not average 30 carriers per game again, but that is only so the Crusaders can preserve his legs for a potential state title run. He is still sure to be one of the leading rushers in the state as a junior.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="262219" first="Dylan" last="Hamilton"], 5’10”, 160, QB, <i>Class of ’24</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">One prospect on the Crusaders’ roster that should take a huge leap in their development is junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id="262219" first="Dylan" last="Hamilton"]. He heads into his second year under center after putting together a very respectable sophomore campaign. Through 11 games, Hamilton completed 67% of his passes while throwing for 1,077 yards and 14 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Hamilton has shown he can be efficient, and now has experience in high-stake moments. He is likely to be more involved in the offense as a junior, which will only make the Crusaders that much more dynamic.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="259757" first="Nathan" last="Fury"], 6’0”, 200, LB, <i>Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The Crusaders’ offense has obvious talent returning for them this season, but folks shouldn’t forget about their leader on defense. The 10^th ranked backer in the Class of ’23 will arguably be the heart and soul of the Crusaders’ defense his senior year. Fury’s breakout season as a junior was a big reason why the Crusaders were such a stout defense in 2021. If he can continue to play at an All-State level, then Kapaun has a very good chance of getting to state.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">[player_tooltip player_id="317360" first="Louis" last="Traglia"], 6’4”, 210, LB, <i>Class of ’23</i></p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to Fury returning for the Crusaders’ defense, they’ll also have their top outside linebacker to pair with him. Traglia was one of the recent additions to the Class of ’23 rankings back in April, and has been making a case to be moved up since then. The young man has added size this summer, and he’s picked up a few offers. He now holds two <i>NAIA</i> offers from <i>Benedictine College</i> and <i>William Penn University</i>. Traglia could gain more attention with another strong season and a state title run.</p> <a href="https://twitter.com/willthengvall?s=21&amp;t=0ORZyhm1AOJk9_S40cL8vA"><b>Will Thengvall</b></a>, 6’4”, 185, WR, <i>Class of ’24</i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Kapaun is set to have multiple offensive playmakers this season, but Will Thengvall is an unranked prospect that could surprise fans. With the Crusaders graduating a few of their leading receivers from last season, there are now more targets to go around. Anciaux will likely see a majority of them, but this also opens the door for Thengvall to make an impact. Thengvall presents a huge target out on the perimeter, and his background on the hardwood shows that he can be a playmaker. Be sure to remember his name this fall. </span>