Program Profile: Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We continue our program profiles series by taking a look at one of the perennial powers in 4A football. We've already profiled Raleigh power <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/program-profile-clayton-eyes-conference-championship-in-2024/"><strong>Clayton</strong></a> and private school power <strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/07/program-profile-providence-day-chargers/">Providence Day</a></strong> and now it's time to take a look at an intriguing Cardinal Gibbons squad. The Crusaders lost their leading rusher and receiver, both of whom transferred, but led by one of the top 2026 quarterbacks in the state, head coach Steven Wright's team will once again be one of the 4A teams to beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders Top Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch: Offense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cardinals Gibbons is led by quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='690769' first='Gannon' last='Jones']</strong>, a junior with a rocket for an arm. He had an awesome season last year, securing the starting job over a few other talented passers and really looked sharp. I have a Group of Five grade on him and if he grows a bit more, that could easily change to a Power Four grade.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He'll throw to a trio of talented senior receivers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322132' first='Jackson' last='Browning']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322130' first='Sam' last='Dodd']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322131' first='Sean' last='Manuel']</strong>. All three stand over six feet tall and have some good weight on them. I'd expect all three to play at the next level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355088' first='Joey' last='Jonske']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322134' first='Kendall' last='Scotton']</strong> will tote the rock at running back. Scotton is more of a traditional running back while Jonske moves around the formation a lot on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up front, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355090' first='Jack' last='Sheehan']</strong> is the headliner. While most of his current offers are from FCS schools, Sheehan has FBS potential and with a good season, he could see those offers fly in. <strong>Brennan Yardley </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1666394' first='Ethan' last='Ganao']</strong> aren't the biggest guys but both should add plenty to the Crusaders offensive line. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322138' first='Rocco' last='Tschetter']</strong> also has college potential and has added some weight this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders love to throw the ball and spread it out to their playmakers, but aren't afraid to keep it on the ground to salt away games either. The offense is difficult to prepare for, given its unpredictability and the talent of many of its players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Watch: Defense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense is stout and allowed less than 20 points a game last season. Edge duo <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322143' first='AJ' last='Clair'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1101215' first='Conway' last='Kelly']</strong> are both a bit undersized, but have high motors and excel at bringing guys down behind the line of scrimmage. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1318716' first='Griffin' last='Cockerham']</strong> has more pass-rushing juice and really thrives off the edge, converting many of his pressure opportunities into sacks. He's a guy I'm really high on and I think he could have a huge season. In the middle, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355091' first='Chris' last='Pinder']</strong> excels against the run, racking up 13 tackles for loss last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind them, Cardinal Gibbons plays in a lot of nickel and dime looks. Because of this, their defensive backs are physical and make a lot of tackles, regardless of their size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1101218' first='Braylon' last='Peebles']</strong> has several ACC and Group of Five offers and finished as the leading tackler last year with 169 stops despite being only 5'9", 170 pounds. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355085' first='Corban' last='McDaniel']</strong> was second on the team and he's only slightly bigger. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='355086' first='Matthew' last='Greene']</strong> adds some length at corner. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320308' first='Xavier' last='Hasan']</strong> has the cover skills to match up with most teams' number one option and should add a new dynamic to the defense in his second year with the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Gibbons defense is very multiple and moves a lot of its playmakers around the formation, allowing them to read and react. Peebles and Hasan lead one of the best defensive backfields in the state and if the defensive line can generate just a bit more pass rush, the Crusaders will be even stingier than last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expectations for Cardinal Gibbons</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the final year before classifications expand, it will be vital for Cardinal Gibbons to defend its conference title. The Crusaders have been dominant in CAP 6 play, as they're a perfect 15-0 since the last time conferences realigned in 2021. The past two years, the Crusaders have bowed out of the 4A playoffs before reaching the finals, a streak they'll hope to break in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders are one of the favorites for the 4A East title. It will be tough to beat whoever comes out of the west, whether that's Weddington, Grimsley or someone else entirely, but that'll be the goal for the Crusaders, who have a championship pedigree and still have a handful of players present from that 2021 title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->