Kapaun Ready to Play Spoiler in 4A Playoffs

Photo: Prep redzone

Wade Cargile November 4, 2024 @ 02:08 PM

Some teams are splashy with high-octane offenses and dazzling athletes who generate weekly fireworks and excitement. Others take a more low key approach and let their play speak for itself with head-rocking defensive hits and no-nonsense athletes. Still others are flying by the seat of their pants week in and week out just trying to survive.   We'll steer clear of the latter for now...   Somewhere in the middle of the above resides this year's Kapaun Mt. Carmel Crusaders. They have somewhat quietly eased into the second round of the 4A playoffs and stand battle-tested at 7-2 so far this year. But, even as successful as they have been, the team hasn't captured much more than periodic attention.   Sometimes that's a good thing in this day and age.   But, I digress. In this report we will take a high-level look at the KMC Crusaders as they rumble into Wellington this Friday for a critical second-round 4A match up.   Under veteran head coach Weston Schartz they have negotiated the 4A ranks this year after moving from 5A last season. And they weren't just in 5A, they dominated in 5A, as they are the returning state runner-up's after falling in the championship game to powerhouse Mill Valley.   Fast forward to this year and Kapaun is preparing to take on one of the top passing attacks in the state in Wellington. So far this year both teams have dropped two games, with KMC falling to ranked 6A Wichita NW and to St James Academy on an off night.   Kapaun has since rebounded from the last loss and has been hitting on all cylinders since then. In their last two games they have overwhelmed opponents 111-7, including last week's opening-round demolition of Rose Hill 55-7.   The Kapaun defense has been formidable all year, having racked up four shutouts during the regular season. They feature a number of college-ready seniors, supplemented with a strong nucleus of up-and-coming underclassmen.   Case in point is [player_tooltip player_id='716730' first='Austin' last='Howard'], 6'1, 215, LB, KMC '25, a versatile headhunter of a linebacker who uses his excellent closing speed and athleticism to relentlessly dog opposing offenses. During the regular season he was all over the field, stacking up just under 60 tackles, a half dozen tackles for loss and three sacks in only six games.   Another top-end defender is [player_tooltip player_id='1114752' first='Cal' last='Purvis'], 6'3, 235, LB/RB '26, who is a multi-positional stud who hits like a sledgehammer on defense and is a large-and-in-charge tailback on offense. On defense he has helped shut down the opposing team's offensive attacks all season, finishing with 70 tackles and 18 tackles for loss.   Also stepping up on defense has been Cole Tarantino, 6'0, 200, LB '26, who has been a standout run-stopper and comes off the edge like he was shot out of a cannon; and Mason Collins, 6'3, 190, LB '26, is another powerful edge presence who blows up the perimeter when teams try to turn the corner.   On the offensive side of the ball [player_tooltip player_id='1553000' first='Jackson' last='Daniels'], 6'0, 180, WR/DB '25, has a great catch radius and outstanding hands and provides the Crusaders with a dangerous option when they shift to the passing game.   Even though the Crusaders graduated close to 90% of their offensive production from a year ago they have had a number of underclassmen step up. That, and a tough, head-banger defense getting better every week, is a combo KMC is looking to exploit and play the spoiler role in this year's playoffs.   In conclusion, get out and see these guys in action while you still can. They play an old-school physical game and are fun to watch. And, as always, if you run across any players or teams flying under the radar, give me a shout via DM on X.

Some teams are splashy with high-octane offenses and dazzling athletes who generate weekly fireworks and excitement. Others take a more low key approach and let their play speak for itself with head-rocking defensive hits and no-nonsense athletes. Still others are flying by the seat of their pants week in and week out just trying to survive.