PRZNY Team Previews: Canisius Crusaders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Last Season (9-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After starting the season 1-2, Canisius rolled through their ensuing 8 games en route to a MMHSAA championship win over St. Joe's. Following the Crusaders victory, they went on to host Iona Prep for the State championship game, in which Canisius lost 42-26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Prospect</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778700"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866a18919827"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As it has been for the last two seasons, the success that Canisius has depends on the legs of Kimble. He is the best RB in WNY with impeccable vision and a unique blend of speed and power. He has ran for over 3,600 yards and 50 TDs in 23 career games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Three X-Factors</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["806776"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866a18919891"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mbaiyo transferred to Canisius last season and had an immediate impact leading the Crusaders in tackles, all the while receiving All Catholic and All WNY honors. Arno has great instincts and solid sideline-to-sideline speed. He will be looked upon to lead their defense back to States.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1648715"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866a189198da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gorney is the newest addition to the Crusaders. His name is not well known as of yet as much recognition was not given to Cheektowaga players but at 6'6 300 lbs, this is a can't miss prospect. He blocks with tenacity and always to the whistle. Dylan has great hand placement and will be the anchor to the Canisius OL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1367095"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866a1891991a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">So few players make an impact as freshmen, especially in the Monsignor Martin League. But, Gates-Franklin was the Crusaders starting CB right out of the gate. He has excellent instincts and the ability to track the ball in the air. His closing speed is solid and he plays well whether he is man-to-man or in zone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Breakout Player</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522694"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866a18919958"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season, I had Kandefer has their breakout player. Although that didn't pan out, I will do the same this season. He has great size and stature to be a top QB. He proved he can be productive when called upon as he threw for 200 yards and a TD in the State championship game. There is a QB competition at Canisius and whoever comes out on top could be in for a breakout campaign. At this point, I would give the edge to Josh.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Names to Know</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>Class</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1701908' first='Nathaniel' last='Lindstrom']</td><td>2026</td><td>2025 transfer that will be in a competition for starting QB duties</td></tr><tr><td>OL/DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1621875' first='Javez' last='Caldwell']</td><td>2026</td><td>All Catholic OL, 3rd team All WNY OL, All State Honorable Mention in 2024</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1624527' first='Kayden' last='Wayne']</td><td>2026</td><td>All Catholic LB, 3rd team All WNY LB and All State Honorable Mention in 2024</td></tr><tr><td>RB/LB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1345135' first='Amir' last='Hernandez']</td><td>2026</td><td>Excellent complimentary back to Kimble and a stout LB - Made the All Catholic team at both positions last year</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1364052' first='Matteo' last='Brusco']</td><td>2027</td><td>Was the starting QB for the Crusaders last season but does have some experience playing WR if Canisius wants to put him there</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1639406' first='Vincenzo' last='Mullett']</td><td>2029</td><td>Incoming freshman with excellent athleticism that should make a name for himself in the upcoming years</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1672665' first='Mack' last='David']</td><td>2029</td><td>Tough DL that may start at Varsity right away for his Long Snapping abilities</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Losses</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>School</strong></td></tr><tr><td>OL/DL</td><td>Mason Alnutt</td><td>Purdue</td></tr><tr><td>WR/DB</td><td>Jahyden Clark</td><td>Stetson</td></tr><tr><td>OL/DL</td><td>Patrick Enright</td><td>Holy Cross</td></tr><tr><td>OL/DL</td><td>George Wiley</td><td>Central Connecticut</td></tr><tr><td>DL</td><td>Anthony Pitts Jr</td><td>John Carrol</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Schedule</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1703198,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Canisius-2025-Schedule.jpg?w=710" alt="" class="wp-image-1703198" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: X</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Outlook</strong><strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Head Coach: Kraig Kurzanski (Entering his 4th&nbsp;season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Canisius is certainly the team to beat heading into 2025. The games that count toward the playoff seeding will be 9/27 at home vs St. Joe's, 10/4 at home vs Timon (both teams were swept by the Crusaders in 2024) and 11/1 when they travel to St. Francis. Canisius and St. Francis are the two teams that have run roughshod in the WNY catholic schools for the last 10+ years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->