[tps_title]Father Judge Crusaders [/tps_title]
Father Judge’s Weldon
Young Crusaders enter uncharted territory
PHILADELPHIA >> Mike McKay will celebrate his fifth anniversary as head coach of the Father Judge football team in a position he has not been in since his second year at the helm.
Depleted by graduation, the Crusaders return a young team featuring 28 sophomores along with just seven players with true varsity experience. 
“I told everyone this will be a big opportunity for the young players to step up earn playing time and contribute,” said McKay. “We are young but everyone has been working hard and the coaching staff is encouraged from what we have seen.”
Although the offensive and defensive lines will feature new faces to accompany returnees Dan Adams and Justin Martinez, McKay is excited about his quarterback and running game.
The offense will revolve around Tim Weldon fresh off a campaign in which he gained 711 yards and 12 touchdowns. Katob Joseph and junior co-captain Ryan Jakeman will complete the three headed monster at running back for McKay and the Crusaders.
“Tim came on about 1/3 of the way through the season and proved he can play in the Catholic League,” said McKay. “He will be our main running back with Joseph and Jakeman seeing some action in the slot along with seeing time on defense. Tim is a tough hard-nosed kid. Joseph is our speed guy while Jakeman is our all purpose guy who sees action on both sides of the ball.”
Junior Shane Dooley, who played defense most of last season while also serving as Rob King’s backup will quarterback the offense.
“Shane has looked good to date,” said McKay. “He’s got a good arm along with being a smart kid who knows the offense. He will definitely be our coach on the field.”
Dooley’s weapons at wide receiver include returnee Steve Arrington and newcomers Nick Conway and Sean Cunningham.
Defensively, the Crusaders will be led by returning starters in middle linebacker Mark MaGuire, safety Jakeman and corners Joseph and Arrington.
The young team has caused McKay and his coaching staff to go back to basics and reflect on some of the things they did three years ago, including watching a lot of film, meeting with the players, install sessions (offense and defense) and 7 on 7 drills.
“It’s been great to watch these young kids continue to develop,” said McKay. “The work we have done the past couple of weeks has blended nicely with all of the off season work. Our goal is to always give our kids a chance to compete and I believe we are on our way.”
By Eddie Levin; For Digital First Media
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