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Saturday, November 1, 2008
An Unusual Goal of 13-0
Eastern Oklahoma, OK
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For Cascia Hall it maybe a new classification but the results are the same so far at least. The Commandos won the state championship last season but it was in 2A. Now in 2008 coach Joe Medina’s squad is competing in Class 3A and doing quite well at it. The Commandos sit atop the 3A rankings as well as leading District 3A-3.
It looks as if Cascia Hall could be on its way to back-to-back state championships but in a different class. The last time such a thing happened was in 1995 and 1996. That’s when Ada won the 4A title in ’95 and the 5A title in ’96.
Frederick did the reverse, winning the 3A title in ’95 and then winning 2A in ’96. But this isn’t the first time the Commandos have been on top of the 3A football world. It’s been nearly a decade however since Cascia Hall captured the 3A state title in 1999.
All that can be attributed to a defense that has allowed opposing teams to an average of 7.5 points per game. The defense as a whole has caused 12 interceptions and has led in that area by Stephen Rouse and Garrett Walker who both have three interceptions apiece.Senior defensive back Price Pinkerton has two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
“We’re solid against the run and very opportunistic when teams try to throw the ball against us, we have a number of interceptions, so that’s a big thing,” said coach JoeMedina in regards to his defense.
Those turnovers are being caused by pressure from players like junior defensive linemanDaniel Zabienskiwho had seven sacks through six games. While the defensive unit had 16 total sacks in six games with Danny Husband, Ryan Cordell, Kyle Cowan, and Hunter Hart all contributing in that effort.
“We’re playing great defense which is how we start things over here at Cascia,” coach Medina mentioned as the reason for the Commandos success this season.
Offensively the Commandos are led by senior quarterback Sam Clancy a pro style quarterback that can stand tall in the pocket at 6-5, 200lbs. Through six games Clancy’s stat line has been more than impressive completing 65% of his passes. With 1,104 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions the senior has provided leadership to the squad while also spreading defenses and forcing them to respect his aerial attack.Cascia Hall has scored 167 points while only allowing 45 points through six games this season.
Hauling in Clancy’s passes are seniors Price Pinkerton and Pete Testa. Pinkerton is 6-0, 185lbs this season and has made 22 catches for 381 yards which is an average of 17.3 yards per reception. He has hauled in four touchdown passes as Clancy’s number one receiver. At the other receiver spot is the 6-3, 175lbs Testa who has been a big play threat this season with 19.1 yards per reception average on 14 receptions and one touchdown. The Commando offense is down to its third running back yet still is producing on the ground.
Special teams have been a key for the Commandos as well with Pete Testa also serving as the kicker. He has consistently caused touchbacks as the kickoff specialist and has been impressive making five field goals with a long of 42.
Coach Medina spoke of Testa’s importance as a kicker, “We’ve kicked the ball extremely well. Pete Testa, our kicker, seems to be kicking it out of the end zone nearly every kickoff and his punts have been a big weapon for us, which obviously creates field position.”
The Commandos will have a goal unlike any other team. That is to finish the regular season with nine wins and zero losses. Why would that be the team’s goal? A game against Kansas City East (MO) was cancelled due to weather so the team will go for a 13-0 season and their first 3A state title since 1999 as misleading as that sounds. The only question left to answer is if they win the state title again did they defend their title?
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