Week 7: Padua vs. Lake Catholic
Production line
The blockers for Lake Catholic know if the Cougars want to win, they have to deliver the goods
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Mike Peticca
Plain Dealer Reporter
Lake Catholic has been a quarterback factory, producing accomplished signal-callers over the past two decades. Their achievements have been built behind an assembly line of standout blockers, a string of offensive lines that have crafted their own legacies.
"Last year, we had a good line. The year before, we had a good line," Cougars senior right tackle Dan Barry said.
"We have to try to live up to what we did and, actually, do better. It's definitely a motivating factor. It's not something you talk about, but everybody knows."
Anchoring the line this fall are Barry (6-3, 285), junior center Dave Plungas (6-2, 215) and senior guard Nick Cipkus (6-2, 215). The Cougars also will call on senior guard Andrew Ambrose (6-3, 225), junior tackle Chad Hounshell (6-5, 270), senior tackle Bryan Halko (6-2, 210) and senior tight end Matt Lyons (6-0, 185).
Barry has attracted attention from numerous Division I college programs. He blocked in front of quarterback Ricky Stanzi the past two years, helping Lake Catholic go 19-5, make two Division III playoff appearances and average 367 yards of offense each game.
Stanzi, now at Iowa, has been replaced by junior Alex Kurowski. The 5-9 Kurowski sparked the Cougars to two wins last season when Stanzi was sidelined with injuries.
Kurowski follows in the tradition of versatile Lake Catholic quarterbacks who are dual passing-running threats, and could lead the Cougars to their 14th North Coast League title in 19 seasons.
"I think Alex will be able to develop a lot of confidence in our line," Barry said. "Last year, when Ricky went out, Alex stepped in and the line stepped up. We don't want him to have to worry about a pass rush. We really think he will do a good job."
Cougars coach Mike Bell's staff includes second-year offensive line coach Bill Sowers. Former line mentor Andy Nicoletti is now coaching in South Carolina.
"The guys have been getting great coaching from Bill, and Andy before him," Bell said. "Our linemen are around each other all year long, not just during the season. It's a close group."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
[email protected], 216-999-6177
