2014 Faith Lutheran Football Capsule

FAITH LUTHERAN

Head coach: Vernon Fox, second season (12-2)

2013 record: 12-2 (5-0 Sunset League, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): 19 (six offense, five defense)

Base offensive set: Pro style multiple offense

Base defensive set: 4-3

Top offensive players: OT John Molchon (Sr.); OT Austin Prather (Sr.); OG Max McPherson (Sr.); WR Mark Rubalacaba (Sr.); WR/RB Christian Marshall (So.)

Top defensive players: S Tyler Mahan (Sr.); CB Mark Rubalacaba (Sr.); DB Christian Marshall (So.)

Top special teams players: KR Christian Marshall (So.)

Top newcomers: RB Alfred Soboyejo IV (Sr.); OG Cameron Meredith (So.)

Key losses: LB Ben Flandermeyer; LB Danny Otuwa; LB Dylan DeFrank; WR/DB Vinnie DeGeorge; RB Keenan Smith; K Trent Dolby

Outlook: Faith Lutheran is coming off its first state championship in school history and is riding a 12-game win streak coming into 2014.

The Crusaders will compete once again this season, but they will have to overcome the loss of 18 seniors, including first team all-state players Flandermeyer, Otuwa, DeGeorge and Dolby.

They also must find a replacement for Smith, who rushed for 1,124 yards and 22 TDs last season. The Crusaders will benefit with a big returning line, which includes Molchon, Prather and McPherson. Molchon and Prather were selected as all-state linemen last season.

“This team will be led by the (lines),” Fox said. “Size and strength will be the strength of this team and the big boys up front will lead the way in a powerful running game. With explosive skill players on both sides of the ball, this team will have a good opportunity to be successful.”

First team all-league Rubalacaba looks to improve on his 431 yards receiving and three touchdowns last season, and Marshall returns after an impressive freshman campaign on varsity.

“A 1-0 mentality and not looking ahead or behind is the motto of this team,” Fox said. “Forget pressure to repeat as state champions, it’s literally one game at a time.”