Cape Coral Christian’s first Crusade
To get an idea of the interest level in football at Cape Coral Christian, one only has to look at the numbers.
Nearly half, or 23 of the 50 boys enrolled in the school, are participating in its inaugural team.
The Crusaders practice at the church, located on Santa Barbara Boulevard, and are gearing up for a 10-game mixed schedule of varsity, junior varsity and freshman games.
The three home games are to be played at North Fort Myers Community Park.
“We’re a Christian school trying to grow good young men first and football players second,” said coach Mike Curtis, who is in his fourth year at the school.
Curtis is part of a coaching staff which brings a wealth of experience to the game. Offensive coordinator Ron Kelly, who previously coached at Island Coast, brings approximately 25 years of experience.
The staff includes ex-NFL player Steve Caiazzo (defensive coordinator), former Mariner linebacker Kyle Curry (defensive assistant) and Sean Roberts (cornerbacks/wide receivers), who is an ex-college player.
Cape Coral Christian was established 11 years ago. They’re adding football to the athletic program, which already lists basketball and baseball.
Curtis said the plan is to play two seasons as an independent as they continue to build up the program.
Donations from several local businesses helped get the program off the ground. The list includes Charlie Thomas Tile, Captain Steamer and Flawless Barber Shop.
Despite being a first-year program, the Crusaders are a senior-dominated team. They have 10 seniors, five juniors, three sophomores and five freshmen.
“A lot of them have never played before,” Curtis said, “but they’re excited and looking forward to a pretty good season.”
The list of key players includes senior quarterback Jake Michael, senior running back/receiver Rahim James, senior running back/linebacker Josh Grayson, senior receiver/cornerback Matt Knapp, senior linebacker/receiver Jacob McConnell, senior linebacker/running back Josh Pleasant and junior defensive end/offensive tackle Devin Wingo.
2009 Schedule
Sept 4 – vs. Southwest Florida Christian (at Page Field) 4:30 (varsity)
Sept 10 – at LaBelle 6 p.m. (JV)
Sept 17 – vs. Cardinal Mooney 7 p.m. (JV)
Oct. 1 – at Bishop Verot 6 p.m. (freshmen)
Oct. 8 – at St. John Neumann 6 p.m. (JV)
Oct. 15 – at ECS 6 p.m. (JV)
Oct. 22 – vs. SW Florida Christian 6 p.m. (varsity)
Oct. 29 – at St. Pete Catholic 6 p.m. (JV)
Nov. 6 – vs. ECS 6 p.m. (JV)