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When the Cardinals Have the Ball
Dave Dunn served as Howard Schnellenberger's running backs and special teams coach when Florida Atlantic was starting its football program, so he knows how to start from scratch. His challenge with this unit will be much different, in that former coach Tom Clark had the Cardinals scoring points in bunches last season with a pass-happy offense. After getting shut out in the season opener, the Cardinals averaged more than 29 points per game the rest of the way.
Expect Dunn's scheme to keep the ball on the ground more often this season as Catholic tries to find more balance behind a rebuilt offensive line. Tailbacks Jorge Rios and Greg Brown should have their numbers called more often, and fullbacks Gates Garcia and Jeff Garcia should see more carries, as well.
Dunn has the luxury of two quarterbacks with significant playing experience on this year's roster. Keith Ricca threw for 3,432 yards and 26 touchdowns last season in Clark's West Coast offense, and John Jacobs passed for 844 yards and four touchdowns in a backup role. Those numbers will decrease in the new scheme, but Ricca's leadership will be critical to easing the transition.
When Opponents Have the Ball
As one might expect from a team that averaged nearly 27 points per game yet finished 2-8, Catholic's defense needed improvement. Dunn began the overhaul by bringing in coordinator Art Link, who coached with him at Florida Atlantic. Link's aggressive 4-3 attack will feature outside linebacker Avatus Stone, who made 47 1/2 tackles, including 5 1/2 sacks, last season.
The secondary features three returning starters, including cornerback Nick Olivero, who was second on the team behind Bobby Stutz with 56 1/2 tackles and made five interceptions last season.
After being on the field for nearly 34 minutes per game last season, the unit may get a welcome breather if the offense can eat up more minutes. How quickly and effectively a young line adapts to Link's tactics will determine how far the Cardinals can go in Dunn's first season.
-- From Staff Reports
