Wildcats eager for summer to pass quickly
New coach Krimm has big plans for Westbury Christian this fall
There was change in the air during Westbury Christian’s spring football practice.
Part of it was due to new leadership, with Mark Krimm replacing former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, who left the school for a job at BookerT. Washington in Pensacola, Fla., to be closer to family, as the Wildcats’ new head coach.
Krimm, who coached inside linebackers last year at Magnolia and spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Kingwood, completely revamped Westbury Christian’s scheme, installing a pro-style multiple offense.
“We’re going to be more balanced and very physical,” said Krimm, who will handle the offensive coordinator duties for now. “Most of the teams we will face use a spread offense. We’re going to be oldschool and a little conservative at first. We intend to runthe ball and let our athletes make big plays.”
Krimm was impressed with the offense’s performance during spring practice, which concluded last month.
Junior Xavier Simon, who was thrust into the starting quarterback role a year ago, continues to evolve.
“Xavier doesn’t consider himself a quarterback sometimes, but I disagree,” Kr i mm said. “Xavier has great skills and can throw and run. He’s also not afraid to be the lead blocker. He’s fearless.”
Senior Josh Jonesia, one of the few returnees, looked solid at fullback, while seniors Justin Chiu and Joshua Flowers split time at tailback.
“Josh is going to be a big part of our offense,” Krimm said. “Justin has a martial artist background and is a freak athlete. Joshua complements him very well. I really like our entire backfield.”
With Westbury Christian’s run-first approach, the Wildcats need consistent play from the offensive line.
Senior Clayton Smith, a 6-1, 290-pound strong guard, appears to be the best of the bunch, Senior split guard Jordan Darby, the younger brother of former Westbury Christian standout and Air Force Academy signee Ryan Darby, emerged during the spring.
“Clayton has all the tools,” Krimm said. “Jordanisn’t as big as his broth- er, but he is a competitor.”
The receiving corps features senior Eric Hulsey and junior Jared Shirley, a transfer from Emery/ Weiner. Hulsey, who also will start at safety and punter, might be the most versatile player on the roster. Meanwhile, Shirley is one of the many newcomers who should make the Wildcats the mostimproved team in TAPPS District 4-II in 2014.
“Eric is deceptively athletic,” Krimm said. “Jared is 6-2, but he should grow to 6-4. He’s big and has great hands.”
Krimm also tweaked the defense while trying to keep things simple. Krimm is in the process of hiring a defensive coordinator.
Junior nose tackle Bryan Akunna, a college prospect, should thrive in the scheme.
“Bryan is incredibly strong,” Krimmsaid. “Bryan’s family moved from Nigeria and he’s still relatively new to football, but he is very talented. He will do well in the 3-4 stance. He’s a two-gap player.”
Junior defensive end Jeremiah Simon, Xavier Si- mon’s twin, joins Akunna on the defensive line.
Westbury Christian has plenty of experience at linebacker, with Chiu, Flowers and Jonesia expected to start. Senior Chege Gitau, a combination safety/linebacker, is another player to watch.
In the secondary, the Wildcats will relay on two young cornerbacks, junior Gino Masini and sophomore Josh Murray.
Krimm noted that the team’s confidence was low coming off a 1-9 season marred by player defections, with the lone win a forfeit over Lutheran North. However, the players have rededicated themselves.
“Our seniors came up with a motto, ‘New Era.’ They want to go out on a winning note,” Krimm said. “We’re in a part of the city with some outstanding athletes. That’s one of the reasons Westbury Christian has done so well in basketball. There’s no reason we can’t be equally successful in football.”