Gerg back, Crusaders looked to be more competitive
Tony Gerg is back as head coach for Elk County Catholic, a position he last held in 2020. He takes over for Nick Werner.
"I still participated last year but didn't put in the amount of time a head coach has to," the head coach said at Tuesday's District 9 Media Day at St. Marys High School. "I know these kids well, and they're very coachable. So, we're moving along, and it's exciting.
Elk went 3-5 last year – a record they hope to improve on with the new District 9 alignment.
The reconfiguration has the Crusaders playing two games each with Bucktail, Sheffield (teams they beat last year) and Otto-Eldred (did not play). In addition, there are games with Cameron County, Coudersport, and Moniteau.
The teams combined for a 14-38 record last season. Redbank (PIAA Class A runnersup), Keystone, Union/ AC-Valley, and Brockway are off the schedule. They combined for a 33-14 mark.
"Let's be honest. The way the numbers are, trying to stay competitive can be hard. [Teams we play] still have better numbers than us, but I think it allows us to be as competitive as possible," Gerg said.
Gerg says in the range of 20 players will wear maroon and gold.
"It's about what we expect," he said. "I've had more and less, so we'll make it work."
The Crusaders kick it old school with the single wing. The coach discussed the offense he feels fits his team.
"It's as old as it gets, but we do it to try to disperse the ball, so everybody gets a shot to carry. It's win by deception with a lot of pulls and traps. I think it's exciting and suits me, our team."
Seniors Joe Tettis, David Anderson, and Isaac Dellaquila spoke at media day. The three understand their leadership roles.
"I want to help the younger players and transform them into better players so they can do the same when they're older," Tettis said. "It's important to create bonds and be there when someone needs help."
Anderson, a key offensive lineman, concurs.
"I know, especially on the O-line, that I need to take them under my wing. So, I have to help them and do my best to prepare them better."
The Crusaders open the campaign on Saturday, Aug. 27, against Otto-Eldred at Dutch Country Stadium.
Dellaquila can't wait to take the field.
"It's a neat feeling. It's exciting. I know I have to stay controlled and do what I can to help this team win. With this being my last season, I'll give everything I have." 2022 Crusaders
Schedule Saturday, Aug. 27 – Otto-Eldred
Friday, Sept. 2 – at Moniteau
Friday, Sept. 9 – Bucktail
Friday, Sept. 16 – Sheffield
Friday, Sept. 23 – at Otto-Eldred
Friday, Sept. 30 – Coudersport
Friday, Oct. 7 – at Bucktail
Friday, Oct. 14 – Cameron County
Saturday, Oct. 22 – at Sheffield