Who would have thought as the lengthy winter months waned on with a few precious days in spring and an ample June, July and August, that after all that time Coach John Gagliardi would still be looking for his starting quarterback? The panorama of possibilities the Johnnies have considered the past 3 weeks has now taken on the look of a kaleidoscope. Jordan Hansel’s arm, Joe Boyle’s legs and Michael Crees’s experience have left the football sage with three side dishes and no main plate.
The outlook for the ordained St. John’s signal caller has become so cloudy that the only clear choice is to officially name one of the three players his permanent starter. Coach John Gagliardi’s indecision in picking one of the underclassman has delayed the development of his future quarterback and his offensive line.
Saturday morning in Collegeville began as spectacular as any fall day could in football heaven. The early morning temperature was 60 degrees, the skies were clear and the Stiftungsfest crew was busy setting up for another cook out to welcome Johnnie friends and those traveling from Moorhead.
A walk down to Lake Sagatagon with new Collegeville visitors confirmed today would be another victory in Clemens Stadium. Students were setting up for their 5K dash to the chapel, bagels were lined up in perfect rows for participants upon their return and Johnnie offspring played in the sand close by. All was nicely in order as a brew and a burger waited following the visit around campus.
With a perfect day like this what could have possibly been missing? Was it the lack of timing and the ill-choreographed entrance the Johnnie players made as the new Johnnie anthem strained to be heard above cheering fans? Maybe it was Brother Timo’s quick rhythm PA announcements after each play that weren’t noticeable. Was it the routine disappearance of The Rats? Perhaps it was the absence of my wing man who stayed home to nurse his fall cold.
Following a frustrating 9–6 loss to the Cobbers, Coach John Gagliardi will be pressed to start the quarterback who has the best opportunity to pick up yards on the ground. The Johnnie end of year plan in 2007 was to develop the spread offense and find the most suitable signal caller. Developing the spread this year with it’s many running options may now be of necessity as one considers the disarray the offensive line has displayed. The search for the most versatile quarterback to balance this quandary continues.
St. John’s certainly has the size to compete with even the usually oversized WIAC and certainly the more fleet footed MIAC. What remains to be seen is if this year’s offensive line under the leadership of coach Jim Mader can shrug off a losing effort to one of the MIAC’s best defensive fronts.
In the end what may have caused the Johnnie defeat was the unfamiliarity of coach Gagliardi with his starting quarterback.
Fultz Stands Tall:
Johnnie Football great Todd Fultz and his wife Erica joined in the Johnnie Tailgate Saturday to celebrate his return from a serious car crash and enjoy the benefit organized by classmate Vic Murphy. Thanks to all who participated and contributed to the Fultz Family Fund!
Despite the Outcome, The OutCast Music System Always Provides a Great Time!
