GAME DAY— The day Johnnie football fans have been anticipating since that miserable day in Pella last November. After only one season playing a non-conference game against the OAC’s Marietta and a string of games against our public university friends to the East, the Johnnies begin their 2008 campaign by welcoming the East Texas Baptist University Tigers from Marshall, Texas to Collegeville. Aside from the obvious religious affiliation with our “friends” in Arden Hills, most (read 99%) Johnnie fans know very little of our opening opponent. To help, let us take a look as to what we may expect to see on Saturday.
Who are the Tigers?
East Texas Baptist University restarted its football program in 2000 after a 50 year hiatus. In the 8 seasons since returning, ETBU has claimed one American Southwest Conference title (2003), but has largely been a middle-of-the-pack team in a top heavy (Mary Hardin-Baylor and Hardin-Simmons are conference foes) conference. The Tigers are lead by second year head coach Mark Sartain (5-5 overall). Prior to ETBU, Coach Sartain was the head coach at Trinity Valley Junior College from 2003-2006 leading them to a SWJCFC Championship in 2005. More information on Coach Sartain and the ETBU coaching staff can be found the school web site.
When the Tigers are on Offense
The Tigers will be led at quarterback by Stephen Oehlschlaeger (So. 6-1, 205). This will be his first year in the starting role. He did see significant time last season throwing for 846 yards and 5 touchdowns in a reserve role. To assist Oehlschlaeger in the Tiger passing attack, two junior college transfers have made their way to ETBU: Fred Taylor (So. 6-3, 215) and Jari Brooks (So. 6-5, 205). Both possess the size and speed to stretch the field and cause coverage troubles. In addition, Anthone Cavness (So. 5-5, 163) returns as the Tiger’s leading receiver (32 receptions/ 0 TD).
The running game is led by returning backs Corey George (So. 593 yards/ 6 TD) and Jair Stover (So. 484 yards/ 5 TD). The running game has also been bolstered with the addition of transfer running back Trevor Cavness (Fr. 5-7, 170) who is expected to bring speed and pass catching ability from the backfield. A huge reason ETBU may feel confident in their ability to run the football is in the fact they return all five starters from last years ball club: Doug Carlton (Sr. 6-5, 265), Stephen Nicasio (Jr. 6-0, 310), Jonathan Council (Jr. 6-0, 275), Michael Colvin (Jr. 6-5, 260), and Winston Ives (So. 6-3, 301).
When the Tigers are on Defense
The Tiger defensive unit allowed 31/ppg and 406/ypg in total defense during the 2007 campaign. However, the defense has many top players returning from last years squad, and are expected to drastically improve.
The Tigers return a trio of linemen up front, led by junior defensive end Austin Sturrock (6-3, 230; 53 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks). Also returning on the defensive front are Eddie Murray (Sr. 6-2, 260; 23 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 4 sacks) and Evan Beaton (So. 5-11, 245; 45 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack). Bringing size and strength to the front is junior college transfer George Paongo (Jr. 6-1, 315), of whom much is expected during the 2008 season.
The Tiger’s line backing corps will be led by returning players Brandon Stumon (Sr. 5-10, 220; 41 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT) and Monturios Howard (So. 5-10, 195; 45 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss). The Tiger’s secondary will be led by cornerbacks Anquanius Frazier (Sr. 6-0, 202; 23 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 INT) and Gerald Hunter (Jr. 5-8, 220; 47 tackles, 1 INT), and safeties Victor Flores (Soph. 5-9, 180; 34 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 4 INT) and Chris Cratty (So. 5-9, 180; 25 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks).
When the Tigers are on Special Teams
The Tigers are led on special teams by the ASC Pre-Season Special Teams Player of the Year Kyle Pope (Jr. 5-10, 185). In 2007, Pope was 12 of 16 in field goals (3 for 6 over 40 yards) and 21 of 22 on PATs. Not being accustomed to scoring, much less seeing, field goals of that length may be something different for Johnnie fans come Saturday. Pope also averages 55 yards per kickoff, and with 5 touchbacks last season, is a great weapon in lengthening the field for the Tiger’s defense. Punting duties for the Tigers will be handled by Shea Harborth (Jr. 6-0, 195; 37.5 yards per punt).
With the influx of speed to this years Tiger’s squad, it is hard to predict who will be returning kicks and punts this year. The Tigers do have their top two return men back from last year in Anquanius Frazier (8.7 yards on punts and 20 yards on kickoffs) and Anthone Cavness (13.5 yards on punts and 18.1 yards on kickoffs).
Summary
All in all, on paper, the Tigers look to be an experienced and athletic team. In reading articles about the Tiger team, they seem to be very high on their recruiting class and transfers. It waits to be seen if the coaching staff can mold such an influx of new athletic faces into a quality product on the field. The Tigers have experience in all aspects of the game, and along with the new talent, should make it an entertaining afternoon in Collegeville!
