Faith Lutheran senior linebacker Ty Thomas leads the Crusaders in their final season in the 3A Southern League.
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 | 2 a.m.
Crusaders at a Glance
- Faith Lutheran team page & schedule
- Faith Lutheran roster
- Colors: Maroon and black
- Coach: Jake Kothe, eighth year, 43-28
- Homecoming game: Oct. 17 against Desert Oasis
- Key players: QB/WR David Sperry, LB Ty Thomas, DT JJ Butar
- Prediction: Crusaders fall in first round of Southern League playoffs
Faith Lutheran plans on making its last year in the 3A classification memorable. The Crusaders start play in the large-school 4A classification next fall, but before they leave, there is plenty of work to be done.
Jake Kothe, in his 12th year with the program (eight as head coach), would love nothing more than to leave the 3A with a championship banner for the school's gym.
"We always want to compete at the highest level, whether that be the 3A or 4A," Kothe said. "That is always the expectation and that won't change. (Winning state) is the goal every year. The kids believe they can do it and are working hard toward it."
Faith’s spread option offensive will be led by senior David Sperry, one of the top players in the 3A. Sperry, who had five rushing and three receiving touchdowns last year, will split time at quarterback and wide receiver.
Moapa Valley four-year starting running back Brad Weiss may have better numbers, but Kothe feels Sperry will have just as big of an impact.
"There are a lot of good players in the league, but (Sperry) is right up there at the top. There is no question about that," Kothe said.
After Sperry and senior linebacker Ty Thomas, however, the Crusaders will rely on their inexperienced junior class — a group who Kothe says is talented, but unproven.
"We have some young kids who are really going to have to step up," the coach said. "We have to get them some experience (early in the year) and they will be fine."
Junior lineman JJ Buttar (5-foot-11, 265-pounds) leads the underclassman and is expected to anchor the line on both sides of the ball.
Like all teams in the 3A Southern League, the Crusaders will reach the playoffs. Their schedule works out to where they have a bye on the last week of the season before the playoffs.
It's a postseason Faith Lutheran would like be memorable. After all, the Crusaders have never captured the state title.
"Anybody (in the 3A South) can beat anybody on any given day," Kothe said.
Ray Brewer is the sports editor for the Home News and can be reached at [email protected] or 702-990-2662.
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