CP-U thinking big

With eight returning starters on defense, a second-team all-state tailback and a talented crop of junior newcomers ready to make their mark, Center Point-Urbana football coach Dan Burke has reason for his noticeable excitement for the upcoming season.

'We really feel as a staff this is a year — and I think the kids feel it, too — we might make a run,' Burke said. 'At least a nice little playoff run, if things go right. We're looking forward to it.'

The Stormin' Pointers return their prolific tailback Brandon Kinsey, fresh off a breakout season in which he unexpectedly finished fifth in Class 2A in rushing yards (1,463) and fourth in touchdowns (21) after the loss of CP-U starting back Nicolas Dighton in week one.

'It actually kind of was a surprise,' Kinsey said. 'I was ready for the position. I had a great line last year which really helped, too. I didn't realize I'd be a top-five running back, so that was really kind of an eye opener.'

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound speedster, who anchored CP-U to the Class 3A 1600 relay state championship in May, will be counted on to shoulder even more of the load this season without fellow second-team all-stater Jon Krogmann on the offensive line and three-year starter Ryan Wilkin at quarterback. Senior Alec Burke and junior Clayton Kramer are in the running for the quarterback job.

'I'd say it's still up in the air,' Dan Burke said. 'They're both battling right now, they're both playing well. They've both had a good summer in seven-on-seven.'

The strength of the CP-U squad may lie in its defense. Burke is impressed with the class of juniors ready to complement the eight returning starters.

'We've got some nasty guys, too, on defense, we've got to calm them down in those non-padded practices,' he said. 'They may lack experience, but they don't even care. They're like, 'Grrrrrrr.''

Burke raved about the potential of junior inside linebacker Trevor Franzenburg (48 tackles, 19 solo) and defensive lineman Trevor Rommann (25 tackles, four solo). Both were credited with two fumble recoveries last season and will provide additional mettle as first-time starters. Senior defensive end Wyatt Sadler (62 tackles, 27 solo) returns, as does Alec Burke at outside linebacker, though his defensive responsibilities may change if he wins the quarterback battle.

'He's our leading tackler coming back (74 tackles, 35 solo, 2 interceptions),' Burke said. 'He's one of our smartest signal callers out there (on defense). He's just got a good head for football.'

l Coach: Dan Burke (7th year, 26-32)

l Last year: 5-5 (lost playoff opener at New Hampton)

l Key returners: RB/LB Brandon Kinsey, OL Caleb Franzenburg, OL/DL Ryan Oliver, WR/DB Mason McCauley, DE Wyatt Sadler, LB Alec Burke

l Key losses: QB Ryan Wilkin, OL Jon Krogmann, WR Nick Thibault, WR Tate Sulllivan, LB Logan Holtz, K Brayton Brandt

l Key to making playoffs: Get some momentum with first two games (vs. Clear Creek Amana and at Union Community)

l Game to watch: District opener Sep. 12 vs. North Fayette

l Comments: douglas.miles@sourcemedia.net