Photographs by Bobbie Ardoin
2022 Football Outlook
Head Coach: Travis Blaize
2021 Record: 6-4, no playoffs
Looking Back – Blaize had Westminster positioned early as a prospective playoff team during his first season as the head coach, but the Crusaders 5-0 at one point, had difficulty navigating through District 5-1A as injuries began compounding down the stretch. That seemed unfortunate since Blaize seemed to inject some enthusiasm into the football program.
Looking Ahead – Glancing at the roster WCA features a number of freshmen, sophomores and even eighth graders who will provide depth for the cast of returnees. The Crusaders plan to start freshman Stephen George at quarterback, a decision Blaize thinks gives Westminster an athletic dimension. For the second straight year, Westminster is without a returning 1,000-yard rusher, but Blaize thinks sophomore Michael Cunningham could be something special, especially with several key members of the offensive line returning. George will have some inviting targets that include seniors Cameron Randell and Tyler DeJean, who caught 44 passes for 441 yards in 2021. The Crusaders have a number of two-way performers. DeJean is a key piece in the secondary, which has a number of young players.
What Does the Coach Think – Blaize is encouraged the program is moving forward, with increased numbers on the roster. “I think we are trending in the right direction and our young kids give us the chance to take the next step. We are going with (George at quarterback) in order to build for the future. Cunningham is about 200 pounds right now. We have some good receivers and with what we want to do with the passing game, we are going to use the spread (offense). We also have a lot of experience along the offensive and defensive line,” Blaize points out.
Meet The Key Players – Joshua Cassimere (RB, CB, junior); Gabe Proffitt (P-K, junior); Cameron Randell (TE, DE, WR, senior), Blake Richardson (LB, C, senior), Tyler DeJean (WR, S, senior), Brenn Ray (OL, DL, senior), Caleb Savoie (OL, DL, senior), Bryce Guillory (TE, T, DE, junior).
Making Predictions – The next step for the Crusaders will be obtaining a playoff position, but in order to do that, WCA has to establish itself among the top tier teams in District 5-1A. Blaize is making believers out of the players available and if the younger team members stick with the program, Blaize can continue building a winner.
*Note – analysis by Editor Bobby Ardoin
