CHAMINADE-JULIENNE EAGLES
Division IV, Region 16
Head Coach: Marcus Colvin (9-4 @ Chaminade Julienne, one year, 9-4 overall)
2011 Record: 9-4, 6-1

Overview: After starting out last season 0-2 and being outscored a combined 52-0 to Troy and Thurgood Marshall (both playoff teams) things looked bleak for first-year head coach Marcus Colvin. Chaminade-Julienne righted the ship in grand fashion winning nine of their next 10 before falling to Clinton-Massie 21-20 in the Regional finals. Eagles’ fans are hoping for an encore performance and if Colvin can get his young line to gel they are going to be knocking on that door again.

First-Team All-Ohio and reigning Southwest District Defensive Player of the Year Darrien Howard is a star on both sides of the ball. He found the end zone 13 times (10 rushing, 2 receiving) with two fumble recoveries and three interceptions on defense as junior. Classmate Ja’mel Sanders makes for a potent duo at linebacker and at fullback. They are joined by two other Second Team All-GCL North selections on defense in lineman Chris Darden and Kris Lampkin. The pair tallied 5.5 sacks between them a year ago. Darian Littlejohn and Sam Stidham will provide even more push along the line. Chaminade-Julienne wants to continue to build off a stingy defense that gave up just 14.8 points while holding five of their last 10 foes to 10 or fewer points. The secondary will be counting on newcomers Ian Moorfield and Will Peterson to make an immediate impact with veterans Wes Lumpkin and Antwan Persons.

There are big shoes and gaping holes to fill on the offense for the Eagles. The line must replace four of five starters as center Zach Poelking is the only returnee. Darden and Stidham will also see snaps on the line. The quarterback position also needs to be filled. Bruising running back Brandon Payne returns after rushing for 1,490 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Niles Issac will back up Payne and handle kick return duties. Lumpkin and Persons will see lots of time at receiver.