Kennedy Catholic Lancers: 2019 Washington high school 4A football preview

Here is an inside look at the 2019 Kennedy Catholic football team.
Links: Kennedy Catholic team page | 2019 schedule | Roster
2018 IN REVIEW
6-4 in 4A NPSL Mountain (fourth place); lost to Puyallup in 4A districts
COACHING RESUME
Sheldon Cross, fourth season
19-11 record
RETURNING STARTERS
Offense - 9. Defense - 11.
TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
WR Junior Alexander, 6-3, 170, jr.
RB/WR Justin Baker, 5-10, 185, sr.
QB Sam Huard, 6-2, 195, jr.
WR Jabez Tinae, 6-1, 180, jr.
OL Lei-Ben Fesili, 6-1, 305, sr.
TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
LB Shane Aleaga, 6-2, 200, jr.
DB Justin Baker, 5-10, 185, sr.
DB Kieran Collins, 6-2, 170, so.
DL/LB J.J. Leui, 6-0, 235, sr.
DL/LB Sav’ell Smalls, 6-4, 255, sr.
THREE TO SEE
Justin Baker, multi-purpose
Value is in his versatility (cornerback, too) on field, voice in locker room
Sam Huard, quarterback
It’s not if he becomes the state’s all-time leading career passer, it is when
Sav’ell Smalls, defensive lineman/linebacker
If he stays engaged, five-star difference maker could rack up 25 sacks
OUTLOOK
Someday, it will all come together.
Over the past two seasons, the Lancers have boasted one of the most prolific passing offenses in state history, led by Huard, who passed for 3,432 yards and 34 touchdowns as a ninth grader in 2017, and 4,141 yards and 42 touchdowns last season as a sophomore.
But what about what Kennedy Catholic gave up on defense? It’s equally jaw-dropping, and has been the biggest handicap as to why the Lancers have not advanced past the district round of the playoffs.
Coach Cross feels like a turnaround is in the making, led by Smalls and Leui as edge rushers, and George Klewin, an up-the-middle bull rusher at defensive tackle -- and Aleaga at middle linebacker.
If you believe that elite talent ultimately prevails -- the Lancers have that -- then it might be time to bet the farm on them making a deep 4A playoff run this season.
2019 SCHEDULE
Sept 6: vs Bethel (at CenturyLink), 7 p.m.
Sept. 14: Bothell, 5 p.m.
Sept. 20: at Blanchet, 7 p.m.
Sept. 28: Tahoma, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4: at Enumclaw, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10: at Beamer, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17: at Auburn Mountainview, 7 p.m.
Oct. 26: Kentwood, 5 p.m.