Despite a relatively inexperienced squad, sixth-year La Salle-Peru head coach Joe Sassano is hoping a strong team chemistry from his hard-working Cavaliers will carry them through and offset that lack of experience this fall on the gridiron.
The junior-dominated 48-man L-P roster is made up of 19 seniors, 27 juniors and two sophomores.
"They've just got a good work ethic and they've bonded together," said Sassano of his team.
Triggering a "potentially explosive" Cavs offense will be third-year starting quarterback Zack Cinotto, an All-NIB 12 West selection in 2011 after passing for just lass than 1,400 yards as a junior. The strong-armed, 6-foot-1, 210-pound slinger who is on the recruiting radar of college coaches has thrown for more than 2,300 yards during his two varsity seasons.
One of the players who will be responsible for protecting Cinotto and giving him time to fire away will be senior left tackle D.J. Wilmot (6-5, 225) L-P's lone returning lineman.
A couple of expected weapons for Cinotto will be running back Victor Espindola and wide receiver Adam Happ.
"We have the potential to be explosive and hit the big plays," Sassano said. "And I think as the season goes on, we'll be able to, hopefully, control the ball a little bit and be able to move it running. We've got some running backs that can make some things happen.
"Our goal is to be able to have a balanced attack."
The L-P defense welcomes back a trio of starters in linebackers Seth Schiffbauer and Kyle Jenkins, along with safety Billy Vickers. A pair of key players on the Cavaliers D-line will be tackles Michael Denyes (6-3, 220) and Chris Morehouse (6-0, 205).
"Obviously, we're going to have some inexperienced players out there, but yet, they seem to want to play some physical football. I think we've got some tough kids," Sassano said. "And we've got some good speed in our secondary."
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NIB 12 WEST: Chemistry is key to Cavaliers equation
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