BANGOR – Over the past few years, the one constant surrounding the John Bapst football team has been change – change in head coaches, change in style of play.

For the first time in five years, though, the 2004 edition of the Crusaders will have some constants as they look to improve on a 3-6 record from 2003.

“I think last year, a lot of kids didn’t know what to expect,” second-year coach Dan O’Connell said. “I think it took a little while to buy into it.”

After tasting success in 2003, several players have worked to improve themselves during spring and summer workouts and won’t have to get used to a new coach and new offensive and defensive systems this year, O’Connell said.

The Crusaders return most of their starting offensive and defensive players for the 2004 season, though some will be playing new positions.

Senior George Keefe returns at quarterback, after moving to the position last season after starting as a tailback.

“He really makes us go,” O’Connell said.

The two players vying to start at fullback also played different positions last season. Senior Jeff Howard is a converted offensive tackle, while senior Tom Carey moves in from tight end. Whoever wins the job will block for senior Travis Carey, who returns at tailback.

With Tom Carey moving to fullback, senior Tyler Yeo will start at tight end, while wide receivers Corey Pattison and Zac Burnett will give Keefe some targets downfield.

The offensive line is anchored by left tackle Cody Andrews, a three-year starter, according to O’Connell. Joining him up front are left guard J.P. Leibfarth, junior center Brian Leighton, senior right guard Stu Gramlich and junior right tackle Ross Shaler.

The Crusaders will look to balance their offense between running and passing and try to control the clock, O’Connell said.

On defense, John Bapst will employ a 5-2 look. Up front, Yeo and Tom Carey are the defensive ends, Jake Antworth holds down the noseguard slot and Andrews, Leibfarth, and Howard will see time at tackle.

The Crusaders graduated both starting middle linebackers last year. Gramlich, Leighton, and Travis Carey will try to replace them.

In the defensive backfield, Pattison and Burnett are the corners, Ben Amaral is the strong safety and Mike Tardif the free safety. Ron St. Pierre and Keefe will also figure into the mix, according to O’Connell.

One key to success for the 2004 Crusaders will be prevention of long gains that hurt the team at times last year, O’Connell said.

“The biggest thing [on defense] last year is that we gave up a lot of big plays,” he said.

After breaking a 41-game losing streak last year, the Crusaders are now thinking of loftier goals, like making the playoffs in an LTC that appears more evenly balanced than in past years.

“The kids have a goal of being in the playoffs and I think it’s very realistic,” O’Connell said.

JOHN BAPST CRUSADERS

2003 results: 3-6; 6th in LTC Class C

Head coach: Dan O’Connell, 2nd year

Key players: George Keefe, QB-DB, Sr.; Jeff Howard, FB-DT, Sr.; Tom Carey, FB-DE, Sr.; Tyler Yeo, TE-DE, Sr.; Cody Andrews, LT-DT, Sr.; Brian Leighton, C-LB, Sr.; Travis Carey, TB-LB, Sr.; Stu Gramlich, OG-LB, Sr.; Corey Pattison, WR-CB, Sr.; Zac Burnett, WR-CB, Jr.; J.P. Leibfarth, OG-DT.

Outlook: A mostly veteran Crusader team looks to improve on last year’s success with a playoff berth. After enduring a long losing streak, enthusiasm has returned to the program as 52 players are playing this fall, according to O’Connell, a key in helping John Bapst’s drive for a possible playoff berth.