United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - Football

What a difference a year makes. Last season, entering the year the Bears had no quarterbacks on the active roster that had played in a collegiate game. This season, there are three talented signal callers that have already proven themselves and that will set the stage for what should be an exciting battle for the starting spot as head coach Bill George welcomes back 14 starters, four on offense, eight on defense, the punter and the kicker.

Senior tri-captain Jesse Karr, who started eight games, but missed most of the final three games a year ago with an injury, was 141 of 264 for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns last season to earn New England Football Conference (NEFC) second team honor. He became the first Coast Guard quarterback to throw for over 300 yards twice in a career a he threw for 338 yards in his collegiate debut vs. Merchant Marine and also threw for 335 yards in a loss to Fitchburg State.

Sophomore Jon Resch was tremendous late last season. He won the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Division II/III Gold Helmet when he came off the bench for the injured Karr against Maine Maritime and broke the school records for yards (469) and touchdowns (6) while tying the school record for completions in a game (34). Resch was 47 of 73 for 712 yards and eight touchdowns while also starting the final game of the season at Framingham State.

Junior Jarrod Owens, who was penciled in as the starting quarterback last season, missed the entire season with an injury, but is back and ready to compete for the job this year. Owens played in six games in 2008 and was 20 of 46 for 169 yards and a touchdown.

“We have three talented quarterbacks each of whom has proven they can play and each that has one year of experience,” said George. “There is going to be an exciting three-way battle in summer camp.”

The Bears main concern on offense will be the offensive line as they lost four starters to graduation. Senior Paul Gerow will return at left guard. Senior Zak Dietz, who had been a solid backup the last two season will take over at center while classmate John Kearney is expected to start at one of the tackle spots. There are a host of new faces that will compete for the remaining two spot on the offensive line.

“We lost seven players from our two-deep on the offensive line, but I believe that we have some hungry guys who want to play and will advantage of this opportunity,” said George.

Coast Guard has plenty of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, that may not have started, but have plenty of game experience.

Sophomore Pat Meggers and junior Ryan Webster will start at the running back spots while senior Al Kealy is expected to also see time in the backfield.

Meggers had 28 carries, 127 yards and a touchdown on the ground along with seven receptions for 75 yards last season while Webster carried 18 times for 87 yards last season after running for 163 yards with a pair of touchdowns as a freshman.

Senior Matt Tolliver moves from the defensive side of the ball back to wide receiver and will be joined by sophomores Eric Gerken, David Rehfuss and Ryan Vinall and senior Eric Hudson, a four-year member of the basketball team, who will play football for the first time and sophomore tight end Casey Paris giving the Bears quarterbacks plenty of options.

Tolliver was second on the team with 25 receptions for 211 yards in 2008. Gerken had 18 catches for 279 yards and three touchdowns last year. Rehfuss (four catches, 29 yards) and Vinall (four receptions, 124 yards two touchdowns) also have big play ability for the Bears.

Paris is coming off a superb freshman season in which he had 16 receptions for 162 yards and earned NEFC Bogan Division second team honors at tight end.

The Bears welcome back eight starters on defense including senior tri-captain Pat Bennett, who is back after concentrating on academics last season. Bennett was an ECAC Northeast and NEFC Bogan Division first team selection in 2008.

Tri-captain Pat Bennett returns on defense after sitting out last season.

“Pat with his leadership ability will be instrumental in helping our defense improve. He is not only an exceptionally gifted football player, but guys on the team look to him in difficult situations,” said George.

The Bears, will need to work on stopping the run this season after they were last in the NEFC allowing 281.4 rushing yards per game.

Senior tri-captain Ryan Schmid and junior Paul Hahn-Rauch return on the defensive line while senior Nick Greaver is expected to also start on the line while classmate Sam Beauchamp will also battle for time.

The Bears also welcome back senior linebacker Kyle Ennis, who missed all of last season with an injury after leading the nation in solo tackles per game (7.4) in 2008 and was a NEFC Bogan Division second team selection.

Senior Ben Barrett, who led the team with 56 tackles, 40 solo last season and his brother sophomore Curt Barrett are both back at linebacker while senior Mike Hart and sophomore Joe O’Loughlin will see plenty of time at the linebacker spots for the Bears.

Bennett will anchor a talented secondary at one corner while sophomore Drew Russo will start at the other cornerback spot after starting the final seven games last season.

Senior Chris Costello, who was named to the D3 Senior Classic Preseason All-America team, returns at strong safety after leading the team with five interceptions last season. Junior Chris Izurieta is back at free safety after making five starts at the position last season.

Junior Nick Giancola, who was slowed by injury last season, along with sophomores Mark Bonner, Justin Dougherty and Dante Adams are players George expects to see time and make contributions this season.

“We obviously need to do a better job of stopping the run and we need to improve our pressure on the quarterback and get some sacks. We have plenty of young guys that I believe will compete for playing time and push the upperclassmen this season,” said George.

The Bears will be solid in the kicking game as junior Jacob Shackleford, a two-time NEFC Bogan Division first team selection, will once again handle the kicking duties. Shackleford was 10 of 15 on field goals last season and he made 21 of 22 extra points. Sophomore Will Leffler will be the starting punter for the second straight season after averaging 36.7 yards per kick last year.

“Our guys are excited to get the season started at home in the Secretaries’ Cup Game,“ said George. Then we play a very talented Curry team on the road before renewing some rivalries we have made in the Bogan Division.”