The Crossroads Conference has some changes this season with Bishop Ward moving to an independent schedule and St. Michael joining Summit Christian Academy, University Academy and Van Horn.
There will be a true round robin conference season this year and all teams in the league are coming off solid seasons. Summit Christian has been the top dog the last few years, but it will be tested by all its conference foes.
Here is a quick look at the teams in the Crossroads Conference.
Head Coach: Andrew Pitts, 3rd season
2021 record: 7-4
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 3/4
Biggest Challenge: The Guardians are coming off their first winning season in school history. St. Michael lost 13 starters off a talented team but return a solid group of linebackers on defense led by seniors Chandler Prosser and Blaise Rastofer. Offensively the Guardians will be led by junior quarterback Cam Zaun and senior wide receiver who caught 30 passes for 616 yards and 8 TDs.
Outlook: There are plenty of spots to fill so this is a test of the state of the St. Michael program. The success has been building the last few years so the move to the new conference along with players who have learned how to win could keep the improvement on track.
Coach’s thoughts: “I think everyone is excited for this team this year. We are going to focus on the fundamentals, blocking, tackling, catching, throwing, and kicking. This is a very hard-working group which is committed to the process. We will focus on the process and preparation and let the games take care of themselves.”
2022 Schedule:
8/26 Summit Christian Academy
9/2 St. Pius X
9/9 @ Lexington
9/16 @ Pembroke Hill
9/23 Kansas City Central
9/30 Van Horn
10/7 @ Southeast
10/14 Hogan Prep Academy
10/21 University Academy
Head Coach: Todd Berck, 6th season
2021 record (overall/conference): 9-2/2-0
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 5/5
Biggest Challenge: Summit Christian has sustained a long run of success and are coming off another good season. The Eagles lose a lot of veterans to graduation but bring up players who have had lots of success on the subvarsity level. Getting those players ready for varsity action will be job one this fall.
Outlook: It could be a bit of a step back year for Summit Christian but this program has shown it can graduate good players and continue to win games. The schedule will do the Eagles no favors but if they are able to stay healthy and improve this could be a team that is very dangerous in the district playoffs.
Coach’s thoughts: “We are young and only return a few starters of last years 9-2 season. Our young kids have had great success on the JV level and are hungry to show they can play. Should be a fun and competitive season.”
2022 Schedule:
8/26 @ St. Michael
9/2 @ East
9/9 Hogan Prep Academy
9/16 Lafayette County
9/23 @ Harrisonville
9/30 University Academy
10/7 @ Van Horn
10/14 Pembroke Hill
10/21 Pleasant Hill
Head Coach: Andrew Blakemore, 1st season
2021 record: 8-4/2-1
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 6/5
Biggest Challenge: The Gryphons had a breakout season that included a run to a district championship game losing to eventual Missouri Class 1 Champion East Buchanan. University Academy will need to replace a good senior class that featured several four-year starters that made a huge impact last year.
Outlook: The program has a new head coach as former assistant Andrew Blakemore takes over for Ryan Heffley who moved into administration. Blakemore has been with the program for more than a decade so that transition should be smooth. Another benefit this season is University Academy is Co-Opting with the Kauffman School so the sheer number of players has increased and that will help the Gryphons continue their recent run of success.
Coach’s thoughts: “We’re incredibly excited about merging with The Kauffman School down the road. Our summer camp has been dedicated to encouraging the 3 P’s: Positivity, Potential, and Preparation. There is a lot of untapped talent on our team and we look forward to building this new program together.”
2022 schedule:
8/26 @ Southeast
9/3 Plattsburg
9/10 East
9/16 @ El Dorado Springs
9/24 Pembroke Hill
9/30 @ Summit Christian Academy
10/8 Kansas City Central
10/14 @ Van Horn
10/21 @ St. Michael
Head Coach: Roshaad Byrd, 2nd season
2021 record (overall/conference): 4-6/0-2
Returning Starters (Off/Def): 8/6
Biggest Challenge: The Falcons lost a lot of good skill players that have been a big part of what Van Horn has done the last few years. There is a good senior class supported by a strong junior class so those players could step up and make an impact.
Outlook: There is depth on both sides of the line so the Falcons can lean on those groups as the skill players gain experience. The schedule will be difficult. Van Horn plays five teams that played for or won district titles last year so the Falcons will be tested almost every week.
Coach’s thoughts: “We have the ability to change the narrative. Work ethic is the only thing that doesn’t take talent and we’ve put in the work. Our Motto is Smart, Fast, Physical, we will use these tools to help us win games.”
2022 Schedule:
8/26 @ East
9/2 Northeast
9/9 William Chrisman
9/16 @ Richmond
9/23 Lincoln College Prep
9/30 @ St. Michael
10/7 Summit Christian Academy
10/14 University Academy
10/21 @ Pembroke Hill
