Caseys enter the season amid high expectations BY VIN RAPOLLA Staff Writer With the return of their high powered offense and what they're hoping proves to be a revamped defense, the Red Bank Catholic Caseys are building a strong case for themselves to be the team to beat in the Liberty Division. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Above, RBC's Mike Wilbur, the team's leading rusher from a year ago, heads downfield during a recent scrimmage against Colts Neck in Colts Neck, while below, starting quarterback Lou Bianchini hands the ball off to the Caseys' new weapon out of the backfield, junior David Reeves. "We bring back more than we lost," said head coach Frank Edgerly, now in his ninth year at the helm. "The team has looked very good in pre-season." That has been the consensus among opposing coaches as well, many of who are pointing to RBC as one of the most dangerous teams in the Shore. Offensively, the Caseys are stacked. The team returns quarterback Lou Bianchini, who has looked particularly strong through the preseason, and should thrive this year, given the number of weapons surrounding him. The backfield features an explosive combination of speed and power in senior Michael Wilbur, the leading rusher a year ago, and junior David Reeves, who is being billed as one of the up-and-coming stars in the Shore. Junior fullback Jake Beim rounds out the backfield. The offense will also benefit from a strong cast of returning wide receivers in Pete Batesko, Luke McCarthy and Glenn Ford, while Schuyler and Alex Taylor should also be in the mix there. The tight ends are John Kinzel and McCarthy, when he's not playing receiver. The offensive line returns junior Billy Lista, and seniors Chris Spahr and Jake Brahney, while senior center Tom Beery also has plenty of varsity experience. At guard the team will play either Nick Gianella or John Czugh. "We were fortunate having the #1 rated offense last year in the Shore," said Edgerly, whose team averaged over 30 points per game in 2006. "We are confident we'll keep things going in that direction." Defensively the team only returns three starters, but the team is fortunate enough to have many of their new starters coming into the season with varsity experience under their belts. "Last year we had rotated a lot of guys," said Edgerly. "We have many part-time starters starting full time this season. The progression and learning curve has been good." The defense will be led by a strong linebacking crew of Wilbur, and juniors Nolan Vill and Anthony Lubischer. On the defensive line, Brahney is the only returning starter at defensive tackle, while Spahr has also seen time at that spot. Beim will start at defensive end along with John Kinzel. In the secondary, RBC will feature Batesko and Reeves at the corners, with Alex Taylor and Ford at the safeties. Although Batesko is the only returning starter, the other players all saw time last year, and are far from green. In order for the Caseys to emerge as the power many people believe them to be, the defense must be better at stop the run this year. Last season, RBC struggled at times against teams that look to pound the ball, and this season, the Caseys expect to be better up front. With a loaded offense and what appears to be a stronger, more balanced defense, Edgerly and his coaching staff have reason to be optimistic about this season's possibilities. "Last year we had a brand new unit and we managed to win seven games," said the coach. "There is room for optimism this year, but it is high school football and anything can happen in this unpredictable league." RBC opens up tonight against a strong Matawan team that is also entertaining thoughts of vying for the Liberty Division title. "This game really gives us an idea on how the division will turn out right out of the gate," said Edgerly. Game time is 7 p.m. in Red Bank.