UNDERDOGS TO UNDEFEATED

The Bulldogs Dominate the DAC

BY MARLEY HUIZENGA

The Crown Point Bulldogs have had an astounding start to the 2022 season. Behind seasoned coach Craig Buzea, the Bulldogs have jumped out to a dominant 7-0 start giving them the best record in the DAC. This is Buzea’s second year at CPHS.

This is in stark contrast to what the Bulldogs mustered up last year, finishing with a .500 record and winning only five games last year. To start this season off right, the Bulldogs hosted the Lowell Red Devils and blew them off the field behind two touchdowns and 111 yards from Eli Tiawhan and a stout defensive performance to retain the “Old Leather Helmet.”

The Bulldogs carried their momentum into the second week squaring off against Andrean and the Fighting 59ers, when CP won 28-12, keeping the undefeated streak rolling.

“When you haven’t lost any games, you have to be happy. Yet, we still have things we can improve on, and we’re going to continue to work on those things,” Coach Buzea said.

Heading into week three, the Bulldogs were looking to pull out a statement win against the Merrillville Pirates, who have been dominant in recent years against Crown Point. Going into the Merrillville home stadium on their senior night, the Bulldogs outlasted the Pirates 48-40 in an offensive clinic with both teams scoring nearly at will all game. But the CP defense held tough and won the game.

“I sensed doubt in our guys’ minds after last season, but we put in the work, and I’m starting to see a confidence build in our team that wasn’t there The Bulldogs take the field before the homecoming football game. They were victorious over the Portage Indians with a final score of 42-7.

PHOTO BY EMMY WAKE

prior,” Coach Buzea said.

Back home for the fourth week, the Bulldogs were set to host the Lake Central Indians on senior night, and they did not disappoint. Crown Point jumped to an early lead and never looked back taking the win 35-10 and creating a near unkillable momentum going into their week five match versus the Portage Indians. The Indians never stood a chance from the start of the game with the CP offense and defense firing on all cylinders leading to a 42-7 trouncing.

Commenting on the culture of this year’s team, Coach Buzea said, “I sense a lot more confidence in our guys now that we’re winning. They aren’t afraid to take the field and feel they can be successful regardless of the opponent.”

The featured running back, #5 Eli Tiawhan, was slashing through defenses going into week 3 vs Merrillville when he sustained a lower body injury on a late hit. He has yet to be back through week 5.

Tommy Guadagno picked up the slack when Tiawhan went down. Guadagno invites the contact and runs through the defender when he gets the ball. The Crown Point rushing attack strategy is still going strong and is a testamony to the depth Crown Point has on the field.

Senior Cody Fischl, CP’s five star kicker, commented on how the coaching staff has been able to help him further his football career. “The coaches send me all of the game film and allow me to create my own highlight reels and show the coaches what I feel they should be shown. They also take the time to send my reel to colleges. Our coaches help me get my name out there and improve my standing in the eyes of these universities.”

“We have a saying in our program to be where your feet are. Wherever our feet are is what we focus on. There’s no time to take a breath right now and the moment we do that is the moment we slip up,” Coach Buzea said.

Sophomore Larry Ellison carries the ball during their first game of the season against Lowell. The Bulldogs were triumphant and beat the Red Devils 42-0. Senior JJ Johnson looks to pass to a teammate during their game against Lowell. Johnson is the quarterback for the Bulldogs. Sophomore Tommy Guadagno begins a play during the game against Lake Central. The Bulldogs beat the Indians 35-10.

Freshman Elle Schara serves the ball during their first home tournament.

PHOTO BY IZZY VALENZUELA

Game.

Set. Match.

BY MARLEY HUIZENGA

The boys tennis team has moved up the ranks in 2022. They won triple the games they lost at 12-4 and are ranked 2nd in the DAC. They also won their sectionals match before their season ended with a 5-0 loss to Munster in Semi-Finals of Regionals.

“We feel that we had an amazing season and that we got a great draw in the tournament with a first round bye. Our guys have had an excellent season and have improved to even better places from last year,” Coach Dominic Peretin said.

Not only were they dominant record wise, but also on the scoreboard, winning 11 out of 12 games with a score of 5-0, meaning they swept the board and won every match. The Dogs were a little short staffed, having five of their seven varsity starters graduating after last season, but younger players stepped up and filled the role. Current senior Holden

Adversity is no match for the Bulldog volleyball team. With many of their starters last year being seniors, there was a huge roster turnover, which opened opportunities for younger players to showcase their skills.

Head coach Alison Duncan said their culture hasn’t faded as they continue to reach high standards.

“Our culture has always been about getting better regardless of the experience level. A lot of our younger athletes have stepped up and filled the holes we had after seven seniors graduated,” Duncan said.

There are plenty of athletes on the team having stellar seasons. Elle Schara has been killing the game this season leading the bulldogs in 5 out of the 10 categories. While this alone is unusual, that’s not to mention the fact that she’s only a freshman this season.

“I was shocked when I learned I had the opportunity [to be on varsity], so I made the most of it,” Schara said.

This has been a pivotal season for Schara while Seniors Gabi Lilovich and Vanessa Del Real have been putting together impressive seasons as well.

Lilovich is always consistent, leading the team in hit percentage as well as assists, having nearly double second place’s number. Del Real has been a wall on the defensive end, leading the team in digs by a large margin as well as being top three in receptions. She is also second in aces on the squad.

Foremost, Coach Duncan spoke of the leadership of her seniors Mary Marcinek and Vanessa Del Real, who are frequently commended for their ability to lead the younger athletes.

Striking

like

BY MARLEY HUIZENGA

Lightning

“I’ve looked up to the seniors ever since middle school. Being able to setp up and be the person they can look up to now is special,” Marcinek said.

Junior Gabi Lilovich serves in a game against Valpo. They won 3-2.

PHOTO BY VIVIAN KEENE

Paskis received high praise for not only a great season, but his abilities as the team captain to lead the squad to the season they had.

“It was really hard at first to bring everyone together. We had a lot of people leaving varsity that graduated last year, so it was hard getting everyone used to being on varsity and getting everyone experience, but I think I did a decent job [as captain],” Paskis said.

Paskis was accompanied by senior Chris Gloff and senior Dylan Skura, who lead the team as the three seniors on the playoff rosters.

Senior Chris Gloff and Senior Dylan Skura celebrate their win over Hanover 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Senior Holden Paskis returns a ball during a sectionals match against Hanover. CP won sectionals and went on to play Munster in regionals.