Faith Lutheran's debut football season at the Class 3A level in 2004 could hardly be characterized as a success, but with a season under its belt and a somewhat kinder schedule on tap, coach Jake Kothe and the Crusaders are now primed and ready for the 2005 season.

Faith Lutheran made the jump to 3A last year -- it was the first time the city of Las Vegas has had a 3A team since the 4A class was created in 1996 -- and finished 4-5 overall but debuted in the Southern League with a dismal 0-4 mark.