High School Football Previews: Public League

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2009 High School football preview by NEast Philly 1

Sep13

NEast Philly is now your go-to place for high school football previews for the 2009 season. Below is your comprehensive guide to the Northeast’s major football teams: the four big teams in the Public League and the three Catholic League teams.

Staff writer Pat McNally scoured the football camps, talked to coaches and hunted down records to make sure all you ever needed to know about your favorite team is in one place. Web Editor Christopher Wink is responsible for the layout and design of the page. Our helmet designs come from the Pennsylvania Helmet Project, a truly great resource.

Below you’ll find league and overall records, coach names, key players and more. Whether you know a player, used to be one, or just enjoy cheering them on, we hope you enjoy the 2009 High School Football Preview.

Navigate the schools by using the links below.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

CATHOLIC LEAGUE

Catholic League stats were originally posted here, where you can posts comments and start discussions.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Tom Coyle
Last year: 6-1 league, 9-4 overall
Lost to LaSalle in CL Championship game.

Key Players Leaving: lineman John Lavelle, tight end/defensive lineman Ryan Langdon, wide receiver/defensive back Tom Ryan, linebacker Adam Nowak and Joe Swallow, defensive lineman Jeff Brewer, center Matt Schule, Offensive linemen, Joe Gallelli and Tom Keenan

Key Players returning: Quarterback Tony Smith, defensive back Kevin Toner

Offense: Tony Smith had an outstanding season last year at quarterback, passing for just under 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns. Curt Wortham returns at running back, after running for 1,562 yards and leading the team in touchdowns. Junior Nick Meyers will spell him in carries, along with promising junior Jones Twenefor. The offensive line will be led by senior tackle Greg Kovacs (also defensive end), sophomore guard Eric Condron, junior center Ryan Bernard and senior guard Tim Walsh. Right tackle is a battle between junior Buddy Keyes and junior Idris Harmon. Kevin Leneghan is at tight end, and junior Connor Thompson will lead the receivers, who include Kevin Toner and Matt Geis.

Defnse: Kovacs and Leneghan will see time on the line, but the bulk of the work will fall on the shoulders of junior Bill Swallow, senior Anthony Doria and junior Steve Mullvehill. The middle linebackers are senior Joe Woletmate and junior Connor Reilly. Junior Andrew Toscano will start on the strong side, while the weak side position is still up for grabs between senior Jim Trainer and sophomore Raul Quinones. Toner will resume his All-Catholic duties at safety, joined up by Connor Thompson. Nick Meyer, junior free safety Steve Owen. “These guys saw a lot of action last year,” said Head Coach Tom Coyle.

Special Teams: Senior Owen Radtke will be the kicker, with either Radtke or Connor Reilly punting.

“We believe that we will be competitive,” Coyle said. “The goal is to improve every day and be ready on Sept. 27 against a good Archbishop Ryan football team.”

Forecast: If last week’s 35-21 win is any indication, the Crusaders are ready to roll on offense. Smith had a good game, connecting with Leneghan and Geis for scores, and Wortham rushed for over 200 yards and two scores. If the defense can play well, Father Judge could go a long way this year.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Frank McArdle (first year)
Last year: 0-6 league, 0-10 overall

Key Players Leaving: Quarterback/Punter Russ Slawter, Offensive line/defensive line Steve Verrall, linebacker Matt Yabor

Key Players Returning: Wide receiver Pat Kwiatkowski

Offense: Junior Dillon Cave threw two passes last year, so this year will be a test. At running back, Mark Golic started off strong against Pennsbury and North last year, but tailed off and must contribute. Pat Kwiatkowski is Ryan’s lone returning All-Catholic selection at receiver. He led the team in receptions last year, and also scored four touchdowns. He will be joined by Christian Cruz.

Defense: Seniors Dan Oliveri and Fran Corbett will contribute both on the offensive and defensive line, with senior linebackers Bruce Clift and Tony Vendetti. Rounding out the Raiders’ defense is defensive back Mark Fulforth.

Forecast: Frank McArdle is a rookie head coach, but has experience and wants to bring his alma mater back to prominence on the gridiron. In last week’s 31-0 loss to Marple-Newtown, Cave connected for a few good gains and Golic rushed well. But Kwiatkowski only caught one pass, and he must be included in the mix for the Raiders to be successful. This could turn into a rebuilding year for Ryan.

For photos of the Raiders’ first matchup against the Falcons, click here.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Chalie Szydlik
Last year: 2-2 league, 6-5 overall
Lost to Conwell-Egan in Playoffs

Key Players Leaving: Wide receiver Mike Scott, defensive line Kyle Fellenbaum, linebacker Eric Moore, punter Freddy DiMascia, linebacker Joe Mascino, defensive lineman Pete Puchalski

Key Players Returning: Eugene Byrd, senior center Ray Reusher, senior linebacker David Williams, safety Stephan Singleton

Offense: Junior quarterback Anthony Reid has a lot of junior varsity experience, according to Szydlik. But running back Eugene Byrd is bigger, stronger and ready to improve upon his All-Catholic performance last year. With junior Shawn Wilson, Szydlik expects a potent tandem. Guard Micale Allen and center Ray Reusher will anchor the line.

“The rest is a work in progress,” Szydlik said. “If they step up, we’ll have a good season.”

Senior Julian Huggins had a good season last year at wide receiver, and more will be expected in 2009. “He is outstanding. He catches every ball near him,” Szydlik said of his receiver, who boasts a 1200 score on his SATs. With Huggins, Tre Stone-Davis and junior David Sherman, Szydlik sees this position as the one of the strongest on his team.

Defense: On the line, Steve Rooney will be the stalwart of a group of rotating players. All-Catholic David Williams will be joined by Daniel Clark as outside linebackers, with Bob Butler in the middle. Stephan Singleton, another All Catholic performer, will be the leader in the defensive backfield.

Forecast: Szydlik is hoping that his line will come together and open holes for the talented Eugene Byrd. In a 21-13 loss to Chestnut Hill last week, Byrd fared well, but Reid truly impressed, passing for over 180 yards and one touchdown. Byrd will get his yards, but if Reid plays well, the Falcons should once again make the Class AAA playoffs.

For photos of the Falcons’ first matchup against the Raiders, click here. For more information on Falcons football, check out the Falcon Nest, North Catholic Football and District 12 Notes.

Below see video highlights of North Catholic’s season opener, which the Falcons lost 21-13 to Chestnut Hill Academy last week, as reported by Varsity 365.

One of North Catholic’s top returning stars is senior Julian Huggins. Below see the 6’1″ 182-pound back’s highlight reel.

PUBLIC LEAGUE

Public League stats were originally posted here, where you can post comments and start discussions.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Ron Cohen
Last Year: 4-0 league, 10-2 overall (Beat Northeast in triple overtime for dist. 12 championship, beat LaSalle for first city title since 1979, lost to Liberty in AAAA playoffs)
334 PF, 172 PA

Key players lost: Offensive lineman James Luckey, Kicker Will McFillin, defensive linemen Bryant Davis and Waverly Harris, defesive back Jamal Williams, running back Kessan Christopher

Key Players returning: Offensive lineman Sharrif Floyd, defensive end James Fowler, quarterback Aaron Wilmer, linebacker Martin Haynes

Offense: Quarterback Aaron Wilmer threw 17 touchdown passes last year, but many of his targets are gone. Most notable is All-Public end James Fowler, who is battling physical problems due to an accident. Because of his injuries, he is projected as the team’s starting guard. Another All-Public player expected to make an impact, running back Kessan Christopher, has transferred. The last remaining receiver, Tom Marano, is no longer playing on the team. Nate Smith, English Peay and Martin Haynes will be Wilmer’s main targets, but will have to learn on the job.

The Eagles will still have a very good offensive line. Senior Center Hafuz Tahiraj will be surrounded by Fowler and All-Public lineman Sharrif Floyd. Tackles Adel Kanan and Shawn Fleet are new starters, but have experience. The tight end will be Brandon Chudnoff.

Defense: Floyd and Kanin will be the anchors on the inside line “They are big and tough,” Cohen said. Chudnoff and in Haynes will play defensive end. Fowler is expected to contribute at linebacker, along with Vernon Dupree. The defensive backs are a young group, with junior Daquan Cooper, “Seasoned sophomore” Nate Smith (4 interceptions in 2008), Peay and Elliot Leonard.

Cohen is hoping that a soccer player with very little experience will turn out to be the kicker he needs to replace Will McFillin. Nate Smith will handle the punting.

Forecast: The Eagles took a huge unexpected hit when Fowler was injured and Christopher transferred. But with tough line play, they will be hard to beat. Mistakes and a lack of offense resulted in a 16-0 loss to Parkland last week. But Cohen always gets his guys to play smart football as the season progresses. Look for them to once again be in the mix.

In an interesting twist, Cohen has added two new coaches to his team. Long-time offensive coach John McInterny has retired, and his replacement comes from the exiting coaching staff of Archbishop Ryan. Will McFillin will take over the offense. In another interesting note, Cohen has also been receiving help from former Raiders head coach Glen Galeone.

Last November, George Washington’s season ended in a 33-10 loss to Liberty High School in the PIAA quarterfinals. Below see the game’s highlights, as reported by WNPV TV.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Mike Capriotti
Last Year: 3-1 league, 9-3 overall
(lost to Northeast in Playoffs, 3-0)
250 PF, 59 PA

Key Players lost to graduation/transfer: Defensive lineman Akeem Smith (All Public), Center Elvis Diaz (All Public)

Key Players returning: Linebacker Taron Mills (All Public)

Offense: The loss of Center Elvis Diaz, who moved to New Jersey, leaves a big hole in the offensive line for the Pioneers. Moving from tackle to center will be Javon Smith. Starting at guard will be junior Brendon Russell, who saw some time last year, as well as Edwin Burgos. Sophomore Aaron Allison will play one tackle, with senior Taheed Smith as the anchor. “He’s my big guy,” Capriotti said of Smith.

Mike McGroarty saw limited action at quarterback last year, passing for only 177 yards and two touchdowns. But Capriotti has seen a lot of improvement, and has high hopes. The running backs will be Tyrell Martin and Tayron Mills, with Zaire Anderson at fullback. The receiving corps will be led by Terrell Allen and Jay Perulty.

Defense: Allison, Russell and Shawn Johnson will play the line, backed up by inside linebackers Tahron Mills and sophomore Geofferon Phillipe, who played on the Frankford Chargers’ national championship team.

“He gets it,” Capriotti said of Phillipe. “He understands football.” Burgess will also see time at linebacker, with Curtis King and Kahleel Dickerson manning the outside. Defensive backs are Martin, Jair Nixon at safety and Trayvon Mays at the other corner.

“I like this team’s work ethic,” Capriotti said. “I’m hoping that the veterans will lead.”

Forecast: If last week’s 7-0 loss to Hatboro-Horsham is any indication, Frankford should have a difficult time scoring points. But the defense looks ready for action, and that could be the key to the Pioneers’ fortunes.

Below watch video highlights of Frankford’s last season 19-10 loss to Pennsbury High School in Bucks County. The loss for Frankford came because of two costly second half turnovers and in spite of dominating and leading after the first half, according to the Intelligencer, the suburban newspaper that provided the video below.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Chris Reilly (first year)
Last Year: 7-5 overall, 2-2 league
(lost to Washington in Dist. 12 class AAAA finals, 41-34 in three overtimes)

Key Players lost to graduation: receiver Je’Ron Stokes, running back James Rosseau, kicker Tim Freiling, defensive lineman Anthony Nieves, linebacker Antoine Fowler

Key Players returning: Offensive lineman Maciej Mazur

Offense: Quarterback: Malik Stokes passed for over 1,300 yards last year, including a school record 243 yards against Father Judge last year. It will be tough to match that total this year, with the loss of All-Public receiver Je’Ron Stokes. On the line, All-Public player Maciej Mazur will be joined up with fellow returnee Jerome Brown. Rashan Fligh and Marquis Edwards, both transfers to Northeast, will compliment the rebuilt line. At receiver, much will be expected of Eric Brundidge, who gained over 200 yards last year, but only contributed two touchdowns. Dion Barnes is the tight end, but only caught two passes last year. Tyleel Taylor gained over 500 yards last year, at running back, and will take over the brunt of the rushing plays. Max Camille saw limited action, but should contribute more this season.

Defense: Dion Barnes will lead at defensive end, with Camille at linebacker. Taylor and Brundidge will anchor the defensive backfield.

Forecast: Stokes looked sharp in a loss last week to Norristown, contributing three touchdowns – one a pass and two runs. Reilly is a rookie head coach, but he has a lot of experience. The Vikings should once again be a major player in the Public League.

Gotta love the Turkey Bowl! Below, see the Northeast faithful sing their fight song at the 2007 Thanksgiving Day Classic vs. Central.

Father Judge | Archbishop Ryan | North Catholic | George Washington | Frankford | Northeast | Lincoln

Coach: Gene Kelly
Last Year: 2-2 league, 7-5 overall
172 PF, 186 PA

Key Players lost: Rusnningback Amin Shabazz, Dlineman Rasaan Hanner
Key Players Returning: Quarterback Joe McCausland, receiver Omar Black, Olineman Hakeem Cooper

Offense: Seven players come back on offense, but the Railsplitters also lost starting center Mike McGlatchin to injury. Quarterback Joe McCausland and running back Omar Black still have a pretty good line to protect them, with tackles Michael Page and William Baldwin, guards Greg Patterson and John Ferarra and center Steve Torry. Hakeem Cooper is the new tight end, and Dylan Gallagher is a two-year starter at receiver.

Defense: Most of the offensive linemen will flip over on defense. Five linebackers start for Lincoln – Cooper, Black, Dan Flores, Obed Lopez and Ollie Baxter. Gallagher, Shawn Banks, Hakeem Marcette and Ernesto Garcia will play the backfield positions.

Special Teams: Flores can punt and kick, but McCausland can also punt and could be used as a decoy. Mike Rendondo will handle kickoffs and extra points.

Forecast: Lincoln had a winning season last year, and Gene Kelly will call this season his last as a head coach. A class individual, it would be great to see Kelly fare well in the PL White Division. Despite an opening 12-7 loss to Dobbins, McCausland and Black showed that they are ready to keep the Railsplitters competitive.

PHOTOS

Much thanks again to a really great resource, the Pennsylvania Helmet Project, from where the helmet designs were collected.