NYCHSFL “AAA” Division Season Preview

By Matt Diano:

25 State recognized players lost to graduation? To most leagues across New York State, such a major hit to the talent pool would result in the following season being considered a down year….Such is not and never will be the case in the AAA division of the NYCHSFL. Adopting the mantra, “NEXT MAN UP”, these eight teams have all expressed a sincere belief that Catholic football will be as good in 2015 as it has been in all previous seasons.   As the adage goes, the AAA does not rebuild, it reloads; yesterday’s role players are today’s megastars

While commencement struck all of the programs like a Kam Chancellor hit over the middle, perhaps no one program was affected more than defending champions, Archbishop Stepinac, who lost 23 players, including 10 that currently preside on college rosters…How do you replace a Brandon Coleman, a Dwyane Scott, or a Gavin Heslop? The answer is with Tyquell Fields, David Harris, TJ Morrison, and Dan Negron, as well as several other seniors that are ready to sit at the head of the table and lead…Promising that his team will be every bit as explosive on both sides of the ball as they were when they went undefeated among their downstate foes, Coach Mike O’Donnell has his eyes on the prize for a second consecutive season.

Giving the Crusaders their closest game of the season in the 2014 championship contest would be the Gaels of Iona Prep. Gone from their roster is the individual that we considered the top over player from a season ago, WR/LB, Qaadir Sheppard (currently playing at Syracuse University). In addition to the absence Sheppard, Coach Victor Quirolo will have to adjust to life after quarterback extraordinaire, Robert Madison, who lit up opposing defenses with perfect precision and a rocket arm. Anyone who has watched IP over the years knows that the aerial attack is a staple of their offensive philosophy. Hence, to lose such a critical cog could potentially be crippling to a team that always has title aspirations…Being asked to step in and assume this large role will be Michael Apostopoulos, who during summer practice demonstrated that with a little time under his belt, he will be more than capable of keeping the offensive engine purring like a brand new BMW. While the fresh face under center gains that valuable experience, it will be the likes of tailback Shane Martin, who led the team in rushing touchdowns as a junior with six that pick up the slack at the onset of the season. Once, Apostopoulos has found his groove, Christian Nigro and Rodney Samson will be awaiting at the wideouts to rack up big yardage on every toss that he makes.
You can’t talk Catholic football titles without including the dynasty that is the St. Anthony’s Friars. A program that has won so often in my lifetime that it almost became commonplace to see them hoisting that hardware, the Rich Reichert led squad enters 2015 in slightly new territory…Missing the Catholic finals for the first time in over a decade, the South Huntington based school will finally get the chance to see how the other half lives by stepping into the role of the hunters this season…While it is impossible to replace a unique talent like 2013 Suffolk County Player of the Year, Jordan Gowins (playing collegiately at Boston College), Reichert and his staff just seem to have a knack for filling holes without skipping a beat.   Back in the early 2000s, everyone weeped at the loss of Frank Lazio, until they witnessed the greatness of Matt Hahn…Expect déjà vu to kick in this season as the combination of Jordan Williams and Kwesi Thomas-Henderson in the backfield will keep the Friar running game as potent as ever…When they are not running it, Tom Walsh, who stepped in last season and gave the STA diehards a glimpse into his ability, will take the snaps full time and hurl that pigskin with the same efficiency as his predecessor, Steven Genova….Defensively, All-League seniors, Russell Kohler and Kyle O’Donnell will captain a unit that will rely on natural talent to make up for what it may lack in varsity experience.

St. Anthony’s will not be the only Long Island school with a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove; so too will 2012 AAA champs, the Flyers of Chaminade High School. A perennial triple-A program, the Mineola based team struggled so much in 2014 that it would be bumped down to the AA playoffs…Coach Stephen Boyd, is hopeful that their performance in the double-A finals, where they soundly defeated St. John the Baptist, will be a confidence booster and catalyst for his returning seniors. Never was this optimism more valid than in the case of quarterback Nick Creenan. The Offensive Most Valuable Player Award recipient in last year’s AA title game, Creenan is a dual-threat that can beat you just as easily on the QB option keeper as he can throwing the ball down field. When he does choose the latter, look for smooth wide receiver, Tyler Toussaint to be his primary partner in crime. At 6’1 and 182 pounds, the senior ball catcher plays bigger than his frame.   Until I saw the roster, I believed him to be 6’4. That kind of tricky lankiness will catch people off guard, allowing his God-given athleticism to do the rest….Another weapon for Boyd and his staff will be senior kicker, Nick O’Hanlon. One of only two coaches to point at his kicker as a player that needed to cited, Boyd feels that the strong leg possessed by the kicker will make him a major asset in putting points up on the board and in controlling field position on kickoffs…All-League safety, Jack Morris, will anchor the defensive secondary.

Battling it out for Staten Island bragging rights will be two teams that kind of flipped in their roles last season, Monsignor Farrell and St. Peter’s Boys…The traditional powerhouse, Farrell, who welcomes a new head coach (Anthony Garofalo) in 2015, will post a 6-4 record last season, but would get bounced in the first round of the playoffs…The Lions will have to overcome the losses of their leading receiver, Andrew Lunarola, and stud linebacker, Joseph Irlinger, both of whom were Honorable Mention All-State as seniors…However, despite no longer having these two gems as well as five additional All-League players from a season ago, there remains a positive energy on Amboy Road thanks in large part to the 1-2 punch of signal caller, Mike Cloppse, and superstar running back, Steven Viegas…Combining to put up over 2,000 yards of total offense and 20 touchdowns, this duo is lightning in a bottle. If one does not get you, you best believe the other will…Calling line play very important to his team’s success, Garofalo expects to see breakout seasons from the likes of Zach O’Neil, Brandon Perez, and Christian Contessa…Robert Regina will be that shutdown corner that every team needs.

Peter’s Boys, who knocked out the rival Lions in the 2014 playoffs, have enjoyed and would like to continue soaking up the spoilers of being S.I.’s top Catholic football program…However, glory is something that is never given and always earned…With a bulk of the gentlemen that helped the Mark DeCristoforo coached squad to a remarkable 17-4 record the last two seasons having graduated last spring, the responsibility of upholding the budding legacy will fall squarely on the shoulders of a lot of players blended in a season ago. If the Eagles have any chance to match or surpass last year’s run to the AAA semifinals, it will be of the utmost importance that these individuals take their respective games to the next level…One player who is already at the necessary level is standout two-way lineman, Mike Noone. The only ironman on last year’s team, Noone was a 2nd Team All-City honoree, as well as an Honorable Mention All-State selection…Noone, along with three-year varsity player, Michael Brancato, and 300-pounder Pedro Guzman will be challenged to “pave highways” for running back, Bobby Wing…Complementing the running attack will be Joseph Mazziotta, who crossed the G.W. Bridge for his senior season. A member of national powerhouse, Bergen Catholic, the transfer student understand better than most, what is required to be a champion. He has been mentored and bred to deliver in crunch time…Noone, joined by senior ends, Aidan Smith and Viomo Emmanuel, and MLB Jason Karteron will provide leadership on the D-Unit…Juniors A.J. Mistler (DB) and Nick Volpe, who shined for the junior varsity, will always be ones to keep an eye on in their debut season.

If there was one team that we had to single out as representing the next wave of NYCHSFL football greatness, that team would be the Cardinals of Cardinal Hayes High School…Last year’s 4-7 record notwithstanding, when you look at the mixture of returning seniors and amazing rising juniors, you cannot help but think that no matter what the record book said in 2014, that this is going to be a very lethal team…Featuring the most talked about player in the league, RB/DB Timothy Poindexter, the Hayes program, under the tutelage of 13th year headman, CJ O’Neil, appears on the verge of taking off and never looking back…All of the intangibles are in place; they have the desire to be great, as well as the physical talent to bring their dreams to fruition…Leading rusher, Justin Covington is sure to do even more damage as a senior…And defensively, it’s a who’s who of potential game changers. The front seven is so stacked with capable senior players that O’Neil actually forgot to mention a young man that is being pursued by multiple major and mid-major college programs….The influx of a junior class that manhandled the competition on the J.V. level a year ago also cannot be ignored. Mark my words, this will not be a 4-7 team in 2015, and certainly will be among the top challengers to go all the way in 2016 and beyond. There is no more powerful tool than momentum, and the Cardinals have it in spades!

Archbishop Stepinac

Head Coach: Mike O’Donnell (28th Season as HC; 36th overall on staff)

Last Season: 12-1 (2014 AAA Champions, beating Iona Prep, 16-14)

Key Returning Players:

Tyquell Fields (Sr.QB; Threw for 630 yards and 10 touchdowns; also ran for 369 yards to be the team’s returning leader in both categories)

David Harris (Sr; OL; 6’3, 300-pounds of toughness; has an offer to play at the next level at Delaware State)

Khaleb Celaj (Sr; OL)

TJ Morrison (Sr; WR/CB; a stud on both sides the ball; recorded 53 total tackles, 4 INTs, and defended 21 passes on defense, while also catching 4 of his 11 receptions for touchdowns on offense)

Dan Negron (Sr; RB/LB; A tackling machine, recording 135 last season, including 3 Sacks; was also an excellent red zone option, scoring 4 rushing touchdowns and catching a pair of TD passes)

Robinson DeLaCruz (Sr; DE; was a beast at the DE position as a junior, notching 64 tackles, including 9 sacks)

Malcom Koonce (TE/DE; Recorded 59 tackles, including 5 sacks in 2014)

Jaychar Howell (Sr; WR/S; Hits like a truck; was second on the team in total tackles last season with 80; also picked off two passes and defended 10 more)

Key Losses

Brandon Coleman (QB; All-League Selection; 5th Team All-State; Threw for 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns; added 611 yards on the ground, putting 8 in the end zone; currently playing for the U.S. Naval Academy)

Dwayne Scott (OL; All-League Pick; NYCHSFL Lineman of the Year Award winner; 1st Team All-State; Currently playing his college football at Rhode Island)

Malcolm Major (RB/CB; All-League as a tailback, leading the team with 732 yards rushing, with 6 touchdowns; also had 300+ receiving yards, and was huge asset on special teams as a kick returner)

Tyquan Ennis (RB/OLB; All-League on offense; 2nd on the team with 670 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns; made his presence known on defense too, recording 77 tackles, 7 sacks, and picking off a pass)

Giancarlo Furio (WR; All-League split end who led the team in all receiving categories in 2014 with 31 catches for 437 yards and 7 touchdowns)

Gavin Heslop (HB/DB; 1st Team All-State; All-League as a defensive back, but was equally explosive on offense, averaging 22 yards per carry to finish the season with 440 yards/6 rushing TDs; Totaled 57 tackles, with 3 Sacks, and 3 INTs from secondary; Currently playing at Stony Brook University)

Damarcus Miller (SE/S; All-League pick as a senior; 1st Team All-State; Recorded 74 tackles, 2 sacks, and intercepted 4 balls; also playing football at Stony Brook University)

Terry McDonald-Preston (DT; All-League selection; Made 69 tackles, including 10 sacks)

Chris Jordan (DT; All-League pick; finished his senior year with 54 tackles and 4 sacks)

Overview

Winning their first AAA crown and only their third championship total last season, the Crusaders will have to overcome the loss of 23 seniors, 10 of whom have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Included in this mix is a quartet of All-State players (two on each side of the ball) in the persons of Brandon Coleman, Dwayne Scott, Gavin Heslop, and DeMarcus Miller. If that wasn’t enough, Stepinac also graduated their two running backs and their leading receiver…So, to the casual observer might ask, “Does this mean it is going to be a rebuilding year on Mamaroneck Avenue?” If you ask Coach Mike O’Donnell (now in his 36th year on staff and 28th as the HC), nothing could be further from the truth.

Admitting that anytime you lose so many seniors in a given class, that there will be some depth concern early in the following season, O’Donnell promised that the explosiveness that helped move his team to the #2 overall ranking in New York State in 2014, will still very much be present this year…Field general, Tyquell Fields, who would have likely been the clear-cut starter on the majority of teams in the Empire State as a junior, had the misfortune of having to split snaps with Coleman, causing his stats to no longer be indicative of how deep his talent runs. Amazingly, even in a season where he was platooning, he still managed to accumulate just under 1,000 total yards between his arm and feet. Now that the team is fully in his hands, you can expect to see a show on every snap…Senior Kobe Miranda, along with Coach O’Donnell’s sleeper pick, junior Antonio Giannico (a top level player on last year’s junior varsity) will slide into the role of primary ball carriers…Jesse Brown, who is tops among returning receivers, having caught 15 passes for 281 yards and a pair of scores, will be joined by 11th grader, Trill Williams, will both be asked to assume significant roles In 2015. Rounding out the list of capable wideouts will be Devante Reid and Brandon Gasparre. Like Williams, both of these juniors showed big ceilings while playing on the junior varsity last year….300-pounder, David Harris, and Khaleb Celaj (who is not much smaller at 270 poinds) will be a thorn in the side of all opposing defensive linemen this season as their size will enable them to throw some people around and open up gaps for his teammates to vacation through. David Melendez (a two-way lineman who made the varsity as a sophomore in 2014) is said to be much improved and will add to the toughness on the O-Line.

Defensively, tri-captains, Terrell Morrison, Daniel Negron, and Jaychar Howell, as well as defensive ends, Robinson DeLaCruz and Malcolm Koonce, represent the nucleus of the unit…Morrison, who has received scholarship offers from 10 college programs (including West Point, Buffalo, Stony Brook, etc) in the last few months, will play the role of shutdown cornerback, negating the top receiver on the opposing team. Last season, he had his own version of “Morrison Island”, picking up four passes and successfully defending 21 others. Those who throw in his direction do so at their own peril…Negron (who is also a 4.0 student in the classroom) and Howell, who ended 2014 ranked 1st and 2nd on the team in total tackles with 135 and 80 respectively will again be looking to be a hurting on people from the linebacker and safety positions…Tallying 14 sacks and 123 tackles, DeLaCruz and Koonce are going to make running wide problematic for the opponent, while simultaneously making all Catholic quarterbacks hear footsteps in their sleep…Linebacker, Devonte Myles, one of the top defensive players on the junior varsity last season, should continue to be impactful at the varsity level.

Addressing his schedule, O’Donnell would say, “We open league schedule with our rival, Iona Prep. That is always a very difficult game…The AAA has some very good teams and you must prepare each week for each opponent…St Anthony’s is the team in league that you have to get through at some point, but it is important to win as many games as possible so that you can lock up home field for the postseason.”

Goals For 2015

1)”Player personnel and getting kids to the next level is always the ultimate goal; winning is great but teaching players how to play the great game of football and how to grow up and be successful is the most important thing we do.”

 

Cardinal Hayes

Head Coach: CJ O’Neil (13th Season)

Last Season: 4-7 (Lost in the AAA Quarterfinals to Stepinac, 36-22)

Key Returning Players

Timothy Poindexter (Sr; RB/S)

Justin Covington (Sr; RB; team’s leading rushing a year ago)

Dante Rodriguez (Sr; WR/S)

Fred Pantaleon (Sr; OT)

Juwan DeVone (Sr; DE)

Abdoul Kouyate (Sr; DL)

Key Losses

Jaelen Vazquez (OT; All-League selection in 2014; 2nd Team All-City; Honorable Mention All-State)

Jayvon Ingram (WR; All-League pick as a senior; team leader in all receiving categories last season)

Isiah Williams (DE; All-League selection last season)

Albert Smith (DE; All-League honoree as a senior)

Justin Collins (LB; All-League in 2014)

Calvin Milliner (LB; All-League a season ago)

Ashton Toliver (CB; All-League leader of the D-backfield)

Overview

Don’t let last season’s 4-7 record deceive you; Coach CJ O’Neill and the Cardinal Hayes Cardinals are a team on the rise.   The AA Champions in 2013, the Bronx based program would make the move up to triple-A last season and experience some lumps, but would also grow tremendously…In fact, it was the AAA experience garnered by his players last season that O’Neil feels makes this year’s squad an improvement over last season.

The 13th year head coach was honest in admitting that graduation took its toll on his offensive line and linebacker units as the Cardinals lost their beast of a man, Honorable Mention All-State OT Jaelen Vazquez, as well as a pair of All-League DEs (Isiah Williams and Albert Smith) and two All-League LBs (Justin Collins and Calvin Milliner)…However, calling upon what he says is his team’s “desire and attitude to be great,” O’Neil feels that the pieces are in place for Hayes football to continue to grow as a contender in the highest division.   Revealing that he thinks his squad’s collective speed and experience at the skill positions will be a huge asset, O’Neil also applauded the intelligence level (both on the gridiron and off of it) possessed by his players. The current cohort has the highest grade point average and SAT scores of the most recent CH teams; the coaching staff is confident that this ability to think quickly is an asset that will serve them well.

Top rusher in 2014, Justin Covington is back this season to lead the offense. However, he will not be able to it alone.   Therefore, it will be paramount that fellow 12th graders, Dante Rodriguez (WR) and Fred Pantaleon (OL) step up in their swan songs and live up to the potential that O’Neil sees in both.

Defensively, Cardinal Hayes may possess the biggest game changer in the league in defensive back, Timothy Poindexter. A freak athlete who will likely be a major contributor on both sides of the ball, the 5’10, 183 pound senior is regarded as a three-star college prospect by Rivals.com and already has commanded offers from Boston College and Rutgers among others, while also being contacted by defending national champions, The Ohio State University. Pointdexter is #4 senior recruit in the Empire State and will be a problem match-up every time he steps on the field….Pointdexter is not the only player on defensive unit that is getting attention though. Joining him on the “shopping list” of many NCAA coaches is defensive end, Abdoul Kouyate. At 6’3 and 230 pounds, the weak side player already has a college body. Perhaps this is why he has a standing offer from the University of Massachusetts, and interest from Boston College, Syracuse, Rutgers, and Fordham to name just a sampling of his suitors…What is scary is that Kouyate may not even be the best DL on the field.   That honor may belong to either Jawan DeVone or Terrell Alexander, both of whom looked great in camp and seem ready to make the most of their final season as Cardinals…Ibrahim Kante, the team’s most improved player this season will bring senior leadership to the linebackers.

Also of great significance is the immense quality of talent that will be rising up from last year’s junior varsity. As underclassmen in 2014, this group of student-athletes would go all but unchallenged for the entire season, posting a perfect 11-0 record and outscoring their foes by a lopsided margin of 365 to 105. If it the old adage that JV champs of yesterday become varsity titlists of tomorrow, than Coach Hayes has a lot to look forward to in 2016 and beyond…Providing just a few names among the many that will be playing major roles as first-year players, O’Neil pointed at Shameen Jones (WR/DB), Lucas Nunez (WR/DB), and Christian Anderson (QB/DB) as being that next wave of impact player.

On the topic of his schedule, O’Neil had this to say, “Our first game (September 12th versus Cornwall) is the most important. This team is extremely focused on continually improving by focusing on what’s important now. All our games are important and will be enjoyable to watch due to our effort, dynamic players and speed.”

Goals in 2015

1) “A successful season will be measured by our ability as a program to develop our players discipline, effort, ability and academics. The wins will be a culmination of these successes.”

Chaminade

Head Coach: Stephen Boyd (7th Season)

Last Season: 5-7 (2014 AA Division Champions, beating St. John the Baptist, 48-29)

Key Returning Players:

Nick Creenan (Sr; QB; Dual threat Quarterback who will beat you with both his arm and legs)

Jack O’Hanlon (Sr. K; was a weapon in 2014 and is said to have made a lot of improvement)

Jack Morris (Sr. S; will provide senior leadership to a defense that was hit hard by graduation; only junior on the team to garner All-League recognition in 2014)

Key Losses

Kevin Coyne (OL; All-League Pick in 2014)

Jack Tigh (RB/KR; Beat you both on offense and special teams; All-League Selection in 2014; Honorable Mention All-State as an All Purpose player)

Ted Capsis (DL; All-League Selection a year ago)

Jack Fowler (LB; two-year starter and defensive captain; All-League honoree as a senior)

Brian Goulard (DL; All-League in 2014; 5th Team All-State selection)

Vinny Speranza (LB; Chosen for the All-League team last season)

Overview

Chaminade Celebrates after its upset of St. Anthony’s in the 2013 AAA CHampionship

After making the AAA title game two straight years (winning in 2012) with standout QB, Sean Cerrone, under center, the Flyers would take a minor step back in 2014, posting a sub.500 record and getting knocked down into the AA playoffs, which they would go on to win…2015 will be a year of quieting the doubters and showing that last season was the exception and not the rule….In order to bring this objective to fruition, a lot will be asked of the junior players that spent the 2014 season down on the junior varsity. This is especially the case on the defensive end, which witnessed six of the front seven starters on the D-Line graduate.   Boyd was very candid in admitting that because the cupboard emptied quite a bit at the end of the 2014 season, there will be amble opportunities for rising players to break into the line-up from the opening day…While the J.V. like the varsity, would underachieved a year ago, it should be noted that the talent of the unit has never been in question. As freshmen in 2013, this group went undefeated and won the Catholic Championship.   Hence, under the right tutelage, they have already proven that they have what it takes to get the job done on a consistent basis.

Calling his offense and his special team units the strength of the program, the former three-time National Football League Pro-Bowl Selection would talk up both his quarterbacks, Nick Crennan, and fellow senior, Brendan Finnerty, his wide out Tyler Toussaint, as well as senior kicker, Jack O’Hanlon, who was very solid as a junior and will be even better in his swan song.

Stating that “every game is important and should be circled on the calendar”, Boyd did reveal that he is especially pumped up about his season opener against perennial Empire State powerhouse, Poly Prep. In discussing the match-up, the Chaminade staff would share that coming out of the gates with such a formidable foe has created a sense of urgency among both the coaches and the student-athletes themselves.

Goals in 2015

Echoing the sentiments of the Marianist school’s administration, Boyd would be quick to dismiss wins and losses as any indicator of success. As he so eloquently phrased it, “We want our students to be more successful in life because they were involved in what we do in the football program. It has nothing to do with wins and losses. We will not truly find out if the season was successful until 5, 10, or 15 years after it ends”…The definition of success is as follows: 1) Knowing your purpose in life; 2) Growing to reach your maximum potential; 3) Sowing Seeds that benefit others.

Iona Prep

Head Coach: Victor Quirolo (13th Season as Head Coach; 25th overall on staff)

Last Season: 9-3 (Lost in the AAA Championship game to Stepinac, 16-14)

Key Returning Players

Christian Nigro (Sr; WR/KR)

Rodney Samson (Jr; WR/OLB)

Shane Martin (Sr; RB/OLB; 2nd on the team in rushing yards with 564; led the team with six rushing TDs)

Michael Calicchia (Sr; OL)

Dean Nigro (Sr; DT)

Maliq Rideau (Sr; DB)

Key Losses

Robert Madison (QB; All-League selection; 5th Team All-State; Threw for 2300+ yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior)

Qaadir Sheppard (WR/LB); All-League Selection; 1st Team All-State on Defense; Caught 58 passes for 842 yards and 13 scores; recorded 8 sacks)

Dylan Mucci (All-League selection; WR/SS; Made 54 matches for 812 yards, including 8 grabs for TDs)

Brian Thompson (Made 37 snatches last year for 457 yards and three touchdowns)

Stephon Smith (RB/CB; team’s leading rusher in 2014, accumulating 648 yards on the ground, with three touchdowns; also caught 21 passes for 200+ yards)

Franco Iannacito (OL; All-League Selection)

Xavier Tyler (OL/DL; All-League Selection on the O-Line)

Synceir Malone (DB; All-League; Honorable Mention All-State)

Taj Marable (RB/DB; All-League Selection on defense; also added 5 touchdowns as a running back)

Sal Villano (LB; All-League Selection)

Overview

Hit hard by graduation, Coach Victor Quirolo is concerned that the loss of so many three-year starters on both sides of the ball has left his 2015 squad lacking in depth and necessary experience.   With only seven starters total (four on offense, three on defense) back this season from the team that darn near went all the way to the NYCHSFL AAA crown a year ago, if the Gaels hope to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the tri-state area, they are going to have to do so by getting major efforts out of the rising senior class who were perhaps overshadowed in 2014….Calling it “tough” to replace the likes of All-State players Qaadir Sheppard (who may have been the most complete player in the league last season), Robert Madison, and Synceir Malone, as well as a plethora of additional All-League players, the 13th year Head man did say that he loves the team chemistry that he has been seeing early in training camp.

A program that has always been known for its “Star Wars” air attack, the loss of not only Madison, but his primary back-up, Lyle Bennett, has left the Westchester based school in desperate need of an individual who can step in immediately and fling the ball with authority and precision.   While it was too early in the process to name his official starter, Quirolo did say that thus far, he has been very impressed by what he is seeing out of junior, Michael Apostopoulos, who has put in the time and effort to make the strides required for him to lead the offense without skipping a beat…A luxury that IP will have while getting their throwing game up to speed will be the presence of senior running back, Shane Martin. As a junior, Martin would lead the Gaels in rushing touchdowns with six, and finish second in total yards with 564. Now that he is “the man” in the backfield, you can expect that his increased workload will be met with the potential for a 1,000 yard season in his swan song…Fellow senior, Christian Rosell, who was buried on the depth chart last season, has always possessed the skillset to contribute. Now that he will get that opportunity to stuff it, don’t be surprised if he breaks out and becomes a very dangerous second gun in the running attack. Rosell was the coach’s pick for the player most likely to turn some heads in 2015…Wideouts Rodney Samson and Christian Nigro will also take on more responsibility. If the Gaels get even a portion of the production put forth a year ago by Sheppard, Dylan Mucci, and Brian Thompson, than all signs should point upward for them and their coaches…Having added approximately 25 pounds to his frame since the end of 2014, senior interior lineman, Michael Calicchia, will be the guy that has to set the example in the trenches, as IP tries to overcome the loss of their two All-League linemen, Franco Iannacito and Xavier Tyler. Showing early signs of being able to be a second-in-command to Calicchia is Riley Burke. At 6’5 and 320 pounds, this mountain of a man will certainly move people.

Turning our attention to the other side of the ball, Coach Quirolo called senior Darail McCormick the leader of his defensive line. A versatile player that can be used at either the end or tackle positions, McCormick, along with Dean Nigro, are going to need to carry much of the load on run stopping duties…Patrolling all air space will be Maliq Rideau who had a great role model in Malone last season. The student must now step up and become the master in his senior season as his defensive backfield mates will be leaning on him…Samson, who has all of the tools you seek out in a star player, will be the jack of all trades for this unit. His speed and athleticism will enable him to effectively pass cover, and his size (6’2, 202) gives him the strength to also plug the run on the outside.

Iona Prep will not have to wait long to find out what they are in store for in 2015 as they open up the season with two very challenging games against non-league opponent, Brunswick (September 12th), and the team who bested them in last year’s title game, Stepinac (September 19th)…While it may not be imperative they win either or both games, it is important that they compete so that down the line, they know they can hang with the best of the best during crunch time.

Goals in 2015

1) “Our goal is to get better every day.”

Monsignor Farrell

Head Coach: Anthony Garofalo (1st Season as HC; 18th year on staff)

Last Season: 6-4 (Lost in the AAA Quarterfinals to St. Peter’s Boys, 28-7)

Key Returning Players

Mike Cloppse (Sr; QB; Honorable Mention All-State Selection in 2014; Passed for 1,527 yards and 11 touchdowns, while maintaining 61 percent accuracy as a junior)

Steven Viegas (Sr; RB; All-League in 2014; Honorable Mention All-State; Cracked the 1,000 yard mark as a junior, rushing for 1,067 yards and 9 TD’s)

Zach O’Neil (Sr; OL/DL)

Brandon Perez (Sr; DL)

Robert Regina (Sr; WR/CB)

Key Losses

Andrew Lunarola (WR/DB; All-League as a wide out; Honorable Mention All-State as a senior; team leader last season in all receiving categories with 63 catches for 871 yards and 8 TDs)

Joseph Irlinger (RB/LB; All-League on the defensive side of the ball; Honorable Mention All-State selection; a beast of a tackler, totaling 95 of them as a senior)

Pat Kelly (OL; All-League last season while controlling the offensive line; at 6’5, 260+, he could take over a game with just pure size)

Sean Coughlin (TE/DE; All-League player as a tight end)

Fred DiTommaso (OL/LB; All-League last season)

Christian Sheridan (OL/DL; All-League as a senior; massive 270-pounder that plugged the middle of the field)

Phil Forma (RB/LB; All-League selection from his linebacking position)

Overview

After 17 seasons on the Lions’ varsity bench (1994-2010) that saw him fill both coordinator roles during the stint, Monsignor Farrell Athletic Director, Anthony Garofalo, was named Head Coach in January of this year…A 1989 alumnus of the Staten Island school, in chatting with the first-year varsity coach (he was HC of the freshman team in 2014), one could get easily had a sense for how badly he wanted to restore the program to the glory years of the late 1990s, early 2000s.

Garofalo inherited a varsity squad that returned two of its most dangerous weapons last season in the persons of offensive backfield mates, quarterback Mike Cloppse and tailback, Steven Viegas. Both state recognized (Honorable Mention) players a season ago, when the Lions have ball, you can expect fireworks because both have the ability to take a game over at any time. The presence of Cloppse and Viegas should create such a balanced attack on offense that opposing defenses with not have the luxury of tailoring a game plan to take either away….When Cloppse drops back to pass, he will have plenty of viable options to whom to throw as Farrell is expected to get career years out of the senior receiving trio of Brandon Lieberman, Luke Lunarola, and Joe Schmidt.   Calling his offseason preparation outstanding, Garofalo pegged was Lieberman as the team’s most improved player this season…In speaking with Staten Island Live, Garofalo would describe the offensive line as “starting to come together.” With at least two players who moved up from last year’s junior varsity, Ryan Rivera and Noah Lancia being penciled in as opening day starters, the onus will fall on seniors Joe Landi, John Pillarella, and Zach O’Neil to help accelerate the learning curve. Among offensive players, Landi was who the coaching staff dubbed as a sleeper this season.

Identifying the defensive line as the clear strength of the team, it will be seniors O’Neil and Brandon Perez that set the tone. Both physical specimens that are capable of running down the ball carrier, they, along with fellow senior Christian Contessa will attempt to cause mass chaos to offensive foes in 2015…The linebacking corps, which is noted for the leadership it possess, will feature a mix of returning players and first-year varsity members.   Look for budding star, Carmine Bruno, along with talented junior R.J. Froner to do their best Luke Kuechly impressions from the inside, while Joe Pucciarelli and Antonio Greaves take charge on the outside…Referring to senior, Rob Regina as his anchor in the defensive backfield, Garofalo has stated that he thinks his corners players are excellent in man coverage, which should allow the D-Line to tee off and rack up quite a few sacks. Chris Talercio, another of the rising juniors that will be making their varsity debut in 2015, had a solid year on the junior varsity last season and should be able to step right in and contribute at CB.

On the topic of his 2015 schedule, Garofalo said that he is very much looking forward to his team’s first league game (September 19th) against Cardinal Hayes as a barometer of what 2015 may have in store for the Lions.   Praising the talent level and quality coaching present at Hayes, the Farrell head man called the game a big test…Should the Lions be successful in passing that test, it will be a sign of great things to come the rest of the way.

Goals in 2015:

1) “Our goal is to take every game one at a time and get better each week. With our inexperience at some spots, we know we need to be better in October than we are in September and then hopefully play our best football in November.”

St. Anthony’s

Head Coach: Rich Reichert (29th Season)

Last Season: 7-4 (Lost in the AAA semifinals to Iona Prep, 28-10)

Key Returning Players

Tom Walsh (Sr; QB; Stepped for the injured starter to throw for 927 yards and 14 passing TDs)

Jordan Williams (Sr; RB; Finished 2nd on the team in 2014 with 666 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs)

Kwesi Thomas-Henderson (Sr; RB; Averaged 6.2 YPC as he finished the 2014 season with 224 yards despite being in a deep backfield where his carries were limited; Had a 200+ yard as a kick returner last season)

James Pryor (Sr; WR; Made 28 catches in 2014, totaling 503 receiving yards; Caught four TD passes; also proved very adept as a Kick/Punt returner)

Kyle O’Donnell (Sr; LB; 2014 All-League Selection)

Russell Kohler (Sr; DE); 2014 All-League Selection)

 

Key Losses

Jordan Gowins (RB; Despite missing multiple games because of injury, led the team with 896 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns; also caught three TD passes to finish the season with 14 total scores; 3rd Team All State in 2014; 2013 Hansen Award Winner as the top player in Suffolk)

Steven Genova (QB; Only played in 5 games because of injury; Threw for 220 yards per game to finish with over 1100 yards in the air and seven TD passes; 5th Team All-State)

Evan Killen (RB; Ran for 422 yards in 2014, scoring eight touchdowns on the ground; also caught 29 passes for 171 receiving yards)

Rob McCann (WR; 2014 All-League selection; Led the Friars in all receiving categories—39 Catches, 705 receiving yards, 10 TD passes caught)

Danny Jones (WR; was a stretch the defensive type of threat, making 23 catches for 365 yards and four touchdowns)

Brennan Walsh (OL; All-League Selection; led the way for a running attack that averaged 195 yards per game on the ground; 5th Team All-State)

Tom Dennis (OL; All-League pick in 2014; was a force on an O-Line that gave the QB’s the time to throw for 186 yards per game; 3rd Team All-State)

Ryan Finn (All-League honoree in 2014; joined with his two teammates above to consistently drive defenses back)

Pete Corbett (DE; All-League Selection; All-Long Island 1st Team member ; spent as much time in the backfield as he did on his side of the line of scrimmage, piling up 73 total tackles, 22.5 sacks, and 4 Forced fumbles; 2nd Team All-State)

Josh Jefferson (LB; 2014 All-League pick)

Overview

Finding themselves in very unfamiliar territory at the end of the 2014 season, having failed to advance to the league finals for the first time since 1998 (11 titles during that range), the Friars will hit the gridiron this year with a chip on their shoulder and a point to prove…Severely affected by injuries to their signal caller (Steven Genova) and their star running back (Jordan Gowins) for much of 2014, it is very possible that St. Anthony’s never were afforded the opportunity to show the Catholic football scene just how lethal their offense could be when firing on all cylinders…With these two studs, as well as 12 additional from 2014 having graduated, Rich Reichert (entering his 29th year at the helm) and his team will need to embrace the roll of slight underdogs as they attempt to demonstrate that as the old adage goes, there is no rebuilding in South Huntington, only reloading.
From MSG Varsity
While it was too early in preseason camp to pencil in specific starters at the vacant positions, Reichert did say that based on what he knew about his returning players, he felt very strongly that his offense would again be quite dangerous thanks in large part to the immense collective talent currently occupying the skill positions. Given their resumes entering their respective senior seasons, four individuals that we believed would definitely be difference makers and potential game changers were the backfield tandem of Jordan Williams and Kwesi Thomas-Henderson. Combining last year to eat up just under 1,000 yards while sharing carries with Gowins and Evan Killen among others, both of their gentlemen have the athleticism to take it to the house each and every time the ball is placed in their hands…Attacking to the nightmare for opposing defenses will be the pitch-and-catch combo of Tom Walsh and James Pryor. Entering his junior year expecting to carry a clipboard while serving as the back-up to Genova, when circumstance dictated that Walsh mature quicker than later, he would respond, throwing for 927 yards and 14 scores. More importantly, he gained that big game experience that often separates champions from also rans late in a season; nothing is going to phase this young man anymore…Pryor, who surpassed the 500 yard total as a receiver will now pick up where McCann left off, siding into the #1 receiver’s slot to make the Friars as competent in the air as they always been on the ground…Reichert’s only concern regarding this unit was the lack of field time along the offensive line. It is never an easy task to replace three departed All-League players along the interior. The hope among the staff is that whomever steps in to replace Brennan Walsh, Tom Dennis, and Ryan Finn will do well enough to allow the God given talents of the men above to shine.

Much like the strength of the offensive line remains a little bit enigmatic at the onset of the season, so too does a defensive unit that only brings back four of 11 starters…Thankfully, two of this quarter of experienced stoppers were All-League selections, putting a lot of pressure on linebacker, Kyle O’Donnell and DE Russell Kohler to set the example and lead a group of fresh faces. If they can do that, than the Friars should again be in the hunt for trophies.

Schedule wise, Reichert was quick to say that his team’s never take an opponent lightly. However, being forth coming, he suggested that it would be a lie if he did not admit that the Iona Prep (October 3rd) and Stepinac (October 17th) games were prominent on his mind. As the only two league opponents to best his team last year, a little revenge is always a goal for which to shoot. Also standing out because of the intense rivalry in all sporting events is the contest against Chaminade, which happens to fall right in the middle on October 9th. Should be a great three-week period for the STA faithful.

Goals in 2015

1) “We want to get back to the NYCHSFL championship game.”

St. Peter’s Boys

Head Coach: Mark DeCristoforo (3rd Season)

Last Season: 9-1 (Undefeated regular season; lost in the semifinals of the AAA playoffs)

Key Returning Players:

Mike Noone (Sr; OT/DT; Only 2-way player on the team in 2014; 2nd Team All-City selection in 2014; Honorable Mention All-State)

Michael Brancato (Sr; OG; on the varsity since 2013)

Aidan Smith (Sr; DE)

Jason Karteron (Sr; LB)

Key Losses

Joe Czelusniak (QB; 1417 Throwing Yards, 12 Touchdown Passes vs. 3 INTs; Honorable Mention All-State)

Sean Kennedy (OL; All-League Selection; Recipient of the Somma Award as S.I.’s top lineman; 1st Team All-City; 2nd Team All-Metro team; 3rd Team All-State)

Willie Dale (WR; On Full scholarship at Wagner College; 33 Receptions, 641 Receiving Yards, 7 Touchdowns; 1st Team All-City; 5th Team All-State selection)

Galo Carrera (RB; 878 Rushing Yards, 9 touchdowns; All-League Selection In 2014)

Tyler Zanghi (RB; 462 Rushing Yards, 6 touchdowns)

Matt Ruggirello (WR; 24 Receptions, 495 Receiving Yards, 9 Total touchdowns)

Will Myhre (C; All-League selection in 2014; 1st Team All-City; Honorable Mention All-State)

Jeff Karteron (FS; 1st Team All-State; All-League honoree; 1st Team All-City; Led the NYCHSFL in interceptions two years in a row)

Nic Franklyn (DL; All-League pick in 2014; 2nd Team All-City; Honorable Mention All-State)

Sean Wade (LB; 2014 All-League team member; 1st Team All-City; Honorable Mention All-State)

Overview

Despite the graduation of 19 key players that helped to lead the STP program to its finest two seasons in program history with a combined record of 17-4 (lost in the 2013 AA semis; lost in the AAA semis in the 2014), Coach Mark DeCristoforo has about as optimistic an outlook on 2015 as you will find around the league. Rather than harking on all of the talent that no longer will roam the sidelines of the Staten Island school, the third-year leader of the Eagles is envisioning all of the potential that he sees coming up through the three levels of football.

On the offensive side of the ball, junior tailback, Bobby Wing, has what DeCristoforo called “a rare combination of speed and power.” His emergence will most definitely be essential in helping to gain back the 1300+ yard that was lost to 2014 commencement. Wing also possesses amazing versatility, as he is also a gifted pass catcher out of the backfield. His above average field vision, when coupled with his natural ability to cut smoothly, makes him a serious threat to break a play for big yards anytime the ball in his hands….At the wideout position, senior Joe Torres, has begun to assert showcase himself as a viable weapon in the passing game. After not starting last season, Torres has been among the players who have stood out the most during summer practices…Speaking of the passing game, while the starter has not officially been named, rumor has it that the inside track currently belongs to senior transfer, Joseph Mazziotta. A member of national powerhouse and perennial New Jersey State title threat, Bergen Catholic for the first three-years of his scholastic career, if not for the presence of Tennessee commit, James Guarantano, it could easily be “Mazz” that was marching the Crusader offense to a Garden State title in 2015….Acting as the straws that stir the proverbial drink along the line will be Mike Noone and Michael Brancato. Both three-year members of the Varsity, their ability to open holes and keep pressure off their QB will prove to be priceless this season.   Add in 310 pound junior Pedro Guzman (whose pure bulk has already caught the attention of Syracuse University) at the tackle position and you are going to have more than a few D-lineman on opposing teams getting blown off the ball snap after snap.

Defensively speaking, Noone will again be tasked with the responsibility of turning the middle of the line into a black hole for opposing running backs…While he is wreaking havoc at the DT/NG position, it will be returning starter, Aidan Smith, and senior first-year starter, Viomo Emmanuel, who DeCristoforo called the most improved player on the team this year, who will be patrol the ends of the field and blitz quarterbacks unmercifully…Senior MLB, Jason Karteron (younger brother of All-State defensive back, Jeff) is a candidate for the breakout performer of 2015. A player that the Peter’s Boys staff said was capable of starting last season, now that he will be getting his chance in his final season of eligibility, you can expect him to make his mark known…. A.J. Mistler, who scored 15 total touchdowns last season for Junior Varsity squad might be the most electrifying player on the roster. He is 100 percent pure athlete and if all goes well, will take away any chance the opposition has of throwing deep by using his ball and pass coverage skills to negate this facet of the game…Junior Nick Volpe is said to be looking so good during summer workouts that many are convinced that he is well on his way towards developing into one of the finest linebackers in Eagle history.

As it pertains to his team’s greatest weaknesses and strengths, Coach DeCristoforo gave a very original answer, saying, “Our greatest strength and weakness will be essentially the same thing, our youth. We have to re-learn the playbook and techniques on both sides of the ball essentially from scratch. We are void of experience but we are more talented than last year.” DeCristoforo told Staten Island live, “This is absolutely starting from scratch again but it’s very exciting because compared to two years ago, our numbers are completely different. We have double the kids in the program.”

With St. Anthony’s awaiting them in their third game of the season, DeCristoforo cited how important a 2-0 start to the season would be in terms of giving his youngsters confidence that 2015 can be just as special as the season that preceded it….Another big game that the Peter’s Boys staff have bolded on their calendar is the homecoming game on October 17th against Monsignor Farrell.   This is a clash of bragging rights among the leading S.I. programs and a “w” for a second year in a row will be a sign that the new kings will be having a long reign.

Goals for 2015:

1) Don’t Take a Step back— “We don’t want to take a step back. We want to maintain our position as the top Catholic team on Staten Island and in NYC. We want to beat the teams we beat last year in the regular season so we hold at least the #4 spot and get a home playoff game. If we knock off one of the top 3 teams I would consider that improvement for our program but not the goal. We will be a young team in September but a veteran team in November so we want to win a semifinal game this year. That would be progress for our program. If we knock off a top 3 team in the regular season and lose in the first round or in the semifinal, I would not think we took a step forward.”