By Matt Diano:
Chaminade
Head Coach:
Kevin Dolan (4th Season at the School)
Last Season:
Record: 2-7; Lost 42-21 in NYCHSFL “AAA” Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players:
*Liam Brown (Sr; Center): 225-pound, senior pivot that will try to open up the middle of the field for his tailbacks.
*Antonio Gerbino (Sr; OT): A little smaller than the typical offensive tackle, but accounts for it with toughness and determination.
*Donovan Wood (Sr; WR): Leads all returning Flyers with 14 coaches for 103 yards in 2018.
*Mario Fischetti (Jr; RB): The MVP of the Junior Varsity squad last year, the 5’7, 145-pound running back will be asked to assume RB1 duties from the opening snap of the 2019 season.
*Ryan Walsh (Sr; QB): The 3rd-string signal caller a season ago, despite only attempting five pass attempts, Walsh gained a comfort level running the offense. That will experience will be very beneficial as he takes the reins in his final season wearing the Crimson & Gold.
*Robert Booth (Sr; DE): The captain of the “D” unit; logged 52 tackles, 1 sack, 3 QB hurries, and 3 PDs as a junior.
*Brandan Coward (Sr; ILB): Tops all returning Chaminade players with 54 tackles).
*Dylan Lomelo (Sr; FS): The leader of the defensive backfield; made 43 stops and defended 3 passes as an 11th grader.
*Brendan McCabe (Sr; DE): Committed to the University of Michigan for lacrosse, McCabe is a thoroughbred athlete who will make plays on God-given abilities alone.
*Conner Garzone (Sr; LB): Another multi-sport student-athlete, as the goalie for a nationally ranked lacrosse team, Garzone is no stranger to keeping foes off the board.
Impact Newcomers
*Liam McCormick (Jr): Another blue-chip lax player; will bring speed and aggression to the DE
*Aidan Lang (Jr): Will bolster the DL by being a stopper in the middle.
*Blaise Takvor (Jr): Should see considerable action on the OL as a tackle.
*Parker Warantz (Jr): Fills a significant need for a team that lost their top-3 receivers to graduation
*Vincent Fowler (Jr): The fourth sibling (all linebackers) to play for the Flyers, Fowler was a varsity call-up as a sophomore for the lacrosse team; he is as tough as they come and will find a way to lay a hat on people every chance he gets.
*Robert Dimilia (Jr): Offers the Flyers some insurance at the quarterback position.
2019 Overview
A program that won just one league game a season ago, that victory came against of all opponents, the eventual league and state titlists from Stepinac…On paper, when you look at the total breadth of athletic ability (as demonstrated through their multiple-sport accolades), this is a team that should contend simply on physical gifts…In addition, after being a perennial AAA league member, the Flyers made the decision this past off-season to drop down to AA, which could/should be to their advantage. The last time that Chaminade competed in Double-A, it was the 2014 postseason and the Mineola based school won the crown!
Always regarded as a program that tends to lean heavily on its senior class, 2019 be one of the most balanced rosters the school has had it quite some time. The Flyers will enjoy the luxury of welcoming an amazing rising junior class that ended 2018 as the Junior Varsity AAA runners-up…For this reason, a multitude of 11th graders on both sides of the ball will get their #s called early and often…With these sentiments in mind, it will not be long before the likes of Mario Fischetti (RB), Parker Warantz (WR) and Blaise Takvor (OT) will be proven commodities on offense, and Liam McCormick (DE), Aidan Lang (DT), and Vin Fowler (LB) will be household names for the defense.
While the aforementioned class of 2021 make this hopefully seamless transition to the more intense level of competition, Coach Dolan has expressed a deep confidence in a core group of seniors that enter this year under the radar, but have put in the blood, sweat, and tears and are fully equipped to deliver when stakes are their highest…On offense, Ryan Walsh will get the first crack at taking the snaps. A modest 1-for-5 passing last season as a junior, with additional reps should come a much more potent performance out of the 6’1, 180-pounder. The prototypical dual-threat QB that has been a trademark of the Chaminade offense, Walsh did shine on a few occasions as a ball-carrier, gaining 45 yards and scoring a touchdown on six keeps… Tailbacks, Jagger Kuhner (1 carry for 8 yards) and Anthony Senft (2 hand-offs for 2 yards) were pinpointed as belonging in the category of “ready to break out”…Complementing their fellow 12th grader, Donovan Wood (14 grabs for 103 yards), Paolo Maggio and Thomas Petrucci “will be contributing greatly at WR” per Dolan…Steered by Liam Brown and Antonio Gerbino, and fortified by 285-pound returning guard, Michael Mooney, don’t be surprised if the offensive line turns out to be a major strength this year.
Labeled, “a faster defensive unit in 2019” by their head coach, DE Robert Booth (52 tackles, 1 sack, 5 hurries) and ILB Brandon Coward (54 stops) will be the backbone of the front-7, while Dylan Lomelo (43 tackles, 3 pass break-ups) will be the straw that stirs the last line of defense…Brendan McCabe (DE) and Conner Garzone (LB), who at the moment are more famous for their lacrosse accomplishments, represented well in camp and are now regarded as potential hidden gems on the gridiron…Aidan Cappellino (LB) and Kevin Cudahy (DB) round out the collection of upperclassmen that were singled out as essential personnel on “D”.
Kellenberg Memorial
Head Coach:
Kevin Hanifan (24 Years as the HC)
Last Season:
Record: 12-0; Claimed the AA” title behind a 41-6 victory over Xavier
Top Returning Players:
*Jordan DeLucia (Sr; RB/S): 4th Team All-State/All-Catholic selection in 2018; A definitive game-changer; ran for a AA leading total of 1,380 yards (10th overall in NYS) and scored 18 touchdowns (3rd most in Double-A) as a junior; Also caught 15 passes for an additional 271 yards and scored once; Will be asked to assume a larger role on defense this year from the LB position.
*Dan Settino (Sr; QB): After backing up 1st-Team All-State/NYCHSFL AA Offensive Player of the Year, Matt Sluka, last season, Settino will finally get the opportunity to show just how solid a performer he can be; Completed both of his pass attempts in 2018 for 9 yards; Gained 67 yards on 15 carries.
*Sean Foley (Sr; Center): The lone holdover from an OL that enabled the Firebirds to rack up 4,409 yards and score 62 TDs between the rushing and passing games.
*Kyle Sharkey (Sr; WR): Very capable play-maker who if necessary, could have stepped in at any time and been a contributor; will break out in 2019 now that he is being given the opportunity.
*Bo Jules (Sr; RB/LB): An excellent #2 option out of the backfield, Jules averaged 6.3 yards per carry as a junior (208 yards on 33 touches) and found the end zone on two occasions; Making 20 tackles last season, his speed at LB will be a major factor.
*Anthony Bradshaw (Sr; LB): Registered 18 stops as an 11th grader; further bolsters what should be a very impressive corps of linebackers.
*Julian Hosty (Sr; LB): Behemoth of a young man, standing 6’6 and weighing over 300 bills; Is the lone starter on a defensive line that allowed KMHS to surrender only 12 points per contest; Was credited with making 12 tackles
*Elijah Jean (Sr; DB): Gained valuable experience in the secondary as a junior; will move into the starting line-up in 2019; recorded 4 stops in 2018.
Impact Newcomers
*Will Ligarzewski (Jr.)—Two-way lineman that will move into the starting line-up on both sides of the ball at OG and DE.
*Griffin Chernoff (Jr.)—The 2018 Junior Varsity Most Valuable Player recipient, Chernoff averaged over 200 yards rushing last year in leading the Firebirds to the AA finals; Possesses great versatility and could be incorporated into the offense as either another RB option or out-wide; Expected to big minutes on defense at LB.
*Maximus Mongelli (Jr.)—The fourth and final member of this famed sibling dynasty; if you know Kellenberg football, you are already keenly aware of the impact that the Mongellis have had as receivers…Last season, brother, Matthew, led the Blue & Gold in every WR category in being named Honorable Mention All-State. There will be no thinning of the blood with Maximus.
2019 Overview
A program that enters the 2019 season riding an unprecedented 22-game winning streak (2nd longest active streak in New York State), the two-time defending Double-A Champions out of Uniondale have not just turned victory into a weekly occurrence, they have also mastered the art of domination. During this immaculate string of victories, only twice has the margin of triumph been 10 points or less…Simply put, the magnificent class of 2019 (headlined by 2x Offensive Player of the Year, Matt Sluka; 2017 Defensive Player of the Year, Danny Wilson; All-State OL, Thomas Cipolla; All-League LB, Jake Deakin; AS HM WR Matt Mongelli, All-Catholic DL, Thomas Brzezinski etc…) have made it look TOO EASY the past two seasons.
Now, with all of the aforementioned having moved onward and upward to the collegiate ranks, it will be a new group of Firebirds that are tasked with the unenviable mission of delivering a three-peat to the Marianist faithful!!!
Fortunately for Coach Kevin Hanifan, now in his 24th season, Kellenberg will feature about as good a foundational piece as you can find in the person of senior tailback/linebacker, Jordan DeLucia. If you asked all of the staffs in the NYCHSFL if there was one player that they would want to build around, our guess is that the 2018 4th Team All-State RB would be at or near the top of the list…A young gentleman who “has it all”, the Ivy League has been hot on his trails and with good reason. A three-year varsity starter, the 6’0, 208-pounder accumulated 1,998 yards and took the pigskin to pay dirt 23 times between his sophomore and junior campaigns. And, as crazy as it is to predict, we fully are anticipating him blowing his previous career-highs out of the water in his final year on Glenn Curtiss Blvd.
Assisting the phenom [DeLucia] on the offensive side of the ball at the skill positions and hopefully carving out their own legacies will be the likes of QB Danny Settino (2-for-2 passing, 9 yards), RB Bo Jules (208 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns on 33 carries), and a receiving contingent consisting of seniors of Joe Foley, Eamon Flynn (amazing acceleration; 33 yards on 4 carries in 2018), Kyle Sharkey (used primarily as a place-kicker as a junior), as well as top rising juniors from last season’s Junior Varsity AA runners-up, Griffin Chernoff (2018 JV MVP) and Maximus Mongelli…Senior center, Sean Foley, will set the tone for an offensive line that will have four new starters…Junior, Will Ligarzewski, is being hailed as an animal in the weight room and has the confidence of all parties when it comes to his ability to quickly develop as an elite lineman in his first season on varsity…
Defensively, what “the Berg” may lack in quality/quantity reps and stat lines, they will make up for with supreme speed, agility, and ferocity…Jules (20 tackles), Chernoff, and Anthony Bradshaw (18 stops as a junior) project as one heck of a threesome at the linebacker positions…As a Senior incumbent, Julian Hosty (12 tackles, 1 TFL) will provide direction and leadership to a defensive line that hinges upon the off-season progression made by fellow 12th grader, Shane Cameron (7 tackles), and the immediate emergence of Ligarzewski, among others…The senior trio of DeLucia’s (2 tackles), Elijah Jean (4 stops), and Keith Curran (returns after not playing in 2018) assume the role of the ball hawks for KMHS.
St. Francis Prep
Head Coach:
Rich Carroll (5th Season at HC)
Last Season:
Record: 1-7; Did not Advance to the AA playoffs
Top Returning Players:
*Omarian Jones (Sr; WR/CB): 2018 All-Catholic selection at QB; threw for 293 yards and two TDs; rushed for 311 yards and three scores on 56 carries (5.6 average); Will transition to WR as a senior; Recorded 14 tackles on “D”.
*Juan Burnet Merlin (Sr; OT): 6’0, 252-pound Offensive tackle that will bring veteran leadership to the OL.
*Eric Terrano (Sr; OL): 6’0, 260-pound pivot that will look to blow opposing DTs off the board on every snap.
*Christian Gooding (Sr; OL/DL): 6’0, 278-pounder, who will be invaluable to running game as a pulling guard; not listed as a starter on defense, he should add depth to the DL; made 13 stops as an 11th grader.
*Robert Padavona (Sr; WR/DB): Last season, in a run-heavy scheme, he mustered two catches for 36 yards and recorded one of the two TD receptions posted by the school; also utilized as defense, registering 18 stops.
*Daniel Chung (Jr; ILB): Led all Terrier student-athletes in tackles last season 50; also tacked on 1 sack, and two forced fumbles.
*Flauderson Fergilus (Sr; DT): Made 16 total stops, including four that yielded minus yardage.
*Dean Bair (Sr; DT): Stout 269-pound senior defensive tackle that adds to muscle to the DL.
*Joseph Pasqua (Sr; RB/LB): Rushed for 25 yards on eight hand-offs as a junior; caught two passes for 10 yards; posted defensive totals of 17 stops, 4 TFLs, and 1 sack; Will start at OLB, and could see action as part of the running back ensemble.
Impact Newcomers
*Kaleb Artis (So.)—One of the stars off of a 2018 Junior Varsity that won the AA crown; will move immediately into the starting-11 at defensive end.
*Elohking Beasley (So.)—Begins his varsity career as the top-man on the depth chart at tailback.
*Jacob Marmott (So.)—Will partner with Chung as a starting inside linebacker.
*Justice Allah-Byrd (Jr.)—Expected to crack the starting-11 on day #1 as the outside linebacker; also can make his presence known as a tailback on “O”.
*Nicholas Destefano (Jr.)—Adds depth to the running back committee.
*Matthew Gonzalez (Jr.)—So talented a quarterback prospect that his arrival on the varsity prompted the move of Jones (after two years as the starter) to WR.
2019 Overview
A program that is definitely due to have a redemption year following a slightly disappointing 1-7 tally in 2018, Carroll’s Terriers represent the ideal combination of battle-tested veterans and swagger-walking, supremely confident fresh faces. Winners of the junior varsity double-A hardware last year, the influx of rising sophomore and junior studs is sure to make a noticeable difference in Fresh Meadows.
Right off the bat offensively, you recognize quite the shake-up at the quarterback position as junior/first-year varsity team member, Matthew Gonzalez, has been handed the controls of the machine, displacing two-year starter, Omarion Jones (21-for-53, 293 yards throwing, 2 TDs; 311 yards on the ground, 3 more touchdowns), who will transition to wide-receiver in his senior year…Joining Jones at WR will be fellow 12th grader, Robert Padavona, who is the leader among returning personnel in all receiving categories (2 catches for 36 yards; caught one of the team’s two TDs in 2018)…201-pound 11th grader, Stephen Bracco, has both the strength and the hands to be a full-service tight end…The running back position will be the greatest pronouncement of the youth movement, as 10th grader, Elohking Beasley, and juniors, Justice Allah-Byrd and Nick DeStefano, are projected to take the bulk of hand-offs in 2019…Senior, Joseph Pasqua (28 yards on 8 carries; 2 grabs for 10 yards) could also enter the mix in the backfield…Constituting what at first glance looks to be the most massive offensive line on the Catholic map this season will be the senior quartet of Juan Burnet- Merlin (252 pounds) and Justin Jean-Francois (335) at the tackles, Christian Gooding (278) at guard, and Eric Terrano (260) manning the middle…By no means a lightweight himself, 11th grader, Patrick Russo (249), rounds out the OL.
Defensively, the Terriers will take their cues from seniors, Flauderson Fergilus and Dean Bair, up front, Daniel Chung and Pasqua at the second level, and Jones in the defensive backfield…As a junior DT in 2018, Fergilus made 16 stops (4 for a loss)..Bair, at 269 pounds does a fantastic job of plugging gaps …Chung is probably the most well-known entity on this D-unit after leading the team in tackles as a sophomore with 50 (added 1 sack, and causing two turnovers…As a junior, Pasqua recorded 17 stops, tied for 3rd on the team with four TFLs, and posted one sack…Occupying the corner as an 11th grader, Jones was credited with 14 tackles last season…Christian Costello (DE), Kaleb Artis (DE), Jacob Marmott (ILB), the aforementioned Allah-Byrd (OLB), and defensive backs, Kyle Hoahing and Aidan Griffin are just a sampling of the rookies expected to quickly become household names in the coming weeks…Not identified as starters, Gooding (13 tackles, 1 fumble recovery) and Padavona (18 stops) are solid reserve options on the DL and secondary respectively.
St. Peter’s
Head Coach:
George Mahoney (2nd Year As Head Coach)
Last Season:
Record: 4-5; Lost 48-14 in the “AA” Quarterfinals to Kellenberg Memorial
Top Returning Players:
*Anthony Casillo (Sr; OG): Helped Eagles run for 2,361 yards last season.
*Erik Eppinger (Sr; OT): Returning starter along the OL; Protection allowed STP to throw for 533 yards last season.
*Sal Daleo (Sr; FB/OG): Versatile player who could add depth to OL or be called on as a blocker out of the backfield.
*Kaiwan Taylor (Jr; RB): Team’s leading rusher last season (738 yards on 134 carries).
*Michael Datello (Jr; RB): Rushed for 440 yards on 51 carries as a sophomore.
*John Martello (Sr; FS): Returning starter in the defensive backfield.
*Joseph Montalvo (Sr; ILB): Returning starting Linebacker.
*Derek Rosenow (Jr; DE/DT): One of the anchors of the DL; can be utilized at either End or tackle.
*Sean Badon (Sr; NG): Returning starting at Defensive Tackle.
*Matt Aprile (Sr; OLB): Returning starting Outside Linebacker
Impact Newcomers
*Chris Prince (So)—Penciled in as a starter in the defensive backfield; could also add to the depth in the offensive backfield.
*Vincent Mazzone (Jr)–Will be one of two primary TEs used this season.
*George Anastasiadis (Jr)—Will battle Mazzone for time at Tight End.
*Nick Chiaia (Jr.)—Could emerge as the starting QB in his first season on varsity
*Brendan McKeon (Jr.)—Slotted to join Prince as the other starting cornerback
*Robert Deverson (Jr.)—Standing 6’4 and tipping the scales at 230+, he will see quality time along the offensive line at the tackle position
*Chris Stumpf (Jr)—Solid two-way player who could start on “D” as a strong safety; is able to a capable pass-catcher who could contribute as either a WR or TE.
2019 Overview
A program that was a lot better than the 4-5 record they sported in 2018, when we saw the match-ups for last year’s double-A quarterfinals, our initial thought was that this could be a very scary opponent for the defending champion, Kellenberg Firebirds…Afterall, during the regular season, St. Peter’s came within 60 seconds of handing KMHS their lone loss…And while the postseason meeting may not have been dramatic, just the mere fact that on their best day, they showed that they could play with anybody is reason to enough to be optimistic heading into the 2019 year.
Gone may be the team’s five 2018 All-Catholic selections—Sonny Badyna (QB; 533 yards passing, 358 yards rushing), Peter Sluder (5th Team All-State OL), Mike Hoffler (DL), Eric Torres (DB), and Tom Bossert (LB), as well as Special Teamer extraordinaire, Nick Guglielmo (PK)—but one look at the 2019 Eagles’ roster more than shows that this is not a cohort that is short on talent or potential.
On the offensive side of the ball, St. Peter’s brings back their #1 and #3 ranked rushers from a season ago, Kaiwan Taylor and Michael Datello….Combining to run for close to 1,200 yards last season, this tandem will provide one of the top 1-2 punches in the AA division in 2019…Helping them in their quest to chew up major yardage will be an OL that features returning starters at the guard (Anthony Casillo) and tackle (Erik Eppinger) positions. Averaging over 260 pounds between themselves, this duo of road graders will open more than a few holes…Senior, Lear Walker (250-pound OT) and newcomer, Robert Deverson, will both bolster an already strong line…….Juniors, Nick Chiala and Chris Kelly, will be in contention to take over signal caller duties. In limited action as a sophomore, Kelly showed some natural athleticism, running for an average of 4 yards per carry on his six touches…The senior duo of Michael Politi and Liam Grapes will handle wide-out responsibilities in their swan song campaigns…George Anastasiadis and Vincent Mazzone, both 11th graders, will complement the full game-plan as reliable blockers/receivers from the TE position.
On the defense, the Eagles will be a little inexperienced in the secondary (senior FS, John Martello, being the only listed returner), but will be immensely experienced and talented among the front-7…Back for another year of starting service will be both DEs, James Clark and Derek Rosenow, as well as DT Sean Badon…3/4 of the linebacking corps also come back, as Patrick Hayes and Joseph Montalvo will be the Mikes, while Matt Aprile patrols the outside… Luke Jakubauskas, who was identified as one of the breakout stars in camp, will see his role increase tremendously this season, as he will be the other OLB….Chris Prince, Brendan McKeon, and Chris Stumpf, will all be making their varsity debuts this year, but possess the skillset to be immediate play-makers along the last line.
Xavier
Head Coach:
Chris Stevens (18th Season Leading the Charge)
Last Season:
Record: 7-5; Lost “AA” finals to Kellenberg Memorial, 41-6
Top Returning Players:
*Dylan McLaren (Sr; OG): Lone returning starter off of an OL that made it possible for the Knights to pound their way to 2,905 yards and 34 touchdowns on the ground.
*Frank Bernie (Sr; PB): Extremely well-rounded back whose role in the offense will grow substantially; As a junior, he gained 22 yards on four carries; was 2nd on the team with 7 receptions for 56 yards + 1TD.
*Matthew Geruso (Sr; FB): Posted a banner junior year in 2018 where he finished 2nd on the team in all major rushing categories (127 carries for 806 yards, and 7 scores).
*Gregory Steffens (Sr; RS): Recorded 36 tackles (5.5 TFL), 1 sack, and 1 PD as an 11th grader.
*James Donaldson (Sr; LB): Leads all returning defensive players with 71 (4 TFL) stops in 2018; Added 1 sack and 1 successful PD to his resume.
*Anthony Bruno (Sr; 2B/CB): A threat on both sides of the ball, Bruno rushed for 241 yards and 3 touchdowns on 45 carries as a junior; Gained valuable experience at cornerback, making 8 tackles and picking off one pass; Accumulated 112 yards as a kickoff returner.
Impact Newcomers
*Andrew Scariano (Jr)—Another “big back”, at 5’11 and 190 pounds, he is expected to earn his share of carries this season and will be a perfect complement piece.
*Robert Betsais (Jr)—Wasted no time in cracking the starting line-up at OT in his first season on varsity.
*Jude Griffith (Jr.)—Will need to make a quick transition to a higher level of play following heavy graduation hits on defense; has been announced as a day #1 starter at linebacker.
*Damian Huggins (Jr)–Another immediate first-year contributor, the 230-pound 11th grader will start at defensive tackle
2019 Overview
A program that you just cannot help but embrace because of their unrelenting commitment to the fundamentals on both sides of the ball, no matter the names/faces of their personnel, the Knights just seem to always be “that team” that no one wants to play early in the postseason…Molded in the old school brand of football by living legend, Chris Stevens, it is because of the school’s track record of continually being in a state or reload that we remain as high as ever in gauging their stock in 2019…Returning just six of 22 starters (three on each side of the line), last year’s AA runners-up do not resemble title contenders on paper, but yet, in practicality, you just accept the fact that they were, are, and always will be dangerous. When it comes to Xavier football, the “Collective” blows the sum of the parts out of the water!
Never short on hard-nosed talent in the backfield, the Knights will again incorporate a “back by committee” philosophy as part of their Wing-T offensive scheme…Figuring prominent into the rotation will be the likes of Matthew Geruso, Anthony Bruno, Frank Bernie, Timothy Hollywood, and Andrew Scariano…Geruso, fresh off of a junior campaign where he gained 806 yards and scored 7 TDs on 127 carries (6.3 average), should witness his numbers go through the roof this year, now that he has assumed top carrier responsibilities following the graduation of Dan Vittiburga (All-Catholic; 2nd in AA with 1,257 yards; 2nd in TDs with 19)…Bruno (241 yards on 45 carries) came on strong at the end of 2018, scoring two of his three overall TDs in the postseason, including Xavier’s only touchdown in the finals’ loss to Kellenberg…Bernie, who is a definitive all-purpose contributor, ran for 22 yards on four carries, while also finishing 2nd on the team with seven catches (56 yards, 1 TD)…Hollywood was recognized as one of the most improved players on the roster, and Scariano was referenced as one of the newcomers the staff was most excited to see compete… Guard, Dylan McLaren (5’11, 200), the lone incumbent on the OL, and OT, Brian Boyle (6’1, 195 pounds), will be the senior catalysts for a group that will also be composed of juniors—Thomas Allison (Center; 5’10, 180), Robert Betsais (OT; 6’2, 210), and Michael Frizalone (OG; 5’8, 200)…Patrick Clark and Daniel Chapman, both of whom have come into their own since the end of 2018, will form an all-senior TE corps.
Renowned for shutdown defense on West 16th Street, a lot of proverbial weight will be on the shoulders of returning starters James Donaldson, Greg Steffens, and the aforementioned Bruno…The next in the long line of mind-blowing linebackers to play at Xavier, Donaldson (71 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack) will have the added pressure of following in the footsteps of 2018 AA Defensive Player of the Year recipient, Valery Gwardyak…Impact rookie, Jude Griffith, commences his varsity career as a day #1 starter at the other LB…Steffens (36 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PDs) and Bruno (8 stops, 1 interception) head up a secondary that should get significant efforts out of fellow 12th graders, Sean Hennessy (1 tackle in 2018), Jack Collins, and Robert Donaldson (5 stops as an 11th grader)…Graduating the entire outfit, the DL will now turn to Christian Valentino (7 stops), Brandon Cohen (4 tackles), Clark, and budding first-year varsity player, Damian Huggins, to hold down the fort up front.
Fordham Prep
Head Coach:
Patrick Deane (2nd Season As HC)
Last Season:
Record: 7-4; Lost to Kellenberg Memorial, 47-20, in NYCHSFL “AA” Semifinals
Top Returning Players:
*Zach Wallace (Sr; RB/DB): 2018 All-League honoree; Led the Rams in all rushing categories last season (778 yards and 6 TDs on 92 carries); also caught 8 passes for 181 yards and three more scores; Is a complete two-way player who will star in the defensive backfield as well this season; Made 9 tackles, earned one sack, and had an interception as a junior.
*Owen Loffredo (Sr; WR): Definitive top-receiving target this season; finished 3rd on the team in receptions (24), yardage (305), and TD catches (3) as an 11th grader.
*Michael Adair (Sr; RB): Solid #2 option out of the backfield; rushed for 63 yards on 21 carries last season; Had a 35-yard grab for his lone reception as a junior.
*Jayden Wiggins (Jr; WR): Bolsters an always pass-friendly offense by providing a reliable secondary target; as a sophomore, caught 9 passes for 124 yards, with one touchdown.
*Mike Rice (Jr; LB): Fresh off a spectacular sophomore season that saw him finish 2nd on the team with 70 tackles.
*Sean Halbert (Sr; SS/OLB): An all-purpose defender that is equally adept at stuffing the run as he is in pass coverage; as an 11th grader, he recorded 53 tackles and intercepted one pass.
*Jaysen Sanz (Sr; CB/LB): Registered 52 stops and forced one fumble as an 11th grader last year.
*Jake Torres (Sr; SS/OLB): Recorded 14 tackles, logged one sack, and recovered two fumbles in 2018.