By Matt Diano
With 2014 Division A Champions, the Rams of Fordham Prep having moved up to the AA classification, the title will be up for grabs this season among these five teams.
Xaverian, as your returning runners-up from a season ago, assume the role of the hunted in 2015 as they enter the season as the prohibitive favorites to claim the trophy that escaped in 2014. With returning All-League running back, Brandon Peterson, expected to eat up opposing defenses and leading tackler, Michael Rossetti, ready to drill anyone and anything that crosses his path, this squad will be a tough one to contend with this season.
Cardinal Spellman, under the guidance of 14th year head coach, William Cawley, will be out to see revenge against the Clippers, having been bounced by Xaverian, 18-0, in the semifinals last season…If their lack of depth does not end up haunting them, watch out as the team returns half of their starters on both sides of the ball, meaning that in a tight contest down the stretch, that experience could be worth its weight in gold (or gold trophies).
Kennedy Catholic, who gained valuable experience a year ago, competing with a team comprised of mostly freshmen and sophomores, will look to take that next step as a program and break into the win column in 2015. While they remain an incredibly youthful squad, they do have experience where it counts in the person of starting quarterback David Keough and running back James Wieder.
While it would not require them to click their cleats three times, the Bay Hawks of St. Dominic’s are feeling at home as they return to the NYCHSFL after a two and a half decade absence….Because Dom’s was playing in the independent league in 2014, Head Coach Ed Tini, was not sure how his team’s successes would translate to the Catholic football scene. However, with their starting quarterback, leading rusher, top defensive back, and tackles leader all returning in 2015, the Oyster Bay faithful have every reason to think that a smooth transition is in the cards.
Cardinal Spellman
Head Coach: William Cawley (14th Season)
Last Season: 2-7 (Lost in the Division A semifinals to Xavierian, 18-0)
Key Returning Players:
Lenward Williams (Sr; TE/DE)
Daijon Jones (Sr; RB/LB)
Derrick Arzu (Sr; RB/CB)
Robert Rodriguez (Jr; OL/LB)
Key Losses:
Elloheim Tucker (QB; All-League as a senior)
Kenny Johnson (RB/LB; All-League Selection as a tailback)
Javier Barcelona (OG/DL; All-League as the leader of the D-Line)
Overview
Last champions in 2009, Spellman Coach, William Crawley, talked about how depth/participation has been an issue for the Pilots. However, revealing that they have had their most significant influx of players in 2015, the 14-year man seems to be liking the direction that his program is heading. Thinking long term, he was pleased that Spellman will be able to field a freshman and junior varsity squad this year; a concept that has not always been feasible in previous seasons.
Returning five starters who will play on both sides of the ball—Rodney N’guessan (FB/LB), Lenward Williams (TE/DE), Robert Rodriguez (OL/LB), Derrick Azru (RB/CB), and Daijon Jones (RB/LB—There exists a solid nucleus of experienced players to set the example for the abundance of younger players (most of whom are expected to be sophomores)…Cawley said that not only will it be necessary for the names above to have an impactful year, he is also counting on seeing it happening…Another 12th grader who will see his role increase dramatically will be quarterback, Marcos Ciccone, who the coaching staff felt was both their potential breakout star and their most improved player from one year to the next.
From the group of sophomores that will be called upon to play significant minutes in 2015, Cawley stated that expects to receive immediate contributions from the likes of offensive lineman, Mike Booth and Chris Vitale. Both three-sport student-athletes, it is the level of their sports IQ that sets them apart from most players their age…In fact, it is these two gentlemen, along with Brandon Lozado, Antonio Rivera, Ray Lazado, and [Robert] Rodriguez that make up the strongest facet of the Pilot team, the offensive line/defensive lines.
Taking a one-game-at-a-time approach with such a youthful team, Cawley said that his and his team’s full focus remains solely on their opening game of the season against Kennedy Catholic on September 12th.
Goals in 2015
1) “With this team a successful season is 4-5 wins. With an infusion of fresh JV kids to bolster our depth we can win 5-6 games…If we stay healthy, we can have a very good season.”
Kennedy Catholic
Head Coach: Ted Florio (2nd Season)
Last Season: 0-7 (Did not qualify for the 2014 Playoffs)
Key Returning Players:
David Keogh (Jr; QB; Incumbent starter; Threw for 323 Yards; Ran for 100 Yards)
James Wieder (Jr; RB/FS; 2nd on the team in rushing yards with 198)
Ed Longest (So; OL/DL; Two-way lineman who made 16 Tackles in 2014 and added an INT)
Liam McManus (Jr; OL/DL; Two-way lineman who made 17 stops in 2014)
Key Losses
Tucker Clair (RB/DB; All-League Selection; Led the team in rushing with 309 Yards; was also influential defensively, making 35 tackles and picking off two passes from the defensive backfield)
Jim Longest (OL/DL; All-League honoree at the C position; was also a key player on defense, leading the team in total tackles with 50, including nine for a loss)
Sam Forte (WR; Leading Receiver a Year ago with 13 catches for 142 yards)
Ryan Podlovits (LB/RB; Second on the team in tackles in 2014 with 48)
Overview
Graduating only six players off of a team that consisted almost entirely of freshmen and sophomores, last season’s winless record gets thrown out the window when you consider just how young this roster was in 2014….While the Gaels will have to overcome the losses of their leading rusher (Tucker Clair), leading receiver (Sam Forte), and top-3 tacklers (Jim Longest, Ryan Podlovits, and Clair), Coach Ted Florio has confidence that many of his student-athletes that played supporting roles a year ago, are now ready to assume accepted responsibility as the Somers, NY based program attempts to bust into the win column.
Being asked to carry the load and the ball on offense will likely be junior running back, James Wieder, whose 198 yards on the ground last season were good enough to put him second on the team in the category…Fellow 11th grader, David Keough, is back under center after throwing for 323 yards in 2014…Ed Longest and Liam McManus who both tip the scales at 200+ pounds will be the two individuals that anchor the offensive line…Greg Brann, who was not yet physically ready to make noise as a freshman in 2014, has worked hard and is being looked at by Florio as a player who could surprise some people now that he has a year of varsity competition under his belt…The same holds true of junior receiver, Ryan Joyce, who averaged double digit yardage (12.5) on his four catches last season. With Forte gone, Joyce will now naturally slide into the role as the team’s primary target in the passing game.
Defensively, with a roster size that barely exceeds 30 (31), you can expect to see many of the same faces doing double duty and being the guys to watch on both sides of the ball. McManus leads all returning players in tackles from last season with 17, while Longest and Wieder are right on his heels with 16 apiece…While he was unable to provide specific names at the time, Florio did say that for the second year in a row, his first-year players will be called upon to hold their own despite perhaps being younger and more inexperienced than the peers they will be going up against…Florio hopes that the biggest contributions among his rookies will come along the two lines as he cited the trenches as the area that at the moment is most vulnerable. If the Gaels can find some keepers to play effectively alongside McManus and Longest, success can certainly be achieved.
Goals in 2015
1) “This is going to be a joint effort; our staff wants the guys to improve on every rep.”
2) “Our philosophy is to be good in September, great in October and Champions in November.”
St. Dominic’s
Head Coach: Edward Tini (3rd Season)
Last Season: 2-5 (NYS Independent League)
Key Returning Players:
Max Mediavilla (Sr; QB; Approximately 550 Yard in the Air in 2014)
Nicholas Kiaer (Sr; RB/DB; Approximately 375 Rushing Yards to Lead the Team)
James Doherty (Jr; OL/LB; Led the team in Tackles in 2014 with 56)
Ryan Kelly (Jr; WR/DB; Led the team in Interceptions last season)
Dan Issacs (Sr; OL/DL; Solid two-way player that makes his impact felt on both sides)
Key Losses
Lucas Cooper (RB/LB; Departing Captain who provided leadership to the Bay Hawks in 2014)
George Opara (RB/LB; Another captain 2014 who contributed immensely)
Overview
For the first time in 25 years, St. Dom’s is back in the Catholic Football League! Featuring an immensely young squad in 2015, Coach Tini could not emphasize more how important it will be for his rising seniors to step up and set an example, both and off of the field for the younger student-athletes…Returning about half of their starters on each side of the ball, the Bayhawks will not only be counting on their returning stars to shine this season, they will also need to receive clutch efforts from some of the players who may have occupied secondary roles a year ago.
Complementing the established leaders (Mediavilla, Kiaer, Doherty, Kelly, and Issacs) will be the likes of RB/DB Rob Poncet, who will be looked upon to serve as an impact player from the defensive backfield; the Lyles brothers, junior Camrin and sophomore Amir, who should both play major roles in controlling the line of scrimmage from the trenches; and DB Brian Ford, who after showing a lot of promise as a diaper dandy in 2014, will be asked to assume more responsibility and act as a role model…Coach T. also pointed at freshman tailback, Michael Vaugh, as “one to watch”. Talking about the incredibly high ceiling of potential possessed by the 9th grader, Tini expressed every confidence in the world that Vaughn will prove to anything but your typical freshman in terms of his ability to make his presence known.
Because they were not members of the NYCHSFL in 2014, Tini did said that it is hard to compare the successes/struggles of last year to what should be expected in the upcoming season…Praising the leadership he received from his 2014 seniors, the third-year head coach again was very clear in his belief that if he can get that same positive energy and example setting from his current group, that an environment conducive to winning would be yielded.
More than anything, the emotion that repeatedly showed itself when conversing with Coach Tini was one of excitement at being back home in the Catholic League…Citing an 8-7 victory last season over fellow A Division school, Kennedy Catholic, in a non-league game, the realization that the two teams will go to battle twice this season was a source of euphoria for the Bayhawks. If this year’s showdowns (scheduled for October 2nd and 17th) is anything close to what we saw in 2014, than all Catholic football fans will be getting their money’s worth and then some!
Goals in 2015
1) Coach Tini said that just being able to once again field a team in the CHSFL is already a worthwhile victory for the Oyster Bay based school. In his words, “We consider this season a success of sorts merely by the fact that we have accomplished our ultimate goal of getting back into the league.”
2) To play the game the right way—Despite their time away, the Bayhawks are determined to show up week in and week out and compete for the title. But, more important than just winning is that Tini expects his players to act the role of Christian gentlemen. To do this, means to, “Respect yourselves, respect your opponents, and give 100 percent effort at all times.”
Xaverian
Head Coach: Mike Jioia (3rd Season)
Last Season: 5-4 (Lost in the A Division Title Game, 34-14 to Fordham Prep)
Key Returning Players:
Phil DePaulis (Sr; QB; Dual-threat signal caller; 310 Throwing Yards, 5 Thrown TDs, 224 Rushing Yards, 4 TDs on the ground)
Brandon Peterson (Sr; RB/DB; All-League Selection in 2014; Rushed for 901 Yards, 8 Rushing touchdowns; Also recorded 38 Tackles on Defense)
Michael Rossetti (Sr; RB/LB; Led the Clippers in Tackles last season with 84, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble; 2014 All-League Selection)
Michael Marinelli (Jr; OL/DL; A fierce pass rusher who totaled 63 Tackles, including 8 sacks)
James Baglino (Sr; OG/MLB; 53 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 pass deflected)
Rob Massucci (Sr; FB/OLB; 58 Total Tackles, 1 Sack, 3 Deflected passes)
Key Losses
Louis Springer (OL/DL; 2014 All-League Selection as an O-Lineman; Also totaled 51 Tackles and 2 Sacks on “D)
Anthony Bianchi (TE/DE; Had 4 of the team’s 6 receiving touchdowns, Contributed 41 Tackles and 2 Sacks as a D-Lineman)
Zack Salvato (TE/LB; 77 Total Tackles, 2 Sacks, 2 INTS, and a 1 Forced Fumble)
Greg Juliano (WR/DB; Second on the team in receptions with 6 Catches for 32 Yards; Recorded 51 Tackles playing in the defensive secondary)
Overview
Saying that he feels his 2015 squad is every bit as strong as the unit that advanced to the A Division title game a season ago, Coach Mike Jioia, is fully expecting a return to the championship this year…Returning the majority of his starters on both sides of the ball after playing with an extremely youthful and inexperienced roster in 2014, the third-year General of the Clippers felt that it was the playing time garnered by his underclassmen last season that will ultimately pay off this season as the rawness no longer exists and they now have a taste of what it is like to play in the “big one.” …However, as it typically true of smaller programs, Jioia did say that while he believes the talent is present to win the hardware, a big issue is going to be the program’s ability to avoid the injury bug. In 2014, they lost five of their players to concussions at various points in the season. With such a small roster size, they cannot afford to have players dropping…Another determining key to victory per the coach is that Xaverian needs to get a solid effort out of their second-stringers so that it is possible to give their three-way players (Offense/Defense/Special Teams) the occasional rest so as to not wear them down as the season gets deeper.
Speaking of these ironman players, Jioia must be comforted by the knowledge that he returns beasts on both sides of the ball. On Offense, the Clippers will be led by All-League selection, Brandon Peterson, who running behind a massive wall of blockers (size and strength were cited as the team’s biggest area of strength), should be considered a strong candidate to break the 1,000 yard barrier in his senior campaign…Complementing Peterson will be fellow senior Phil DePaulis, who totaled nine touchdowns from behind center last season, throwing five and using his legs to add on four additional scores…Tyler Stewart, who Jioia cites as one of the guys who will be a much bigger force in 2015 than he was a season ago, ran for 200+ yards as a junior and will be counted on to do even more as that secondary rushing option.
Defensively, the Clippers should have no trouble getting to the ball as they bring back their two leading tacklers from 2014, All-League pick, Mike Rossetti and sack master extraordinaire, Michael Marinelli…James Baglino, who was a solid contributor at DE last year will move to middle linebacker in 2015, enabling him to control the tempo of the game…While the aforementioned may be the ones who command the attention of the opponent, it will be the potential breakout stars of 2015 that will ultimately be invaluable to this unit…Speaking about who he regards as his sleepers, Jioia gave a lot of praise to his secondary, saying that he is expecting consistent quality performances out of senior corner’s James Pisciotta and James Patsis, as well as super sophomore, Connor Baldwin, who will be the man in the middle at the safety position…Like Baldwin, Danny Welsome and Anthony Marinelli are two more members of the Xaverian youth movement that will aid the team not only in 2015, but beyond. Weighing in at 235 and 265 respectively, these young studs will be fortify the lines on both sides of the ball.
Addressing his schedule, Jioia said that while applies greater significance to the games that his team plays against the AA competition (being that the goal is to eventually move up to the higher classification)…Among his A Division contests, the game he is putting a lot of importance into is the week #5 match-up with Cardinal Spellman. Having beaten Spellman both times they played in 2014, including an 18-0 shutout in the A semifinals, the feeling is that a strong showing in this game will tell the coaching staff where they are as they approach the latter half of the season.
Goals for 2015
1) “This year’s group is basically the same as last year, to play for a championship is what we ask for, to win is our goal.”
Note: Nazareth was unable to get their response submitted in time to be included in this preview.