Wood had a clear TD pass to Webb just before half that would have tied game at 13 at the half called out of bounds, very bad call. Settled for field goal 13-9 at half. Penalties again hurt Wood in first half and giving up 2 big plays on confusion in secondary. Wood moved the ball when balanced attack, Wood had the ball on the BC 20 down 20-16 with 6 minutes left in game. BC was getting a lot of pressure and was covering extremely well, they are a good team..Wood needs to clean up penalties, give up fewer big plays, protect the blitz better, and they should be very successful...

The feed on the Neshaminy - Pennridge game dropped out late in the 2nd qtr. so it became a bit confusing. Seems I missed a late score by the Rams and then a very late field goal by Neshaminy to take the lead into the halftime break, 10-7.

Then I'd say the Redskins seemed to be slightly on top of the game in the first half -- but not by much. And Tredway was injured in 1st qtr and did not come back in the game (looked like he had his bell rung on punt return when the Rams' linebacker - Talburton?? - nailed him) -- the rest of the guys stepped up so that was good.

NOTE: The Rams' quarterback IS their team offensively. I don't think they would have done as much without him -- he can really run. He is quick to accelerate and has a great sense of the field (he seemed to "see" where the space was and take off in that direction). He looked as if he twisted an ankle in the third as he was limping a bit but he still pulled off a few nice runs after that.

Anyway, after the halftime break the Rams received the opening kickoff and it was all the QB on that first drive as the Green took the lead, 14-10.

On the ensuing kickoff, and after setting up, Jones hit Garlick for a big gain and then Dogba had a nice 20 yarder to take it in for score which put the 'Skins back on top, 17-14.

The Rams then had a nice drive but killed it with penalties. The QB was carrying them again but even he had penalty for yelling about something after he was sacked (that may have been when he tweaked his ankle). Still, a nice field goal by Rams' kicker made it 17-17 so it was not all a waste for the home club.

Getting the ball back again the 'Skins had great drive going but Jones was picked (it was actually tipped up off the Neshaminy receiver) with the Rams DB taking it to Neshaminy's 40 or so. From there Pennridge took it in quickly and they went up, 24-17.

At that point, and with five minutes to go in game, Neshaminy took over at their 22 after the kickoff. On the first play Jones throws a beautiful 78 yard TD pass to Oleh Manzyk and the score is tied 24-24 after the PAT and with 4:32 on clock.

The Rams get the ball but end up punting and after Neshaminy's short return on their end of the field Jones hits Manzyk again for a 60 yard or so pass that gets 'Skins to the Rams' three. From there Dogba takes it in as 'Skins go back up, 31-24, with 1:17 on clock.

Following the kickoff the Rams started at their 22. A couple of nice runs (one by the QB) puts them at their 45 or so. From there the QB throws deep (to about the 20) where Joel Stills picks it at 20 (and it was a great catch too). With 42 seconds on the clock a couple of knees is all it takes and Neshaminy banks it, 31-24.

The Rams QB is good - without him this probably is not a close game.

The 'Skins started slow but seemed to grow into the game. Jones had a bad completion percentage in the first half but lit it up in the second half. Dogba also started off slow but probably had 125 to 150 (I'm guessing).

With Tredway out Manzyk filled in nicely (Garlick too).

'Skins have been behind in both of their games but then came back to win them. Nice to see they don't quit. Jones throws a lot and he doesn't throw picks (one in two games with probably 50 plus passes) but he misses more than you'd like. But he makes up for it with some big strikes (he did it against Roman too). They also pulled off some very nice screen passes tonight.

Dogba chugs and chugs. He is deceptive in that he can get into a pile at times and it looks like a scrum but he'll step out and gain some ground. He doesn't have blazing speed but enough. He's a hard charger.

The Defense is running around. and getting after it but they issued a few tackles that allowed big gains but overall they stay on it (they started getting to the Rams QB late which was nice to see). The 'Skins DBs are around the ball.

As an observation both Roman and Pennridge seemed to fade in the games and Neshaminy continued playing hard -- I think that made the difference in both.

Another observation is the Rams defense looks good.

I've seen SJP, LS & AW this year. The only way AW stays within 21 points is if SJP is jet lagged and mails it in. Same with LaSalle. Prep has significantly more talent than Woof or LaSalle and will win the PCL going away. LaSalle lost too many players and is too young. Wood did not reload/recruit enough to keep up this year. Swift totally unstoppable.

21 - 21 ... Called due to heavy rains - solid showing in Ohio by the local team

Swift took a screen pass 90 yards for a TD on the first play from scrimmage. Oaks Christian responded with their own quick drive (5 plays about 80 yards).

NP o line getting pushed around

Downingtown West lost another close one. They must be the best 0-2 team in SEPA. Wayne Valley went 9-2 and reached the North 1, Group 4 semifinals last year. West did not schedule any cupcakes in non league play and now faces a tough Neshaminy team in what may well be a must win situation next week in Downingtown. Another loss and they will probably ly have to run the table to make the District 1 playoffs.

What games will you be present at this weekend?

MDW will be at Crawford to see the Knights take on DT East. Should be a good one in Lansdale!!!

• 
  

HAVERFORD >> Dave Wood wasn’t certain how long it would take, when it would happen or how the celebration would unfold. All he knew was that if he were going to help Ridley High return to Central League dominance, there first would be one major correction.

At some point, the Green Raiders were going to have to defeat the sitting champion, a program that their seniors had never beaten, a well-coached growing power. At some point, they would have to beat Haverford.


Haverford running back Mike Romanofsky runs past Ridley linebacker Ryan Gricco during first half at Haverford High. The Fords couldn’t get much past the Green Raiders’ defense in a 7-0 Ridley victory. (For Digital First Media/Eric Hartline)

That point, Wood figured, arrived with just over five minutes left Friday at A.G. Cornog Field. That’s when he told quarterback Cade Stratton to let it fly and throw it high.

“As much as we pound the ball, sometimes play-action will get one-on-one coverage,” Wood said. “So we went to the tall receiver.”

The 41-yard pass from Stratton to 6-foot-4 Liam Wright down the right sideline would land the Raiders at the Haverford 20 in a scoreless game. Less than three minutes later, Stratton would squeeze into the end zone from a yard away for the only touchdown in a 7-0 Ridley victory.

Though the Green Raiders would attempt just 11 passes, six were complete, all to Wright, none more valuable than that 41-yard connection that finally cracked a strong Fords defense.

The Raiders improved to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Central in their first season under Wood. Haverford, rebuilding some after its championship season, dipped to 0-2, 0-1 in the conference.

“This league is going to be real close,” Fords coach Joe Gallagher said. “We entered this game and said, ‘We’re in the Central League now. It’s going to be a nine-round bout.’ Tonight was Round 1. That’s all. We lost the first round. We have eight more rounds to go. And we take pride in getting better every week, which I know we will.

“I relate it to boxing. We’re the belt-holders. And until somebody takes it, we’re still the champs. It’s nine rounds. This is one round. We’re still in it.”

Both defenses kept it close, occasionally with big plays, but also with bend-don’t-break resourcefulness, as each team missed a field goal attempt late in the first half.

Haverford had arrived at the Ridley 31 with 7:36 to play, and the Green Raiders held on downs. That gave Stratton a chance to salvage what had been a difficult week.


Ridley quarterback Cade Stratton runs past Haverford’s Kevin Odgers during first half at Haverford High. (For Digital First Media/Eric Hartline)

“I had a 101 fever Tuesday and Wednesday,” the senior said. “Thursday, it was about 100. But I just had to hydrate, get over it, take some medicine. I practiced Thursday and felt better and woke up this morning still a little drowsy. But I got over it. It’s game day. And you do whatever you have to do to win.”

Stratton passed for 88 yards and added 40 yards rushing, including the most important yard of the warm night.

“It could have definitely gone either way,” Stratton said. “It definitely gets your heart moving. You just have to do whatever you can to get one touchdown. We knew going into halftime that one touchdown was going to win this game.”

Stratton set that up with his pass to Wright.

“I always tell him, with him, one-on-one is one-on-none,” the quarterback said. “I just put it out there and hoped he would run under it. He did. He made an awesome catch.”

Haverford was able to move the ball at times, particularly behind Mike Romanofsky, who rushed for 89 yards, including bursts of 35 and 28 yards. Quarterback Jake Ruane passed for 101 yards, 64 to Chris Trainor. Jack Farrell and Jordan Mosley made interceptions, and Kevin Odgers made multiple key stops to challenge the Raiders. But it was the interception by Malik Young with 5.5 seconds to play that finally gave the Ridley seniors a victory over Haverford.

“They are a great football team,” Wright said. “We put a lot of work in. It was a great game. Our coaches told us coming into this game that this was the biggest game of the year. They are Central League champions. And we are starting from nothing and have to build something up.

“This feels amazing.”

For Ridley, the challenge continues, with a game next week at Garnet Valley. Haverford will answer the Round 2 bell at Conestoga.

“This was a great high school football game,” Wood said. “Our kids played great. And to put a goose egg up against them in their home opener, it gives our kids a lot of credit.”

Two local kids will be staring at QB, Brandon McIlwain for USC and Kyle Shurmur for Vandy. Game is on ESPN and Vandy is a 4 point pick.

Pretty slick video to be released......it's ..........

Go Dawgs!!!!!

The Mission….
http://www.thehonorgroup.org/about-the-honor-group/
For our brother and sister vets.

Saturday, 4:00
Clayton Valley Charter Ugly Eagles 13-2, Concord, CA
versus
Helix Charter Highlanders (Scotties) 11-2, La Mesa, CA

Clayton Valley opened last season with a 1-pt loss to Folsom (14-1, Div1-AA runner up) then went on a 13 game tear until losing in the CIF State Division 1-A final to Narbonne (14-2) 28-14, the LA City Section champ. They faced considerable adversity losing OT Jalen McKenzie (6-6, 285, sr) to a ACL in game one (uncommitted, Ucla, Wash St, U-Miami, Tennessee interested). In the quarterfinals, senior quarterback Luis Ramos went down for the year with an ankle followed by Zia Rahmany (6-0, 180, jr) with a shoulder. At one point they were quarterbacked by safety Jake Peralta including the final. What held it together was a knock down defense made up largely of juniors. Only 3 graduated so look for the D that allowed a paltry 11ppg to be special this year. That’s a good thing looking at the loss of running back Ray Jackson’s 2375 yards and quarterback Luis Ramos’ 814 pass yards and 618 rush yards. But two good power backs return in Akeal Lalaind (6-1, 205, sr, 58/635ry, 11/208py) and James Teofilo (5-7, 220, jr, 80/469). The receiver corps was hit hard but quarterback Zia Rahmany (6-0, 180, sr, 21/32/326) is back.
As mentioned, the defense could be special with 8 returning that went deep in the play-offs. They’re loaded up front with DLs Heikori Vaisima (6-2, 225, sr, 128 tackles), Bryce Brand (6-1, 265, sr, 80 tackles), Jeff Williams (6-5, 225, sr, 64 tackles), Angelo Aguirre (6-3, 235, sr, 22) and Andy De Iira (6-2, 280, sr, 28) returning. DE Chase Boustead (6-1, 195, sr, 58 tackles) is back along with all but one linebacker accounting for 251 tackles returning. Evan Barney (5-11, 170, sr, 92 tackles) and Ja’ron Jackson (5-7, 150, sr, 71 stops) return to the secondary. Back to the DL for a moment, Brand is getting looks form Ucla, USC and Oregon St with offers from Louisville and Air Force while Vaisima has Cal, Iowa, Washington St and Arizona looking. Combined they have 21 sacks.

Helix will begin the season with a new coach in Robbie Owens who replaces Troy Starr. Coach Starr had a strong 8 year run going 83-18-1. Helix is a powerhouse program with one losing season (2005) in the last forty years. Their won-loss is 372-115-5, making this one of the most coveted jobs in the state. Coach Owens is then stepping onto a gold mine after coaching at Grand Junction in western (remote!) Colorado where he went 47-38-1. As an aside, some of their more famous alumni include NFL quarterback Alex Smith, USC great Reggie Bush, NBA Hall of Famer-Ucla great Bill Walton and Dennis Hopper.
Helix’s season paralleled Clayton Valley’s in some ways opening with a narrow 23-19 loss to Arizona power Chaparral of Scottsdale (9-3, 112-23 last 10, state champ 09, 10, 11) then closing with another tight loss, 32-28 to Mission Viejo (16-0) in the CIF I-AA title game. Competitive losses like this put them in the company of the very best teams in this part of the country. Mission Viejo’s rep is well established with Chaparral playing the likes of well known Bishop Gorman-NV, Brophy College Prep of Phoenix, Notre Dame Prep and Centennial, AZ.
Coming into this season, Helix lost quarterback Mike Austin (6-1, 185, 107/187/1725, 57%), top running back Nathan Stinson (5-6, 175, 180/1714) and their lead receiver Mekhi Stevenson (6-0, 180, 36/775). With a 5 year won-loss of 53-10, they’ll likely light things up again with last year’s sophomore QB Carson Baker (6-2, 185, 21/34/358, 72%) stepping in for Austin. He’ll throw to 5 returning receivers who had 69 receptions last year for 968 yards.
The defense will be led by MLB Ezekiel Noa (6-0, 225, 92 tackles, 10 sacks), SS Scott Young (6-0, 190, sr, 34 tackles) and DT Blake De La Rosa (5-11, 270, sr, 25 tackles). Last year’s sophomores looking for more time include DTs Lopaka Rojas (6-0, 295), and Wm. Payne (6-1, 230), and LB Lars Lash (6-0, 205).

Saturday, 7:30
Centennial Huskies 14-1, Corona, CA
vs
IMG Academy Ascenders 9-0, Bradenton, FL

Centennial is notorious as a fast, up tempo team that some say fielded their best team ever last year, averaging 54ppg and allowing 20. Whatever it is is working well with 15 league titles and 10 CIF Southern Section championships the last 20 years. Three key players who fueled the offense graduated; quarterback Anthony Catalano (5-10, 175, 64%, 2962, 31/5), running-back JJ Taylor (5-6, 170, 231/2149ry, 19/212py) and wide out Javon McKinley (6-2, 205, 56/1185). Defensively they lost at least 8 starters and many backups who totaled 579 tackles; 44 stops from the 2 DTs spots, 344 tackles from the linebacking corps and 191 from the secondary. After defeating teams like East (11-2) from Salt Lake City, who went on to win the 4A title (runner up in 2013, 2011) and southern California powers Serra (9-3), Orange Lutheran (6-6), Mater Dei (10-3) and St. John Bosco (13-1), they lost in the CIF Open Division Bowl Game to the Northern California representative De La Salle (13-1), 28-21. That was with an undersized team that had tremendous speed. But regardless of graduation losses, with all the blowouts, backups got significant playing time. Chief among that group was quarterback Tanner McGee (6-6, 210), who as a sophomore played in most games, completing 50 of 74 tosses for 710 yards! He had 9 touchdown passes with no interceptions. One of the top stories of the off-season as of Feb 2016 is the transfer of one of the highest rated receivers in the country in Tyjon Lindsey (5-9, 175, sr) from last year’s USA-Today top ranked Bishop Gorman-NV (15-0) to Centennial. Wow! With 1126 yards on 48 receptions, he is rated by 247 Sports as the 16th overall recruit for the Class of 2017. Running back Miles Reed (5-9, 190, sr) is back after gaining 546 yards on 92 carries plus 3 receivers with 57 receptions for 935 yards. Defensively, the DL anchor returns in Seleti Fevaleaki (6-2, 260, jr) with 27 tackles and Noah Anthony (5-11, 245, sr) with 22. Reggie Whitfield (5-11, 160, sr) returns to the secondary with 50 tackles joined by 3 subs while linebacker Cameron Pitcher (6-0, 205, jr) returns with 38 supported by 3 back ups. So while some of the losses are significant, the returns are impressive. And talk about tradition. Their won-loss over the last 10 years is 128-18, a winning percentage of 88. With a record like that the game with IMG shapes up as one heck of a lid lifter! And with Centennial’s deep tradition and talent, they should be a challenging match for the Ascenders.

International Management Group Academy. They may be better known as IMG Academy but we may as well lay it out there to convey the full corporate impact. Afterall, we’re talking about a school that features the corporate logo on their jerseys. Ok, got that out of the way.
Speaking of setting the record straight; their record last year was 9-1 if you go by Florida standards where they take their preseason games seriously, tho not officially. The Kick-Off Classic with American Heritage (Plantation, just west of Lauderdale) was a full clock, contact game with starters in to the end. American Heritage won 19-7. With a narrow loss to Hallandale 27-20 in the 5A semifinal and earlier to Dematha 23-22, they are one of the top programs in the state and beyond, and should serve as proof that IMG while formidable with myriad advantages is not invinsible. Last year’s team dominated all except the Jersey teams, beating Bergen Catholic in a wild one, 59-47, Paramus Catholic 28-20 and St. Joseph Regional 24-12. Then again, the fact that the only schools to give them a game were some of north Jersey’s finest provate schools is sobering. Pretty awesome football up there, way up there above the tunnels. Don Bosco Prep is also up there in Ramsey making it a unique setting and as fine a collection of power house teams as you’ll find anywhere in the counrtry in so confined a space although you would get a good argument from Cincinnati’s teams.
About the team, the offense was substantial, averaging 42ppg discounting the 2-0 forfeit to Triple A Academy and the “classic” with American Heritage. They allowed 18 on defense. Highly rated quarterback Shea Patterson has moved on to Ole Miss with a full ride after completing 78 of 129 passes for 1533 yards. Many services had him rated the top QB in the country. His Td/Pick ratio was 18-4. Running back Tony Jones (5-11, 195) will carry on at Notre Dame after rushing for 514 yards. 247 Sports tagged Isaac Nauta (6-5, 240, 13/230) the top tight end in the country. He’s at Georgia. Wide out Drake Davis (6-4, 225, 11/431!) will go to Ole Miss, Tex A&M or his home state LSU. OG Tyler Gerald (6-5, 305) graduated to Ohio State. The list is unending
As always with the blowouts backups got playing time. Quarterback Louis Colosimo (6-0, 180, sr) was last year’s #2 with Bryson Lucero (6-2, 200, soph) also playing. Jordan Anthony (6-1, 220, sr, 43/241) returns at running back. The receiver corps was wiped out with 5 graduating representing 1236 yards on 68 receptions.
Defensively, many of the starters graduated; 4 from the DL (averaged 6-3, 273) representing 98 tackles, 3 LBs (averaged 6-3, 230) with 209 stops and the secondary with 208 tackles. But a number of co-starterts return; MLB Chris Pluchino (6-2, 235, sr, 53 tackles), with DEs Josh Kaindoh (6-6, 250, sr, 48 tackles, 4 sacks) and Jack Camper (6-5, 240, sr) with 22 tackles and 5 sacks. DLs Cam Spence (6-3, 310, sr, 17 stops) and Gabe Jimenez (6-1, 255, sr, 12 stops) are back. Elvis Hines (5-10, 170, sr, 28 tackles) returns at one of the corners. Bottom line, who knows who transferred in or out as things are often in a state of flux at IMG.

PR falls to two time defending Ohio state champ Saint Edward's in close game. They Held lead in most of second half before Saint Edward's came back. They had 4 opportunities including off of three turnovers to try to score and win the game but couldn't come up. PR's kicker missed a XP in the first half and that ended up being the Kryptonite as this game could've went to overtime if he had made that. Also they had a 4th down at the ten and instead of kicking a chip shot which would've still had them ahead when Saint Ed's scored again they went for it and didn't get it, which I think has to do with coach K not trusting the kicker to be able to make it. Kicking game could be a issue for PR this year. PR looked very good on offense however, had long touchdown passes and good drives. Saint Edwards came out in the second half with defensive adjustments however, as PR was stopped 4 times from scoring and also gave up 4 sacks (I think they only had 4 or 5 all year last year). PR defiantly has reloaded on skill potions that graduated from last year and line did a good job for the most part. I think in the long run in the 90 degree heat Saint Edwards having more depth and not many if at all guys playing both ways was the big difference maker, PR guys looked gassed by the very end. Will be interesting to see what this year's team does in the WPIAL now. Overall however tough weekend for out of state games in the WPIAL.

Both Judge and Ryan had big time wins this past weekend versus two decent D-1 opponents . I'm wondering if either of these two have the ability to take the PCL Red division. That Division has to be considered one of the toughest in the state this year. How would you like to compete against St. Joe prep, LaSalle,Wood,Ryan ,Judge and Roman. OMG that is a murderous grouping.

Springfield High shutting down football!! I heard they didn't even have two dozen kids after injuries. How big is the enrollment?

Will only play JV.

Looking forward to seeing the InterAc teams getting started this weekend!

Congrats to Sr Nick Maras on being named the starter for Malvern Prep earlier this week!! Good luck versus St Augustine in NJ

Good luck to all the InterAc!!

Friday, 8:00
Mission Viejo Diablos 16-0, Mission Viejo, CA
versus
Oak Hills Bulldogs 9-6, Oak Hills, CA.

Mission Viejo’s 24-0 win over Bellamine College Prep (13-2, San Jose) was their first CIF Division I-AA title in school history, extending their winning streak to 28 games, the longest in the state. Bellamine beat Folsom in the Northern California CIF Div I-AA final to end the previous longest win streak at 30 games. Mission is a big school that may move to Div-I/PAC 5 playoffs next season under the Competitive Equity Playoff system that groups teams based on their success or lack of over a 5 year period.
This year’s team comes in thinned but talented. Gone are record setting QB Brock Johnson (63%, 3605yds!, 41Tds, Georgetown), the grandson of the head coach Bob Johnson and son of OC Bret Johnson. His uncle is Rob Johnson. Bret and Rob both played college and pro ball, Bret at Ucla and Michigan State, Rob at USC. Quite a family! Also gone is running back Isaiah Miller, most of the receivers and all but one starting lineman. Nate Addonozio (6-1, 265), Carter Hartman (6-3, 270), Neff Haleakala (6-0, 300), Ricky Bowman (6-1, 275) and Zach Aylor (6-4, 290) graduated. Aylor has an offer from Michigan but broke a leg vs Helix in the state semifinal. Matt Gomez (6-2, 285) who started til injured, returning later in the year and graduated. Soph Jarrett Patterson (6-4, 260) returns.
The big news is the transfer of Mater Dei Catholic’s quarterback Matt McDonald (6-2, 195) who was injured in their opener again Bishop Amat, allowing freshman JT Daniels (6-1, 195) to step in. Did he ever, earning offers from Notre Dame, ASU, Cal and Ucla! The Diablos return a smattering to the defense as well as the offense. Their 5 year won-loss is 60-7.

Oak Hills. Talk about things going south. The Bulldogs literally went south to play Pamona (10-2) then Mission Viejo (16-0) the opening weeks of the season, then found themselves in a 1-5 hole a few weeks later before resurrecting with a 8-1 finish and a CIF Semifinal loss by a point to Rancho Bernardo. Nice! Looking back, 2015 was a rebuilding year knowing they went 38-10 the previous four years. Much of the rebound came on the shoulders of Silverado transfer Brandon Porter, their versatile quarterback who threw for 2732 yards (58%) and rushed for 1023. Another weapon is running back Aramis Aldgridge (5-10, 165, sr) with 1148 rush yards and 24 receptions for 388 yards. Three of the top five receivers return with 1280 yards in receptions. At least 6 return to the defense.
Looking at their recent history they haven’t played anywhere near the strength of schedule Mission Viejo has. And there was that 56-27 loss to them last year. In stark contrast, the Diablos over the last five years defeated Helix, Don Bosco Prep, Westlake, Centennial twice and split with Poly! They lost 21-14 to Mater Dei in 2013. Bottom line, if should be an exciting game with Porter under center for his second year for Oak Hills and Matt McDonald (Mater Dei transfer) in his first for Mission.

Saturday, September 3, Noon
Serra Cavaliers 9-3, Gardena, CA
versus
St. Joseph Regional Green Knights 8-4, Montvale, NJ.

Serra, formally called Junipero Serra Catholic is a private Roman Catholic school just west of Compton. It’s big time football with games last year against Centennial, a 52-13 loss and Mater Dei who beat them by a point, 28-27. The year before, they lost to Washington state power Bellevue 31-13 and also Centennial 68-64. In 2012 they beat Long Beach Poly 20-12. With a 5 year record of 52-12, they are competitive with most of the top teams in southern California. The 52-13 loss last year to Centennial was misleading with quarterback Kahlil Tate ineligible after being thrown out of the Lakeland game the week before. Tate has graduated taking 2048 yards in completions and 2130 rushing yards with him. There may be a battle to replace him between back up Jalani Eason (28-26/342, sr)and last year’s freshman quarterback Blaze McKibbin (6-5, 170, JV’s went 7-1). 119 receptions for 1767 yards also graduated so there could be some settling in issues with the new offense. Averaging 34ppg last year with Tate says it’s a serious rebuild. The defense that was porous at 26ppg, returns a pile of last year’s sophomores and juniors, even a freshman started in the secondary so they were young. Back is their No. 1 tackler Merlin Robertson (6-3, 220, jr) at LB with 95 stops. He’s joined by fellow backers Tyson Parker (6-2, 190, sr, 76 stops), Jim Ma’aele (5-11, 225, sr, 56 tackles) and Lio Kalolo (6-0, 230, sr, 36 tackles). Kordell Ross (6-0, 275, sr, 54 tackles) returns to the line with Tevesi Tauala (6-0, 270, sr, 6 stops) and Noah Bias (6-0, 270, jr, 7 stops). The secondary returns Max Williams (5-10, 165, so, 34 stops), Dave Eure (5-11, 175, jr, 26 tackles) and Jamorie Brooks (5-11, 170, sr, 19 stops). So the D could carry the new offense.

St. Joseph Regional had an up and down season opening with a 17-7 win against their rival St. Don Bosco Prep, followed by an impressive win against Ohio power St. Edward, 22-20. Two more wins got them to 4-0 before a road loss at IMG 24-12 and St. Joseph’s Prep, 28-5. Bergin Catholic beat them in conference action 16-13-ot and Don Bosco in the Non Public Group 4 title game 21-10. Part of the reason the offense was sluggish at 21ppg is they were breaking in a well-regarded sophomore quarterback in Nick Patti (6-3, 185) who completed 100 of 188 passes for 1198 yards. And talk about a baptism under fire, his first start came in the opener against bitter rival Don Bosco. The Challenge continues this year with quarterback George Pearson (6-1, 210), one of the top quarterbacks in the state from Matawan Regional transferring in. As a freshman in 2014 he led them to the Central Jersey Group 3 title, passing for 1956 yards and 16 scores. As a sophomore playing in 8 games per injuries, he threw for 1277 yards. So it looks like a major battle for the starting QB position this year. They return a pile of receivers.
Defensively, things are in good hands with DC Bill Johnson, the former head coach at Passaic Valley. Last year’s was solid at 14ppg and will be special this year with so many returning including most of the talented linebacking corps. Senior top tackler Louis Acceus leads that group at 6-1, 210 with 116 stops and 7 sacks. Other returning backers are Gerritt Van Itallie (5-11, 205, sr) with 74 tackles, Jack Agnew (6-0, 190, sr, 56 tackles), Grant Pagano (5-10, 200, sr, 38 tackles), and DEs Dorian Hardy a standout junior at 6-6, 250 with 20 stops plus Marc Doran (6-1, 210, sr) with 72 tackles. Hard hitting Evan Stewart at 6-1, 190 pounds had 72 stops last year as a sophomore safety. Wide body Yves Montissol, a senior, plugs the middle at 5-9, 265 with 39 tackles, joined by seniors Joshua Field-Jackson (6-3, 305, 12 tackles) and Sean Mitchell (6-2, 285, 8 tackles). Everyone is battle hardened in Jersey’s Big North Conference-United League with Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, Paramus Catholic and DePaul Catholic. And with their non- conference slate and any kind of improvement on the offensive side with this defense, the Green Knights could be one of the very top teams in the East and perhaps beyond this season. Serra is probably in for a long afternoon.

FKD 14 -10

Nm

Heck of a tournament honoring our Vets, played in Mission Viejo, CA. Check out the link.
http://www.thehonorgroup.org/about-the-honor-group/

Thursday, September 1, 7:30
Cathedral Catholic Dons 7-5, San Diego, CA
versus
Central Catholic Raiders 16-0, Modesto, CA

Cathedral Catholic had an off year last year going 7-5 while compiling a 42-19 record the previous five. But they took on a tough non-league slate in Santa Margareta (5-5), Oaks Christian (11-1) and Liberty (10-4) out of Bakersfield. With only 14 seniors, they were super young, faltering against the bigger schools with losses to St. Joe’s opponent Oaks Christian, albeit in a narrow one, 35-33. And they were routed by Section winner Helix, 37-7 and again in the Section semifinal 42-14. Helix (11-2) went on to lose a tough one to undefeated Mission Viejo 32-28 in the CIF Tournament. Most of the team returns in a run dominated offense led by well regarded senior quarterback Tate Haynes (6-1, 190) and fullback Adam Eastwood (6-0, 205, sr). Four more rated but uncommitted players suggest improvement the coming season. They’re a respected program as suggested at the top but the only team in the classic with a losing season the last five years. Some kind of tournament! Last year’s team averaged 26ppg but allowed 23. Except for Oaks Christian, they were routed in their 5 losses, losing by an average of 38 points. Young or not, they’ll really have to ratchet things up on that side especially with the loss of MLB Tyson Maeve (6-0, 230) to Boise St.

Central Catholic’s Raiders under the guidance of Coach Roger Canepa (95-18, 8 years; 67-9 the last 5) are flat out one of the top small schools in the state after winning their fourth straight CIF titles. 4th! This ties them with national power De La Salle who did the same in 2012. But winning a 5th will be more difficult if the CIF moves them to Div II this year. Last year’s team was led by Quarterback Hunter Petlansky (6-3, 225, 60%, 1662, Columbia) and running back Justin Rice (6-2, 210, 2698ry, Fresno St). Jared Rice is back with 1102 yards plus Montell Bland (6-1, 200, sr, 502ry) and his cousin Daron Bland (6-2, 170, sr), their leading receiver with 430 yards on 21 catches. They were explosive at 47ppg with their best defense ever at 10ppg. They’ll miss LBs Kekupaa Freehauf (6-2, 250, 155 tackles), Austin Escobar (6-1, 220, 119 tackles) and DE Zak Sandelin (6-1, 205, 86 tackles) but return many co-starters and 462 tackles.

Friday, September 2, 5:00
St. Joseph’s Prep Hawks 7-3, Philadelphia, PA.
verses
Oaks Christian Lions 11-1, Westlake, CA
(OC’s write up is on the board below, posted Aug 5)

St. Joseph’s Prep might have been gunning for a Big School four-peat this season barring the tremendous comeback by LaSalle in the PCL final last year where the Explorers eked out a 29-28 win. Ok a reach, but still an interesting one. Fast refresher….the Hawks had a 28-17 lead entering the final period (14-0 earlier) when LaSalle turned it up a notch, both offensively and defensively. Syaire Madden scored on a 3-yd burst around the right side for 6 (missed point after) early in the 4th before the game winning 13 play, 71-yd drive in the final 4 ½ minutes that saw quarterback Chris Ferguson connect with Nick Rinella, pulling down the 24-yd toss in a crowd for the score with 49 seconds left in the game. Credit LaSalle’s D for playing a strong game as well, holding the Hawk’s to 140 yards rushing after getting whacked in the regular season 49-24, where they allowed 285 yards rushing. Total shutdown of D’Andre Swift as well. But, you can’t dismiss what the Hawks accomplished the previous two years, winning two consecutive PCL titles and AAAA championships. Following the PCL game, LaSalle advanced to the quarterfinal, losing to Parkland (14-2) in overtime 16-13. Parkland then beat Upper Dublin (14-1) 30-14, holding the Cardinals to 41 yards rushing while dominating the 2nd half, outscoring them 23-7. The Trojans then lost to Central Catholic (15-1) in the final, 21-18.

Looking back at other games, St. Joe’s opened the season at one of Louisiana’s most storied programs, Evangel Christian Academy (9-3), where they won 14-0, holding them to 168 total yards of offense. The elation of that win was short lived losing to national power Don Bosco Prep (9-3, NJ) 55-21 the following week. Early on the D would prove to be a work in progress allowing 370 total yards (183 rushing) to the Ironmen. They play again this year for the fourth time in a row at Widener University Sept 10 at 7:30. Next was Ohio power St. Ignatius (5-4) where the Hawks prevailed 35-6 with D’Andre Swift getting 194 total yards and 3 touchdowns. But it was back to the drawing board after the next game when rival Malvern Prep (9-2) gouged them for 236 yards rushing and 20, 1st quarter points on the way to a 33-21 win. TheStrangeCaseofDr.JekyllandMrHyde continued the following week when they thumped USA-Today’s 18th ranked St. Joseph Regional (8-4) 28-5. Here the defense really grew up, holding the Green Knights to 60-yds rushing and 99 passing. The win propelled them to 4 more landslide routs, beating LaSalle, Judge, and Roman twice by an average score of 43-14.

The St. Joe’s guys will jump in here hopefully but here’s how I have it for the coming season. They appear loaded with skill featuring one of the top running backs in the country in D’Andre Swift with receivers Terrance Greene (5-11, 180, sr), Darryle Simmons (6-3, 200, jr), Richard Carr (5-9, 180, sr) and 4 returning starters to the OL; Jackson Evans (6-4, 295), Carter Lynch (6-6, 310), Sal Cinaglia (6-3, 265) and Center Mack Grey (6-1, 280), all seniors. Swift rushed for 1029 yards last year with 12 Tds while leading the team in receptions with 22 for 321 yards. Terrence Greene was right there with 21 catches for 399 yards. The heir apparent at quarterback is Marquez McCray (6-2, 205), a junior, where the Hawks will break in a 4th starting quarterback in as many seasons. Key pieces missing from the offense are quarterback Kevin Shaw who was inexperienced but came along as the season developed, running back/d-back Benny Walls and lineman Joe Dumond, Edward Mooney and Charles Holsopple.

Defensively they return 4 from the DL rotation, Sal Cinaglia, Jackson Evans and DEs Rayshad Wallace (6-0, 205, jr) and Chris Lowndes (6-2, 215, sr). James Johnson (5-11, 210, sr) is back at LB with Ricky Goodson (5-8, 175, sr), Richard Carr and Jake Goss (6-1, 180, jr) returning to the backfield. Losses to graduation include lineman Joe Dumond, Charles Holsopple and Kevin Hanley. The linebacking corps lost MLB Nick Vandevere and Shaun Harris (believe Will). Other key losses include Benny Walls and Zach Goss in the secondary.

Did DTW go for 2 on their last TD? If so, why? After trailing 42-14 they had all the momentum. Great win for PV.

If we have to give them a "Get out of Jail" free card they got it tonight.

Roman showed some stuff tonight.

The Skins need a quick start to this season with RC followed up by Pennridge and Dtown West. Expectations are really high, I'd say too high. The winner of the Ram-Skins match-up could provide an inside track to one of the top seeds in the D1 playoffs.

Expectations don't seem to be too high for the Whippets - lost a lot from last year. First up is Perk Valley with their new coach. Then a date with Wayne Valley from Jersey before the Skins come to town in Week 3. All three are home games which might help the Whippets through the growing pains. I'm slowly approaching the year when my rooting interest will switch to the other sideline in the Skins-Whippets match-up.

Cougars host Delaware Valley prior to heading to North Penn in Week 2. That Cougar-Knight game could be a playoff preview as it was last year. RC in Week 3 becomes interesting if they're able to beat the Skins tonight.