EPC South Previews 2018

[RoverNation05]

Parkland

Last Season: 13-1 (District 11 Champions; defeated by St. Joseph’s Prep 49-14 in state quarterfinals)
Returning Starters: 5 (1 offense, 4 defense)
Head Coach: Tim Moncman (23-5 at Parkland; 101-41 overall; 5 District XI Championships, 1 state championship, 3 state finals)

Parkland is the six-time defending District 11 champion in the highest classification. Interestingly, last year was the first year in Parkland’s run they were the top seed in the District 11 tournament after winning from the 6, 3, 7, 2, and 3 seeds in the first five years of their run. The Trojans did so on the strength of a power running game and an efficient, veteran quarterback who could spread the ball around to a reliable receiving corps. And, as always, the played excellent defense under Tim Moncman. It was not the most talented of the Parkland teams (only running back/linebacker Jahan Worth and left tackle Kobe Thomas were Division I (FCS) recruits), but they dominated a down District 11 field.

This year, Parkland has to replace heavy graduation losses, particularly at the skill positions on offense. Parkland loses two-time All State performer, Jahan Worth, who ran for 1,433 yards and 33 TDs last year. Michael Ruisch was a two-year starter at quarterback and threw 485 of Parkland’s 516 passes in the last two seasons. At receiver, Parkland loses their three leading pass catches, headlined by 50 catches, 1,100 yards, and 9 TDs from Tyler Hays. Juan Salas and Cole Wetherhold both had more than 30 catches and 500 yards as well. From the offensive line, All State left tackle Kobe Thomas moves on, as do three other starters. Defensively, Worth moves on as Parkland’s career tackles leader, Xavier Huff was an All State defensive end, Juan Salas was an All EPC pick at linebacker as was Jeremy Sell at defensive tackle.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)​

Quarterback
Andrew Lee (Sr. 6’2 170)
Tanner Lewis (Jr. 6’2 185)
Michael McCarty (So. 6’2 190)

The battle replace Ruisch has a strong set of competitors. Lee was the primary back-up on the varsity team last fall (throwing the only 6 non-Ruisch/non-trick play passes of the season). Lee is a very good athlete – he’ll figure in at defensive back if doesn’t win the QB battle – and gives Parkland a QB run threat if he’s the guy. Lewis is more of a drop-back passer, who was the primary JV quarterback last year. Ideal frame, has a nice release, and throws a good deep ball. McCarty will be in the mix. He’s a really strong runner with a varsity build already as a sophomore. He needs to clean up his release, but he’s also playing with Jason Brader’s FASST Elite 7-on-7 team, which typically has a lot of the best skill guys in the Valley.

Running Backs
Joey Guida (Sr. 5’8 180)
Dominic Nelson (Sr. 5’8 180)
Christian Suriel (Sr. 5’8 180)

Guida and Nelson combined for 865 yards last season as secondary ballcarriers to spell Jahan Worth. They are carbon copies of each other, small, strong runners who can hide between the tackles amongst the immense Parkland offensive line. Guida is the third brother in his family to be a multi-year starter at Parkland, and both Nick and Frank played in state title games (Nick a linebacker on the 2002 state champs and Frank a linebacker on the 2015 runner ups).

Receivers/Tight Ends
Conner Bernecker (Sr. 6’2 185)
Nick Johnston (Jr. 5’9 150)
Christian Antry (Sr. 6’1 230)
Yorick Kumar (Sr. 6’0 165)
Dylan Rahm (Sr. 6’2 180)

Bernecker and Johnston both played a ton of snaps last year as 4th and 5th receivers and combined for 25 catches last season. Bernecker looks like their #1 going into the season, he’s tall and rangy and a threat on the outside. Johnston is a classic little slot receiver who can make guys miss in the open field. Kumar and Rahm look to me like the contenders for the third spot in Parkland’s offense. Kumar saw some times and made a catch last year as a junor. Rahm, a Brown lacrosse recruit, is a really good athlete with size and can work his way into the rotation. Antry is the tight end. He got a decent amount of snaps last year as Jeremy Sell’s primary backup at the position, and like Sell, is a big, physical guy who they will almost use as a third tackle in the run game.

Offensive Line
Adam Piston (Sr. 6’0 195)
Landon Pitts (Sr. 6’4 260)
Nicholas Dawkins (Jr. 6’4 270)
Michael Bennett (Sr. 6’5 285)
Gavin Downing (Sr. 6’3 305)

Although Piston is the only returning starter at the only projected starter under 260 pounds on the offensive line. Parkland’s run this decade has been on the strength of excellent offensive line play. While they are replacing four starters, they’ve been able to reload at the position. Pitts saw time as a primary back up last season and should slot in at left tackle to replace the All State Kobe Thomas. Bennett also saw time due to injury last season. Downing and Dawkins are both monstrously sized high school linemen and will give opponents real problems with their physicality.

Defensive Line
Zac Fitzgerald (Sr. 6’1 200)
Adam Piston (Sr. 6’0 195)
Christian Antry (Sr. 6’1 230)
Josh Mede (Jr. 6’0 185)
Nicholas Dawkins (Jr. 6’4 270)
Cory Border (Sr. 6’1 245)

Piston and Fitzgerald are returning starters here and both were key contributors to an excellent defense last year. Both are undersized, quick, athletic linemen, which has been a Parkland staple in this run, particularly at defensive end. Fitzgerald is a Florida Southern lacrosse recruit. Piston plays more tackle than end but can be a real problem for less athletic interior linemen. Antry will likely get first shot as an edge setter and run stopper at defensive end on the strong side. Parkland doesn’t like having linemen go both ways, particularly their bigger kids, but Dawkins might be too good to keep off of the field at defensive tackle.

Linebackers
Joey Guida (Sr. 5’8 180)
Christian Suriel (Sr. 5’8 180)
Dante Medlar (Jr. 6’1 175)
Alex Ocasio (Sr. 5’8 185)
Angel Ramos (Jr. 5’10 190)

Most of the linebacker snaps are wide open with the graduation of Jahan Worth and Mason Malozzi. Guida started at outside linebacker last year and is Parkland’s leading returning tackler. He runs well and has a good football IQ. Suriel also saw snaps as a backup last year and would be my guess for the other outside spot. What they don’t appear to have in this group is a thumper for the inside, which has been the backbone of their defense for years, with Rob Dvorcek, Nezar Haddad, Preston Saylor, Erik DiGirolamo, Jahan Worth passing the torch for years. Who steps up this year will be interesting.

Defensive Backs
Conner Bernacker (Sr. 6’2 185)
Austin Imler (Sr.)
Luke Dauberman (Jr. 5’9 165)
Chris Lessel (Jr. 5’9 165)
Jordan Lewis (So. 6’2 170)

Bernecker started at safety last season and was a key contributor on defense. He will be counted on to stabilize the back end of the defense. Imler saw some time at the other safety spot last season and in a nickelback role. Dauberman, Lessel, and Lewis all should compete for the cornerback spots and have big shoes to fill in replacing Juan Salas and Cole Wetherhold.

Expectations​

Parkland, as usual, is the favorite going into the season. But they appear more vulnerable than in years past. Even when graduating a lot, they’ve had clear stars returning or stepping in to bigger roles. We’ll see if anybody emerges as an All State caliber player that the Trojans can bank on in tough games. They will be incredibly well coached, as always, and they’ve got tons of size on the offensive line. That gives you a puncher’s chance in high school always. They don’t have a ton of size around the rest of the field, but will rely on scheme and coaching to extend their streak to seven straight district titles.

 

[RoverNation05]

Bethlehem Catholic​

Last Season: 12-3 (District 11 4A Champions; lost in state semifinals to Imhotep Charter 34-14)
Returning Starters: 10 (6 offense; 4 defense)
Head Coach: Joe Henrich (seventh season; 55-28, 3 District 11 titles)

Bethlehem Catholic has won four of the last five District 11 titles in their classification (3A pre-split and 4A since). They have been one of the premier offenses in the Valley, embracing spread concepts and piling up tons of points with speed on the perimeter and excellent line play. This year should be no different. Becahi returns a slew of starters on offense, including three potential FBS players on the offensive line and the most dynamic running back in the Valley. They’ll need to replace two year starter Javon Clements at quarterback, 1,000 yard fullback/linebacker Matt Bisko, all league offensive and defensive lineman Brandon Gill, and all purpose back Daizhun Rhodes, but have a lot of talent and some key transfers waiting in the wings.

Becahi will be a heavy favorite to win 4A, and are looking to add their first EPC South championship to the trophy case. They are one of two 4A schools in the league, but certainly compete with the larger 6A teams. The big question for the Golden Hawks is, can they overcome Imhotep Charter finally in the state semifinal? Two years ago, they gave the Panthers a real scare, but last season, where Becahi seemed to match up better, they had no answer for the Panther running game and could not move the ball on offense. We shall see what 2018 holds.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)
Quarterback
Zamar Brake (Sr. 6’4 200): 131-230, 1,763 yards, 13 TDs, 7 INTs; 66 carries, 209 yards, 7 TDs
Brian Taylor (Fr. 6’1 190)

Brake was the biggest offseason acquisition in the Valley, a transfer from Carteret, New Jersey (northern Jersey Shore). He has offers from UMass and Temple and is a big, strong armed spread quarterback. He can really push the ball down the field and is a threat with the football in his hands. One of the big questions was how they were going to replace two really good years of production from Javon Clements, and it looks like Brake will fill in quite nicely. Taylor, a Nazareth product, looks like the future for the Golden Hawks and has shown well in 7-on-7 this summer. He’ll apprentice for a year then likely take the reigns of the offense as a sophomore.

Running Backs
Tavion Banks (Jr. 5’10 185): 126 carries, 897 yards, 11 TDs; 15 catches, 199 yards, 2 TDs
Zaheer Seabrooks (Sr. 5’9 180): 117 carries, 829 yards, 7 TDs
Malik Thomas (Jr. 6’0 195): 6 carries, 24 yards

The Golden Hawks have the best running back group in the Lehigh Valley. Tavion Banks, if healthy, is the best player in the Lehigh Valley. He’s a smooth, dynamic runner with good size and breakaway speed. He also has great hands and is an asset in the passing game. Look for the Golden Hawks to split him out at wide receiver in addition to him being their feature back. If he’s healthy, he’s a threat for 2,000 all purpose yards. They can afford to split him out wide because Seabrooks is also an excellent back. He earned carries when Banks and Rhodes were out with injuries last year and performed exceptionally well. He’s more of a power back, but can kick it into gear once out in the open field. Thomas, a highly regarded prospect from the Pocono Mountain schools, earned some time last season as a sophomore in a crowded backfield and I would expect the Golden Hawks to find him some carries.

Receivers/Tight Ends
Nate Palancia (Sr. 5’11 175): 6 catches, 88 yards, 1 TD
Paul Carreras (Sr. 6’0 225): 6 catches, 141 yards; 22 carries, 104 yards, TD
Ryan Lowe (Jr. 5’10 165)
Trea Lovell (Sr. 5’10 175): 1 catch, 15 yards

This will be a real question mark for the Golden Hawks. In the past few years, they have worked running backs in at receiver, particularly Daizhun Rhodes, who caught 78 passes in the last two years. With Rhodes and Seamus Williams graduated, the Hawks leading returning receiver is Banks. Palancia saw snaps as a third receiver last season and figures to increase his production this year. Carreras will line up at H-back in a hybrid fullback/tight end role. He’s more of a blocker, but has soft hands and will be a threat in play action and as a safety valve. Lowe is a transfer from Stroudsburg who could see action on both sides of the ball. Lovell is a fixture in 7-on-7. There could be others who emerge here and earn playing time.

Offensive Line
Dalton Daddona (Sr. 6’4 285)
Elias Marte (Sr. 6’4 305)
Jerry Lyons (Jr. 6’2 275)
Dalton Kucher (So. 6’3 235)
Mike Maldonado (Jr. 5’11 260)
Justin Kanyuk (Fr. 6’5 210)
Adrian Douglas (Jr. 6’0 235)

This is the Golden Hawks bread and butter. Marte was first team All State last year at tackle and is the best returning lineman in the conference. He doesn’t have scholarship offers yet, but is drawing attention from a host of upper echelon FCS programs like Richmond, Villanova, and Delaware. He’s also receiving interest from Pitt and West Virginia. He’s light on his feet and a solid athlete for 300 pounds, particularly in pass protection. Daddona has offers from Air Force and Cornell, and is receiving attention from Villanova and Delaware as well as a host of Patriot League schools. He’s the real deal as a physical, mobile guard. Road grader as a run blocker. Lyons started at guard as a sophomore, and is another Division I prospect for the Golden Hawks. He’s a great run blocker as well. Competition for the other two spots will be fierce, with a handful of underclassmen in the mix. Kanyuk, only a freshman, may not be ready right away, but he’s clearly projected as the nexts big thing on their offensive line.

Defensive Line
Dalton Daddona (Sr. 6’4 285)
Joe Gimaro (Sr. 6’0 245)
Elias Marte (Sr. 6’4 305)
George French (Jr. 6’7 235)
Justin Kanyuk (Fr. 6’5 210)

Becahi needs to replace all league defensive players Brandon Bartholomew, Jacob Kanyuk, and Brandon Gill on their defensive line. The good news is Daddona is back and may be the premier defensive lineman in the conference. He’s active, huge defensive end who will gives teams a ton of problems as a power rusher and run stopper. Marte has not played both ways in years past, but would be a great athlete to add to the middle of their defensive line. French and the younger Kanyuk both have tantalizing physical potential.

Linebackers
Paul Carreras (Sr. 6’0 225)
Domenico Italiani (Sr. 6’2 230)
Joe Peacock (Sr. 5’10 170)

Another area where Becahi needs to replace a lot of graduated talent. Matt Bisko was an All State player and Carson Badmo was a 100 tackle outside linebacker. Carreras made an impact last year after transferring from Freedom and will be the leader of the pack here. Great outside player who can run with receivers but has the size to clean up between the tackles in the run game. Italiani is a huge middle linebacker who plays downhill and should fill in nicely for Bisko. Lots of players will be in the mix for the other outside spot, though they may play a lot of 4-2-5 with the amount of spread offenses in the conference.

Defensive Backs
Tavion Banks (Jr. 5’10 185)
Nate Palancia (Sr. 5’11 175)
Ryan Lowe (Jr. 5’10 165)
Trea Lovell (Sr. 5’10 175)
Bryant Finney (Jr. 5’6 160)
Christian Shelton (So. 6’1 155)
Nate Petke (Sr. 5’9 160)

Banks was an all league safety as a sophomore last year and is probably the best defensive back in the conference. This is where his future likely is as a college player. He has great ball skills and is smooth in coverage. Definitely more of a cover guy than run stopper, though he can certainly hit when necessary. Palancia played a lot of nickel last year and will be the other primary safety. Lowe started as a sophomore at corner for Stroudsburg and should do the same here. The other two spots are wide open and will be filled with a good athlete any way they slice it.

Special Teams
Anthony DaSilva (Sr. 6’0 150)
Tavion Banks (Jr. 5’10 185)

DaSilva recently committed to Penn State as a place kicker and is a major weapon for the Golden Hawks. Banks, should they keep him there, is entering his third year as a return specialist and can really flip the field.

Expectations​

Bethlehem Catholic is my pick to win the EPC South and could be looking at an undefeated regular season. A healthy Banks gives them an impact star to build around, and any time you pair a great running back with a great offensive line, you’re going to win a lot of football games. If guys emerge at receiver to give them threats in the passing game, this will be a very good football team. I’d expect them to have a third straight date with Imhotep Charter the first weekend in December. We’ll see as the year progresses whether they are a credible threat to get over the hump and make their first state final since 1990 (they’ve been knocked out in semis in 1999, 2000, 2016, 2017).

 

[RoverNation05]

Emmaus​

Last Season: 6-5 (lost to Freedom in the first round of the District 11 playoffs)
Returning Starters: 11 (5 offense; 6 defense)
Head Coach: Harold Fairclough (third season at Emmaus; 16-7; 65-34 overall; 3 District 11 championships, 1 state title - Allentown Central Catholic)

Emmaus stumbled to a 6-5 season after a breakout 10-2 campaign in 2016. They struggled defensively, particularly in containing the passing game. They also suffered a key injury to Lubens Myers, who had a massive sophomore season on their way to a EPC South title. This year, Myers is back and healthy, as is Sone Ntoh, who is one of the most highly recruited players in the Valley.

But the big change is that former Whitehall quarterback Ethan Parvel is now a Green Hornet. Parvel is one of the most exciting offensive players in the league, and has been playing basketball with the Emmaus team all summer. He’s one of the bigger transfers in the Valley in recent years and will make an immediate impact on the offense. Replacing an offensive line with a brand new quarterback would have been a tall task, Parvel can help stabilize things as the line grows up. He’s a very danger runner, and adds a third person to the Emmaus backfield who has rushed for at least 900 yards in a season.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)​

Quarterback
Ethan Parvel (Sr. 6’0 185): 125-204, 2,122 yards, 31 TDs, 6 INTs; 145 carries, 958 yards, 14 TDs

Parvel was the first team all EPC South quarterback last year after leading an explosive Whitehall offense. Parvel nearly had a 2,000/1,000 season as a junior and is the most dynamic quarterback in the conference. His transfer to Emmaus is huge (particularly months before the transfer rule becomes effective which would ban him from the postseason). Pairing him with the Emmaus running game could lead to a monster season. Parvel is an All State candidate under center.

Running Backs
Sone Ntoh (Sr. 5’11 210): 151 carries, 1,110 yards, 14 TDs; 4 catches, 62 yards
Lubens Myers (Sr. 5’11 175): 94 carries, 482 yards, 3 TDs; 6 catches, 74 yards, TD

What makes Parvel particularly dangerous is how good his running backs are. Sone Ntoh ran for over 1,00 yards as a junior, plus put up a 900+ yard season as a sophomore. He’s a big, physical back with breakaway speed and has offers from seemingly every school in the Ivy League and Patriot League. Tremendous student who will be a great get for one of those programs. Myers ran for 1,200 yards and 16 TDs as a sophomore, then missed 5 games last season and was severely hampered by an ankle injury. When healthy, he can absolutely fly and is the outside, slasher back to Ntoh’s between the tackles prowess. It’s a great running back combination when they’re both healthy. This could be the most productive set of running backs in Pennsylvania.

Receivers/Tight Ends
Izaiah McPherson (Sr. 5’11 170): 29 catches, 325 yards, 6 TDs
Deonte Castro (Sr.): 27 catches, 500 yards, 6 TDs
Carlton Lovett (Sr. 6’3 195): 4 catches, 107 yards, 2 TDs

McPherson and Castro were Emmaus’s two leading receivers last season and look to expand on productive junior seasons. With Parvel under center, they’ll have one of the best throwers in the Valley getting them the football. Both can really run and like getting the ball in space. Lovett is a bigger, possession receiver who should see his snap count go way up with the graduation of Josh Artis who caught 65 passes in a similar role the last two seasons.

Offensive Line
Justin Roman (So. 6’1 240)
James Santichen (Jr. 6’3 250)
Jacob Wieder (Sr. 6’0 225)
Jared Kish (Sr. 6’3 235)
Lance Hoch (Sr. 6’1 220)

The offensive line is critical for Emmaus. They graduate all five starters, four of whom earned all conference honors at some point in their careers. Part of the reason they’ve had such success running the football has been an experienced line that has played together for two and three seasons. They all are gone, and are big shoes to replace. Wieder played a lot on defense last season, and will be asked to go both ways and key the offensive line. Roman is young, but has the great size and potential. There may be others who compete as this is the most wide open spot on the roster.

Defensive Line
Jacob Wieder (Sr. 6’0 225)
Liam Garrett (Jr. 5’10 220)
Sam Goodge (Sr. 5’10 210)
Levin Sarver (Sr. 6’0 245)
Ben Wassel (Sr. 6’2 200)

Similarly, Emmaus loses a ton on their defensive line as well, with a ton of two-way starters gone in the trenches. Wieder comes back at defensive end, but the rest of the group is gone, including all league defensive tackle Joey Barno. They won’t have anywhere near as much size this year, but will try to run down bigger, less athletic lines with a ton of guys in the 200-220 range.

Linebackers
Sone Ntoh (Sr. 5’11 210)
Tim Higgins (Sr. 6’0 190)
James Biller (So. 5’9 200)
Dmitri Garcia (Jr. 6’0 220)
Adam Heiserman (Jr. 5’10 205)
Matt Butz (Sr. 5’8 225)

Ntoh is a great modern linebacker, with the speed to cover receivers in spread offenses and the size to play downhill in the run game. Higgins saw time on offense last year and is likely the first guy to get a crack at replacing two-time all EPC linebacker Noah Breidinger. They play a lot of 2 linebacker sets, so competition for that spot will be plentiful.

Defensive Backs
Lubens Myers (Sr. 5’11 175)
Izaiah McPherson (Sr. 5’11 170)
Mason Reed (Jr. 6’1 195)
Nicholas Roselli (Sr. 5’11 190)
Carlton Lovett (Sr. 6’3 195): 4 catches, 107 yards, 2 TDs

While they lose a ton in their front seven, the entire secondary returns. A healthy Myers is an excellent cornerback, something they really missed last year. Mason Reed had a really strong sophomore season and could be one of the better corners in the league with a year of maturity. McPherson and Roselli should provide stability. Lovett saw time last year with Myers hurt and should replace Josh Artis in the secondary.

Expectations​

Emmaus was a huge surprise in Harold Fairclough’s first year, going 10-2 and winning their first conference championships since the early 1980s. A quarterback injury led to an early playoff exit, but they looked like a big favorite going in to 2017. However, they stumbled to a 6-4 regular season, then bowed out of the first round of districts. They have a ton to replace on the offensive line and the front 7 of their defense, but they’re in the conversation with Becahi for the best skill guys in the Valley. A healthy Ntoh and Myers could ease the transition of a new offensive line and Parvel is an out-in-out stud. This year, they look like the first team in the second tier of EPC South teams and could break into the Parkland/Becahi group with solid line play.

 

[RoverNation05]

Freedom

Last Season: 7-6 (lost to Parkland 30-6 in District 11 finals)
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense; 5 defense)
Head Coach: Jason Roeder (14th season; 82-62 record)

Freedom had a weird year in 2017. They finished the regular season 5-5 and barely scratched in to playoffs. But they had big wins over Bethlehem Catholic and Liberty to win the Christmas City Championship, then rattled off a pair of wins in districts to advance all the way to finals before being beaten soundly by Parkland. It was the second straight year they lost to the Trojans in District Finals. They were one of the most prolific passing attacks in the state, getting a huge year out of sophomore Jared Jenkins and a trio of excellent receivers.

Once again, Freedom will be trying to break through from the top of the middle to the upper echelon of teams in District 11.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)​

Quarterback
Jared Jenkins (Jr. 6’0 185): 160-312, 2,661 yards, 17 TDs, 10 INTs

Jenkins was a much hyped underclassman who stepped in as a sophomore and had about as productive of a year as anybody could hope for. He returns for his junior season as one of the top passers in eastern Pennsylvania. He has a big arm and can really push the ball downfield. His completion percentage isn’t wonderful for the modern era, but he really stretches a defense with the deep ball. They may work in more short and intermediate throws based on what returns at wide receiver, but Jenkins will be able to take the top off of a defense when necessary. He’s also very mobile, and I would expect Freedom to add more elements of the quarterback run game now that he’s had a year to digest the playbook. He should be amongst the elite quarterbacks in this part of the state.

Running Backs
Jalen Stewart (Jr. 6’1 210): 24 carries, 102 yards, 4 TDs
Sebastian Gibbs (Sr. 5’8 170): 41 carries, 122 yards
Amir Jones (So. 5’8 180)

Freedom graduates 1,000 yard rusher Abdul Beasley, the latest in a string of productive Freedom running backs. Stewart should get first crack to take his place. There was some speculation (in this space in particular) that Stewart would win the tailback job last season. He definitely earned carries and playing time, but in a secondary role. This year, I’d expect him to be the guy. He’s a big high school back that run hards between the tackles. Gibbs and Jones are both scat backs who can deliver a change of pace. Gibbs may also see time in the slot.

Receivers/Tight Ends
Tristan Wheeler (Sr. 6’2 225): 7 catches, 119 yards
Gabe Caton (Jr. 6’1 165): 7 catches, 141 yards, TD
Jack Gawlik (Sr. 6’2 210): 5 catches, 87 yards

This is where Freedom was crushed by graduation. Not only did they lose three year starter Alec Huertas and his 115 career catches, but Kyree Mashburn and Justus Grube combined for 63 catches, 1,147 yards and 8 TDs as the second and third receivers. That trio had tons of speed, and Freedom ran a ton of play action with vertical components to take advantage. Wheeler comes back as a tight end/fullback hybrid who is more of a blocker than receiving threat. Caton is the lone true receiver who had any catches last season for the Patriots. He’ll asked to do a ton more. Gawlik, like Wheeler, is more of an H-Back. This will be an area where guys coming up from JV and freshman can win some real time. And they’ll have the advantage of one of the league’s best quarterbacks throwing to them.

Offensive Line
Kaden Moore (Jr. 6’3 305)
Jacob Schwind (So. 6’2 240)
Isaiah Joyner (Sr. 5’9 250)
Eloge Kalubi (Jr. 6’6 235)
Mike Narvaez (Jr. 6’2 225)
Camren Curry (Sr. 5’10 295)
John Denith (Sr. 6’1 220)
Teryan Gerhard (Sr. 6’1 315)

Moore and Schwind are both FBS prospects on the offensive line and some of the better underclassman linemen in this part of the state. Moore is a monster, who has started at defensive tackle since his freshman year. He’s very light on his feet, but with a mean streak as a run blocker. He’ll protect Jenkins’s blind side. Schwind worked his way to start as a freshman last season and has the build and athleticism to be a big time offensive lineman. He’s “only” 240 right now, but looks like he’ll add good weight as he grows and keeps working in the weight room. Joyner played some in jumbo packages last year as an extra lineman. He’s tiny but powerful and will be counted on to stabilize the line. There will be plenty of competition for the remaining two spots on the line, with a lot of size in the mix.

Defensive Line
Kaden Moore (Jr. 6’3 305)
John Dentith (Sr. 6’1 220)
Isaiah Joyner (Sr. 5’9 250)
Elijah Jimenez (Jr. 5’10 185)
Eloge Kalubi (Jr. 6’6 235)

The front of Freedom’s 3-3-5 is so important and they have a really good group this year. Kaden Moore is an ideal three man front defensive end, big enough to demand double teams and set an edge, but athletic enough to pass rush. He’s one of the premier defenders in the Valley. John Dentith has an excellent year as the weak side end last season and comes back to provide a pass rushing threat. He’s a rangier kid who uses quickness off the ball to beat tackles inside. Joyner should line up at nose guard, he was in the rotation last season and should be the every down guy. He’s strong enough to fight off interior linemen and has some quickness at 5’9 which gives bigger linemen problems.

Linebackers
Tristan Wheeler (Sr. 6’2 225)
Jack Gawlik (Sr. 6’2 210)
Darryl Shands (Sr. 5’10 180)

Wheeler is the preseason defensive player of the year in the EPC. He’s a missile. Likes to play violent, excellent as a blitzer and in stopping the run. Really a sideline to sideline guy. He has offers from tons of FCS programs, including New Hampshire, Villanova, Rhode Island, Lafayette, and Colgate. He’s a difference maker at the high school level. Gawlik comes back after a solid season. He’s another bigger linebacker who they like to bring on blitzes up the middle. Shands looks like the likeliest guy to fill the role left by the departed Adbul Beasley.

Defensive Backs
Jalen Stewart (Jr. 6’1 210)

Like receiver, Freedom is hit really hard by graduation in the secondary. Stewart played their “strike” position last year, a hybrid linebacker/safety they move all over the field in the 3-3-5. He’s further along on defense than offense, and I would not be surprised if we’re talking about him as one of the better safeties/linebackers in the eastern part of the state by year’s end. He’s the only defensive back with much experience. They need to replace Alec Huertas, Kyree Mashburn, Rontay Dunbar, and Justus Grube, which is a ton of speed and experience lost to graduation.

Expectations​

Freedom has been consistently good, sometimes great under Jason Roeder. This year, they have stars, but not a ton of depth. Jenkins, Moore, Wheeler, and possibly Stewart are all high impact, all conference type talents. How the Patriots fill in around those big names will determine if they have another season slightly above .500 or if they’re competing to dethrone Parkland after falling in District finals the last two years.

 

[PA2CAMoleskinner]

Nice work, Rover.

 

[Stalker]

Nice work, Rover.

Hey counselor what's up?
Excellent as always Rover. I'll do something brief on D3 and whatever time allows but thanks for offering detailed information from an area we other wise wouldn't see.

 

[Soup13]

I think Parkland will make a little run with Tim Moncman in his 3rd yr now as HC. He will make it happen with a young unproven team. He had some solid years at Liberty w/ some young teams and Parkland never lacks talent...

 

[RoverNation05]

I think Parkland will make a little run with Tim Moncman in his 3rd yr now as HC. He will make it happen with a young unproven team. He had some solid years at Liberty w/ some young teams and Parkland never lacks talent...

I think I've made my position pretty clear on Tim - I think he's one of the best coaches in Pennsylvania (I'll never fully get over Easton missing the opportunity to get him). Picking them to win 6A is entirely dependent on faith in Moncman. They're offensive line is going to be massive, if they can move too then that's really going to stabilize the team. But I think their ceiling, outside of D11, is probably limited (particularly with how good SJP is going to be this year). The wild card is if one of the quarterbacks is the real deal. Bret Comp is a QB whisperer, and it looks like they have some talent. And maybe there is a skill guy coming up I don't know about who becomes a go-to guy in the offense. But for the first time in a while, I think there are more questions than answers with Parkland. But it helps to have easily the best coach (and staff) in the Valley when that's the case.

The rest of the league is coming, working on them today. Easton, the one you've all been waiting for, is coming up first.

 

[Soup13]

I think I've made my position pretty clear on Tim - I think he's one of the best coaches in Pennsylvania (I'll never fully get over Easton missing the opportunity to get him). Picking them to win 6A is entirely dependent on faith in Moncman. They're offensive line is going to be massive, if they can move too then that's really going to stabilize the team. But I think their ceiling, outside of D11, is probably limited (particularly with how good SJP is going to be this year). The wild card is if one of the quarterbacks is the real deal. Bret Comp is a QB whisperer, and it looks like they have some talent. And maybe there is a skill guy coming up I don't know about who becomes a go-to guy in the offense. But for the first time in a while, I think there are more questions than answers with Parkland. But it helps to have easily the best coach (and staff) in the Valley when that's the case.

The rest of the league is coming, working on them today. Easton, the one you've all been waiting for, is coming up first.

Rover - Well said and great info...I should have been more specific on run; will win a tough league and win some playoff games and go on to play SJP. SJP from what I have heard is absolutely loaded and has depth to boot.

 

[RoverNation05]

What's been amazing about this Parkland run is that their "down" years have coincided with down years in the rest of the Valley. In 2012, Parkland was okay with the power-option team, but Shane Simpson broke his leg, taking the focal point of Easton's offense with him, and only one other Valley team even qualified for Districts. In 2016, Emmaus's quarterback breaks his ankle against Parkland in the final regular season game and the rest of the league is very average. Last season, the league was as weak as I've seen it. Teams like 2013/14 Whitehall, 2014 Easton. and 2015 Wyoming Valley West all were excellent team, but hit Parkland in the years they were the absolute strongest in this run (and the '13 Whitehall and '14 Easton teams both very easily could have won those games). Parkland has been really, really good, but their timing has also been excellent.

 

[RoverNation05]

Easton​

Last Season: 8-5 (lost to Parkland 52-10 in District 11 semifinals)
Returning Starters: 10 (5 offense; 5 defense)
Head Coach: Jeff Braido (second season; 8-5)

Last season, Easton returned 19 starters from a team that finished above .500. They had the best passing game in school history, with senior Scott Poulson setting single season records for passing yards and touchdowns, and holding a stellar 23-6 TD/INT ratio. His main target, Jake Herres, set Easton records for catches, yards, and was a first team All State wide receiver. Split end Eddie Olsen set the single game record for touchdown catches. Both defensive ends are playing Division I football this year (Trevor Storm at Virginia and EJ Simmons at Colgate). Two-way lineman Ayyub Dail was their first Big 33 selection since Shane Simpson.

So what happened? Easton improved one game, from 7-6 to 8-5. They went 4-4 in league play. They lost to Nazareth at home for the first time in school history. They were outscored by Parkland 97-17 in two games. Not exactly the year detractors were hoping for in the post Steve Shiffert era. Now, injuries played a part – Simmons missed 6 games, Storm missed time, defensive backs Mike Dunlap and Damion Smith combined to miss 13 games. But they also struggled to run the football and get stops when they needed to get off of the field.

Year two will be pivotal. There is talent here, though they’re green at quarterback, linebacker, and on the defensive line. It looks like there is talent, particularly in the sophomore class, but they’re really going to need kids to step up if they’re going to compete with the top of the league.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)​

Quarterback
Nate Nimeh (Sr. 5’10 170): 16-25, 157 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
Altajier Robinson (Jr. 5’11 175)
Nick Oligino (So. 6’2 180)
Peyton Cosover (Fr. 5’11 180)

The quarterback battle will be wide open this fall. Nimeh was the primary varsity backup last season, and started against Freedom when Scott Poulson was out with an injury. He’ll get the first crack at the job, and Easton like to have seniors at QB. He’s a drop back passer and would run a presumably similar offense to last season. Robinson is an option style QB and will be in the mix at defensive back. He’d be a totally different look at quarterback. They both played on JV last year, so we might see a rotation. Oliginio and Cosover are both next generation type QBS – came up in spread type offenses, can really sling it. Both have really good size for underclassmen. Cosover passed up an opportunity to go to Notre Dame. If Phil Stambaugh is recruiting you, you’re probably the real deal as a quarterback. That may be the future.

Running Backs
Harold Reynolds (Sr. 5’9 190): 97 carries, 399 yards, 4 TDs; 3 catches 76 yards
Makhi DeSilva (Sr. 5’10 180): 27 caries, 246 yards; 2 catches, 38 yards
Nahjee Adams (So. 5’10 165): 11 carries, 30 yards
Tamir Jackson (So. 5’8 185): 1 carry, 7 yards
Dominic Falcone (So. 5’5 165): 11 carries, 66 yards, TD; 1 catch, 1 yard

Reynolds led Easton in rushing as a sophomore, putting up 779 yards and 9 TDs in 2016. Last year, his role was reduced to more of a blocking fullback, as Easton really abandoned the inside run game. He’s a bruiser, little ball of muscle who can get tough yards between the tackles. He is fast once he gets into the open field, but won’t make a ton of guys miss. He’s also the first two-time captain I can remember, and he’s absolutely a leader and big time locker room guy. He’ll occupy one spot in the backfield and I’d imagine will get more feature back carries this year. The rest of the carries will be a fascinating battle. DeSilva looked good in relief last year when he got opportunities and is a very dangerous return man. He can fly and gives them a potential home run hitter. Adams is the guy to watch in my opinion. He showed flashes last year as a freshman getting varsity snaps. I don’t know if the weight is updated on the roster, he may be bigger this year, I know he’s a constant in Brad Piperata’s strength program. He’s a potential star, and if he’s ready to be a guy this year, it could make a world of difference. All of the things I just said about Adams apply to Jackson as well. He’s built like a varsity football player already, and shows some wiggle in the open field and can bulldoze guys. Finally, Falcone also got carries as a freshman and will definitely be in the mix. He’s one of the best rising sophomore wrestlers in the country (runner up at NHSCA Freshman Nationals at 170 and a PA state qualifier) and is definitely built more like a wrestler than a football player. But he’s pound for pound maybe the strongest guy on the roster and one of the best pure athletes. He’ll factor in the mix somewhere.

Receivers/Tight Ends
Damion Smith (Sr. 6’3 190): 12 catches, 95 yards
Mike Dunlap (Sr. 6’3 185): 3 catches, 35 yards
Andrew Balukas (Sr. 6’1 215)
Alden Fries (Jr. 5’11 175)
Troy Kelley (So. 6’1 160)
Gio Burgos (Jr. 6’3 170)
Jaden Kelley (So. 5’6 150)

Easton’s passing game was a much bigger part of the offense last year. I don’t know if that is because of the new regime, or it was just to take advantage of some personnel. This year, they have another big receiving corps, and some guys who could take a real step forward. Smith and Dunlap have been defensive starters since their sophomore seasons, and will be much more feature targets on this year’s team. Smith is a big, possession type who can go back and forth between receiver and tight end. He play a lot as the third receiver last season. Dunlap has better wheels, but injuries have plagued him the last two years. If healthy, he could be a real breakout candidate at receiver. He has all of the tools to be one of the best in the conference. Balukas plays a tight end/blocking role, though he was a big part of the passing game at lower levels in the program. Other snaps will be competitive. Fries was the main target on the JV team last year and is a good route runner with good hands. Troy Kelley could grow in to being a really good receiver, he has the frame and speed. Burgos is a Freedom transfer. Jaden Kelley was a running back at the freshmen level who is being moved to a slot receiver. He’s really fast and really shifty.

Offensive Line
Patrick Shupp (Jr. 6’4 320)
Albert Gayle (Sr. 6’0 255)
Elek Ferency (Sr. 6’4 290)
Jaden Pound (So. 6’1 215)
Josh Arias (Jr. 6’0 185)
Derek Frinzi (So. 6’2 185)
RJ Gisler (Jr. 6’0 190)
Blain Washington (Jr. 6’1 210)

This could be a strength for the Red Rovers. The three returnees are huge, led by left tackle Patrick Shupp, the biggest offensive lineman in the Valley. He’s started since his freshman year, and is on track to be the rare four year starter at tackle. He needs to show he can play at 320, but he certainly has a Division I frame. Gayle will be in his third year as the center and while he is not as big as the two returning tackles, he’s their best lineman. Really good athlete, exceptionally strong, and can really move for a lineman. Ferency is an assembly line right tackle. If he can play with a little more violence, he’s got the feet and size to be really, really good. The guard spots will be up for grabs. Frinzi and Pound are probably the future at tackle, we may see one or both at guard to get groomed as varsity linemen. Frinzi’s weight is listed from his freshman year, if he’s up in the 215 range, he may be a favorite to win one job. The rest of the group is more of throwback to lines of Easton past, undersized but in really good shape and mobile.

Defensive Line
Albert Gayle (Sr. 6’0 255): 26 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
Darrien Lee (Sr. 6’2 235): 19 tackles, 1 TFL
Dsean Cham (Sr. 6’3 260): 5 tackles
Graham Anderson (Sr. 6’0 235)
Josh Arias (Jr. 6’0 185)
Derek Frinzi (So. 6’2 185)
RJ Gisler (Jr. 6’0 190)
Eric Danielson (So. 6’3 205)

Gayle is the only returning starter on the defensive line that loses a Big 33/All League tackle and two Division I defensive end (Virginia and Colgate). He’s a disruptive guy on the interior, but they’ll need him to be more of a pass rush threat. Lee played a lot with injuries to Trevor Storm and EJ Simmons last year, and has put on a ton of good weight in the offseason. He’ll need to anchor the strong side of the line. Cham played limited snaps last year behind Gayle and Dail, but could have a big senior year. There will be tons of competition for the other snaps at end, with Arias probably being the leader in the clubhouse before camp starts.

Linebackers
Andrew Balukas (Sr. 6’1 215): 100 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack, FF
Tamir Jackson (Fr. 5’8 185): 6 tackles
Dominic Falcone (So. 5’5 165): 12 tackles, 2 TFL
Makhi DeSilva (Sr. 5’10 180): 11 tackles, 1 TFL
Isaiah Avaloy (Sr. ): 20 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack

Balukas is Easton’s version of Tristan Wheeler – a missile in the run game who plays really physical. He put up the first 100 tackle season for the Red Rovers since 2010 and I’d expect that number to go up in 2018. He’s a guy to build a defense around. I think the other two outside backers will be the sophomores. Jackson is a good running back prospect, but an excellent linebacker prospect. Fast, physical, good football IQ. Falcone’s dad is the defensive coordinator, and he plays like a coach’s son. Really knows the game. He’s very short for a high school linebacker, but can run and tackle with anybody.

Defensive Backs
Danny Hynes (Sr. 6’1 200): 57 tackles, 4 TFL, 3 INT, FF
Mike Dunlap (Sr. 6’3 185): 27 tackles
Damion Smith (Sr. 6’3 190): 38 tackles, INT
Nahjee Adams (So. 5’10 165): 4 tackles, 1 TFL
As’ad Brown (Jr. 5’5 140): 5 tackles
Elijah Benton (Jr. 5’9 160): 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack
Altajier Robinson (Jr. 5’11 175)
Chris Williams (Sr. 5’10 160): 1 tackle

This is Eastons’ strongest position group. Hynes, Dunlap, and Smith all are being recruited by FCS schools. It’s a big secondary, which is rare in high school. Hynes led the team in tackles as a sophomore, and in interceptions last year. He’s the complete package at safety and stealth All State candidate. Dunlap was the Defensive MVP of the Blue-Gray combine in Philly last month and has the physical tools to be a star. Health has always been the issue. Smith is a big, press coverage cornerback. I’d guess Adams is first line to replace Katrell Thompson at the other corner. He looks like a star in the making. Elijah Benton, whose father was an All State running back and wrestler in the early 1980s, will likely be the nickel guy.

Expectations​

Easton probably has the highest beta in the conference. They have a lot of experience on the offensive line and in the secondary, which can help carry a young team. They also have a really good class of sophomores. If some of the young kids hit the ground running as varsity players, they could be interesting. The quarterback situation absolutely needs to get sorted out and they need some of their seniors who are talented to stay healthy for the first time in their careers. There also is the variable of the new coaching staff, headed into year 2 completely unproven with a disappointing season in year 1.

 

[PA2CAMoleskinner]

Rover -

Did Easton consider Moncman?

 

[RoverNation05]

When Tim was on his sabbatical from coaching, it was pretty well known that Easton was the place he'd be interested in restarting his career once his son was older. When Shiffert was potentially going to retire after the 2014 season, Moncman was the target. Things moved at Parkland really quickly when the first signs of Shiffert getting fired happened.

In terms of the actual coaching search, it was missing on Matt Evancho (Wilson DC on the state title team and Saucon Valley HC/Easton alum/Penn State letterwinner) that was the big miss.

 

[RoverNation05]

Liberty​

Last Season: 4-7 (lost to Parkland 35-23 in first round of D11 playoffs)
Returning Starters: 9 (5 offense; 4 defense)
Head Coach: John Truby (sixth season; 29-37)

Liberty has been one of the most disappointing programs in the EPC this decade. After being a model program in the 2000s, the 2010s have not been kind to the Hurricanes. After a high water mark of 8-4 and a D11 playoff win in 2015, the Hurricanes have grabbed the 8 seed the last two years and finished below .500 in both seasons. Last year, Liberty shocked Freedom in the final week of the regular season, but that was their only win over a team with a .500 record.

There are a lot of graduations to overcome for the Hurricanes in 2018. Gone is all conference linebacker Will Kandianis and all conference safety Jaden Vazquez. They also have to overcome the loss of three multi-year starters on the offensive line. Still, there are reasons to be excited in Bethlehem. Nasir Legree set the single season program record for rushing yards last season and returns for what should be a big senior year. Quarterback Todd Erney is back after missing most of the season last year. And defensive end Trevor Harris is one of the best pass rushers in the conference. It will take a big effort from all of them to get Liberty back to the playoffs in 2018.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)​

Quarterback
Todd Erney (Sr. 5’10 180): 64-130, 765 yards, 5 TDs, 4 INTs
Tristan Reinert (Sr. 5’10 160): 15-37, 242 yards, TD, INT
Dallas Holmes (Jr. 6’2 185)

Erney, younger brother of four year starter and current East Stroudsburg QB Doug Erney, has had an up and down career. Injuries and discipline problems have had him in and out of the starting lineup since his sophomore season. If he stays in the lineup this year, he’s a good athlete with a strong arm. They will need his experience to break in a very new group of receives and revive a passing game that was almost nonexistent last year. If anything happens to Erney, Reinert has been a capable backup for the last three years as well.

Running Backs
Nasir Legree (Sr. 5’9 180): 315 carries, 1,912 yards, 17 TDs; 8 catches, 63 yards
Justin Diaz (Sr. 5’10 170)
Blake Nevitt (Sr. 6’0 215)
Zaire Mitchell (Jr. 5’11 200)

Legree was the Liberty offense last season. He was amongst the state leaders in carries, toting the rock over 300 times in an 11 game season. That includes a 47 carry effort in their upset win over Liberty, 46 carries in a loss to Nazareth, and 36 carries, 304 yards, and 5 TDs in a win over 2-8 Northampton. Legree is a four year stater who comes in to his senior season with 2,981 career yards and 23 TDs. He has a chance at becoming Liberty’s all time leading rusher. He’s a strong, between the tackles runner who can put a team on his back.

Receivers/Tight Ends
Javonte Haynes (Sr. 6’1 170): 8 catches, 110 yards, TD
Elias Feliciano (Sr. 5’7 140)
Trevor Harris (Sr. 6’3 235)

Haynes is their leading returning pass catcher. He was a state finalist in the long jump and is an excellent athlete. If the Liberty passing game takes a step forward, he’s going to be the major recipient of the extra targets. Behind Haynes, there are not any returning players who have caught a pass, and they’ll will need a big contribution from players coming up from the JV and freshmen programs.

Offensive Line
Michael Warner (Sr. 5’10 235)
Jake Ahmad (Sr. 5’10 220)
Jaden Freeman (Sr. 5’9 250)
Lance Priestas (So. 6’0 235)
Cody Storm (Sr. 6’0 290)
Zach Teran-Wimer (Sr. 6’1 245)

Warner and Ahmad form the basis for a good offensive line. Warner started at center last season and Ahmad was a two-way lineman playing offensive guard and defensive tackle. Both are short, but good athletes with strength who can excel when put in motion. There is not a lot of height in the potential candidates to earn starting spots, but they have some size. Freeman played a ton of defense as a junior and would be my most likely candidate to secure a starting job.

Defensive Line
Trevor Harris (Sr. 6’3 235): 47 tackles, 14 TFL, 3 sacks
Jaden Freeman (Sr. 5’9 250)
Jake Ahmad (Sr. 5’10 220)
Messiah Johnson (So. 6’2 230)
Lance Priestas (So. 6’0 235)
Michael Warner (Sr. 5’10 235)
Declan Thompson (Sr. 6’2 215)
Adam Velazquez (Sr. 6’0 330)

Harris is the only returning all conference defensive lineman in the EPC South. He had an excellent junior season and will be one of the premier defensive linemen in the conference. Freeman is a disruptive guy on the interior and plays defensive tackle like a wrestler. He has really good hands and an understanding of leverage. He’ll be an impact guy as a senior (and will be a state qualifier at heavyweight). Ahmad also brings a wrestling background to the defensive line. The rest of the spots will be up for grabs with a lot of talent behind them. Messiah Johnson is a guy to keep an eye on, a huge sophomore who has a really high ceiling.

Linebackers
Damen Moyer (Jr. 5’10 200)
Justin Diaz (Sr. 5’10 170)
Blake Nevitt (Sr. 6’0 215)
Kendrick Wesley (Jr. 6’1 215)
Zaire Mitchell (Jr. 5’11 200)

Another really good wrestler, Moyer was a D11 and NE Regional champion and state qualifier at 182 pounds last year. He’s a good athlete and a grinder, who may be one of the tackle leaders in the conference. Again, behind Moyer is a lot of competition and uproven guys. Wesley’s older brother Keaton was a multiyear starter and Kendrick may be the better athlete of the two. Zaire Mitchell is another guy that has earned praise coming up through the program.

Defensive Backs
Javonte Haynes (Sr. 6’1 170)
Nasir Legree (Sr. 5’9 180)
Tristan Reinert (Sr. 5’10 160)
Dallas Holmes (Jr. 6’2 185)

Haynes will be one of the best defensive backs in the conference. A ball-hawking free safety who can cover tons of ground playing centerfield. I’m not sure if Legree will go both ways, he played a lot of defense as a freshman and sophomore, but as his workload on offense increases, he needs to get a rest somewhere. Reinert and Holmes are both in the mix at quarterback, but are good enough athletes that they need to be on the field. This is likely where those snaps come.

Expectations​

Legree will be one of the most productive players in the conference. So will Harris. The rest of the team is a lot of question marks. Getting above the .500 mark has been the struggle for the Hurricanes and this year will be no different. They’ll be competing for one of the final D11 playoff spots, though could give somebody a scare if they can lead on Legree and control the football.

 

[RoverNation05]

Not a preview (working on Whitehall now), but Emmaus running back Sone Ntoh just committed to Harvard. Really good back, obviously really smart kid, going to what is consistently the best program in the Ivy League. Big congrats.

 

[RoverNation05]

Whitehall​

Last Season: 9-4 (D11 5A Champions; lost in first round of state tournament to Wyoming Valley West 32-21)
Returning Starters: 8 (2 offense; 6 defense)
Head Coach: Justin Kondikoff (first season)

Whitehall has dominated the 5A landscape in District 11 since classifications were split in 2016. I would expect that to continue, with the Zephyrs being the only 5A team in the EPC South and having a much deeper football tradition than any of their competitors. It also helps that they are one of only 4 5A teams in the district.

There are a number of changes the Zephyrs wil have to fight through after the 2018 offseason. The expected change was the graduation of Dez Boykin, a three year starter, two-time All State selection and the school’s all time leading receiver. Boykin will place receiver and return kicks for Villanova this season and is one of the most anticipated recruits in the Wildcats’ class. Unexpectedly, Whitehall will be replacing their quarterback and head coach as well. Rising senior Ethan Parvel accounted for 45 touchdowns last season, throwing for over 2,000 yards and rushing for 1,000 in earning all conference honors and all state votes for Whitehall. However, he moved to Emmaus in the offseason and will be taking his talents to Lower Macungie for the Green Hornets. This leaves a gaping hole in the Whitehall offense. Pouring salt on the wound, head coach Brian Gilbert accepted the Athletic Director position at Palisades High School, meaning the Zephyrs lost a successful head coach as well. Gilbert will be replaced by receivers coach Justin Kondikoff. Kondikoff was an All State wide receiver for Nazareth in the late 1990s and an all PSCA wide receiver at East Stroudsburg. Kondikoff was hired at Whitehall by former head coach Tony Trisciani (now the defensive coordinator at Elon after 5 years at Villanova) and has been on staff for the last ten seasons.

Position Groups (returning starters in bold)
Quarterback
Theodore Williamson (So. 6’2 160)

The graduation of Parvel certainly leaves a hole at the most important position in football. From scrolling Hudl and MaxPreps rosters, Williamson is the only quarterback listed on the roster. Whitehall has probably had the most success in the Valley in developing quarterbacks over the last decade, so the system is certainly in place for Williamson to be a good one. But expect Whitehall to bring him along slowly, and really depend on the running game in the early part of the season.

Running Backs
Shavar Hussett (Sr. 5’11 190): 9 catches, 111 yards; 32 carries, 131 yards, 2 TDs
Ali Barkley (Jr. 6’0 205): 22 carries, 94 yards

Speaking of, Whitehall graduated 1,000 running back Braxton Marrero as well as Boykin, who saw tons of carries motioning into the backfield out of the slot. The name here everybody will recognize is Ali Barkley, Saquon’s little brother, who is a big, physical high school running back. He saw some carries as a sophomore and it would reason to presume that he’ll have an expanded role in the backfield. Shavar Hussett started at safety last season and saw snaps on offense, he also can expect an expanded role.

Receivers/Tight Ends
Joseph Herman (Sr. 5’11 170): 15 catches, 317 yards, 5 TDs
Allen Negrete (Jr. 5’11 195): 1 catch, 11 yards
Mekhi Lee (Sr. 6’3 185)
Andy Magarin (So. 5’11 185)
Zeke Smith (So. 5’11 205)

Herman will be the major target in the passing game after a productive junior season as Whitehall’s third receiver. Negrete was utilized as a weapon on kick returns and will take some of that explosiveness to the receiver position. He’ll take some of the Dez Boykin touches and plays from the playbook to get him the ball in space. Lee is one of the better defensive backs in the league, and presumably he’ll be asked to go both ways in his senior season.

Offensive Line
Ian Kulp (Sr. 6’2 265)
Justin Santiago (Sr. 5’11 220)
Ben Hudak (Sr. 5’10 195)
Javal Reyes (Jr. 6’0 240)
Nahum Molina (Sr. 5’9 240)

Kulp is one of the premier two-way linemen in the league and an FCS recruit as a defensive end. He’ll be asked to anchor the Whitehall line in his third year as a starter. Santiago started at guard this season and will be one of the keys on the interior. Hudak’s brother Jacob was an all league center and he is the likely candidate to fill that role at center.

Defensive Line
Ian Kulp (Sr. 6’2 265)
Justin Santiago (Sr. 5’11 220)
Steele Hess (Jr. 5’11 220)
Nahum Molina (Sr. 5’9 240)

Kulp is one of the best defensive linemen in the conference. A big, physical force who can bull rush with the best of them. He does a great job taking on blockers and freeing up a very good linebacking corps. Santiago and Hess are the likely starters at defensive end and both are solid pass rushers.

Linebackers
Josh Novak (Jr. 6’0 220)
Anthony Johnson (Sr. 5’10 210)
Ali Barkley (Jr. 6’0 205)
Randy Okungu (Jr. 6’1 215)
Eli Nuscher (Jr. 5’11 220)

Novak is Whitehall’s leading returning tackler after making 78 stops as a sophomore. He’s a smart, well coached middle linebacker who is big enough to fight through traffic in the front 7. Johnson also had a really strong 2017 and this might be the best set of linebackers in the conference. Johnson also is a hitter who reads his keys well and makes a ton of plays in the run game.

Defensive Backs
Mekhi Lee (Sr. 6’3 185)
Shavar Hussett (Sr. 5’11 190)
Joseph Herman (Sr. 5’11 170)
Jacob Heffner (Sr. 5’8 165)
Angelo Daddona (So. 5’8 175)

Whitehall returns almost their entire secondary (graduating only Boykin) and Heffner also played a ton last season as a nickelback. Lee is the headliner, he’s getting FCS looks as a cornerback. He’s big and rangy and excels in press coverage. Hussett also had a big junior season. Herman is one of their most dependable players on both sides of the ball. Daddona, relative of the Bethlehem Catholic clan, is a sophomore who Whitehall folks are excited about.

Expectations​

Whitehall is going to have one of the best defenses in the Lehigh Valley. The back 7 brings back 5 starters and has talent to replace the open spots. There are a lot of questions on offense, they’ll be very young at very key positions, but if they can take care of the football they can win close, low scoring games while the new guys find their footing. They’re an obvious favorite in 5A and can finish in the upper half of the league if the kids grow up quickly.

 

[RoverNation05]

Nazareth​

Last Season: 6-5 (lost in D11 first round to Easton, 35-7)
Returning Starters: 15 (7 offense; 8 defense)
Head Coach: Tom Falzone (fifth season at Nazareth, 19-25; 60-42 overall, 2 Colonial League Championships and a D11 title at Catasaqua)

Nazareth sneakily returns a ton of starters from a team that advanced to the D11 playoffs and beat Easton at Cottingham for the first time in school history. However, the headlines tend to go to whom isn’t back, namely Jahan Dotson, who is turning heads as a true freshman at Penn State’s training camp and could see time at slot receiver this fall (as an aside, after not recruiting the Lehigh Valley for over a decade, it looks like Penn State might hit home runs on two EPC guys in a pretty short period of time). Dotson is far and away the best player in school history, earning two all state nods and setting every conceivable receiving and scoring record at Nazareth. They also lose key contributor Zac Keifer, who was also in the top ten in the state in catches last year and was their best defender at strong safety.

However, they bring back some really talented kids. Anthony Harris has the second most returning passing yards of any quarterback in 6A after throwing for 2,600 yards and 28 touchdowns as a sophomore. Nathan Stefanik is back after a 40 catch season, and Nick Viva is the best tight end in the conference. If the returnees can make the transition from role players to stars, they could make a return playoff trip.

Head coach Tom Falzone enters his fifth year at Nazareth after a very successful run at Catasaqua. After a 2-8 transition year, Falzone has had Nazareth right at .500 with his system in place. Is this the year that they take the next step with all of the experience back?

Quarterback
Anthony Harris (Jr. 6’3 175): 217-350, 2,600 yards, 28 TDs, 14 INTs

Harris stepped in nicely and filled the shoes of former EPC Player of the Year Travis Stefanik (now wrestling at Princeton). Harris is a big, lanky lefty with good pocket mobility who was asked to do a lot as a sophomore. He is a great athlete (will be a four year varsity basketball player too) and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him run more this season. He needs to cut down on the turnovers (he threw 4 picks in their playoff loss last year and led the conference with 14) and won’t have the safety blanket in Dotson, but I’d expect him to grow into one of the best QBs in the conference this season.

Running Backs
Kyle Paccio (Jr. 5’8 185): 107 carries, 421 yards, 3 TDs
Ramel Moore Jr. (Jr. 6’0 195)

Nazareth has really struggled to run the ball in the Tom Falzone era outside of the quarterback. Kyle Paccio saw the bulk of the carries in 2017, but struggled to help the Blue Eagles control the clock. The next step in the development of this program will be being able to grind out yards on the ground when they need them.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Nathan Stefanik (Jr. 5’10 165): 46 catches, 693 yards, 6 TDs
Nick Viva (Sr. 6’4 240): 21 catches, 323 yards, 6 TDs
Jaiden Cabrera (So. 5’9 150)
Andrew Stapert (Jr. 6’2 180)

Stefanik is the leading returning receiver in the conference, and it’s crazy that he put up those numbers last season and was third on his own team in catches and yards. The Blue Eagles really like to air it out, and he’ll be their primary target. He’s a great athlete and super tough, in addition to his football exploits he finished 6th in the state at 138 pounds last year as a sophomore. Viva is a huge tight end with soft hands. I’d expect with Dotson gone that he’ll play much more in to the passing game as a mismatch at receiver. They go 4 and 5 wide a lot, so there are tons of snaps open here for young kids.

Offensive Line
Jake Wilson (Jr. 6’3 225)
Cody Breidenbach (So. 6’3 275)
Corey Hartnranft (Jr. 6’0 230)
Ben Houchin (Jr. 6’0 190)
Aiden Palochik (Jr. 6’0 245)

Breidenbach and Hartnranft both started as underclassmen and will be relied upon to be the anchors to the offensive line in 2018. Breidenbach is a Division I starter kid, a huge sophomore with good feet. Wilson slides over from tight end to tackle and has the tools and feet to be really good protecting Harris’s blind side. The other two spots are up for grabs. The offensive line has been where Nazareth has struggled in the past. Being the Lehigh Valley’s smallest 6A school usually shows with the hog mollies up front.

Defensive Line
Jake Wilson (Jr. 6’3 225)
Nick Viva (Sr. 6’4 240)
Caden Dailey (Sr. 5’10 245)
Steven Schott (Jr. 6’2 205)

Wilson and Viva is the best pair of defensive ends in the conference. Both have prototypical size and athleticism and can rush the passer and defend the run. On the interior, Dailey is a disruptor – classic short high school defensive tackle with a high motor. Schott is a D11 finalist at 215 pounds on the wrestling mat and brings that level of intensity and handfighting to the defensive line.

Linebackers
Jack McKenna (Jr. 5’10 200)
David Chung (Sr. 5’10 205)
Cole Osmun (Sr. 5’9 200)

McKenna could be one of the most productive linebackers in the conference. He’s a really good lacrosse player, can run sideline to sideline, and is their backbone in the middle of the defense. Chung also returns as a starter and looks to build on a good junior year. Nazareth has played a ton of nickel recentely, so they will only have two linebackers on the field most of the time, but the other snaps for 3 linebacker packages are up for grabs.

Defensive Backs
Nathan Stefanik (Jr. 5’10 165)
Tommy Manos (Sr. 6’0 180)
Kyle Paccio (Jr. 5’9 185)

The Blue Eagles bring back three really strong starters, but need to replace the athleticism and production of Dotson and Keifer in the secondary. Steafnik is going to be the focal point of the offense, but will be asked to be a play maker at safety. Manos started at cornerback last year and is a big, press coverage guy who can come down and defend the run as well. Paccio, like Stefanik, will be a focal point of the offense as the running back, but he’s one of their best athletes and will need to be productive here too.

Expectations​

Nazareth has been solidly in the D11 playoffs in the past few years, but as a low seed. With 15 starters returning, there is optimism that they’ll be able to take the next step and depend for an EPC South crown and a high seed come playoff time. Although they didn’t lose many starters, they did lose one of the most talented guys in Lehigh Valley history, who has been a focal point of the offense and defense for three years. How well their role players step up now that Doston has moved on will determine how far this Blue Eagle team goes.

 

[RoverNation05]

Preseason All Conference​

QB: Ethan Parvel, Emmaus
QB: Anthony Harris, Nazareth
RB: Nasir Legree, Liberty
RB: Sone Ntoh, Emmaus
RB: Tavion Banks, Bethlehem Catholic
WR: Nathan Stefanik, Nazareth
WR: Justin Pasquale, Allentown Central Catholic
TE: Nick Viva, Nazareth
OL: Patrick Shupp, Easton
OL: Kaden Moore, Freedom
OL: Elias Marte, Bethlehem Catholic
OL: Albert Gayle, Easton
OL: Cody Breidenbach, Nazareth

DL: Trevor Harris, Liberty
DL: Ian Kulp, Whitehall
DL: Dalton Daddona, Bethlehem Catholic
DL: Adam Piston, Parkland
LB: Tristan Wheeler, Freedom
LB: Andrew Balukas, Easton
LB: Danny Hynes, Easton
LB: Paul Carreras, Bethlehem Catholic
LB: Josh Novak, Whitehall
DB: Mike Dunlap, Easton
DB: Lubens Myers, Emmaus
DB: Javonte Haynes, Liberty
DB: Jalen Stewart, Freedom

K: Anthony DaSilva, Bethlehem Catholic
P: Enzo Martellucci, Easton

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Tavion Banks, Bethlehem Catholic
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Tristan Wheeler, Freedom

Predicted Standings
1. Bethlehem Catholic
2. Emmaus
3. Parkland
4. Easton
5. Freedom
6. Nazareth
7. Whitehall
8. Liberty
9. Allentown Central Catholic