RoverNation05 its time for your D-11 6A Football Preview
- Thread starter Patesteel
- Start date
I'll put something together! I can get started with the team I know best (rest will go in another thread)
Easton Red Rovers
Head Coach: Jeff Braido (5th season; 28-18, 13-14 in conference)
2020 Record: 3-4
Skill Player to Watch: RB/CB Marcus Williams (Sr. 5'10 180)
Williams is the fastest player in the Lehigh Valley - he won D11 in the 200 meter dash as a freshman and is a legit state finals contender this spring/summer. On the football field, he saw limited touches before Nahjee Adams's season ending injury, then immediately became the focal point of the offense. He finished with four rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns, and three return touchdowns on the season and showed that with a crease, he's pretty much gone, particularly in the return game. He'll have to prove he's an every down back, and Easton would be wise to find ways to get him the ball on screens and swing passes to maximize his skillset.
Biggest Question - What quarterback performance looks like?
Cole Transue (Sr. 6'2 205) had an incredibly promising sophomore season as a starter, throwing for 1,794 yards and 13 TDs while completing over 60% of his passes. The bottom fell out last year, as he threw just as many picks as touchdowns, his passer rating dropped 20 points, and the offense really sputtered. If he bounces back to the developmental path he looked like he was on, Easton could surprise. But if they struggle under center, they'll struggle everywhere.
Rising Star: LT Sean Wilson (Jr. 6'4 275)
Wilson stepped into the lineup as the left tackle during his tenth grade season and showed he could be a top tier lineman. He came up through the system as a wide receiver then tight end, but has naturally grown out of the skill spots, so he has the athleticism and feet needed to be a next level player. If he continues to get more physical as his body matures, he could be a really, really good one.
Leftover Thoughts
-The defense is going to be really young up front - three year starters Donovan Lance, Derek Frinzi, Dom Falcone, Zion Jones and (most importantly) Tamir Jackson all move on. Michael Hynes had a nice junior year at linebacker, but everybody else will be new. The flip side is, three of four starters return in the secondary with Williams, Javion Thompson and Kyle Evancho. They'll need a really good effort there while they figure out what to do up front.
-They need to decide what they are offensively. They run a billion formations and a billion sets, but don't do any of it particularly well. For decades, this was a power I with two tight ends, run six plays and execute them perfectly offense. I’m not saying the menu needs to be that limited, but they need to actually find what they’re good at and do it
-The offensive line has some potential, with Wilson and Matthew Cruise (Sr. 6'3 255) back on the left side and Josh Mitzak (Sr. 6'1 215) back and center. Wilson and Cruise are athletes (Cruise took 5th in the state at heavyweight and is a D1 wrestling recruit). They also potentially get back Trent Griffith (Sr. 6’6 280) who missed the COVID season and Odin Ferency (Jr. 6’3 270) comes up from JV.
Prediction
Easton is coming off their first sub .500 season since 2002. They bounced back to go to the state final four in 2003 and 2004 - I do not see that happening this time. They need to replace a ton, and there aren’t obvious answers other than Williams at running back. If he’s an absolute superstar, maybe I’m wrong, but this looks like a team that struggles around .500.
Easton Red Rovers
Head Coach: Jeff Braido (5th season; 28-18, 13-14 in conference)
2020 Record: 3-4
Skill Player to Watch: RB/CB Marcus Williams (Sr. 5'10 180)
Williams is the fastest player in the Lehigh Valley - he won D11 in the 200 meter dash as a freshman and is a legit state finals contender this spring/summer. On the football field, he saw limited touches before Nahjee Adams's season ending injury, then immediately became the focal point of the offense. He finished with four rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns, and three return touchdowns on the season and showed that with a crease, he's pretty much gone, particularly in the return game. He'll have to prove he's an every down back, and Easton would be wise to find ways to get him the ball on screens and swing passes to maximize his skillset.
Biggest Question - What quarterback performance looks like?
Cole Transue (Sr. 6'2 205) had an incredibly promising sophomore season as a starter, throwing for 1,794 yards and 13 TDs while completing over 60% of his passes. The bottom fell out last year, as he threw just as many picks as touchdowns, his passer rating dropped 20 points, and the offense really sputtered. If he bounces back to the developmental path he looked like he was on, Easton could surprise. But if they struggle under center, they'll struggle everywhere.
Rising Star: LT Sean Wilson (Jr. 6'4 275)
Wilson stepped into the lineup as the left tackle during his tenth grade season and showed he could be a top tier lineman. He came up through the system as a wide receiver then tight end, but has naturally grown out of the skill spots, so he has the athleticism and feet needed to be a next level player. If he continues to get more physical as his body matures, he could be a really, really good one.
Leftover Thoughts
-The defense is going to be really young up front - three year starters Donovan Lance, Derek Frinzi, Dom Falcone, Zion Jones and (most importantly) Tamir Jackson all move on. Michael Hynes had a nice junior year at linebacker, but everybody else will be new. The flip side is, three of four starters return in the secondary with Williams, Javion Thompson and Kyle Evancho. They'll need a really good effort there while they figure out what to do up front.
-They need to decide what they are offensively. They run a billion formations and a billion sets, but don't do any of it particularly well. For decades, this was a power I with two tight ends, run six plays and execute them perfectly offense. I’m not saying the menu needs to be that limited, but they need to actually find what they’re good at and do it
-The offensive line has some potential, with Wilson and Matthew Cruise (Sr. 6'3 255) back on the left side and Josh Mitzak (Sr. 6'1 215) back and center. Wilson and Cruise are athletes (Cruise took 5th in the state at heavyweight and is a D1 wrestling recruit). They also potentially get back Trent Griffith (Sr. 6’6 280) who missed the COVID season and Odin Ferency (Jr. 6’3 270) comes up from JV.
Prediction
Easton is coming off their first sub .500 season since 2002. They bounced back to go to the state final four in 2003 and 2004 - I do not see that happening this time. They need to replace a ton, and there aren’t obvious answers other than Williams at running back. If he’s an absolute superstar, maybe I’m wrong, but this looks like a team that struggles around .500.
Great preview Rover. It appears they have some really nice pieces, but it will be a matter of what they have around them. One would think with their great roster numbers, they’ll be able to find/develop some complimentary pieces around the returning starters. I cannot see the Rover faithful accepting another losing (or .500) season from Braido and company.
Nazareth Blue Eagles
Head Coach: Tom Falzone (9th year 44-33 at Nazareth, 85-50 overall)
2020: 8-0; District XI 6A Champions
Player to Watch: LB Broc Bender (Sr. 6’3 215)
The Blue Eagles graduate a TON from their undefeated D11 champs, but do return leading tackler Broc Bender, who racked up 55 tackles, 11 TFLs and 7 sacks as a linebacker in last year’s abbreviated season. He’s a rangy linebacker who they can use as a 3-4 rush end or drop back into coverage, and is an FCS level recruit. The Blue Eagle defense was the calling card last year, but returns only Bender and inside linebacker Chase Levey (Sr. 6’2 210).
Rising Star: Sean Kinney (So. 6’3 280)
Kinney was trusted as a freshman to protect the blind side of All State quarterback Matt Bugbee and quickly was an anchor on the Nazareth offensive line. He really blew up in the winter when he became the third freshman ever to make a state wrestling final, and nearly became the first 9th grade champ before falling in overtime. He’s really big, really strong, and really light on his feet. He’s still got some baby fat on him, but as he physically matures both slims down and puts better weight on, he’s going to be an absolute monster.
Who’s Next at Quarterback: Sonny Sasso (Jr. 6’3 180)
Tom Falzone has churned out All State caliber quarterbacks, dating back to Zack Bradley at Catasauqua. The next in line is Sonny Sasso, another elite wrestler who also plays football. Sasso nearly won the QB battle last fall, but lost out to Bugbee, who was EPC Player of the Year and an AP All State selection. Sasso is lanky and athletic and presents more of a QB run threat than Bugbee, but should step right into the upper echelon of EPC quarterbacks.
Leftover Thoughts
-Nazareth has not been a run first time since Falzone took over, but the only returning skill player is third year starter Tyler Rohn (Sr. 5’11 205) at tailback. It would not surprise me if he is a workhorse early as they break in younger receivers.
-Kinney and Matt Burton (Sr. 6’1 270) provide a pretty left side of the offensive line, but they’ll need to replace four year starter Cody Breidenbach at center and the whole right side.
-It’ll also be all new faces on defense. Breidenbach, Joe Capobianco, Andrew Wells, Jaiden Cabrera, and Braden Saylor all earned All EPC honors. It may be tough to resist the temptation of having Kinney and/or Burton go both ways up front.
-Nazareth is amongst the smallest schools in 6A and tends to overcome the depth disadvantage by getting a lot out of multisport athletes. This year’s team should feature a ton of wrestlers from one of the most elite programs in Pennsylvania with Kinney and Sasso both returning state medalists, Levey a D11 champ, and Burton a state caliber heavyweight who is unfortunately stuck behind Kinney (and not losing 50 lbs. to make 220).
-Tom Falzone has gotten a ton of coach of the year accolades recently, going 20-2 over the previous two seasons. Last year, they did it with a completely rebuild personnel group after graduating one of the best classes in school history. If he can come close to doing it again, he’ll solidify himself as the best football coach in the Lehigh Valley.
Head Coach: Tom Falzone (9th year 44-33 at Nazareth, 85-50 overall)
2020: 8-0; District XI 6A Champions
Player to Watch: LB Broc Bender (Sr. 6’3 215)
The Blue Eagles graduate a TON from their undefeated D11 champs, but do return leading tackler Broc Bender, who racked up 55 tackles, 11 TFLs and 7 sacks as a linebacker in last year’s abbreviated season. He’s a rangy linebacker who they can use as a 3-4 rush end or drop back into coverage, and is an FCS level recruit. The Blue Eagle defense was the calling card last year, but returns only Bender and inside linebacker Chase Levey (Sr. 6’2 210).
Rising Star: Sean Kinney (So. 6’3 280)
Kinney was trusted as a freshman to protect the blind side of All State quarterback Matt Bugbee and quickly was an anchor on the Nazareth offensive line. He really blew up in the winter when he became the third freshman ever to make a state wrestling final, and nearly became the first 9th grade champ before falling in overtime. He’s really big, really strong, and really light on his feet. He’s still got some baby fat on him, but as he physically matures both slims down and puts better weight on, he’s going to be an absolute monster.
Who’s Next at Quarterback: Sonny Sasso (Jr. 6’3 180)
Tom Falzone has churned out All State caliber quarterbacks, dating back to Zack Bradley at Catasauqua. The next in line is Sonny Sasso, another elite wrestler who also plays football. Sasso nearly won the QB battle last fall, but lost out to Bugbee, who was EPC Player of the Year and an AP All State selection. Sasso is lanky and athletic and presents more of a QB run threat than Bugbee, but should step right into the upper echelon of EPC quarterbacks.
Leftover Thoughts
-Nazareth has not been a run first time since Falzone took over, but the only returning skill player is third year starter Tyler Rohn (Sr. 5’11 205) at tailback. It would not surprise me if he is a workhorse early as they break in younger receivers.
-Kinney and Matt Burton (Sr. 6’1 270) provide a pretty left side of the offensive line, but they’ll need to replace four year starter Cody Breidenbach at center and the whole right side.
-It’ll also be all new faces on defense. Breidenbach, Joe Capobianco, Andrew Wells, Jaiden Cabrera, and Braden Saylor all earned All EPC honors. It may be tough to resist the temptation of having Kinney and/or Burton go both ways up front.
-Nazareth is amongst the smallest schools in 6A and tends to overcome the depth disadvantage by getting a lot out of multisport athletes. This year’s team should feature a ton of wrestlers from one of the most elite programs in Pennsylvania with Kinney and Sasso both returning state medalists, Levey a D11 champ, and Burton a state caliber heavyweight who is unfortunately stuck behind Kinney (and not losing 50 lbs. to make 220).
-Tom Falzone has gotten a ton of coach of the year accolades recently, going 20-2 over the previous two seasons. Last year, they did it with a completely rebuild personnel group after graduating one of the best classes in school history. If he can come close to doing it again, he’ll solidify himself as the best football coach in the Lehigh Valley.
Parkland Trojans
Head Coach: Tim Moncman
2020 Record: 4-1 (COVID forfeit out of playoffs)
Players to Watch: The Tremba Brothers
Parkland has the best returning quarterback in the Valley in senior three-year starter Ty Tremba (Sr. 6’0 190). He threw for 1,100 yards and led the Trojans to the D11 championship game as a sophomore, then had 712 yards, completed 64% of his passes, and threw 8 TDs and no picks in last year’s COVID abbreviated season. He also is a run threat in the option game, which they’ve gone to since he won the job halfway through his sophomore season. His younger brother Trey (So. 5’11 180) rushed for 190 yards as a freshman last year and is the leading returning ballcarrier for a Trojan roster that lost most of its skill production to graduation. He also can get split out in the slot to get him the ball in space. Trey is also a two-time Junior High champ and is expected to compete for upper weight state titles for Jon Trenge in the winter.
Who’s Anchoring the Offensive Line: Marko Galetovic (Sr. 6’3 255)
Galetovic was the Trojans left tackle last season and is the lone returning starter in 2021. Parkland’s run of being the best program in D11 has been backboned by great offensive lines, and specifically by doing a fantastic job turning over starters year after year. With longtime offensive line coach Paul Hegedus now at Central Catholic, it will be interesting to see how they rebuild up front. Galetovic is a good start.
Defense?
The Trojans only return one starter on the defensive side of the ball in senior linebacker Nico Medlar (Sr. 6’0 180). Medlar is the only player coming back with double digit tackles and will really have to shoulder the load on that side of the ball. Peyton Marciniak and Nahki Bullock combined for five sacks in reserve roles, but beyond that it will be all fresh faces. Look for senior Brock Boyer (6’2 245) to be leaned on on the defensive line after missing 2020 with an injury.
Leftover Thoughts
-This will really be a test of how Parkland reloads. They may have been the best team last season, but had to forfeit out of the playoffs with a COVID outbreak the week of the D11 first round.
-It is tough to evaluate last year for a myriad of reasons, but 40% of their schedule were against Allen and Dieruff. Add in a blowout over winless Liberty and we really couldn’t tell a lot about the Trojans and any returning numbers are skewed.
-There has been some real coaching turnover here and it will be interesting to see how they adjust after having one of the best staffs in Pennsylvania for a long time. New offensive coordinantor Chris Kinnane is one to watch.
-All said, Tremba is a really good high school quarterback and is going to give them a chance early while they figure everything else out.
Head Coach: Tim Moncman
2020 Record: 4-1 (COVID forfeit out of playoffs)
Players to Watch: The Tremba Brothers
Parkland has the best returning quarterback in the Valley in senior three-year starter Ty Tremba (Sr. 6’0 190). He threw for 1,100 yards and led the Trojans to the D11 championship game as a sophomore, then had 712 yards, completed 64% of his passes, and threw 8 TDs and no picks in last year’s COVID abbreviated season. He also is a run threat in the option game, which they’ve gone to since he won the job halfway through his sophomore season. His younger brother Trey (So. 5’11 180) rushed for 190 yards as a freshman last year and is the leading returning ballcarrier for a Trojan roster that lost most of its skill production to graduation. He also can get split out in the slot to get him the ball in space. Trey is also a two-time Junior High champ and is expected to compete for upper weight state titles for Jon Trenge in the winter.
Who’s Anchoring the Offensive Line: Marko Galetovic (Sr. 6’3 255)
Galetovic was the Trojans left tackle last season and is the lone returning starter in 2021. Parkland’s run of being the best program in D11 has been backboned by great offensive lines, and specifically by doing a fantastic job turning over starters year after year. With longtime offensive line coach Paul Hegedus now at Central Catholic, it will be interesting to see how they rebuild up front. Galetovic is a good start.
Defense?
The Trojans only return one starter on the defensive side of the ball in senior linebacker Nico Medlar (Sr. 6’0 180). Medlar is the only player coming back with double digit tackles and will really have to shoulder the load on that side of the ball. Peyton Marciniak and Nahki Bullock combined for five sacks in reserve roles, but beyond that it will be all fresh faces. Look for senior Brock Boyer (6’2 245) to be leaned on on the defensive line after missing 2020 with an injury.
Leftover Thoughts
-This will really be a test of how Parkland reloads. They may have been the best team last season, but had to forfeit out of the playoffs with a COVID outbreak the week of the D11 first round.
-It is tough to evaluate last year for a myriad of reasons, but 40% of their schedule were against Allen and Dieruff. Add in a blowout over winless Liberty and we really couldn’t tell a lot about the Trojans and any returning numbers are skewed.
-There has been some real coaching turnover here and it will be interesting to see how they adjust after having one of the best staffs in Pennsylvania for a long time. New offensive coordinantor Chris Kinnane is one to watch.
-All said, Tremba is a really good high school quarterback and is going to give them a chance early while they figure everything else out.
The last time I talked to , he was finishing his credentialing for becoming an athletic director. I think he has goals of moving into an administrative role
rather than coaching/teaching. He’s still with the baseball team (he’s the first base coach), but might have something else lined up for next school year?
Scott Ransom is an interesting promotion. He ran the city’s pee wee program for a long time, and was on pre-Stambaugh staffs at Notre Dame and was brought in with the Braido staff. I don’t know what he knows about developing quarterbacks. The corresponding move of Jonny Baltz as the junior high coach is probably a good one - he’s a sharp guy, played QB on the 2006 team whose only losses came to Persa’s Liberty team (I think they were 2 and 3 in the state for the D11 title game), then played baseball at Moravian. He’s been a volunteer assistant for a long time.
