St. Anthony's the team to beat -- as usual

It's no easy thing being a dynasty, though St. Anthony's does seem to manage it with envy-inducing ease. Its dominance is hardly mysterious: It's in how it suits up that big, big team -- the one with the roster so expansive, it seems to stretch the entire sideline. It's in how it won its ninth CHSFL championship in 10 years and even in how it handles graduation and injuries -- like it has to this year -- with the calm and confidence of established winners. Make no mistake: This is the team to beat.

Again, it will be tested by Holy Trinity. The Titans have a dynamic passing game anchored by a stud quarterback, but face the challenge of a young team and stiff competition. Expect a much-matured Kellenberg to break out of AA and make the ascension to the highest classification, while Chaminade will try to use its improved skill players to bounce back from a season of adversity. Class A champion St. John the Baptist, meanwhile, hopes to bridge the gap behind a bruising offensive line.

1. ST. ANTHONY'S (11-0)

COACH: Rich Reichert (25th season).

KEY PLAYERS: Matt Biscardi C, (6-2, 275), Sr.; Dariyan Riley RB, (5-9, 190), Sr.; Durelle Napier SS, (6-1, 185); Brian Sherlock RB, (5-11, 190), Sr.; Bryan Rhodes DE, (6-2, 245), Sr.; Pat McHugh DT (6-2, 250), Sr.; James Doktor K, (5-8, 160), Sr.

ABOUT THE FRIARS: The Friars return the bulk of their team, including a dynamic running back in senior Brian Sherlock (70 carries for 700 yards and eight TDs), but will have to navigate the loss of their starting quarterback to injury. Look for St. Anthony's to stifle opposing offenses with an airtight defensive line of McHugh, a two-year starter, Rhodes and aptly-named defensive end J.D. Hurt. At tailback, Riley is expected to make major contributions behind an extremely solid offensive line, led by arguably one of the best players in the league in Biscardi.

2. HOLY TRINITY (7-3)

COACH: Tony Mascia (21st season).

KEY PLAYERS: Chris Laviano QB, (6-3, 195), Jr.; Mike Williams RB/LB (5-10, 190), Sr.; Kevin Daly LB, (6-0, 210), Sr.; Dimi Artale OL (5-10, 240), Sr.; Kevin Dickens, DL (5-11, 235), Sr.

ABOUT THE TITANS: Laviano returns as the marquee attraction in Holy Trinity's passing-heavy offense after throwing for 1,525 yards and 12 touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. Having lost nine starters on offense and eight on defense, the Titans will field a raw team, especially on the offensive line -- making Laviano's experience even more of a factor. Look for Williams to shoulder significant burden on both sides of the ball. He scored six TDs on the ground last year, added 51 tackles and iwill most likely be key in the success of Holy Trinity's stack defense.

3. KELLENBERG (5-6)

COACH: Kevin Hanifan (16th season).

KEY PLAYERS: Matt McDaniels QB, (5-11, 180), Sr.; Josh Broschardt RB, (5-8, 200), Sr.; Kevin Contreras DE (6-1, 210), Sr.; Casey Cratia LB (5-10, 175), Sr.; Kevin Liddy OL (6-6, 275), Sr.; Paul Pruyn OL (6-0, 200), Sr.

ABOUT THE FIREBIRDS: McDaniels is making the move from wide receiver to quarterback and Kellenberg is hoping his field vision will translate in his new leadership role. He amassed 626 yards last year -- 326 rushing -- with eight touchdowns. Junior Rory Walsh will join Gratia at linebacker to bolster the defense. After notching only two wins in 2009, Kellenberg is getting stronger and now fields an experienced and, speedy team that has its eye on the AAA playoffs after losing in the AA final last year.

4. CHAMINADE (1-9)

COACH: Stephen Boyd (third season).

KEY PLAYERS: Dan Fowler RB (5-11, 210), Jr.; Greg Rhodes LB (5-11, 185), Sr.; Patrick Nuzzolese OL (6-3, 250), Sr.; Joe Aline IV QB (5-11, 185), Jr.

ABOUT THE FLYERS: Fowler, the fullback who led the team with 671 yards on 132 attempts with six TDs, is expected to be a key cog in the Flyers' triple-option offense. Aline takes on the starting role after splitting time at QB last year. One of his main targets will be newcomer Thomas Zhenker, a junior wide receiver/defensive back whom the Flyers hope will help jumpstart an offense that struggled in AAA in 2010.

5. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (5-4)

COACH: Keith Schweers (fifth season).

KEY PLAYERS: Frank Fassman C, (6-1, 265), Sr.; Tyler Slack LB, (5-9, 200), Sr.; Matt Giannettino OL, (6-4, 320), Sr.; Matt Mocombe RB, (6-1, 190), Sr.; Jonathon Force LB, (5-8, 205), Sr.; Gregory Egan QB (6-1, 190), Jr.

ABOUT THE COUGARS: After winning the CHSFL A championship last year, St. John the Baptist is hoping to bring its success to the higher classification. The Cougars will have to boast a more balanced offense after the graduation of game-changing running back Derelle Hunter, but certainly have the offensive line to sustain it. They return three out of five offensive linemen, as well as Egan at quarterback, and hope to ride their dynamic spread offense to a winning record this year and a Class AA championship.

6. ST. DOMINIC (1-4)

COACH: Tore Barbaccia (second season).

ABOUT THE BAYHAWKS: Now in their second season since dissolving 29 years ago, the young team, which fields 21 freshmen, will continue on its journey toward creating a competitive varsity and junior varsity squad. "This is a very young team and all players are an impact to this team on and off the field,'' Barbaccia said. The Bayhawks will be challenged plenty this season, with a schedule that draws Bishop Ford in a Week 1 test.