This might be the year St. Anthony’s has company in CHSFL
Tyler McLees of St. Anthony's. (Aug. 25, 2010) Credit: Photo by Joseph D. Sullivan
Parity. With St. Anthony’s winning nine out of the last 10 CHSFL championship titles, the word has had more of a philosophical meaning for the Long Island catholic league than a practical one.
But while no one doubts the Friars ability to reload, there are preseason rumblings that this might just be the year that another team gets into the fray.
After losing in the finals last year, Holy Trinity is in prime position to make another legitimate run in the AAA. The Titans return several key players and much of their smoldering defense - the same one that held opponents to a league-low average of 241 yards per game. Holy Trinity draws Mount Saint Michael in Week 3 in what will no doubt be a quick test.
Kellenberg looks to improve this year after a disappointing 2-8 campaign last year. The Firebirds bring a more seasoned crew into the mix and may cause some trouble down the line.
Meanwhile, St. John the Baptist looks to be a strong contender in AA with the return of Derrick McMichael and Derelle Hunter.
ST. ANTHONY’S (10-1)
Coach: Rick Reichert (24th season)
Key players: Sr. LB Tyler McLees (6-1, 222); Sr. C James Cronin (6-2, 275); Jr. OT Matt Viscardi (6-1, 280); Jr. DT Patrick (6-1, 220); Sr. QB Matt DeLea (5-10, 185); Sr. RB Mike Schillizzi (5-10, 190).
About the Friars: The CHSFL champs are rebuilding after losing some of its best players on both sides of the ball — due to graduation and, for defensive end Kennan Burton and safety Zach Spector, season-ending injury. A young team, the Friars will have a quarterback battle between senior Charlie Raffa and junior JV call-up Sean McDonough. Look for Schillizzi and LoCascio to help run an option offense, while Cronin will anchor an offensive line with only one other returning starter.
HOLY TRINITY (10-1)
Coach: Vin Mascia (18th season)
Key players: Sr. TE Wray Fucci (6-7, 255); Sr. RB Louis Cotrone (6-0, 215); Sr. C/LB Mike Sinto (5-11, 225); Sr. FS/WR Nick Ferreiro (6-1, 180); So. QB Chris Laviano (6-2, 185); Sr. G James Collins (6-0, 250).
About the Titans: Laviano will likely be shouldering more responsibility after the graduation of Hansen award-winning running back Anthony Brunetti and a solid freshman year that saw him throw for 1,122 yards with eight touchdowns. The prime benefactor will be Fucci at tight end. The pass defense will see some changes, with only three starters returning. Look to Cotrone, moving from fullback to tailback, to be a contributor.
CHAMINADE (4-6)
Coach: Stephen Boyd (2nd season)
Key players: Sr. OT Matt Gentile (6-3, 245); Sr. OL Sean Foley (6-2, 290); Sr. WR/DB Matthew Clarkson (6-0, 175); Sr. WR Zach Ogilvie (6-0, 188).
About the Flyers: Matthew Clarkson, Kyle Johnson and Griffith Rogan will compete for the starting quarterback job. Clarkson is also a possibility at running back and sure-handed Zach Ogilvie has impressed at receiver. The Flyers lost all three starting linebackers .
KELLENBERG (2-8)
Coach: Kevin Hanifan (15th season)
Key players: Sr. WR Tim Wienclaw (6-2, 195); Sr. QB Nick Fiore (5-10, 180); Sr. WR John O’Brien (5-10, 165); Sr. WR Gary Cioffi (5-7, 155); Sr. LB Anthony Gravina (6-0, 195) Sr. DE Aaron Codling (6-0, 205).
About the Firebirds: Kellenberg will likely be sparked by Fiore and Evan Calvo. Sure-handed Wienclaw returns and is joined by Cioffi, who excels at catches in traffic. Offensive line will anchored by Kevin Linton.
SJB (4-6)
Coach: Keith Schweers (4th season)
Key players: Sr. DT/OL Derrick McMichael (6-1, 315); Sr. RB/DB Derelle Hunter (6-0, 200); Sr. WR/LB Chris McCarthy (6-2, 210); Sr. WR/DB/K Conor Lewis (6-0. 190)
About the Cougars: McMicheal, runner-up for Lineman of the Year, returns to a hungry team. Hunter, a speedster, averaged 8.4 yards per carry with six touchdowns last year.
