PIAA Class 6A preview: Saint Joseph’s Prep (12) 13-0
Written by: David Mika on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016. Follow David Mika on Twitter.
2016 Scoring Stats
2016 Season: O 40.0 D 16.3
2016 Playoffs: O 39.4 (GP-5) D 13.8 (GP-5)
Ranked # 12 by High School Football America
Here’s a breakdown of Prep’s projected starters (in bold) in the Class 6A PIAA State Championship game.
Quarterback
Jr. Marquez McCray, 6-2, 205
McCray completed 137 of 238 passes for 1,993 yards and 20 touchdowns. He rushed for 368 yards and seven touchdowns.
Coach’s comments, “Marquez is a drop back quarterback and he has the ability to make all the throws. He makes good decisions. He has good arm strength and he is able to make some of those tight window throws. He is more mobile than a runner.”
Runningbacks
Sr. D’Andre Swift 5-10, 205; Sr. Khari Jones 5-9, 180
Swift rushed for 1,403 yards on 122 carries and 22 touchdowns. Jones rushed for 441 yards on 63 carries and six touchdowns. Two guys that might see action this weekend are Sophomore Marques Mason and Freshman Kolbe Burrell.
Coach’s comments, “Swift is the complete back and our leader on the team. He can run and catch the ball and we move him around. Khari is a smaller type back and is efficient. He has good top speed. He has good vision and he rarely loses yards on a play. He really stepped up when Waller went down and has done a great job for us.”
Offensive Line
Sr. C Mack Grey, 6-1, 285; Sr. RG Carter Lynch 6-7, 310; Sr. RT Taron Hampton 6-4, 290; Sr. LG Jackson Evans 6-4, 295; Sr. LT Sal Cinaglia 6-3, 275
Peter Noonan and Nicholas Diprinzio could rotate in this weekend.
Coach’s comments, “They are veterans, seniors and very smart. They have been playing together for a while. They are a very experienced offensive line.”
Wide Receivers
Jr. Darryle Simmons 6-3, 200; Sr. Terrance Greene Jr. 5-11, 180; Jr. Brandon Sanders 6-1, 185; Sr. TE Jack Crossed 6-2, 210
Simmons has caught 30 passes for 438 yards and two touchdowns. Greene caught 42 passes for 656 yards and eight touchdowns. Guys that may rotate in are Brandon Sanders, Tony Scott-Naji and Johnny Freeman.
Coach’s comments, “They are an explosive group and have made big plays for us all year. Darryle is a big target. Terrance is explosive and fast.”
Defensive Line
Jr. Ryan Bryce 6-4, 275; Jr. Rayshad Wallace 6-0, 205; Sr. Chris Lowndes 6-2, 220; Sr. Jake Ballard 6-1, 225
Jake Feehery, Casey Stephenson, Matt Mcgeary and sometimes they may use one of the offensive lineman on defense.
Coach’s comments, “They are mobile and quick and have been really good against the run.”
Linebackers
Sr. James Johnson 5-11, 210; Jr. Phil O’Connor 5-11, 200; Jr. Bradley Cobaugh 6-1, 195
Guys that might rotate in the game are Zach Snider and Pat Dever.
Coach’s comments, “James is a very smart player and he is going to Princeton and is very physical at the point of the attack. Phil is a very active Mike linebacker. He does a nice job stopping the run. Bradley is the fastest of the three linebackers. He does a good job in open space.”
Secondary
Sr. CB Richard Carr 5-9, 175; Sr. CB Ricky Goodson 5-8, 170; Jr. SS Dawson De iuliis 5-10, 195; Jr. SS Dejuan Dandridge 6-1, 185
Coach’s comments, “They are battled tested. We faced some pretty good quarterbacks. They play bigger than they are. Our corners aren’t six feet. I would say their strength is their consistent.”
Final thoughts: For Prep to win this game they need to be balanced. They need to give the ball to their playmakers and let them make plays. If we are one dimensional, Central Catholic will take that away from you. Their front seven is very big and physical. Whoever can create some turnovers could have the edge in this game. You have to move the chains and get first downs. If you don’t do that it may be a long day.
If you are a big fan of high school football and are looking to see top division one talent this is the game for you.
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December 11th, 2016 at 3:13 am
CONGRATS TO ST.JOSEPH’S PREP!!!! 6A STATE CHAMPIONS! 42-7! THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO DIDNT BELIEVE WE WOULD WIN! YOU WERE OUR INSPIRATION! GO PREP!
December 7th, 2016 at 4:52 pm
Any info on St Joes punter and depth of kick offs ? Do they kick it in the end zone ?