Philadelphia Catholic League, BAL, FSL, Colonial, Inter-Ac football capsules
The opening kickoff is almost here.
Here is a look at area teams from the Bucks and Montgomery counties which compete in the Philadelphia Catholic League, Bicentennial Athletic League, Friends Schools League, Colonial League and the Inter-Academic League.
Philadelphia Catholic League
Archbishop Wood
Coach: Dave Armstrong (1st season)
Last year’s record: 5-5
Starters returning: Offense 3 Defense 5
Key players: Markus Dixon (Sr., TE, 6-5, 230), Cole Evans (Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 300), Eric Gardner (Sr., OL/DL, 6-1, 250), Kevin Heywood (Jr., OL/DL, 6-7, 280), Owen Gallagher (Jr., RB/LB, 6-0, 200).
Strengths: The Vikings will be solid along both lines and Dixon (a Clemson commit) and Evans (an Army West Point commit) will anchor the offense and defense, respectively. Wood will have to play both Class 6A La Salle and Saint Joseph's Prep in the regular season, but won't have to face them in the Philadelphia Catholic League or PIAA District 12 playoffs since the Vikings are back down in Class 5A. That kind of competition should only sharpen the Vikings for the postseason.
Schedule:
Sept. 9 Malvern Prep 7 (at William Tennent)
Sept. 16 at Northeast 7
Sept. 23 Haverford School 7 (at William Tennent)
Sept. 30 Saint Joseph's Prep 7 (at Widener University)
Oct. 7 Roman Catholic 7 (at Cardinal O'Hara)
Oct. 14 La Salle 7 (at William Tennent)
Oct. 21 Father Judge 7 (at William Tennent)
Prediction: The Vikings are back in Class 5A and have talent sprinkled up and down the roster, but there are roadblocks in front of them (Imhotep Charter) that could curtail a deep playoff run. Additionally, the Vikings aren't starting their season until Sept. 9, two weeks after everybody else, which could be a positive as new head coach Dave Armstrong will have extra time to work with his team and prepare them for the rigors of the Philadelphia Catholic League.
- Drew Markol
Conwell-Egan
Coach: Jack Techtmann (11th season, 57-54)
Last year's record: 8-3
Starters returning: Offense 8 Defense 9
Key players: Colin Majors (Sr., RB, 5-9, 165), Craig Graves (Sr., RB, 5-11, 240), Luke Trunell (Sr., RB/LB, 6-2, 220), Zamire Cottrell (Sr., DL, 6-3, 240), Mekhi Harper (Sr., DB, 6-3, 180).
Strengths: There is experience all over the field for an Eagles team with big expectations. Having 17 returning starters from an 8-3 team from a year ago is rare indeed and that will pay dividends here. Conwell-Egan has as much, or more, speed than any other team in the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division and will be a threat in Class 3A come the postseason.
Schedule:
Aug. 26 at Upper Merion 7
Sept. 2 Episcopal Academy 7 (at Rowan University)
Sept. 10 Moore (Staten Island) 2 (at Harry S. Truman)
Sept. 17 Archbishop Ryan 4 (at Northeast Supersite)
Sept. 23 Lansdale Catholic 7 (at Harry S. Truman)
Oct. 1 West Catholic 1 (at Drexel University)
Oct. 8 Cardinal O'Hara 6 (at Harry S. Truman)
Oct. 15 Neumann-Goretti Noon (at South Philadelphia Supersite)
Oct. 21 at Bonner-Prendergast 7
Oct. 29 Archbishop Carroll 6 (at Harry S. Truman)
Prediction: Techtmann has things rolling with the Eagles, making them a real threat in the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division and in the postseason. The obstacle in the way, and it's a big one, in Class 3A is Neumann-Goretti. The Saints, who beat the Eagles 30-6 during the regular season in 2021, not only won the PIAA District 12 Class 3A crown, but made it all the way to the PIAA semifinals. Getting past them will be a tough chore for the Eagles.
- Drew Markol
Lansdale Catholic
Coach: Dom D'Addona (4th season, 7-19)
Last year's record: 1-9
Starters returning: Offense 7 Defense 8
Key players: Matt Daly (Sr., WR/DB, 5-9, 170), Efrain Quiles (Sr., RB/LB, 6-3, 215), Josh Brown (Sr., DL, 5-9, 210), Cole Meehan (Jr., QB, 6-2, 170), Chris Ulmer (Soph., OL/LB, 6-2, 195).
Strengths: Added depth. The Crusaders have nearly doubled their numbers from last year and that should allow the team to be two-deep at nearly every position, a luxury Lansdale Catholic hasn't had for a few seasons.
Schedule:
Aug. 27 Mastbaum Noon (at Wissahickon)
Sept. 3 Boys Latin 11 a.m. (Ocean City, N.J.)
Sept. 10 New Hope-Solebury 6 (at Wissahickon)
Sept. 17 Neumann-Goretti 7 (at Wissahickon)
Sept. 23 Conwell-Egan 7 (at Harry S. Truman)
Sept. 30 at Archbishop Carroll 7
Oct. 8 Archbishop Ryan 1 (at Northeast Supersite)
Oct. 14 at Bonner-Prendergast 7
Oct. 21 West Catholic 7 (at Wissahickon)
Oct. 28 Cardinal O'Hara 6 (at Wissahickon)
Prediction: The numbers for the Crusaders are on the upswing and look for them to start turning things around under D'Addona. It will take time, like anything, but Lansdale Catholic is moving in the right direction. Is this team capable of finishing at .500? That would be a huge jump from a one-win 2021 season, but that kind of turnaround success is not out of the question.
- Drew Markol
La Salle
Coach: John Steinmetz (8th season, 50-25)
Last year's record: 9-2
Starters returning: Offense 6 Defense 9
Key players: Ryan Sorge (Sr., WR, 6-3, 200), Darold Dengohe (Sr., DL, 6-3, 280), Sean McFadden (Sr., LB, 6-0, 190), Makhi Johnson (Sr., DB, 6-1, 170), Lucas Donahue (Jr., OL, 6-3, 275).
Strengths: The Explorers have plenty of experience at the offensive skill positions and a solid offensive line. Nine returning starters on defense is a huge plus, too. Another strength the Explorers have seemingly every year is a psychological one. They know they're good, as do their opponents, and having that edge in nearly every game never hurts.
Schedule:
Aug. 26 at North Penn 7
Sept. 2 Malvern Prep 6 (Ocean City, N.J.)
Sept. 9 Bishop McDevitt 7 (at Wissahickon)
Sept. 16 Haverford School 7 (at Upper Dublin)
Oct. 1 at Calvert Hall 1 (Towson, Md.)
Oct. 8 Saint Joseph's Prep 2 (at University of Pennsylvania)
Oct. 14 Archbishop Wood 7 (at William Tennent)
Oct. 21 Roman Catholic 7 (at Cardinal O'Hara)
Oct. 29 Father Judge 6 (at Springfield-Montco)
Prediction: The Explorers will be really good once again but, as usual, it will come down to how they do against arch-rival Saint Joseph's Prep in the postseason as to whether they make a long playoff run. First off, though, we'll learn a lot about the Explorers (and North Penn, too) when the two teams open up their seasons in Lansdale in Week One. There isn't a better opening-night matchup statewide than that one.
- Drew Markol
OTHER CONFERENCES
Bristol
Coach: Michael Ciotti (Fourth year, 14-13)
Last year's record: 8-3
Conference: Bicentennial Athletic League
Starters returning: Offense 9 Defense 9
Key Players: Roshie Newkirk (Sr., QB/LB, 6-foot-1, 177 pounds), Xavier Shefcyk (Sr., OT/DT, 6-5, 300), Jaylin Currington (Sr., OL/LB, 5-11, 179), Brandon Anthony (Sr., RB/DB, 5-8, 137), Jaden Bobbs (Sr., RB/DB, 6-1, 185), Kendell Cottrell (Jr., RB/DB, 6-0, 187), Collin Burnett (Sr., C/DE, 5-10, 195), Jaron Currington (Sr., OL/DL, 6-4, 295) and Jordan Colon (Jr., OL/LB, 5-9, 178).
Strengths: The Warriors finished 8-3 last season and 4-1 in the Bicentennial Athletic League. They qualified for the Class A subregional playoffs, falling to Belmont Charter 22-6. Cottrell contributed 1,325 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns in 2021, including three on kick returns.
“Graduating four senior captains is always difficult," Ciotti said. "With that being said, we have upcoming seniors with experience ready to fill their shoes. Our goal is to run the football at a high level and play relentless defense."
On defense, Bristol also has nine players returning. Anthony is back after registering six interceptions last year.
Schedule:
Date Opponent Time
8/26 KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy 6
9/2 Lower Moreland 7
9/9 George School 7
9/17 Pennington (N.J.) 2
9/23 Academy of the New Church 7
9/30 at Renaissance Academy 7
10/7 Jenkintown 7
10/14 at Morrisville 7
10/21 Renaissance Academy 7
10/28 at Jenkintown 7
11/24 Morrisville 10 a.m.
Prediction: Bristol has a nice nucleus of players returning. Another trip to the playoffs wouldn't be a surprise.
- Daryl Bell
Germantown Academy
Coach: Matt Dence (10th season, 54-38-1)
Last year’s record: 5-4
Conference: Inter-Ac League
Starters returning: Offense 5 Defense 6
Key Players: Evan Spivey (Sr., WR/DB, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds), Tristan Machado (Sr., QB, 6-1, 200), Aidan Donahue (Sr., WR/DB, 6-1, 180), CJ Bauer (Sr., LB, 6-0, 250), Seamus Knox (Jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 215), Anthony Lara (Jr., RB/DB, 5-10, 175), Jared Smith (Jr., K, 5-10, 175), CJ Merskey (Jr., C, 5-10, 245).
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Strengths: Germantown Academy senior quarterback Tristan Machado is returning as a two-year starter. Machado has a strong arm and a quick release. Machado, who made second-team All-Inter-Academic League in 2021, is one of the most experienced players at his position in the Inter-Ac. Machado understands Germantown's offense and operates with precision, plus his supporting cast is talented.
Wide receiver Evan Spivey, who made first-team All-Inter-Ac a year ago, committed to Coastal Carolina last month. Head coach Matt Dence believes Spivey is the most explosive player in the league. Wide receiver Aidan Donahue, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder, is one of the best at his position in the Inter-Ac as well.
Anthony Lara and Seamus Knox are expected to produce at running back. Lara is undersized at 5-foot-10, 175 pounds, but he plays bigger than that. Knox is an explosive running back, running a 4.5 40-yard dash.
The Patriots' offense has some playmakers and the special teams unit is strong, returning reliable kicker Jared Smith.
Schedule:
Date Opponent Time
9/2 at Simon Gratz noon
9/10 Hill School 1:30
9/17 Olney 1:30
9/24 Blair Academy 2:30
10/1 at Peddie 2
10/15 Episcopal Academy 1:30
10/29 Malvern Prep 1:30
11/5 at Haverford School 2
11/12 William Penn Charter 1:30
Prediction: Germantown Academy lost to William Penn Charter and Episcopal Academy by a combined four points last season, with a 35-32 defeat by Penn Charter ending its 2021 season. The Inter-Ac is stacked with well-coached teams. The Patriots have been successful in past years, winning a league championship in 2016, though.
GA’s offense is explosive and should score points, but four offensive linemen graduated and need to be replaced. The Patriots are encouraged by their new group of offensive linemen, but inexperience and a tough schedule could result in some early-season struggles.
The Patriots should finish with a strong record because of their experienced playmakers. Dence is a proven coach, as well.
- Drew Markol
George School
Coach: Dominic Gregorio (Third year, 2-8)
Last year's record: 2-8
Conference: Friends Schools League
Starters returning: Offense 8 Defense 7
Key players: Frank Marchesse (Sr., FB/LB, 6-foot-1, 212 pounds), Jaggar Matera (Sr., QB, 6-2, 189), Kendell Gordon (Sr., TE/LB, 6-5, 235), Brandon Enarusai (Sr., RB/LB, 6-4, 218), Tim Ruch (Sr., LB, 6-0, 184) and Danti Nida (Sr., DB, 6-3, 185)
Strengths: "In our offense, we have skilled players with speed and size," Gregorio said. "We believe we'll be able to get the ball to them in open space.
"We have players with high motors and great pursuit to the ball (on defense)," Gregorio said. "We look forward to watching our players compete on the field. We believe this will be a successful year."
Schedule:
Date Opponent Time
Aug 26 at Jenkintown 10 am
Sept 2 at Morrisville 7
Sept 9 at Bristol 7
Sept 15 Renaissance 4:30
Sept 23 at Harriton 7
Oct 8 Pennington 2:30
Oct 15 Lower Moreland 3
Oct 22 at Montour Columbia Votech 1
Oct 28 at New Hope 7
Nov 5 Academy New Church 3
Prediction: George School has some talent and a total of 15 starters back, so the Cougars could present a problem for more than a few teams.
- Daryl Bell
Morrisville
Coach: Steve Schweiker (Fourth season, 8-15)
Last year’s record: 2-8
Conference: Bicentennial Athletic League
Starters returning: Offense 7 Defense 7
Key players: Keizon Rankins (Sr., QB/DB, 5-foot-9, 164 pounds), Jake Neely (6-2, 200), Soulle Borrero (Sr., OL/LB, 5-9 240), Zykear Davis (Jr., DT, 6-4 255), Matt Jobes (Sr., OL/DL, 5-11, 260)
Strengths: "We return 14 seniors who were members of the 2019 District One (Class A) championship team (as freshmen)," Schweiker said. "That experience at QB with Rankins as a dual threat should highlight our young playmakers.
"This team is optimistic about its goals because this is our first full offseason for strength and conditioning since the 2019 district championship team," Schweiker said. "With not having a 2020 season and not getting back in the building for training until late July of 2021, this 2022 team is ready to make a run at another district title."
Schedule:
Date Opponent Time
8/26 Mahanoy Area 7
9/2 George School 3
9/9 Academy of the New Church 7
9/16 at Halifax 7
9/24 at Pennington (N.J.) 1:30
10/1 at Jenkintown 11 a.m.
10/7 Renaissance Academy 7
10/14 Bristol 7
10/21 Jenkintown 7
11/4 Lower Moreland 7
11/24 at Bristol 10 a.m.
Prediction: The Bulldogs have plenty of experience and should bounce back from last year's disappointing season.
- Daryl Bell
Palisades
Coach: Billy Smith (first year)
Last year’s record: 2-8
Conference: Colonial League
Key players: Kai Stiansen (Sr., QB/S, 6-foot-2, 185 pounds), Steven Lilly (Sr., LB, 5-6, 185), Sheadon Carr (Sr., OL, 6-2, 295), James Mitsch (Sr., 6-0, 230), Galen Limantour (Sr., DL, 6-5, 200)
Strengths: "[We have an] established offensive line and the D-line offers experience," Smith said. "Leadership and improved team chemistry developed in the offseason (and) that continues to grow. With their hard work and dedication continuing from the offseason into the season, (we could have) an improved record."
On defense: The unitwill feature a number of players from offense, meaning there should be more than a few guys starting on both sides of the ball.
Schedule:
Date Opponent Time
8/26 at Bangor 7
9/2 Wilson Area 7
9/9 Palmerton 7
9/16 Southern Lehigh 7
9/23 at Schuylkill Haven 7
9/30 at Panther Valley 7
10/7 Pen Argyl 7
10/14 Minersville 7
10/21 at Catasauqua 7
10/28 at Saucon Valley 7
Prediction: If the Pirates can stay healthy, this could be a considerably better season.
- Daryl Bell
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Football capsules for Bucks, Montco in PCL, BAL, FSL, Colonial, Inter-Ac
