WCAC Football Preview
By: Jeremy Moreland
The Washington Catholic Athletic Conference comes back stronger than ever this season with the two best teams in the area (Good Counsel, DeMatha) and the best quarterback in the area (Gonzaga's Kevin Hogan). There will be two new coaches looking to improve their respective teams: Gonzaga's Aaron Brady and Paul VI's Nick Metrokotsas. And the conference itself will be fighting for its own supremacy in the I-95 Classic as teams from the WCAC battle it out with the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association.
But as always the story will be the Good Counsel-DeMatha rivalry, which has been taken to a whole new level. It has the feel of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry in 2004 when Boston defeated New York on the way to its first world series title in 86 years. Well, Good Counsel reversed a curse of their own with their first-ever WCAC Championship and are hungry for more.
Here's a look at each of the eight WCAC teams in 2010.
Good Counsel
Head Coach: Bob Milloy
Last Season: 11-1 (WCAC Champions)
Outlook: After finally getting through the DeMatha curse, the Falcons come back this year with even higher expectations and should probably take offense to the fact that many scouting services have ranked DeMatha higher this preseason.
Quarterback Zac Dancel has trained hard all off-season and looks poised for an even better 2010. Even though this is a run-first team, you can fully expect the coaching staff to let Dancel cut it loose more often this year.
The core of this team is the offensive line, which returns all five starters. Bookend tackles Ryan Watson (1st team WCAC) and Michael Madaras, Stephen Snyder, Pat Walsh and Peter Sotiriou will open holes for a terrific set of running backs. Junior Wes Brown returns after leading the team in rushing last season. In the Falcons' scrimmage against Loyola, Brown at times looked like the best player on the field with the way he broke tackles and made defenders miss at will.
Somehow Brown continues to keep a relatively low profile among scouts considering his success. Part of this can be attributed to the young phenom Dorian ODaniel who is only a sophomore but has already been talked about by the who's who in college football. It should be interesting to see how the carries are distributed, but right now it looks like Brown is the starter.
The talent doesn't end in the backfield for the Falcons. Wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Blake Countess provide two speedy deep threats for Dancel to look to. And tight end Vincent Groce (Virginia) is a great security blanket for the lefty.
On the defensive side you'll find a lot of the same guys and the same level of effectiveness. Countess is one of the best cover corners you'll find and safety/corner Diggs can really lay the wood despite his rather slim 160-lb frame. Groce will play a lot of linebacker or defensive end and many of the lineman including Madaras and Watson will play on the defensive line.
After finally completing the goal of winning a WCAC Championship, the Falcons have upped their goals to being relevant on the national spectrum. This is evident from their brutal schedule, highlighted by an ESPN matchup with St. Xavier of Ohio and Gilman High of Baltimore. It's clear that Coach Milloy wants to show the nation that Good Counsel is a powerhouse. Now can they live up to the hype?
Darkhorse Standout: Michael Jefferson, Senior FB
As a backup running back/fullback last season Jefferson showed flashes of his strength and power in garbage time. This year he'll take over as the starting fullback, replacing Michael Nittoli. Not only will he get the chance to open holes for two explosive backs in Brown and O'Daniel, he'll also get his carries in a Milloy I-formation offense known to give opportunities to the fullback.
DeMatha Stags
Head Coach: Bill McGregor
Last Season: 11-1 (WCAC runner-up)
Outlook: After their run of six consecutive WCAC Championships from 2003-2008, DeMatha finds themselves in an unfamiliar situation, fighting to win back the crown. But Coach McGregor isn't approaching this season any differently, and with the talent he has this season there is no reason to be worried.
As usual, the Stags will rely on smash-mouth football starting with their offensive line. Tackle Cyrus Kouandjio has become a household name and is a top five, if not the top prospect in the class of 2011. Joining him on the line are some other tremendous talents, including Kelby Johnson (Virginia commit), Darian Cooper and Kendall Patterson.
Running behind this line are a plethora of explosive backs led by 250-pound bruiser Delonte Morton (Maryland). This will be a run-by-committee offense so guys like Jacob Siwicki and Josh McPhearson will get plenty of carries.
The question mark on this team is at quarterback, where a starter has yet to be named. Right now it's a three-horse race between Nikolay Uherek, Shane Cokerille and Ben Onette. Uherek, who is also a starting pitcher for the baseball team, is believed by many to be the favorite but a final decision will have to wait until after the team's final scrimmage this weekend against Dunbar.
Last year's leading receiver Ryan Burbrink and tight end Sam Collura (Pitt) look to be the main options in the passing game. But guys like Justin Hamm, Michael Williams, and Tavon Bailey are also threats on the outside.
On the defensive side of the ball, there is plenty of speed to go around. Cornerback Jordan Lomax (Virginia) anchors a very good secondary that welcomes Darien Harris (Michigan St.), who moves to safety from outside linebacker. In the linebacking corps, look out for sophomore EJ Levenberry who has a lot of scouts' eyes already.
Darkhorse Standout: Darien Harris Senior Safety/RB
It's difficult to consider a future D-1 player as a "darkhorse" to have a big season, but on a team this talented Harris may get overlooked at times. McGregor is extremely high on this kid to the point that he's stuck him in at running back as well. And in their scrimmage against Westfield, Harris broke off a 60-yard touchdown run. He is a freak athlete that should wreak havoc on both sides of the ball.
Gonzaga Eagles
Head Coach: Aaron Brady (1st season)
Last Season: 6-5 (Lost to DeMatha in WCAC semifinals)
Outlook: Coach Aaron Brady takes over for Jim Reyda who stepped down from the coaching position but will remain the athletic director for Gonzaga. Brady will inherit a playoff team from last year that has even higher expectations in 2010. Of course that all starts with Kevin Hogan (Stanford), who may be the most talented quarterback in the Washington-Metropolitan area Coach Brady believes that Hogan will be even more focused than last season now that he has the college decision out of his way.
The Eagles' offense will run in multiple sets under Brady. Sometimes they'll go with an I-back formation and other times they'll spread it out with three wide receivers and a tight end.
In the receiving corps there are three guys who Hogan will look to go to. Senior Brendan Kramer had a good summer and could be a favorite target. Then there are two juniors who can really fly: Rajee Dunbar and Davon Graves both can run sub-4.5 40-yard dashes. Graves would've been a go-to last year before he got hurt. He's only 5'7'' but has great hands and will also be a return specialist for the Eagles. Dunbar runs track and has been a work in progress who has really improved his route running in practice.
In the backfield, there will be a few backs carrying the load. Delonte Martino is a physical runner who has great cuts and might be the best fit for this offense. But Duane McKelvin and Demetrius McNeil, who saw a lot of time last season, will also get plenty of touches. These backs will be running behind a senior-laden offensive line led by Austin Gund.
Gonzaga runs a very aggressive 4-3 base defense in which they'll blitz heavily and try to force as many turnovers as possible. Weak-side defensive end Eric Pittman is very good pass rusher and linebackers Joe Battista and Nick Anzalo will also provide pressure.
Starting in the secondary will be a lot of guys who play on the offensive side as well. McKelvin and McNeil will see plenty of time as defensive backs. Devon Butler will play safety and Joe Watkins will play corner.
Darkhorse Standout: Joe Watkins, Senior WR/CB
Watkins is a heady, experienced player who has really worked hard in the offseason to get better. He is a captain and someone for the younger players to look up to.
St Johns Cadets
Head Coach: Joe Patterson (7th season)
Last Season: 5-5 (5th in WCAC)
Outlook: To say that the Cadets come into this season with a sour taste in their mouths would be one huge understatement. Losing to their arch rival in overtime of the last game of the regular season by one point to get knocked out the playoffs must've been tough on them this offseason. But the good news is that this last year was the first year in which the Cadets didn't make the postseason under Coach Patterson.
This year's team will rely on power up front to be successful. On the offensive line the 6'7'' 275-lb Gary Mulkins will lead the way after the losses of Andre Monroe and Kortlan Jackson. Coach Patterson also has confidence in Mitchell Kirsch to step up this season on the offensive line.
This offense will rely heavily on the running game and backs Blake Monroe and Jalen Johnson will attempt to fill the shoes of last year's star, Charles Brown. Seniors Danny Wright and Robert Cadle continue to battle for the starting quarterback position. The one skilled offensive position where St. Johns has experience is at wide receiver. Senior Chris Drummond has led the team in receptions the previous two seasons and should be the most reliable option for which ever quarterback that wins the starting job.
The Cades' 4-3 base defense returns 8 starters from last season and looks to be the strength of this team. The leader of the defense is captain Wayne Burden, the two-year starter who was an all-WCAC 1st team selection last season. The player with the most upside and talent has to be defensive tackle Kevin McReynolds who should be playing Division 1 football next season. At 6-2 281 lbs, McReynolds should eat up lineman inside so guys like defensive end Olajuwon Swearinger can get in the backfield.
This team should have no problem running the ball or stopping teams. The question will be can they rely on the passing game in the closing minutes of a tight game. Coach Patterson has yet to have a losing team during his tenure, and I wouldn't expect that to change this year.
Darkhorse Standout: Jack Behrend TE/DE
Behrend is the team captain who says all the right things and has a winning attitude. He'll play offense and defense which is even better for the team because any coach wants this kind of enthusiasm to spill over to both sides of the ball.
Bishop McNamara Mustangs
Head Coach: Bryce Bevill
Last Season: 8-3 (lost in WCAC semifinals)
Outlook: The Mustangs look to duplicate a very impressive regular season campaign in which their only losses came to DeMatha and Good Counsel.
Star wide receiver Brandon Coleman has moved on to play for Rutgers this year so the Mustangs will hope to find someone to replace his big play ability. Senior Hannibal Robinson returns after leading the team in rushing last season. Robinson runs a 4.43 40-yard dash and will also be relied upon to make plays in the return game.
The quarterback situation is still up in the air, but with the loss of last year's starter James Joseph and Coleman, it would seem as if this will be a team that relies heavily on the run.
On the defensive side, the player to look out for is Nicholas Law. Law will play D-1 football next season, narrowing his list down to Maryland, West Virginia, Louisville, Cincinnati and Iowa. The senior strong safety is a big hitter with tremendous closing speed. Coach Bevill likes to get him up on the line of scrimmage in run support or blitz him in passing situations.
Overall, the Mustangs are fairly inexperienced with young players at key positions. The quickness with which these players mature will determine how far they go this season.
Bishop O'Connell Knights
Head Coach: Steve Trimble
Last Season: 4-6 (6th in WCAC)
Outlook: The Knights started last season off strong with a 4-1 start but sputtered down the stretch against the powers of the conference. This year's team will be extremely young all around with the exception of the back field.
Junior Nicholas Morabito returns as the starting quarterback to run O'Connell's double wing offense. Coach Trimble feels a bit more confident in Morabito's ability to go down field after a season as the starter and hopes to open up the playbook with some play action passing. Morabito, who also plays baseball, stands at 5'9'' 185 lbs with a strong arm and has worked hard this offseason to get in better shape and improve his mobility.
Senior running backs Josh Trimble (coach's son) and Patrick Simms will be the primary weapons in this run-first attack. Senior Michael Katz moves over to fullback after playing tight end last season.
But that's where the experience ends for the Knights. The offensive line is very young and a bit undersized, so they'll have to make up for it in effort and technique. Colin Scott, Rishi Sharma and Joe Bender will be the guys Coach Trimble looks for to really step up.
O'Connell will run a 4-3 base defense that brings pressure on the backfield. Since this team isn't extremely deep, look for many players to play both ways. Middle linebacker Patrick Simms will be one of the defensive leaders. Sophomore cornerback Dexter Williams highlights the Knights' secondary. Coach Trimble understands how tough this conference is, but he still expects this team to be very competitive and to use it's quickness to overcome it's lack of size.
Darkhorse Standout: Joe Bender Junior Center
Bender will have to be the leader on this young offensive line. Coach Trimble thinks he'll help run the offense and be a reliable protector for Morabito.
Archbishop CarrollHead Coach: Rich Houchens
Last Season: 2-8 (7th in WCAC)
Outlook: Carroll will return plenty of offensive playmakers that hope make an even bigger impact in 2010. In the backfield are running backs Duane Thompson and Malik Jackson who carried a lot of the load last year.
The star on this team may be sophomore Jabari Thomas who made the all-WCAC 2nd team last season as a return specialist. Thomas has reportedly already received an offer from Akron and there should be more to come over the next three seasons. Because of Thomas' athletic ability, there's a good chance he'll be getting some carries and passes thrown his way.
At quarterback time could be split between Timothy Brady and Tyrell Temoney who both saw playing time last season. But it would seem like it might be Brady's job for the taking considering he's just a sophomore whereas Temoney is a senior and can also play at the receiver position. Playing Brady now would help Carroll build for the future.
Carroll returns leading receiver Lamont Baldwin this season and also has E.J Norris playing tight end.
There will be a little more hype than usual surrounding Carroll's first matchup with Coolidge. Of course this will be head coach Natalie Randolph's first game for Coolidge, one of the very few female football coaches in the country. We'll see how Carroll handles this game in which all of the attention will be on their opponent.
Paul VI Panthers
Head Coach: Nick Metrokotsas
Last Season: 2-8 (8th in WCAC)
Outlook: Coach Metrokotsas might be just the right man to turn things around for the Panthers. He brings an impressive resume that includes college coaching experience and two state titles while coaching prep schools in New Jersey. He comes from the Larry Brown school of taking over struggling teams and bring them success.
Coach "Metro", as he is called by his players, brings the mysterious Sling-shot T offense that combines elements of the single wing, run-and-shoot and the wing T
It's still up in the air as to whom will run this offense. The three candidates are David Salmon, Thomas Tutone and Nick Carpenter. Salmon is probably the favorite to be the starter. Coach "Metro" thinks he's a very enthusiastic leader who is working on his polish an execution. Paul VI will run a lot of play action and sprint out pass plays. Whoever the quarterback is, they will get plenty of high percentage throws in this offense.
At the running back position, the coaching staff is looking at a few candidates and it's likely the Panthers will be another run-by-committee offense. They are certainly a run first, pass second team.
The Panthers will bring a ball-hawking style of defense, with a primary goal of getting to the ball carrier, forcing turnovers and making big plays.
The most important thing that Coach Metro preaches is the P.R.I.D.E. program which he expects every player to abide by on and off the field.
P- perseverance
R- respect
I - integrity
D- desire
E- enthusiasm
This is definitely a team in transition at this point. Many transfers are coming in from out of state and the coaching staff is doing all it can to find talent at the school and around the northern Virginia area. But the winning foundation seems to be in place and we'll see if Coach Metro can work his magic again.
