Sean Fallon took over a still-fledgling football program in 2009 that was shrouded with controversy and turmoil and served as such a calming influence for the Friars that he guided the program to its first-ever NJSIAA state playoff berth, posting a 6-3 record.
“Especially what happened before I got here, last year was really special for the school and the kids,” said Fallon, who earned Hudson Reporter Coach of the Year honors last year. “I know it was tough for the kids, but we wanted to make the playoffs last year.”
The Friars would have earned a NJSIAA Non-Public (Parochial) Group 1 berth in 2008, but had to forfeit three victories after it was learned that the former coach used an ineligible player. That coach was subsequently fired and Fallon, a former Hoboken High assistant, was brought in to right the ship – which he did.
So the Friars finally made the state playoffs in 2009 the right and conventional way and gave Fallon a solid foundation to build on for this season.
“Up until that point, a lot of people in the state didn’t even know we had a football program,”
Fallon said. “We made major strides last year, but we weren’t happy with the way our season ended [a loss to St. Mary’s of Rutherford in the opening round of the state playoffs]. We can’t rest on making a state playoff appearance. That loss left a real sour taste in our mouths, because we made mistakes in that game that cost us a win.”
Fallon knows that he welcomes back a talented and veteran roster, filled with players who have been gaining attention from college recruiters.
“I think the difference you’ll see with our team is in our depth,” Fallon said. “We have a lot of kids on the roster. The success we had last year attracted more kids to the program. We have a lot of kids on our freshman team, and the freshman team last year won seven games.”
The Friars now have more than 50 players on their roster, which is incredible for a program in its third year of existence. One thing is for sure: the St. Anthony football program is here to stay.
Leading the Friar returnees is senior quarterback Sylvester Wright (5-10, 170), who threw for more than 2,000 yards last season with 20 touchdown passes and only four interceptions.
“He’s put the time in to become a good quarterback,” Fallon said. “He can go play-action and roll with the ball, and without a doubt, he’s a playmaker.”
Senior Jidamon Sparkman (6-1, 205) returns to his position at fullback, where he rushed for 900 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Sparkman is definitely a player who has the potential to secure a college scholarship, provided he secures the right grades and test scores.
Junior Daryl Wilson (5-9, 200) is one of the two starting halfbacks. Wilson rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season as a sophomore.
The fourth returning back is senior David Coleman (6-0, 190), who is also getting his share of looks from the college recruiters.
There aren’t a lot of local teams that returns so much depth in the backfield.
The Friars were bolstered by the addition of wide receiver/tight end Khadeem Wilson (6-4, 235), who has already given a verbal commitment to Temple. The sure-handed Wilson played at Marist last year. Wilson steps right into the role vacated by the graduation of Joshua Ford, who represented St. Anthony in the state North-South All-Star Classic last June.
Wilson is not the only talented tight end the Friars have. Junior Nate Ortiz (6-2, 225) is another who can line up either close to the ball or spread out.
“Nate can also catch the ball as well,” Fallon said. “He’s a super athlete. He runs well.”
The Friars have a relatively young offensive line, but it is also an experienced one.
Senior guard Robinson Beneche (6-1, 220) is a three-year starter and the lone upperclassman.
He’s joined at guard by promising sophomore Darius Roper (6-2, 225). Junior Byron Douglas (6-3, 255) and sophomore Sharman Nalls (6-0, 240) are the tackles. Both started last year. The center is junior Davon Gathers (5-11, 215).
The Friars will play a 4-3 defensive front, with Wilson and Roper manning the defensive end slots and Beneche and Nalls at defensive tackle. Senior Jason Qualle (6-1, 200) will also see time at defensive tackle.
Sparkman, who earned Hudson Reporter All-Area honors last year at linebacker, returns to his outside linebacker slot along with junior Kerwin Sampson (5-10, 190). Wilson returns at middle linebacker.
The cornerbacks are Coleman and senior Quentin Collins (5-10, 180), with Wright returning at safety, where he also earned All-Area honors last year.
Others seeing action at safety include senior Brian Maldon, senior Craig Davilla, and sophomore Derek Sims.
The Friars have upgraded their schedule this season, adding games against Group IV enrollment schools like Memorial, Kearny, and Bayonne.
“We should have a better team, so we are playing different teams,” Fallon said. “The challenges are definitely different. If we win those games, we should get a home game in the state playoffs.”
The Friars also have a bit of a challenge to start the season, facing Newark Academy last Wednesday and then Memorial on Saturday, meaning they would play two games in a span of four days, which is a total rarity.
But count on the winning ways to continue this season for St. Anthony. Who knows? Maybe these Friars can add a state championship trophy to the case that already has 24 or so from the basketball program and a few from the baseball program in the past. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.