The St. Anthony High School football program is still in its infant stages, as the Friars begin just their fourth season of varsity football in 2011.
The Friars enjoyed major success last season, winning their first nine games, earning the HCIAA American Division championship. However, the Friars’ dream season came crashing down in the opening round of the NJSIAA Non-Public Groups 1 & 2 playoffs, when they were trounced by St. Joseph of Hammonton, 50-7.
Although the Friars lost a host of talented players to graduation last June – three of whom, Sylvester Wright, Khadeem Wilson and Jidamon Sparkman earned Hudson Reporter All-Area honors – head coach Sean Fallon believes that the Friars have to take the next step this season.
“We need to win a state playoff game,” said Fallon, who has guided the Friars to 6-3 and 9-1 records over his two seasons, both ending in the state playoffs. “Especially in a bracket that is very top heavy. We have to get over that hurdle and win in the states. That’s what we’ve been talking about in the off-season. St. Joseph was a very good team and they beat us badly, top to bottom. We need to get better and be ready for the challenge of the state playoffs.”
Fallon knows that he can’t afford to look too far ahead.
“We’re not overlooking the teams in our league,” Fallon said. “We want the kids focused on trying to win the league again. But we beat Lincoln last year and beat Hoboken last year. We’ve done that already. We have to win in the states. If we win the league again, then the reward is a home game in the state playoffs.”
The Friars suffered a big blow in the preseason scrimmages, when sophomore Ahmad Patterson (5-10, 170), the expected starter at quarterback, suffered a knee injury, putting his season in jeopardy.
“We don’t know how serious it is just yet,” Fallon said. “The swelling is so bad right now that we can’t tell if the ligaments are torn. We worked with him all summer. The whole package was centered around him.”
For now, junior Derrick Sims (6-0, 190) will step in and fill in for Patterson.
“Derrick has a stronger arm and can be a little bit of a runner,” Fallon said.
The fullback is returning starter Daryl Wilson (5-9, 200), who has been a major player in the program since he was a freshman. Sophomore Anthony Roberts (6-0, 190) has shown a lot of promise in the preseason and could become a big factor in the backfield as the season moves on. Junior James Bates (5-7, 180), a cousin to the Bates brothers of Hoboken fame, and senior Kerwin Sampson (5-10, 185) are also in the mix in the Friar backfield.
Junior Ceasar Outlaw (6-0, 180) is the main target at split end. The Friars have two tight ends in senior Nate Ortiz (6-4, 240), who has received offers from Temple and Towson, and junior Jordan Compas (6-3, 210).
The tackle position will be manned by senior returning starter Byron Douglas (6-3, 260), junior Jamar McGloster (6-7, 290) and junior Sharman Nalls (6-2, 260).
Junior Darius Roper (6-3, 260), who earned Hudson Reporter All-Area honors last year, returns to his position at guard, joined by sophomore Dorian Walker (6-1, 230). Senior Davon Gethers (5-10, 200) is the center.
Defensively, Roper returns to his starting slot at defensive end, joined by Walker. Nalls is the defensive tackle and the nose guard is sophomore Courtel Jenkins (6-3, 310).
The linebackers are Wilson (a returning starter), Outlaw, Bates and Sampson. The cornerbacks are Roberts and junior Daryl Hicks (5-7, 170). Sims is the safety.
The Friars open their 2011 season with non-league games against Hudson County foes Union City and Memorial.
“I think it’s huge if we can get off to a good start,” Fallon said. “If we can win both games, we’ll be in good shape for the state playoffs and getting a home game. I think if we can get good play from our quarterback position, then we can have a very good season.” – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.