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Here is the coaches’ predicted order of finish and team-by-team football capsules for the Greater Catholic League North Division this season:
1. Alter
Nickname: Knights
Coach: Ed Domsitz (19th season)
2009 record: 15-0, 7-0 GCL North (first place)
Five players to watch: T.J. Dorow, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, outside linebacker, senior; Teddy Link, 6-1, 175, strong safety, senior; Zane Pitzer, 5-11, 175, quarterback, senior; Joe Thuney, 6-4, 235, offensive tackle-center, senior; Justin Winters, 6-2, 220, halfback, senior
Outlook: This is a program that hasn’t lost a game on the field since 2007, so it’s safe to say that winning is an expectation in these parts. Domsitz said the Knights aren’t particularly big, though size hasn’t been their impetus in recent years, and might be a little slower than last season. Alter also returns less than half of its 2009 starting lineup. “We’re still putting pieces of the puzzle together,” Domsitz said. “I’ve said every year going back to the ’80s that we’ll be as good as our offensive line and our defense.” The Knights will continue to be a wishbone and shotgun squad on offense, and Winters is a load in the backfield. Pitzer returns at quarterback, yet is being pushed for the starting job by sophomore Malik Zaire. Give Alter credit for not backing down on its schedule — the Knights play Division I Kettering Fairmont and Centerville in the first three weeks.
2. Carroll
Nickname: Patriots
Coach: Steve Bartlett (16th season)
2009 record: 6-4, 5-2 GCL North (second place, tie)
Five players to watch: Neal Cates, 6-2, 295, two-way tackle, senior; Matt Fornshil, 5-10, 165, wide receiver, senior; Kyle Johnson, 6-2, 205, linebacker, senior; Ben Lange, 6-2, 215, defensive end, senior; Alex Wolodkiewicz, 6-0, 190, halfback, senior
Outlook: The Patriots just missed the Division II playoffs in 2009, but they return quite a few starters, including nine on defense. Carroll’s massive offensive line and strong runners mesh perfectly with Bartlett’s no-frills style of coaching. “That’s not going to change,” Bartlett said. “We’re going to run the veer like we always do. And our defense is based on quickness. Our whole defensive philosophy is beating people to the punch.” Another weapon is senior Ryan Adams, ranked as one of the top place-kickers in the country. He nailed a 57-yard field goal during a scrimmage last weekend.
3. Chaminade Julienne
Nickname: Eagles
Coach: Andy Helms (fifth season)
2009 record: 8-3, 5-2 GCL North (second place, tie)
Five players to watch: Darrien Howard, 6-2, 245, linebacker, sophomore; Donovan Layne, 6-0, 205, strong safety, senior; Michael Simpson, 6-2, 195, quarterback, junior; Aaron Stokes, 5-8, 175, tailback, senior; Tim Szabo, 6-2, 185, split end, senior
Outlook: The Eagles were very good defensively a year ago and hope to take a step forward with their spread offense in 2010. “We’re a little leaner and a little more athletic on the offensive line than we’ve been,” Helms said. “I think that’s a plus.” Simpson threw for well over 1,000 yards last season and likes to launch the long ball. Defensively, CJ uses a quick and aggressive 3-4 alignment. “My concern is depth and making sure we stay healthy because we are looking at playing some guys both ways,” Helms said. “This team has to establish their identity. If we can do that, I think we’ve got enough talent that we can be in a position to win the league title.”
4. Fenwick
Nickname: Falcons
Coach: Fred Cranford (fifth season)
2009 record: 5-5, 2-5 GCL North (fourth place)
Five players to watch: Nick Durham, 6-4, 210, two-way end, junior; Stephen Munafo, 6-0, 175, split end-strong safety, senior; Joe Ripplinger, 5-10, 220, offensive guard, senior; Joey Robertson, 5-8, 185, fullback, senior; Jimmy Turvy, 6-3, 195, wingback-cornerback, senior
Outlook: The Falcons return nine defensive starters and have a Wing-T offense headed by junior quarterback Austin Gearing (6-5, 190). Cranford said the goal is to rack up 2,000 yards on the ground and through the air. “We’re rather raw on offense, but we’ve got some incredible talent,” Cranford said. “It just lacks experience.” Gearing isn’t a household name yet, but could be soon. Cranford said he’s got a strong arm and is a tough runner as well. Fenwick has good size and even better speed, but needs to learn how to win close games. Last year, the Falcons lost four times by 10 points or less. “I think I’ve got the group of kids that will figure that out,” Cranford said.
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