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Public League: Gratz favored in AAAA

Simon Gratz made the jump from Class AAA to AAAA last season and more than held its own, going 11-2 and advancing to the Public League Class AAAA final before falling to Ben Franklin.

Simon Gratz made the jump from Class AAA to AAAA last season and more than held its own, going 11-2 and advancing to the Public League Class AAAA final before falling to Ben Franklin.

With a boatload of returning talent, including two-way linemen Raquan Thomas and Charly Timite, the Bulldogs are favored to take home top honors this year. "We have a lot of senior leadership," coach Erik Zipay said.

The 6-foot-4, 340-pound Thomas has a scholarship offer from Temple. He also has drawn interest from Georgia, Michigan State, Penn State, and South Carolina.

Gratz, which went 6-0 in the Liberty Division, also has solid two-way linemen in Cameron Brown (6-3, 310) and Amir Baylock (6-1, 305). Clifton Mariney (6-2, 290) is in the mix on the offensive line.

The other headliners for the Bulldogs are running back Luke White, linebackers Shawn "Woozy" Jenkins and Rahmir Johnson, and two-way back Amir Lewis.

Frankford (5-7, 4-2) is sparked on offense by running back Ralph Hyland and quarterback Naim Franklin. Haneef Lewis (5-8, 220) is a two-way lineman who can also play middle linebacker.

Southern (3-7, 2-4) has a dynamo in running back and defensive end Casey Williams. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior has a scholarship offer from Albany. Temple and Villanova are also keeping tabs.

Leading the way for Fels (4-7, 3-3) are multipurpose threats Paul Barbu-Gbunblee, Jahmir Bohannon, and Khalif Whitaker. Mamadou Barry, Noah Beabrun, and David Smith are two-way linemen.

Ben Franklin (11-1, 5-0 Independence Division) has one of the area's most dynamic receivers in Javier Buffalo. Brian Harvey, Daysean Poulson, Jamere Williams, and Nyeem Jones contribute at fullback and linebacker.

Martin Luther King (5-7, 4-2) is paced by linebacker and tight end Nate Sutton, QB Terrell Pegues, and two-way lineman Emili Medley.

Players to watch at Northeast (6-6, 3-3) include two-way back Keith Moore, receiver and safety Jaiquan Amos, linebacker Josh Reoun, and two-way lineman Zack Dorsonne.

Lincoln (4-7, 0-5) brings back the one-two rushing punch of Hosea McClam and Michael Guyton. Lineman Kenny King, linebacker Mike McIlhenny, and safety Tariq Blakney are defensive mainstays.

Class AAA

Imhotep's talent-laden group is led by tight end Naseir Upshur, offensive linemen Johncarlo Valentin and Yasir Durant, linebacker Shaka Toney, and running backs Tyliek Raynor and Mike Waters.

Also in the mix for the Panthers (11-2, 6-0) are defensive end Andre Mintze, linebacker Jordan McCray, and safeties Mike Crawford and Isheem Young.

Sean Diviny and Damond Warren are new in charge at Boys' Latin and Dobbins, respectively.

Class AA

Defending titlist Prep Charter (10-1-1, 4-0) and Del-Val Charter (9-2, 3-1) are expected to again vie for top league honors.

The offensive spark plugs for Prep Charter are swift handyman Quadir Strothers, QB Mahmud Dioubate, and receivers John Davis, Anthony Thomas, and Kareem Dennis.

The Huskies also feature two-way linemen and Penn State recruit Karamo Dioubate (6-4, 280). Fullback and linebacker Marque McDuffy is a transfer from West Catholic.

Del-Val's bid to finish on top is led by two-way lineman Mikal Cherry (6-4, 305), multipurpose ace Shaheed Brown, two-way back Desmont Pugh, and linebacker Maurice McCrae.

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