Once again, George Washington among Public League powers

IN 13 OF THE last 14 seasons, either George Washington or Frankford has captured a Public League football championship.

With the addition of defensive end, Shareef Miller, who transferred from Franford, a relatively inexperienced Eagles squad is looking to soar yet again, but the future is murkier for the Pioneers, who find themselves with several questions to answer.

What does all of that mean in AAAA play this season? Lookout for Northeast High; the Vikings have a few studs in defensive end Gladimir "The Destroyer" Paul (Virginia) and speedy quarterback Asa Manley. Schools making the leap to AAAA this year are: Martin Luther King, Bartram, Simon Gratz and Ben Franklin (each AAA last season); Roxborough is also up from AA.

Imhotep will try to reign supreme in AAA play after squashing AA competition the last two seasons, leaving a void in AA, which Del-Val and Prep Charter should battle over.

Del-Val is led by Troy Gore, who helped build Imhotep into a power. Two new programs, KIPP DuBois and Palumbo, have also emerged and are coached by first-year guys Keary Dias (from Osborne High in Atlanta, Ga.) and Scott Pitzner (also at Southern from 2011-2012) respectively. In the past, Palumbo had partnered with Furness and Franklin Learning Center, before striking out on its own this season.

(Strawberry Mansion declined to participate in this preview, citing the uncertain future of its program due to a player shortage).

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

Receiver: Denniston "DJ" Moore, Imhotep

Kicker: Chris Schlegel, Washington

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

Linemen: Shareef Miller, Frankford (now Washington); Gladimir Paul, Northeast

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE:

Linemen: Johncarlo Valentin, Imhotep; Tyron Brown, Bartram

Receiver: Javier Buffalo, Franklin

Quarterbacks: Kevin Caldwell, Franklin; Andre Dreuitt-Parks, Imhotep

Running back: Kharee Ruley, Furness (now at West Catholic)

Punter: Eduardo Sanchez, Roxborough

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

Linemen: Dawayne Young, Washington; Naseir "Pop" Upshur, Imhotep

Linebacker: Shawn Henderson, Washington

(Coaches' records don't reflect current season)

CLASS AA

DEL-VAL

Coach: Troy Gore, 1st season; Education: Abraham Lincoln, Philly University, St. Joe's University. Career: 0-0.

Last year: 0-4 league, 3-9 overall

Great eight: Nasir Bonner, RB/ATH, 5-10, 190; Davik Miller, FB/LB, 5-11, 232; Dwine Walls, QB/WR, 5-9, 170; Elijah McCants, SS/LB, 6-0, 182; Kyree McCoy, ATH/DB, 6-0, 175; Desmont Pugh, RB/CB, 5-10, 174; Mikal Cherry, OL/DL, 6-5, 294; Shaheed Brown, WR/RB, 5-9, 177.

Happy about: Young guys and the "buy-in"

Concerned about: Focus and belief in themselves

Gore's comment: "Right now we just have to stay focused and make sure all the academics and behavior are good, and if we take care of that, we can take care of whatever happens on the field."

KIPP DUBOIS

Coach: Keary Dias, 1st season (also at Osborne High in Atlanta); Education: J.E. Brown High (Atlanta), Clark Atlanta, Georgia State, Jacksonsville State. Career: 0-0.

Last year: 0-0.

Great eight: Domair Harris, QB/SS, 6-0, 165; Kyree Ruffin, WR/DE, 6-5, 180; Naszhir Felder, RB/CB/LB, 5-7, 157; John Plummer, RB/CB, 5-5, 137; Daiyaan Waller, LB/OG, 5-7, 150; Paul Bresil, OL/RB, 5-11, 170; Haley Wilson, OT/DT, 6-1, 250; Andre Kelly, RB, 5-4, 120.

Happy about: Remarkable amount of student athletes with high GPAs who are all college bound with or without college sports

Concerned about: Understanding what it takes to play competitive, championship-level high school football.

Dias' comment: "I find nothing more pleasurable than shaping these young men in the art of football, and we're going to go as high as our faith."

PALUMBO

Coach: Scott Pitzner, 1st season (also at Southern 2011-2012); Education: Freehold Township, N.J., West Chester, Cabrini. Career: 6-17.

Last year: 0-0.

Great eight: Paul Johnson, TE/LB, 5-10, 160; Tyreese Clark, WR/RB/DB/K, 5-10, 160; Dontez Jolly, WR/QB/DB, 5-6, 135; Charles Spencer, RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Nigel McKnight, C/DE, 6-3, 250; Deon Slocum, OL/DL, 6-1, 260; Derek Brown, QB, 5-6, 130; Chris Kent, OL/DL, 6-1, 210.

Happy about: They are very well-disciplined and composed

Concerned about: First-year program so depth is an issue

Pitzner's comment: "Our goal is to win four league games, which will help us to win the division."

PREP CHARTER

Coach: David Hand, 2nd year. Education: St. Joseph's Prep, La Salle. Career: 7-4.

Last year: 3-1 league, 7-4 overall

Great eight: Vian Dolo, QB/DB/LB, 6-0, 200; Karamo Dioubate, DE/TE, 6-4, 260; Macquel Hardy, OT/DT, 6-3, 295; Quadir Strothers, RB/DB, 5-8, 160; Davante' Coney, WR/DB, 6-4, 185; Marcus Bryant, OT/DT, 6-0, 275; Tarr Monway, RB/DB, 5-5, 160; Jaleel Benton, OT/DT, 6-5, 375.

Happy about: Physicality of the offensive and defensive lines

Concerned about: Inexperienced at skill positions

Hand's comment: "I expect us to be right there at the top against Del-Val for the No. 1 spot."

CLASS AAA

BOYS' LATIN

Coach: Mike Rufo, 7th season (five in the Pub). Education: Bonner. Career: 21-27.

Last year: 1-7 league, 4-8 overall

Great eight: Damere Gilbert, WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Michael Hammock, WR/S, 6-2, 180; Clarence Rowland, RB/LB, 5-10, 170; Ezekiel Adens, OL/DL, 5-6, 280; Javon Rice, WR/DE, 6-2, 180; Tony Henderson, RB/DL, 5-11, 190; Marquise Johnson, OL/DL, 5-10, 205; Troy Hester, QB/LB, 5-10, 186.

Happy about: Leadership and chemistry

Concerned about: Offensive line size

Rufo's comment: "I'm optimistic. I think we've come together with our leadership and put ourselves in a position to make a run at it."

DOBBINS

Coach: John Sullivan, 4th season; Education: Archbishop Ryan, Temple. Career: 17-20.

Last year: 2-6 league, 2-10 overall

Great eight: Diamir Copes, WR/DB, 6-1, 180; Brandon Smith, QB, 6-0, 170; Divine Epps, RB/DB, 5-9, 160; Wonsale Dahkwe, WR/DB, 5-10, 155; Davonne Glover, DE/TE, 6-0, 200; Johnny Brown, OL/DL, 6-0, 240; Joseph Butler, OL/LB, 5-10, 220; Marcus Wright, OL/DL, 6-0, 260.

Happy about: Athleticism

Concerned about: Many new guys at many new positions

Sullivan's comment: "With each passing week, we will get better."

SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE

Coach: Eros Uthman-Olukokun, 2nd season. Education: West Warwick High (West Warwick, R.I.), Temple, Wilmington University. Career: 4-8.

Last year: 1-3 league, 4-8 overall (AA)

Great eight: Robert Nobles, OL/DL, 6-3, 310; Chris Bangura, WR/CB, 5-9, 163; Shawn Upson, WR/CB, 5-7, 141; Supreme Kemp, RB/LB, 5-7, 172; Markel McCoy, RB/CB. 5-5, 140; Tyhir Mines, OL/OLB, 5-7, 190; Tymir Scott, RB/CB, 6-2, 150; Jalil Neal-Savage, WR/FS, 5-9, 156.

Happy about: Excited about the young talent

Concerned about: Offensive line and defense

Uthman-Olukokun's comment: "I feel like we're going to have a good season with our senior leadership and young guys that have stepped up to the plate."

IMHOTEP

Coach: Albie Crosby, 3rd season. Education: West Catholic, West Connecticut State, Virginia Union. Career: 27-4.

Last year: 4-0 league, 13-3 overall (AA)

Great eight: Andre Dreuitt-Parks, QB, 6-2, 183; DJ Moore, WR, 6-0, 197; Naseir "Pop" Upshur, TE, 6-4, 232; Shaquille Jones, LB, 6-2, 193; Tyliek Raynor, RB, 5-10, 184; Shaka Toney, DL, 6-4, 217; John Carlo Valentine, OL, 6-4, 317; Qwamere Wright-Downing, 6-1, 230.

Happy about: Excited about our experience.

Concerned about: Kicking game

Crosby's comment: "We still need to work hard because we're still not done."

MASTERY NORTH

Coach: John Davidson, 3rd season in Pub (fourth overall). Education: Erasmus Hall High (Brooklyn, New York). Cheyney University, Springfield College (Springfield, Mass). Career: 13-10.

Last year: 7-1 league, 10-2 overall

Great eight: Isaiah Freeman, MLB, 5-10, 200; Quinlin Lambert, OLB/DE, 5-11, 185; Isaiah Tann, OLB, 5-10, 190; Taqee Ross, WR/CB, 5-10, 160; Donovan Crabbe, QB, 5-10, 235; Dante Simms, OL/DL, 6-1, 235; Darnell Horace, DE/TE, 6-1, 200; Idris Mateen, DB, 5-10, 164.

Happy about: Forcing turnovers and playing hard-nosed football

Concerned about: Looking for better wide receiver play

Davidson's comment: "We're gelling together pretty well, so as long as we keep playing as a team we can be successful."

OVERBROOK

Coach: Rendell Ivory, 4th season; Education: Overbrook, Cheyney, Arcadia. Career: 17-18.

Last year: 5-3 league, 6-6 overall

Great eight: Nasir Mickens, QB/DB, 5-4, 145; Bassey Ukpong, RB/DB, 6-1, 180; Shafiq Taylor, OT/DT, 6-3, 230; Christopher Hayles, OT/DT, 6-1, 280; Zahfir Cade, LB/FB, 6-0, 195; Ovonnie Baker, RB/LB/DB, 5-9, 170; Quincy Fairy, WR/DB, 5-8, 150; Clifford Brinkley, WR/DE, 6-1, 190.

Happy about: Guys that are dedicated and serious about football

Concerned about: Inexperience at key positions

Ivory's comment: "We'll be a good, physical team and we'll get better as the season progress. We expect to earn one of the spots in the playoffs."

WEST PHILADELPHIA

Coach: Frank Steed, 2nd season; Education: University City, Kutztown. Career: 6-6.

Last year: 3-5 league, 6-6 overall

Great eight: Kwadere Fleming, OL/DL, 6-3, 250; Teair Tart-Spencer, OL/DL, 6-5, 290; Justin Hamilton, RB, 5-7, 145; Jarvis "PJ" Cooper, 5-7, 148; Muhammad McCarter, OL/DL, 5-8, 155, Terrell McLeod, FB, 5-7, 160; Lavelle Harper, QB, 5-11, 160; Mustafa Owens, DT, 5-11, 264.

Happy about: Resilience and no-quit attitude

Concerned about: Tackling, getting plays in on time and substitutions

Steed's comment: "They are competitive, they keep their heads up and they're learning the game of football."

CLASS AAAA

Independence

BEN FRANKLIN

Coach: David Carter, 3rd season. Education: Ben Franklin, West Virginia University. Career: 13-11.

Last year: 6-2 league, 9-3 overall (AAA)

Great eight: Kevin Caldwell, QB, 5-9, 190; Rafeal Rodriquez, ATH, 5-10, 190; Javier Buffalo, WR, 5-11, 180; Troy Conyers, OL, 6-5, 280; Taj Clea, ATH, 6-4, 230; Brian Harvey, ATH, 5-7, 180; Keyon McCloud-Holman, DL, 6-0, 215; Qiyaam Edgefield, CB, 5-8, 160.

Happy about: Team is a family

Concerned about: Becoming a family that loves each other

Carter's comment: "I like our chances."

MARTIN LUTHER KING

Coach: Ed Dunn, 2nd season. Education: Central, Morgan State. Career: 10-3.

Last year: 6-2 league, 10-3 overall (AAA)

Great eight: Dawayne Young, DL/OL, 6-2, 290; Donte Terry, DB, 6-1, 192; Jayni Harris, LB/WR, 6-2, 191; Quaron Tisdale, LB, 6-0, 191; Nate Sutton, TE/DE, 6-2, 223; Andrew Jackson, DL, 5-11, 279; Mark McCray, WR, 5-10, 178; Maurice McCray, LB, 6-2, 217.

Happy about: Strong team chemistry

Concerned about: Youth and inexperience

Dunn's comment: "We want to compete for a AAAA Pub title. We're the new kids on the block and we have to prove it."

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

Coach: Ed McGettigan, fifth season; Education: Father Judge, Millersville. Career: 21-27.

Last year: 3-1 league, 5-7 overall

Great eight: Theodore Tootle, OL/DL, 6-3, 310; Aaron Johnson, WR/LB, 5-9, 150; Henry Lesesane, WR/LB, 5-9, 175; Yusef Robertson, OL/DL, 5-8, 180; Malik Pitts, C/DL, 6-3, 260; Kenny King, OL/DE, 6-5, 200; Hosea McClam, QB/RB/CB, 5-9, 160; Nick Houser, QB/RB/LB, 5-8, 175.

Happy about: How quickly players have picked up offense and defense

Concerned about: Concerned about lack of experience

McGettigan's comment: "We need to play hard, smart and together, in order to reach our goals as a team."

NORTHEAST

Coach: Phil Gormley, 2nd year (also at Jenkintown 2010-2012). Education: Cardinal Dougherty, Temple. Career: 5-7 (at Northeast).

Last year: 3-2 league, 5-7 overall

Great eight: Steven Rowe, LB, 6-0, 220; Asa Manley, QB/DB, 6-0, 190; Charles Anderson, OL/DL, 6-0, 250; Gladimir Paul, TE/DE, 6-3, 225; Rushawn Grange, RB/SS, 5-9, 180; Clayton Rush, WR/DB, 6-0, 180; Travon Williams, WR/DB, 5-9, 160; Carey Bostick, LB, 6-0, 200.

Happy about: Offseason workouts and commitment from kids Concerned about: Need to get healthy

Gormley's comment: "If I can get my team healthy, we should be right there at the end."

OLNEY

Coach: Mike Andolina, 2nd season. Education: Council Rock South, Indiana, Pa. Career: 4-7.

Last year: 0-4 league, 4-7 overall

Great eight: Kadir Chisholm, QB/WR/DB, 6-4, 190; Erik Andrews, QB/RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Sultan Johns, QB/DB, 5-11, 150; Ismail Guyton, RB/LB, 5-5, 150; Justin Williams, RB/DL, 6-1, 182; Giovanni Matos, OL/DL, 5-7, 200; Jorge Hernandez, OL/DL, 6-5, 260; Carlos Rivera, OL/DL, 5-10, 311.

Happy about: Good leadership

Concerned about: Level of playing experience

Andolina's comment: "We're optimistic. If we execute, we have a good chance this season."

ROXBOROUGH

Coach: Mike Stanley, 10th season (also three at King). Education: Central, West Chester. Career: 53-53.

Last year: 1-3 league, 5-7 overall (AA)

Great eight: Eduardo Sanchez, QB/S/K/P, 5-10, 165; Edinton Wright, RB/CB, 6-0, 190; Robert Taylor, FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Nasir Topping, T/DT, 6-2, 260; Allan Bratton III, T/DE, 6-3, 260; Keshan Hooper, G/DE, 6-2, 220; Donta Alston, WR/CB, 5-8, 150; Caleb Lassiter, TE/LB, 5-9, 195.

Happy about: Offensive line and ability to run the ball

Concerned about: Still working on passing game

Stanley's comment: "We're athletic enough, big enough and strong enough that I think we can play with anybody."

WASHINGTON

Coach: Ron Cohen, 30th season. Education: Germantown, Temple. Career: 254-78-2.

Last year: 4-1 league, 5-6 overall

Great eight: Shawn Henderson, FB/LB, 5-10, 230; George Hubbard, RB/LB, 5-7, 160; Tavious Morgan, WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Shareef Miller, TE/DE, 6-5, 230; Terry Hall, RB/DB, 5-9, 150; Chris Schlegel, P/K, 5-8, 160; Kevin Abrokwah, OL/DL, 6-4, 220; Brandon Brown, OL/DL, 6-2, 250.

Happy about: Players' attitudes

Concerned about: Staying healthy

Cohen's comment: "We think we should be good and be in the playoffs."

LIBERTY

Class AAAA

BARTRAM

Coach: Jim Chapman, 2nd year. Education: Neshaminy, Ithaca. Career: 4-12.

Last year: 1-7 league, 3-7 overall (AAA)

Great eight: Ta-Shawn Stringfield, WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Tyron Brown, OL/DL, 6-2, 250; Marquis Broxton, QB/DB, 6-0, 175; Justin Freeman, WR/LB, 6-0, 200; Makai Sheed, RB/LB, 5-11, 180; Ernest Mulbah, QB, 5-10, 155; Gary Grisson-Johnson, WR/DB, 6-1, 175; Devon Davon, OL/DL, 5-9, 235.

Happy about: Commitment by the whole team

Concerned about: Consistency with the offensive line

Chapman's comment: "If we continue to be 100 percent committed, we can continue to become a better team."

CENTRAL

Coach: Rich Drayton, 6th season. Education: Central, Temple. Career: 33-24.

Last year: 1-4 league, 7-5 overall

Great eight: Jeffrey Coplin, QB/DB, 5-10, 169; Shafique Cooley, OL/DL, 6-0, 243; Jeffrey Johnson, OL/DL, 6-4, 294; Jaron Waring, WR/DB, 6-0, 174; Nasir Womack, TE/LB, 5-10, 201; Blake Schwartz, FB/LB, 5-10, 186; Olajide Soyinka, OL/DL, 5-9, 195; Thomas Chau, OL/DL, 5-8, 205.

Happy about: Offensive line

Concerned about: Secondary

Drayton's comment: "If we stay healthy, we're hoping to make the playoffs."

SAMUEL FELS

Coach: Bill Harrigan, 7th season; Education: Central, Widener. Career: 20-37.

Last year: 2-3 league, 4-8 overall

Great eight: Quentin Busch, OL/LB; Aasim Campbell, QB/DB; Kordell Robinson, WR/LB; Wesley White, ATH/DB; Darrel Robinson, OL/DL; Alvin Johnson, OL/DL; Edward Abney, WR/DB; Ismael Ruiz, WR/LB.

Happy about: A large group of committed seniors and enthusiastic underclassmen

Concerned about: Lack of size

Harrigan's comment: "Continued hard work and selflessness from the senior class will allow this team an opportunity to be successful."

FRANKFORD

Coach: Will Doggett, 4th season; Education: Patterson High (Patterson, La.), Temple. Career: 25-10.

Last year: 5-0 league, 8-4 overall

Great eight: Devontae Lee, WR/DB, 5-11, 172; James Bond III, OL/DL, 6-2, 301; Rubin Simmonds, RB/DB, 5-7, 158; Byshawn Jenkins, WR/DB, 5-9, 174; Raekwon Williams, OL/DL, 5-11, 187; Massi Fletcher, TE/DE, 6-2, 188; Jameer Brooks, WR/DE/LB, 5-11, 176; Jakaii Love, OL/LB, 5-10, 181.

Happy about: Getting better every week

Concerned about: Starting quarterback

Doggett's comment: "If we get better every week, we'll be competitive."

SIMON GRATZ

Coach: Erik Zipay, 10th year (took administrative leave after third game of '10 season); Education: Pottstown, Indiana (Pa.). Career: 45-50-1.

Last year: 5-3 league, 5-7 overall

Great eight: Chris Rhone, FB/LB, 5-8, 208; Musa Al-Sulaimani, QB/DB, 6-1, 180; Shawn Jenkins, FB/TE/LB, 6-1, 225; Raquan Thomas, OL/DL, 6-4, 305; Jordan Chambers, OL/DL, 6-1, 255; Cameron Brown, OL/DL, 6-2, 265; Luke White, RB/DB, 5-8, 150; Ahmir Lewis, FB/TE/DB, 5-9, 165.

Happy about: Effort and leadership

Concerned about: Lack of football experience

Zipay's comment: "I believe that even though we're moving up to AAAA, we'll be in the mix in November for the championship."

MASTBAUM

Coach: Ernie Diggs, 5th season. Education: John Harris High (Harrisburg), Cheyney, University of Phoenix. Career: 17-32.

Last year: 2-2 league, 4-9 overall

Great eight: Wadu Loper, RB, 5-9, 170; Dessler Sharer, QB/S, 5-10, 160; Saleem Thompson, WR/DB, 6-0, 180; Marquis Ross, OL/DL, 5-9, 200; Richard Sanchez, OL/DL, 6-0, 260; Derrick McLean, WR/LB, 6-1, 190; Yasier Mabery, TE/LB, 5-9, 190; Tyius Campbell, OL/DL, 6-0, 240.

Happy about: A lot of freshman playing very well

Concerned about: Injuries, quarterback and overall youth

Diggs' comment: "It's going to be an average season for us at Mastbaum."

SOUTHERN

Coach: Frank "Roscoe" Natale, 4th year (also Bartram, 1997-2003); Education: West Catholic, Temple.

Last year: 4-0 league, 9-3

Great eight: Qazi Jones, RB/LB, 5-9, 165; Casey Williams, RB/DE, 6-2, 220; Kahssian Kay, QB/DB, 5-9, 145; Nicholas Coffie, SE/DB, 6-1, 185; Sekwon White, SE/DB, 6-1, 175; Justin Bell, FB/DT, 5-9, 205; Torrance Moore, OL/DL, 6-6, 265; Marquise Dunmore, FB/LB, 5-8, 185.

Happy about: Team chemistry after combining with Bok players

Concerned about: Inexperience with a lot of first-timers on varsity

Natale's comment: "I like the heart of this team!"