Countdown to kickoff: La Salle
La Salle, with the return of dual-threat quarterback Isaiah Jones, looks to capture the Catholic League Red Division title.
La Salle
Coach: John Steinmetz (3rd year, 14-9).
Last season: 6-5 overall; 4-2 league; advanced to Catholic League Class 6A final before losing to St. Joseph's Prep, 35-14.
Offensive scheme: Spread.
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5.
Offensive starters returning: 7.
Defensive starters returning: 7.
Players to watch: Isaiah Jones, QB-DB, 6-1, 225; Liam Trainer, LB, 6-2, 220; Austin Lemke, LB, 6-0, 220; Manny Quiles, RB, 5-8, 170; Octavious Carter, RB/WR, 5-6, 150; Garrett Zobel, OL-DL, 6-3, 275; Chris Maloney, OL-DL, 6-3, 225; Colin Hirschmann, OL-DL, 6-5, 220; Troy Holland, WR, 6-1, 155; Brett Mallee, WR, 5-10, 170; Devon Smith, DB, 5-7, 160; Brennan Daly, DB, 5-10, 200; Joe Burnham, FB, 5-9, 195.
Quick facts: Jones, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, has drawn interest from Army, Holy Cross, Princeton, and Villanova. … Zobel, an offensive guard and defensive tackle, has scholarship offers from Army, Ball State, Delaware, Fordham, Richmond, and Villanova, among others. … Lemke, Zobel and Maloney earned first-team all-Catholic League Red Division honors last season. … Holland, who made 40 catches for 524 yards and four scores last season, has offers from Liberty and St. Franics (Pa.). … Smith has an offer from Bryant . … Zobel, Maloney and Hirschmann will be joined up front by offensive tackle and defensive end Danny Kuznetsov (6-2, 225). … With the loss of star tailback Syaire Madden to graduation, Quiles and Carter should see the bulk of carries. … After opening the season at North Penn on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., the Explorers will visit McDonogh School on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.