CHECK THE "Great Eight" section of Frankford High's thumbnail sketch and see if you notice something unusual.

Time's up... No one is listed for two-way duty.

"Yup, in our opener against Strath Haven, we started two complete platoons," coach Mike Capriotti said. "We have a lot of guys that played last year and we're giving everyone a shot."

If you think a team that can afford to keep anyone from going both ways also boasts championship potential, you think right.

In a year when no team appears to be truly outstanding in the realigned Public League, Frankford likely merits slight-favorite status.

A clinching factor is the return of star rusher Brandon Norris, who produced special moments as a freshman and sophomore, then spent last year in Florida. In time, he will likely be a two-way starter.

"We put him at middle linebacker for a first-and-goal series last week, and we held them," Capriotti noted. "Brandon didn't play last year, and he's still not in peak condition. When he gets there... the opportunity to break one will always be there."

Also dangerous is receiver Alonzo Williams.

The Pub now has four divisions. The Class AAAA schools are in Red, White and Blue (six apiece). The five AAA schools, including new-entrant charters Imhotep and Freire, are off on their little island, and the winner will not compete for the Pub title.

Five Reds, two Whites and one Blue will qualify for the playoffs, and it's likely only Northeast and George Washington will push Frankford in the Red, and overall.

Northeast's franchise player is rusher Lamone Fox, a transfer from Southern. Quarterback Charles McGinn is also a transfer (from Archbishop Ryan). Washington returns only one full-season starter, lineman Demetrius Wilson, but talent abounds among ex-backups and newcomers.

The White battle should feature run-oriented teams such as Central (James Tyree), John Bartram (John "Fudgie" Pratt) and Simon Gratz (Donald "Shug" King), and to see the latter emerge on top would not surprise.

Abraham Lincoln is expected to eclipse Overbrook for the lone Blue berth.

In AAA, thanks largely to star rusher Maurice Dantzler, Ben Franklin hopes to prevent Edward Bok Tech from earning a return trip to the state playoffs.

New coaches are at four schools: Erik Zipay, Gratz; John Sheroda, King; Lou Williams, University City (returning after stepping back for a year to assist); and Mike Stanley, Roxborough (moving from King). The charter schools, Imhotep (Marc L. Wilson) and Freire (Allen Shears III), are coached by the men who last year headed the new varsity programs in nonleague competition.

RED DIVISION
FRANKFORD
Coach: Mike Capriotti, 2nd year; Education: Frankford, West Chester.
Career: 6-4.
Last year: 4-2, 3rd in North; 6-4 overall.
Great eight: Alonzo Williams, Rec., 5-11, 190; Angel Gonzalez, T, 6-3,
300; Braheem Foy, G, 5-7, 230; Ryan Hardy, QB, 6-4, 185; Brandon Norris,
RB, 5-8, 180; Chris Wilson, DB, 5-9, 170; Tyree Dudley, DT, 6-4, 290;
Calvin Spires, LB, 5-11, 190.
Happy about: offensive line.
Concerned about: special teams.
Capriotti’s comment: “We think we’ll be in the running.”
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Coach: Ron Cohen, 21st year; Education: Germantown, Temple. Career:
180-45-2.
Last year: 6-0, 1st in North; 12-1.
Great eight: Thomas Wilmer, QB-DB, 6-foot, 190; Demetrius Wilson, T-DT,
5-10, 245; Albert Odusanya, Rec.-DE, 6-1, 185; Cecil Wise, RB-DB, 5-11,
185; Fateen Brown, RB, 5-8, 170; Scott Marano, Rec.-DE-K-P, 6-2, 200;
Chris Clanton, C-DE, 6-2, 215; Aaron Murray, T-DT, 6-1, 275.
Happy about: attitude, enthusiasm.
Concerned about: lack of game experience.
Cohen’s comment: “Our coaches are working hard. We should be good. It’s
all up to the players HOW good.”
GERMANTOWN
Coach: Mike Hawkins, 7th year; Education: West Phila., Penn State.
Career: 45-19.
Last year: 4-2, triple tie for 2nd in Mid-City; 5-6.
Great eight: Akeem Johnson, RB-DB, 5-6, 160; Andre Fisher, QB-DB, 5-10,
180; Antwain Brown-Barnes, Rec.-DT, 6-foot, 230; Donald Drayton,
Rec.-DE, 59, 165; Hamid King, G-DT, 6-1, 220; Antoine Kemp-Smith, T-DT,
6-2, 240; Omar Zachary, T-DT, 6-3, 330; Eric Williams, RB-LB, 6-foot,
195.
Happy about: rushing game.
Concerned about: lines, youth.
Hawkins’ comment: “These guys practice hard. I hope they play to their
potential.”
JULES MASTBAUM TECH
Coach: Al Coleman, 2nd year; Education: Olney, West Chester. Career:
2-8.
Last year: 1-5, 6th in North; 2-8.
Great eight: Chris Bennett, QB, 5-11, 165; Michael Parker, RB-LB, 5-10,
190; James Dowden, C-DT, 6-foot, 220; Gary Johnson, NG, 5-6, 185; Sean
O’Reilly, DB, 5-11, 165; Maurice Sullivan, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 175; Michael
Leak, DB, 6-foot, 165; Hason Franklin, RB-LB, 5-8, 185.
Happy about: willingness to learn.
Concerned about: inexperience.
Coleman’s comment: “With hard work, they’ll play well.”
MURRELL DOBBINS TECH
Coach: Doug Macauley, 13th year; Education: Northeast, Tulsa. Career:
89-34-3.
Last year: 4-2, triple tie for 2nd in Mid-City; 7-5.
Great eight: Wesley Brown, QB, 5-10, 170; Terrance Sample, RB-DB, 5-10,
180; Michael Young, T-DT, 6-1, 260; Josh Brooks, G-DT, 5-11, 215;
Michael Harris, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 190; Paul Boldin, RB-LB, 5-8, 190; Randall
Wilson, Rec.-DE, 6-4, 240; Rannell Plummer, RB-LB, 5-7, 185.
Happy about: attitude, backs.
Concerned about: inexperience.
Macauley’s comment: “We’ve got to get better, because this schedule has
no breathers.”
NORTHEAST
Coach: Mel Hinton, 3rd year; Education: Overbrook, West Chester. Career:
16-6.
Last year: 5-1, 2nd in North; 9-3.
Great eight: Lamone Fox, RB-LB, 5-11, 200; Charles McGinn, QB-DB, 5-11,
175; Seth Shapiro, G-LB, 6-foot, 185; Jordan Strickland, RB-DE, 5-11,
185; Chris Mountney, K, 6-foot, 175; Derek Butler, Rec.-LB, 6-foot, 205;
Sean Evans, Rec., 6-6, 200; Chris Craddock, Rec.-LB, 6-2, 175.
Happy about: special teams.
Concerned about: offensive execution.
Hinton’s comment: “We’re working hard, but we’re not right THERE yet.”
WHITE DIVISION
CENTRAL
Coach: Frank Conway, 10th year (appointed coach with 4 games remaining
in 1996 season); Education: West Catholic, Franklin & Marshall. Career:
59-31.
Last year: 6-0, 1st in Mid-City; 9-2.
Great eight: James Tyree, RB-LB, 6-1, 210; William Thomas, RB-DB, 5-6,
150; Dominic Scovers, G-LB, 5-10, 200; Darryl Ray, C-LB, 6-foot, 235;
Randall Wilson, G-DT, 6-foot, 280; Michael Thompson, T-DT, 6-5, 270;
Chris Pickard, Rec.-LB, 6-1, 200; Greg Riley, Rec.-LB, 6-foot, 185.
Happy about: line, scrimmage performances.
Concerned about: inexperience.
Conway’s comment: “We might struggle early, then be nearly as good as
last year.”
JOHN BARTRAM
Coach: Damond “Smash” Warren, 2nd year (also King, 2000-01; Chester,
2002-03, through 8 games in ’03). Career: 23-29; 8-4 at Bartram.
Last year: 5-1, 2nd in South; 8-4.
Great eight: John “Fudgie” Pratt, RB-DB, 5-9, 170; Julius Carter, RB-DB,
5-10, 175; Kevin Pace, RB-LB, 5-10, 195; Bradley Davis, Rec.-DE, 6-foot,
200; Brandon Woody, T-DT, 6-4, 255; Tristan Thournton, G-DT, 5-11, 255;
Maurice Jessup, T-DT, 6-3, 310; Michael Alexander, RB-DB, 5-8, 135.
Happy about: offseason dedication.
Concerned about: mental toughness.
Warren’s comment: “In time, we expect to be extremely competitive in our
division.”
MARTIN LUTHER KING
Coach: John Sheroda, 1st year (also Bishop O’Hara, Dunmore, 1997-2000);
Education: West Scranton, East Stroudsburg. Career: 23-17.
Last year: 3-3, 4th in North; 8-4.
Great eight: Marquis Clark, QB-DE, 6-2, 205; Jeffrey Davis, RB-LB,
5-10, 190; Marcel Rivers, RB-DB, 5-6, 155; George Keys, Rec.-DB, 5-9,
180; Dante Clanton, RB-DB, 5-11, 185; Kendell Coleman, DB, 6-foot, 200;
Anthony Bishop, Rec.-DB, 5-7, 160; Eddie Mial, Rec., 5-11, 185.
Happy about: raw speed.
Concerned about: size, offensive line.
Sheroda’s comment: “Our speed should help us do very well.”
ROXBOROUGH
Coach: Mike Stanley, 1st year (also King, 2002-04); Education: Central,
West Chester. Career: 16-17.
Last year: 2-4, 5th in Mid-City; 4-8.
Great eight: Aaron Washington, G-LB, 6-1, 215; Dionte Wade, RB-DB, 5-9,
195; Jeremy Travis, G-DT, 6-1, 260; Sean Murphy, G-DE, 6-3, 245; Calden
Pierce, RB-LB, 6-foot, 200; Richard “Microwave” Williams, RB-NT, 5-4,
225; Tavio DeShields, Rec.-DB, 5-11, 185; Mark Ames, QB-DB, 5-10, 165.
Happy about: leadership, backfield quickness.
Concerned about: early injuries, being too nice.
Stanley’s comment: “We want to surprise a few teams.”
SIMON GRATZ
Coach: Erik Zipay, 1st year; Education: Pottstown, Indiana (Pa.).
Career: 0-0.
Last year: 4-2, triple tie for 2nd in Mid-City; 6-4.
Great eight: Donald “Shug” King, RB-DB, 5-10, 185; Jerrick Jenkins, QB,
6-1, 180; Randy Newton, Rec.-DE, 6-foot, 185; Steffon Monroe, RB-DB,
5-7, 170; Bryant Jackson, DE-LB, 6-1, 180; Bradley Martin, Rec.-DB, 6-1,
165; Raashid Moore, G-LB, 6-foot, 210; Gourdie Corbin, Rec.-DB, 6-foot,
175.
Happy about: depth/ability at skills positions, coachability.
Concerned about: inexperienced offensive line.
Zipay’s comment: “Our good core group should make us very competitive.”
WEST PHILADELPHIA
Coach: John R. Lay, 9th year; Education: Aliquippa, Cheyney. Career:
34-50. (Note: Assistant Pat O’Hara is handling head-coaching duties
while Lay is on medical leave.)
Last year: 1-5, 6th in South; 4-6.
Great eight: Brandon Johnson, QB-RB-DB, 6-1, 180; Jamaal Washington,
QB-Rec.-DB, 5-8, 160; Lawrence “Juice” Brown, T-DT, 6-2, 340; Darren
Watson, T-DT, 6-5, 300; Abdoulaye Bah, Rec.-LB, 5-11, 200; Atland
Williams, RB-LB, 6-foot, 205; William Blackwell, RB-NG, 5-9, 260;
Stephon Fortune, G-DT, 5-11, 265.
Happy about: line veterans, backs/receivers.
Concerned about: quarterback situation.
O’Hara’s comment: “We could be strong, depending if we get off on the
right foot.”
BLUE DIVISION
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Coach: Gene Kelly, 4th year (also West Phila., 1990-96); Education:
Lincoln, Millersville. Career: 42-58-5; 15-18 at Lincoln.
Last year: 2-4, 5th in North; 7-5.
Great eight: Louis Purr, QB-K-P, 6-4, 220; Joe Franklin, RB-DB, 5-7,
140; Justin King, RB-DB, 6-foot, 190; Antone Hampton, RB-DB, 5-7, 165;
George Higgins, T-LB, 5-11 185; Tyrone Taylor, C, 6-1, 215; Carlin
Edwards, T-DT, 6-4, 285; Robert Keels, Rec.-DE, 6-foot, 210.
Happy about: skills positions.
Concerned about: replacing leadership/toughness of 18 seniors.
Kelly’s comment: “We’d still like to play the Northeasts/Frankfords.
Need to win the division to get to them.”
OLNEY
Coach: Hugh MacDonough, 11th year; Education: Lower Merion, East
Stroudsburg. Career: 29-72-1.
Last year: 0-6, 7th in North; 1-10.
Great eight: Mike Payne, T-DG, 5-9, 305; Montel Hayes, T-DT, 6-1, 280;
Ivan Rivera, T, 6-foot, 265; George Nixon, Rec.-LB, 5-10, 160; Giovanni
Romero, QB-LB, 5-7, 160; Eddie Rivera, LB, 5-9, 155; Terrell Walker,
G-LB, 5-9, 215; Alando Brown, RB-DB, 5-9, 160.
Happy about: attitude.
Concerned about: not enough linemen.
MacDonough’s comment: “We’re hoping to do better in this new alignment.”
OVERBROOK
Coach: Ken Sturm, 7th year; Education: Northeast, Slippery Rock. Career:
19-45.
Last year: 4-2, 3rd in South; 9-3.
Great eight: Eikeem Barron, RB-LB, 6-foot, 220; Robert Sheed, Rec.-DE,
6-3, 225; Hassan Denmark, RB-DB, 5-11, 195; Sylvester “Lefty” Broxton,
QB-DB, 6-1, 180; Richard Cooper, RB-LB, 5-10, 190; Marcus Scott, RB-DB,
5-8, 155; Naftalie Ellis, Rec.-DE, 6-5, 260; Courtney Monroe, Rec.-DE,
6-2, 210.
Happy about: work ethic.
Concerned about: living up to standards set by last year’s team.
Sturm’s comment: “If we stay healthy, we should have a fine year.”
SOUTHERN
Coach: Bill Edger, 6th year (also Judge, 1986); Education: Judge, West
Chester. Career: 16-46-1; 10-42 at Southern.
Last year: 2-4, 5th in South; 6-5.
Great eight: Demetrius Tillman, T-DE, 6-3, 270; Anthony Bouie, C-DE,
6-2, 195; Ricky Nguyen, G-LB, 5-7, 180; Tyrell Cooper, RB, 5-11, 210;
Stephen Burroughs, RB, 5-10, 170; Angelo Turner, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 180; Eric
Whitaker, Rec.-DB, 5-10, 180; Derrick Williams, LB, 5-11, 170.
Happy about: work ethic.
Concerned about: quarterback situation.
Edger’s comment: “If we can get the offense going, we’ll compete in this
new division.”
THOMAS EDISON
Coach: Larry Oliver, 23rd year; Education: Gratz, Savannah State (Ga.).
Career: 40-169-3.
Last year: 0-6, 7th in Mid-City; 2-7.
Great eight: Kory Marshall, RB-LB, 6-1, 190; Joshua Alicea, RB-LB, 5-10,
170; Johnathan Baez, QB-DB, 510, 170; Armondo Martinez, Rec.-DB, 5-2,
150; Robert Vega, T-DT, 6-1, 280; Jed Beldor, C-NG, 5-4, 225; Johnathan
Cartagena, G-DT, 5-4, 160; Manylee Lugo, G-DE, 5-11, 170.
Happy about: speed, intelligence.
Concerned about: inexperience, size.
Oliver’s comment: “These kids cooperate. There’s joy in coming to
practice every day.”
UNIVERSITY CITY
Coach: Lou Williams, 1st year (also University City, 1998-2003);
Education: Franklin, Fisk (Tenn.). Career: 4-57.
Last year: 0-6, 7th in South; 2-10.
Great eight: Steve Baxley, QB, 6-2, 185; Kenny Moore, DB, 6-4, 185;
Damy’on McGhee, Rec.-DE, 5-10, 180; Neville Hill-Brown, NG, 5-7, 180;
Sterling Johnson, RB-LB, 5-10, 195; Aaron Stephens, DB, 5-8, 170; Akil
Muwwakkil, DB, 5-7, 160; Khalil Montague, LB, 5-7, 175.
Happy about: coachability, assistant Joe Bradley.
Concerned about: inexperience.
Williams’ comment: “Though we lost, our children had a great experience
playing a night game in the suburbs. The Council Rock North people were
warm and welcoming. We thank them. Now we just go on.”
AAA DIVISION
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Coach: Ken Geiser, 2nd year; Education: Washington, West Chester.
Career: 3-9.
Last year: 3-3, 4th in South; 3-9.
Great eight: Frank Anderson, QB-DB, 5-8, 150; Maurice Dantzler, RB-LB,
6-foot, 190; Joshua McKnight, RB-LB, 5-11, 220; Anthony Wright, RB-LB,
6-foot, 220; Jeffrey Boanes, T-DT, 5-10, 320; Steven Parr, C-DT, 5-10,
320; Rodreen “Chief” Howell, Rec.-DB, 5-10, 160; Terrell Harris, G-DE,
5-11, 220.
Happy about: offseason dedication, seniors.
Concerned about: raw backups.
Geiser’s comment: “I’m confident. Our record will be a lot better than
last year’s.”
EDWARD BOK TECH
Coach: Tom DeFelice, 13th year; Education: West Catholic, Temple.
Career: 72-41-1.
Last year: 6-0, 1st in South; 7-3.
Great eight: Cortez McLaughlin, RB-LB, 5-10, 185; Nick Perrone, RB-LB,
5-9, 205; Shon Tompkins, T-DT, 5-11, 375; Bryant Whitney, T-DT, 6-2,
295; Dahson Exum, G-DE-LB, 6-2, 210; Keith Williams, RB-DB, 5-7, 155;
James Jones, QB, 5-7, 150; Mike McClarin, G-DE, 6-foot, 190.
Happy about: chemistry, senior leadership.
Concerned about: game inexperience.
DeFelice’s comment: “We should be decent, especially as the year goes
along.”
FREIRE CHARTER
Coach: Allen Shears III, 2nd year (1st in PL); Education: Mastbaum,
Northern Colorado. Career: 1-7.
Last year: not in PL; 1-7.
Great eight: Alex Nash, DB, 6-3, 180; Balil Brown, G-LB, 6-1, 200;
Masceo Johnson, C, 5-11, 290; Pierre Lewis, Rec.-DB, 6-2, 175; Darelle
Jones, LB, 6-foot, 170; Brandon Clark, QB-LB, 5-10, 180; Dante Givens,
G-DT, 5-11, 235; Stanley Stone, T-DT, 6-foot, 255.
Happy about: strong returnees.
Concerned about: overall talent level.
Shears’ comment: “We need better focus and more leaders instead of
followers.”
IMHOTEP CHARTER
Coach: Marc L. Wilson, 2nd year (1st in PL); Education: Central, Lehigh.
Career: 2-7.
Last year: not in PL; 2-7.
Great eight: Daniel Richardson, LB, 5-11, 210; Rashad Mims, Rec.-DB,
5-8, 160; Gerald Bowman, RB-DB, 5-11, 175; Khalief Evans, Rec.-LB,
6-foot, 185; Khaleel Evans, RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Anthony Bright, RB-DB,
5-8, 155; Dustin Taylor, DE, 6-foot, 205; Deeian Moore, G-DT, 5-9, 200.
Happy about: solid defense.
Concerned about: QB situation.
Wilson’s comment: “With not as many rookies to football, we’re looking
to be competitive.”
WILLIAM PENN
Coach: Manor Prewitt, 2nd year; Education: Frankford, West Chester.
Career: 1-10.
Last year: 1-5, 6th in Mid-City; 1-10.
Great eight: James Capers, G-LB, 5-10, 240; Braheem Clanton, Rec.-LB,
5-9, 185; Jason Simpkins, Rec.-DE, 6-3, 200; Charles Corley, Rec.-DB,
5-9, 170; Justin Berry, RB-LB, 5-9, 185; Darryl McBride, DB, 6-foot,
175; Dewayne Daughty, Rec., 5-7, 170; Ryeheim Magobet, Rec.-DB, 6-foot,
175.
Happy about: good, young players.
Concerned about: going into first game with no scrimmages.
Prewitt’s comment: “If our young linemen get on board ... I’ll have a
better summary in a few weeks.”