GW favored but not feared

by Ted Silary

THE HOT news concerning Public League football is that this could be a lukewarm season.

In 2005, seniors dominated to the extent that only one underclassman earned first-team honors on the Daily News' All-Public squad.

That guy was lineman Chris Clanton and he's back at George Washington, the school most consider the favorite. Clanton currently is nursing a sprained ankle that is expected to sideline him at least one more game.

Truthfully, it's not that the Eagles appear to be sensational, as the '04 title squad clearly was. It's that no one else is giving off much of a phew-they're-good aura and Washington has four quality returnees in Clanton, rushers Brian Carter and Fateen Brown and lineman Aaron Murrey.

"Washington will be a tough nut to crack,'' said Mike Capriotti, the coach of defending champ Frankford.

Said Washington coach Ron Cohen: "Everybody else was pretty much decimated by graduation. But, hey, we lost guys, too. We were way above this point last year.

"I'm concerned about our quarterbacking situation. I mean, the talent is there. Someone has to step up and do the job.''

Elsewhere in the Red Division, which will send four teams to the eight-team playoffs, Frankford and Northeast should not only challenge Washington, but also have to fend off Murrell Dobbins Tech. That's how muddled things are.

The X-factor team is Germantown, which has been manhandled to the tune of 93-0 by DeMatha (Md.) and Coatesville and this week plays Neshaminy. If not demoralized, the Bears certainly will be hardened.

The two playoff teams from the White are projected to be John Bartram and Central, in whichever order.

Central has a franchise quarterback in perfect-for-the-option John Kennedy. Bartram looks to rushers Michael Alexander and John "Fudgie'' Pratt.

Meanwhile, it should be interesting to see whether Martin Luther King scatback Kendell Coleman, who's just 5-6, 145, can carry 30 times a game, as coach John Sheroda is predicting.

The Blue Division will offer a scramble. Perhaps not a pretty one. Conventional wisdom says to go with Abraham Lincoln. But even Samuel Fels, in its first year of varsity competition under longtime Roxborough coach Cliff Hubbard (34 seasons ending with '02), might not be an outrageous reach.

The last 2 years, the AAA Division champ was unable to compete for the Pub title due to scheduling constraints. There have been changes, so one spot in the quarterfinal has been reserved for this grouping's kingpin.

Will Edward Bok Tech claim its third consecutive division title? Sounds good for now.

The playoffs will begin the first weekend of November, with the state tournament set to commence Thanksgiving weekend. One team apiece from Class AAAA and AAA will qualify.

Also new to Pub football this season is Communciations Tech, whose basketball team last winter advanced to a state final.

New coaches aside from Hubbard: Greg Harris, CT; Lou Zambino, Dobbins; Terry Henderson, William Penn; and Nelson Walker, Freire Charter.

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RETURNING ALL-PUBLICS
(Selected by Daily News)
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
  None.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
  Chris Clanton, Washington, L.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
  Michael Thompson, Central, L; Aaron Murrey, Washington, L; Kendell Coleman, King, RB; Calvin Spires, Frankford, RB; Scott Marano, Washington, P.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
  Khaleel Evans, Imhotep, LB.
HONORABLE MENTION
  Offense: Jerrick Jenkins, Gratz, QB; John Kennedy, Central, QB; Wesley Brown, Dobbins, QB; Fateen Brown, Washington, RB; Kory Marshall, Edison, RB; Michael Alexander, Bartram, MP.
  Defense: Gerald Bowman, Imhotep, B.

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PUBLIC RED

FRANKFORD
Coach: Mike Capriotti, 3rd year; Education: Frankford, West Chester. Career: 15-9.
Last year: 4-1, tie 1st; 9-5 overall.
Great eight: Tyree Dudley, T-DT, 6-4, 295; Andre Hudson, QB, 6-3, 180; Calvin Spires, RB-LB, 6-foot, 185; Nate Johnson, RB-DE, 5-11, 195; Chris Spence, RB-LB, 5-8, 155; J.C. Montgomery, Rec.-LB, 6-3, 190; William Ray, T-DT, 5-11, 230; Brandon Allen, T-DT, 6-4, 250.
Happy about: attitude, newcomers' progression.
Concerned about: replacing so many lost starters.
Capriotti's comment: "We're going to be in the mix."
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Coach: Ron Cohen, 22nd year; Education: Germantown, Temple. Career: 187-50-2.
Last year: 4-1, tie 1st; 7-5.
Great eight: Brian Carter, RB-DB, 5-10, 180; Fateen Brown, RB, 5-8, 180; Chris Clanton, C-DE, 6-2, 220; Aaron Murrey, G-DT, 6-2, 285; Rich McPhail, DB, 5-7, 130; Scott Marano, Rec.-DE-P, 6-3, 210; Brett Sommerer, G-LB-K, 5-8, 200; Damien Wilmer, Rec.-LB, 5-11, 210.
Happy about: numbers, attitude.
Concerned about: early injuries, inexperience at key positions.
Cohen's comment: "I'm happy where we are now, but there's room for improvement."
GERMANTOWN
Coach: Mike Hawkins, 8th year; Education: West Phila., Penn State. Career: 53-23.
Last year: 2-3, 4th; 8-4.
Great eight: Russell Rollins, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 180; Khalid Purnell, QB, 6-foot, 200; Eric Williams, RB-LB, 6-1, 210; Tyree Clemons, RB-DB, 5-9, 170; Kalif Jones, G-DE, 6-2, 215; Alan Steele, G-DT, 6-foot, 225; Chris Oliver, T-DT, 6-3, 250; Antoine Kemp-Smith, G-DT, 6-2, 250.
Happy about: progress of lines.
Concerned about: skill positions.
Hawkins' comment: "After our first three games, we'll be mentally tough enough to play anybody in the Public League."
MURRELL DOBBINS TECH
Coach: Lou Zambino, 1st year; Education: Southern, Temple. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 1-4, 6th; 3-9.
Great eight: Darrell "Butta" Brown, Rec., 6-2, 180; Marcellus Willoughby, Rec.-DB, 5-9, 165; Wesley Brown, QB, 5-11, 165; Seabrean Riser, RB-LB, 5-11, 195; Dennis Gaskins, Rec.-LB, 6-1, 190; Rannell Plummer, RB-LB, 5-8, 180; Malaquan Butler, G-DT, 6-2, 280; Randall Wilson, DE, 6-4, 240.
Happy about: attitude, athleticism.
Concerned about: youth, lack of resiliency.
Zambino's comment: "Many hands make for light work."
NORTHEAST
Coach: Mel Hinton, 4th year; Education: Overbrook, West Chester. Career: 27-8.
Last year: 4-1, tie 1st; 11-2.
Great eight: Sean Evans, Rec.-DE, 6-6, 200; Nafis Muhammad, RB-DB, 5-11, 160; Michael Small, QB, 5-9, 160; Kennard Martin, Rec.-DT, 6-1, 190; Tyrik Clary, LB, 6-1, 185; Lamar Wilson, LB, 5-8, 170; Brennan Shapiro, G-LB, 6-foot, 205; Juxhin Jupi, T, 6-2, 225.
Happy about: receivers.
Concerned about: game-long consistency.
Hinton's comment: "We're young, but we could be good later."
SIMON GRATZ
Coach: Erik Zipay, 2nd year; Education: Pottstown, Indiana (Pa.). Career: 5-6.
Last year: 4-1, tie 1st in White; 5-6.
Great eight: Jerrick Jenkins, QB-DB, 6-1, 185; Bradley Martin, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 180; Terrence Frazier, T-DT, 6-foot, 255; Nisia Dunaway, RB-DE, 6-2, 215; Julius King, G-LB, 6-foot, 240; Dominic Marrow, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 205; Brandon Baxter, RB-DB, 5-8, 165; Rasheed Bulknight, RB-LB, 5-9, 175.
Happy about: unity, confidence in QB.
Concerned about: only four returning starters.
Zipay's comment: "We just hope to continue our progress."
PUBLIC WHITE
CENTRAL
Coach: Frank Conway, 11th year (appointed coach with 4 games remaining in 1996 season); Education: West Catholic, Franklin & Marshall. Career: 66-34.
Last year: 4-1, tie 1st; 7-3.
Great eight: John Kennedy, QB-DB, 5-11, 170; Michael Thompson, T-DT, 6-5, 285; Daniel Barrett, RB-LB, 5-8, 185; Mark Surma, Rec.-LB, 6-3, 215; Ray Harris, RB-DB, 5-10, 170; Brock Baxter, RB-DB, 5-11, 170; Ramsey Chew, C-LB, 5-10, 205; Corey Kelly, RB-DB, 5-8, 160.
Happy about: confident QB, overall progress.
Concerned about: inexperienced LBs/DBs.
Conway's comment: "We hope for a division championship and success in the playoffs."
JOHN BARTRAM
Coach: Damond "Smash" Warren, 3rd year (also King, 2000-01; Chester, 2002-03, through 8 games in '03). Career: 27-36; 12-11 at Bartram.
Last year: 2-3, 5th; 4-7.
Great eight: Michael Alexander, RB-DB, 5-6, 150; Maurice Jessup, T-DT, 6-3, 300; Tristan Thornton, G-DT, 5-11, 255; Tristen Lockridge, L-DL, 5-11, 235; John "Fudgie" Pratt, RB-DB, 5-9, 175; Tyrone Cheeseboro, Rec.-DE, 6-3, 195; Kris Brownlee, QB, 6-3, 175; Shanon Wilson, Rec., 5-9, 170.
Happy about: defensive aggressiveness.
Concerned about: away-from-field focus.
Warren's comment: "We want to get better and be one of the last teams standing."
JULES MASTBAUM TECH
Coach: Al Coleman, 3rd year; Education: Olney, West Chester. Career: 2-19.
Last year: 0-5 in Red, 0-11.
Great eight: Rasheen Tookes, RB-LB, 5-8, 175; Kareem Tookes, RB-DB, 5-7, 150; Richard Stratton, QB, 5-10, 185; Hason Franklin, RB-LB, 5-5, 175; Hal Chambliss, RB-DB, 6-foot, 170; Herideyvis "Ed" Hernandez, T-DT, 5-8, 240; Benjamin Williams, C-DT, 5-10, 240; Hector Marrero, Rec.-DE-K-P, 6-2, 280.
Happy about: effort.
Concerned about: losing focus.
Coleman's comment: "We'll see what happens."
MARTIN LUTHER KING
Coach: John Sheroda, 2nd year (also Bishop O'Hara, Dunmore, Pa., 1997-2000); Education: West Scranton, East Stroudsburg. Career: 30-21; 7-4 at King.
Last year: 3-2, 3rd; 7-4.
Great eight: Kendell Coleman, RB, 5-6, 145; Aleem Marshall, QB-DB, 6-foot, 190; Andrew Powe, T-DT, 6-foot, 250; Richard Dixon, T-DT, 6-2, 265; Chris Mitchell, RB-DB, 5-8, 160; John Jefferson, Rec.-LB, 6-foot, 200; Anthony McCoy, DB, 5-10, 170; Tyrone Taylor, C-DE, 6-2, 245.
Happy about: overall offense.
Concerned about: linebackers/secondary.
Sheroda's comment: "We should give our division a run for the title."
OVERBROOK
Coach: Ken Sturm, 8th year; Education: Northeast, Slippery Rock. Career: 27-49.
Last year: 5-0, 1st in Blue; 8-4.
Great eight: Leonard Mitchell, RB-DB, 5-11, 180; Michael McLane, C-DT, 5-11, 220; Allen Hamilton, Rec.-LB, 5-11, 210; Charles Owens, T-DE, 6-foot, 240; Ubong Ipke, RB-DB, 5-11, 175; Darius Johnson, RB-DB, 5-6, 165; Courtney Munroe, Rec.-DB, 6-2, 190; Nadim Lynch, G-LB, 5-10, 185.
Happy about: quality young players.
Concerned about: roster flux.
Sturm's comment: "We should be really competitive in the division."
ROXBOROUGH
Coach: Mike Stanley, 2nd year (also King, 2002-04); Education: Central, West Chester. Career: 19-26; 3-9 at Roxborough.
Last year: 2-3, tie 4th; 3-9.
Great eight: Calden Pierce, RB-LB, 5-11, 205; Stephen Tucker, QB-K, 6-foot, 175; Ramon Odom, RB-DB, 5-10, 170; Chris Koons, DE-P, 6-4, 225; Kevin Hargrove, RB-LB, 6-1, 190; Robert McGrier, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 175; Amir Boler, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 185; Sheldon Walker, C-DT, 5-10, 245.
Happy about: experienced rushers.
Concerned about: converting WR to QB.
Stanley's comment: "We're a lot better and tougher than last year."
PUBLIC BLUE
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Coach: Gene Kelly, 5th year (also West Phila., 1990-96); Education: Lincoln, Millersville. Career: 49-63-5; 22-23 at Lincoln.
Last year: 4-1, 2nd; 7-5.
Great eight: Courey Burrell, Rec.-LB, 6-3, 205; Calvin Philemond, RB-DB, 6-foot, 170; Demetrius Gonsalves-Rose, T-DT, 6-1, 275; Michael Taylor, G-LB, 6-foot, 185; Dwayne Jones, RB-DB, 5-7, 145; Tyrone Bolden, L-DL, 6-4, 220; Brams Theodore, Rec.-DB, 5-10, 200; John Carr, RB-DB, 5-10, 160.
Happy about: potential, coaching staff.
Concerned about: only five players with varsity experience.
Kelly's comment: "We expect to get better every week and be competitive in the division."
OLNEY
Coach: Hugh MacDonough, 11th year; Education: Lower Merion, East Stroudsburg. Career: 35-76-1.
Last year: 2-3, triple tie 3rd; 6-4.
Great eight: Mike Reyes, QB-DB, 5-9, 170; Jamarr Leary, RB-LB, 5-11, 175; Jerrell Toomer, RB-DB, 5-9, 160; Derrick Hydie, Rec.-DB, 6-2, 180; Stefon Broughton, Rec.-DB, 5-11, 160; Izahia Green, RB-DB, 5-8, 160; Don McCray, Rec.-LB, 5-9, 170; Gerardo Zuviri, C-DT-P, 5-10, 260.
Happy about: returnees' effort.
Concerned about: offensive line.
MacDonough's comment: "I'd like to have more players, but I'm cautiously optimistic."
SAMUEL FELS
Coach: Cliff Hubbard, 1st year (also Roxborough, 1969-2002, missed games 2 through 6 of '02 on medical leave); Education: Northeast, Temple. Career: 139-180-8.
Last year: new to varsity this season.
Great eight: Ron Phelps, QB-DE, 6-1, 185; Jesse Simpson, RB-LB, 5-8, 195; Joshua Moore, RB, 5-9, 175; Marquis Dacres, DB, 6-2, 190; Ronald Simmons, T-DT, 6-2, 220; Luckenson Gordon, T-DT, 6-foot, 230; Chan Chheang, DE, 5-10, 225; Tyree Arnold, Rec.-DB, 5-9, 165.
Happy about: enthusiasm, strong turnout.
Concerned about: new to varsity football.
Hubbard's comment: "We may surprise a few people."
SOUTHERN
Coach: Bill Edger, 7th year (also Judge, 1986); Education: Judge, West Chester. Career: 18-55-1; 12-51 at Southern.
Last year: 0-5, 6th; 2-9.
Great eight: Jahmel Bashir, Rec.-DE, 6-4, 235; Mance Warren, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 170; Kareem Williams, QB-P, 5-9, 150; Nick Regalbuto, Rec.-DB, 5-9, 160; Dante Winn, RB-DB, 5-9, 160; Tyreek Ross, G-DT, 5-9, 235; Jamar Byers, T-DT, 5-11, 250; James Rosado, RB-LB, 5-11, 180.
Happy about: offseason dedication.
Concerned about: inexperience, lines.
Edger's comment: "Thanks to some new kids who've tried out, we're looking to be above .500."
THOMAS EDISON
Coach: Larry Oliver, 24rd year; Education: Gratz, Savannah State (Ga.). Career: 45-174-3.
Last year: 2-3, triple tie 3rd; 5-5.
Great eight: Ernesto Medina, QB, 6-1, 185; Joshua Alicea, RB-LB, 5-9, 160; Kory Marshall, RB-LB, 6-foot, 185; Robert Serrano, Rec.-DB, 5-8, 185; John Martinez, T-DT, 5-8, 240; Robert Kennedy, T-DT, 6-foot, 200; Antonio Morales, C, 6-1, 320; Jessley Vargas, Rec., 6-2, 220.
Happy about: senior leadership.
Concerned about: lack of size.
Oliver's comment: "We can be competitive."
UNIVERSITY CITY
Coach: Lou Williams, 2nd year (also University City, 1998-2003); Education: Franklin, Fisk (Tenn.). Career: 10-63.
Last year: 2-3, triple tie 3rd; 6-6.
Great eight: Kenny Moore, QB-K-P, 6-6, 210; Neville Hill-Brown, RB-LB, 5-9,175; Telmez "Muscle" Irons, RB-LB, 5-10, 175; Damy'on McGhee, Rec.-DE, 6-foot, 185; Khayri Young, Rec., 5-10, 180; Montez Osborne, G-DE, 5-9, 170; Ralph Fluellen, DB, 5-8, 155; Samir Artist, RB-DB, 5-8, 165.
Happy about: offensive versatility.
Concerned about: inexperience, size.
Williams' comment: "Our goal is to have a winning record."
WEST PHILADELPHIA
Coach: John R. Lay, 10th year; Education: Aliquippa, Cheyney. Career: 35-61.
Last year: 0-5, 6th in White; 1-11.
Great eight: Courtney Waiters, QB, 5-10, 170; Dominic Peterson, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 185; Jabril Brown, RB-LB, 5-9, 170; James Bestman, Rec.-DB, 5-11, 180; Alfred Carney, RB-LB, 5-10, 185; Quenton Fields, T-LB, 5-11, 210; Chazz Morris, T-DT, 6-foot, 285; Shaheed Summers, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 180.
Happy about: current players' work ethic.
Concerned about: having to cut 14 players for lack of offseason dedication.
Lay's comment: "We'll play game by game and see where that takes us."
AAA DIVISION
BEN FRANKLIN
Coach: Ken Geiser, 3rd year; Education: Washington, West Chester. Career: 13-10.
Last year: 3-1, 2nd; 10-1.
Great eight: Harold Scott, RB-LB, 6-1, 185; Tajidin McGough, QB-DB, 5-11, 150; Stephen Brantley, DE, 6-1, 215; Duane Burrell, RB-DE, 5-7, 210; Cashmier Fields, RB-DB, 5-7, 155; Adam Edwards, G-DE, 5-11, 225; Lydell Boanes, T, 5-11, 325; Brian Lilly, Rec.-LB, 6-3, 190.
Happy about: early progress.
Concerned about: only three returning starters.
Geiser's comment: "I'm more optimistic than I was before we started."
COMMUNICATIONS TECH
Coach: Greg Harris, 2nd year; Education: Southern, Cheyney. Career: 1-7.
Last year: not in league; 1-7.
Great eight: Isaak Cheeseboro, QB-DB, 6-5, 175; Gary Miles, Rec.-DB, 6-2, 185; Jackeeno Jolly, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 150; Stacey Hill, RB-DB, 5-8, 155; Maurice Christian, RB-DB, 5-7, 165; Marcellus Chiles, T-DT, 6-2, 220; Nosa Omoirawua, G-LB, 6-foot, 220; Michael Miller, C-DT, 6-foot, 225.
Happy about: experience.
Concerned about: commitment, only four seniors in lineup.
Harris' comment: "We're hoping a good offseason equals wins."
EDWARD BOK TECH
Coach: Tom DeFelice, 14th year; Education: West Catholic, Temple. Career: 81-42-1.
Last year: 4-0, 1st; 9-1.
Great eight: Mike Nelson, QB-DB, 5-7, 150; Maurice "Rookie" Goodwin, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 190; Anthony Brickle, C-NG, 5-10, 250; Melvin James, RB-DT, 6-foot, 250; Tony DuBose, RB-DB, 5-6, 145; Ronald Pittman, RB-DB, 5-6, 145; Luke Lassiter, RB, 5-6, 155; Ryan Murray, T-DT, 6-5, 305.
Happy about: attitude, defense.
Concerned about: only five returning starters.
DeFelice's comment: "If the kids carry themselves the right way in school and beyond, I'm confident they'll do well as players."
FREIRE CHARTER
Coach: Nelson Walker, 1st year; Education: Ringgold (Pa.), Pitt. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 0-4, 5th; 0-12.
Great eight: Maceo Johnson, G-DT, 6-foot, 260; Eli Taylor, QB-DB, 5-9, 150; Taj Hartfield, LB, 6-foot, 200; Akeem Johnson, Rec., 6-foot, 210; Amir McCleary, RB-LB, 6-foot, 195; Antoine Singleton, RB-DB, 5-11, 165; Ramon Galloway, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 150; Kendall Patterson, Rec.-DB.
Happy about: resiliency, determination.
Concerned about: youth.
Walker's comment: "We're a young program just looking to improve."
IMHOTEP CHARTER
Coach: Marc L. Wilson, 3rd year (2nd in PL); Education: Central, Lehigh. Career: 7-14.
Last year: 2-2, 3rd; 5-7.
Great eight: Khalief Evans, RB-LB, 5-10, 185; Khaleel Evans, RB-DB, 5-10, 175; Daniel Jones, C-DT, 6-1, 205; Gerald Bowman, QB-DB, 5-10, 175; Jamaal Stone, Rec.-DB, 5-8, 170; Ahmad Rasheed, T-DT, 6-4, 250; Kelly Reveil, G-DT, 5-9, 230; Dustin Taylor, T-DE, 5-11, 255.
Happy about: experienced linemen, defense.
Concerned about: unsettled QB situation.
Wilson's comment: "I actually think we can win this division. We just have to work out some kinks."
WILLIAM PENN
Coach: Terry Henderson, 1st year; Education: Frankford. Career: 0-0
Last year: 1-3, 4th; 2-8.
Great eight: Dewayne Daughty, Rec.-DB, 5-8, 160; David Allen, DB, 6-foot, 185; Justin Berry, RB, 5-10, 190; Naem Johnson, C-LB, 5-10, 205; Rhamik Bennett, T-DT, 5-10, 205; Steven Wheelings, QB, 5-8, 150; Kente Wiggins, LB, 6-foot, 210; Tyhief Piner, Rec., 6-1, 160.
Happy about: willingness to work.
Concerned about: late appointment.
Henderson's comment: "We don't want to be anybody's doormat."