Before they could respond for the "concerned about" section of our football preview thumbnail sketches, coaches were playfully advised that "depth" would no longer suffice as an answer. After all, every coach wanted to say that.
And then there's Frankford High, in 2007 ...
Depth? Sure thing. In abundance.
For the moment, though this will slightly change, coach Mike Capriotti has 22 starters. Count 'em. Twenty-two starters!
"Well, we have good kids," Capriotti began, "and if we don't wear them out, we figure that should help us in the third and fourth quarter. As much as possible, we like to be two-platoon."
Another benefit: From year to year, the Pioneers don't get caught with large numbers of inexperienced players.
This season, close to half of the starters are returnees, and since many boast quality, Frankford is likely at least a slight favorite for Public League honors.
"Hmm, I don't know who it should be," Capriotti said. "People think it should be us? Well, we did OK against Pennsbury, though the score [26-6 loss] doesn't show it. We moved the ball ... Just had problems with penalties and turnovers at crucial times."
Linebacker Chris Spence is a classic tooth-rattler and James Quiles is a savvy guard. Kalif Walker, formerly a cornerstone cornerback, is now the quarterback "because he's my best and smartest athlete," Capriotti said. "It's working out great."
The battle for the other three playoff spots in Red will likely include George Washington, Northeast and new member Central. Washington has the best chance to make Frankford's life miserable.
Elsewhere, there will be two playoff entrants from White and one apiece from Blue and AAA. There are no clear favorites in the color divisions, but AAA will almost certainly go to the winner of the Oct. 18 game sending Edward Bok Tech (looking for a fourth consecutive division crown) to Ben Franklin.
Bok features gigundo lineman Ryan Murray (6-6, 330), who has committed to Temple.
There are three new teams: Horace Furness, coached by Anthony Pastore, Prep Charter (Larry Arata) and Thomas FitzSimons (Irv Sigler). There is also a new coach at Communications Tech (Rob DiMedio).
The quarterfinals will be held the weekend of Nov. 1-2, with the semis and final to follow in weekly succession.
With the Southern-Bok complex being converted into a Super Site, those two teams, along with South Philly-based Furness and PC, are playing all road games.
RETURNING ALL-PUBLICS
(Selected by Daily News)
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Linemen: Ryan Murray, Bok; James Quiles, Frankford.
Kicker: Ervin Goodson, Frankford.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
Linebacker: Chris Spence, Frankford.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
Lineman: Daniel Jones, Imhotep.
Running backs: Gerald Bowman, Imhotep; Luke Lassiter, Bok; Versean Dawkins, Franklin.
Multipurpose: Michael Alexander, Bartram.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
Backs: Tajidin McGough, Franklin; Ray Harris, Central; Antoine "Blueberry" Singleton, Freire.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Offense: Ackeem Clarke, Bok; Amir Boler, Roxborough, Rec.; Tyrell Cooper, Southern, RB.
Defense: Richard Dixon, King, L.
THUMBNAIL SKETCHES
RED DIVISION
CENTRAL
Coach: Frank Conway, 12th year (appointed coach with 4 games remaining in 1996 season); Education: West Catholic, Franklin & Marshall. Career: 74-37.
Last year: 5-0, 1st in White; 8-3 overall.
Great eight: Kyle Yeiter, QB, 6-foot, 220; Ray Harris, RB-Rec.-DB, 5-10, 190; Carl King, RB-DB, 5-10, 180; Corey Barkers, RB, 5-10, 165; Ian Miller, G-DT, 5-10, 260; Scott Bounpraseuth, T, 6-3, 215; David Cruz, C, 6-1, 290; Avery Williams, Rec.-DB, 5-8, 150.
Happy about: QB, offensive line
Concerned about: inexperience.
Conway's comment: "I wouldn't have said this 2 weeks ago, but I like the way we're progressing."
FRANKFORD
Coach: Mike Capriotti, 1st year; Education: Frankford, West Chester. Career: 24-12.
Last year: 5-0, 1st; 9-3.
Great eight: Chris Spence, LB, 5-10, 175; Kalif Walker, QB-DB, 5-10, 170; James Quiles, G, 5-9, 180; William Mount, C, 5-11, 215; Akeem Smith, DT, 6-4, 260; Josh Burnett, LB, 5-9, 170; Malik Ballard, Rec., 6-1, 175; Mar'kel Jefferson, DB, 5-10, 165.
Happy about: aggressiveness, attitude.
Concerned about: maintaining concentration.
Capriotti's comment: "We have a good, solid team. We'll be in the mix."
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Coach: Ron Cohen, 23rd year; Education: Germantown, Temple. Career: 196-54-2.
Last year: 4-1, 2nd; 9-4.
Great eight: Clinton Granger, QB-LB, 6-3, 240; Devon Wallace, RB-DB, 5-6, 155; Damien Wilmer, Rec.-LB, 5-11, 210; Curtis Graham, C, 6-2, 235; William Lawrence, T-DT, 6-3, 245; Will McFillin, DE-K-P, 6-4, 185; Omar Hunter, RB-DB, 5-8, 155; Brett Sommerer, RB-LB, 5-8, 205.
Happy about: attitude, daily improvement.
Concerned about: inexperience.
Cohen's comment: "With only two starters back both ways, it's going to take time."
GERMANTOWN
Coach: Mike Hawkins, 9th year; Education: West Phila., Penn State. Career: 55-32-1.
Last year: 0-4-1, tie 5th; 2-9-1.
Great eight: Thorn Cerdan, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 170; Kyle Payne, QB, 6-3, 180; Tramelle McKie, RB-DB, 5-9, 170; Ramadan Abdullah, QB-DB, 6-foot, 170; Kalif Jones, G-DE, 6-2, 215; Shahid Bundy, RB-KB, 6-foot, 200; Derrick Sanders, T-DT, 6-foot, 280; Khaleel Linsey, Rec.-DB, 5-11, 165.
Happy about: offseason work ethic.
Concerned about: youth, handling pressure situations.
Hawkins' comment: "I've been telling them all along this is real football, not Madden football."
MURRELL DOBBINS TECH
Coach: Lou Zambino, 2nd year; Education: Southern, Temple. Career: 4-7.
Last year: 2-3, 4th; 4-7.
Great eight: Eric Wiley, RB-LB, 5-6, 180; Melvin Smith, Rec.-DB, 5-6, 145; Terez Sydnor, QB, 6-foot, 180; Ralston Thomas, RB-DB, 5-8, 160; Charles King, Rec.-DB, 5-11, 170; Derek Clark, G-LB, 5-10, 250; Chris Perkins, G-LB, 6-foot, 240; Randolph Latimore, T-DT, 6-4, 300.
Happy about: speed, athleticism.
Concerned about: inexperience.
Zambino's comment: "My philosophy is, conquer the city first. We hope to be competitive in every game."
NORTHEAST
Coach: Mel Hinton, 5th year; Education: Overbrook, West Chester. Career: 33-14.
Last year: 3-2, 3rd; 6-6.
Great eight: Tyrik Clary, Rec.-LB, 6-1, 180; Nafis Muhammad, RB-DB, 5-10, 160; Je'Ron Stokes, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 175; Tim Freiling, K-P, 6-3, 180; Antoine Fowler, G-LB, 5-9, 180; Joshua Todd, G-DT, 5-11, 220; Chris Peterson, T-DT, 6-foot, 220; Keith Scruggs, Rec.-LB, 6-3, 170.
Happy about: attitude.
Concerned about: too many mistakes.
Hinton's comment: "To achieve, we'll have to work even harder."
WHITE DIVISION
JOHN BARTRAM
Coach: Damond "Smash" Warren, 4th year (also King, 2000-01; Chester 2002-03, through 8 games in '03); Education: Bartram, Cheyney. Career: 35-38; 20-13 at Bartram.
Last year: 4-1, 2nd; 8-2.
Great eight: Michael Alexander, RB-DB, 5-6, 150; Dante McCall, C-DT, 5-10, 250; Troy Griffiths, T-DT, 6-foot, 220; Darell Dulany, DB, 6-foot, 180; Ishmar Malcolm, Rec.-DE, 6-foot, 190; Tyron Cheeseboro, Rec.-LB, 6-foot, 180; Eric Mason, DB, 5-8, 165; Derek "Aztec" King, LB, 5-9, 170.
Happy about: speed, defensive aggressiveness.
Concerned about: offensive cohesion.
Warren's comment: "We want to get better and better, then make a playoff run toward the end."
JULES MASTBAUM TECH
Coach: Al Coleman, 4th year; Education: Olney, West Chester. Career: 7-26.
Last year: 1-4, 5th; 5-7.
Great eight: Rasheen Tookes, RB-LB, 5-8, 180; Andrew King, C-LB, 6-1, 215; David Santiago, T-DT, 5-10, 235; Donald Vodopija, Rec.-DE, 6-1, 225; Darren Berry, RB-DE, 5-9, 165; Stephen Mackey, RB-LB, 5-8, 185; Jamil Thomas, QB-Rec.-DB, 5-10, 170; Sharik Smith, RB-DB, 5-5, 150.
Happy about: overall speed.
Concerned about: focus.
Coleman's comment: "I have good kids who like to go to school. Hopefully, we'll do better than last year."
OLNEY
Coach: Hugh MacDonough, 12th year; Education: Lower Merion, East Stroudsburg. Career: 42-79-1.
Last year: 5-1, 1st in Blue; 7-3.
Great eight: Mike Reyes, QB-DB, 5-10, 175; Antwoin Allen, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 185; Stefon Broughton, Rec.-DB, 5-11, 165; Sean Clark, RB-LB, 5-9, 180; Emmanuel Stotts, G-DT, 5-9, 240; Jamaine Anderson, RB-DE, 6-foot, 215; Don Stevens, T-DT, 6-foot, 200; Frank Randall, T-DT, 6-foot, 250.
Happy about: defensive progress.
Concerned about: rushing corps.
MacDonough's comment: "I hope to repeat what we did last year, despite being in a tougher division."
OVERBROOK
Coach: Ken Sturm, 9th year; Education: Northeast, Slippery Rock. Career: 32-55.
Last year: 2-3, 4th; 5-6.
Great eight: Darius Johnson, RB-DB, 5-8, 175; Leonard Mitchell, RB-Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 185; Julius Faison, G-LB, 5-10, 180; Corey Thomas, T-DT, 6-1, 240; Joseph Gaines, RB-NG-LB, 5-10, 195; John Melvin, Rec.-DB, 5-8, 165; Markeyse Carter, QB, 5-11, 180; Tyriuq "Pop Tart" Gordon, RB-LB, 5-9, 185.
Happy about: skill positions, younger players.
Concerned about: line play.
Sturm's comment: "If we don't get discouraged by our early results, we should do OK in the division."
ROXBOROUGH
Coach: Mike Stanley, 3rd year (also King, 2002-04); Education: Central, West Chester. Career: 28-29; 12-12 at Roxborough.
Last year: 3-2, 3rd; 9-3.
Great eight: Stephen Tucker, QB, 6-foot, 180; Amir Boler, RB-LB, 6-1, 205; Geoffrey Lancaster, RB, 5-10, 180; Adrese Hicks, RB-Rec.-DB, 5-9, 175; Sheldon Walker, T-DT, 5-11, 250; David Melton, Rec.-DB, Diante Boney-Stokes, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 200; Darryl McCray, RB-LB, 5-7, 140.
Happy about: lienbackers, secondary.
Concerned about: line play.
Stanley's comment: "The quicker our offensive line gels, the better we'll have a chance to be."
SIMON GRATZ
Coach: Erik Zipay, 3rd year; Education: Pottstown, Indiana (Pa.). Career: 6-16-1.
Last year: 0-4-1, tie 5th in Red; 1-10-1.
Great eight: Hal Chambliss, RB-LB, 6-foot, 180; Earl Watford, T-DT, 6-4, 280; Dominic Marrow, QB-DB, 6-1, 185; Malik Joe, Rec.-DB, 5-10, 170; Alphonso Walcott, RB-DB, 5-6, 145; William Wood, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 165; Braheem Collins, G-DT, 5-8, 205; Elijah Akbar, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 205.
Happy about: experienced rushers, cohesion.
Concerned about: offensive line.
Zipay's comment: "In this division, we should have a strong shot at the playoffs."
BLUE DIVISION
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Coach: Gene Kelly, 6th year (also West Phila., 1990-96); Education: Lincoln, Millersville. Career: 53-71-5; 26-31 at Lincoln.
Last year: 4-2, tie 2nd; 4-8.
Great eight: Calvin Philemond, RB-DB, 6-foot, 180; Charles Boyd, QB, 5-11, 180; Joseph McCausland, QB, 5-10, 170; Christian Burrell, RB-DB, 5-9, 165; Nyheem Walker, RB-DB, 5-7, 155; Kevin Chilton, RB-LB, 5-9, 170; Sharif Assad, T-DT-P, 5-9, 190; Joshua Smith, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 175.
Happy about: skill players.
Concerned about: small linemen.
Kelly's comment: "Our goal is to win this division after being bridesmaids for a couple years."
MARTIN LUTHER KING
Coach: John Sheroda, 3rd year (also Bishop O'Hara, Dunmore, Pa., 1997-2000); Education: West Scranton, East Strousburg; Career: 33-28; 10-11 at King.
Last year: 0-5, 6th in White; 3-7.
Great eight: Richard Dixon, Rec.-DT, 6-2, 260; Brandon Lee, T-DT, 6-4, 280; Tyron Harris, QB, 6-1, 150; Kadeem Brown, G-LB, 6-1, 200; Alpha "Omega" Johnson, RB-DB, 5-8, 140; Gerrick Dorsey, G-NG, 6-foot, 205; Kyeem Coleman, Rec., 5-6, 130; Alphonso Thomas, T-DT, 6-1, 240.
Happy about: Dixon's leadership qualities.
Concerned about: vast inexperience.
Sheroda's comment: "Hopefully, we can gel and get it together."
SAMUEL FELS
Coach: Cliff Hubbard, 2nd year (also Roxborough, 1969-2002, missed games 2 through 6 of '02 on medical leave); Education: Northeast, Temple. Career: 139-188-8; 0-8 at Fels.
Last year: 0-6, 0-8.
Great eight: Sean O'Neill, C-DT, 6-foot, 310; Jesse Simpson, RB, 5-8, 210; Isaiah Staton, QB-DB, 5-11, 200; Claudjone Jules, T-DT, 6-3, 200; Malik Massey, RB-LB, 5-8, 180; Keith Ryan, G-DT, 5-9, 260; Olandis Johnson, Rec.-LB, 5-11, 185; Malik Jackson, Rec.-DE, 6-2, 185.
Happy about: returnees' enthusiasm.
Concerned about: quarterback.
Hubbard's comment: "For our second year, we'll aim to get to .500."
SOUTHERN
Coach: Stanley "Stosh" Tunney, 1st year; Education: Judge, Bloomsburg. Career: 0-0.
Last year: 3-3, tie 4th; 4-7.
Great eight: Tyrell Cooper, RB-LB, 6-foot, 190; Kiaheem Simmons, RB-LB, 6-1, 165; Bryan Lee, C-NG, 5-7, 190; Mike Henry, QB-DB, 6-foot, 155; Anthony Buffalo, T-DT, 5-7, 170; Dominique Winn, QB-RB-DB, 5-7, 155; Chris Pennington, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 165; Nolan Davis, Rec.-DB, 5-7, 140.
Happy about: strong defense.
Concerned about: inexperience, size of O-line.
Tunney's comment: "We are young, but we'll work hard and build from experience."
THOMAS EDISON
Coach: Larry Oliver, 25th year; Education: Gratz, Savannah State (Ga.). Career: 49-181-3.
Last year: 3-3, tie 4th; 4-7.
Great eight: Antonio Morales, C-NG, 6-1, 310; Jamil Maisonet, G, 5-10, 200; John Martinez, Rec.-DT, 5-10, 240; Antonio-Rey Rodriguez, Rec., 5-8, 150; Kendall Thomas, QB, 5-9, 130; Isaac Folly, RB-LB, 5-8, 150; John McBride, G-LB, 5-8, 155; Daniel Soto, 5-9, 155.
Happy about: team cohesiveness.
Concerned about: special teams.
Oliver's comment: "Our No. 1 goal is to make the playoffs."
UNIVERSITY CITY
Coach: Lou Williams, 3rd year (also University City, 1998-2003); Education: Franklin, Fisk (Tenn.). Career: 16-69.
Last year: 4-2, tie 2nd; 6-6.
Great eight: Samir Artist, RB-DB, 5-9, 165; Neville Hill-Brown, QB-RB-Rec.-LB, 5-9, 170; Freeman Ford, G-DT, 5-10, 240; Telmez "Muscle" Irons, RB-LB, 5-8, 165; Aaron Gilbert, T-DT, 5-9, 220; Wade Moore, DB, 6-2, 170; Shanandore Scott, T-DT, 6-foot, 230; William Johnson, DE, 5-10, 170.
Happy about: offensive line, defense.
Concerned about: passing game.
Williams' comment: "We'll try to win more games than last year."
WEST PHILADELPHIA
Coach: John R. Lay, 11th year; Education: Aliquippa, Cheyney. Career: 38-68.
Last year: 2-4, 6th; 3-7.
Great eight: Courtney Waiters, QB, 5-8, 160; Jabril Brown, RB-LB, 5-9, 170; Khalef Sapp, Rec.-DE, 5-8, 165; Keith West, RB-Rec.-LB, 5-10, 185; Marvin Adams, RB-LB, 5-10, 220; Darius Knight, NG, 6-3, 350; Jerome Evans, Rec.-DT, 6-2, 250; Justin Carrington, DB, 5-8, 145.
Happy about: new defense.
Concerned about: passing game, offensive line.
Lay's comment: "We're hoping to be .500, or better."
AAA DIVISION
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Coach: Ken Geiser, 4th year; Education: Washington, West Chester. Career: 22-13.
Last year: 4-1, 2nd; 9-3.
Great eight: Tajidin McGough, QB-DB, 6-foot, 160; Tyron Carlton, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 180; Versean Dawkins, RB, 5-8, 160; Chris Sturgis, RB-DB, 5-10, 185; Duane "Bam" Burrell, RB-DE, 5-8, 225; Calvin Johnson, LB, 5-10, 180; Marvin Watson, C-DT, 5-8, 225; Lydell Boanes, T-DT, 5-11, 325.
Happy about: offseason devotion.
Concerned about: costly early injuries.
Geiser's comment: "Cautiously optimistic."
COMMUNICATIONS TECH
Coach: Rob DiMedio, 1st year; Education: Bishop Eustace (N.J.), La Salle. Career: 0-0
Last year: 1-4, 5th; 2-8.
Great eight: Thomas Butler, Rec.-DB, 5-9, 160; Kennari White, G-DT, 6-3, 260; Phil Hansford, C-LB, 6-foot, 195; Marcellus Chiles, G-DE, 6-1, 220; Anthony Haynes, T-DT, 6-2, 230; Mohamed Elmadani, Rec.-DB, 5-9, 175; Stacey Hill, RB-DB, 5-8, 150; Adefumi Garrett, QB-LB, 6-1, 200.
Happy about: work ethic, strong staff.
Concerned about: consistency, avoiding penalties.
DiMedio's comment: "With hard work, we can have a productive season."
EDWARD BOK
Coach: Tom DeFelice, 15th year; Education: West Catholic, Temple. Career: 90-44-1.
Last year: 5-0, 1st; 9-2.
Great eight: Darnell Goddard, QB, 5-9, 170; Luke Lassiter, RB, 5-8, 160; Ackeem Clarke, RB-NG, 5-11, 225; Daquon Johnson, G-LB, 6-1, 185; Jeff Smith, C-DT, 6-foot, 240; Ryan Murray, T-DT, 6-6, 330; Leland Sledge, T-DT, 6-1, 275.
Happy about: line play, senior leaders.
Concerned about: inexperience.
DeFelice's comment: "With errorless football, we have a good opportunity to be in every game."
FREIRE CHARTER
Coach: Nelson Walker, 2nd year; Education: Ringgold (Pa.), Pitt. Career: 2-8.
Last year: 2-3, 4th; 2-8.
Great eight: Antoine "Blueberry" Singleton, QB-RB-LB-DB, 5-9, 160; Donte Blow, QB-DB, 6-foot, 140; Jeffrey Robinson, Rec.-LB, 5-10, 155; Masceo Johnson, C-DT, 5-11, 260; Hakeem Johnson, Rec.-LB, 6-foot, 190; Isaac Yorro, Rec.-DE-P, 6-4, 240; Stanley Stone, T-DT, 6-foot, 240; Cassius Morris, T-DT, 6-2, 260.
Happy about: consistency, togetherness.
Concerned about: staying upbeat.
Walker's comment: "We want to get better every game."
HORACE FURNESS
Coach: Anthony Pastore, 1st year; Education: West Catholic. Career: 0-0.
Last year: not in league.
Great eight: Eric Blanding, RB-DB, 6-1, 200; Naim Fox, G-LB, 5-10, 210; David Metz, T-DT, 6-foot, 200; Yaseam Nelson, RB-LB, 5-10, 215; Victor Pastore, G-LB, 5-7, 185; Charles Pullett, C-LB, 5-7, 190; Torean Wilson, RB-DB, 5-7, 160; Robert Westbrooks, Rec.-DE, 6-7, 220.
Happy about: commitment, line size.
Concerned about: inexperience at QB.
Pastore's comment: "We want to compete and get better week by week."
IMHOTEP CHARTER
Coach: Marc L. Wilson, 4th year (3rd in PL); Education: Central, Lehigh. Career: 12-19.
Last year: 3-2, 3rd; 5-5.
Great eight: Andreas Roberts, QB-Rec., 6-1, 170; Gerald Bowman, RB-DB, 5-11, 195; Fatin Trice, RB-DB, 5-7, 165; Julius Legg, QB-Rec., 6-5, 275; Richard Kervin, G-DE, 5-11, 195; Saladine Walker, T-DT, 6-2, 250; George Gaines, C-NG, 5-11, 310; Daniel Jones, T-DT, 6-2, 210.
Happy about: increased numbers, motivated youngsters.
Concerned about: tackling, protecting QB.
Wilson's comment: "We want the playoffs so bad."
PREP CHARTER
Coach: Larry Arata, 1st year; Education: Haverford High, Princeton. Career: 0-0
Last Year: not in league.
Great eight: Mike Bariana, QB-RB-LB, 5-8, 180; James Hines, RB-LB, 5-6, 170; Joe Crooks, C-DT, 6-4, 270; Mike Murati, G-DT, 6-2, 260; Shelton Jones, RB-Rec.-DB, 5-11, 170; Khalil Raines, G-Rec.-LB, 5-11, 190; Bryan Tate, RB-DB, 5-7, 150; Charles Barber, Rec.-DB, 5-9, 175.
Happy about: speed.
Concerned about: facing difficult schedule as double-A school.
Arata's comment: "We're getting better every week."
THOMAS FITZSIMONS
Coach: Irv Sigler, 1st year; Education: Washington, Bloomsburg. Career: 0-0
Last Year: not in league.
Great eight: James Robinson, QB-DE, 6-2, 185; Carl Jordan, RB-LB, 6-foot, 220; Sam Polk, RB-LB, 5-6, 165; Steve Howie, Rec.-DB, 5-8, 150; Leon Dogan, Rec.-DB, 6-foot, 160; Kevin Coston, RB-DB, 5-10, 165; Kwame Robinson, Rec.-DE-LB, 6-2, 220; Greg Price, Rec.-DE, 6-4, 215.
Happy about: togetherness.
Concerned about: composure.
Sigler's comment: "Start off slow. Things will grow."
WILLIAM PENN
Coach: Terry Henderson, 2nd year; Education: Frankford. Career: 0-8.
Last year: 0-5, 6th; 0-8.
Great eight: David Allen, QB, 6-1, 215; Dewayne Daughty, RB, 5-10, 185; Wallace Padgett, RB, 5-9, 175; Ismah Wine, G-LB, 5-8, 165; Sheldon Robinson, LB, 6-foot, 210; Nate Brown, Rec., 5-11, 160; Emmanuel Pittman, Rec.-DB, 6-1, 195; Kente Wiggins, LB, 5-10, 175.
Happy about: willingness to learn.
Concerned about: complete commitment.
Henderson's comment: "We're cubs now. We're trying to be lions. Hear our roar."