Local schools aim
to improve this season

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Last year wasn’t too successful for the four local teams in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
Father Judge ended its season after getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. North Catholic lasted until the semifinals but fell to Saint Joe’s Prep 36-0. Archbishop Ryan and Cardinal Dougherty did not qualify for post-season play.
This year, however, is already looking better.
Father Judge, Archbishop Ryan, North Catholic and Cardinal Dougherty have all returned this year with dreams of victory. And those four schools began working in January to make those dreams become reality.
So here’s a look at this year’s local schools who are competing in the Philadelphia Catholic League.

CATHOLIC RED

FATHER JUDGE
The Crusaders have the skills and experience to be strong contenders in the Red Division this season.
Senior Paul Volpe will once again lead the Crusaders as the starting quarterback. This will be his second-year starting and fourth-year playing varsity football at Judge.
The offensive line includes center Anthony Marascio, tackle David Smith and tight ends Dan Keenan and Ryan Langdon.
Linebackers Chris Dowling, Joe Swallow and Jim DiLisio will join Andrew McHale on defense.
McHale is versatile on the gridiron and can be found playing safety, running back or wide receiver and will be handling all of the Crusaders’ return work.
"The team looks great," said coach Tom Coyle. "We have a lot of skilled players returning. We set goals to be a playoff team. But we’re taking it one week at a time.
"I think we are a balanced football team and will be a difficult team to defend."

ARCHBISHOP RYAN
After a tough season for the Raiders last fall, the Archbishop Ryan football team is ready to step it up this year.
In 2006, the squad finished 4-7, and won just two games in PCL Red Division play, which wasn’t good enough to earn a postseason bid.
This season things are already looking up.
Junior Rus Slawter will once again start at quarterback. Anthony Corso and Bob Kelly, both seniors, will be on the offensive line.
But the real strength lies with the Raiders defense. Linebackers Chris Wilk (220 pounds) and Erik Silenok (185 pounds), defensive linemen Corso (222 pounds), Kelly (215 pounds) and Jim Weitzel (180 pounds) and defensive backs Nick Ferdinand and Bill Keebler collaboratively produce a fierce defensive unit.
Ferdinand, also a wideout, caught 52 passes for 799 yards, and scored 72 points last year. He is hoping for an even more successful run this season.
"We have a lot of guys returning," said coach Glen Galeone. "We have some skilled players, but we still have to step it up."
NORTH CATHOLIC
Last year the Falcons won their first playoff game in 50 years.
This season, they’re looking for more.
And despite losing the Catholic League’s most explosive player, Daryl Robinson, to graduation, the Falcons returned many key players who can help them accomplish that goal.
"We’re getting better everyday," said coach Charlie Szydlick. "We have experienced guys on the offensive and defensive line. We will be competitive."
Tackles Eric French and Blake Graham, guard Terrell Paskel and tight end Shahid Paulhill will form the offensive line.
Terrell Oglesby will play running back and safety this season and wide receivers Pete Sellecchia and Mike Scott will form a pair of explosive receivers.
On defense, Sellecchia, who will be playing safety. Linebacker Chris James and defensive linemen Bob Mullen and Paulhill will round out the Falcons’ defense.
Junior Dennis Logue will start for the third straight year as North’s quarterback.
Oglesby, Mullen and James will lead this year’s Falcons as team captains.
"It takes a lot of work and execution, but we definitely have the talent," said Szydlick.

CATHOLIC BLUE

CARDINAL DOUGHERTY
The Cardinals already hit one milestone last year when they won their first Philadelphia Catholic League game since 2001.
This season, they’re looking to take the next step.
"We made huge strides last season," said Cardinal Dougherty coach Chris Riley, who is entering his second season. "And I think this year we’ll take it even further. We’re ready for the next step."
With hopes of postseason play, the Cardinals have formed a solid nucleus on the squad.
Senior Phil Baxter will lead the team as quarterback, and also see some time playing safety. Fellow senior Sean Kidd will play tight end and also see some time on defense as a linebacker.
Keith Dockery, Braheem Carroll and Quinten White will all work as running backs and linebackers.
Also expected to contribute are receivers Dom West and John Wilder.
Dougherty’s biggest problem could be depth, but the Cardinals’ first string can be competitive in the Blue Division.
"We’re in good shape with the specialty positions," said Riley. "They’re working hard. We’re a little slow getting numbers out, but we’re hoping to get things moving soon." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com .