Frankford, Northeast favorites
in competitive Public League

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor
It looks like teams throughout Northeast Philadelphia are gearing up for another successful year on the gridiron.
There are five local schools in the Philadelphia Public League — Frankford, George Washington, Northeast, Abraham Lincoln and Samuel Fels.
Frankford High School has won three titles in the past four years. George Washington has also made three appearances in the finals during the past four years, taking home the crown in 2004.
Northeast and Abraham Lincoln have had favorable seasons in recent years, and should be major contenders this fall as well. And although Samuel Fels initiated its football program last year, the team is hoping its sophomore season will be a successful one.
Here is a look at the prospects of the five local teams.
PUBLIC RED
FRANKFORD
Last year Frankford High School went 9-3 overall and defeated Washington to win the Public League title for the second consecutive year.
This season, the defending champs are hoping to get lucky number three.
"We have some really talented kids back this year," said coach Mike Capriotti. "I think our speed is a lot quicker."
Senior James Quiles will be starting guard. Fellow senior Malik Ballard — who will be replacing former Frankford star J.C. Montgomery’s place — will play offensive end.
Chris Spence, who rushed for 165 yards and caught four passes for a total of 63 yards last season, is expected to have an even more successful run this year. Senior William Mount will play center, with Akeem Watson and junior Eddie Ferrell filling out the offensive line. And getting the bulk of the carries will be tailback Kareem Steplight.
The Pioneers are yet to name a quarterback, however according to Capriotti, Jon DeRivera and Kalif Walker — who started at cornerback last year — appear to be the favorites.
Defensive tackles include Terrell Lewis, Akeem Smith and 380 pound Tauheed Smith and Authur Johnson will chip in at defensive end.
Markel Jefferson will play cornerback, Josh Burnett will be playing linebacker.
Last season, Frankford outscored divisional foes, 168-65. This year, they hope to continue that success.
Plus, Capriotti is looking to make a little history.
Since the inception of the Public League, only legendary Pioneers coach Al Angelo put together three-straight Public League championships seasons. This year, Capriotti could follow in Angelo’s footsteps.
"We’re working hard," said Capriotti. "You never know what could happen. Things can always change. But the team looks good."
GEORGE WASHINGTON
George Washington High School’s football season ended 40 seconds too late last year, when it lost, 15-14, to Frankford after a field goal was kicked in the final minute of the Public League championship game.
With a good number of returning players, the Eagles are hoping for a different result in this year’s championship game.
"Things are going very well so far," said coach Ron Cohen. "This is, in my opinion, the toughest division. Frankford and Northeast have good programs. But our kids are working really hard and doing their best."
Washington shares the Philadelphia Public League Red Division with Central, Murrell Dobbins, Germantown, Frankford and Northeast High Schools. Last year, Washington went 4-1 in the league and 9-4 overall.
This season, returning players Clinton Granger and Aaron Wilmer will share quarterback duties. Protecting the signal-callers will be offensive linemen Garien Jones and Lawrence Williams.
Also opening up holes will be tight end Andrew Goodman and fullback Brett Summerer.
Jones can also be found on defense, alongside Summerer, Williams and linebackers Damian Wilmer and Devon Wallace.
"The attitude from the players is great," said Cohen. "They’re working hard and ready to play."
NORTHEAST
As usual, Northeast High School looks to be a strong contender in the Philadelphia Public League. The Vikings’ offensive line looks solid with guards Joshua Todd and Antoine Fowler, center Malcolm Newton, and tackles Salathiel Neely and Chris Peterson.
Starring at the skill positions will be wide receiver Keith Scruggs and fullback Jimmy Rosseau.
Malik Stokes will call the plays at quarterback and Timothy Freiling returns as the kicker.
Coach Mel Hinton is also expecting great things from Stokes’ brother, Je-ron who recently transferred to Northeast.
Defensively, Clifton Tannell and Anthony Niedes will start on the line, Tyrik Clary, John Bucher and Nate Johnson will man the linebacker slots and cornerback Quintin Reid and safety Nafis Muhammad will start in the backfield.
"Our offensive line is great," said Hinton. "The linebackers are also looking strong. The team has a good nucleus and a good foundation. We’re working hard every day and getting better every day."
PUBLIC BLUE
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
The Railsplitters seem to have a smorgasbord of players on this year’s roster.
They have speed in some of their younger players, such as lineman Hakeem Cooper, a sophomore who is only 170 pounds, but one of the fastest guys on the gridiron. The team also has power in some of their larger athletes, such as tackle Derrick Thompson, a 6-foot-3 junior weighing in at 320 pounds.
The Railsplitters are also excited to have two experienced quarterbacks this season — Charles Boyd and Joe McCausland.
The offensive line will include tight end Josh Truett, punter and center Shariff Assad and guards Vincent Christian and Roodly Phanor.
Kevin Chilton will play running back, linebacker and safety.
Nyheem Walker will also cover safety duties, as well as running back.
Lineman Adam Goncharsky and linebacker Timothy Algeo will round out the defensive unit.
"We have some really skilled players," said coach Gene Kelly. "We’re going to be very competitive in our division. Maybe this will be our year."
SAMUEL FELS
For the Samuel Fels football team, there’s nowhere to go but up.
And that is exactly what they intend to do.
Last year was the Panthers’ first season, and it was a rough one — they did not win one game.
But with determination, both from the players and coaches, Fels should have an improved second year.
"I’m really happy with the progress they have made," said coach Cliff Hubbard. "We have a good mix of players. I’m optimistic, and I’m very excited for this season."
Returning quarterback Isaiah Staton will lead the Panthers.
Center Sean O’Neill, guard Keith Ryan and tackles Douglas Fisher and Claude John Jules round out the offensive line.
Also contributing on offense will be fullback Jesse Simpson, wideout Malik Jackson and tight end Orlandis Johnson.
Key defensive players include linebackers Brandon Kennedy and Johnson, defensive backs Asim Hackett and Jerry Behoit, and safety Trriq Smith.
"The players all work extremely well together and support each other," said Hubbard. "The guys coming back are very intent on helping the younger guy anyway they can." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com