I made a mistake in a blog last fall and called Ahmad Thomas by the wrong name. I promised his mother I wouldn’t do it again. I have a feeling I will be talking about him plenty this fall.
The fourth part of my June football series takes a look at Paramus Catholic. The ones who have been Livin’ on top the last 2 years.
Paramus Catholic
Coach: Chris Partridge
Last year: The Paladins started last year talking about being one of the best teams in North Jersey history, and….well, it didn’t quite workout. A bad second half against Bosco on ESPN cost them one game, and the Paladins were never really in the game against St. Joes, falling behind early. Still, the season has to be considered a success. The Paladins won Non-Public Group 4 for the second year in a row, getting revenge over Bosco in the semifinals in one of the games of the year and began to become known nationally as a powerhouse on the rise.
Who starts at QB: Not many people noticed when Willy Hansen transferred in to PC from Morris Hills, but Hansen was a two-year starter there. He has size and experience. My first thought is it is his job to lose.
Best case: Of all 5 teams in the Big North United, I think PC is the most intriguing. Why? Because I think they are a whole lot better than people think. A lot of people think that Peppers has graduated, so the team is going to fall apart. My answer to that is….were you watching? Running back Ahmad Thomas was a huge factor down the stretch for PC and he was only a sophomore. Curtis Oliver is a playmaker and you already saw Saleem Brightwell is getting lots of Division 1 attention. Also, I’ve heard Rashan Gary, a big-time player on the D-Line is transferring in from Scotch Plains. Partridge has been telling people for years he had a lot of talent in the pipeline. Also, I think Partridge is becoming a better in-game coach. Although I know he’ll will always go for broke, I think he will be more calculated this year.
Worst case: Hansen just doesn’t fit in and the defense isn’t as tough up front as it had been in years past. The early schedule doesn’t do enough to prepare the Paladins for the tough stretch in October.
What do I really think about PC? I think they are the team to beat in the league, I really do. I even told Partridge a few months ago what a great situation he has. He’s got the last 2 Non-Public Group 4 state titles, and yet, everyone still underestimates them and what they have going on. I believe….I probably doubted for a little while, but I believe now. And people can and will gripe about the transfers, and I understand and I don’t really like it either, but its not against the rules, and kids have a right to play where they want and for who they want to play for. I think Hansen is going to be a solid game-manager at worst and a playmaker at best. I bet they don’t ask him to do too much until a few weeks in. And I don’t think people realize how good the Paladins defense is and has been. I can’t wait to see this team scrimmage.