November 11, 2011

Brandon Napoleon and the Marauders start at home for the first time since 2008. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

St. Peter's Prep Marauders Photo Gallery

With three losses, this regular season might qualify as a disappointment for St. Peter's Prep based on the high standards set on the streets of Grand and Warren. But November and the playoffs represent a chance of redemption for the Marauders.

After a disastrous 0-2 start with 92 points allowed, Prep has responded with five wins since with the only loss coming to a Bergen Catholic team ranked No. 2 in the state.

The Marauders will get another crack at their rivals from Oradell if they can win tonight. A year ago Prep had to travel down to Lawrence for a 44-13 win in the first round. This time it will be at Caven Point.

Players to Watch for Notre Dame:
Sam McDermott, QB
McDermott has been a dual threat for the Fighting Irish and a veteran presence on offense. Against Highstown, the senior tossed a pair of touchdown passes and rushed for two scores in the win. He threw for three touchdowns in a win over West Windsor North. In last year's game against Prep, McDermott was 23-for-237 for 215 yards and two touchdowns.

Kevin McCarthy, WR
This senior has been McDermott's top target this year. McCarthy enters the season on a roll, catching three touchdowns over the past two games. He had six catches for 72 yards against Steinart and against Highstown he had scoring recpetions of 34 and 43 yards. McCarthy is a factor in special teams returning apunt 90 yards for a touchdown against West Windsor North.

Players to Watch for St. Peter's Prep:
Jared Crayton, RB/LB
The Marauders have been a different team when it's senior running back has been effective. A powerful runner, Crayton has averaged 120 rushing yards per game in Prep's five wins this season. He had 134 yards and two touchdowns against Ursuline and 140 yards vs Bayonne. Crayton is a threat in the passing game, making eight recpetions vs Bergen Catholic for 53 yards.

Brandon Napoleon, QB/DB
The West Virginia-bound signal caller has been one of the state's top dual-threat quarterbacks this season. Napoleon shook off early-season injuries and has shown a much-improved passing game, throwing for 928 yards and nine touchdowns. He threw for 293 yards and four touchdowns vs Montclair and had 206 yards passing and 92 yards rushing against Bergen Catholic.