Football

August 29, 2010

Taking the next step

Khadeem Wilson, St. Anthony

Temple-bound TE/DE Khadeem Wilson and the Friars have high hopes for 2010.

Click Here for more photos from St. Anthony's football practice.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY –As St. Anthony enters its third season of varsity football, the expectations have certainly increased. With virtually the entire starting lineup from last year’s 6-3 squad back the Friars believe a state title is in reach.

“I honestly believe that we have a legitimate chance to win the state championship this year based on the bracket and based on what we have coming back,” head coach Sean Fallon said. “Now that Paterson Catholic is closed, it’s wide open.”

St. Anthony returns nine starters on each side of the ball this season and adds Temple-bound TE/DE Khadeem Wilson into the fold. They have also tried to upgrade their schedule to better prepare for the playoffs with the addition of three Group IV schools to the schedule.

Offensive Overview:

Darius Roper, St. Anthony

Sophomore guard Darius Roper is one of four returning starters on the offensive line.

Depth in the backfield is a necessity in the Friars’ Wing-T offense. It is also something they have in great supply with the trio of seniors Dave Coleman and Jidamon Sparkman and junior Daryl Wilson all returning. With Brian Maldon and speedster Quentin Collins as well, St. Anthony has great flexibility in the backfield.

“In our offense you have guys who run inside and guys who run outside,” Fallon said. “Jidamon can do both, Daryl Wilson can do both, David Coleman can do both. Quentin is an edge guy, he’s an outside runner. We have three guys who can play the fullback position, which is huge since that’s where you put your best player.”

QB Slyvester Wright also has the ability to make an impact in the running game and tossed 20 touchdowns a year ago.

The Friars look towards the trio of Khadeem Wilson, Nate Ortiz and Craig Davilla to replace Josh Ford’s 17 touchdowns from last year. The 6-foot-3 Wilson is a matchup nightmare with the athleticism of a wide receiver and the size of the tight end and should see time at both spots. Ortiz is a vertical threat at tight end and Davilla, a returning starter at receiver, and is on the basketball team. Collins will also see time at receiver.

St. Anthony returns four starters on the offensive line, headlined by guards Robinson Benche and Darius Roper. Davon Geathers starts at center with Byron Douglas and Sharmin Nalls at tackle.

Defensive Overview:

Jidamon Sparkman, St. Anthony

LB Jidamon Sparkman led the team in tackles last year and had three interceptions.

Stopping the run was the Achilles heel of the St. Anthony defense a year ago. That group is now a year older and stronger and added Khadeem Wilson, a HCV All-County selection. In Fallon’s opinion the improvement up front will be the biggest factor in his team’s success.

“The most improved unit is our front,” Fallon said. “With Darius Roper and Khadeem you’re talking about two D1 football players coming off the edge. Inside we have three big bodies who are going to push the pile.”

Wilson and Roper will start on the ends with Nalls, Beneche and P.J. Ubah rotating at tackle.

Sparkman, a HCV All-County selection at linebacker moves from the middle to outside linebacker for his senior season. Daryl Wilson will start on the inside while Kerwin Sampson and sophomores Chris Anthony and James Bates compete for the third spot.

Coleman is one of the county’s top cornerbacks and leads a secondary which features Collins at the other cornerback spot. Wright, Davilla and sophomore Derek Sims will be at safety.

Star Spotlight: Slyvester Wright, QB/S

Slyvester Wright, St. Anthony

A late-season toe injury didn't stop Tyron Stevens from scoring 14 touchdowns.

A year ago, head coach Sean Fallon and St. Anthony knew they had little choice, but to rely on QB Slyvester Wright and the passing game for offense. Even with the departure of one of the state’s top receivers in Josh Ford and an improved rushing attack, Fallon expects to throw even more in 2010, thanks in large part to the talents of his senior signal caller.

“We’re actually going to throw it a little bit more than we did,” Fallon said. “Slyvester’s throwing the ball unbelievably well.

“We threw the ball last year because we had to. We’re going to throw the ball this year because we want to.”

In his first year as the starting quarterback, Wright tossed 20 touchdowns to help lead the Friars into the state playoffs. Wright, who is now 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, said he is even more comfortable this year thanks to the added experience.

“I understand the offense,” he said. “I feel like I have a high IQ on the field.”