[tps_title]New Hope-Solebury Lions [/tps_title]
Lions aim for repeat in tough Bicentennial
Coming off a Bicentennial Athletic League championship season, New Hope-Solebury returns to the gridiron without the services of running back Jack McKenna (Bates College) and fullback Brendan Shadle (Ursinus). McKenna accounted for over 1,100 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns and that was just against league foes. Shadle added another 500-plus all-purpose yards and six touchdowns. 
Still, the Lions return to the field with plenty of talent.
For New Hope, it all starts with First Team All-BAL quarterback Nick Garritano, a four-year starter who has thrown for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons on Bridge Street. Last season, Garritano completed 77 passes for 1,350 yards and 21 touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for 342 yards (46 carries) and six touchdowns. For his efforts, Nick has attracted interest from several Division I-AA college football programs.
With the return of seniors Morgan Shadle and Jesse Capriotti to the lineup, the Lions could be poised to make some serious noise in the District 1 Class 3A Tournament, where they lost last year to eventual District 1/12 PIAA sub-regional champion DelVal Charter.
First Team All-BAL at tight end last season, Shadle caught six touchdown passes (316 yards) and rushed for one more. Capriotti was tabbed with Honorable Mention accolades last year after rushing for 430 yards (43 carries) and seven touchdowns.
Junior wide receiver John Flavin has also returned to New Hope, a year after contributing a pair of touchdowns and 111 yards receiving on seven receptions.
Up front, the Lions also have some significant bulk returning to both its offensive and defensive lines. At 6-2, 230 pounds, Second Team All-BAL center Max Adar provides plenty of push up the middle. Defensively, he is out on the end and can get to the quarterback.
Topher Taylor is a 6’8”, 220-pound junior tackle on both the O-line and the D-line. Last season, Taylor earned Second Team All-BAL honors on defense and Honorable Mention BAL accolades on offense.
Junior guard John Mangan is a 5-10, 235-pound guard who earned Second Team All-BAL honors last year on offense and Honorable Mention BAL accolades on defense. A versatile player, Mangan can play both linebacker and defensive line.
Some promising newcomers for the Lions this season include junior Charles Bray, sophomore Connor Fitzgerald and freshman Phillip Weinseimer.
Bray is a 6-1, 195-pound defensive end who can also play offensive tackle.
“Charles saw a lot of action in 2016 and played well,” said DiTulio said. “He looks to step in a starting role on both sides of the ball at right tackle and defensive end this year.”
Fitzgerald is a 6-1, 190-pound sophomore who can step into a starting role on both sides of the ball at guard and linebacker in 2017. Connor started four games at center last season due to injury on the offensive line. He also saw significant playing time in several other games in 2016.
Weinseimer is a 6-1, 160-pound freshman with plenty of upside to his abilities.
“Phillip is a promising incoming freshman with incredible athletic ability on both sides of the ball,” said DiTulio. “He figures to see significant playing time in 2017.”
New Hope won all six of its league games last season including a close 23-20 triumph at Bristol. While the Lions battle the Warriors at home this year, DiTulio expects Bristol to put up more of a fight this season.
“It will be tough in 2017 but we like our chances of repeating as league champions,” said DiTulio. “This season, there are a couple other teams that return numerous starters on both sides of the ball and with more starting experience.
“We expect Bristol and Delaware County Christian both to compete for a league championship.”
By Steve Sherman; ssherman@21st-centurymedia.com
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