[tps_title]Neumann-Goretti Saints[/tps_title]
Back from the dead, Saints are reloaded
At first glance, Albie Crosby’s previous job doesn’t seem much like his new one.
Crosby built Imhotep Charter into a powerhouse, posting a 53-6 mark in his four seasons there, capped by a perfect 15-0 mark and a PIAA Class 3A championship in 2015. Two years later, he’s taking over a Neumann-Goretti team that went 0-9 a year ago before forfeiting its final two games due to low player turnout. 
There’s not a whole lot of similarity there, but Crosby insists that he draws some parallels from when he took over at Imhotep, where he took a solid program and turned it into one of the state’s best.
“I think it’s similar to when I took over at Imhotep,” Crosby said, “and I think that at the 2A level, we might be in a pretty good place this year.”
Crosby has a decent group of returnees, and he’s also very high on his freshman class. Usually, relying on freshmen can be a problem, but there’s enough talent in that 2021 class to help shape the future of the Saints.
“(Safety and running back) Tysheem Johnson is probably the next great thing. I think he can be one of the best in Philly in the next few years,” Crosby said. “We have quite a few impact freshmen, especially those that won championships with the Blackhawks AYF team.”
Neumann-Goretti will lean heavily on veterans to get its freshmen acclimated. It starts up front with two-way lineman Terrence Williams, who plays center and defensive tackle. A 6-3, 305-pounder, Williams relies on his strength and intelligence to get things done. Behind him is outside linebacker Kharon Lloyd, whom Crosby praised for his range and physicality.
Expect Tre Bouie to see plenty of action for the Saints, too. A wide receiver and defensive back, Bouie is an explosive athlete who excels in space. He’ll also likely get the ball in the return game, and he’s a threat to break one every time he touches the ball.
“He’s very explosive,” Crosby said. “He kind of reminds me a little of (former Imhotep standout) Aamir Brown.”
It’s unlikely that Neumann-Goretti will look like the way the Panthers did at the end of Crosby’s run, but then again, Imhotep wasn’t built in a day. For the Saints, their first win will be a big step in the right direction.
By Matt Chandik; For Pa Prep Live
Who has the best student section?
[totalpoll id=”61526″]
