[tps_title] Pope John Paul II Golden Panthers [/tps_title]
PJP staying focused on improvement in 2017
UPPER PROVIDENCE >> Faith had always run high for the Pope John Paul II football program.
Through four consecutive trying seasons that yielded just three combined wins and left them in the midst of an 18-game losing streak, head coach Rory Graver entered the 2016 season with one statement: “This is going to be our season, and we’re going have to earn each win.” 
His words rung true, 2016 was indeed the Golden Panthers’ season. They snapped a 21-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, limiting Schuylkill Valley to one-yard of total offense before winning three more throughout the season, earning a District 1 Class 4A playoff berth along the way.
With the majority of his players returning in 2017, it’s time for an encore.
“A handful of guys have been playing since their freshman year,” Graver said. “They’ve been through the bumps and the trials of past seasons. They’re ready to start back up again this season and work hard to get each win.”
Of those returning includes four-year starter Dan Cirino, who is explosive out of the backfield. The senior rushed for 353 yards on 98 carries with four touchdowns last season while hauling in 46 passes for 470 yards and six scores. He’s complemented by signal caller Matt DeLaurentis, who threw for 2,037 yards, 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in an impressive season, leaving him third in the PAC in passing yards. CJ McCafferty returns at wideout after hauling in 30 passes for 362 yards while Jake Bildstein will look to add some offensive firepower in the wake of the departed Ryan Kormos (team-high 42 receptions, 621 yards).
All of them aren’t letting some success get to their head.
“We have a lot of experience,” Cirino said. “We all know what it takes to win so we just need to keep pressing forward. We can’t afford to come out and lay an egg. We can’t take a play off, day off.”
“It was a good learning experience,” DeLaurentis added. “It’s time to take the next step forward.”
Oh Hey, You’re Back
The Golden Panthers return seven on offense, eight on defense to put them in the mix with a Frontier Division that also returns a bevy of its playmakers. Denver Francis and Nick Gailbraith (6-1, 250) return on the offensive line and defensive line with AJ Natale, Bildstein, Cirino, McCafferty, Gunner George and Chris Haffey returning to a defense that finished fifth in the league in yards allowed per game (267.3) and sixth in points per game (24).
How Sweet it Is
One of the more memorable photos from last season was Graver getting doused with water at the end of the Golden Panthers’ victory over Schuylkill Valley in Week 4. Yet, no moment could top last season’s 18-12 victory over Frontier Division champion Pottsgrove in Week 9. It stands as the first victory over the Falcons in school history. They meet again this season for the Falcons’ senior night to close out the regular season.
Let There be Light
The Golden Panthers will “host” Phoenixville at A.A. Garthwaite Stadium to close out September’s slate of games on September 28. The game is a part of “2017 Touchdowns Against Cancer,” which raises funds for St. Jude to fight childhood cancer with every touchdown scored.
By Sam Stewart; sstewart@pottsmerc.com
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