Southeast Pa. Players to Watch

Ches-Mont League

Avon Grove

Kevin Francis, RB >> The senior has been a starter since he was a sophomore fullback, and is now a seasoned running back. “We have more effort and more attitude now,” Francis said. “So in games we are going to just keep fighting, finishing our blocks and making sure we complete our assignments.”

Tyler Boyd, DB >> The lone returning starter in the secondary, Boyd is the unquestioned leader of the defense. He is also the Devils’ top receiving threat and the squad’s top kick and punt returner.

 

Bishop Shanahan

Dan DiBeneditto, quarterback >> The role of Eagles’ senior signal caller comes to the dual threat DiBeneditto who looks primed for a big season.

Dan Bathon, defensive back >> Besides being a prime target for DiBeneditto’s passes, Bathon is the top coverage man in the Eagles secondary.

 

Coatesville

Ricky Ortega, quarterback >> The Red Raider quarterback has great arm and is a duel threat of throwing and running the football.

Avery Young, defensive back >> Young nabbed five interceptions last season and is a Rutgers University recruit.

 

Downingtown East

Bryce Lauletta, quarterback >> Lauletta threw for over 1,300 yards and had 17 touchdown passes last season as a junior.

Connor Munnelly, defensive line >> Munnelly is a take-no-prisoners lineman in the true Downingtown tradition. He is a big time run stopper.

 

Downingtown West

Kyle Geiser, quarterback >> Geiser is a two year starter and he has a big frame and a lively arm. He is very capable of thrown the deep ball.

T.J. Simmons, running back/linebacker >> Simmons will team with Josh Willenbrock in the West backfield but he is one of the leaders of the Whippet defense and a very hard hitter.

 

Great Valley

Alex Crouse, running back >> Running the football is important in the Patriots’ spread offense, and Crouse will be a key cog, especially as Great Valley grooms a new quarterback. He is not big (5-7, 175) but Crouse is quick and will surprise opponents with his strength.

Xander Utecht, lineman >> An All-League and All-Area first teamer, Utecht may be the top two-way interior lineman in the Ches-Mont. He has been a starter since 2014, is physically imposing, and is a master of technique and leverage.

 

Kennett

Jake Dilcher, quarterback >> Just 5-11, 160-pounds, Dilcher may be the most productive player in the area pound-for-pound. The senior has been a run-pass threat at quarterback since he was a sophomore starter.

Lonnie Hall, defensive line >> The Demons have had trouble finding the size and strength to match Ches-Mont opponents in the trenches, but a guy like Hall could change that. A two-way starter, Hall is a solid 226-pounds and, along with teammate Nate Pizzini, Kennett is better equipped to clog up the middle.

 

Octorara

Trent Pawling, QB >> “Trent Pawling loves to compete and he is big play threat because he can both run and pass the football<” said Coach Jedd King. “3 years starting at QB he has been in many types of games and this experience will payoff this year on Fridays!

Joe Meyer, LB >> “Joe Meyer is a hard working relentless player on the practice field. He is also the smartest player on the team.” said Coach Jedd King. “He studies the game as if he has a test every week on Friday night! He understand how to read the opposing offensive line play better than anyone on the field and this will put him in position to make a lot of big plays on our defense.”

 

Oxford

Chandler England, quarterback >> Last season, England was 122 of 195 for 1,548 yards with eight touchdown passes and two interceptions. He will have Brandon Holz to carry the load in the backfield, but will need to pass well enough to keep defenses honest.

Julian Nadachowski, linebacker >> The versatile Nadachoski will anchor the Hornet linebacking corps while also lining up at fullback and tight end on offense.

 

Sun Valley

Shane Luedtke >> Luedtke is an intimidating presence who will anchor both sides of the line.
“We have a lot better turnout than last year. Even before camp began, the turnout was better than expected. Guys just come out to play,” he said. “I definitely think our O-line can be a strength. We have a lot of good running backs behind us, so that helps, too.”

James Gines >> While Gines is probably more valuable on defense, he is a big target in the receiving game. Four of his 11 receptions last season resulted in touchdowns. Gines also is a tremendous blocking tight end. Last year, Gines earned rave reviews from former coach Ray Gionta, and is the type of player Greg Bernhardt will lean on for leadership and performance on the field.
“It’s up to all of us seniors,” he said. ‘We’ve all be together for the last four years, so I feel like we all should be able to lead. The coaches have put a lot of responsibility on me, but I like to think it’s all of the seniors who are in charge.”

Unionville

J.T. Hower, receiver >> One of the more dangerous playmakers in the area, Hower is a weapon opposing defenses are going to need to account for. “We aren’t picked to win every game, so we want to remind everybody that we are still the best around here,” Hower said.

Joe Zubillaga, DB/LB >> One of the best two-way players in the Ches-Mont, Zubillaga’s versatility is impressive, and Unionville has plans to use him all over the field. He is a force as a strong safety, but could be an excellent outside linebacker. And offensively, he can play just about any skilled position.

 

West Chester East

Michael Gray, Jr., WR >> Gray caught 12 passes for 170 yards and four touchdowns last year and should see his touches go up as the primary target in an offense that will still try to throw it around.

Chuck Jacobs, Sr., DT >> With inexperience behind him, Jacobs will be relied upon to cause chaos in the backfield.

West Chester Henderson

Kavond Jones, Sr., RB >> Jones did not get many touches as a junior, carrying it just a dozen times. He showed glimpses of his potential in that short sample, scoring touchdowns on runs of 70 and 53.

Pat Keegan, Sr., LB >> A face-off guy for the lacrosse team, Keegan brings that scrappy grit with him to the linebacking corps. He gives Henderson experience and athleticism at a key spot in the unit.

West Chester Rustin

Nick Benoit, Sr., RB >> An ankle fracture forced Benoit out much of his junior season, so he’ll be anxious to make up for lost time. With good speed, Benoit should benefit from Rustin’s off-tackle attack.

JT Aloisio, Sr., OLB >> An experienced two-way starter that adds toughness and athleticism to the edge of the Rustin defense that will face some very good backs this fall.

 

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