Southeast Pa. Players to Watch

Bicentennial Athletic League

Bristol

Eric Bell >> Bell isn’t the biggest back around and was listed at 5-6, 144 on last year’s roster sheet, but he ran for over 1,000 yards and has a nose for the end zone. Bell has speed and adept at reading his blocks before bursting up field.

Danny Collins >> A defensive end who also is a very good blocker, Collins has excellent size at 6-1 and 270 pounds. “Danny is a very strong kid,” said Greiner of one of his returning All-BAL players. “He’s a very good player and just a great kid.”

Delco Christian

Luke Gutowski >> Whether he morphed into a quarterback or not, Gutowski was going to be the beneficiary of most of the Knights’ carries. He has the physicality to gain yards between the tackles, but being under center allows him to pose a threat on the edge with bootlegs that get the defense moving laterally and opens space for everyone. Plus, the Knights multi-option system works best with a savvy QB who can misdirect the defense. Gutowski appears to possess that degree of know-how.

Jalen Mitchell >> The senior cuts a more imposing figure than the 5-8, 150 pounds he’s listed at. While he could be the workhorse back on offense, he’ll also bring a much needed toughness and veteran presence to the defensive backfield as a linebacker/strong safety to pack the box against run-heavy attacks. Mitchell’s quickness closing in on ball-carriers will be immensely valuable.

Jenkintown

Albert Koniers >> At first glance, 5-foot-3, 165 pound Albert Koniers doesn’t look like a football player. As a freshman, he cracked the lineup, playing defensive back and a little bit as a receiver/running back on offense. With a big need in the backfield, Koniers should see a heavily increased load this fall as one of few experienced players coming back. He’s tough and gritty, so don’t be taken aback by his size.

Riley Smith >> Jenkintown teams tend to get the most out of the players making up the roster. Smith is a classic example of that, while not the fastest or most athletic on the field, he makes up for it with effort and awareness. Drakes linebackers play a key role, especially in a run-heavy Bicentennial Athletic League.

Lower Moreland

Matt Stefurak, senior running back >> The team’s leading rusher last year, Stefurak might see his total touches go down this fall, but if all goes to plan offensively, his numbers should spike up as a result. A relentless competitor in football and on the wrestling mat, the senior never quit or complained through a tough junior season. With Lower Moreland looking to open things up, plan on Stefurak getting involved in more ways than just pounding the ball up the middle.

Frankie Rosario, senior linebacker >> Like most of the LM players, Rosario is a little undersized for his spot, but he makes up for it in pure strength and determination. Beck cited his impressive weight room numbers and his desire to be a much bigger piece of the puzzle on both sides. Slotting in as an outside linebacker, where his agility will be best used, expect Rosario to play a strong complement to Matt Stefurak.

Morrisville

Felix Felicano >> The junior 5-10, 195-pound quarterback junior threw for 962 yards last season and has a good understanding of the offense. “He comes into camp as the star and we expect him to improve,” said Savage. “He has shown a tremendous amount of growth and maturity.”

Brian Strother >> The 6-0, 190-pound sophomore is a force and will help anchor the defense as an end. “Brian was a surprise last season and really came on towards the end,” said Savage. “Brian has a tremendous work ethic, and most importantly a love and passion for the game.”

 

New Hope-Solebury

Morgan Shadle >> “Morgan has been in our program for three years and runs really good routes,” said DiTulio. “I can put him in any receiver position. He’s got great hands. He has pretty decent size, a solid 175 (pounds). I can put him in the backfield because he used to play fullback and running back. I want to utilize him the best way we can and the only way to do that is to move him around so (defenders) can’t key in on him all the time at one particular position.”

John Mangan >> “John really stepped up for us last year as a sophomore,” said DiTulio. “He’s a tough, physical guy and I think up front, he’s going to cause a lot of problems for the other team, especially in the league.

 

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