Mercury Football Preview: After spring season, Norristown welcomes quick turnaround
It could arguably qualify as one of the shortest off-seasons a high school sports team has ever experienced.
When the Norristown Area School District chose to forego athletic competition in the 2020-21 school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, football was one of the programs shelved. But when the situation opened up later in the year, the decision was made to have football participate in a shortened spring campaign.
So less than four months after they completed their novel spring season, the Eagles are back on schedule — literally — to prepare for a traditional 2021-22 fall season.
“We had to prepare for the (spring) season one week, with no workouts before,” head coach Joe Milligan recalled. “March 8 was the first day of practice, and our first game was in two weeks (March 19).
Headed by a corps of 18 seniors, Norristown went 2-3 in United Ten North play against opponents like Cheltenham, Harry S. Truman, Interboro, Father Judge and Reading. It came out of the situation with one vital learning point for the fall.
“We were about five plays away from playing Chester for the title,” Milligan noted. “With the margin of loss, there were times we’d be up (score). The kids understand they have to keep the pedal to the metal.
“We came off the spring somewhat okay,” he said in anticipation of a traditional 10-game schedule this year.
Pick up The Mercury’s Thursday (Aug. 26) edition for the 2021 High School Football Preview
At the same time, the lesser amount of rest-and-regroup time between seasons is a consideration.
“We took a break.” Milligan said. “As a former track coach, I understand the body’s need to recover. We took a month off and focused on academics.”
Some of the players saw benefits in going through the spring football experience.
“It was better to go in a short season,” Kaden Cruz, a senior working at running back and middle linebacker, said. “It gave up the opportunity to get stronger.”
“We took the young kids under our wings,” Chris Carter, another senior multi-versatile at quarterback, running back and defensive end, added. “I did this as a junior. What it takes to be a varsity player … speed and mindset.
“Being more of a leader, that’s what we have to do.”
Read the Pope John Paul II football team preview here
With the large 2021 class going the graduation route, Norristown will be looking for considerable leadership from seniors like Jayden Randall, a two-way performer on the line at right guard and defensive tackle; and Rashad Triplett, who’s being looked to for big play at running back and strong safety.
“Losing 18 seniors, there are holes we have to fill,” Milligan said. “Battling it out at quarterback will be Carter and Robbie Miller. Johnny DiNolfi, a tight end, is a good athlete – a big kid. We’re hoping to have him play two ways.”
Veteran Eagles are fully invested in the idea of getting their younger teammates working in tandem with the upperclassmen.
“We’re starting the summer with younger players,” Randall noted. “We want to get closer, communicate on the field … take advantage of time to get better.”
“We’re balancing time, recharging our batteries,” Milligan added. “We want to get young guys in varsity experience. That will be beneficial and helpful.
“Sizewise, for 1-1/2 years we weren’t in the weight room. We have to be in shape. You can be as big as a house, but if you’re not in shape it can wear you down. Speed is the common characteristic.”
NORRISTOWN
Head Coach – Joseph Milligan
Top Returners
QB – Robert Miller, Jr.
RB/LB – Kaden Cruz, Sr.
RB/DB – Rashad Triplett, Sr.
WR/DB – Nate Robinson, Jr.
WR/ DB – Julian Arthur, Jr.
RB/DE – Chris Carter, Sr.
TE/DE – John DiNolfi, Sr.
OL/DL – Martice Williams, Sr.
