Mercury Football Preview: PJP hoping to carry success of unusual 2020 into this season
They’re looking to play a traditionally normal season … or a reasonably good facsimile.
The Pope John Paul II players had a highly unusual — even in a fall where “highly unusual” was sometimes referred to as the “new normal” — 2020 season. While the COVID-19 pandemic had them in off-and-on mode, individual incidents impacted their efforts to compete.
The Golden Panthers’ abbreviated 2020 season, which started the second week in October, was marked by several COVID-19 issues; among them, a cancellation of their Oct. 9 opener with Pottsgrove when head coach Rory Graver had a positive COVID-19 test. Another home game — their Nov. 7 Senior Recognition game with Cardinal O’Hara — was cancelled at last minute when visiting-team players came down with the virus.
“You deal with adversity in football as you do in life,” Graver said. “The coaching staff stepped up.”
Graver’s way of dealing with the self-quarantining he had to do, in the week leading up to PJP’s Oct. 16 game with Conwell-Egan, was to oversee the week’s practices and game virtually.
The off-field challenges offset the measure of success the Golden Panthers achieved in 2020. They went 3-0 in their significantly-abbreviated campaign, but weren’t able to get into the post-season even with an eye-catching 34-22 win over Perkiomen Valley, which finished second in the Pioneer Athletic Conference.
“We would have had a chance to qualify, and take our shots from there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in the cards.”
“Three games got experience for younger guys. We’re taking that into this year.”
Pick up The Mercury’s Thursday (Aug. 26) edition for the 2021 High School Football Preview
The dysfunction of 2020 is remembered by PJP’s senior leadership, which is charged with directing one of the program’s bigger rosters (65-70 players) through the comeback 2021 campaign. They had a hand in creating the team shirts with one simple message, “BELIEVE,” stamped on the back.
“Motivate the athletes for the season,” said Steele DePetrillo, senior a running back/linebacker. “Take nothing for granted.”
“Make sure everybody stays consistent,” Josh Little, a running back/safety, added.
Other Class of 2022 leaders are Jacob Dobrowolski, who is in the mix at offensive guard and defensive end; and D.J. Clarke, who’s figuring prominently at quarterback and defensive back. Clarke is firmly invested in the “BELIEVE” mantra.
“We have to remind ourselves we can win and take over,” Clarke said. “Last year was tough on the seniors. We need to embrace the opportunity … embrace and enjoy every minute.”
Read the Norristown football team preview here
A number of underclassmen are being looked at to mesh with the seniors in a cohesive unit. From the junior class are Kese Williams (wide receiver), Brendan Kenning (tight end), multi-versatile (running back/wide receiver/strong safety/linebacker) Derek Skarbek and Nyzer Lake (offensive guard/defensive tackle). From the Class of 2024 is Keith Dunston (offensive guard/defensive tackle).
“We want to be the best we can,” Clarke said.
“Take the team as far as we can,” Little offered as a goal for the season.
It all starts Friday (Aug. 27) when the Panthers face off against Archbishop John Carroll at the Conshohocken “A” Field. That’s the immediate, and prominent, season goal in Granger’s mind.
“Want to beat Archbishop Carroll in first game. That’s all we’re focusing on now.”
“It’s exciting to get ready and get games,” Clarke added.
