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Roman Set For New Challenge
The 2007 Catholic League Red champions set sights on new season
by Marcus Wright
8/20/08
 River Field, Philadelphia, PA – Take a trip back in time to December 1st, 2007: Roman Catholic pulled off a remarkable victory over St. Joe’s Prep to win the final Catholic League Red championship. Fast forward to August of 2008 however, and one is reminded of how much our society is dominated by the, “What have you done for me lately” mentality.
“Everything I’ve been hearing, we’re flying under the radar,” Roman Catholic coach Joe McCourt said after practice Tuesday afternoon on a 90 degree day at River Field. And thus, the title defense – or whatever one would like to call it now that the Catholic League has restructured – is officially on.
What you may have heard is true – Roman Catholic did lose a lot of seniors from last year’s championship team. Other teams in the Catholic League are getting more hype and attention, such as their AAAA division mates St. Joe’s Prep and Cardinal O’ Hara. But when the smoke clears on this upcoming 2008 season, will people look back and say that they should have paid more attention to, you know, the team that actually won it all last year?
One big factor in this is the arm and leadership of new starting quarterback, junior Kevin Regan. Taking over the reigns of a championship team can wilt a player that’s not up to the task. Under center in practice, however, Regan looked confident as the lead playcaller. “We have to do what [it takes] to come back and win a championship,” Regan said after practice. He feels that the team is just about where it needs to be. “We’re almost there. Just a little bit more timing; a little bit more work and we’re there.”
To complement Regan, coach McCourt says that the Cahillites will try to establish a strong running game like they did last year, and a lot of that will depend on starting senior back Kasseim Everett (who also doubles as a free safety). Already committed to Delaware, Everett looked very quick in practice; he has the ability to change direction in a snap and should be able to explode for big runs if he can get past initial contact in the trenches.
The biggest question heading into the season appear to line up on the outside. “We’re young and inexperienced at the skill positions,” McCourt said. “Our main goal [before the season starts] is to make sure we’re ready to go on the outside at the cornerback and wide receiver positions.”
Running a focused but fair practice, McCourt knows that his team will have to work hard to prove any naysayers wrong. “It’s going to take some time for the team chemistry to come into play,” McCourt said. “But I think once that happens, we’ll be a [very] good football team.”
Only time will tell. Let the championship defense begin.
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