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JCA @ St Rita

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Kevin JCHS 81

All-Conference
Jul 16, 2005
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While we are waiting for the Varsity show at 7:30, any Soph game updates would be appreciated.

I'm planning on streaming the Montini Frosh & maybe the Sophs while I wait for the 7:30 WJOL stream.
 
E

Eringobragh

Sophomore
Oct 22, 2002
152
164
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I thought JC had one of the best, if not the best freshman class in the state last year? We’re there some transfers or have most of their ringers been promoted to varsity?
 
S

SUNDOWN

Junior
Jun 29, 2001
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Eringobragh said:
I thought JC had one of the best, if not the best freshman class in the state last year? We’re there some transfers or have most of their ringers been promoted to varsity?
Click to expand...

There are a bunch of sophomores on the varsity. It is still a very strong class at this point.
 
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RockSoup

All-Conference
Oct 1, 2009
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Very physical game. I’m telling you I love the way JCA plays football.

Couple quick scores early on by both teams. Pick six by playmaker Henry Wilson a little later. Stayed 17-7 for awhile as both team’s defenses came up with big stops.

Kaleb Brown broke free on a nice catch and run. Gaughan sealed the deal stepping in front of a quick slant and ran it back for a TD.

Both teams have to clean up some timing and crispness on the Offensive side. Great tackling on both sides. Milton, Gaughan played really well for Rita D. Liked watching 44 and 42 and Williams on JCA.

Maybe a case of 1st week Defenses being ahead of Offenses. But both teams should have decent seasons. Good opener, fun to watch and good luck to JCA the rest of the way. Would love to see this series continue but understand if it’s not renewed.
 
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Chicago312

Junior
Nov 29, 2015
653
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Should've been over sooner, 3 & 2 sack....no pound the ball twice. JCA endzone punt SR fumbled, play before missed Rita FG ....again pound the rock. Of course the pass game is welcomed, but those 3rd & short....c'mon. Would like to see Brown on jet sweeps, use him everywhere. Someone glad to be 1-0, rather than 0-1
 
tomloner reborn

tomloner reborn

All-Conference
Sep 21, 2004
1,989
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RockSoup said:
Very physical game. I’m telling you I love the way JCA plays football.

Couple quick scores early on by both teams. Pick six by playmaker Henry Wilson a little later. Stayed 17-7 for awhile as both team’s defenses came up with big stops.

Kaleb Brown broke free on a nice catch and run. Gaughan sealed the deal stepping in front of a quick slant and ran it back for a TD.

Both teams have to clean up some timing and crispness on the Offensive side. Great tackling on both sides. Milton, Gaughan played really well for Rita D. Liked watching 44 and 42 and Williams on JCA.

Maybe a case of 1st week Defenses being ahead of Offenses. But both teams should have decent seasons. Good opener, fun to watch and good luck to JCA the rest of the way. Would love to see this series continue but understand if it’s not renewed.
Click to expand...
Great recap Rock. St. Rita got caught overplaying the run on JCA’s first play from scrimmage and JCA completed the 63 yard pass for the score. But the papers report that they held Kenyetta Williams to 22 yards rushing and 22 yards in pass receptions. Looked like the off season goal was to stop in inside running game. No scoring in 2nd and 3rd quarters I think was a tribute to both defenses having the whole off season to prepare for this game. Agree with timing issues in the offensive backfield. Sat behind Kaleb Brown family and friends during the first half. They had a great night. Student section already cheering to give it KB. Todd’s biggest problem will be spreading the ball around. Lot of tools on the offensive side of the ball. Defense should be bolstered next week with a 6'6" 250 DE who transferred from Ocala, FL. He was out with a concussion and should see some playing time next week. St. Rita now has three very tough road games in a row against Richards, Loyola and Montini.

JCA is a good football team that will get better as the season goes along. Now we are into the season and teams will only have 6 days to prepare for their running game. Come playoff time they will be a tough match up. Would love to see this series continue but have to see if District Football comes to pass. Like to see MC, BR and/or Marist on the schedule. Good luck to JCA the rest of the season.
 
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Penlight

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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Congratulations to Mustang Nation on solid start to the season and good luck the rest of the way. The experience gained in the 2018 Prep Bowl run showed.

Kaleb Brown's budding skills are special; he is a threat to go all the way in any situation --- enjoy him for these next few years!

After an electric first start, the Hilltoppers first play TD seemed to temper the energy. Holding St. Rita to a FG to make it just 10-7 was a bit of a moral victory for the Hilltoppers. That was reversed when the first Pick-6 got the St. Rita mojo back and controlled the line the rest of the way.

The Mustangs did let the Hilltoppers hang around, and when it tightened to 17-14 early in the Q4, I thought the young guys might pull it out, but Kaleb Brown refused to go down and after the 4th would be tackler bounced off of him, he was gone for along TD. That pretty much sealed it.

The final Pick-6 from the Hilltopper goal line was the exclamation point.

I think most in the Hilltopper camp are not surprised that a team returning just 5 starters and that was starting only 8 seniors and 4 Sophomores (+ several other Soph contributors) struggled to go toe-to-toe with an experienced team like the Mustangs in week one. That said, the Hilltoppers Defensive speed and ability to cover will only improve and the offense is going to take time to gel.

It looks like 5A will be stacked, but I would expect that depending on the draws, both of these teams are still playing in mid-November --- heck maybe they will face-off again.
 
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pjjp

All-Conference
Aug 26, 2001
5,670
2,935
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I saw K Brown last year on the Frosh level. He's really taken a big step up physically. He's noticeably bigger and runs hard. He's not just a speed guy. Scary to think how good he will be in a few years. I also liked Rita's QB. He made numerous big plays in key situations and is a running threat. Henry Wilson was cramping and was banged up, but he's a definite threat as well. Previous comments nailed it. Rita dominated the LOS.

I was impressed with JCA's young defense. They've got more speed than usual. They kept the Hilltoppers in the game. I'll be interested to see what Jaws does offensively. IMO, a decision needs to be at the QB position. Tough to rotate QB's. Jaws faces the classic coaching challenge. This team's talent does equate to the typical JCA offense. They are not going to just line up and pound it at teams with a big, dominating O-line. He's got some speed to work with....how will he tweak the offense to best take advantage of it?

Just watched the Frosh game. JCA won a hard fought 14-13 game. Both teams have some nice talent to work with.
 
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Wittymoniker1

All-Conference
Aug 6, 2007
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penlight said:
Congratulations to Mustang Nation on solid start to the season and good luck the rest of the way. The experience gained in the 2018 Prep Bowl run showed.

Kaleb Brown's budding skills are special; he is a threat to go all the way in any situation --- enjoy him for these next few years!

After an electric first start, the Hilltoppers first play TD seemed to temper the energy. Holding St. Rita to a FG to make it just 10-7 was a bit of a moral victory for the Hilltoppers. That was reversed when the first Pick-6 got the St. Rita mojo back and controlled the line the rest of the way.

The Mustangs did let the Hilltoppers hang around, and when it tightened to 17-14 early in the Q4, I thought the young guys might pull it out, but Kaleb Brown refused to go down and after the 4th would be tackler bounced off of him, he was gone for along TD. That pretty much sealed it.

The final Pick-6 from the Hilltopper goal line was the exclamation point.

I think most in the Hilltopper camp are not surprised that a team returning just 5 starters and that was starting only 8 seniors and 4 Sophomores (+ several other Soph contributors) struggled to go toe-to-toe with an experienced team like the Mustangs in week one. That said, the Hilltoppers Defensive speed and ability to cover will only improve and the offense is going to take time to gel.

It looks like 5A will be stacked, but I would expect that depending on the draws, both of these teams are still playing in mid-November --- heck maybe they will face-off again.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the recap, Penlight. I know you think SR has some skilled players at the "skilled" positions. You wrote that the Mustangs "controlled the line the rest of the way." Did they "control the line" against an inferior opponent last night (although I do not believe that) or Rita has some size and it looks like, overall, Rita had solid lines of scrimmages in which they can compete with most teams? Just curious.

I think Rita's strength will eventually be her explosiveness on offense. As Rocksoup mentioned, both teams will shape up on offense. I knew beforehand that Rita's strength on defense would be the quickness of the DB and LB's respectively. Now, hearing from you, it reads like the d-line was solid as well.
 
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Wittymoniker1

All-Conference
Aug 6, 2007
5,416
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pjjp said:
I saw K Brown last year on the Frosh level. He's really taken a big step up physically. He's noticeably bigger and runs hard. He's not just a speed guy. Scary to think how good he will be in a few years. I also liked Rita's QB. He made numerous big plays in key situations and is a running threat. Henry Wilson was cramping and was banged up, but he's a definite threat as well. Previous comments nailed it. Rita dominated the LOS.

I was impressed with JCA's young defense. They've got more speed than usual. They kept the Hilltoppers in the game. I'll be interested to see what Jaws does offensively. IMO, a decision needs to be at the QB position. Tough to rotate QB's. Jaws faces the classic coaching challenge. This team's talent does equate to the typical JCA offense. They are not going to just line up and pound it at teams with a big, dominating O-line. He's got some speed to work with....how will he tweak the offense to best take advantage of it?

Just watched the Frosh game. JCA won a hard fought 14-13 game. Both teams have some nice talent to work with.
Click to expand...

I asked Penlight this as well. Do you think Rita's D & O lines will compete well against most teams or were the Hilltoppers "weak" in those positions this year? I saw one highlight of Brown and it looks as though he does have some bulk as well. Scoring that first TD, he seemed to "glide" or cut without much effort to score.

To me, Henry Wilson can be a beast.
 
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Penlight

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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Witty, Rock and Mustang Nation,

IMHO,

On the Varsity level, physically I believe that the St. Rita lines can hold their own against any (xA-8A) opponent. They are good and will only improve. I would not call the young Hilltopper lines “weak” as much as inexperienced. Francis Ruetigger has these kids as physically “strong” as any team in the state, but growing into themselves and their own strength will only come with game experience and repetition; much like your Mustangs gained in last years Prep Bowl run.

Their challenge will be what every HS team faces: Sustaining the intensity and drive to avoid complacency. Though talent like Brown’s can hide a lot of of talent or execution gaps, I did not see that as the case. He has the potential to be a program’s once in a generation type of player.

Having now seen 3 levels of St. Rita football for two straight years (Varsity, Soph & Frosh), I believe they have the foundation to be CCL and State contenders for the next 2-3 years.

I saw St. Rita compete against my nephew’s CCL team in the Prep Bowl playoffs 3-4 years ago. The tough medicine is that though the Mustangs wore down a lesser opponent and rallied to win, I seemed to witness a talented team that appeared to be one that went through the motions more than one that was inspired. Not the case now.

After two years of bare-cupboard Hilltopper football and a will among the coaching staff and last year’s Senior leaders, catching lightning in a bottle and giving themselves and Hilltopper Nation an incredible ride, I am truly happy for your tradition rich and pride filled program. Things in both camps are on the upswing and the years ahead should be fun filled clashes whether in non-conference, conference or playoff matches.

Be proud in knowing that a number of Hilltopper players expressed that your boys were “good guys” who gave their all.

Best wishes for success, until only our teams paths cross again!
 
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RockSoup

All-Conference
Oct 1, 2009
3,192
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Per St. Rita Twitter, Congrats to St. Rita ‘12 DL Pat O’Connor on making Tampa Bay’s 53 man roster.

Great news for Pat and his family!
 
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pjjp

All-Conference
Aug 26, 2001
5,670
2,935
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USD24 said:
FWIW, the Hilltoppers ended up with over 200 yds of passing offense
Click to expand...
On a different note, you were right about the Frosh group. That's two strong classes in a row. Great to see.
 
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tomloner reborn

tomloner reborn

All-Conference
Sep 21, 2004
1,989
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RockSoup said:
Per St. Rita Twitter, Congrats to St. Rita ‘12 DL Pat O’Connor on making Tampa Bay’s 53 man roster.

Great news for Pat and his family!
Click to expand...
Pat O’Connor joins Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions. Retired coach Ray Bugal has to be smiling. In the last decade he had four DL players in the NFL. Pat O’Connor, Bruce Gaston, Darius Fleming, and Matt Conrath. During that time Punter Ryan Donahue and QB Mike Kafka also were playing. Not a bad 10-12 years.
 
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Wittymoniker1

All-Conference
Aug 6, 2007
5,416
1,817
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penlight said:
Witty, Rock and Mustang Nation,

IMHO,

On the Varsity level, physically I believe that the St. Rita lines can hold their own against any (xA-8A) opponent. They are good and will only improve. I would not call the young Hilltopper lines “weak” as much as inexperienced. Francis Ruetigger has these kids as physically “strong” as any team in the state, but growing into themselves and their own strength will only come with game experience and repetition; much like your Mustangs gained in last years Prep Bowl run.

Their challenge will be what every HS team faces: Sustaining the intensity and drive to avoid complacency. Though talent like Brown’s can hide a lot of of talent or execution gaps, I did not see that as the case. He has the potential to be a program’s once in a generation type of player.

Having now seen 3 levels of St. Rita football for two straight years (Varsity, Soph & Frosh), I believe they have the foundation to be CCL and State contenders for the next 2-3 years.

I saw St. Rita compete against my nephew’s CCL team in the Prep Bowl playoffs 3-4 years ago. The tough medicine is that though the Mustangs wore down a lesser opponent and rallied to win, I seemed to witness a talented team that appeared to be one that went through the motions more than one that was inspired. Not the case now.

After two years of bare-cupboard Hilltopper football and a will among the coaching staff and last year’s Senior leaders, catching lightning in a bottle and giving themselves and Hilltopper Nation an incredible ride, I am truly happy for your tradition rich and pride filled program. Things in both camps are on the upswing and the years ahead should be fun filled clashes whether in non-conference, conference or playoff matches.

Be proud in knowing that a number of Hilltopper players expressed that your boys were “good guys” who gave their all.

Best wishes for success, until only our teams paths cross again!
Click to expand...

Penlight,

I appreciate the information! Great insights here. Looking forward to a great year for both teams and good luck!
 
D

dweise

Junior
Nov 3, 2006
465
397
63
tomloner said:
Pat O’Connor joins Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions. Retired coach Ray Bugal has to be smiling. In the last decade he had four DL players in the NFL. Pat O’Connor, Bruce Gaston, Darius Fleming, and Matt Conrath. During that time Punter Ryan Donahue and QB Mike Kafka also were playing. Not a bad 10-12 years.
Click to expand...
I would've bet my bottom dollar that Wade Weyer would've made it to the NFL too. He was unbelievable at Rita.
 
U

USD24

All-American
May 29, 2001
5,498
5,327
113
dweise said:
I would've bet my bottom dollar that Wade Weyer would've made it to the NFL too. He was unbelievable at Rita.
Click to expand...
Really? He was a real good high school back, but not really a big time recruit. Rivals gave him 2 stars
 
S

septon34

Junior
Jul 12, 2012
1,164
248
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dweise said:
I would've bet my bottom dollar that Wade Weyer would've made it to the NFL too. He was unbelievable at Rita.
Click to expand...

No one predicted NFL. I thought he would go to an academy (Navy or Air Force) or MAC school and have a very successful college career, but it did not happen.

I was not around for Marek, but he was the best RB I saw at SR in my lifetime (41 years)
 
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