Paul VI Varsity Football Preview

Players to watch: Paul VI must replace all-conference first-team quarterback Alec Vignola, but whoever wins the job will have one of the top wide receivers in the state as his primary target. Irvin Charles is a highly recruited, 6-foot-4, 210-pound senior with offers from Alabama and Ohio State, among others. Last year he had 49 catches for 848 yards and 11 touchdowns, and he also ran for two TDs on his way to all-state third-team honors. The Eagles also return a pair of dangerous junior running backs in Lonnie Moore (458 rushing yards, nine total TDs) and Stefon Moore-Green (260 rushing yards, eight total TDs). Other returners on offense are senior running back Matt McKeown (three TDs), senior wide receiver Alex Toplyn (three TDs) and junior running backs Gavin Sentak and Chris Randle. In addition to QB, the Eagles have holes to fill on the offensive line after losing several key players. Defensively, the secondary is strong with all-conference first-teamer Toplyn and all-conference second-teamer McKeown. Other potential impact players on defense are juniors James Weathers, Michael Johnson and John Santini and sophomore Elvis Hines. The kicking game is also strong with Sentak, an all-conference second-teamer.

Outlook: Paul VI posted a 7-3 record and lost in the first round of the Non-Public Group IV playoffs last fall. With several offensive weapons returning, led by Charles, they should remain one of the top teams in the WJFL Constitution Division.