2007 Pre-Season Outlook
The Defensive End positions vacated by two year starters Rodney Meyers and Josh Leese are both up for grabs. Making the most notable push for those slots during the spring were seniors Devin Dwyer and Channing Harwood as well as juniors Wilhelm Tye and Anthony Pascuzzi. Pascuzzi saw some action last year-highlighted by a two sack performance versus Hillhouse. Travis Smith, who also saw some action last season, should also continue to see playing time at Nose Tackle behind returning starter Patterson. With the wealth of experience returning, as well as the inclusion of a talented sophomore class, competition for positions on the Falcon squad will likely be fierce. Look for many of the team's depth questions to be answered during the program's busy scrimmage schedule beginning on Sunday August, 26th versus Bloomfield High School. The other teams listed on the Falcon's pre-season schedule are: Southington, Berlin, Wilbur Cross, Crosby, Sheehan, and East Hartford. The Senior Class:
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In the wake of a respectable 6-4 campaign in '06 versus a challenging Southern Connecticut Conference schedule, the Xavier High School Falcons are eager to return to the gridiron. The off-season has been exceptionally productive and many players have taken advantage of the team's rigorous in school weightlifting program. They have improved themselves physically as well as mentally and have set their visions on the "State," "Conference," and "City" titles. This year's seniors are eager to test their mettle in week one versus perennial state contender Daniel Hand High School. Having experienced what it feels like to win a state title, and exhibiting the dedication to attain that level of play during the off-season, the Falcon corps is poised and ready to return to the ranks of the Connecticut elite in 2007.
This year the Falcons return a wealth of seasoned talent on the Offensive side of the ball. The lethal passing trio comprised of senior Quarterback Ryan Katon, and Wide Receivers Derek Williams (Sr.) and Shawn Holly (Jr.) are eager to improve on the success they experienced during the '06 campaign. Last year the Williams and Holly duo combined for 685 total receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Katon was also impressive, amassing a career high 50 completions for 789 yards and 10 touchdowns. Sure handed Receivers senior Alex Vess and junior Deandre Lawrence-who both saw limited action last year-look to contribute to the Offense's already potent aerial attack. Backing up Katon at the signal calling role will be senior Kevin Lenehan who threw for 224 yards and 1 touchdown during his two starts versus Amity and Shelton.
The Offensive Line will be anchored by returning starter Channing Harwood (Sr.) who will assume the vacancy left by the graduation of two year starter Chez Pace at the vital Center slot. Junior Kristopher Patterson (who saw some action last year at Guard) and seniors Devin Dwyer, Christopher Santapaola, Chris Conklin, Travis Smith, and Max Rocamora appear to be the likely contenders for the remaining rolls. Sophomore standout Hayden Stanton, who was impressive during spring drills, will likely make a legitimate push during camp for playing time.
It is expected that there will be a tough competition to decide who will line up as starting Tailback behind returning Fullback Daniel Hickey (Sr.). In the front leading the competition for the touted role are seniors William Allen (who started for the Falcons in week one last year but suffered a season ending injury during practice the following week) and Daniel Darragh. Also likely to make a legitimate push for the starting duties are talented new comer Running Backs Julian Hayes, John Galloway, and Jamir Bittle-James, who all showcased their promising skills during the spring.
On Defense the team has several vital positions to fill. The four retained starters: Patterson at Nose Tackle, Hickey at Linebacker, and Holly and Williams at Corner will be joined by any of several talented newcomers. The vacancy left at Free Safety by All-State and scholarship performer Alondre Rush has several likely heirs. Front runner seniors Daniel Darragh and Alex Vess both performed very well during the spring. Talented junior William Biestek, who also plays quarterback on the Offensive side of the ball, will likely make a legitimate push for playing time as well.
Perhaps the greenest squad on the defensive side of the ball is the Linebacker corps. Joining the lone returning starter Daniel Hickey will be any of a host of viable contenders. Speedy Junior Daniel McGrath, who was productive in limited action last season, is a front runner for one of the three inside positions. Other players vying for playing time inside are seniors Christopher Conklin and Chris Santapaola, junior Josh Meehl, and sophomores Julian Hayes, Alphonse Simeone, and Eric Schmidt. Competing on the perimeter for the two outside Linebacker roles are Senior William McGarragh (who started in two games last season), Deandre Lawrence, and sophomores John Galloway, and Connor Brownell.