Paramus Catholic is a no-name no more. The New Jersey squad has emerged and this season it has aspirations of another state title and maybe even a national title.
Photo by Vincent Carchietta
The story of the 2012
Paramus Catholic (N.J.) state title run seems like it began in February, when reigning
National Sophomore of the Year Jabrill Peppers transferred into the school from traditional power Don Bosco Prep.
However, the story really began when head coach Chris Partridge, a Paramus Catholic graduate, took over the helm of a program that had taken a back seat to the likes of Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter's Prep and St. Joseph Regional.
Jabrill Peppers
Photo by Vincent Carchietta
Now, entering the 2013 season, Partridge's program is on the cusp of a special run that could have it in the mix for a No. 1 finish nationally.
Naturally, Peppers, perhaps the nation's most exciting football player, will be the team's leader on both sides of the ball. He'll line up almost everywhere on offense, and will roam the secondary on defense.
See the entire Preseason Xcellent 25Unheralded quarterback
Steve Shanley returns behind center. He has familiar targets
Najee Clayton and
Tyrone Washington back on the outside, while running back
Keyon Washington also returns.
Juwann Bushell-Beatty, who like Peppers is a Michigan commit, leads the offensive line.
The defense has some holes to fill, but linemen
Nick Flores and
Terrance Harris are key returners.
With a challenging schedule both in-state and out-of-state, it's clear that Paramus Catholic is making a play for a potential national championship.
See the entire Paramus Catholic photo galleryLocal look: "Paramus Catholic was always an afterthought in the world of big-time New Jersey football, but after winning its first Non-Public Group 4 state title last season, the Paladins are now the first thought. Everyone knows Peppers, but this is a team with talent on both sides of the ball and a motivated coach, and still plays with a chip on their shoulder after being down for so long."
- Darren Cooper, The Bergen Record (@VarsityAces)
