Class 3A Preview Neumann-Goretti @ Scranton Prep

Tagged under: District 12, District 2, News, Playoffs

PFN Staff | November 15, 2022

These 2 two storied programs are used to meeting each other on the hardwood, on Friday they will meet under the lights of Pen-fed field. They have also been known staples in their respective districts. Neumann-Goretti out of district 12 in Philadelphia has won five districts title since the school’s merger in 2004. While Scranton Prep out of district 2 has won 6 district titles since 2004.

Now a little about both teams.

Neumann-Goretti (7-3)

The Saints punched their way into the state playoffs last week with a dominating 52-0 victory over Kipp DuBois Collegiate Academy. The Saints love the score, on the season they averaged 28.5 points a game led by the duo of QB Mekhi Wharton and WR Denim smith. Warton a 6,5 220lbs gunslinger has looked Sharp all year long and has used his big arm to sling the ball around the field. His Favorite receiver Denim Smith has played great all season and his speed has really been his x factor. Smith has emerged as a deep ball threat and a red zone threat all year long for the Saints. Where the Saints really shine is on defense, The Saints are only giving up 9 points a game this season and have posted 5 shutouts. Those statistics are large in part to the four division 1 guys the Saints have on defense. Sam Hobbs is the team’s leading tackler on defense and has an offer from Syracuse, Deshon Dotson a 6-5 270lbs DE has offers from Penn State, Miami, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M just to name a few. Daniel Adefolarin plays the other edge spot he stands at 6-4 225 lbs and is only a sophomore and has an offer from Temple, but you can’t mention defense without bringing up Shawn Battle. Battle is the number 1 DB in Pennsylvania and top 50 in the country, Battle is committed to Boston College but has also held offers from Penn State, Oregon, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and Texas A&M just to name a few.

Scranton Prep (9-3)

Scranton Prep punched its way into the state bracket with a 28-14 win over Western Wayne. Some might call the win an upset by the Cavilers, but from week 5 to week 12 they were arguably the hottest team in district 2. The Cavilers’ faith changed in a week 5 upset road win against Delaware Valley when coach Gallagher turned to Sophomore QB Louis Paris. Paris has given the Caviliers a duel-threat look under center and has thrown for 827 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing for 827 yards and 16 touchdowns. Losing star RB and Penn State commit London Montgomery hurt this season, but Quenten Palemro did a very good job filling those shoes. He has rushed for 1,106 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. On defense, the Cavilers have been very good, especially in the secondary. The Cavilers are only giving up 13 points a game this season and that’s cause of the duo of Andrew Summa and Liam Barrett in the secondary. Barett has been the Caviler’s best coverage corner and had great speed and has the ability to win 50/50 balls, Barett has 5 interceptions on the season. Andrew Summa has been a hidden hero for the Cavilers this season and has made big plays week in and week out. Summa has emerged as a ballhawk in that secondary and his size and speed have been his x-factor. He has recorded a league-high seven interceptions.

Fun Facts:

Neumann-Goretti is (0-1) all-time against district 2 teams, 2014 Dunmore 30, Neumann-Goretti 18

Despite making the state playoffs 3 of the last 5 years Preps last state playoff win was in 2017, Scranton Prep 31, Loyalsock Township 28.

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