The Friars Varsity Football team is coming off a very successful 2018 season having gone an impressive 7-1. Falling short of their ultimate goal with a crushing 26-25 loss to Cardinal Hayes in the semi-finals of the NYCHSFL playoffs. This loss signified the end of an era as legendary Coach Rich Reichert retired after 32 seasons. Taking the helm for the Friars is Coach Joseph Minucci. Coach Minucci is the current Athletic Director and a former NFL Player. Coach stated “he is ready to take the reigns and usher in a new era of Friar Football.”
In the eyes of the players, the transition from Coach Reichert to Coach Minucci has been seamless. Coach Minucci understands the difficulty of his new position as head coach as he is replacing one of the greatest coaches in Long Island history. Over Coach Reichert’s 32 seasons he compiled a record of 265-65-3 and 14 championships. Coach Minucci has previously stated that Reichert did a great job preparing him for this role. Senior Mario Escobar Jr said, “Coach Minucci’s efforts to prepare us on and off the field have been great. He has brought in many guest speakers to talk about the little things that need to be done to win a championship.”
This year’s team will have a brand new look losing many seniors including NYCHSFL MVP quarterback Greg Campisi who totaled over 2,100 yards in the air and almost 1,000 on the ground with an impressive 37 touchdowns. The Friars lost many key offensive weapons such as running back Kyle Angus, wide receivers Danny Parker and Makhai Murphy. On the defensive side, key losses included safety Nick Espada, defensive end Anthony Depaul and cornerback Makhai Murphy. Coach Minucci said, “It will be hard to replace the lost leadership” but he believes the team can do it. Coach also stated, “It will take time but these guys can do it, we just have to go one practice and one game at a time.”
This year’s team will be looking to seniors Robert McGee, Escobar Jr and Nick Alvarado to lead by example and continue the traditions of Friar football that has been passed down from previous players.
The expectations for the Friars are sky high as they feel they are the team to beat in 2019; led by an electric offense that features a dominant receiving duo, senior Greg Randall and Sr. Jaden Jernigan. Randall had 487 yards and 4 touchdowns and Jernigan had 158 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. Returning receivers Sr. Justin Houston and Sr. Mike Nasti will look to provide even more weapons as they add more depth to this years receiving team. The running game will be led by Escobar Jr. who will carry the load and provide the offense with a well balanced attack. Opening holes for Escobar will be Sr. Gavin Miller as he leads a solid offensive line. Taking over the QB position will be Mcgee. Mcgee stated, “Greg did a great job last season preparing me so I’m confident in my ability.”
The defensive unit will be led by cornerback Alvarado and linebacker Sr. Christian Taylor. Alvarado said, “I’m ready for this season, the goal is to bring a championship back to South Huntington right where it deserves to be and it all starts in practice.” Having gone through a rigorous offseason training program, Taylor said, “I’ve been constantly working this offseason to improve my game to take the next step.”
Even though this year’s schedule does not include long time rival Chaminade as they dropped down a division, the Friars have a tough challenge ahead as they open the season hosting Franklin High School from Maryland, winners of the 2018 MPSSAA 3A State Football Championship on September 7th. A tough road schedule including Delbarton at Metlife Stadium, division rivals Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop Stepinac and Iona prep will put them to the test as they embark on a new season to claim the 2019 CHSFL Championship Title.
The Friars’ are a team of tradition and being led by former players and coaches of one era will be very exciting to watch this team move seamlessly into another era of excellence. Next game vs. Delbarton at MetLife Stadium Saturday 9/14 11:00 am
By: Alex Rocco is a senior at St. Anthony’s High School, writing for his fourth year with the Friar Scoreboard. He plans to study Sports Communications in college and pursue a career in Sports Media. He is also a member of NHS, SALT, Friar Faithful, Special Needs Ministry and Franciscan Youth Ministry.
