KEITH GROLLER'S Prediction change: Saint Joseph by the Sea will provide stormy seas for Pius X

FROM KEITH GROLLER

Talked to Mike Stambaugh earlier today. He's the father of Pius X head coach Phil Stambaugh and the husband of Pius X athletic director Connie Stambaugh.

He filled me in on Saint Joseph by the Sea of Staten Island and evidently this is a much stronger program than the name would imply.

This is a strong program ranked among the top teams in New York. Stambaugh said one of their kids from last year is now at UConn.

This team is likely going to give Pius X fits and the Royals definitely had their share of defensive problems against Pottstown last week. The Vikings run a complex double-wing offense that will be difficult for the Royals to defend.

So, I am changing my prediction on this one to Saint Joseph by the Sea 35, Pius X 14 and I am trusting that Stambaugh, who runs a Rita's in Orefield, didn't give me a snow job on this one.

I will be pulling for the Royals, but believe this young team will fall to 0-2. I said to Stambaugh: "Who put this brutal schedule together?" implying that whoever did should have his head examined. Mike said, "I did." Oops.

Here's a brief synopsis of Saint Joseph's from the Staten Island Advance website:


OFFENSE
QB Matt Bowers (6-0, 180 Jr.)/Mike Scacco (6-2, 180, Sr.)

RB Chris Murphy (6-0, 175, Sr.)

RB John Diaz (5-7, 180, Jr.)/Anthony Scotto (5-9, 180, Sr.)

RB Mike Petrino (5-9, 175, Jr.)

TE Doug Heins (5-8, 185, Sr.)/James Banks (5-9, 175, Jr.)

TE Joseph Rodriguez (5-9, 185, Jr.)/Chris Bartoloni (6-1, 215, Sr.)

LT Robert Minlionica (5-10, 230, Sr.)

LG John Monti (5-8, 210, Sr.)/Joe Cestaro (5-11, 220, Jr.)

C Francesco Totino (5-11, 240, Sr.)

RG Adam Vischio (5-8, 200, Sr.)

RT Connor McGee (6-3, 230, Sr.)

K Danny Morrow (6-0, 200, Sr.)

PLAYERS TO WATCH

The Vikings, who rushed for 3,387 yards and 38 TDs on 520 carries in 2009, will once again rely heavily on their run-dominated double-wing offense and senior Chris Murphy will see his share of carries. Murphy was behind Advance All Stars Lyle McCombs and Andrew Armato on the depth chart last season, but he still gained 391 yards on 45 carries for an 8.7 average with four rushing touchdowns (six overall). “He’s an explosive runner and (by the time the season’s over), he could be one of the premier running backs we’ve ever had here,” said Manos. “He’s got all the tools and he’s ready to go. We won’t miss a beat with him (running the ball).” Manos believes the Vikings have great depth in the backfield, and expects Scacco and Diaz to contribute as well. “We’ve got more guys (to help run our offense) than ever before,” the coach said.

2010 OUTLOOK

The Vikings, who won six consecutive games to start 2009 before losing two of their final three games (including a 40-29 CHSFL AAA quarterfinal loss to Iona Prep), lost 19 starters. Nonetheless, Manos plans to fill the spots and go about business as usual. “Every time we step on the field, we’ll be smart and prepared to do what we do,” the ninth-year coach said. “We have a good group of kids that want to get better every time out, but we have to stay healthy and prepare for November football.”

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