2022 PA High School Football Recaps: Allentown Central Catholic
In this article:
In today’s 2022 season recap, we take a look at the Allentown Central Catholic Vikings. The Vikings this season went 9-6 including 4-5 in East Penn Conference play. It was a second straight nine-win season for the Vikings after going…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn today’s 2022 season recap, we take a look at the Allentown Central Catholic Vikings.
The Vikings this season went 9-6 including 4-5 in East Penn Conference play. It was a second straight nine-win season for the Vikings after going 9-4 in 2021. It was a strong season for the Vikings despite losing key pieces from last year’s team including the likes of Lavon Johnson and Peyton Elliott.
The Vikings started their 2022 season off with a 34-28 win over Liberty and won three of their first four games only falling to Emmaus 12-7 in early September. They would go through a rough patch starting at the end of September with a 32-14 loss to Freedom losing three of four including losses to Nazareth and Whitehall. They would recover, however, winning three of their last four heading into the playoffs. Their playoff run started with an exciting 38-31 win over Jersey Shore before crushing Meadville 50-7. Their season would come to an end in December, falling to Aliquippa 31-10.
Results:
8/27: 34-28 win over Liberty
9/2: 12-7 loss to Emmaus
9/10: 27-7 win over Easton
9/16: 21-14 win over Parkland
9/24: 32-14 loss to Freedom
10/1: 42-0 win over Louis E. Dieruff
10/8: 42-14 loss to Nazareth
10/14: 37-6 loss to Whitehall
10/20: 35-0 win over Pocono Mountain East
10/28: 14-13 OT loss to Bethlehem Catholic
11/4: 42-7 win over Bangor
11/12: 14-3 win over Bethlehem Catholic
11/18: 38-31 win over Jersey Shore (playoffs)
11/25: 50-7 win over Meadville (playoffs)
12/2: 31-10 loss to Aliquippa (playoffs)
Total points scored: 377
Total points allowed: 296
Average score: 25.1 – 19.7
Notable players:
One of the better defensive tackles across the state, Battles is a key piece of ACC’s defensive line and their success defensively. As a sophomore, he collecetd 85 tackles, six tackles for a loss, four sacks, two interceptions, and one pass breakup. While he doesn’t have the greatest straight line speed, Battles is quite athletic considering his 300-pound frame. Shows the ability to be strong in the pass rush and against the run, great knack for getting his hands up as well to knock balls down at the line of scrimmage.
The 2024 defensive back had a very strong season with 85 tackles as well as five interceptions. Shows the ability to play both zone and man coverage, good play recognition and ball skills.
Calhoun was the Vikings’ top play maker offensively this season with 88 receptions for 772 yards and four touchdowns. He shows quality size, speed, and agility while being able to impact the game in a variety of manners whether it’s on offense or special teams. Has reported 4.6 speed which matches up with the tape and is a good route runner with the ability to get consistent separation.
McDonald is an offensive tackle with truly elite size at a reported 6-foot-8. His athleticism for being that size is pretty solid, can be improved but ina college strnegth and conditioning program there’s a chance for that to definetely improve. Shows quality fundamentals and good bend that allows him to block defenders who may try to go low on him in hopes of beating him.
Highlights
What to expect in 2023:
Allentown Central Catholic in 2023 should once again be one of the better teams in the East Penn Conference and District 11. They bring back a talented roster on both sides of the ball with some premier playmakers that should make them a threat for another District 11 tittle and a potential dark horse in the state title race.