MMHSAA: Players to watch in 2024 from A Division
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The Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association is comprised of Catholic Schools in the Western New York Area. There are two divisions, with three schools in each. Today, I will focus on players to watch from the A Division: St.…
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Continue ReadingThe Monsignor Martin High School Athletic Association is comprised of Catholic Schools in the Western New York Area. There are two divisions, with three schools in each. Today, I will focus on players to watch from the A Division: St. Francis, Canisius High School and St. Joseph Collegiate Institute.
On a team loaded with Seniors, the St. Francis Red Raiders captured their third straight A Division Championship with Junior Quarterback, Landon Welka Landon Welka 5’11” | 155 lbs | ATH St. Francis | 2025 NY at the helm. In his first year on Varsity, Welka threw for 1,266 yards and 13 TDs. He also showed his mobile ability by running the ball 60 times for 221 yards and another 5 touchdowns, including 2 in the Division Championship game. On top of his mobility, Landon showed great poise in the pocket and impeccable timing with his Wide Receivers. Landon Welka Landon Welka 5’11” | 155 lbs | ATH St. Francis | 2025 NY posses that “Internal Clock” that is needed from successful Quarterbacks to reduce the risk of sacks and turnovers. Welka will look to bring St. Francis their 4th straight A Division title in his Senior year.
Jimmy Valentine Jimmy Valentine RB St. Francis | 2026 NY is an interesting prospect going into his Junior Year. In 10 games as a Sophomore, Valentine worked behind workhorse Running Back, Terrance Pendergrass (1,443 All Purpose Yards and 21 TDs in 2023). Pendergrass is graduating this year, leaving the door open for Valentine to command the Red Raiders backfield for the next two seasons. In a complimentary role this past year, he carried the ball 52 times for 264 yards (5.1 avg) and 2 TDs. Jimmy also added 14 tackles (4 for loss) as a reserve Linebacker. Valentine is a quick and shifty runner with a low center of gravity that gives him great balance. He also posses power and an explosiveness through the offensive line when a hole opens. I am intrigued to see how this young man progresses in his Junior year.
Measured at 6’4 290 lbs, Enright plays with an aggression that was pivotal to the Canisius running game that ran for 2.631 yards and 31 TDs in 2023. Patrick blocks to the whistle on every play and has the awareness to reach the second level. He also has a wicked kick step that is needed for pass protection. He has experience playing Guard and Tackle on the Offensive Line and can be put on the left side or right. As a defensive tackle, in his 2 seasons on Varsity, Enright had 48 tackles (5 for loss) but his power and size demanded many teams to double team him. Patrick Enright Patrick Enright 6’5″ | 290 lbs | OL Canisius | 2025 State NY will be a highly sought after Offensive Lineman in 2024.
Highlights
Darryl Smith
Darryl Smith
Coming to Canisius as a transfer in 2023, Darryl Smith made his presence known immediately. He is a tough defender, racking up 34 tackles as a Cornerback. He also showed great coverage skills in Man-to-Man as well as Zone as he led the Crusaders with 3 INTs and 9 Pass Defensed. Smith displays fluid hips and could run with any Wide Receiver that lined up across from him. He is also a fantastic open field tackler and could defend the run very well, a skill that is often over looked for a player at his position.
Giorgio Panepinto
Giorgio Panepinto
Although his stats weren’t ground breaking, Panepinto’s 914 All Purpose yards accounted for 42% of the yards gained by the Marauders in 2023. Giorgio is a hard-nosed runner with great vision, fantastic balance and never goes down upon first contact. He also proved to be a solid safety valve for the Quarterback, leading St. Joe’s in receptions with 14. On defense, as a Safety, Panepinto led the team in Interceptions with 3. Giorgio Panepinto is an overall great athlete that will sure gain the attention of several colleges as he enters his final High School season.
Dylan Capone
Dylan Capone
Blessed with incredible lower body strength, Dylan Capone has one of the fastest first steps I have ever seen at the High School level. Many times, he beat the Offensive Lineman before he got out of his stance. His quick get off mixed with his impeccable hand technique made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Capone had 16 tackles (9 for loss) and was second is the MMHSAA with 5 sacks, playing Defensive Tackle. Those numbers are sure to increase in 2024 as a Senior.