PRZNY Team Previews: St. Francis Red Raiders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (5-6)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an 0-4 start to the 2023 season, St. Francis would go on to win 5 of their next 6 games and capture their third straight A Division title. They would, however, fall short in the State Championship game to Cardinal Hayes losing 40-22.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top Prospect</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747229"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696b3ff78e2d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You can't teach size so there is no surprise that [player_tooltip player_id='747229' first='Michael' last='Harris'], who is measured at 6'5 270 lbs., is a Top-15 D Linemen in New York State. Harris has a blend of quickness and strength that is a vital part of his game. His versatility to play any position on the Defensive front makes him a menace for opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Three X-Factors</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747249"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1335369,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696b3ff78f0a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='747249' first='Landon' last='Welka'] earned 3rd Team All State honors in 2023 in his first year playing varsity, as well as 1st Team All Catholic. He is a tough, efficient passer with mobility to match. His 2 rushing touchdowns in the A Division Championship game proved to be a difference maker. 2024 will be a showcase for the senior to see if he can lead St. Francis to another league title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["747230"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696b3ff78f85"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'4 285 lbs. and blessed with a 77" wingspan, [player_tooltip player_id='747230' first='Ethan' last='Farley'] is a monstrous presence in the trenches. The Left Guard has great awareness, is quick off the ball and is a fantastic puller. He is the player St. Francis likes to run behind the most, and for good reason. Farley is entering his senior year and should be getting many accolades from the All-State and All Western New York committees.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283654"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1335371,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696b3ff79010"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1283654' first='Peyton' last='Johnson'] plays the most selfless position in football; a 1 tech DT. He eats up blocks as good as anyone but he has an explosive get off with incredible power. Johnson controls the center of St. Francis' Defensive Line and will be a major part of their success this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Breakout Player</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1333933"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6696b3ff7907a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With Marcus Harrison off to Georgia, [player_tooltip player_id='1333933' first='William' last='Wortkoetter'] has been brought in, presumably to fill the void in their Left Tackle spot. I started covering Wortkoetter several months ago and love what he brings to the table. He is an aggressive, powerful lineman and I think Top-5 within the Class of 2026. He is a transfer from Wilson High School, a Class D program so his move to the Red Raiders will give him more exposure and I think many D-I opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Names to Know</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Position</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Player</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Class</th><th class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">TE</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='747228' first='William' last='Hanson']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Possibly the best Tight End in Western New York</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='747253' first='Tim' last='McCann']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A raw talent at RT but has the size to be a top end linemen</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='747244' first='Damone' last='Allen']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dual threat WR/DB with breakaway speed</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='747257' first='Matt' last='Zielinski']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Tough, physical receiver that is also a major contributor on special teams</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Nico Pinelli</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Prototypical slot receiver that can be a nice safety valve for Welka</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1624583' first='Larry' last='Hardy III']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">It is unknown who will take over as lead back but looking at their roster, Hardy is a player to keep an eye on</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Losses</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table {"hasFixedLayout":false} --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Marcus Harrison</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Georgia</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">RB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Terrence Pendergrass</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Edinboro</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kion Ulanga</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Edinboro</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Kynan Ulanga</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Edinboro</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">WR</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Jeremiah Neely</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Edinboro</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Romeo Valle</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Clarion</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Teddy Roberts</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Rochester</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/hamburg/st-francis-red-raiders/football/schedule">https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/hamburg/st-francis-red-raiders/football/schedule</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Coach: Jerry Smith</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Raiders will be playing their first two games in Ohio before coming home for two more non-league games, one of which is a rematch against Cathedral Prep out of Erie, PA. Last year, St. Francis lost to Cathedral Prep 78-72 in 6 overtimes so I'm sure that is a game they are looking forward to. Then they go on three straight weeks against their rivals; Canisius, St. Joe's and Bishop-Timon. Those rivalry games will be as competitive as ever. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The </strong>Red Raiders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jerry Smith is entering his 37th year as St. Francis Head Coach. That is a lot of experience and I don't think there is any adversity they will see this season that he and his staff cannot overcome</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Francis has a dominate line on both sides of the ball. I see quite possibly at least 3 O Linemen and 2 D Linemen that can get Division I recognition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Raiders may turn into a pass first team this season and with that I like who they have at QB with Welka and the weapons he has in Hanson, Zielinski, Pinelli and Allen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running Back Terrence Pendergrass graduating leaves a huge void in the backfield for the Red Raiders. St. Francis may know who his replacement will be but looking at their roster, Pendergrass' backups last year ([player_tooltip player_id='747256' first='Jimmy' last='Valentine'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='747252' first='Kevin' last='Guy']) have transferred to other schools. If they don't fill that spot, a lot will ride on the shoulders of Quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id='747249' first='Landon' last='Welka'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have two trains of thought with St. Francis here. "To be the man, you have to beat the man" and St. Francis is coming off three straight division titles. But, at the same time I also feel if a team can't establish the run (no matter how dominate their pass game is) it is very difficult to win. If they have a solid plan in establishing their backfield, even if it is by committee, they will be a tough opponent in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->