PRZNY Team Previews: St. Joe’s Marauders

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Last Season (3-6)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Joe's struggled in 2023, winning just three games; blowout wins over Bill Crothers &amp; St. Andrews from Canada and a 50-24 win over Dohn Prep from Cincinnati, Ohio. They would enter the playoffs as the #3 seed in A Division of the Monsignor Martin League before being shutout against Canisius.</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":["707562"],"_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-6698454692ff0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Having spent most of 2023 on St. Joe's JV team, [player_tooltip player_id='707562' first='Domonic' last='Cook Jr.'] is a candidate for breakout player of the year. But, I think it is fair to say that the book is out on him and what he is capable of. Cook has extraordinary athleticism, great vision and and is an overall fantastic football player. Whether he is playing RB, Safety or in the return game, Dom is a nightmare for opponents. Just based off his offseason showcases, he has garnered offers from Division I Universities, such as Texas Tech, Maryland and Boston College.</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":["1284019"],"_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":1337095,"_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-669845469309b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">While Dom will be a do-it-all kind of player for Joe's, [player_tooltip player_id='1284019' first='Giorgio' last='Panepinto'] is their workhorse out of the backfield. Panepinto accounted for 42% of the yards from scrimmage gained by the Marauders last season. On defense as a part-time Safety, he also led the team with three interceptions. The additions that St. Joe's has made to their offense should free up some room and take pressure off of the Senior Running Back in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1283649"],"_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":1337099,"_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-66984546930ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The most complete Defensive Lineman for St. Joe's, a lot will be asked from [player_tooltip player_id='1283649' first='Jeremiah' last='Guerrero'] this season. At 6'4 255 lbs., Guerrero is a big body playmaker with good agility. Jeremiah recorded 4 sacks and a blocked punt for them last season. I expect a much larger out put this year and some D-I college recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1293300"],"_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-669845469312b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A major addition to the Marauders defense this year is Linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id='1293300' first='David' last='Amuka']. As a sophomore, David recorded 93 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries for Frontier. David is tall with long arms and can gain separation from opposing blockers. He is a sound tackler and will put the Monsignor Martin League on notice.</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":["1257837"],"_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":1337105,"_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-6698454693173"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A phenomenal athlete with blazing speed, [player_tooltip player_id='1257837' first='Owen' last='Kicinski'] is sure to have a big impact as a sophomore. Owen can play RB/WR, DB and can be a factor in the return game if Joe's plans to use him there. Kicinski has been working hard this offseason and this will show once the season starts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Names to Know</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><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">OL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1257159' first='Ben' last='Foglia-Albrecht']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A big body OT with good agility</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">QB/ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Griffin Vranjes</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">The front runner to win the starting QB job. Even if he doesn't, Griffin is an exceptional receiver.</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1344757' first='Davion' last='Becker']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A remarkable MLB with playmaking ability</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">DL</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dylan Capone</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2025</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">An absolute force a DT with incomparable lower body strength and one of the quickest get offs in WNY</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">ATH</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Thomas Frazier</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">If Griffin doesn't win the QB job, Frazier will be next in line. But just like Vranjes, if he doesn't play Q, he is a fantastic athlete. Someone that can be a LB/DB hybrid</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='1811700' first='Lukas' last='Bollman']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2027</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A transfer OL with massive size that can make a difference in his first varsity season</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='1727434' first='Troy' last='Mobley']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">A speedy "X" WR with a nose for the endzone</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">LB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='1624510' first='Stone' last='Rozak']</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">2026</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">An OLB Edge Rusher with quick feet and solid awareness</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Losses</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>DL</td><td>Michael O'Grady</td><td>Edinboro</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Christian Perry</td><td>Alfred University</td></tr><tr><td>TE</td><td>Daniel Mucica</td><td>Alfred University</td></tr><tr><td>LB</td><td>Manny Guerrero</td><td>Alfred University</td></tr><tr><td>OL</td><td>Lareek Livingston</td><td>Alfred University</td></tr><tr><td>QB</td><td>Nolan Klein</td><td>Transferred to Grand Island</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.arbiterlive.com/Teams/Schedule/4965843">https://www.arbiterlive.com/Teams/Schedule/4965843</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Outlook</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Current Coach: Michael Corona (Entering his 5th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Joe's will once again be playing against 2 Canadian teams that they have had previous success against. Other opponents they are facing are Erie, whom they have gone back and forth with the past couple of seasons and Dohn Prep, who they defeated last year. McKinley and Jamestown are two new teams to St. Joe's schedule and they will fill out with their normal rivals; Canisius, St. Francis and Timon (Teams that St. Joe's have a combined record of 2-10 in the last three years)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>3 Things Going For The </strong>Marauders</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The addition of Amuka combined with the Class of 26 LBs, Rozak and Becker may make St. Joe's one of the best LB corps in Western New York</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Joe's has amazing weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Their Class of '26 &amp; '27 players may be tops in the area</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although their relatively unknown, they have a solid D Line with Guerrero, Capone and [player_tooltip player_id='1577258' first='Peyton' last='Brock']. Cole Reilly is another player that can fill out the trenches for St. Joe's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1 Area of Concern</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marauders had 2 Quarterbacks in 2023. Ryan Mucica, who graduated and Nolan Klein, who transferred to Grand Island. Nobody on the St. Joe's roster has varsity experience as a Quarterback.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Last Word</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Putting the past in the past, this is a different St. Joe's team. Their talent has increased all across the board in every position. The Marauders will surprise a lot of teams this year and I think they are the most improved program in Western New York.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->