PRZ PAClassic: Hail Mary Football Academy

Players from Pope John and other northern New Jersey programs made the trek down to southern Pennsylvania for the PRZ PAClassic 7v7 this past weekend. The squad went 2-3 on the weekend—not the strongest showing on paper—but when they won, they did so in dominant fashion, shutting out their opponents. Despite the mixed results, there's a lot to look forward to, especially with the young talent on display throughout the tournament.    Luke caught my attention early on Saturday afternoon at the PRZ PA Classic with a command of the position that stood out right away. He demonstrated sharp mental processing, making quick reads and getting the ball out fast without hesitation, which kept the offense in rhythm and the defense on its heels. His release was not only fast but paired with impressive velocity, allowing him to fit the ball into tight windows with precision. Nearly every throw hit his receiver in stride, right in the numbers, showing a high level of accuracy and timing.   What really set him apart, though, was his ability to manipulate the defense—he consistently used his eyes to move the safety and create space downfield, a skill that speaks to both his preparation and feel for the game. Luke's poise, arm talent, and ability to process under pressure made him one of the most intriguing quarterbacks on the field that day.     [player_tooltip player_id='1034488' first='Prince' last='Joshua'] was a standout at the PRZ PA Classic, quickly establishing himself as Luke's primary target and a reliable offensive weapon. A fast and fluid receiver, Prince showcased his ability to get across the field with speed, creating consistent separation and making himself available on nearly every down. Prince demonstrated a strong understanding of coverages, skillfully finding soft spots in zone defenses and settling into open space to give his quarterback clean throwing lanes. His footwork through routes was polished and precise, allowing him to maintain timing and break away from defenders. Whether it was a third-down conversion or a red-zone opportunity, Prince was the go-to option in tight situations, showing off dependable hands and a calm presence under pressure.     Vinny, playing safety for Hail Mary Academy in the games I watched, consistently showed great awareness and football IQ with his head always on a swivel, ready to react to anything entering his zone. He excelled in coverage across the middle, keeping receivers in check and making it tough for them to find space. Whether tracking a receiver crossing into his area or anticipating a play developing, Vinny's instincts and positioning stood out. His ability to read the field and make smart, quick decisions shows he's not just solid now—he's got a high ceiling and the potential to become a real game-changer.     Carter Johnston is a young, promising wide receiver who turned heads at the 7v7 with his notable size and flashes of potential. Standing tall and already displaying a strong physical presence, he's the kind of player who naturally projects as a future end zone threat.   Though still developing, Carter ran a handful of sharp routes where he gained a step on defenders, hinting at what's to come as his game matures. His height alone gives him an immediate mismatch advantage against most defensive backs, making him a tough assignment even at this early stage. As he continues to grow into his frame, don't be surprised if he transitions into a tight end role—he's definitely one to keep an eye on over the next few seasons.     [player_tooltip player_id='290424' first='Kal' last='Marone'] is an athletic linebacker who made a big impression with his playmaking ability and coverage skills. One of his standout moments came when he climbed the ladder to swat down a pass in the back of the end zone, showing off his timing, awareness, and vertical athleticism. He moved fluidly in space, flipping his hips and getting into coverage with ease—something that stood out given his size and build. Kal's combination of athleticism, instincts, and physical tools positions him to be a major contributor this fall, and he's definitely a name to watch at Pope John as the season approaches.     [player_tooltip player_id='1546508' first='Zayne' last='Carswell'] stood out as a lockdown cornerback during the event, using his height and length to his full advantage. With a long reach and quick reaction time, he consistently disrupted passing lanes and swatted away potential completions. His ability to close space and come back upfield quickly after drops or breaks showed both athleticism and high-level instincts. Throughout the time I watched, Zayne didn't allow a single pass to be completed against him—a testament to his discipline, awareness, and ability to shut down his side of the field. He's a long, rangy defensive back who definitely made a statement.

Players from Pope John and other northern New Jersey programs made the trek down to southern Pennsylvania for the PRZ PAClassic 7v7 this past weekend. The squad went 2-3 on the weekend—not the strongest showing on paper—but when they won, they did so in dominant fashion, shutting out their opponents. Despite the mixed results, there's a lot to look forward to, especially with the young talent on display throughout the tournament.