Xaverian is doing its best to keep injuries from derailing its quest for an elusive championship season.
The Clippers reached consecutive Catholic High School Football League Class-A title games in the past two years, but failed to win the crown each time. Last season Xaverian made it that far with 16 active players late in the season and at one point had 10 starters out. Coach Mike Jioia lost a number of players to concussions, including two early on out for the whole season.
To prevent further head injuries, he has his roster of 26 using padded Guardian Caps during practice. The helmet covers are advertised to reduce impact up to 33 percent. Jioia is also teaching the players to shoulder tackle to reduce the instinct to lead with their heads.
“It’s something additional to help with concussions,” Jioia said. “We are doing the rugby tackling. It takes the head right out of the tackling.”
Having healthy bodies is important for a squad that will have several kids playing offense, defense, and special teams. While Xaverian may not have depth, it does return a talented core from last year’s squad. That team has gotten itself ready for the season-long grind.
“A lot of us who have been training for conditioning can go both ways” said senior lineman James Baglino. “It won’t be that much of an issue.”
Second-year quarterback Phil DePaulis and running back Brandon Peterson lead this year’s group. Jioia is hoping the two combine for 2,500 yards of total offense. DePaulis is a dual threat, who feels much more comfortable under center. Peterson is a shifty back with plenty of speed once he breaks through the line.
“When Brandon gets going he is pretty much unstoppable,” DePaulis said.
Xaverian’s biggest reason for success could be a big, veteran offensive line anchored by Baglino and classmate John Santiago on the left side. Sophomore Anthony Marinelli joins senior and brother Mike on the line along with junior Dan Welsome. Each of them is six feet or more. Julius Arcaro will play tight end and Mike Rosetti is at fullback.
“We are large up front and they are all strong kids,” Jioia said.
All of those linemen will also play on the defensive side. That unit’s strength lies at linebacker with the return of Baglino, Robert Massucci, and Mike Robertson. Vincent Fanizio is the leader of a young secondary.
Jioia wants to use this season to start moving the program up the ladder in the league. He believes Class A is best for it right now because of the size of his roster. Winning a crown would be the first step toward moving up into Class AA in the future. Xaverian open against Nazareth on Sept. 12 at 7 pm at Aviator Sports Complex. The Clippers will also be tested by Class-AA competition with games against Xavier, St. Joseph by the Sea and Kellenberg.
“Once you can beat them consistently, or even become competitive with them, then we can try to raise the program,” Jioia said. “We are in the right direction.”
