Is a fifth straight season of 11+ victories and 440+ points scored in order for this Philadelphia small school powerhouse? Probably. West Catholic’s last four seasons have ended with totals of 11, 14, 12 and 13 wins and 444, 775, 477 and 548 points, respectively. Dominant stuff, for sure. Not to mention the fact the Burrs will be tested early, with dates opposite Roman Catholic, Archbishop Wood and La Salle College High School within its first three weeks of the season.
West’s two losses last year, to Roman and La Salle, came by a combined 11 points. One of the Burrs’ biggest weapons is rising junior running back David Williams, who ran for 924 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Williams already holds verbal D-1 offers from Connecticut, Maryland, Pitt, Rutgers, Temple and Virginia. He’ll shift from the #3 option in the Burrs’ potent rushing attack to #1, and is poised for a big year.
Dual-threat field general Jaleel Reed (26 rush, 185 yds, 2 TD; 1-of-5, 39 yds, TD) will take over at the helm of the WC offense, however, West loses the production of 59 receptions, 1,274 yards and 14 touchdowns combined from Jaelen Strong-Rankin and Quran Kent.
The offensive line will be graced with three returning starters, Todd-Jamal Waters, Mike Makor and Eric Wyant.
Defensively, D-1 prospects Tristin Freeman and Waters will play key roles for the Burrs, as will Blaise Schieler, Kevin Malone, Reed and Bruce Mapp.
