By Scott Huff
Norristown senior Anthony DiNolfi would test into the ‘gifted’ class on the football field with an extremely high football IQ.
“Anthony has been calling the defensive signals for us the last three years,” said Norristown head coach E.J. Smith. “He always has his head into the game, and he is an extremely smart football player.
“He is a natural leader and a three-year starter at safety,” added Smith. “I have total confidence in him making defensive calls.”
“Coach Smith and I have a close relationship, and he has always trusted me to get in and out of defensive sets,” said DiNolfi who earned all-conference honors last season in the defensive secondary. “And I like the responsibility.”
Another responsibility that DiNolfi will have this season comes with his selection as team captain for the 2010 Eagles.
“Coach Smith tells me that I am like a player/coach,” said DiNolfi. “I want to be able to take charge on and off the field and help the team focus on the right things.”
DiNolfi – who is also an excellent punt returner – will take his talents this season to the offensive side of the line of scrimmage.
“Anthony is very quick, has good vision, and makes great decisions,” said Smith of his 5-foot, 9-inch – 165-pound tailback/safety/punt returner. “We are going to use him some out of the offensive backfield this year.”
“We run a lot out of the ‘I’ formation and some ‘Pro’ sets,” said DiNolfi. “I feel that I can hit the hole quick and have some quickness to get the outside.”
DiNolfi has an older brother – Alex – who should start this season at safety for the Kutztown University Golden Bears.
“We talk about football all the time, and he teaches me things that he has learned at the college level,” said DiNolfi. “I hope to be able to play on that next level myself and get a good education.”
A football gifted education.
Upper Dublin junior quarterback Andrew Derr is back at the helm for the Flying Cardinals. The 6-foot 3-inch 215-pound QB took control of Upper Dublin’ offense as an inexperienced sophomore.
“Andrew runs the huddle well, and he has learned that he won’t have to do everything himself,” said Upper Dublin head coach Bret Stover. “He knows the offense, and he is going to be a triple threat in our backfield.”
Derr has worked very hard in the off-season with ‘passing coach’ Jim Cantafio (Wilson West Lawn) on his throwing capability.
“I worked with him on my drops and my release point,” said Derr. “I went there on Sundays, and I feel that it has really helped my game.
“I feel that I have a much better pocket presence,” added Derr. “I know when it is time to get rid of the football.”
Derr will also serve as an underclass captain this season for the Flying Cardinals.
“It is nice to be able to have a junior captain,” said Stover. “It helps the program transition from year to year. Andrew is a great choice.”
The goals for both Derr and Upper Dublin are lofty.
“We want to win a (Suburban One League American) championship and get into the playoffs,” said Derr.
And with Derr at the controls – again – it is a realistic goal.
Upper Merion senior Naim Cheeseboro will return to play his final scholastic season with the Vikings.
Return?
“I went through a tough situation last season,” said Cheeseboro who rushed for 1340 yards for UM last season. “There was a time when I wasn’t sure what I was going to do this year, but I decided that playing my senior year for Upper Merion was something that I had to do.
“We don’t have the numbers on the roster, and we don’t have a lot of depth,” continued Cheeseboro as the Vikings will dress 19 freshmen on its 50-man roster. “But we have been looking strong early in the preseason, and we are going to come up with some wins.”
“We are expecting big things from Naim,” said Upper Merion head coach Joe Powel. ‘He is very deceptive, runs with power, and has breakaway speed.
“Naim is about as physical a player as you will find on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball,” added Powel. “As good as he is at tailback, he is just as good as either a strong safety or outside linebacker. He is a hitter.”
“I love to hit,” said Cheeseboro. “I love to be in the box (as an outside linebacker) and to hit people instead of always being hit.”
Cheeseboro will accept his role as team captain this season.
“I feel honored that I will represent the team as captain,” he said. “I hope that I can provide leadership and set a good example.”
Cheeseboro will have to go through another selection process once his high school career is over. Among his college choices are Purdue, Pittsburgh, and Towson State.
“I hope to play football in college,” said Cheeseboro. “But I want to focus on what I have right in front of me my senior year.”
And wearing # 22 for the Upper Merion Vikings.
Other players to Watch in the Suburban One American Conference …
Cheltenham – Dan Rouse
Plymouth Whitemarsh – Baker Veidt
Upper Moreland – Ryan Christensen
Wissahickon – Anthony Delegall
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