MaxPreps 2013 Preseason Xcellent 25 Football preview: No. 21 Paramus Catholic

The story of the 2012 Paramus Catholic (N.J.) state title run seems like it began in February, when reigning National Sophomore of the Year Jabrill Peppers transferred into the school from traditional power Don Bosco Prep.

However, the story really began when head coach Chris Partridge, a Paramus Catholic graduate, took over the helm of a program that had taken a back seat to the likes of Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter's Prep and St. Joseph Regional.

Now, entering the 2013 season, Partridge's program is on the cusp of a special run that could have it in the mix for a No. 1 finish nationally.

Naturally, Peppers, perhaps the nation's most exciting football player, will be the team's leader on both sides of the ball. He'll line up almost everywhere on offense, and will roam the secondary on defense.



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Unheralded quarterback Steve Shanley returns behind center. He has familiar targets Najee Clayton and Tyrone Washington back on the outside, while running back Keyon Washington also returns. Juwann Bushell-Beatty, who like Peppers is a Michigan commit, leads the offensive line.

The defense has some holes to fill, but linemen Nick Flores and Terrance Harris are key returners.

With a challenging schedule both in-state and out-of-state, it's clear that Paramus Catholic is making a play for a potential national championship.

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Local look: "Paramus Catholic was always an afterthought in the world of big-time New Jersey football, but after winning its first Non-Public Group 4 state title last season, the Paladins are now the first thought. Everyone knows Peppers, but this is a team with talent on both sides of the ball and a motivated coach, and still plays with a chip on their shoulder after being down for so long."
- Darren Cooper, The Bergen Record (@VarsityAces)
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Size: Non-public Group IV


Enrollment: 1,500 (Approx.)




2012 finish: 10-2, Non-public Group IV state champion


Head coach: Chris Partridge


Years at school: 3


Career record: 20-13


Notable players coached:

DL Marqise Wright (Rutgers)



LB Leo Krizanovic
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No. of returning starters: 9 (offense), 8 (defense)

Key losses:
LB Marqise Watson

DB Brandon Spearman

Key returners:
QB Steve Shanley

ATH Jabrill Peppers

WR Tyrone Washinton



OL Juwann Bushell-Beatty

DL Nick Flores

RB Keyon Washington

WR Najee Clayton

Key newcomers:
DL Brandon Simon

RB Ahmad Thomas
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Toughest game: A high-profile showdown against Don Bosco Prep did not go in the Paladins' favor last year, as Don Bosco Prep won 31-8. That game will once again be the toughest on the team's schedule.



Question mark: How will Paramus Catholic handle the bulls-eye? Whereas last season, it surprised teams en route to its best season ever, it now enters as the favorite, a position it's not used to being in.

Local outlook: Even with the transfer of key playmaker Kiy Hester, St. Joseph Regional might still be the state's No. 2 team. Don Bosco Prep has had a strong summer, as have Bergen Catholic and St. Peter's Prep. Timber Creek, a South Jersey powerhouse, could be just as good in 2013.

Overall outlook: This team will have to face the toughest programs New Jersey has to offer, in addition to matchups with St. Ignatius, Friendship Collegiate Academy and Gilman. If it survives unscathed, it will be one of the more impressive seasons ever for a New Jersey team and will place Paramus Catholic squarely in the discussion for a national title.

Coach quote: "It was a chess match."
- Head coach Chris Partridge, to the Bergen Record, after his team's 37-34 victory over Bergen Catholic in the non-public Group IV state final.
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