Jim Bradley learned numerous things during his first season as Farrell head coach and is putting one of them to work this preseason.
For the second straight year the Lions have a two-man battle for the starting quarterback spot, this time between senior Robert Yuerling and junior Vincent Aranda. Last year it took Bradey into the final week of preseason to name a starter. Now he is hoping to have one during camp as Farrell goes away this weekend.
“We went pretty long with it last year,” Bradley said. “I don’t want to go that long with it.”
Yuerling, also a superb cornerback, was under center for the junior varsity two years ago and is considered the better runner. Aranda, who led the JV last season, is more of a thrower, but both do the other well enough. If Yuerling doesn’t earn the job, he could be used in a number of different capacities and Aranda would slide in at tight end.
“It brings out the best in each one of us,” Yuerling said. “We each do things better than each other. It makes the competition more interesting.”
Brett Rocco, who could again be back at corner as well, replaces Michael Viegas at running back. He is the fastest player on the team. Logan Somma returns at wide receiver and is joined by Donato Firello. Returning starters Joe Bruno and Albert Pica will anchor the offensive line along with Christian Sheridan.
“The offensive line and run game looks pretty good,” Aranda said.
Bradley is very impressed with Mike Dittamasso. The senior lost 50 pounds in the offseason by dedicating himself to a weight-lifting and running regiment. He moves from defensive tackle to defensive en.
“Our starting front in general is fast,” senior corner Mark Deleprete said. “We have a lot of speed.”
Lulzim Liharvic will be on the other end of the defensive line. Ryan Harkins, John DePalma and Matt DiGregorio are at linebacker. Delprete is the team’s best playmaking corner and will be joined by David (Papi) Ortiz, Tom Hogan and Henry Little will see time at safety. Matt DeSantis and Charlie Fiorica are fighting for the other corner spot.
“We had good corner play and that allows us to do things defensively,” Bradley said.
Farrell took a step forward last season, reaching the CHSFL Class AAA playoffs for the first time since 2007 before losing in the opening round to Xaverian. The Lions feel they need to get off to a hot start this year and win on the road after only topping Staten Island rival St. Joseph by the Sea away from the Lions Den.
“I’m hoping to get into the ‘AAA’ playoffs first round and play under the lights at home,” Dittamasso said. “That would be awesome.”