Catholic
1998 result: 10-1 (lost in first round of NCAA Division III playoffs).
Coach: Tom Clark, sixth season (41-8-1).
Radio: WCUA-FM-97.5.
Tickets: 202-319-5286.
Players
Players to watch:
RB Andrew Notarfrancesco, Sr. (281 carries, 1,279 yards rushing, 20 TDs)
QB Derek McGee, Soph. (ECAC Division III Southern Region rookie of the year)
WR Mike Hunter, Sr. (1,279 yards, 12 TDs)
LB Brian Hee, Sr. (led team with 73 tackles)
Top players lost:
LB Mike Cowan (64 tackles)
T Brian Miller (invited to Aztec Bowl all-star game)
FS Andrew Reger (3 INTs)
Top newcomers:
WR Jim Jankiewicz, Fr.
WR Brian Gallagher, Soph. (Gonzaga, transfer from Lafayette)
OL Justin McCarty, Fr. (Georgetown Prep)
Outlook
After 15 seasons as an independent, the Cardinals rejoin the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. The last two seasons Catholic breezed through its regular schedule undefeated only to lose in the first round of the Division III playoffs. The Cardinals return the main components of their offense, which averaged 36.4 points per game. McGee, a sophomore, who started every game last season, completed 135 of 260 passes for 1,732 yards and 16 touchdowns. His prime target was Hunter, who was third nationally with 7.9 catches per game. Notarfrancesco became the only back in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. The biggest concerns are on defense, which lost six starters. However, Hee and DE Richard Change (6A sacks) should provide steady leadership until the unit develops. For the first time, the American Football Coaches Association will publish a national Division III top 25 coaches' poll. Previously a regional poll conducted by the NCAA ranked teams for consideration for the 16-team playoffs. The coaches' poll debuts Sept. 14. There are 45 voters – two from each of the conferences with automatic playoff bids (30 voters), one from each of the remaining conferences (11 voters) and four voters from independent schools. Also this season, the playoffs have been expanded to 28 teams.
Schedule
September
4 John Carroll, 1
11 Franklin & Marshall, 1
18 at Newport News Apprentice, 1:30
October
2 at Salisbury St., 1
9 Rand.-Macon, 1
16 Methodist 1
23 Hampden-Sydney, 1
30 Emory & Henry, 1
November
6 at Guilford, 1
13 at Bridgewater, 1
Montgomery-Rockville
1998 result: 5-5.
Coach: Phil Martin, 18th season (112-50-9).
Tickets: 301-251-7575.
Players
Players to watch:
DE Chris Earhardt, Soph. (Brentsville)
DT Channing Reed, Soph.
T Steve Osborne, Soph. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
CB Ray Butler, Soph. (Blair)
Top players lost:
LB Jeff Whitney (to Maine)
RB Maurice Hicks (to North Carolina A&T)
DE Cortez McNeil (to West Virginia)
CB Mike Brown (to Charleston Southern)
Top newcomers:
QB Pat Cilento, Fr. (Sherwood), LB B.J. Brooks, Fr.
Outlook
After switching from the run-and-shoot offense to the wishbone last season, Martin has changed the system again. The Fighting Knights will use a multiple offense, with Cilento starting at quarterback. Martin is pleased with his depth at fullback and along the defensive line but is concerned about his linebackers, just one of whom is a sophomore. But there is plenty of experience overall in the defense, which may have to carry the team until Cilento adjusts to the college game. Martin wanted more junior college teams on the schedule, so he added Cayuga and Morrisville in place of the Navy and Rutgers junior varsity teams.
Schedule
September
4 Walter Reed Army, 1:30
11 at Cayuga JC, 1:30
19 Towson State JV, 1:30
26 at Frostburg State JV, 1:30
October
2 at Nassau CC, 1:30
9 Middle Georgia JC, 1:30
15 Fork Union Prep, 1:30
23 at Potomac State JC, 1:30
30 at Hargrave Prep, 2
November
6 Morrisville JC, 1:30
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