Paladins' Expectations are High in 2012

Between their upcoming schedule and the addition of new names to the roster, the could very well break out of the shadows of the North Non-Public Big Three (, , St. Joseph Regional) as the black and gold prepare for their upcoming 2012 campaign.

"Expectations are high," head coach Chris Partridge told The Record. "There’s a little chip on their shoulders because they want the chance to prove some people wrong."

Patridge, in his third year at PC, has exposed the Paladins to something new in his first two years - winning. PC finished 4-6 in 2010 and surprised the Big North United Division coming in 6-5 last season with impressive victories over Old Tappan, Poly Prep (N.Y.) and Salesianum (Del.). The squad also celebrated a 48-7 win over Seton Hall Prep in the first round of the Non-Public Group 4 playoffs - a first since 2006 when the Paladins last won a post-season match.

And one thing the football world waits to see is how former  standout Jabrill Peppers will fit into the Paladins scheme. Peppers, who has offers from Alabama, Florida and Michigan, shocked North Jersey when he transferred in February after leading the Ironmen his freshman and sophomore years to state titles over . He joined former Ironman running back Keyon Washington who also transferred to PC this past winter.

"We're trying to build this thing from the ground up, and Jabrill is going to play a huge role with that," Partridge told MSG Varsity. "He's a phenomenal player; we know that from playing against him four times in the past two years. He's everything we thought."

But Peppers won't be the only big name on the deep roster Patridge has to work with.

Steve Shanley returns as lead signal caller and will share time with  transfer Corey Gaarn from the shot gun. 

Sophomore WR Najee Clayton has been drawing D1 interest early and stands as part of a one-two punch alongside Tyrone Washington while defensive end Khilyni Kennedy anchors his unit.

“We’re flying around the field and looking like a very competitive team,” Clayton said. “Last year I went into the season a little nervous and anxious, but as the season went on I got used to it. Now that I have a year under my belt, I’ll be ready for more.”

Also in the mix will be utility Dejon Harrison, DL Nick Flores, WR/S James Colacci, S Saleem Brightwell and LB/Captain Marquise Watson.

Paramus Catholic will open their season against the Delbarton Green Wave and won't get a break in their schedule until early October. This season also marks a switch in theNorth Non Public Group 4 classifications as the Paladins will have to not only face familiar faces from the Ironmen, Crusaders, St. Peter's Prep Marauders and Seton Hall Prep Pirates but also the likes of the Notre Dame Irish, Paul VI Eagles, St. Augustine Hermits and St. Joseph Falcons of Metuchen.

Paladins 2012 Schedule

• Saturday, Sept. 8, 2pm vs. Delbarton
• Friday, Sept. 14, 7pm at 
• Friday, Sept. 21, 7pm at Demarest
• Friday, Sept. 28, 7pm at 
• Saturday, Oct. 6 - BYE
• Friday, Oct. 12, 7pm at
• Saturday, Oct. 20, 1pm vs. St. Joseph Regional of Montvale
• Friday, Oct. 26, 7pm vs. Eastern Christian (Maryland) at 
• Saturday, Nov. 3, 1pm vs. Northern Highlands
• Thursday, Nov. 22, 10:30am vs.

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