QB Harris, supporting cast could have Eagles soaring into playoffs
Nazareth featured one of the Lehigh Valley’s top quarterbacks in 2018.
Anthony Harris may have the supporting cast to reach the PIAA playoffs this season.
While Freedom returns some of the EPC South’s top players from its District 11 Class 6A title team, several of the division’s coaches pointed at Nazareth as a challenger. Nazareth coach Tom Falzone isn’t so sure after a week of practice.
That has nothing to do with Harris. The senior heads into his third season as the Blue Eagles’ starter on pace to become the program’s all-time passing leader. He threw for 2,704 yards and 27 touchdowns while completing 59.9 percent of his passes as a junior.
“He just has to be our leader out there,” Falzone said. “He needs to distribute the ball and not try to do too much. Sometimes he needs to take the easiest read that’s out there.
“I think the world of that kid. I love how he plays. I love how he competes. I do think he’s one of the best in the Valley and even the state too; I’ll go that far.”
The line blocking for Harris could be the best of Falzone’s six-year tenure at Nazareth. Corey Hartranft, Cody Breidenbach, Levi LaRochelle, Aiden Palochik, Tyler Gates, Brayden
Saylor and Jake Wilson headline the group of players who could earn reps on the O-line.
The experience that group gained last season has the Blue Eagles hoping to boost their rushing attack. Kyle Paccio returns as Nazareth’s top back. He ran for 642 yards last season but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry.
Harris expects both Paccio’s and his numbers to jump this season. Harris ran for 405 yards in 2018.
“Up front, we’ve had a young group always,” Harris said. “This is the first year we’ve got a lot of seniors, upperclassmen.”
Who will catch Harris’ passes is more uncertain. Nathan Stefanik returns as a third-year starter after snagging 66 passes for 828 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Blue Eagles must find players to replace the production of Tommy Manos (89 catches, 1,186 yards) and Nick Viva (28 catches, 388 yards). They combined for 14 touchdown catches last season.
Even if the Blue Eagles need a game or two to settle on their receivers, they have enough talent roster-wide to improve upon last season’s 5-6 finish.