High School Top 10: The Double-Trouble DiGalbo Brothers
Southeastern PA Top 10 Power Ratings For Aug. 29, 2014
1. St. Joseph's Prep vs. Mt. Carmel (IL)
2. Archbishop Wood vs. Dematha Catholic (MD)
3. Malvern Prep vs. Roman Catholic
4. La Salle vs. North Penn
5. North Penn vs. La Salle
6. Pennsbury vs. Council Rock South
7. Imhotep Charter vs. Cardinal Mooney (OH)
8. Upper Dublin vs. Coconut Creek (FL)
9. West Chester Rustin vs. Methacton
10. Downingtown West vs. Haverford High
PHILADELPHIA, PA (CBS)— They just knew. There was no eye contact, no head nods, no exchanged words. Christian DiGalbo knew exactly what his quarterback was going to do. Collin DiGalbo knew exactly what his center was going to do.
Against West Catholic last year, an opening presented itself for Bonner-Prendergast. The Friars were originally going to go with a running play called "28 Power" designed to go right. Both Christian and Collin, however, saw a crease through the middle of the West defense. They changed the play. Nothing was communicated. Nothing had to be. They just knew. Christian snapped the ball, stepped left and sealed off the defensive tackle, enabling Collin to rip down the field untouched for 40 yards.
It certainly helps when you have a center-quarterback combination like Bonner-Prendergast senior twins Christian and Collin DiGalbo. The brothers are the centerpiece of a Friars' attack that will be one of the most lethal in the area this season.
Christian, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound center, is five minutes older than Collin, a 6-2, 195-pound quarterback. Buoyed by the twins, Bonner-Prendergast engineered one of the greatest comebacks in area high school football history when they rallied from a 35-7 halftime deficit to beat archrival Cardinal O'Hara, 41-38, in last year's Catholic League Class AAA semifinals.
Last year, Collin threw for 1,670 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Christian provided the protection and line calls to give his twin brother time to throw. One wouldn't succeed without the other and their silent communication.
"It's always been something we've been able to do," Christian said. "We can predict what we're going to do before it happens."
Collin is one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the area. Boston College, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina and a number of other schools are showing interest. Collin will also be the first to tell you he wouldn't be where he is without Christian. The two have been teammates for nine years, since their pee-wee football days. They've always had each other's backs and this is likely their last year playing together.
"It is a special bond," Collin said about being on the same team with Christian. "We're always on the same page when it comes to everything. We do know what each other is going to do and how we think."
What everyone else in Southeastern Pennsylvania is thinking is that Bonner-Prendergast has a steep climb in beating "The Beast," defending PIAA Class AAA state champion Archbishop Wood.
But the DiGalbo's think otherwise.
"They're a great team, there's no doubt about that, but I'll tell you this, we're not afraid of Wood," Christian said. "Our goal is to dominate. We've been getting better and better since my sophomore year and we're going into this year very confident. We're going to shock a few people this year—definitely."
Joe Notes
It looks apparent that Archbishop Wood quarterback Tom Garlick will be transferring out and making room for 6-3, 220-pound junior Anthony Russo to take over as quarterback of a very loaded Wood team.
Games of the Week
La Salle at North Penn, Friday, 7:30 PM
It's a great game featuring two of the area's best talents: La Salle quarterback Kyle Shurmur, who's committed to Vanderbilt and threw for 2,472 yards last year, according toTedSilary.com, and North Penn's lightning-fast junior tailback Nyfease West, who rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. Expect a lot of scoring.
Prediction: La Salle 35, North Penn 31
St. Joe's Prep at Mount Carmel, Toyota Park, Chicago, Ill., Sunday, 12 PM
Prep begins defending its PIAA Class AAAA state championship representing Pennsylvania against Donovan McNabb's alma mater. The Hawks return great speed in Virginia commit Olamide Zaccheaus and sophomore D'Andre Swift, who combined to rush for over 1,500 yards last year. Carmel won the Illinois' Class 7A state title last year with a 13-1 finish, though the Caravan lost 17 starters to graduation and only return senior lineman Jack White (6-foot-3, 290 pounds). White will get help from senior offensive guard AJ Duerig (6-4, 281 pounds), who transferred into Carmel and has committed to Syracuse. Carmel seems to lack experience. Prep has plenty of it.
Prediction: St. Joe's Prep 35, Mt. Carmel 13
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