La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 2014 by Aaron Carter, Daily News, August 22, 2014 La Salle Focused On Schedule, Not On Revenge The last time La Salle High entered a football season with a title other than "defending Catholic League champions" preceding its name was the start of the 2008 campaign, which sparked the first of five consecutive PCL crowns for the Explorers (Roman Catholic beat St. Joseph's Prep in 2007). Of course, after St. Joseph's Prep unseated La Salle last season, the Explorers are once again title-less. However, revenge isn't their focus, at least not yet. "With our schedule, that's the last thing on our minds right now," La Salle coach Drew Gordon said. "Now, in the playoffs, ask me that question again and I'll tell you a different story." The Explorers start the season with away games against North Penn and Bergen Catholic followed by a home opener with DeMatha (Md.), a visit to Malvern and a final home game with McDonogh (Md.) before PCL play begins (add a nonleague game with Archbishop Wood). So, with a difficult nonleague schedule and the Hawks still circling, maturity at the skill positions could become the key to La Salle's success. Last season, the Explorers' offense was led by talented juniors Kyle Shurmur (quarterback), Jordan Meachum (running back) and Jimmy Herron (wide receiver) with sophomore Nick Rinella (running back) used as a multipurpose threat. Shurmur, who has committed to Vanderbilt, was a Daily News second-team All-City player as a junior, his first season with La Salle after transferring from Ohio. "The main difference from this year to last is that he's now the leader," Gordon said of Shurmur, son of Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. "He didn't have to be asked, he just kind of took it on." Questions about some relative inexperience on the offensive and defensive lines have yet to be answered, said Gordon, but, so far, he sees progress. Undoubtedly, the Explorers will rely heavily on the senior class that tasted disappointment last season. "I think that's going to be a big difference," Gordon said, "the maturity factor of those vets having been there before." by David Mika, EasternPAfootball, August 23, 2014 40 Teams In 40 Days – Day 34 – La Salle College High School Offensive Preview: After transferring from Ohio powerhouse St. Edward’s, senior quarterback Kyle Shurmur passed for almost 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns last year in his first year at LaSalle College High. “He had the fundamentals and all the skills. He was very sure of himself, but extremely humble. You can tell right away that he was a game player and has a very good work ethic.” This summer Kyle committed to Vanderbilt. We have him ranked the number one quarterback in EasternPAFootball.com. “He has a really strong arm, is a very accurate passer and is extremely smart. He’s very good inside the pocket and can escape if he has too. He’s very good on the outside. He has that strong arm and will find the open receiver.” At running back they return one of the versatile runners in Eastern Pennsylvania. Jordan Meachum had nearly 1,300 all-purpose yards from last year. 1 La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 2014 “We like to put him in the slot a lot but he could lineup in any position. He has good hands. He’s a strong runner and good at protecting the ball. He’s very quick to the hole and if he can break level two, the linebackers, he’s a threat to go the distance.” Another guy that’s like Jordan is junior Nick Rinella. Nick was the second leading rusher and caught over 25 passes last year. “Another kid that plays the same way is Rinella. He can play all the positions and can run and catch well.” Ryan Brady is back at fullback. “He’s one of our strong leaders and is a tough kid. He’s a smart kid and understands what we’re doing. He can block and does everything very well.” Jared Walls is another runner that will get some reps. They have one guy returning last year that had a lot of experience on the offensive line is. His name is Matt McDermott and he will play either center or guard. “He has a strong football IQ. He recognizes what the defenses are doing.” With only one guy returning with experience who would be the guys battling for the four remaining spots on the offensive line? “We have about five or six guy battling or could rotate in.” The guys battling for playing time on the line are Jim Morrissey, Ryan Schutta, Thomas Garvin, Connor McCracken and Anthony Piscopo. “We will come up with our starting group next week after our second scrimmage.” The Explorers return their top wide receiver from last year. His name is Jimmy Herron. Jimmy is a guy that will play all over the field and could lineup in the backfield, slot or receiver spots. “He’s a very smart player and has great hands. He has the knack to find the open space. He’s a competitor out there and runs smart routes. I think his best position is outside. He is not a big kid, but has good speed and instincts.” At receiver he caught 48 passes for 734 yards and 12 touchdowns. He rushed for 94 yards in the wild cat. “He understands what he is doing out there whether it is at receiver, quarterback or safety. He is a student of the game. One of the things I like about him is even in practice he will lineup against our best player so he can get better.” Another guy that played a lot last year is Charles Headen. Keep an eye on junior receiver Winston Eubanks along with AJ Grezeszak. Defensive Preview: On the defensive line Keith Wagner is returning at defensive tackle. “He’s a real strong kid and works very hard. He played a lot for us last year on the line.” Guys that played a little last year are Sean Collins, Conor McCracken, Isaiah Henrich and Fletcher Grady. Jim Morrissey might see some action. Inside linebacker Aidan Kerrigan played a lot last year at linebacker and Ryan Brady is going to be another linebacker. “Kerrigan and Ryan are the leaders and the both have good knowledge. Kerrigan is the guy calling the plays and he’s always around the ball.” Brian Buckley will play outside and inside and Sam Hardy will play outside linebacker. In the secondary AJ Grezeszak returns with experience as a safety. Jimmy Herron, Jordan Meachum and Nick Rinella will all get some time in the secondary this year. Jimmy and Jordan are leaders in the secondary.” 2 La Salle College High School Football: Chronicle 2014 Special Teams Preview: Jordan Meachum, Nick Rinella and Jimmy Herron will do kick and punt returns. They are working some other players out during camp. Matt Savage, Michael Raczak and Michael Wells are competing for the kicking and/or punting duties. Cole Lerch is the long snapper. Head Coach: Drew Gordon 2013 Record: 8-4 (3-1 Conference) Key Starters Lost: Zaire Franklin, Bill Frusco, Mick Barrett, Steve Hudak, Matt Raczak, Corey Lerch, Tom McClain, Nick Buckley, Dave Geppert, Ryan Coonahan, Tamar Turner, Levi Hardy, Brennan O’Donnell, Raekwon Caswell, Mike Koller and Vince Cicalese Offensive Players Returning (6): QB Kyle Shurmur, ATH Jordan Meachum, RB Nick Rinella, FB Ryan Brady, WR Jimmy Herron Defensive Players Returning (5): DT Keith Wagner, LB Aidan Kerrigan, CB AJ Grezeszak, CB Jordan Meachum, CB Jimmy Herron by Rich Kauffman, GameTimePA.com, August 25, 2014 La Salle QB Kyle Shumur Ready To Step Up And Lead SPRINGFIELD — To the athletic programs at La Salle, Kyle Shurmur has proven to be one thing: a godsend. Heading into his second season as the starting quarterback of Drew Gordon's Explorers, Shurmur, as he was last year, will be the focal point of the perennially Philadelphia Catholic League-favorite. Yet, as a newcomer, Shurmur has yet to hoist the hubcap after falling short to St. Joseph's Prep in the PCL championship last season. "He was in an awkward situation,” Gordon said. "He was new to the school, the kids hadn't dealt with him a lot, I think they recognized his talent level, but if you're not around people, there's trust factors that need to be developed and nourished.” Transferring his junior year from St. Edward High School outside Cleveland, Ohio, after dad, Pat Shurmur, got the offensive coordinator gig with Chip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles, son Kyle had moved from one stud football program to another. But, in coming to La Salle, he still had a lot to prove. "Leaders don't just stand up and say 'I'm leading.' It takes time,” Gordon said. A loss in the PCL championship spelled the end of five straight championship seasons for the Explorers. Shurmur, as a newcomer to the PCL, simply hadn't experienced the intense rivalry between La Salle and St. Joe's previously. But, in loss, he and the upcoming seniors made a pact. "Right away all of the seniors got together and said 'we got to get this title back,” Shurmur said. In the football offseason, Shurmur joined a team of his other passion, swimming, where as a contributor he grew as a leader. "When he came to us, it was like he fell out of the sky,” said swim coach Frank Lichtner.