WOLVES GET THE BEST OF CRUSADERS:

Coming off of a season in which they started 12-0 before losing in the 5A quarterfinals to eventual state champion Acadiana, expectations are high for the 2011 St. Paul's Wolves.

Wednesday's scrimmage against perennial playoff team Brother Martin did nothing to dispel those expectations.

The Wolves looked good against the Crusaders, holding Brother Martin scoreless throughout the scrimmage disciplines.

• SportsNOLA exclusive video: Brother Martin-St. Paul's scrimmage

"It was time for us to go against someone else. It was getting monotonous. Both teams were physical," said Wolves coach Kenny Sears.

"Overall, I was pleased. We accomplished much of what we set out to accomplish. I was real pleased with the way our defense performed. There are things we need to polish up. Our jamboree against Rummel next week will help us work on those things."

In the one quarter scrimmage, St. Paul's scored on their first possession while Brother Martin did not score. The Wolves moved the ball pretty well with their first unit while their second and third units both scored against Brother Martin's second and third units.

"I thought Patrick Duncan handled himself well at quarterback. He made good reads in the option game and threw the ball well. I was real happy with his play. I was happy with my backup quarterback (Colin D'Angelo) and the way he played as well," said Sears. Duncan is the younger brother of Alec Duncan, who was an excellent quarterback for the Wolves a year ago.

"I thought our offensive line did a very good job picking up blitzes. Usually you have problems with that in jamborees but I thought they did a good job. We ran to the ball well defensively. Our linebacking corps did well. Defensive end Casey Cole and linebacker David Stechmann were good, filling holes and pursuing," Sears said.

Tyler Tamboli and Gray Westervelt had interceptions for the Wolves and played well, according to Sears, who was also pleased with the play Dane Stubbs and Jay Washington in an impressive St. Paul's secondary.

The Crusaders struggled to move the ball offensively. Sophomore quarterback Alex Migliore will grow into his position. Of course, the Crusaders have a large hole to fill with the departure of Dante Butler to Tulane. Brother Martin looked sound up front on defense, led by Texas A&M commitment Julien Obioha.

Two Crusader basketball stalwarts look good for Brother Martin football coach Mark Bonis. Jabbar Singleton is a good looking athlete for the Crusaders while linebacker Myron Chapman has a chance to be very good. Ryan Hoefeld is a very good offensive lineman. Senior John West and Brice Johnston will run the ball. Jacob Seward is a fast receiver and good in the return game.

Brother Martin faces Fontainebleau in jamboree action next Friday night while St. Paul's battles Rummel in the same jamboree at Fontainebleau.