Peppers Named MSG Varsity Player of the Year

After claiming a Non Public Group 4 trophy, two of the Paramus Catholic Paladins picked up additional honors when named to the MSG Varsity’s All Metro First and Second teams this week. Junior slotback Jabrill Peppers (First Team) was joined by senior center Khilyni Kennedy (Second Team), senior lineback Marquise Watson (Second Team) and junior quarterback Steve Shanley (Honorable Mention) on the All-Metro lists. Peppers was also named the Player of the Year. 

“This year MSG Varsity covered 185 high school football games, giving viewers the opportunity to watch these players excel throughout the fall season,” said MSG Varsity’s Mike Quick in a press release. “Each year I’m honored to recognize these talented athletes on my show for what they’ve already accomplished on the field.”

Peppers was named Player of the Year for 2012 and to the All-Metro team, after the past two years appearing on the list for Don Bosco. The highly sought after running back/slotback was key in this season's Paladin campaign, as he spent the majority of his time running the Wildcat formation on offense and then doubling up on the defensive side as well.

He recorded 1,552 rushing yards over 172 carries, 337 receiving yards on 20 catches, completed 3 for 12 throws, made 77 tackles and scored 138 points over 10 games for 23 touchdowns.

“The football players who make up the MSG Varsity All Metro Team are among the best in the tri-state area,” said Michael Lardner, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, MSG Varsity in a press release. “We are thrilled to partner with The National Football Foundation to honor these student athletes and their coaches who demonstrate on a regular basis the passion, athleticism and sportsmanship it takes to succeed both on and off the field.”

This year was the first time either Watson, Kennedy or Shanley appeared on the All-Metro lists. The senior center took down 93 tackles and 10 sacks while the junior quarterback completed 109 of 176 passes, ran 40 yards on seven carries and connected on a 47-yard punt.

Watson finished the season with three carries for 17 yards, 131 tackles, four sacks, an interception return for 30 yards and one touchdown.

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