BISHOP EUSTACE CRUSADERS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: A strong group of seniors will lead the Bishop Eustace attack, including Jeff Marshall, who will take over as the starting quarterback. A dual-threat QB, he will fit nicely into a revamped Crusader offense. Senior Luke Dickson and junior CJ Basso are experienced running backs, while seniors Ryan Pattison and Cole Farrell return at wide receiver. Seniors Drake Taylor and Bryce Dougan are back at tight end and veterans on the offensive line are seniors John O’Kane and Jon Dash. Junior Jake Reilly and sophomores Dominic DiBlasio and Jacob Mohr are other returners up front, while newcomers Michael Hamilton and Donovan Porteans are expected to contribute immediately o n both sides of the ball. Dickson and Dougan are experienced linebackers, and the secondary is strong with Basso, Farrell and Pattison.
OUTLOOK: Last season was a rebuilding one for the Crusaders, who posted a 1-9 record, including a forfeit loss due to a rash of key injuries. Look for them to make progress this fall under new head coach Rick Purcell, a newcomer to the South Jersey area. Purcell has over 10 years of coaching experience and was a player on Notre Dame’s national championship team in 1988.
CAMDEN CATHOLIC FIGHTING IRISH
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Several top skill position players are no longer in the program but Camden Catholic is excited about the core in place. Junior Billy McCleery, who showed potential as an under- classman, will look to take over as the starting quarterback. Junior Juirus Clark, a transfer from Highland, is a talented running back, while sophomore Marques Hicks and junior Dan Dever will also get carries out of the backfield. Experienced offensive linemen are jun- iors Bryan Nguyen, Taylor Megee and Nick Johnson, along with sophomores Malachi Wood, Abdul Azizsmith and Brett Stewart. The defense is paced by sophomore linebacker Kye Pressley (34 tackles, five sacks) and Clark is also strong at the position. Senior Aidan Hughes (three sacks) and sophomore Jonathan Murff-Graham(16 tackles, two sacks) are key returners at defensive end, and Johnson will also contribute on the D-line. The talented secondary features Dever, Hicks and sophomore George Inge.
OUTLOOK: The Irish bounced back from a winless season in 2018 by going 3-7 last year, including wins in their final two games. With several important pieces of the team back this fall, they should continue to improve.
CHEROKEE CHIEFS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: A strong nucleus is back for Cherokee, including five all- conference players as well as starting quarterback Billy Osborn. He bounced back from an injury-plagued sophomore season to earn the job as a junior and threw for 2,041 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding eight TD runs. Osborn has a number of weapons to utilize, including senior wide receiver Caden Burti, an all-conference second-teamer who had 47 catches for 789 yards and six TDs. Senior Mark Phillips and juniors Ty Bartrum and Dhante Johnson are other explosive receivers, and the ground game is strong with senior running back Darren Hazen and sophomore running back Brandon Boria. Holding the offense together is a physical O-line led by senior guard Josh Toner, an all-South Jersey selection and Division I prospect, and senior tackle Matt Ellis, an all-conference second-teamer. Seniors Ryan Doyle and Austin Angradi and junior Aiden Geisenheimer also return on the line. Toner is also a key player at defensive tackle; he had 59 tackles and 8.5 sacks to earn all-conference second-team accolades. Senior linebacker Joe Gasperone (97 tackles, 8.5 sacks) and Bartrum (127 tackles, two interceptions), a defensive back, also made the all-conference second team. Junior Thomas Nigro (54 tackles, five sacks) is a playmaker at defensive end and the linebacking corps also includes juniors Billy Westerby and Mike Muckensturmand senior Michael Scarpulla. Phillips and senior Darnell Hightower Jr. are top players in the secondary.
OUTLOOK: After a rare down season in 2018, the Chiefs got hot in the playoffs last year and captured the program’s 11th sectional title before finishing the season with a 6-7 record. They expect to be in the mix again this fall.
CHERRY HILL EAST COUGARS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Cherry Hill East is happy to welcome back a solid core, starting with senior quarterback Seba Miller, who showed promise last season in his first year on the job. His top playmaker is senior running back Nick Brown , who will be looking to have a breakout year on offense. Targets in the passing game are seniors Danny Yasenchak, Moustapha Fall and Tyler Burke. Senior Jadon Louis is a key player on the offensive line, and other veterans up front are senior Reese Green and junior Richard Walker. Louis (37 tackles, five sacks) and senior Nick Tomasello (26 tackles, three sacks) are talented pass rushers at defensive end, while Brown, Miller and senior Justin Becker are stalwarts at linebacker. Yasenchak had three interceptions at cornerback; he also made the all-conference second team at punter and handles the kicking duties. Promising newcomers include sophomore Ethan Haddock, who adds depth in the secondary; sophomore Eyal Haroz, who will look to contribute at wideout; and junior Mark Hendri, a transfer from Camden Catholic expected to make an immediate impact on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and defensive back.
OUTLOOK: After making steps as a program the last two years, the Cougars are hoping to push for a .500 record this fall.
CHERRY HILL WEST LIONS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Five all-conference players are back to lead Cherry Hill West, including senior quarterback Nick Arcaroli. He threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns last year and also ran for two scores to repeat as an all-conference second-teamer. Senior running back Joshua Jean-Baptiste is a multi-talented weapon who averaged 6.7 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns in his first season at West after transferring from rival Cherry Hill East. He made the all-conference first team. Senior Tommy Giordano is another veteran running back. The Lions are also strong up front with junior Dan Lozano, an all-conference first-teamer, and senior Peter Owens, an all-conference second-teamer, anchoring the offensive line at tackle and senior Chris Alabanza returning at guard. Seniors Amado De la Cruz and Justin Busch are experienced tight ends. Senior Max McCullough, an all-conference first-teamer, is a top returner on the other side of the ball at defensive back. Jean-Baptiste, Arcaroli and senior Chris Church Jr. are other veterans in the secondary. Senior Luis Santiago (29 tackles, four sacks) and junior Jayden Cosme highlight the linebacking corps and experienced players on the defensive line are Owens and senior Desmond Hill.
OUTLOOK: The Lions finished the 2019 season on a four-game winning streak to post a 6-4 record for the second year in a row. They expect to be contenders this fall under new coach Justin Arabia, a longtime assistant at Rowan University who replaces Brian Wright at the helm.
CLEARVIEW PIONEERS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Clearview graduated a strong senior class for the second year in a row and has several important spots to fill. The defense is solid thanks to the return of junior linebacker Aiden McCullough, who recorded 106 tackles and five sacks on his way to all-conference first-team accolades. Senior cornerback Trewth Nelson had 34 tackles and two interceptions to make the all-conference second team, while senior Chad Black (52 tackles) is a returning starter at safety. Seniors Joe Iaccio and Adam McEvoy contribute at linebacker and junior Matt Murphy has experience at corner. On offense, the Pioneers must find a replacement for standout quarterback Mike Ancona, and Black will be in the mix after serving as the backup last year. Nelson (three touchdown runs) is the most experienced running back; Murphy also hopes to get carries and McEvoy is a veteran fullback. Junior John McCargo leads the offensive line after making the all-conference second team, and another top returner is senior John Chinchillo, a 6-foot-3, 255-pounder who started most of last season at center and will move to tackle. Nick Oliveira , a 6-4, 240-pounder, is a promising sophomore on the line and a talented group of juniors will also have an impact.
OUTLOOK: Last year was another successful one for the Pioneers, who went 7-3, earned a share of the WJFL Liberty title and qualified for the South Jersey Group IV playoffs. This might look like a rebuilding season on paper, but this program expects to be competitive year in and year out.
EASTERN VIKINGS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Many young players made an impact for Eastern last fall and are back to form the core again this season. That includes senior Connor Stafford, who earned the starting quarterback job as a junior and threw 12 touchdown passes on his way to all-conference second-team honors. Tru Styles, a junior, is another talented QB. Senior Amiel Davis should be the workhorse at running back after rushing for 822 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Junior Justin Rivera (three TDs) is another threat out of the backfield. There are several dynamic targets in the passing game, including senior wide receiver Justin Moore, an all-conference second-teamer who had 41 catches for 530 yards and three TDs. Senior wide receiver Jordan Diaz (31 receptions, five TDs) is also in that group along with senior tight end Kamauri Weaver and junior wide receiver Aaron Brooks. Senior Ronald Smith, sophomore Shamir Boyd and sophomore Quay Rainey are key players on the offensive line. Davis, a middle linebacker who made the all-conference first team, is a top returner on defense who recorded 47 tackles and two sacks. James Heard’s promising rookie season featured 50 tackles, 8.5 sacks and all-conference second-team honors, while senior Jaden Vaughters (30 tackles, six sacks) and Rainey are other difference-makers on the defensive line. Weaver is another experienced linebacker and the secondary is led by senior Tavion Corbett-Collier (49 tackles, three interceptions), an all-conference second-teamer. Diaz and Moore are other veteran cornerbacks. Seniors Danny Franseone and Alex Shedlovskiy are returning kickers.
OUTLOOK: The Vikings went 4-5 and qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row despite fielding an inexperienced team last fall. They have the potential for a special season in 2020.
GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC RAMS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Brayden Foster and Ben Watkis emerged as key players last fall and will lead the way for Gloucester Catholic as seniors. Foster earned the starting quarterback job as a junior transfer and ran the offense well, while Watkis led the team with 700 rushing yards, had 26 catches and scored 10 touchdowns. Both made the all-conference second team. Senior Ty’Jon Ragin-Bey and junior Zach Enley are other experienced running backs and the return of junior Jeremy Hagan from injury should help in the backfield as well. Foster’s main targets in the passing game include juniors Hunter Parks and Billy Viereck. Senior Jason Ruggieri anchors the offensive line from his tackle position and the Rams are also expecting big things from junior Dom McDermott up front. Ragin-Bey (65 tackles, four sacks) and Ruggieri (42 tackles, one sack) are key players on the defensive line and junior Kevin Thomas is another promising defensive tackle along with McDermott. Sophomore Mike Petito flashed potential as a rookie linebacker and Hagan also contributes at the position. Watkis (35 tackles, three interceptions) shines at cornerback, and other returners in the secondary are Parks, Viereck and senior Jadon Schoolfield.
OUTLOOK: The Rams started slow last year but went 4-1 down the stretch to finish with a 4-7 mark. They’re hoping to carry the momentum over to this season and contend for a winning record.
HADDONFIELD BULLDAWGS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Haddonfield graduated all five of its all-conference players from last year but is happy to welcome back senior Tommy Batson, an important player on both sides of the ball. As a running back, he led the Bulldawgs with 584 yards rushing and six touchdowns, and defensively he registered 61 tackles, three sacks and one interception from his linebacker spot. Batson’s presence will be especially key on offense as Haddonfield breaks in a new starting quarterback. Senior Marc LaProcido and junior Carson Wolff are the leading contenders for the job. Junior running back Bobby Hahn will get his share of carries, while senior Glenn Foley returns at fullback and senior wide receiver Caden Undlin will look to make things happen in the passing game. Senior Drew Hutchinson is a standout on the offensive line and senior Dan Flood is another returning starter up front. Foley and Hahn are other top defenders at linebacker, Hutchinson shines on the D-line and experienced defensive backs are Undlin and LaProcido. Junior Jack Cutter is coming off a solid season at kicker and Undlin handles the punting duties.
OUTLOOK: The Bulldawgs reached the sectional semifinals and finished 8-3 last year for their 12th straight winning season. Many of the names will be different again this fall, but expectations will remain high.
KINGSWAY DRAGONS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Several standouts from Kingsway’s defense are back in the fold, including junior safety Elias Collins, an all-conference first- teamer. He had 44 tackles and four interceptions as a sophomore. Senior defensive end DeAndre Mitchell (52 tackles, two sacks) and senior defensive tackle Sly Van Morter (37 tackles, two fumble recoveries) both made the all-conference second team, while senior linebacker Zach Schneider (63 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions) and junior defensive end Christian Aiken (four sacks) are other top returners. Senior safety Steven Maiers, senior cornerback Tyree Brice and sophomore safety Nate Maiers are other experienced players on defense. The Dragons graduated their top offensive weapon, Alex Odom, but do bring back senior quarterback Ben Maiers (10 TD passes, three TD runs). Collins is a threat as a runner and receiver and Schneider, an all-conference second-teamer, also returns at running back. Brothers Nate Maiers (a wide receiver) and Steven Maiers (an all-conference second-teamer at tight end) return on offense. The offensive line is also solid with the return of all-conference second-teamers Mitchell and senior Kevin Pandorf along with senior Art Stone, a basketball standout who plays tackle. Sophomore Reilly Robichaud and junior Nicholas Tanzola are experienced kickers. Senior wide receiver Trevor Shorter returns from an injury that sidelined him in 2019, and sophomores Jacob Mason, Darrell Brown and Nathan Bradley will be in the mix as varsity contributors.
OUTLOOK: The Dragons made an impressive run to the sectional final last year—their first since 2012—before falling to Cherokee to finish with a 6-5 record. There are talented returners on both sides of the ball, so 2020 looks promising as well.
LENAPE INDIANS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: An outstanding nucleus is back for Lenape, starting with senior running back Xavier Coleman, who made the all-South Jersey and all-conference first teams last year. Coleman is a threat to score every time he touches the ball—as a runner, receiver and returner—and found the end zone 24 times while amassing more than 1,500 all-purpose yards as a junior. He is poised for a huge final season before continuing his career at Boston College. Senior Hamza Bruce is another terrific running back who led the Indians with 886 yards rushing to go with nine TDs to make the all-South Jersey second team and all-conference first team. Senior Brady Long, an all-conference second-teamer, returns as the starting quarterback after throwing for 1,336 yards and 17 TDs, and other returners on offense are senior fullback Luke Cole, senior running back DJ Lawrence and wide receivers Tyler Davis, a senior, and Brayden Dixon, a junior. The offensive line was hit hard by graduation but has experienced players in seniors Jammal Simon and Christian Woods. The defense is paced by senior Jalen Walker, a defensive end who recorded 59 tackles and 8.5 sacks, ands Cole, a linebacker who led the Indians with 103 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss. Both made the all-conference second team. Bruce (72 tackles, seven sacks) also shines at linebacker and Coleman (34 tackles, two sacks) is a standout defensive back. Simon is a key player on the line and junior Kobi Ray-Reed returns at linebacker, while experienced players in the secondary are Davis and seniors Trevon Rice, Sean Kennedy and Jarius Green. Junior Dylan Shank is back as the kicker after booting 40 extra points and five field goals as a sophomore.
OUTLOOK: Lenape’s memorable 2019 season featured a 10-2 overall record and a share of the WJFL American title. Both losses were close defeats to Williamstown, including the sectional final. The Indians are looking to return to the championship game this fall and finish the job.
MOORESTOWN QUAKERS
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Moorestown graduated a significant portion of its starting lineup, including eight all-conference players. The Quakers do have a talented quarterback in junior Nick DiMarino, a lefthanded thrower who can move around in the pocket. He will look to take his game to the next level as an upperclassman. Junior receiver Moe Airall is a top weapon on offense and junior Zion Williams will get carries out of the backfield. Junior tackle Max McGinley is a returning starter on the offensive line and senior James Lin is a veteran guard. Seniors Nick Green and Ryan Greer will also contribute on the offensive line. Airall will return to the defensive secondary, and seniors Jaden Goldglantz and Patrick Toft will also be top contributors on the defensive side of the ball.
OUTLOOK: The Quakers went 5-6 with a playoff appearance in 2019. They will have a much different look this season but expect to plug in new leaders and compete week in and week out.
PAUL VI EAGLES
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Paul VI is fortunate to have two talented quarterbacks on its roster and it would not be surprising to see both of them contribute. Declan Williams, a junior transfer, started at Bishop Eustace last year and made the all-conference second team. He is a threat with his arm and legs. Senior Joe Gledhill had a strong season for the Eagles, throwing for more than 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns on his way to all-conference second-team honors. Senior wide receiver Wisler Sanon will be an explosive weapon for either QB, and other reliable targets are senior Nick Ocampo and juniors Logan Clark and Vincent Bannon. Junior running back Isaiah Shafer hopes to take over as the workhorse in the backfield. Senior Darrion Bovell returns at tight end and veteran offensive linemen are seniors Chris Rose and Jacob Michaels. Bannon and Michaels are key players on the defensive line and contributors at linebacker are Bovell and junior Alex Rupertus. Sanon, Ocampo, Clark and Shafer are returners in the secondary.
OUTLOOK: Last year was another rebuilding one for the Eagles, but it would not be surprising to see them improve by a few wins this fall with several veterans leading the way.
SENECA GOLDEN EAGLES
PLAYERS TO WATCH: It’s a new era at Seneca following the graduation of quarterback Malin Jasinski, a three-year starter who accounted for 41 touchdowns as a senior to make the all-South Jersey first team. Juniors Mason Milone and Chris Schoemer and sophomore Brayden Davis are candidates to take over under center, but whoever wins the job will have several playmakers at his disposal. Senior George Thorp is a dangerous receiver and other targets in the passing game are senior wide receiver Jake Handy and senior tight end Mac Carlin. Junior running back Levor Kelly will receive carries out of the backfield, while senior Joe Pronchick, an all-conference first-teamer, is a stalwart on the offensive line and junior Jordan Drayton is another returning starter up front. Carlin and junior Adam Klenk are outstanding pass rushers who lead the defense. They both had eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss to make the all-conference first team. Thorp, a defensive back, also made the first team after recording 67 tackles and five interceptions. Senior Will Decker (61 tackles, six sacks) is another key player on the defensive line and junior Thomas Beeser (79 tackles) leads the linebacking corps; both were rewarded with all-conference second-team accolades. Handy is an experienced player in the secondary.
OUTLOOK: The Golden Eagles had a memorable 2019 campaign, as their 9-3 record included a perfect 5-0 mark in the WJFL National and a trip to the sectional semifinals. Jasinski is clearly a major loss at QB, but there is enough returning talent to make this another successful season.
SHAWNEE RENEGADES
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Junior quarterback Matt Welsey has directed Shawnee to sectional championships in each of his first two seasons and should only get better as an upperclassman. He threw for 1,756 yards and 13 touchdowns and added six rushing TDs last fall to make the all-conference second team. Welsey’s favorite target is senior wide receiver Nate Summerville, who hauled in 39 catches for 695 yards and five TDs to make the all-conference first team. Senior Tom Rebstock is a talented running back and other receivers are senior Jason Blemlek and junior Avery Cohen. The offensive line was senior-laden last year, but key veterans include seniors Nick Dittmar, Mike Jarvis and JT Trinity, with senior Donovan Johnston returning at tight end. Senior Oliver Stern, an all-conference first-team kicker, drilled nine field goals and 31 extra points. The Renegades bring back one of the area’s best defensive players in Jarvis, a defensive end who had 61 tackles and three sacks on his way to all-conference second-team honors. He is receiving serious Division I college interest. Seniors Cole Catalano and Ron Kelly are other experienced defensive ends and Trinity and Dittmar contribute at defensive tackle. The linebacking corps is bolstered by seniors Evan Welsey, Isaac Dean and Summerville. The secondary is also solid, with junior Freddie McAneney and Blemlek at safety and seniors Jake Mingin and Brian Muller at cornerback.
OUTLOOK: Last year was another special one for the Renegades, who claimed their third straight sectional title and won the Group IV regional championship game to cap a 10-3 season. Hopes will remain high for 2020.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MINUTEMEN
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Liam Friel grabbed the starting quarterback job as a junior and made plays with his arm and legs. A talented athlete, he should be even better with a year of experience under his belt. Junior running back Jo’Nathan Silver had a breakout season as a sophomore and made the all-conference second team. Senior tight end Jaden Allen—who has committed to Division I Utah State—made the all-conference second team and other talented receivers are seniors Bryce Kraemer and Billy Hohman. Seniors Sal Puglia and Logan Wilson are top returners on the offensive line. On defense, Kraemer leads the secondary after making the all-conference first team. Silver and juniors Nahmere Graves and Quamir Land also return in the defensive backfield. Allen, a defensive end, and senior linebacker Dylan Sharkey both made the all-conference second team and senior defensive tackle Kiesean Simmons is another veteran.
OUTLOOK: The Minutemen got off to a solid start in 2019 and qualified for the playoffs before finishing with a 3-7 record. They hope to return to the postseason and add a few more wins to their collection this fall.
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 5 (July 2020).
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