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Football

by Marc Narducci; Photo by Tim Hawk

BISHOP EUSTACE CRUSADERS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior receiver-defensive back Anthony Marcozzi was second-team all-conference on defense. Another standout from last season, senior fullback-linebacker Vince Paola, had 63 tackles, while senior linebacker Nick Batastini had 83. Other returning starters are senior tight end-linebacker Brendan Dale; senior defensive linemen Evan Louderback and Ryan Jose, who will also play on the offensive line; senior linebacker Colin McCafferty; junior defensive back Conner Bor, who also plays receiver; senior quarterback Chris Spellman; senior receiver Matt O’Brien; and senior Alex Maroccia, who was a first-team all-conference punter and also serves as place kicker. New players to watch include junior two-way linemen Eddie Hill and Cameron Lindh, senior tight end-defensive ends Zach Wallace and Will Lennon, sophomore running back Joey Diaco and junior running back-linebacker Sam Steele.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Woodrow Wilson will be the favorite in the WJFL Independence Division, but the Crusaders should contend.

OUTLOOK: Eustace went 4-6 last season and this year a winning record, a playoff berth and contention for the division title are all realistic goals.

CAMDEN CATHOLIC FIGHTING IRISH

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior running back Michael Blandon, junior linebacker Jared Alwan, junior defensive back Pete Galiano and senior offensive lineman Marcus Coleman were first-team all-conference choices, while defensive lineman Elijah Long was a second-team selection. Alwan could be one of South Jersey’s leading linebackers, while Blandon is a breakaway threat in the backfield. Sophomore quarterback Tom Flacco, who saw more action late in the season is one of the better young players in the area. Junior offensive lineman Jeff Miller and senior two-way lineman Elijah Long, both starters, are back for another season. Junior fullback-linebacker Sean Collins is another experienced returnee. Two sophomores newcomers are gaining steam: receiver-defensive back Lee Bouggess and receiver-linebacker Nick Tretina.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Paul VI is a four-time defending division champion, so the Eagles are the team to beat again in the Constitution Division.

OUTLOOK: Gil Brooks, who was extremely successful in building St. Joseph’s Prep into a Pennsylvania powerhouse, has taken over as head coach. Brooks, who was defensive coordinator at Camden Catholic last year, inherits a team that is capable of contending for a division title, but the Irish won’t be the favorites. By this time next year, that status could change.

CHEROKEE CHIEFS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Two seniors, defensive lineman Tyler Hartman and defensive back Nick Follet were second-team all-conference choices. Follet also will be part of a deep running back rotation that includes junior Zaire Williams, who showed flashes of greatness as a sophomore. Other returning starters are senior center Quinn Mehigan and senior linebacker Casey Farah. Among key returning letter winners are junior fullback Greg Gale and a number of seniors: defensive end Eric Allen, guard Sean Barlow, strong safety Max Beck, defensive back Zach Cannon, two-way lineman Drew Clarkson, wide receiver Joe Havers, offensive lineman Brandon McCleese, tight end-defensive end Dan Mohnacs and nose guard Brandon Rapp. Senior Casey Coyle was a second-team all-conference kicker and now likely to contend for quarterback, running back or linebacker spots.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Williamstown looks to be a main challenger in the WJFL American Division.

OUTLOOK: The Chiefs are two-time defending champions in South Jersey Group 4, and despite graduating a large number of seniors, remain a contender for another sectional title. A key will be settling the quarterback position, but coach P.J. Mehigan has so far been able to steer the team through any number of tough transitions and substantial losses to graduation.

CHERRY HILL EAST COUGARS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior receiver-defensive back Robert Taylor was first-team all-conference on offense last season, while two other seniors—defensive tackle Frantz Felix and linebacker Matthew Satchell—earned similar honors on defense. Two notable returning two-way starters are wide receiver-defensive backs Kurt Taylor and Taj Frazier, both seniors. Running back-defensive back senior Brian Regan is a major offensive threat and a key in the secondary. Classmate David Friedman returns after starting at linebacker, while, this year’s quarterback slot is expected to be contested between junior Blaise Paglione and senior Jesse Gold.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Pennsauken and Shawnee are the defending champions in the WJFL National Division and are still the teams to beat.

OUTLOOK: This senior-heavy team seeks to improve on a 1-9 record. The schedule is difficult, though, so it will be tough for the Cougars to contend in this competitive division.

CHERRY HILL WEST LIONS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior running back-safety Jules German was a second-team all-conference choice on defense. Senior two-way lineman Christian Feliciano started both ways, as did senior wide receiver-safety Ali Brown. Three returning junior letter winners are running back-defensive back Robert Aquilino, two-way lineman Matt Mena and receiver-defensive back Nick Mallardi. The team also boasts new players to shake up the lineup: sophomore receiver-quarterback-defensive back Geronimo Santana is a transfer from Florida, while classmate Jon Bendig, a running back-linebacker, is a transfer from Camden Catholic. Sophomore Rodney Williams returns at quarterback.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Defending WJFL Constitution champ Paul VI remains the favorite, while Moorestown will be a major contender.

OUTLOOK: The Lions were 2-8 last year, and with an experienced team returning for the season, their win total could improve. However, division contention may still be a long shot.

EASTERN VIKINGS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior receiver-defensive back Darius Merriweather is the team leader. Junior cornerback Ely Woodard is considered a Division I recruit. Junior running back-safety Tyrone Thompson is a key transfer from Overbrook. Senior Anthony Gallo was a first-team all-conference linebacker who is also a quarterback candidate. Two returning offensive linemen are seniors Mike Gill and Tyan Tyther.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Cherokee is the two-time defending division and South Jersey Group 4 champion and remains the team to beat.

OUTLOOK: The Vikings went through a rare losing season (1-9) and should be improved, but moving up too far in the division will be difficult. The key will be the development of both the offensive and defensive lines.

GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC RAMS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior receivers Elliott McCummings and John DeLaurentis were first-conference choices with five TD receptions apiece. Both also play in the secondary, and DeLaurentis can also play running back. They were two-way starters. Senior center Chris Reichardt is the other returning starter for the Rams. Two players looking to help on the offensive line are senior George Watkins and sophomore Glen Garrison. Both could play multiple positions: Watkins is also a linebacker, defensive lineman and tight end, while Garrison can play as a linebacker.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Woodrow Wilson has the most experienced players returning and is the favorite in the WJFL Independence Division.

OUTLOOK: The Rams went 3-7 last year, but have among the least experienced teams in South Jersey. A key will be who wins the quarterback job: junior Pat Heister or sophomore Mike Davis. McCummings and De Laurentis are explosive players, and the Rams have to get them the ball frequently if they hope to improve on last year’s record.

HADDONFIELD BULLDOGS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior two-way lineman Jim Cashman returns to his spot as offensive tackle, after making a verbal commitment to Boston College. Cashman, along with senior defensive backs Dan Ciemniecki and Matt Bhaya were first-team all-Colonial Conference Liberty Division selections. Other returning seniors with high expectations include running back-defensive back Chris Dengler, tight end-defensive ends Jack Knecht and Alex Walter, fullback-linebacker Robert Perkins and offensive lineman-linebacker Carson Stack, a second-team all-conference choice. The quarterback job should be tossed between Ciemniecki and sophomore Michael McLaughlin. Five returning letter winners include senior wide receiver-defensive backs Andrew Augugliaro, Stephen Holmes and Michael Walker, junior running back-linebacker Adam Augugliaro and junior tight end-linebacker Brian Collins.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Haddonfield’s only loss last season came against West Deptford, who the Bulldogs beat in the rematch to win the South Jersey Group 2 title. West Deptford will again provide the stiffest competition in both the division and South Jersey Group 2.

OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs must replace many key graduated players to gain depth, but this team has all the ingredients to make another run at a South Jersey title.

LENAPE INDIANS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior offensive lineman Doug Gilbert, a second-team all-conference pick, does double duty on the defensive line. In addition, senior two-way lineman Bobby Isopi was a first-team all-conference choice on defense. Senior Corey Jett was a second-team all-conference receiver, and he also plays defensive back. Another returning two-way starter is fullback-linebacker Vernon Ingalls. Other starters include junior defensive back Arkemus Baskerville and three seniors: running back Trevor Terrell, strong safety Michael Cinque and receiver Jordan Walker.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Two-time defending WJFL American Division champion Cherokee remains the team to beat, while Williamstown is among the contenders.

OUTLOOK: New coach Tim McAneney should have a positive impact, and a winning record is possible. The Indians could even surface as an outside division contender, depending on how fast the team adapts to the new coaching staff.

MOORESTOWN QUAKERS

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Last year, Quakers quarterback Andrew Lisa, now a senior, threw for 2,240 yards and 24 TDs. Lisa is considered among the best quarterbacks in South Jersey, but coach Russ Horton will also try to get junior Drew Pederson some playing time as he returns from a season-long gap following an injury. Senior receiver-defensive back Zac Frantz joined Lisa on the first-team all-conference offensive team, along with senior place-kicker Alex Martinelli, who also plays wide receiver and safety. Senior linebacker Tim Mahaney was a first-team all-conference choice. Senior defensive lineman Alex Melekos also played offensive tackle, but may move to tight end. Junior Anthony Bonett is a two-way performer at receiver and defensive back. Sophomore receiver-defensive back Dallas Clark is a newcomer to watch.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Defending WJFL Constitution champ Paul VI remains the favorite, but Moorestown will make a serious run at the title.

OUTLOOK : The Quakers took South Jersey by surprise last season, going 7-3 and earning a Group 3 playoff spot. This year, with two talented quarterbacks and an explosive offense, the Quakers have the ability to be a top-10 South Jersey team.

PAUL VI EAGLES

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior running back Johnell Anderson was a first-team all-conference selection, and is one of the most elusive backs in South Jersey. Senior Jamie Calhoun was a first-team all-conference punter. Shabazz Ahmed was a second-team choice, along with senior two-way lineman Malik Groover, senior defensive back Max Alburtus, and senior fullback-linebacker Matt Burnett. Ahmed has made a verbal commitment to Temple University. Newcomers to watch include junior quarterback Chase White; junior two-way lineman Mike Angerstein, sophomore two-way linemen Lamont Bradfore and Evan Tootle; sophomore receiver Adonnis Jennings, and sophomore fullback-linebacker Keaton Sentak.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Moorestown, which finished second to Paul VI in the WJFL Constitution Division, will be a major contender this season. Camden Catholic can’t be discounted.

OUTLOOK : The Eagles (8-2 overall, 4-0 division) have won four consecutive division titles and, despite some major losses to graduation, remain the team to beat in Constitution Division. When it comes to playoffs, the Eagles compete in Non-Public Group 4, the toughest in the state, where just winning a single game has been a difficult task for South Jersey teams.

SENECA GOLDEN EAGLES

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Junior tight end-defensive end Will Flake could be one of the top players in the WFJL Constitution Division. He is the Golden Eagles’ lone returning two-way starter. Senior tight end-defensive lineman Barry Porter and senior running back-defensive back Dylan Schulte both started on defense. Senior guard Tim Barton started the first three games last fall, before suffering a season-ending broken leg. Senior Frank Bobo offers an extremely strong leg. It’s likely that Johnson and senior A.J. Miskiewicz will battle for the quarterback job. Meanwhile, senior two-way lineman Rob Collis, who was penciled to be a started until an injury last year, is among the most anticipated newcomers. Other newcomers from the J.V. squad incude junior two-way lineman Derek Kammerer, senior two-way linemen Chris Talbot and Cuyler Vena, senior running back-linebacker Sean Gray and junior linebacker Evan Wassall.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Defending WJFL Constitution champ Paul VI, along with the highly touted Moorestown team, are the teams to beat in the division.

OUTLOOK: Coach Bill Fisher has done a great job building this program, but the Golden Eagles appear to be a year away from contention; too many seniors were lost from a 4-6 team. However, even in a so-called rebuilding season, the Golden Eagles should field a competitive club.

SHAWNEE RENEGADES

PLAYERS TO WATCH: While the quarterback position is up for grabs, outstanding returning linemen should make for a strong Shawnee offense. Senior two-way linemen Tom Smith and Bob Bradley were first- and second-team all-conference choices respectively, and will be joined by returning offensive line starters senior guard Rob Beachy and senior tackle Jesse Osborne. Other returning starters are nose guard Len Sanelli, senior fullback-linebacker Wes Hoffner, senior tight end Sean Murray, junior running back Rob DiOrio, senior defensive end Nick Delicata, junior linebacker Marc Yeager, senior cornerback Kyle Wigley, sophomore strong safety Anthony DiOrio and senior cornerback Jamie Jackopin.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Shawnee and Pennsauken are the defending WJFL National Division champions, and both are co-favorites once again.

OUTLOOK: Shawnee will be a contender not only for the division but a sectional title. A crucial factor will be how a new quarterback performs. Jackopin and junior Andrew Bertolino are two of the contenders to earn the quarterback spot.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MINUTEMEN

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior Grant Wilson could be among the better offensive linemen in South Jersey after earning first-team all-conference honors. Senior Jordan Parra should be the main ball carrier, and is a big-play threat. Classmate Mike Hill was a starter at cornerback. Other key veterans include junior linebacker Joe Cotton, senior defensive lineman Matt Laudenslager, senior linebacker Adam Osmola, and junior receiver Matt Long.

BIGGEST COMPETITION: Cherokee is the team to beat in the WJFL American Division.

OUTLOOK: Usually among the top programs in South Jersey, the Minutemen slipped to 3-7 last year. This is a team capable of producing a winning record and can’t be discounted as an outside American Division contender.

2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

BISHOP EUSTACE CRUSADERS
9/9 vs. Camden, 7 p.m.
9/17 at Gloucester Catholic, 10:30 a.m.
9/23 at Woodrow Wilson, 7 p.m.
9/30 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
10/7 vs. Deptford, 7 p.m.
10/21 vs. Triton, 7 p.m.
10/28 vs. Cherry Hill West, 7 p.m.
11/4 at Camden Catholic, 7 p.m.
11/23 vs. Pennsauken, 6 p.m.

CAMDEN CATHOLIC FIGHTING IRISH
9/10 at Gloucester Catholic, 10:30 a.m.
9/23 vs. Cherry Hill West, 7 p.m.
10/1 at Camden, 2 p.m.
10/6 at Seneca, 7 p.m.
10/21 vs. Pennsauken, 7 p.m.
10/29 at Moorestown, 2 p.m.
11/4 vs. Bishop Eustace, 7 p.m.
11/24 vs. Paul VI, 10:30 a.m.

CHEROKEE CHIEFS
9/9 vs. Lenape, 7 p.m.
9/16 at Eastern, 7 p.m.
9/23 vs. Williamstown, 7 p.m.
10/1 at Washington Township, 4 p.m.
10/14 vs. Cherry Hill West, 7 p.m.
10/21 at Shawnee, 7 p.m.
10/28 vs. Clearview, 7 p.m.
11/5 at Cherry Hill East, 2 p.m.
11/24 at Seneca, 11 a.m.

CHERRY HILL EAST COUGARS
9/9 at Clearview, 7 p.m.
9/17 vs. Washington Township, 11 a.m.
9/24 at Winslow Township, 12 p.m.
10/1 vs. Pennsauken, 2 p.m.
10/6 vs. Shawnee, 3:45 p.m.
10/14 at Williamstown, 7 p.m.
10/28 at Lenape, 7 p.m.
11/5 vs. Cherokee, 2 p.m.
11/23 at Cherry Hill West, 6 p.m.

CHERRY HILL WEST LIONS
9/9 vs. Seneca, 7 p.m.
9/16 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
9/23 at Camden Catholic, 7 p.m.
10/6 vs. Woodrow Wilson, 6 p.m.
10/14 at Cherokee, 7 p.m.
10/21 vs. Camden, 7 p.m.
10/28 at Bishop Eustace, 7 p.m.
11/4 vs. Moorestown, 7 p.m.
11/23 vs. Cherry Hill East, 6 p.m.

EASTERN VIKINGS
9/9 at Williamstown, 7 p.m.
9/16 vs. Cherokee, 7 p.m.
9/23 at Washington Township, 7 p.m.
10/1 vs. Lenape, 6 p.m.
10/6 vs. Moorestown, 7 p.m.
10/14 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
10/21 vs. Timber Creek, 7 p.m.
10/29 at Winslow Township, 12 p.m.
11/4 vs. Pennsauken, 7 p.m.

GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC RAMS
9/10 vs. Camden Catholic, 10:30 a.m.
9/17 vs. Bishop Eustace, 10:30 a.m.
9/23 at Deptford, 7 p.m.
9/30 at Woodrow Wilson, 7 p.m.
10/8 at Camden, 10:30 a.m.
10/15 vs. Seneca, 10:30 a.m.
10/29 vs. Highland, 10:30 a.m.
11/4 at Pennsville, 7 p.m.
11/24 at Gloucester, 10:30 a.m.

HADDONFIELD BULLDOGS
9/16 vs. Collingswood, 7 p.m.
9/23 vs. Haddon Township, 7 p.m.
9/30 at West Deptford, 7 p.m.
10/6 at Sterling, 7 p.m.
10/14 vs. Lindenwold, 7 p.m.
10/22 at Paulsboro, 1 p.m.
10/28 vs. Overbrook, 7 p.m.
11/4 vs. Woodbury, 7 p.m.
11/24 at Haddon Heights, 11 a.m.

LENAPE INDIANS
9/9 at Cherokee, 7 p.m.
9/16 vs. Williamstown, 7 p.m.
10/1 at Eastern, 6 p.m.
10/6 vs. Washington Township, 7 p.m.
10/15 at Winslow Township, 2 p.m.
10/21 at Seneca, 7 p.m.
10/28 Lenape vs. Cherry Hill East, 7 p.m.
11/4 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
11/24 Lenape vs. Shawnee, 10 a.m.

MOORESTOWN QUAKERS
9/9 at Paul VI, 7 p.m.
9/16 vs. Seneca, 7 p.m.
9/23 vs. Timber Creek, 7 p.m.
9/30 at Williamstown, 7 p.m.
10/6 at Eastern, 7 p.m.
10/14 vs. Kingsway, 7 p.m.
10/21 at Highland, 7 p.m.
10/29 vs. Camden Catholic, 2 p.m.
11/4 at Cherry Hill West, 7 p.m.

PAUL VI EAGLES
9/9 vs. Moorestown, 7 p.m.
9/16 vs. Cherry Hill West, 7 p.m.
9/23 at Seneca, 7 p.m.
9/30 vs. Bishop Eustace, 7 p.m.
10/14 vs. Eastern, 7 p.m.
10/22 at Winslow Township, 2 p.m.
10/28 at Triton, 7 p.m.
11/4 vs. Lenape, 7 p.m.
11/24 at Camden Catholic, 10:30 a.m.

SENECA GOLDEN EAGLES
9/9 at Cherry Hill West, 7 p.m.
9/16 at Moorestown, 7 p.m.
9/23 vs. Paul VI, 7 p.m.
10/1 at Shawnee, 12 p.m.
10/6 vs. Camden Catholic, 7 p.m.
10/15 at Gloucester Catholic, 10:30 a.m.
10/21 vs. Lenape, 7 p.m.
10/28 at Timber Creek, 7 p.m.
11/24 Seneca vs. Cherokee, 11 a.m.

SHAWNEE RENEGADES
9/9 vs. Pennsauken, 7 p.m.
9/17 at Winslow Township, 12 p.m.
9/23 vs. Clearview, 7 p.m.
10/1 vs. Seneca, 12 p.m.
10/6 at Cherry Hill East, 3:45 p.m.
10/21 vs. Cherokee, 7 p.m.
10/28 vs. Williamstown, 7 p.m.
11/4 at Washington Township, 7 p.m.
11/24 at Lenape, 10 a.m.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MINUTEMEN
9/9 vs. Winslow Township, 7 p.m.
9/17 at Cherry Hill East, 11 a.m.
9/23 vs. Eastern, 7 p.m.
10/1 vs. Cherokee, 4 p.m.
10/6 at Lenape, 7 p.m.
10/14 at Clearview, 7 p.m.
10/29 at Pennsauken, 12 p.m.
11/4 vs. Shawnee, 7 p.m.
11/24 at Williamstown, 10:30 a.m.

Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family’s High School Fall Sports Preview, August, 2011.
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