34 minute read

Independence Division......................... Pages

from 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview

by Shore Sports Network Journal

from 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview, page 76

Article from: 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview

Liberty Division.................

Head Coach:

Walt Currie, 15th season Career Record: 78-67 Assistant Coaches:

Rob Brown (Defensive Coordinator); James Mahoney (Offensive Coordinator); Bill Brunner (OL); Paul Walski (OL); Bob Merola (TE); Keith Farr (WR); Pete Walski (WR/CB); William Brunner Sr. (DT); Mike Mahoney (DE); Nick Moschella (LB); Brady Watson (Safeties); Jimmy Bright & Ryan Graham (Freshmen); Sue Penrod (Athletic Trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 3-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 4-6 2017: 74 2016: 2-8

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-2-5

Player To Watch: Mike Angrosina, Sr., TE/ILB

Angrosina is one of several two-way returning starters for Brick Memorial. He’ll look to lead the defense as the middle linebacker and at tight end will be called upon to contribute on the ground and through the air.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Jake Gallo, Sr., WR/OLB

Gallo is the lone returning skill player with starting experience and enters as the No. 1 target for new quarterback Connor Deitz. After starting in the secondary last season he will slide down to outside linebacker.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Connor Dietz, So., QB

The quarterback position is important in any offense and even more so in an option offense given the post-snap reads and responsibilities. Deitz’s development this season will be something to watch as the Mustangs try to return to contention.

WILL THE SKILL THRILL?

To rebound from a string of three straight losing seasons – a first under

head coach Walt Currie and the first for the program in over 20 years – Brick Memorial will be leaning on a veteran group of linemen while hoping its skill players can develop quickly.

To be fair, it’s not like Brick Memorial has been a bottom-feeder over the last few seasons. The Mustangs were 4-6 in 2018, 3-6 in 2019 and 3-5 last season. They’ll try to get back on the winning side of things and return to their usual spot of competing for division and state championships, but in order to do so, the Mustangs will need some unproven newcomers to make their presence felt.

Brick Memorial has veered away from its classic flexbone triple-option offense over the past couple of seasons but the option concepts remain in the Mustangs’ spread option offense. The strength is clearly in the trenches with five senior linemen returning as starters along with a senior tight end. The veteran group includes Evan Gillen (5-foot-10, 245) at left tackle, PJ Mazzeo (6-foot-1, 235) at left guard, Colin Mullahey (5-foot-11, 215) at center, Sam Azzoretti (5-foot-10, 230) at right guard and Brett Baxter (6foot-3, 250) at right tackle. Senior Mike Angrosina, a returning starter, is at tight end along with sizeable junior Ben Wooley (6-foot-3, 225).

At the skill positions, senior wide receiver Jake Gallo is the lone returning starter. Senior Damien DiLuccio is the other wide receiver and senior Jake LaRocca steps in as the starting running back.SR. TE MIKE ANGROSINA

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Thur. 9/2 @Howell 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 @TR South 7pm Sat. 9/25 Brick 1pm Fri. 10/1 @Midd. North 7pm Fri. 10/8 Lacey 7pm Fri. 10/15 Marlboro 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Brick Mem Continued Page 66

(L-R) SAM AZZORETTI (60), COLIN MULLAHEY (73), MIKE ANGROSINA (45), JAKE GALLO (4), EVAN GILLEN (57), JAKE LAROCCA (22), DAMIEN DILUCCIO (9)

TOP POSITION GROUP: Offensive and Defensive Line

The entire offensive line is back and three of four defensive linemen are also returning starters. Those guys will have to lead the way and set the tone early in the season while the skill players find their way.

Big Shoes to Fill: Skill Positions

Brick Memorial’s offense was mostly a two-man show last season with quarterback TJ McArthur and running back/wide receiver Akhi Barksdale producing the bulk of the yards and touchdowns. With both having graduated it will be up to a new cast to of characters to take the reins. X-Factor: Development of New Starters

If the first-year starters can perform like seasoned veterans sooner than later, Brick Memorial should be able to contend for a division title and make some noise in the state playoffs. If not, it will be an uphill battle to get to a .500 record.

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7

QB: CONNOR DIETZ, SO. RB: JAKE LAROCCA, SR. WR: JAKE GALLO, SR., RS; DAMIEN DILUCCIO, SR. TE: MIKE ANGROSINA, SR., RS; BEN WOOLEY, JR. LT: EVAN GILLEN, SR., RS LG: PJ MAZZEO, SR., RS C: COLIN MULLAHEY, SR., RS RG: SAM AZZORETTI, SR., RS RT: BRETT BAXTER, SR., RS

Debuting at quarterback will be 6-foot-1, 175-pound sophomore Connor Dietz. As the lone sophomore on either offense or defense he doesn’t have to be a doit-all player, but he’s still the quarterback and with that comes a certain degree of leadership responsibilities and expectations. As with any quarterback, his development will be vital to Brick Memorial’s success, both this year and beyond. Defensively, Brick Memorial will look to improve on the 24.4 points per game it allowed last season and once again it will start with the guys with their hands in the dirt. The defensive line returns three of four starters with Azzoretti and Gillen as the interior linemen and Mullahey as a starting defensive end. The other defensive end will be the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Wooley. The unit of linebackers is led by Angrosina, a returning starter at inside linebacker. Gallo slides down to outside linebacker after starting in the secondary last season and Nolan steps in as the other outside linebacker.

DiLuccio is the lone returning starter in the secondary as the strong safety. Juniors Jeremiah Crispin and Eli Benjamin are the cornerbacks and LaRocca is the free safety.

Brick Memorial will play in the Independence Division this season with crosstown rival Brick plus Howell, Lacey and Middletown North. The Mustangs will also play longtime Class A South rival Toms River South and close their regular season vs. Marlboro.

There are questions marks, sure, but having an experienced group of linemen is certainly a sturdy foundation to start with. If Brick Memorial’s new starters can develop quickly, the Mustangs could be back to their winning ways this fall.

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 6

DE: COLIN MULLAHEY, SR., RS DT: SAN AZZORETTI, SR., RS DT: EVAN GILLEN, SR., RS DE: BEN WOOLEY, JR.

OLB: JAKE GALLO, SR. (STARTED AT FS LAST YEAR)

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MLB: MIKE ANGROSINA, SR., RS OLB: JOE NOLAN, JR. CB: JEREMIAH CRISPIN, JR. CB: ELI BENJAMIN, JR. SS: DAMIEN DILUCCIO, SR., RS FS: JAKE LAROCCA, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: NICO MARIBO, SO. P: JOE NOLAN, JR.

Head Coach:

Len Zdanowicz, 7th season Career Record: 36-26 Assistant Coaches:

Bill McDonnell (Offensive coordinator, QB/RB); Brian McNamara (Defensive Coordinator, LB); Andrew Cruz (TE); Jared Kight (OL); John Dolan (RB/WR); Al Saner (Offensive assistant); Joe Smyth (DL); Chad Dougherty (MLB); John Prato (DB); Kurt Wieboldt (Special teams, kickers); FRESHMEN: Jay Groschel (head coach/OC), Chris Blackburn (DC), Scott Karos, Dan Dornacker, Wayne Neidermier; Pete Fusco (athletic trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 8-3 2017: 6-5 2016: 8-4

BUILT FOR BATTLE

“You Win Games in The Trenches”

Of all the most-used phrases in football, the axiom about how important

it is to get quality play along the line of scrimmage remains unquestioned. If a team is above average along the offensive and defensive lines it changes everything.

Coming off a rare sub-.500 season, the Brick Township High School football team has plenty going for it as the Dragons look to return to championship form. The squad has a whopping 10 returning starters returning on each side of the ball, headlined by an offensive line that returns four of five starters and a defensive front seven that returns nearly all of its starters.

If games are indeed won or lost up front, Brick is well ahead of the curve. Senior Darian Newcomb will be a fouryear starter when the season begins and anchors the offensive line from his spot at right tackle. He will be joined by junior Michael Pormigiano (LT), and senior returning starters AJ Ellis (LG), Vin Caldarise (C), and Jason Glass (RG), plus senior Tyson Lopez at tight end to form a formidable wall of people movers.

Brick’s offense will be a mix of its

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Fri. 9/3 @TR South 7pm Fri. 9/10 @Lacey 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 Howell 7pm Sat. 9/25 @Brick Mem. 1pm Fri. 10/1 Ocean 7pm Fri. 10/8 Midd. North 7pm Sat. 10/16 @Neptune 1pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Offense: Shotgun Wing-T Defense: Multiple

______________________________________________

Player To Watch: Darian Newcomb, Sr., OL/DL

When Brick trots onto Toms River South’s Detwiler Stadium to open the season on Sept. 3, Newcomb will officially be a four-year starter for one of the most tradition-rich high school football programs in New Jersey. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds with strength and quickness, he has the ability to dominate up front.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Ryan Panuska, Sr., QB/SS

There are certain last names that resonate in the world of Brick football and Panuska is surely one of them. Now a senior, Ryan Panuska will direct the Dragons’ shotgun Wing-T offense and also reprise his role as the starting strong safety. His leadership abilities will be mean just as much as touchdowns and tackles.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jacob Toye, So., OLB/TE

The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Toye has his sights set on a starting job as an outside linebacker and is also working at tight end. Additionally, he will serve as Brick’s kickoff specialist. As the great-grandson of legendary Brick hockey coach Bob Auriemma, Toye knows all about the winning tradition at Brick.

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Lines and Secondary

With a total of 20 positions on offense and defense (L-R) AJ ELLIS (51), RILEY BELL (17), JUSTIN KURC (7), DARIAN NEWCOMB (55), RYAN PANUSKA (12), JASON GLASS (56) & TYLER WEISNECK (23)

that have significant varsity experience, you could go several different ways with this, but it’s hard to ignore what Brick has in the trenches and the defensive backfield. Four offensive lineman return plus two interior defensive linemen. The Dragons will try to use that experience to dictate the game at the point of attack. All four secondary players are also returning starters. X-Factor: Starting Strong

The Dragons open the season with two straight rivalry games on the road against Toms River South and Lacey and also face crosstown rival Brick Memorial in Week 4. Not only should those opponents present good tests on the field, but they are also games in which the players are more emotionally invested because of the rivalry factor. Early wins don’t guarantee anything, but they can absolutely set the tone for a special season. Big Shoes to Fill: Malachi Wright, Sr., WR & Logan Lungren, Jr., WR

Wide receiver is the only position where Brick does not have a returning starter to fill the void left by Evan Travisano, who was a second-team all-division selection as a senior last year. Wright (6-foot, 190) and Lungren (6-foot-2, 180), will be tasked with making teams honor the passing game enough to keep opponents honest.

classic Delaware Wing-T offense blended with a more modern touch. Senior quarterback Ryan Panuska – the son of former Dragons star, University of Tennessee standout and current Brick athletic director Pete Panuska – will operate out of the shotgun and spearheads a veteran backfield that includes seniors Tyler Weisneck and Riley Bell at running back and seniors Mikey Schliefer, Justin Kurc, Jason Norman, and Logan Donnelly at wing back. It takes just a quick glance at the roster to see that Brick’s strength will be running the football.

A stingy and physical defense has been the calling card for Brick’s most successful teams and this season’s version is looking to operate in that same mold. The Dragon’s multiple-front defense has Newcomb and Michael Pormigiano as returning starters up front, Bell, junior Jake DeDreux and junior Colin Wilson as returning starters at middle/inside linebackers. Schliefer, Glass, and sophomores Jacob Toye and Travis Trempy are the outside linebackers.

The offensive line and defensive front jump off the page in terms of experience, but the secondary is right there with those groups. All four starters are back with Norman and Weisneck as the corners, Panuska at strong safety and Kurc as the free safety. There is depth, as well, with Donnelly as the third cornerback, junior AJ Grygiel as a strong safety and sophomore Christian Booker at free safety.

Division alignment has the Dragons in a new division but playing some of its traditional rivals, including Brick and Lacey within the Independence Division and Toms River South in a season-opening non-divisional contest.

This Dragons team isn’t filled with returning All-Shore players and big names, but that certainly isn’t a precursor to success. With experience up and down the lineup and the look of a solid, get-the-job-done team, this

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Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 10

QB: RYAN PANUSKA, SR., RS; AJ GRYGIEL, JR. RB: TYLER WEISNECK, SR., 3RS; RILEY BELL, SR., WING: JASON NORMAN, SR; LOGAN DONNELLY, SR. WING: MIKEY SCHLIEFER, SR., RS; JUSTIN KURC, SR. WR: MALACHI WRIGHT, SR.; LOGAN LUNGREN, JR. TE: TYSON LOPEZ, JR., RS; JACOB TOYE, SO.; ANDREW DAVICSIN, JR. LT: MICHAEL PORMIGIANO, JR. LG: AJ ELLIS, SR., RS; COLIN WILSON, JR. C: VIN CALDARISE, SR., RS; BRENDAN KALP, SR. RG: JASON GLASS, SR., RS RT: DARIAN NEWCOMB, SR., 4RS; WILL WALSH, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 10

DT: VIN CALDARISE, SR.; JASON GLASS, SR. DT: DARIAN NEWCOMB, SR., 4RS DT: MICHAEL PORMIGIANO, JR., RS; AJ ELLIS MLB: RILEY BELL, SR., 3RS; JAKE DEDREUX, JR., RS MLB: COLIN WILSON, JR., RS; JARRED VALIANT, SR. OLB: MIKEY SCHLIEFER, SR.; JASON GLASS, SR. OLB: JACOB TOYE, SO.; TRAVIS TREMPY, SO. CB: JASON NORMAN, SR., RS CB: TYLER WEISNECK, SR., 3RS; LOGAN DONNELLY, JR. SS: RYAN PANUSKA, SR., RS: AJ GRYGIEL, JR. FS: JUSTIN KURC, SR., 3RS: CHRISTIAN BOOKER, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: KURT WEIBOLDT JR., SO. P: AJ GRYGIEL, JR. OR RYAN PANUSKA, SR. KICKOFF SPECIALIST: JACOB TOYE, SO.

Head Coach:

Bill Hill, 1st season Career Record: 9-31 Assistant Coaches:

Bob Generelli (Sr. Off. Assistant/OL), Bill Hill Jr. (Def. Coord./OLB/WR), Adam Sacco (DL/OL), Ed Morales (RB/ILB), Dave Jimerson (DB), Larry Paslak (Freshman), Nick Ferrar (Freshman Assistant), Amy Ghione (Athletic Trainer) Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 1-9 2018: 1-9 2017: 9-2 2016: 6-5

Offense: Multiple I/Spread Defense: 30/40 Front

______________________________________________

Player To Watch: Nick Vecchiarelli, Sr., WR/FS

Vecchiarelli and classmate Matt Ionnides are the two returning seniors who started for the bulk of the 2020 season and the two will be instrumental in leading day-to-day. Vecchiarelli has delivered early on, according to Hill, and the senior is giving off the impression that he will be a major player in the secondary and at wide receiver both within the team and among other standouts at the Shore.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Jack Gartenstein, Jr., WR/DB

Howell will hope to unleash the passing game this year with Steven Jardim running the show at quarterback and both Nick and John Vecchiarelli among the wide receivers, but the key to the attack could be Gartenstein. The junior is a versatile player who can operate out wide or inside and will also be in the mix to play in the secondary. He is also the backup quarterback and a name to watch at the position looking ahead to 2022.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Ray DeFrancesco, So., ILB

Along with wide receiver Kevin Maloney, DeFrancesco is one of two projected sophomore starters for Howell and it will be an inside linebacker spot where DeFrancesco makes his impact. Howell graduated one of the Shore’s better linebacker tandems in Nick Cerulli and Hunter Lino, so the Rebels will be counting on DeFrancesco to slide into one of those spots and produce right away.

RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS

Bill Hill has been a lot of things in his near-half-century in Shore

Conference athletics and this season, he gets to add a line to his decorated resume: head coach at this alma mater.

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

Thur. 9/2 Brick Mem. 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 @ Brick, 7pm Fri. 9/24 Midd. North 6:30pm Fri. 10/1 @Lacey 6:30pm Sat. 10/9 @Marlboro Noon Fri. 10/15 Freehold Twp. 6:30pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Hill starred for Howell in the 1970’s and played both football and baseball professionally before going into coaching. His two head coaching stops were three seasons at Toms River South and one at Asbury Park, but now, following a season as the Howell defensive coordinator, Hill is running the program where it all started for him. “To have played at Howell and then to come back 45 years later as the head coach, it’s pretty great,” Hill said. “I came on as the defensive coordinator last year and there was an expectation that in a few years, I might have an opportunity to (L-R) JACK GARTENSTEIN (18), RILEY BELL (19), DAMIEN PADILLA (9), NICK VECCHIARELLI (10), MATT IONNIDES (58), be the head coach and I think being around the program and the STEPHEN JARDIM (15), SEVEN MILLER (7), VINCENT HOFFMAN (1) administration every day gave them a

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line

While the Rebels figure out how to situate themselves at the skill positions and with their new linebackers, they can take solace in the fact that the offensive line is loaded with experience. All five players got a chance to play in 2020, with seniors Mike Mitchell, Stanley Federovitch (tackles), Matt Ionnides and Jackson Floyd (guards) returning as starters and junior Riley Johnston seeing time at center. Big Shoes to Fill: Conner Gordon (Sr., RB) and Sam Mele (Jr., ILB)

Cerulli was the top player for Howell last season with his 79 tackles and 5 ½ sacks on defense and bruising running style on offense. It will be a twopronged effort to replace that production, with Gordon emerging as the leading candidate for the starting running back job. On the other side, Mele joins DeFrancesco at inside linebacker and has the more experienced player, the majority of the responsibility in replacing Cerulli’s leadership and production will go to him – at least at the outset of the season. X-Factor: Quarterback

Stephen Jardim started the final game of Howell’s 2020 season and threw for more than 300 yards in a 49-0 win over Immaculata. While he does not have a whole lot of experience, Jardim has shown in both his small sample last year and as the starter during camp this year that he is ready to lead the offense and author some big plays in the passing game.

chance to see what I’m about. It’s an exciting opportunity, we have a great coaching staff and we’re looking forward to the season.”

The Rebels were 2-4 a season ago under Frank Edgerly and although the head coach is new, there is continuity in the staff to help this year’s group continue to progress. Bob Generelli returns as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach and as a coach who has won state titles at both Middletown South and Raritan, he is a major asset for Hill in his first season as Howell head coach.

“We talk a lot about game-planning and whenever Bobby says something, you pay attention,” Hill said. “He has an incredible amount of coaching knowledge and experience and it’s great to see the kids responding to him and really the entire staff.”

On the field, the Rebels will have some talent to replace, but there will be some experience sprinkled throughout the field and the offensive line remains almost entirely intact relative to 2020. All that leads to an air of optimism among the Rebels, who have gone 4-22 since their 9-2 2017 season.

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: STEPHEN JARDIM, SR.; JACK GARTENSTEIN, JR.; EGAN NELMS, SO. RB: CONNER GORDON, SR.; LUKE DONTON, SR.; BRANDON WRIGHT, SO. WR: JACK GARTENSTEIN, JR. WR: NICK VECCHIARELLI, SR., RS; CHRISTIAN FONTES, SR. WR: JOHN VECCHIARELLI, JR.; KEVIN MALONEY, SO. TE: VINCE HARTMAN; DAMIAN PADILLA, JR.; DECLAN FLAHERTY LT: MIKE MITCHELL, SR., RS LG: MATT IONNIDES, SR., RS C: RILEY JOHNSTON, JR. RG: JACKSON FLOYD, SR., RS RT: STANLEY FEDEROVITCH, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

DT: MATT IONNIDES, SR., RS; BRIAN LARSON, SR. DT: THOMAS RICHARDS, JR.; RICH DIAB, JR.; XAVIER HENDRIQUES, SR. DE: SEVEN MILLER, JR.; MIKE MITCHELL, SR. OLB: VINCE HOFFMAN, SR.; ROBERT OWEN, JR. ILB: SAM MELE, JR. ILB: RAY DEFRANCESCO, SO. OLB: JACKSON FLOYD, JR.; JASON DIMICHELE CB: LUKE DALTON, SR. CB: JACK MASCALI, SR.; JOHN VECCHIARELLI, JR. SS: CONNER GORDON, JR.; JACK GARTENSTEIN, JR. FS: NICK VECCHIARELLI, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: CHRISTIAN FONTES, SR., RS P: CHRISTIAN FONTES, SR.

SR. QB. STEPHEN JARDIM

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Head Coach:

Lou Vircillo, 41st season Career Record: 299-152 Assistant Coaches:

Warren Smith (QB/Rec); Mike Stuppiello (LB); Chris DiMicco; Bob Nani (DL); Matt Kiefer (Asst. OL); Shane Allen; Shawn McAndrew; Jack Bush (Films); Joe Tobin (Asst. Secondary); Lee Emery (athletic trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 5-4 2019: 7-4 2018: 5-5 2017: 7-3 2016: 6-4

Offense: Pro/Spread Defense: 3-4/Multiple

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Players To Watch: Noah Brunatti, QB, Sr., and Scott Stevens, RB/FB, Sr.

It's been a pretty stellar high school career for quarterback Noah Brunatti and running back/linebacker Scott Stevens, both of whom enter their senior seasons. They are the two biggest keys on offense to ensuring a successful season for Lacey in 2021. If they go this year, the offense will go far, if they don't, the season won't be as successful. If there was a WAR stat for high school football, these two would have high numbers. To date, Brunatti has thrown for 2,012 yards on 287 attempts while throwing 16 touchdowns in 3 seasons while Stevens, a Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore Selection last season, has found the end zone 11 times sharing the load between running back and full back.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Dom Perrone, RB, Jr.

Perrone only carried the ball 14 times for 147 yards during his sophomore season in 2020 but should see an increase this coming season following the graduation of Tynan Jensen. Although it's likely that Scott Stevens and Gaetano DiMiele will see most of the carries, depending on the situation, Perrone will be a key part in the running game this season. EXPERIENCE IS KEY

WFOR LIONS

hen you're a healthy team, you can see what you're made of.

B ACK ( L- R ) M IKE A BODE , J OE K UDLACIK , D OMINICK TARRICONE , J OHN D ODARO F RONT ( L- R ) S COTT S TEVENS , D AMIAN O’L OUGHLIN , N OAH B RUNATTI , A NDREW T OBIA

When you're an experienced team that is healthy, you can take your game to the next level.

The 2021 version of the Lacey Lions are in a fortunate position to have nine returning players on offense and six on defense after two straight seasons of developing younger players who played well, even coming just short of clinching a spot in the title game in 2019 falling valiantly to eventual champion Wall Township.

Some of the players on that 2019 team are now seniors who grew even more in 2020. "Any time you have a team with that type of game experience, it's always good, (but) I wouldn't go out and say we have a tremendous amount of players with that type of experience but we do bring back a good handful of kids on both sides of the ball from last year," Coach Lou Vircillo, who enters his 41st season in Lacey, tells Shore Sports Network. "We were pretty competitive last year, some games got away from us and we had a couple injuries that hurt us and our type of team can't really afford

By: Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

Fri. 9/10 Brick

6:30pm Fri. 9/17 Midd. North 6:30pm Fri. 9/24 @RFH 7pm Fri. 10/1 Howell 6:30pm Fri. 10/8 @Brick Mem. 7pm Sat. 10/16 @Colts Neck 12pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Matt Coon, DE, Jr. and Pat Luca, DT, Jr.

The Lions lost five players, among others, to graduation who rotated in and played big roles on the defensive line in 2020: Nick Christina, Austin Chadwick, Nick Povia, Gerard O'Connor and Mario Ramirez. "We lost the entire defensive line, for the most part," Vircillo said. "We need to see who steps up there. We have a plan as to how we're going to try to execute defensively and it'll be a little bit different than what we've been doing and we'll see where that goes." With a new-look defensive line in 2021, players like Matt Coon and Pat Luca will be looked upon to continue improving and build upon a good look Lions defense.

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line

In a Shore Conference program with a longrunning (pun intended) tradition of having a successful running game and creating some of the top backs in the area, a solid offensive line is needed to help that part of the game happen. With no holes, there's not much success. For Lacey, it returns four of the five offensive linemen from a year ago with junior Brenden Supsie taking over at left guard alongside left tackle Padraic Banfield, center Damian O'Loughlin, right guard Dakota Schwab and right tackle Joe Kudlacik. If this unit performs well and gives Stevens -- who can certainly create holes on his own -- as well as Gaetano DiMiele and Dom Perrone in the backfield, the Lions running attack will be successful and get the glory and headlines but it'll be in big thanks to this offensive line.

Big Shoes to Fill: Jeff Brewer, OLB, Sr.

Tynan Jensen was one of Lacey's top two-way players prior to graduation, be it getting carries at running back (where he ran the ball 149 times for 934 yards and 9 TD's, according to MaxPreps last season) or his presence on defense at OLB where he compiled 36 tackles. The Lions lost some key players on defense from a season ago and need players like senior Jeff Brewer at linebacker to help with not only filling the void by graduated seniors like Jensen but also elevating their own games to make opposing offensive coordinators lose sleep the night before a game against the Lions.

X-Factor: The Seniors

There are nine returning starters on offense and 6 on defense for the Lions. There are 12 seniors in the 2021 version of the Lacey Lions who are the biggest of the returning players: Scott Stevens, Noah Brunatti, Mike Abode, John Dodaro, Joe Kudlacik, Matt McClung, Damien O'Loughlin, Andrew Tobia, Dom Tarricone, Padraic Banfield, Jack Borel and Mike Rozell. These players, and others, are coming off a 5-4 season which ended with a loss to St. John Vianney and left Vircillo one victory shy of 300 for his career during his 40th season in Lacey. If the seniors use all the lessons from Coach Vircillo and his staff and all the game experience under their belts, it'll be a very successful season for the Lions.

LACEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH LOU VIRCILLO injuries because our depth factor is not great."

It's a numbers crunch on the roster, the way it similarly is for other Shore Conference teams doing the best they can with who signs up to play. "We have to develop depth and see who exactly is going to replace key kids," Vircillo said.

Health and experience are two big keys heading into the 2021 season for the Lacey Lions. "I'm hoping that our kids develop into a competitive team and I believe they will, but we need to stay healthy," Vircillo said.

Historically, in Lacey, under Vircillo, it's been a win each week type of mantra and philosophy, focusing on the here and now as oppose to glancing only at the big goals the team hopes to accomplish by season's end. "I talk about the opening game, one game at a time, and let's get better everyday and nature will take its course," Vircillo said. "We're looking at just having hopefully a pre-covid year. If that doesn't affect the kids, than everyone is going to be a happier person."

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: NOAH BRUNATTI, SR., 5'9, 182, RS RB/FB: SCOTT STEVENS, SR., 6'0, 240, RS RB: GAETANO DIMIELE SR., 5'8, 175 RB: DOM PERRONE JR., 5'9, 160 WR: MIKE ABODE SR., 6'1, 190 WR: MATT MCCLUNG SR., 6'0, 185 WR: ANDREW TOBIA SR., 5'9, 160 TE: JOHN DODERO, SR., 6'2, 230, RS TE: DOMINIC TARRICONE SR., 6'0, 217 LT: PADRAIC BANFIELD, SR., 6'1, 265, RS LG: BRENDEN SUPSIE JR., 5'8, 195 C: DAMIAN O'LOUGHLIN, SR., 5'9, 225, RS RG: DAKOTA SCHWAB SR., 6'3, 270 RT: JOE KUDLACIK, SR., 5'10, 245, RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: MATT COON JR., 6'3, 200 (ONE START IN 2020) DE: KEITH SULLIVAN JR., 6'0, 190 DE: JOHN DODEAO SR., 6'2, 230, RS DT: PAT LUCA JR., 5'11, 200 DT: DAMIEN O'LOUGHLIN SR., 5'9, 225, RS OLB: MIKE ROZELL SR., 5'11, 180, RS ILB: SCOTT STEVENS SR., 6'0, 240, RS ILB: DAVE WILSON JR., 6'1, 195 OLB: DOM TARRICONE SR. OLB: JEFF BREWER SR., 5'11, 170 FS: NICK STANZIANI SO., 5'11, 170 FS: MATT VANNORTWICK SR., 5'8, 150 SS: MIKE ABODE SR., 6'1, 190, RS CB: ANDREW TOBIA, SR., 5'9, 160, RS CB: DOM PERRONE JR., 5'9, 160 CB: GAETANO DIMIELE SR., 5'8, 175

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: ACK BOREL, SR., 5'8, 165, RS P: DOMINIC TARRICONE, SR., 6'0, 217, RS

Head Coach:

Steve Bush, 9th season (15th overall) Career Record: 37-43 (119-91-1 overall) Assistant Coaches:

Geoff Massimini (Defensive Coordinator/LB/TE); Randy Kalman (WR/DB/Head JV Coach); Justin Bloss; (OL/DL); Justin McGhee (RB/DL); Justin Muller (OL/DL); Danielle Kanski (Athletic Trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 1-5 2019: 4-7 2018: 2-8 2017: 5-5 2016: 9-3

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 stack

Player To Watch: Brian Haddow, Sr., RB/FS

A three-year starter, Haddow has 1,000yard potential as a running back and has turned in two very good seasons on defense as a free safety with a combined 133 tackles and two interceptions.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Jacinto Lopez, Jr., OL/DL

Lopez is big (6-foot-5, 247 pounds) and experienced as a starter since his freshman year. He will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines for the Lions.

IMPACT NEWCOMERS: David Mason, Sr., WR/DB and Derek Soto, Jr., WR/DB

Both Mason and Soto are set to be the starting cornerbacks while also having roles in the wide receiver rotation.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

BRING BACK THE ROARW ith a solid group of returning starters who gained valuable experience playing a very difficult schedule last season, Middletown North is

aiming to snap a three-year skid and post its first winning season since 2016.

Fri. 9/2 Freehold Twp. 6pm Fri. 9/17 @Lacey 6:30pm Fri. 9/24 @Howell 6:30pm Fri. 10/1 Brick Memorial 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Brick 7pm Fri. 10/15 St. John Vianney 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Thur. 11/25 Midd. South 10:30am

(L-R) JACK LOPEZ (56), ADAM CONKLIN (69), ZAC SEARIGHT (1), TOMMY GIANNONE (10) CONNOR CLARK (53), BRIAN HADDOW (23)

The Lions were 1-5 last season but played a brutal schedule that included Rumson-Fair Haven, Mater Dei Prep, Red Bank Catholic, Middletown South and Freehold. Four of those teams finished ranked in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10. The schedule eases up considerably this season thanks to realignment and the Lions – on paper, at least – should be contenders in a division that looks fairly wide open.

Eight players who either started or saw significant action return in Middletown North’s spread offense, led by senior running back Brian Haddow. A three-year starter, Haddow is a dynamic threat who could have a very big year. Tommy Giannone, a 6-foot-6 senior, returns after starting

TOP POSITION GROUP: The Backfield

With Giannone back as a returning starter after nearly throwing for 1,000 yards in six games and Haddow ready to begin his third year as the starting running back, Middletown North is set at two of the most important positions on the field.

Big Shoes to Fill: The Wide Receivers

Quentin Soler was a very productive wide receiver for the Lions during his career and last season was a third-team All-Shore selection after hauling in 27 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns in six games. Recent history says somebody will step forward and put up good numbers in head coach Steve Bush’s offense.

X-Factor: Staying Healthy

The Lions are talented but don’t have a ton of depth. The division should be very competitive and if Middletown North can keep its top players on the field the team should be able to contend for the division title.

last season and throwing for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. He lost his top target, Quentin Soler, to graduation but returns seniors Levi Wilson and Lucas Cerbo, who both saw time last season. Senior David Mason and junior Derek Soto round out the corps of wideouts.

The Lions have a lot of size at the perimeter of the line of scrimmage, and even more when you include senior tight end Zac Searight and his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame. Junior Jacinto Lopez (6-foot-5, 247) is a threeyear starter and will hold down the left tackle spot while senior Adam Conklin (6-foot-4, 297) is the right tackle. Senior Connor Clark is the left guard, senior Karl Strauch is the right guard and the center is junior Lucas Ainbinder with junior Michael Subik also working in.

On defense, four starters return in the Lions’ 3-3 stack. Lopez is a three-year returning starter at defensive end and will be joined by Clark at defensive tackle and junior Peter Dempsey at the other defensive end spot.

The linebackers are Cerbo and senior Colin Devine on the outside and Subik as the inside linebacker. The secondary features Soto and Mason as the corners, senior Ryan Demedici and junior Jack LaBruno working at strong safety, Haddow returning as the starting free safety and senior Dan Cody playing the rover position.

Haddow has had two strong years in a row on defense and finished last season with 54 tackles and two interceptions.

After having to run the gauntlet last season against several of the best teams in the Shore, Middletown North moves into the Independence Division with Brick Memorial, Brick Township, Howell and Lacey.