SPRINGFIELD - After winning a game last year for the first time since 1999, the Dayton Bulldogs are hungry for many more victories this season.

Dayton, which will now again have to play all of its games on the road since Meisel Field was deemed unplayable by Union County officials because of poor field conditions, does have a number of experienced players back in the mix.

On offense, such players include quarterbacks Rob Yannazzone, a senior, and John Hoehn, a junior. Also returning in the backfield is senior running back Ross Bergen.

Terae Hargrove, a senior who was mistakenly listed on the roster last year as a sophomore, moved from wide receiver to slot back. He is another key returning player.

“We feel we’re better and will see what happens,” head coach Joe Goerge said. “Right now we’re getting ready for out game-scrimmage.”

Goerge said that junior wide receiver-strong safety Marquay Mayo was out with a hamstring pull, but would be back in the lineup for Dayton’s game-scrimmage.

Dayton’s game-scrimmage at Robbinsville is this Friday, Sept. 5 at 4:30 p.m.

DAYTON’S SPREAD OPTION OFFENSE:

LT Steve Cohen, junior, (6-2, 225)

LT C.J. Scott, senior, (5-10, 195)

LG Kareem Jackson, soph., (6-2, 230)

LG Jake Saladino, junior, (6-0, 220)

C Pete Mongiello, senior, (6-2, 240)

C Alphonso Caccitore, soph., (5-10, 190)

RT Jon Wortman, junior, (6-0, 185)

RT Dan DuBeau, junior, (6-2, 270)

RG Niko Kakounis, senior, (5-10, 190)

T Chris Maslo, soph., (5-10, 180)

WR Marquay Mayo, junior, (5-9, 160)

WR Dan DiProfio, junior, (6-0, 160)

WR Kyle Chaikin, senior, (5-9, 160)

QB Rob Yannazzone, senior, (6-0, 165)

QB John Hoehn, junior, (6-1, 170)

RB Ross Bergen, senior, (5-9, 175)

RB Mike Hess, sophmore, (5-9, 180)

RB Justin Lam, senior, (5-9, 160)

SB Terae Hargrove, senior, (6-1, 170)

SB Kevin O’Connor, junior, (5-8, 155)

SB Jesse Bell, sophomore, (5-8, 140)

PK Mike Hess, sophomore, (5-9, 180)

DAYTON’S 5-2 DEFENSE:

E C.J. Scott, senior, (5-10, 195)

E Kadeem Hill, senior, (6-2, 190)

T Kareem Jackson, soph., (6-2, 230)

T Dan DuBeau, junior, (6-2, 270)

T Steve Cohen, junior, (6-2, 225)

MG Niko Kakounis, senior, (5-10, 190)

LB  Mike Hess, sophomore, (5-9, 180)

LB Kevin O’Connor, junior, (5-8, 155)

LB Phil Burrows, junior, (6-1, 175)

CB Josh Kest, junior, (5-11, 170)

CB John Hoehn, junior, (6-1, 170)

FS Rob Yannazzone, senior, (6-0, 165)

FS Jesse Bell, sophomore, (5-8, 140)

SS Ross Bergen, senior, (5-9, 175)

SS Marquay Mayo, junior, (5-9, 160)

P Dan DiProfio, junior, (6-0, 160)

2008 SCHEDULE
DAYTON BULLDOGS

Sept. 13 at South Hunterdon, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Manville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Newark Central, 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Brearley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Roselle, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Cardinal McCarrick, 1 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Roselle Park, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Bound Brook, 7 p.m.

Nov. 8 at New Providence, 1 p.m.

Head coach: Joe Goerge, third year

2007: (1-9)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Valley Division

2007 RESULTS
DAYTON BULLDOGS (1-9)

(H) Highland Park 40, Dayton 13

(H) Dayton 22, Manville 20

(H) Brearley 49, Dayton 0

(A) Roselle Park 34, Dayton 6

(A) Harrison 20, Dayton 0

(H) Cardinal McCarrick 25, Dayton 0

(H) New Providence 34, Dayton 0

(H) Bound Brook 40, Dayton 0

(H) Metuchen 33, Dayton 8

(H) Lyndhurst 26, Dayton 12

Record: 1-9

Home: 1-7

Away: 0-2

Points for: 61

Points against: 321

Shutouts: 0

Overtime: 0-0

DAYTON

Head Coach: Joe Goerge,
varsity since 2006, was coach of JV in 2005.

Third season: 1-19 (.050)

Mountain Valley Conference
Valley Division

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1

Dayton’s last playoff season: 1988

2007: (1-9)

Bulldogs this decade: 1-29 (.033)

Meisel Field in Springfield: Grass.

Joe Goerge is a 1972 graduate of Msgr. Farrell in Staten Island. He was previously a head coach at Franklin and at Port Richmond in Staten Island. Goerge led Dayton’s JV team to a 3-5 record in 2005.

ROSELLE PARK - At the moment, Roselle Park has the longest winning streak of any team in Union County at three.

However, the Panthers have begun the 2006 and 2007 seasons with losses to Greater Middlesex Conference foes Metuchen and Middlesex back-to-back.

Roselle Park opens against Metuchen and Middlesex for the third straight season, seeking to avoid losing to both at the onset for the third consecutive year.

The Panthers were able to defeat a 2-0 Highland Park team at home in 2006 to avoid an 0-3 start after falling at Metuchen and at Middlesex.

Last year, after losing at home to Metuchen and Middlesex, Roselle Park also lost at Highland Park for an 0-3 start.

The Panthers did rebound to go 5-2 the rest of the way, but still failed to qualify for the state playoffs.

Remaining in North 2, Group 1, the Panthers will again attempt to make the grade for the first time since 2001.

Roselle Park’s last playoff win was in 1993, which was the last year the Panthers won a sectional title.

“Metuchen and Middlesex are two very good programs,” third-year head coach James Foy said. “We really need to at least split with them to be on the path to qualify for the playoffs.”

Roselle Park will open against Metuchen for the fifth straight season, with the teams playing Sept. 13.

“It’s a good rivalry for us,” Foy said.

The Panthers are 1-3 against Metuchen the past four years, with a 21-18 win in 2005 that saw Metuchen miss a field goal on the final play of the game.

Metuchen won 20-13 last year and 25-14 two years ago.

“Our guys felt like they could have beat them the past two years,” Foy said. “They felt like they let the games go, with a play here or a play there making a difference.

“In the 2006 game, we were beating them with three minutes and change to go before they came back on us.”

Roselle Park gets Metuchen and Middlesex on the road again - just like 2006 - and will do so with a new quarterback in fold.

Joel Reed, a senior, takes over the reigns from four-year performer Mark Garcia, who excelled in June’s North-South All-Star Game at Rutgers and who is now playing at Albright College in Reading, Pa.

“Joel understood the situation he was in the last couple of years with Mark ahead of him,” Foy said. “We’re not asking him to be Mark Garcia, we’re asking him to be Joel Reed.

“In our first scrimmage (at home Tuesday, Aug. 26 against Glen Ridge and Pingry) he did what we asked him to do and played very well.

“He throws a catchable ball and puts it in the right spot.”
Returning starters on offense include senior right tackle Sabir Calloway, senior fullback Alex Aravena and senior split end Brandon Gould.

Calloway and Gould were named Roselle Park’s captains.
Aravena played at left halfback last year, with junior Russell Benner at that position this season.

“We moved Alex inside and inserted Russell in his slot,” Foy said. “Both can make plays, both are great on their feet - they’re wrestlers - and they have great balance and vision.

“Alex is always going in a positive direction and is able to cut and break. He understands blocking schemes and picks up tough yards.

“Russell always seems to be picking up positive yards, while Alex Narciso is also a very nice athlete.”

Narciso, a senior, is the right halfback.

“I’m happy with all three,” Foy said. “I know they can make plays.

“The offensive line has to mature in order for them to be effective. Sabir is the only returning starter, with the others all first-year guys.”

The lone returning starters on defense include Calloway at right tackle, Gould at right cornerback and Aravena at right outside linebacker.

“We’re young and inexperienced, so we have to get some experience fast,” Foy said.

After Metuchen and Middlesex, two new non-conference opponents this year include Sussex Tech in the home-opener Sept. 26 and Bernards on the road Nov. 1.

“Sussex Tech was on the junior varsity schedule last year,” Foy said.

Roselle Park went 2-2 vs. Highland Park from 2004-2007.

“There was a scheduling conflict on their end,” Foy said. “We were able to replace them with Sussex Tech.”

Roselle Park replaced Cardinal McCarrick, a team it defeated in 2006 and 2007, with Bernards.

“The contract ended with Cardinal McCarrick, so we looked around for different games and were able to get Bernards,” Foy said.

Bernards is in North 2, Group 2 this year, the lowest enrollment school - at 558 - in the section.

If Roselle Park is able to beat Bernards, the Panthers will get four power points, plus any others for each Bernards win.

Bernards, coached by Joseph Milde, went 4-6 last year, but qualified in North 2, Group 2.

“We have our work cut out for us,” Foy said. “If we do qualify for the playoffs, we feel we’ll be battle tested.”

ROSELLE PARK’S WING-T OFFENSE:

RT Sabir Calloway, senior, (6-1, 320)

LT Peter Bonacci, senior, (5-11, 260)

RG Dan Ramos, senior, (5-10, 220)

LG Victor Paulino, junior, (5-9, 160)

C Pat Schwaiger, senior, (5-11, 175)

L James Duffy, sophomore, (5-9, 150)

QB Joel Reed, senior, (5-9, 150)

FB Alex Aravena, senior, (5-10, 160)

LHB Russell Benner, junior, (5-7, 150)

RHB Alex Narciso, senior, (5-9, 170)

SE Brandon Gould, senior, (5-11, 175)

TE Lester Arthur, junior, (6-1, 190)

PK Alex Narciso or Alex Aravena

ROSELLE PARK’S 5-3 DEFENSE:

NT Alex Bartolo, junior, (5-8, 200)

LT Peter Bonacci, senior, (5-11, 260)

RT Sabir Calloway, senior, (6-1, 320)

E Connor Gabriel, soph., (5-10, 170)

E Ron Valente, junior, (5-9, 165)

E Pat Schwaiger, senior, (5-11, 175)

E Victor Paulino, junior, (5-9, 160)

ROLB Alex Aravena, senior, (5-10, 160)

MLB James Duffy, sophomore, (5-9, 150)

LOLB Russell Benner, junior, (5-7, 150)

LB Dan Ramos, senior, (5-10, 220)

LCB Alex Narciso, senior, (5-9, 170)

RCB Brandon Gould, senior, (5-11, 175)

S Will Fahoury, junior, (5-10, 165)

S Lester Arthur, junior, (6-1, 190)

P Alex Aravena, senior, (5-10, 160)

2008 SCHEDULE
ROSELLE PARK PANTHERS

Sept. 13 at Metuchen, 1 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Middlesex, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 Sussex Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 3 New Providence, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Brearley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Newark Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 Dayton, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Bernards, 7 p.m.

Nov. 27 Roselle, 10:30 a.m.

Head coach: James Foy, third year

2007: (5-5)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Valley Division

2007 RESULTS
ROSELLE PARK PANTHERS (5-5)

(H) Metuchen 20, Roselle Park 13

(H) Middlesex 18, Roselle Park 16

(A) Highland Park 27, Roselle Park 7

(H) Roselle Park 34, Dayton 6

(A) New Providence 35, R. Park 7

(H) Roselle Park 34, Newark Central 8

(H) Brearley 14, Roselle Park 6

(A) Roselle Park 35, Cardinal McCarrick 8

(A) Roselle Park 28, Harrison 8

(A) Roselle Park 28, Roselle 14

Record: 5-5

Home: 2-3

Away: 3-2

Points for: 208

Points against: 158

Shutouts: 0

Overtime: 0-0

ROSELLE PARK

Head Coach: James Foy,
since 2006.

Third season: 11-9 (.550)

Mountain Valley Conference
Valley Division

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1

Roselle Park’s last sectional title: 1993

2007: (5-5)

Panthers this decade: 41-39 (.513)

Herm Shaw Field: Grass.

James Foy is a 1990 Roselle Park graduate who played for and coached under Roselle Park’s winningest coach, John Wagner.

BERKELEY HEIGHTS - In order to improve the performance of the linemen, head coach Terry Hanratty had his players trained this summer by professional strength coach Vince Gabriele, a former New Providence and Temple scholarship player who owns a business in Berkeley Heights.

“He worked with NFL players in California,” Hanratty said.

“The kids worked on their inner strength and did a lot of core training and flexibility stuff. It was very helpful. We’re more explosive.”

Gabriele, who played at New Providence in the 1990s, is the Director of Football Development and Training at Fitness Quest 10.  He trains all levels of athletes, from the youth athlete to several NFL players.

His first training DVD is entitled: “Strength and Size for the High School Athlete.”

Three returning starters on the offensive line include seniors Pat Cerillo, Ian Cunningham and Paul Beisser. Cunningham and Cerillo are also starters on the defensive line.

“We wanted to improve our line play going into this year and those three returning starters will lead the way,” Hanratty said.

Back at quarterback to run the Wing-T is junior Max Machado, who saw some action in 2007.

“Max played a few games last year and is very comfortable,” Hanratty said. “He’s doing a great job.

“We think he will do a good job this year, he’s very competitive.

“He can run and throw the ball and does both very well.”
Hanratty is also pleased to have Kevin Reavey, a senior, returning at running back.

For now, staying healthy is at the top of the list of what’s most important for Hanratty’s squad.

“You want your kids to work hard and come through pre-season ready to go,” Hanratty said. “Much of our success will depend on the teams we’re playing and how we stack up.

“Rahway has been very successful the last few years and lost some good players to graduation. Johnson has its quarterback back and some other key players.”

GL opens at home against Mountain Valley Conference-Mountain Division rival Johnson Sept. 13, then gets a week off before retuning home for games against non-conference foe Iselin Kennedy Sept. 27 and conference opponent Newark Central Oct. 4.

Rahway won the Mountain Division last year after Johnson captured the crown in 2006.

Hanratty has guided the Highlanders to sectional semifinal contests in 2004 and 2006.

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON’S WING-T OFFENSE:

LG Paul Beisser, senior, (5-11, 215)

LT Matt Tansey, senior, (6-6, 250)

C Frank Colder, junior, (6-1, 195)

RT Ian Cunningham, senior, (6-3, 285)

T Pat Cerillo, senior, (6-1, 250)

G Frank Yanotta, junior, (6-1, 255)

G Danny Gutch, junior, (6-0, 220)

TE Jackson Hollowell, senior, (6-1, 220)

WR Rob Ingebretsen, junior, (6-1, 175)

QB Max Machado, junior, (5-11, 170)

HB Kevin Reavey, senior, (5-9, 180)

HB Mike Uhouse, junior, (5-11, 175)

FB Mike Price, senior, (6-0, 210)

FB John Manganiello, senior, (5-11, 190)

PK Kevin Reavey, senior, (5-9, 180)

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON'S 4-4 DEFENSE:

L Pat Cerillo, senior, (6-1, 250)

L Frank Yanotta, junior, (6-1, 255)

L Matt Tansey, senior, (6-6, 250)

L Ian Cunningham, senior, (6-3, 285)

ILB Mike Price, senior, (6-0, 210)

ILB John Manganiello, senior, (5-11, 190)

OLB Frank Colder, junior, (6-1, 195)

OLB Rob Ingebretsen, junior, (6-1, 175)

CB Kevin Reavey, senior, (5-9, 180)  

CB Pat Eichner, sophomore, (5-8, 150)

S Max Machado, junior, (5-11, 170)

P Kevin Reavey, senior, (5-9, 180)  

2008 SCHEDULE
GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON
HIGHLANDERS

Sept. 13 Johnson, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Iselin Kennedy, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Newark Central, 1 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Bishop Ahr, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 Hillside, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Rahway, 1 p.m.

Oct. 31 at Cranford, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 at North Plainfield, 7 p.m.

Nov. 27 at New Providence, 11 a.m.

Head coach: Terry Hanratty,
fifth year

2007: (5-5)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Mountain Division

2007 RESULTS
GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON
HIGHLANDERS (5-5)

(A) Gov. Livingston 20, Roselle 0

(A) Johnson 14, Gov. Livingston 6

(A) GL 26, Newark Central 0

(H) Gov. Livingston 10, Cranford 9

(A) Gov. Livingston 23, Hillside 14

(H) Rahway 28, Gov. Livingston 6

(A) GL 28, Newark East Side 0

(H) North Plainfield 16, GL 15

(A) Holmdel 27, Gov. Livingston 0

(H) New Providence 17, GL 7

Record: 5-5

Home: 1-3

Away: 4-2

Points for: 141

Points against: 125

Shutouts: 3

Overtime: 0-0

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON

Head Coach: Terry Hanratty,
since 2004.

Fifth season: 25-17 (.595)

Mountain Valley Conference
Mountain Division

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2

GL’s last playoff season: 2007

2007: (5-5)

Highlanders this decade: 42-40 (.512)

GL’s field in Berkeley Heights: Field Turf.

Terry Hanratty is a 1990 Elizabeth graduate. He has guided GL to the state playoffs in each of his first four years at the helm, which is the first time GL made the playoffs four years in a row.

CLARK - With a less experienced team last year, Johnson just missed qualifying in Central Jersey, Group 2 for the third straight season.

This year’s squad is pushing itself to get back to the state playoffs in that section.

“We’re very optimistic,” said fifth-year head coach Gus Kalikas. “I know it’s the same cliches, but we’re taking it one day at a time and just trying to get better as a football team.

“We feel that it’s about us this year.”

What Kalikas means is that the senior cast he has this season - because of their playing experience - is ahead of where the team was at this point last year.

“We have 18 seniors who have been doing a tremendous job of leading,” Kalikas said. “They are a large group back from last year.

“We’re not good enough yet, but we’re getting better each day.”

At the front of Johnson’s spread option offense is returning quarterback Dan Dugan, who is a member of the Crusader senior class.

“There’s not a kid in the state I would trade for for what we do,” Kalikas said of Dugan’s abilities as Johnson’s signal-caller. “He’s the trigger for our offense and makes it go.

“He makes all the reads, has the ability to audible at the line and is a very bright kid in the classroom and with football IQ.”

Dugan helped lead Johnson to a 6-4 winning season last year, including a victory over playoff team Governor Livingston.

Ironically, GL finished 5-5, but qualified in CJ, G2 as the eighth seed ahead of Cranford and Johnson, with Cranford also finishing 6-4.

“We get to put a lot on him,” Kalikas said of Dugan. “With another kid we would do far less. Dan makes it go.

“He’s tremendous and we’re expecting a big year from him, both throwing the ball and running the offense.

“You only get a few Dugans in a lifetime and I’m glad I got one of them.”

Opposing defenses will also have their hands full attempting to contain senior Lou Caporaso, who will be the full-time fullback for the first time this season.

“Lou had a great sophomore year and has a chance to be a four-year varsity letter-winner in football, as he came up his freshman year,” Kalikas said. “It’s really Lou’s show now.

“Our offense is built to share the football, using a multitude of kids. Lou split time at halfback last year with (since graduated) Mike Mullin and also played in the slot.

“This year it’s his time. He will be our primary fullback - similar to an I-tailback. He’s primed to have a huge year for us.”

In order for Caporaso to be able to run the ball effectively, he must be provided with key blocks in front of him.

“We’re markedly improved up front,” Kalikas said. “We have some kids up front that are real good.

“Last year we had seniors who never played before.

“Our conditioning program remains the same, with our strength and conditioning, our off-season program in the spring and our summer months, with speed - that doesn’t change.

“This is a group that’s now tasted varsity football. Most of last year’s seniors had just the one year to grasp it and went for it.

“This year, the kids are coming back with experience. That will help us the most. These kids have been there and have been in situations.”

Johnson finished second to Rahway in the Mountain Valley Conference’s Mountain Division last year after winning the crown in 2006.

“That will also fuel our drive for this season, to get that back,” Kalikas said. “We’re a hungry team.”

As for the conference, Kalikas felt it was Rahway’s to lose last year, while this year it may be a bit more competitive.

“Rahway will be very good again and I expect Roselle and Hillside to be much improved,” Kalikas said. “You can never take GL and Cranford lightly, either.”

JOHNSON’S SPREAD OPTION OFFENSE:

C Pete Arteaga, senior, (6-1, 215)

LG Kyle Canetti, junior, (5-11, 245)

LT Dave Ring, senior, (6-0, 195)

RG Matt Cardona, junior, (6-4, 255)

RT Chris DiNucci, senior, (6-0, 190)

QB Dan Dugan, senior, (6-1, 205)

FB Lou Caporaso, senior, (5-10, 195)

HB Vin Ferdinandi, senior, (5-9, 175)

HB Richie Mullin, junior, (5-9, 170)

HB Corey Ryan, sophomore, (5-11, 180)

TE J.J. Newman, senior, (6-0, 175)

WR P.J. Franciotti, soph., (6-3, 175)

PK Vin Ferdinandi, senior, (5-9, 175)

JOHNSON'S 4-3 DEFENSE:

E Matt Cardona, junior, (6-4, 255)

T Kyle Canetti, junior, (5-11, 245)

T Jay Nivar, sophomore, (6-0, 225)

E Pawel Jamiolkowski, senior, (6-5, 220)

MLB Mike Riccio, senior, (5-11, 240)

OLB Lou Caporaso, senior, (5-10, 195)

LB Brendan Jacoby, junior, (6-0, 190)

S Vin Ferdinandi, senior, (5-9, 175)

S Dan Dugan, senior, (6-1, 205)

CB J.J. Newman, senior, (6-0, 175)

CB-P Richie Mullin, junior, (5-9, 170)

2008 SCHEDULE
JOHNSON CRUSADERS

Sept. 13 at Gov. Livingston, 1 p.m

Sept. 19 at Newark Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Roselle, 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 Hillside, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 Hackettstown, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 New Providence, 7 p.m

Oct. 24 vs. Iselin Kennedy, 7 p.m.
at Woodbridge

Nov. 7 Cranford, 7 p.m.

Nov. 27 Rahway, 10:30 a.m.

Head coach: Gus Kalikas,
fifth year

2007: (6-4)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Mountain Division

2007 RESULTS
JOHNSON CRUSADERS (6-4)

(H) Johnson 14, Gov. Livingston 6

(H) Johnson 20, Roselle 0

(A) Johnson 21, Hillside 8

(A) Hackettstown 22, Johnson 0

(A) New Providence 9, Johnson 3

(H) Johnson 33, Spotswood 7

(H) Johnson 36, Newark Central 0

(A) Cranford 23, Johnson 12

(H) Johnson 43, Red Bank 27

(A) Rahway 27, Johnson 6

Record: 6-4

Home: 5-0

Away: 1-4

Points for: 188

Points against: 129

Shutouts: 2

Overtime: 0-0

JOHNSON

Head Coach: Gus Kalikas,
since 2004.

Fifth season: 23-17 (.575)

Mountain Valley Conference
Mountain Division

Central Jersey, Group 2

Johnson’s last sectional title: 2002

2007: (6-4)

Crusaders this decade: 52-31 (.619)

Nolan Field in Clark: Field Turf.

Gus Kalikas is a 1990 Johnson Regional graduate. He has guided the Crusaders to the state playoffs twice during his first four seasons.

HILLSIDE - John Power is a head coach for the first time.

He is taking over a team that is coming off a first-time 0-10 season.

But that doesn’t matter.

Power has been an integral part of successful programs long enough to realize the potential this Comet team has.

“So far the kids have done everything we’ve asked,” said Power, whose last two assistant coaching stints were at Union from 2003-2006 and then at Elizabeth last year.

“We’ve had a real good summer working out and lifting weights and learning the fundamentals of football.”

Hillside wasn’t the worst 0-10 team last year, losing three times by one touchdown, including once in overtime.

“We had a successful first scrimmage (against North Bergen and Newark East Side at Hillside on Monday, Aug. 25),” Power said. “We need to continue to work and stay on track and stay on course for a successful season.”

Hillside will be involved in a quad scrimmage with Hawthorne, Passaic County Tech and Paterson Eastside Friday, Aug. 29 at PCT.

The Comets’ game-scrimmage will be at Pequannock Friday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.

“Our ultimate goals are to learn how to compete and play in a strong conference week in and week out,” Power said.

Back to run Hillside’s Multiple-I offense is senior quarterback Carron McCluney, who is also an exceptional basketball player.

“Carron is committed to football and has led us all summer long,” Power said. “He’s a guy that can be counted on at that position and has a strong sense of accountability.

“He’s done an excellent job so far and is poised for an outstanding senior year.”

A prime target for McCluney to throw the ball to will be senior end Malachi Jones.

“Malachi’s worked extremely hard this summer and during the off-season in the weight room,” Power said. “He made plays on both sides of the ball in the 7-on-7 passing league at West Orange. We’ll be looking to get him the ball.”

Senior tight end-linebacker Marquis Spruill and senior two-way lineman Maurice Dickson are two other upperclassmen that will be counted on for big performances.

“Marquis is talented,” Power said. “He’s highly aggressive, an intelligent player, extremely physical and can run. Those are good traits to have.

“Maurice has worked himself into really good shape. He’s a kid who has potential.”

Trying to get back to the top of the Mountain Division of the Mountain Valley Conference will not be easy.

Power is in the midst of getting his troops ready to begin an uphill climb.

“They’re beginning to understand the commitment it takes to win and succeed at a high level,” Power said. “It’s a learning process.

“They’re up to the challenge so far and excited about the opportunity.”

HILLSIDE’S MULTIPLE-I OFFENSE:

RT Hussain Al-Khalil, junior, (6-3, 215)

RG Jamal Hubert, junior, (6-0, 210)

RG Jaleel Johnson, senior, (6-0, 205)

C Dominique Lewis, senior, (5-10, 205)

LG Altece Crawford, senior, (6-2, 225)

LT Maurice Dickson, senior, (6-3, 285)

TE Jerome Myers, senior, (6-2, 220)

TE Marquis Spruill, senior, (6-3, 215)

QB Carron McCluney, senior, (6-1, 200)

FB Erick Johnson, senior, (5-10, 190)

TB Derrick Middleton, senior, (5-10, 195)

TB Kyle Clemens, senior, (5-9, 175)

TB Duane Daniels, junior, (5-7, 170)

WR Malachi Jones, senior, (5-10, 180)

WR Jabari Sills, senior, (5-9, 160)

PK Erick Johnson, senior, (5-10, 190)

HILLSIDE’S 4-4 DEFENSE:

T Altece Crawford, senior, (6-2, 225)

NG Jackson Israel, senior, (5-9, 190)

E Maurice Dickson, senior, (6-3, 285)

E Hussain Al-Khalil, junior, (6-3, 215)

E Eric Oleka, junior, (5-10, 190)

LBDerrick Middleton, senior, (5-10, 195)

LB Marquis Spruill, senior, (6-3, 215)

LB Erick Johnson, senior, (5-10, 190)

LB Markindy St.-Cyr, junior, (5-10, 185)

CB Kyle Clemens, senior, (5-9, 175)

CB Duane Daniels, junior, (5-7, 170)

CB Jabari Sills, senior, (5-9, 160)

S Malachi Jones, senior, (5-10, 180)

S Carron McCluney, senior, (6-1, 200)

P Altece Crawford, senior, (6-2, 225)

2008 SCHEDULE
HILLSIDE COMETS

Sept. 13 Passaic, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Rahway, 1 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Cranford, 7 p.m

Oct. 3 at Johnson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Newark Central, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Gov. Livingston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Robbinsville, 2 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Iselin Kennedy, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 Roselle, 1 p.m.

Head coach: John Power, first year

2007: (0-10)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Mountain Division

2007 RESULTS
HILLSIDE COMETS (0-10)

(A) Passaic 29, Hillside 0

(A) Rahway 39, Hillside 8

(H) Cranford 22, Hillside 8

(H) Johnson 21, Hillside 8

(A) Newark Central 18, Hillside 0

(H) Gov. Livingston 23, Hillside 14

(A) Roselle 6, Hillside 0 (OT)

(A) New Providence 18, Hillside 0

(A) Raritan 22, Hillside 16

(A) Brearley 30, Hillside 22

Record: 0-10

Home: 0-3

Away: 0-7

Points for: 76

Points against: 228

Shutouts: 0

Overtime: 0-1

HILLSIDE

Head Coach: John Power,
first season.

Mountain Valley Conference
Mountain Division

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2

Hillside’s last sectional title: 1985

2007: (0-10)

Comets this decade: 33-48 (.407)

Wood Field: Grass.

John Power is a 1989 Union graduate, who was an assistant coach at Hudson Catholic, Passaic Valley, Union and Elizabeth.

ROSELLE - The last time Roselle had a winning season was when the Rams went 8-3 in 1998 and reached the North 2, Group 2 semifinals.

The last year Roselle made the state playoffs was in 2000 during a 4-6 campaign in which it qualified in North 2, Group 2.

“This year we take care of both of those things,” second-year head coach Kenneth Wiggins said.

How’s that for not mincing words?

“I say that because of our speed at the skill positions,” Wiggins said. “We also went to camp (Port Jervis, N.Y., Aug. 19-22) this year - which is a first for Roselle kids as far as I now - and we have new coaches. That makes us a better team already.”

Last year’s squad was 3-3 at one point after an overtime victory over arch rival Hillside.

Roselle was then right there with eventual Mountain Valley Conference-Mountain Division champion Rahway, falling 6-0 at home.

That was one of two losses by one touchdown in an eventual 3-7 campaign.

“I think this year will be completely different,” Wiggins said. “We have the potential now.”

As far as the schedule, one difference is Roselle is not playing Rahway for the first time in a long time.

As of Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Rams were also still looking for a ninth opponent, one that they need to play on the weekend of Oct. 4 or 18 to have eight games played by the state playoff cutoff weekend.

“We had Kearny on our schedule and then I found out when I was coaching in the Snapple Bowl that we wouldn’t be playing them because Elizabeth and Union wanted to play them,” Wiggins said.

Roselle played Kearny from 2004-2007, winning in 2004 and 2007 and losing in 2005 and 2006.

Kearny was not a member of the Watchung Conference for football those seasons, but has apparently moved back into the conference for football this year, with conference games against Elizabeth, Union, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Shabazz and Newark East Side lined up.

“I guess Elizabeth and Union wanted to play Kearny, so they ended up coming off our schedule,” Wiggins said. “We’re still trying to find someone else to play because we need another game.”

A member of the Mountain Valley Conference’s Valley Division again, the Rams will open with consecutive home games against non-conference foe Bound Brook, conference rival Brearley and MVC-Mountain Division foe Johnson.

Running the multiple offense is senior quarterback Akram Reid, who is being guided by first-year offensive coordinator Lonnie Stevenson, who played at Roselle and who has been a Pop Warner coach for some time.

“Lonnie was on staff after our second game last year,” Wiggins said. “We’re pretty much on the same sheet of music.”

When Wiggins speaks of, “the better players that are still here,” he is talking about Reid, senior wide receiver Kendall James, senior running back-linebacker Joshua Joyner, senior running back-linebacker Brandon Medford - a transfer student - and junior running back Jordan Solomon to name a few.

An up-and-coming sophomore is running back-punter Darius Mayers, who is a cousin of Elizabeth senior running back Jaheed Mayers.

Senior Sha’quan Johnson is also a strength in the secondary.

“Solomon didn’t play at all last year because of a knee injury and Johnson is a little more tenacious for us,” Wiggins said. “Medford brings a lot of speed and intensity.

“It’s easy to talk about, but we can’t wait until Bound Brook.”

Ray Oliver, who helped coach Queen of Peace to a state championship as an assistant, is a first-year offensive line coach.

Dwayne Williams, who played running back at Iowa after Bayonne High, is the running backs coach.

NOTE TO THE PEOPLE PUTTING TOGETHER THE ROSELLE PROGRAM: It’s Kendall James, not James Kendall and it’s Jordan Solomon, not Solomon Jordan.

Thank you.

Mekoba and James have grade-point averages over 3.80, with Ivy League schools interested in their services.

Cardenas was a varsity soccer player at Roselle last year.

Reid's 40-yard dash time is 4.5.

ROSELLE’S MULTIPLE OFFENSE:

T Calvin Nobles, senior, (6-6, 320)

T-G Quinn Crooms, senior, (5-10, 230)

G Kerwin Barratt, junior, (5-11, 235)

G Titus Buchanan, junior, (6-2, 225)

C Jude Alexandre, junior, (6-0, 290)

TE Bijan Mekoba, senior, (6-2, 190)

QB Akram Reid, senior, (5-10, 165)

QB Guvens Mondesir, senior, (6-2, 170)

RB Brandon Medford, senior, (5-8, 165)

RB Jordan Solomon, junior, (6-0, 180)

RB Jacquan Spruill, senior, (5-5, 145)

RB Darius Mayers, soph., (5-10, 165)

RB Joshua Joyner, senior, (5-10, 185)

FB Clyde McBryde, junior, (6-0, 250)

WR Kendall James, senior, (6-0, 165)

WR Steven Douze, senior, (6-0, 165)

PK Francisco Cardenas, junior

ROSELLE’S 4-4 DEFENSE:

T Clyde McBryde, junior, (6-0, 250)

T Quinn Crooms, senior, (5-10, 230)

E Titus Buchanan, junior, (6-2, 225)

E Craig Poindexter, senior, (5-10, 165)

LB Akmad Abdul-Raazaq, senior, (6-2, 220)

LB Karbuto Alexandre, soph. (5-10, 175)

LB Joshua Joyner, senior, (5-10, 185)

LB Brandon Medford, senior, (5-8, 165)

LB Justin Scott, junior, (5-11, 170)

OLB Anthony Obery, senior, (5-11, 170)

CB Jordan Solomon, junior, (6-0, 180)

CB Kendall James, senior, (6-0, 165)  

CB Steven Douze, senior, (6-0, 165)

CB Thomas Taylor, soph., (5-9, 160)

S Sha’quan Johnson, senior, (6-0, 165)

S Stair Stevenson, soph., (5-9, 155)  

P  Darius Mayers, soph., (5-10, 165)

2008 SCHEDULE
ROSELLE RAMS
(8 games)

Sept. 13 Bound Brook, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Brearley, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Johnson, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 Dayton, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 New Providence, 1 p.m.

Oct. 30 at Newark Central, 7 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Hillside, 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Roselle Park, 10:30 a.m.

Head coach: Kenneth Wiggins, second year

2007: (3-7)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Valley Division

2007 RESULTS
ROSELLE RAMS (3-7)

(H) Gov. Livingston 20, Roselle 0

(A) Johnson 20, Roselle 0

(H) Roselle 14, Newark Central 7

(A) Roselle 14, Kearny 8

(A) Cranford 27, Roselle 0

(H) Roselle 6, Hillside 0 (OT)

(H) Rahway 6, Roselle 0

(A) New Providence 36, Roselle 14

(H) Somerville 12, Roselle 6

(H) Roselle Park 28, Roselle 14

Record: 3-7

Home: 2-4

Away: 1-3

Points for: 68

Points against: 150

Shutouts: 1

Overtime: 1-0

ROSELLE

Head Coach: Kenneth Wiggins,
since 2007.

Second season: 3-7 (.300)

Mountain Valley Conference
Valley Division

Central Jersey, Group 2

Roselle’s last sectional title: 1989

2007: (3-7)

Rams this decade: 24-56 (.300)

Arminio Field: Grass.

Kenneth Wiggins is a 1975 graduate of Boys High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., which is now Boys and Girls High School. He was previously an assistant coach at Roselle.

SUMMIT - Great strides were made during John Liberato’s first season as the head coach of the Hilltoppers.

Summit not only snapped a long losing streak following the school’s first winless season, but the Hilltoppers managed to win two conference games and then shut out Fort Lee to close the season.

“The most obvious thing is that the kids know what to expect,” Liberato said. “There’s a routine that’s already in place.”

Climbing back up the ladder in the Hills Division of the Iron Hills Conference is a daunting task.

Liberato, who was previously at the top rung before as the head coach at Hanover Park, is excited about how his team is capable of performing this fall.

“We’re a lot stronger now than last year,” Liberato said. “We’ve been in the weight room for a whole year now.

“We have a brand new state of the art weight room and it’s getting used.

“We did 7-on-7s with Irvington throughout the summer and our first scrimmage - which was Tuesday, Aug. 26 - was against Bloomfield, Shore Regional and Caldwell.”

Summit hosted that scrimmage and will also host Brearley and Dumont on Saturday, Aug. 30.

The Hilltoppers will host Rahway in their game-scrimmage on Friday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m. at Tatlock Field.

“We feel that we’re trying to do the right things to compete in one of the best conferences in New Jersey,” Liberato said. “There are no weeks off.

“If you come in first or second in the conference you know you’ll be ranked in the Top 20 in the state. Two years ago three teams in our conference were ranked in the Top 20.”

Last year, Summit came back to beat Parsippany on the road and then Dover at home for its first conference wins since 2004.

“That’s the sign of a championship team on the rise,” Liberato said. “It’s a good sign of character and competitiveness.

“We’ve tried to build on that all winter, spring and summer.
“The kids are doing a great job, they’ve bought into the program and, hopefully, we can exploit that.”

Running Summit’s Wing-T offense at the moment is senior quarterback Mike Montero, with junior Joe Jaskolski also at the position.

“We like the idea of the Wing-T misdirection and we do run some option stuff and also have a two-minute offense,” Liberato said. “We want opposing defensive coordinators to have a hard time preparing for us in a week. Hopefully, we can exploit that.”

Summit gave up 26 points a game last year, which is something that will have to be lessened.

“What’s evident is that we’re a lot stronger and are running to the ball a lot better,” Liberato said. “The kids understand  the scheme and that makes them play with a lot more confidence.”

Montero is one of three captains, with senior two-way tackle Andrew Kaminski and senior running back-safety Tom Baker the others.

“Our captains have done a great job,” Liberato said. “Their attitude on and off the field is awesome.”

Summit might not have the most experienced team, but the Hilltoppers are anxious to continue last year’s upgrade.

“We’re a young team, but a real, tight-knit group,” Liberato said. “We have a certain, positive atmosphere in the weight room and on the field.

“The kids have bought into the fact that every program is a reflection of the head coach, but every season is a reflection of the seniors  and they want ownership of this year.

“They realize the more they invest, the more they will get out of it.”

SUMMIT’S WING-T OFFENSE:

LT Matt Mulholland, junior, (6-3, 230)

LT Austin Jennings, soph., (6-1, 220)

LG Griffin Dottle, junior, (5-10, 190)

LG Pat Birosak, junior, (6-0, 185)

C Zach Wied, senior, (6-0, 195)

RG Paul Coviello, junior, (5-8, 205)

RT Andrew Kaminski, senior, (6-0, 210)

TE Kevin McNany, junior, (6-0, 225)

SE Tim Kane, senior, (5-10, 170)

SE Andres Torres, senior, (5-11, 170)

QB Mike Montero, senior, (5-11, 190)

QB Joe Jaskolski, junior, (6-1, 185)

LHB Tom Baker, senior, (5-10, 175)

LHB Matt Rea, junior, (5-8, 165)

FB Sal Liberato, soph., (5-9, 165)

FB Danny Feeney, junior, (5-9, 170)

RHB Dwayne Dabney, junior, (6-0, 185)

PK Tim Melendez, junior, (5-10, 155)

PK Tim Yeager, sophomore, (5-11, 160)

SUMMIT’S 5-2 DEFENSE:

NG Brian Feeney, junior, (5-10, 185)

LT Mike Watts, junior, (6-1, 225)

LE Zach Wied, senior, (6-0, 195)

RT Andrew Kaminski, senior, (6-0, 210)

RE Mike Montero, senior, (5-11, 190)

MLB Kevin McNany, junior, (6-0, 225)

MLB Nick Oristenio, soph., (5-8, 185)

MLB Logan Jeffries, soph., (6-1, 205)

S Tom Baker, senior, (5-10, 175)

S Matt Rea, junior, (5-8, 165)

S Chet Joffee, sophomore, (5-11, 170)

S Danny Feeney, junior, (5-9, 170)

LCB Andres Torres, senior, (5-11, 170)

LCB Shawn Hillis, junior, (5-10, 165)

LCB Jake Hall, junior, (5-11, 160)

RCB Tim Kane, senior, (5-10, 170)

RCB Dwayne Dabney, junior, (6-0, 185)

P Andres Torres, senior, (5-11, 170)

2008 SCHEDULE
SUMMIT HILLTOPPERS

Sept. 13 Parsippany Hills, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Mendham, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Dover, 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 Parsippany, 2:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Weequahic, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Chatham, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Morris Hills, 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 Hanover Park, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 7 at West Essex, 7:30 p.m.

Head coach: John Liberato,
second year

2007: (3-7)

Conference: Iron Hills,
Hills Division

2007 RESULTS
SUMMIT HILLTOPPERS (3-7)

(A) Mendham 27, Summit 3

(H) West Essex 41, Summit 0

(A) Summit 49, Parsippany 28

(H) Chatham 21, Summit 0

(A) Hanover Park 21, Summit 7

(H) Parsippany Hills 28, Summit 11

(H) Summit 31, Dover 14

(A) Weequahic 39, Summit 18

(A) Morris Hills 41, Summit 6

(H) Summit 42, Fort Lee 0

Record: 3-7

Home: 2-3

Away: 1-4

Points for: 167

Points against: 260

Shutouts: 1

Overtime: 0-0

SUMMIT

Head Coach: John Liberato,
since 2007.

Second season: 3-7 (.300)

Iron Hills Conference
Hills Division

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 2

Summit’s last sectional title: 1994

2007: (3-7)

Hilltoppers this decade: 36-45 (.444)

Tatlock Field: Field Turf.

John Liberato is a 1983 New Providence graduate. He was previously the head coach at Hanover Park and an assistant at New Providence. He led Hanover Park to the 1999 North 2, Group 2 final.

LINDEN - The theme this year is: “Push it to the limit!”

“We’re giving extra effort to everything we do here at Linden from this point on,” first-year head coach Deon Candia said.

Linden football wasn’t, well, Linden football last year.

That’s in the past.

Time to look ahead.

“When I took the job my athletic director and superintendent knew what could happen, but I didn’t take this job out of charity,” Candia said. “Our goals are set high.

“We want to get back to Linden football and make the playoffs and then re-evaluate from there.

“We’re not looking to have just a .500 season. We’re looking to get back to the playoffs and not to just get better than last year.”

After more than 20 years of the Delaware Wing-T under Bucky McDonald and then the run-and-shoot under Joe Stinson last season, Candia has his offense learning the triple option.

Leading the Tiger offense is junior southpaw quarterback Trell Myers, who showed a lot of promise last year as a sophomore.

“We know we have a   young quarterback with experience,” Candia said. “He has a very strong arm, but with the pass last year he wasn’t able to show the kind of athlete he is.

“With the triple option, he will be able to show how versatile he is, including running with the ball.”

Myers productivity at QB during the second half of last year’s forgettable 1-9 season was a highlight this year’s squad could embrace.

“He’ll get more carries, but we still don’t want to get rid of our 4-receiver set,” Candia said. “We’ll run some things from that as well.”

Adding quickness to the backfield are halfbacks Jihaad Burns, a senior, and Kevin Rodriguez, a sophomore.

“Our wings (Burns and Rodriguez) can catch the ball and we want to utilize them,” Candia said. “Both are real quick and have good hands.

“We want to get them the ball to try to get them to go 1-on-1 with the linebackers.”

Myers is receiving quality quarterback instruction from former Elizabeth and Minnesota standout Asad Abdul-Khaliq.

“Trell dedicated himself in the off-season,” Candia said. “He added 10 pounds of muscle in the weight room.

“We have a good quarterbacks coach in Asad, who has been mentoring him in practice and helping him understand the game as a pure quarterback.

“Trell still has a way to go, but he has developed the poise necessary for a quarterback to have.”

Linden’s first scrimmage was Monday, Aug. 25 at home vs. Millburn.

“I wasn’t shocked, but I was happy with the way our defense swarmed to the ball,” Candia said.

Senior tackle James Linton is one of the steadiest lineman in the Watchung Conference.

“Defensively, I think we’re ahead of where I thought we would be,” Candia said. “Coach Jamil Jackson, the kids really believe in him and understand his concepts.”

Linden tied Dayton for giving up the most points of any Union County team last year at 321, which was more than 30 a game.

“Overall, our defensive speed and our tackling is better,” Candia said. “We were not good at that last year, so we’re focusing on good, fundamental tackling.

“We’re also emphasizing conditioning, which will allow us to do other things.”

Candia was impressed with how his kids came to camp in shape.

Team captains at the moment include Linton and junior Kranston Green from last year and Myers and Burns named this year.

Candia said two more will be added for a total of six, with a game captain also selected each week.

LINDEN’S TRIPLE OPTION OFFENSE:

C Nick Mulaj, senior, (6-0, 225)

G James Linton, senior, (5-11, 250)

G Austin Frank, sophomore, (6-1, 225)

T Roland Williams, senior, (5-8, 260)

T Jamar Montgomery, senior, (5-9, 270)

QB Trell Myers, junior, (6-2, 185)

HB Jihaad Burns, senior, (5-6, 155)

HB Kevin Rodriguez, soph., (5-7, 170)

FB Kranston Green, junior, (5-10, 205)

RB Shareem Jenkins, junior, (6-0, 240)

WR Sebron Woodley, senior, (5-10, 185)

WR Dontae Harden, senior, (6-0, 190)

PK Sean McDonald, junior, (5-10, 165)

LINDEN’S 4-6 OR 5 LINEMEN DEFENSE:

T Austin Frank, sophomore, (6-1, 225)

T James Linton, senior, (5-11, 250)

NG Shareem Jenkins, junior, (6-0, 240)

E Luke Jarmolowski, junior, (6-4, 205)

E David Blakely, senior, (6-3, 210)

LB Dontae Harden, senior, (6-0, 190)

LB Kranston Green, junior, (5-10, 205)

CB Sebron Woodley, senior, (5-10, 185)

CB Jihaad Burns, senior, (5-6, 155)

FS Jaurice Jones, sophomore, (6-0, 175)

SS Jalen Johnson, junior, (5-10, 175)

P Trell Myers, junior, (6-2, 185)

2008 SCHEDULE
LINDEN TIGERS

Sept. 12 Barringer, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 Elizabeth, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Westfield, 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Shabazz, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 Irvington, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 Plainfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 Newark East Side, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Scotch Plains, 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Union, 10:30 a.m.

Head coach: Deon Candia, first year

2007: (1-9)

Conference: Watchung

2007 RESULTS
LINDEN TIGERS (1-9)

(H) Westfield 27, Linden 13

(H) Linden 20, Shabazz 12

(A) Newark East Side 40, Linden 14

(A) Irvington 34, Linden 18

(H) Scotch Plains 46, Linden 0

(A) Plainfield 23, Linden 20

(A) Elizabeth 42, Linden 14

(A) Old Bridge 34, Linden 26

(A) Barringer 35, Linden 28

(H) Union 28, Linden 12

Record: 1-9

Home: 1-3

Away: 0-6

Points for: 165

Points against: 321

Shutouts: 0

Overtime: 0-0

LINDEN

Head Coach: Deon Candia,
first season.

Watchung Conference

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4

Linden’s last sectional title: 1985

2007: (1-9)

Tigers this decade: 39-44 (.470)

Cooper Field: Field Turf.

Deon Candia is a 1991 Linden graduate, who was an assistant coach under Bucky McDonald - who he played for - and Joe Stinson.

CRANFORD - A new cast of characters will emerge on the gridiron for the Cougars this season, seeking to establish their own identity.

Gone are key players such as quarterback Simon Smith, running backs Chad Faulcon and Mike Tubelli and end Chris Petrowski.

“There will be change, with these guys looking for their opportunity,” fourth-year head coach Erik Rosenmeier said.

Rosenmeier’s first team in 2005 was very green and had to overcome the loss of talented players to graduation including Chris Drechsel and Jamar Ingram.

The Cougars surprised a lot of people that season by going 6-4 and almost qualifying for the state playoffs.

“I’m trying to compare this team to that one,” Rosenmeier said. “Those guys stepped up and played pretty well.”

Although there is a lack of experience with this group, there is one strength at the moment.

That’s the offensive line, where there is the most game-experience.

Players up front who started last year include Mike Scarfuto, Phil Nowakowski, Nolan Heineman and Joe Brady.

Scarfuto started Cranford’s last six games last year after starter Robert Foster, a senior, was hurt.

“We’re strong up front on both sides of the ball and we have to take advantage of that,” Rosenmeier said.

Brady, a 6-foot, 245-pound junior, started every game at right guard last year, in addition to starting every game on the defensive line.

He is also Cranford’s heavyweight wrestler.

“We’re looking for him to be the kind of kid to lead the offensive and defensive lines,” Rosenmeier said. “He’s not little and he’s not huge at 6-0, 245, but he’s in excellent shape.

“He plays hard, but has not reached his full potential yet. He’s a good football player who can be an excellent one. He battles up front and does not get tired. He also plays rugby, which helps him.”

We won’t quite know how Cranford will perform until the season commences Sept. 12 at home against non-conference foe DePaul.

Cranford enhanced its summer schedule by competing once again in 7-on-7 passing competition at West Orange in July.

“I have seniors and sophomores and very few juniors,” Rosenmeier said. “We’re going to do our best to put the best team out there.

“I like their work ethic and the way they practice. There’s not a lot of game experience, so we’re going to wait and see.”

CRANFORD’S SPREAD OPTION OFFENSE:

C Mike Scarfuto, senior, (5-9, 235)

RG Joe Brady, junior, (6-0, 245)

LG Phil Nowakowski, senior, (6-0, 240)

LT Nolan Heineman, senior, (6-2, 270)

RT Greg Meyer, senior, (5-10, 240)

T Gordon Phelps, junior, (6-0, 215)

WR Will Green, junior, (6-4, 205)

WR Ken Rutmayer, senior, (6-2, 180)

WR Evan Mayer, senior, (6-0, 175)

WR Justin Van Ostenbridge, sophomore, (6-2, 170)

FB Mark Wills, senior, (6-1, 205)

HB Mike Gaeta, senior, (6-0, 175)

HB Mike Mullin, senior, (5-11, 170)

HB Sean Trotter, sophomore, (5-9, 160)

QB Joe Diaz, senior, (6-0, 170)

QB Joe Papandrea, sophomore, (5-10, 165)

PK Joe Diaz, senior, (6-0, 170)

CRANFORD’S 3-3 STACK DEFENSE:

E Nolan Heineman, senior, (6-2, 270)

E Joe Brady, junior, (6-0, 245)

NG Mark Wills, senior, (6-1, 205)

NG Phil Nowakowski, senior, (6-0, 240)

Mike LB Steve Matos, senior, (5-9, 210)

Rob LB Quinn Casaro, senior, (5-9, 175)

Lou LB Alex Bartley, junior, (5-10, 200)

SS Will Green, junior, (6-4, 205)

SS Joe Diaz, senior, (6-0, 170)

CB Ken Rutmayer, senior, (6-2, 180)

CB Evan Mayer, senior, (6-0, 175)

CB Justin Van Ostenbridge, sophomore, (6-2, 170)

S Mike Gaeta, senior, (6-0, 175)

S Joe Papandrea, soph., (5-10, 165)

P Justin Van Ostenbridge, sophomore, (6-2, 170)

2008 SCHEDULE
CRANFORD COUGARS

Sept. 12 DePaul, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 at New Providence, 2 p.m.

Sept. 26 Hillside, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 Rahway, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 St. Joseph’s of the Palisades, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 at Brearley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 at Newark Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 31 Gov. Livingston, 7 p.m.

Nov. 7 at Johnson, 7 p.m.

Head coach: Erik Rosenmeier, fourth year

2007: (6-4)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Mountain Division

2007 RESULTS
CRANFORD COUGARS (6-4)

(A) Rahway 26, Cranford 0

(A) Cranford 17, Westfield 14

(A) Cranford 22, Hillside 8

(A) Gov. Livingston 10, Cranford 9

(H) Brearley 36, Cranford 0

(H) Cranford 27, Roselle 0

(H) Cranford 34, Newark Central 9

(H) Scotch Plains 42, Cranford 20

(H) Cranford 23, Johnson 12

(H) Cranford 34, Matawan 6

Record: 6-4

Home: 4-2

Away: 2-2

Points for: 186

Points against: 163

Shutouts: 1

Overtime: 0-0

CRANFORD

Head Coach: Erik Rosenmeier,
since 2005.

Fourth season: 17-13 (.567)

Mountain Valley Conference
Mountain Division

Central Jersey, Group 2

Cranford’s last playoff season: 2004

2007: (6-4)

Cougars this decade: 43-38 (.531)

Memorial Field: Grass.

Erik Rosenmeier is a 1983 Johnson Regional graduate. He was an assistant coach at Scotch Plains before becoming a head coach for the first time at Cranford.

RAHWAY - Rahway has overcome the loss of many talented players to graduation before and managed to come out on top.

The Indians are faced with that challenge again this season.

Key players gone from the 2007 campaign are running backs Donte Dennis and Corey Alfano, end Demetrius Washington-Ellison and lineman Ike Igbinosun.

“We re-loaded after having players such as (Andre) Neblett and (Darrion) Caldwell,” fifth-year head coach Gary Mobley said.

Players Mobley expects to step up include junior running back Giovanni Smith and senior receivers Roy Eastman and Ricky Draughn.

“Smith played a big role for us in the latter part of last season,” Mobley said. “Roy Eastman is stepping in at the wide receiver position and Draughn is there too.

“Those guys are three weapons we can use at our disposal.”

Rahway returns, arguably, the best quarterback in the Mountain Valley Conference in senior Troy Eastman.

“We feel very fortunate to have him,” Mobley said. “He has experience, leadership qualities and playmaking ability.

“We just hope we have enough weapons around him to utilize his talent to the fullest.”

Rahway moved back to North 2, Group 3 this year for the first time since 2002.

The Indians reached the Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals the last four seasons.

In order to have a chance to gain more power points, Rahway has non-conference games scheduled against Group 3 schools Bishop Ahr (Parochial) and Iselin Kennedy and Group 2 schools North Plainfield and Somerville.

Gone are games against Group 2 Roselle - a longtime neighborhood rival - and Group 1s New Providence and Brearley.

RAHWAY'S MULTIPLE-I OFFENSE:

LT Olsen Pierre, junior, (6-4, 275)

LG Andre Hunt, senior, (6-1, 280)

C Eric Tate, junior, (6-0, 245)

RG Derrick Hayes, junior, (6-1, 230)

RT Phil Newton, senior, (6-0, 275)

G Gary Pyrus, senior, (6-0, 205)

T Khidr Williamson, junior, (5-11, 255)

TE Leonardo Marcelin, junior, (6-1, 205)

SE Roy Eastman, senior, (6-1, 185)

FL Ricky Draughn, senior, (5-11, 165)

FL Visalle Fish, junior, (5-11, 170)

QB Troy Eastman, senior, (6-2, 195)

TB Giovanni Smith, junior (5-10, 190)

TB Marquis Barnes, senior, (5-9, 175)

FB Sherwood Wesley, junior, (5-8, 170)

FB Chris Ellis, junior, (5-10, 190)

PK Visalle Fish, junior, (5-11, 170)

RAHWAY'S 4-4 DEFENSE:

T Olsen Pierre, junior, (6-4, 275)

T Phil Newton, senior, (6-0, 275)

T Andre Hunt, senior, (6-1, 280)

E Leonardo Marcelin, junior, (6-1, 205)

E Derrick Hayes, junior, (6-1, 230)

ILB Chris Ellis, junior, (5-10, 190)

ILB Sherwood Wesley, junior, (5-8, 170)

ILB Anthony Arce, junior, (5-10, 230)

OLB Roy Eastman, senior, (6-1, 185)

OLB Giovanni Smith, junior, (5-10, 190)

OLB Quaran Womack, senior, (5-9, 165)

CB Visalle Fish, junior, (5-11, 170)

CB Ricky Draughn, senior, (5-11, 165)

CB Marquis Barnes, senior, (5-9, 175)

CB Chris Brow, senior, (5-9, 160)

S Troy Eastman, senior, (6-2, 195)

S Pierre Darisme, senior, (6-0, 180)

P Troy Eastman, senior, (6-2, 195)

2008 SCHEDULE
RAHWAY INDIANS

Sept. 13 Bishop Ahr, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Hillside, 1 p.m.

Oct. 3 at Cranford, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Iselin Kennedy, 1 p.m.

Oct. 17 at North Plainfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25 Gov. Livingston, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 Somerville, 2 p.m.

Nov. 8 Newark Central, 1 p.m. 

Nov. 27 at Johnson, 10:30 a.m.

Head coach: Gary Mobley,
fifth year

2007: (9-2)

Conference: Mountain Valley,
Mountain Division, defending champs

2007 RESULTS
RAHWAY INDIANS (9-2)

(H) Rahway 26, Cranford 0

(H) Rahway 39, Hillside 8

(H) Rahway 34, New Providence 0

(H) Rahway 24, North Plainfield 7

(A) Brearley 13, Rahway 7

(A) Rahway 28, Gov. Livingston 6

(A) Rahway 6, Roselle 0

(A) Rahway 47, Newark Central 12

(H) Rahway 40, Ewing 14

(H) Carteret 19, Rahway 14

(H) Rahway 27, Johnson 6

Record: 9-2

Home: 6-1

Away: 3-1

Points for: 292

Points against: 85

Shutouts: 3

Overtime: 0-0

RAHWAY

Head Coach: Gary Mobley,
since 2004.

Fifth season: 32-12 (.727)

Mountain Valley Conference
Mountain Division

North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3

Rahway’s last sectional title: 1984

2007: (9-2)

Indians this decade: 43-41 (.512)

Veterans Field: Grass.

Gary Mobley is a 1986 Union graduate. He guided Rahway to the Central Jersey, Group 2 semifinals during his first four seasons at the helm.

Rahway has played Roselle in football for a long time and became league rivals when Rahway joined the Mountain Valley Conference in the late 1990s.
This year, however, the neighboring arch rivals will not meet on the gridiron.
With a slight increase in enrollment, Rahway was situated back in North 2, Group 3 this year after being in Central Jersey, Group 2 since 2003.
As a result - to improve their playoff chances - the Indians scheduled non-conference matchups vs. Bishop Ahr, Iselin Kennedy, North Plainfield and Somerville.
Bishop Ahr is Parochial, Group 3 and Iselin Kennedy is a Group 3 school, with North Plainfield and Somerville Group 2 schools.
Rahway is also not playing Group 1 schools Brearley and New Providence.
“Moving up to Group 3, we had to take the initiative to bolster our schedule with teams that could give us more power points,” fifth-year Rahway head coach Gary Mobley said.
Mobley guided Rahway to the CJ, G2 semifinals his first four years at the helm.
Rahway last reached a sectional final in 1999 when the Indians lost to Morristown in the N2, G3 title game.
Rahway last won a sectional championship in 1984 when the Indians captured N2, G3.
“It’s weird that we’re not playing Roselle and New Providence,” Mobley said. “We picked up Brearley the last two years and had great games with them.”
Two other formidable teams in North 2, Group 3 are Irvington and Phillipsburg.
Irvington is in the section for the third straight season, while Phillipsburg is back in the section for the first time since 2003.
Rahway beat Phillipsburg in the 1978 and 1979 N2, G3 championship games.

Irvington-Union may be
back at Irvington
The Sept. 13 Watchung Conference opener between Irvington and Union that was re-scheduled to be played at Union could be moved back to Irvington.
If the new field turf that Union is about to get is not fully installed on Union’s Cooke Memorial Field in time, then the teams will play at Irvington on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.
Right now the game is scheduled to be played at Union at 1 p.m. on that date.
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Irvington’s Matthews Field, which is grass, on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.

Abdul El-Quddus
starring at Fordham
Former Union standout Isa Abdul Quddus - now Abdul El-Quddus - had a fine first season at Fordham last year.
Wearing No. 49, Abdul El-Quddus stepped in and contributed at linebacker for the Rams in 2007, appearing in 11 games.
He was sixth among linebackers in total tackles with 34 and was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week once early in the season.
Among his tackles, 21 were solo and 7.5 were for losses totaling 35 yards. Two of his tackles were quarterback sacks.
Abdul El-Quddus also had two forced fumbles and one quarterback hurry.
This year, Abdul El-Quddus moved from linebacker to strong safety, where he is listed on the depth chart as a starter.
Fordham will open its season at home on Sept. 6 against Rhode Island.
Abdul El-Quddus lettered in football and track at Union, where he graduated from in 2007.
He was an All-County and All-State selection at linebacker for the Farmers, who he helped lead to the North 2, Group 4 semifinals his junior and senior seasons.