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Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division

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The 2024 season is about to kickoff for the Brearley, Dayton, Highland Park, Roselle Park, South River and Spotswood high school football teams.

Here’s a look at team previews for the Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division.

Brearley

Senior, senior, senior.

When looking at last year’s All-Division selections, Brearley had a nice representation on the Freedom Gold list.

One thing – seven of its nine players were seniors. Throw in some more graduation losses, and the Bears will be fielding mostly a young squad this season after capturing the division title with a 3-1 record.

Leading the way as returning All-Gold players are juniors Matt Resende (RB/DB) and Carter Stein (WR/DB), as well as two-way lineman Joel Aguirre.

Joe Squillaro (Jr.) and Ryan Nelson (Fr.) are both at quarterback to run the multiple spread to replace the graduated Ryan Obiedzinski (nearly 1,000 combined passing/rushing yards). The Bears also graduated running back Gavin Marranca (1,133 yards).

“Gavin was a great player,” Resende said at the league’s media day. “He was a very tough kid. He gave it his all every single game and I learned a lot from him. So taking that spot is definitely going to be a challenge but with his help from last year I think I definitely got it. We have a young team, so it’s going to be really fun to see how we do and we’re not going to be the biggest, fastest, but we’re also going to be the toughest out there. We have a lot of heart.”

Newcomers looking to make an impact include senior Kyle Miklas (OL/DL), juniors Justin Aryes (TE/LB), Paul Santoro (WR/DB) and Kevin Maytidu (OL/DL), sophomores James Schwarze (OL/DL), Jamie Firsichbum (OL/LB), Rocco Federico (WR/DB) and Elijah Gutierrez (WR/DB) and freshmen Nathan Bonnet (TE/LB) and Monroe Passmore (RB/LB).BREARLY BEARSHead coach: Allen Phillips, second season (3-5)Assistants: Nick Padron (OL/DL), Dennis Lonergan (QB/LB), Matt Pitarresi (WR/DB), Tyler Dacosta (OL/DL), Mikey Ramos (RB/DB).State classification: North Group 1 League: Big Central Conference Freedom Gold DivisionColors: Blue and goldOffensive formation: Multiple spreadDefensive formation: 4-32023 results (3-5 overall, 3-1 in BCC Freedom Gold, division champ)Manville, L 12-7Spotswood, L 31-14at Roselle Park, W 16-8Dayton, W 30-14at South Hunterdon, L 38-16Highland Park, W 50-24Middlesex, L 36-14at Dunellen, L 34-282024 schedule9/6 A.L. Johnson, 6 p.m.9/13 Spotswood, 6 p.m.9/20 at Highland Park, 7 p.m.9/27 at Roselle Park, 7 p.m.10/4 South Hunterdon, 6 p.m.10/12 at South River, 1 p.m.10/19 at Metuchen, 1 p.m.10/24 Dayton, 6 p.m.

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Dayton

A good thing about underclassmen getting significant varsity time is that they get older and come back that more seasoned.

Enter the 2024 Bulldogs, which have several players returning with more confidence and greater speed. The enthusiasm’s certainly there. The Group 2 school has nearly 70 players and the team has been busy in the weight room since the winter.

The Bulldogs must replace a solid group of seniors such as Alex Altemus (RB/LB), among the state leaders in tackles (184 total,105 solo).

A good starting point is senior quarterback John John DeSarno, who threw for 1,076 yards (65-of-127) and rushed for five scores (37-177). He’s a smooth decision-maker in the spread option and helped engineer the winning fourth-quarter drive in a 20-18 win over Highland Park.

Other top returners include seniors Jordan Gonzalez (WR/S), Anthony Picardi (Slot/CB), James Walker (RB/LB) and juniors Milton Bostick (OL/DL) and Chidiogo Iherobiem (S/WR).

Bostick will be joined on the offensive line by juniors Max Manfredi and sophomores Anthony Ibottson and Lucas Bailao.

Top newcomers to watch number senior Noah Baker (WR/S), junior Sebastian Loria (OL/DL) and sophomores Aiden Delpeche (S/RB) and Adrian Bernknopf (H/LB).

“We’ve been in the weight room since Thanksgiving,” DeSarno said. “We’ve been focused, we’ve been ready to play and we’re just excited. We got a lot of confidence going into this year and it’s going to be a fun year.”

DAYTON BULLDOGS

Head coach: Nick Iannacone, third season (7-12)

Assistants: Jason Mullman (co-OC, QB), Anthony Cioffi (DC, RB/S), Andrew Martin (OL/DL), Brian Martin (WR/CB), Brian Cavanagh (asst. WR/CB), Mark Cugliari (strength and conditioning), Brianne Triano (athletic trainer).

State classification: South Group 2

League: Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division

Colors: Blue and orange

Offensive formation: Spread option

Defensive formation: Multiple 4-3

2023 results (4-5 overall, 2-2 in BCC Freedom Gold)

at Dunellen, L 18-7

Roselle Park, L 27-7

at Manville, L 41-7

at Brearley, L 30-14

Highland Park, W 20-18

Spotswood, L 34-0

South Hunterdon, L 41-7

Metuchen, L 35-0

Wallington, W 26-19

J.P. Stevens, W 23-20

2024 schedule

9/6 South Hunterdon, 7 p.m.

9/13 Highland Park, 7 p.m.

9/20 at Roselle Park, 7 p.m.

9/28 at South River, 1 p.m.

10/5 Belvidere, 1 p.m.

10/11 at Spotswood, 7 p.m.

10/18 Dunellen, 7 p.m.

10/25 at Brearley, 7 p.m.

Highland Park

So, you win a game for the first time since 2016. What’s next?

Well, more.

That’s the hope for Highland Park, which broke its 51-game losing streak with a victory in last year’s season finale. Now, they return excitement and players who have tasted a victory celebration.  

“Definitely, enthusiasm’s a little bit higher this year and better, of course,” Owls coach Shawn Harrison said in his fifth season. “Now we can set our bar a little bit higher. So now expectations coming into a season, you know, wanting more. Wanting not only one win, being selfish now – one win, two wins, three wins. So now it’s time for being a little bit selfish, a little bit greedy. With that, we have to step up our performance.”   

One can forgive Highland Park for showing some greed. The low-enrollment school has recently struggled with roster numbers and on the field since going 6-4 in 2016. In 2022, the Owls played several teams tough but faded in the second half of games.

Harrison stressed the team had to learn how to finish games entering last season. They fell 50-44 to Dunellen in the second game, but quarterback Marcos Hantsoulis said the team took confidence from that loss.

Finally, they put it together with a 46-29 win over Pt. Pleasant Beach in the last game.

“We only had one win but we were in ball games,” Harrison said. “We were competing, playing games late into the fourth quarter so I think that helps not only for last year, but for this year as well. It builds on that success.”

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Hantsoulis is a senior playmaker leading the way. He looks to throw to classmates Jaylin Adams and Kaan Dolu with senior Zyiare Holand (RB) one of the leaders on the field.

Brian Mahoney (sr., OL/DL) anchors the offensive line and Jared Matos (DL) leads the defense. 

Top newcomers to watch include sophomores Ziquan Grier (DB), Marcus Smith (DL) and Jacob Quiros Porras (RB).

Harrison was asked if the players were able to bring some of that winning buzz into the offseason?

“Yes, yes, yes, yes,” he responded. “We worked hard into the offseason. We carried that momentum straight into the winter, into the spring as well into the summer and now the season’s here. So I’m definitely looking forward to what we can when it comes to game one.”

HIGHLAND PARK OWLS

Head coach:  Shawn Harrison, fifth season

Assistants: Cory Carter (OC) Chris Bray (OL/DL) Julie Amodeo (ST) Joe Policastro 

State classification: South Group 1

League: Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division

Colors: Maroon and white

Offensive formation: Multiple

Defensive formation: Base 4-3

2023 results (1-9 overall, 0-4 in BCC Freedom Gold)

at Tenafly, L 26-14

Dunellen, L 50-44

at Spotswood, L 34-0

Roselle Park, L 30-0

at Dayton, L 20-18

at Brearley, L 50-24

Manville, L 49-22

Newark Central, L 54-14

Metuchen, L 35-20

at Pt. Pleasant Beach, W 46-29

2024 schedule

9/6 at Dunellen, 7 p.m.

9/13 at Dayton, 7 p.m.

9/20 Brearley, 7 p.m.

9/27 Spotswood, 7 p.m.

10/5 at Metuchen, 2 p.m.

10/11 at Roselle Park, 7 p.m.

10/18 Manville, 7 p.m.

10/25 South River, 7 p.m.

Roselle Park

Like many inexperienced teams, the Panthers are looking to play crisp ball and cover all the fundamentals until the youngsters get up to varsity speed.

That doesn’t mean, however, that breakouts can’t happen quickly.

Take sophomore Nick Salas (RB/DB), who is back after rushing for 905 yards on 91 carries as a rookie. Matthew Drada (Sr., OL/DL) is a returning two-way starter and first-team All-Division pick who will lead with his play.

Anthony Damiano (Jr., LB) is taking over at quarterback and has a poise about him that enables him to handle stressful situations under center in Roselle Park’s Wing-T.

Looking to have an impact on both sides are seniors Alfris Garcia (RB/DB), David Newhart (TE/LB), Clayton Royer (RB/LB), Jayden Estevez (RB/DB) and Alexis Hernandez (OL/DL), junior Anthony Cianfrocca (RB/LB) and sophomore Maxwell Griffin (WR/DB).

ROSELLE PARK PANTHERS

Head coach: Gregory Dunkerton, fifth season (14-23)

Assistants: Sean Matthews (OL/DL), Jeff Ziegler (WR/LB), Steven Margolin (RB/ DB), Connor Gabriel (RB/LB).

State classification: North Group 1

League: Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division

Colors: Red and white

Offensive formation: Wing T

Defensive formation: 4-4

2023 results (6-5 overall, 2-2 in BCC Freedom Gold)

South Hunterdon, L 34-8

at Dayton, W 27-7

Brearley, L 16-8

at Highland Park, W 30-0

Spotswood, L 7-0

at Middlesex, L 14-6

Dunellen, W 52-24

at Newark Academy, L 20-6

Secaucus, W 28-27

at North Warren, W 41-21

Roselle, W 20-14

2024 schedule

9/5 at Middlesex, 7 p.m.

9/13 at South River, 7 p.m.

9/20 Dayton, 7 p.m.

9/27 Brearley, 7 p.m.

10/4 at Dunellen, 7 p.m.

10/11 Highland Park, 7 p.m.

10/18 at J.P. Stevens, 7 p.m.

10/25 Spotswood, 7 p.m.

11/27 at Roselle, 6 p.m.

South River

Sure, those fancy dishes at a trendy restaurant are eye-catching, the ones full of garnishes and exotic combinations. Sometimes, though, it’s best to order the classics that never fail.  

When it comes to the football equivalent, South River tried to implement some bells and whistles last fall. Now, it’s like hello comfort food. Or as Rams coach Rich Marchesi put it, “back to the basics.”  

“We just cut a lot of the fat out,” the veteran coach said. “It was too much. The team was confused last year and I have to take some of the blame for that. We were young and we just gave them too much. I’m just letting them play this year. Let them play. Defensively, we’re going to run to the ball. Offensively, we’re going to control the clock and get first downs and play good special teams.”

Back to the basics.

The Rams do graduate some key players such as All-Division Troy O’Connor (DE), Gavin Staffs (OL) and Parker Lane (QB). However, many of those first-year varsity players are back and seasoned and ready to play both ways.

Take speedy sophomore tailback Komori Coto, who got extensive playing time in the second half of the season (93 carries for 365 yards, DB).

“He got rocked a couple times,” Marchesi. “He really was battle-tested and I think a lot of the kids were battle-tested and they just have a little chip on their shoulders. You know, we didn’t win a game and we got beat pretty good in most games and they have a short memory. So they remember last year was not a good feeling.”

Coto has “got some jets” and can catch the ball.  The outside receivers are also fast with good hands in Eddie Herrera (Sr., CB) and Quintin Hamilton (Jr., LB). Michael Marchesi (Sr.) mans tight end and a linebacker spot.

Taking over at quarterback is Orion Familia (Jr., S) and Dominic Harris (So., CB) – who may also see time at tailback. Aiden Velez (Sr.) and Filipe Granadeiro (Jr.) are rotating in at fullback and linebacker and both bring a veteran presence to both units.  

Patrolling the offensive line and the defensive interior are Junior Funez (So., LT), Kayden Byrd (LG) Karl Nielsen (Sr., C) and Connor Chandler (So., RT), while Ryker Stewart (Sr., RG) is at linebacker on defense. Jordyn Ramos (So.) is rotating in at safety.

South River moves from the Patriot Gold to the Freedom Silver, which includes former old GMC Blue Division opponents in Highland Park and Spotswood. While last season was tough, including losses to powers like Bernards, Delaware Valley and Governor Livingston, the players kept showing up and showing character.

“They came to practice every day,” Marchesi said. “We’d get whipped by somebody 44-0 and they were there on Monday watching film and being like a sponge and sucking in the information. I have a lot of respect for these guys.”

SOUTH RIVER RAMS

Head coach: Rich Marchesi, 37th season (225-142)  

Assistants: Matt Musante (DC/OL/DL; Bobby Young (QB/DB/special teams); Kevin Feaster (QB/DB); Marcus Granadeiro (RB/ILB)

State classification: South Group 2

League: Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division

Colors: Maroon and gray

Offensive formation: Multiple

Defensive formation: Multiple

2023 results (0-9 overall, 0-4 in BCC Patriot Gold)

Metuchen, L 14-6                                                          

at Bernards, L 42-7

at Bound Brook, L 35-13

Spotswood, L 30-0

at Voorhees, L 39-6

Delaware Valley, L 41-0

Governor Livingston, L 35-6

at A.L. Johnson, L 49-0

at Pt. Pleasant Beach, L 41-8

2024 schedule

8/31 Point Pleasant Beach, noon

9/7 at Metuchen, 1 p.m.

9/14 Roselle Park, 1 p.m.

9/21 at Spotswood, 1 p.m.

9/28 Dayton, 1 p.m.

10/4 at Delaware Valley, 7 p.m.

10/12 Brearley, 1 p.m.

10/19 South Plainfield, 1 p.m.

10/25 at Highland Park, 7 p.m.

Spotswood

From green freshmen to improving sophomores and juniors to seasoned seniors.

Then, repeat.

That’s the mark of a well-oiled program. Sure, down years are inevitable in high school sports, but the key is to keep molding the next generation.

That’s what Spotswood hopes to do after a 15-5 run the past two seasons, which included reaching the playoffs last year for the first time since 2015 and capturing the sixth division title in program history.

In fact, it was the program’s first back-to-back winning stretch since 2015 and 2016. Now, the Chargers must replace several key starters.

“That’s one thing I told my upperclassmen,” Spotswood coach Chris Meagher said, “in particular, I told them one thing I’m very happy with the program about is our older guys are willing to teach the younger guys about what it means to be a Charger, whether it’s like almost coaching them up on advice in their position, working on form or anything like that. They’re very willing to take the time to talk with those younger kids and I think that helps. You want to build that program.”

While Spotswood does graduate a host of players including seven All-Division picks, not all is bare. The Chargers have over 60 players in the program and bring back a mix of experience along with promising newcomers to again contend for the division crown.

“We got right back to it, got in the weight room in the winter and kind of just kept grinding,” junior Sebastian Saracino said.

Saracino (RB/OLB) and senior Stephen Henits (WR/OLB) are both back as first-team All-Division and Douglas Tumundo (Sr., OG/DT) and Dan Keelen (Jr., TE/ DE) made the second-team list.

In all, the Chargers have seven starters back on offense and four on defense. John Lubin (Sr., WR), Stephen Barnacz (Jr., OT) and Vin Young (So., WR/ CB) are among the top returners.

Spotswood has an intriguing transfer from North Brunswick in junior Se’mir Tolbert-Brimage. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder is slated to take over at quarterback for graduated three-year starter Trey Lazar. He’s a dual threat under center and will also play defensive end.

Other top newcomers looking to break out include senior middle linebackers Shawn Lennan and Julian Sanchez, juniors J.J. Tymon (C/DL) and Gavin Periera (K), sophomores Nick Albert (OG/DE) and John Regan (S) and freshmen Dominic Rodriguez (RB/OLB), Ryan Foster (WR/CB) and Tyrus Lazar.

So while the Spotswood coaches will miss last year’s stalwarts, who Meagher noted were great kids and leaders, the next generation of Chargers are ready.

“I think we have some guys that can step in and fill those roles,” Meagher said. ”Each team’s different. Like what you might be good at one year and what you do one year, maybe the next year you’re better at something else. You evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and as a coach you kind of adapt a little bit.”

SPOTSWOOD CHARGERS

Head coach: Chris Meagher, fourth season (16-13)

Assistants: Micah Arnold (DC), Mike Zyskowski (WR/ OLB), Greg Prott (OL/DL),

Joe Mecca (OL/DL), Matt Steinfeld (QB/DB/Special teams coordinator), Jack Dalrymple (RB/MLB), Dennis Bellantoni (volunteer)

State classification: South Group 2

League: Big Central Conference Freedom Gold Division

Colors: Blue and gold

Offensive formation: Power spread

Defensive formation: 4-2-5

2023 results (8-2 overall, 4-0 in BCC Freedom Gold)

at Bordentown, W 14-0

at Belvidere, W 9-8

Brearley, W 31-14

Highland Park, W 34-0

at South River, W 30-0

at Roselle Park, W 7-0

at Dayton, W 34-0

A.L. Johnson, L 48-0

J.P. Stevens, W 22-14

at Pt. Pleasant Boro, L 55-7

2024 schedule

9/6 at Roselle, 6 p.m.

9/13 at Brearley, 6 p.m.

9/21 South River, 1 p.m.

9/27 at Highland Park, 7 p.m.

10/4 at Bound Brook, 7 p.m.

10/11 Dayton, 7 p.m.

10/18 South Hunterdon, 7 p.m.

10/25 at Roselle Park, 7 p.m.

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