North. While the Knights may have lost a handful of their starters to graduation, including quarterback Rob White, the team returns almost its entire defense for the 2009 season.
Leading the team this year will be captains Drew Kenavan, a cornerback and wide receiver; Ryan Phelan, a quarterback and defensive back; Sean Reed, a linebacker and running back; Sean Cooney-Olson, a nose guard and center; and Jake Everett, a defensive end and offensive tackle.
While Phelan is the front-runner for the quarterback position, Coach Chris Casamento says Joe Jenson is also vying for the quarterback position.
Among the team’s strengths this year is “our speed, and our ability to get to the football,” says Casamento. “We’re stronger than we’ve been in the past.” Last year the team went 2-8 in what was deemed a rebuilding year for the team. However, Casamento says, “I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t improve upon that.”
The team may have lost a center guard, wide receiver, fullback, and one starter on defense last year, but with many of the defenders having at least a year of experience under their belts, the team should be in better shape this year, Casamento says.
In addition, the team also has an experienced group of receivers in seniors Josh Harrison, Patrick Clewell, and Todd Petrone. Juniors Ryan DeMouth and Brendan Kenavan will also round out the roster.
Casamento says the team’s first goal is to win its opener against Hightstown on Saturday, September 12. Its second goal is to win the division, and its third goal is to make the playoffs. “If we don’t win our first game, you know the progression,” he says. “We just think if we get off to the right start,” it will set the tone for the season. The goal to make the playoffs begins with winning the first game, he added.
South. The Pirates have lost a group of talented starters in quarterback Connor Farrell, David Twamley, and Jeff Riemann, all of whom graduated last year, but replacing star players is nothing the team has not experienced before.
The team has been able to move on year-to-year seamlessly after losing key players. Last year, the team had to do without J.B. Fitzgerald, who moved on to play football at Michigan. But it seemed irrelevant, as the Pirates went 10-0 through the season, before falling to Sayreville in the the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV semifinal.
The team will still have plenty of power on offense this season. Replacing Farrell at quarterback will be senior and seasoned player Zach Donohue, who will have many options for receivers and running backs. Senior Chris Matthews, who was able to successfully fill in for an injured Twamley last year, will be the team’s new tailback.
The offensive line will be lead by David Calves, who stands at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds. In the backfield, Donohue has plenty of options, including Bishon Matthews, junior Brian Saravia, and sophomore Chris Jones. Also leading the team is highly-recruited Zack Hundertmark, junior linebacker Etienne Aduya, and safety Andrew Manley.
The Pirates’ opener is on Saturday, September 12, against Lawrence.
