Wood-Ridge Blue Devils
July 3, 2023
2022:
- 8-2
- Lost to Cedar Grove in the North Jersey Section 2 Group 1 semifinals after beating Shabazz in the quarterfinals
- Wins included Park Ridge, Butler, and Waldwick
- Their other loss was to Rutherford
- Scored 210 points for a 23.33 average – does not include forfeit win
- Allowed 129 points for a 14.33 average – does not include forfeit win
Graduation:
- OL/DL Liam Kelly – Susquehanna
Offense:
- Formation: Multiple Spread
- Returning Starters: 5
Quarterback:
- Jimmy Masucci, Senior, 5-9, 180 – returning starter, moving from wide receiver
- Ben Lopez, Junior, 5-8, 165 – provides depth
Running Back:
- Antonio Loyola, Senior, 5-8, 165 – returning starter
- Za’ki McGhee, Junior, 5-10, 175 – will spell Loyola
H-Back:
- Kledji Elezaj, Senior, 6-1, 230 – projected starter; started on defense
Wide Receiver:
- Vladimir Schultz, Senior, 5-9, 170 – returning starter
- Jaydin Punt, Junior, 5-11, 170 – competing
- Shaun Fernandez, Junior, 6-0, 165 – competing
- Nick Scalera, Sophomore, 5-9, 160 – competing
- Melvin Zabaleta, Sophomore, 6-2, 185 – competing
- Michael Prato, Freshman, 6-0, 170 – competing
- Chance Iacovino, Sophomore, 5-9, 155 – competing
Offensive Line:
- Aidan Kelly, Junior, 6-3, 255 – projected starter at left tackle
- Gianfranco Gentile, Junior, 5-11, 250 – returning starter at left guard
- Danyel Garcia, Senior, 6-0, 225 – competing at center
- Nico Altamura, Junior, 6-1, 220 – competing at center
- Michael Marchitelli, Senior, 5-10, 215 – returning starter at right guard
- Eric Hayes, Sophomore, 6-2, 230 – projected starter at right tackle
- Derrick Correa, Sophomore, 5-10, 240 – competing at both tackles
Defense:
- Formation: 3-4
- Returning Starters: 4
Defensive Line:
- Kledji Elezaj, Senior, 6-1, 230 – returning starter at end and outside linebacker
- Derrick Correa, Sophomore, 5-10, 240 – projected starter at nose guard
- Aidan Kelly, Junior, 6-3, 255 – projected starter at tackle
- Eric Hayes, Sophomore, 6-2, 230 – competing at opposite end
- Nico Altamura, Junior, 6-1, 220 – competing at opposite end
Linebacker:
- Antonio Loyola, Senior, 5-8, 165 – 3-year starter on the outside
- Michael Marchitelli, Senior, 5-10, 215 – returning starter on inside
- Melvin Zabaleta, Sophomore, 6-2, 185 – competing
- Thomas Soontarodom, Junior, 5-10, 200 – competing
- Michael Prato, Freshman, 6-0, 170 – competing
- Nicolas Mabel, Freshman, 5-9, 170 – competing
Secondary:
- Jimmy Masucci, Senior, 5-9, 180 – returning starter at cornerback
- Jaydin Punt, Junior, 5-11, 170 – projected starter at opposite corner; saw heavy action
- Za’ki McGhee, Junior, 5-10, 175 – projected starter at free safety
- Ben Lopez, Junior, 5-8, 165 – projected starter at strong safety
- Shaun Fernandez, Junior, 6-0, 165 – part of rotation at safety
- Nick Scalera, Sophomore, 5-9, 160 – part of rotation at safety
- Chris Rios, Sophomore, 5-9, 155 – part of rotation at cornerback and safety
Special Teams:
- Senior Kledji Elezaj is a 4-year starter at kicker and punter
- Loyola and Masucci are the return men
Schedule:
- Friday, 8/25, Wallkill Valley at Palisades Park
- Thursday, 8/31, at Butler
- Friday, 9/8, Park Ridge at home
- Friday, 9/15, Wallington at home
- Friday, 9/22, North Arlington at home
- Saturday, 9/30, at St. Mary
- 10/6-7, NJIC crossover
- 10/13-14, NJIC crossover
- 10/20-21, NJIC crossover
Concerns:
- Very young with only six seniors, but they like the way the underclassmen are practicing
- Depth, like any Group 1 program
Recruiting:
- Kledji is low 1-AA/D2
- Marchitelli, Masucci, and Loyola are D3 prospects
- Underclassmen:
- Punt and McGee are low 1-AA/D2 candidates
- Gentile is D2/D3
Coach’s Comments:
“Our team success shows the kids how to compete and practice at a high level. We have a lot of competition, practices are fast and hard, leading to success in the season. Though we have only six seniors, they’re doing a great job leading the team.” – Head Coach Joe Cutrona