Westwood Cardinals 

July 2, 2023 

2022: 

• 11-1 
• Lost to Caldwell in the North Jersey Group 2 regional final 
• Won the North Jersey Section 1 Group 2 championship by beating Rutherford in the finals, Jefferson in the semifinals, and Hanover Park in the quarterfinals 
• Wins included River Dell, Ramsey, Shore, and Ridgefield Park 
• Scored 401 points for a 33.42 average 
• Allowed 63 points for a 5.25 average, including six shutouts 

Graduation: 

• WR Colby Laughton – Salve Regina 

Offense: 

• Formation: Multiple Spread 
• Returning Starters: 6  

Quarterback: 

• Robby Carcich, Senior, 6-1, 170 – 3-year starter 

Running Back: 

• Aidan Dugan, Junior, 5-10, 190 – projected co-starter 
• Steven Klein, Sophomore, 6-1, 195 – projected co-starter 

Wide Receiver: 

• Tom Bussanich, Senior, 6-2, 185 – 3-year starter 
• Joe Klein, Senior, 6-1, 175 – returning starter 
• Aidan Carrazana, Senior, 5-11, 185 – returning starter 
• Luke Bussanich, Junior, 6-3, 190 – part of the rotation 

Tight End/H-Back/Wide Receiver: 

• Dave Gaboardi, Senior, 6-1, 215 – projected starter; saw action 

Offensive Line: 

• Braeden Roberts, Senior, 6-3, 315 – returning starter at right tackle 
• Luke Biello, Junior, 5-11, 195 – 3-year starter at right guard 
• Center is undecided 
• Dante Downey, Junior, 5-10, 260 – projected starter at left guard 
• Tyler Roberts, Senior, 6-2, 230 – front-runner at left tackle  

Defense: 

• Formation: 3-4 
• Returning Starters: 7  

Defensive Line: 

• RJ Ussher, Senior, 6-1, 275 – 3-year starter at nose guard 
• Dario Mathurin, Junior, 6-1, 220 – returning starter at end 
• The opposite end will be decided in camp 

Linebacker: 

• Tom Bussanich, Senior, 6-2, 185 – returning starter on outside 
• Dave Gaboardi, Senior, 6-1, 215 – competing at outside linebacker 
• Luke Biello, Junior, 5-11, 195 – competing at outside linebacker 
• Michael Carcich, Senior, 5-10, 185 – competing on inside; returning starter from 2021 and missed last season with injury 
• Aidan Dugan, Junior, 5-10, 190 – competing on inside 
• Luke Bussanich, Junior, 6-3, 190 – competing on inside 

Secondary: 

• Aidan Carrazana, Senior, 5-11, 185 – 3-year starter at cornerback 
• Joe Klein, Senior, 6-1, 175 – returning starter at cornerback 
• Eli Taveras, Junior, 5-10, 160 – part of rotation at cornerback 
• Connor Stewart, Junior, 5-11, 165 – part of rotation at cornerback 
• Sean Morrison, Junior, 6-0, 180 – returning starter at safety 
• Steven Klein, Sophomore, 6-1, 195 – projected starter at safety; saw heavy action  
• Mike Rinaldi, Junior, 6-0, 170 – competing at safety; Bergen Catholic transfer 

Special Teams: 

• Kicker and punter are open 
• Joe Klein will be the main return man 

Schedule: 

• Friday, 8/25, South Plainfield at Palisades Park 
• Friday, 9/1, West Essex at home 
• Thursday, 9/7, Dumont at home 
• Thursday, 9/14 at River Dell 
• Friday, 9/22, at Mahwah 
• Friday, 9/29, Ramsey at home  
• 10/6-7, Bye Week 
• Friday, 10/13, at Lakeland 
• Friday, 10/20, Ridgefield Park at home 

Concerns: 

• Offensive Line 

Recruiting: 

• Most players are D3 prospects who are good high school football players 
• Underclassmen:
• Mathurin will receive some looks 

Coach’s Comments: 

“We bring back a lot on defense, but have to replace two quality players. We have good skill on offense and it’s a matter of where our line takes us. We will take it one game at a time. We have a solid group of seniors and their leadership will take us over the hump.” – Head Coach Bobby Guy