Pompton Lakes Cardinals 

July 26, 2025

2024: 

• 3-6 
• Lost to Glen Ridge in the North Jersey Group 1 consolations 
• Wins included Waldwick/Midland Park, Manchester, and North Arlington 
• Losses were to St. Mary, Glen Rock, New Milford, Rutherford, and Lyndhurst 
• Scored 128 points for a 14.22 average 
• Allowed 218 points for a 24.22 average 

Graduation: 

• OL/DL Ezekiel Guerrero – Kean 
• WR/DB Vinnie Stigliano – Stevens Institute for baseball 

Offense: 

• Formation: Multiple Spread 
• Returning Starters: 4  

Statistics courtesy of nj.com 

Quarterback: 

• Jonah Fabian, Junior, 6-2, 160 – projected starter; started two games 
• Brady Morano, Sophomore, 5-11, 150 – provides depth 

Running Back:

• Redon Xheladini, Senior, 5-10, 195 – projected starter; started on defense  
• Jace Knoll, Junior, 5-10, 155 – will spell Xheladini and play in two-back sets 

Wide Receiver: 

• Jonathan Tiberio, Senior, 5-8, 250 – returning starter, moving from quarterback 
• Sebastian Lopez, Senior, 5-10, 180 – returning starter; 14 receptions for 151 yards and 1 touchdown 
• Mason Garris, Junior, 5-8, 145 – projected starter 
• Freddie Post, Junior, 5-11, 160 – competing; started on defense 
• Ethaneil Verano, Junior, 5-10, 155 – competing  

Offensive Line: 

• Justin Aungst, Senior, 6-3, 235 – 3-year starter at left tackle 
• Joey Alloy, Junior, 5-10, 180 – returning starter at center 
• Ahmad BazBaz, Junior, 5-8, 215 – projected starter at guard 
• Jayden Tweitmann, Senior, 6-5, 400 (no misprint) – competing at guard 
• Ajdin Reci, Junior, 6-2, 320 – competing at guard 
• Erion Murseli, Sophomore, 6-2, 200 – competing at tackle 

Defense: 

• Formation: Multiple 4-3 
• Returning Starters: 4 

Defensive Line: 

• Justin Aungst, Senior, 6-3, 235 – 3-year starter at end 
• Erion Murseli, Sophomore, 6-2, 200 – projected starter at end; started before missing most of the season with an injury 
• Jayden Tweitmann, Senior, 6-5, 400 (no misprint) – projected starter at tackle 
• Ahmad BazBaz, Junior, 5-8, 215 – projected starter at tackle 
• Ermal Gjevukaj, Junior, 6-0, 255 – part of the tackle rotation 
• Chris Gray, Sophomore, 5-8, 235 – part of the tackle rotation 
• Nick Urena, Sophomore, 6-0, 280 – part of the tackle rotation 

Linebacker: 

• Redon Xheladini, Senior, 5-10, 195 – 3-year starter in the middle 
• Joey Alloy, Junior, 5-10, 180 – projected starter on the outside, moving from end 
• Jace Knoll, Junior, 5-10, 155 – projected starter on the outside 

Secondary: 

• Sebastian Lopez, Senior, 5-10, 180 – returning starter at strong safety 
• Freddie Post, Junior, 5-11, 160 – returning starter at free safety 
• Jonathan Tiberio, Senior, 5-8, 250 – projected starter at cornerback 
• Mason Garris, Junior, 5-8, 145 – projected starter at cornerback 

Special Teams:

• Xheladini will be the kicker, and Verano will be the punter 
• Garris is the main return man 
• Junior Joey Alloy returns as the long snapper 

*Offense, defense, and special teams positions are subject to change 

Schedule: 

• Thursday, 8/28, at Rutherford 
• Saturday, 9/6, North Arlington at home 
• Saturday, 9/13, Cresskill/Emerson at home 
• Friday, 9/19, at Glen Rock 
• Saturday, 9/27, Waldwick/Midland Park at home 
• 10/3-4, Bye Week 
• Friday, 10/10, at Manchester 
• 10/17-18, To Be Determined 
• 10/24-25, To Be Determined 

Concerns:  

• There are only five seniors, and the others need to step up 
• Stay healthy 
• Win close games 

Recruiting: 

• Aungst has interest from Muhlenberg
• Xheladini will play at a high-academic D3 school 
• Tweetman may play D3 football 
• Underclassmen: 
• Fabian, BazBaz, and Reci are the top juniors 
• Murceli is the top sophomore 

Coach’s Comments: 

“With only five seniors, there are a lot of young players. Our last three years have not been the best, but if we stay healthy and win close games, we will have a good season.” – Head Coach Justin Jones