Mainland Mustangs 

August 12, 2023 

2022: 

• 10-2 
• Lost in South Jersey Group 4 regional final to Millville 
• Won Central Group 4 sectional championship by beating Middletown South in the finals, Long Branch in the semifinals, and Moorestown in the quarterfinals 
• Wins included Hammonton, Atlantic City, and Oakcrest 
• Their other loss was to Ocean City 
• Scored 472 points for a 39.33 average 
• Allowed 160 points for a 13.33 average 

Graduation: 

• RB/DB Ja’Briel Mace – Villanova 
• DL Paul Lombardo – Kean 
• LB Nick Wagner – Wagner 
• LB Nate Wagner – Case Western Reserve (Ohio) 
• LS Josh Hanlon – FDU (Florham Park) 

Offense: 

• Formation: Spread Wing-T 
• Returning Starters:  8 

Quarterback: 

• John Franchini, Sophomore, 5-11, 170 – returning starter 

Running Back: 

• Stephen Ordille, Senior, 5-9, 180 – returning starter at fullback 
• Cohen Cook, Senior, 6-1, 205 – returning starter in the slot 
• Rocco DeBiaso, Junior, 5-11, 200 – returning starter in the slot 
• Liam Kennedy, Sophomore, 6-1, 185 – provides depth 
• Jake Blum, Sophomore, 6-0, 190 – provides depth 

Wide Receiver: 

• Jamie Tyson, Senior, 6-2, 190 – returning starter 
• Andrew Gillman, Sophomore, 6-3, 205 – will see action 

Tight End: 

• Hunter Watson, Senior, 6-2, 235 – projected starter; started on defense 
• Colt Russo, Sophomore, 6-1, 190 – provides depth and will get some time 

Offensive Line: 

• Zach Hodges, Senior, 6-1, 235 – returning starter at left tackle 
• Jack Haines, Senior, 5-11, 185 – returning starter at left guard 
• Ethan Schock, Junior, 6-2, 200 – projected starter at center 
• James Barrett, Junior, 5-10, 175 – projected starter at right guard 
• Dan DeFeo, Junior, 6-0, 245 – returning starter at right tackle 
• Joe Russo, Senior, 6-1, 195 – competing at right guard 

Defense: 

• Formation: 3-4 
• Returning Starters: 

Defensive Line: 

• Matt Muits, Junior, 5-10, 195 – in the mix along the line 
• The offensive linemen are competing 

Linebacker: 

• Hunter Watson, Senior, 6-2, 235 – returning starter on the outside 
• Rocco DeBiaso, Junior,  5-11, 200 – projected starter on the inside 
• JJ Sinclair, Senior, 5-8, 210 – returning starter on the inside 
• Cohen Cook, Senior, 6-1, 205 – projected starter on the outside  

Secondary: 

• Jamie Tyson, Senior, 6-2, 190 – returning starter at cornerback 
• Stephen Ordille, Senior, 5-9, 180 – returning starter at strong safety 
• Liam Kennedy, Sophomore, 6-1, 185 – projected starter at free safety 
• Jake Blum, Sophomore, 6-0, 190 – competing at opposite corner 
• Khaleeb Foster, Junior, 5-9, 160 – competing at opposite corner 

Special Teams: 

• Sophomore Nate Kennedy will be the kicker and Cook or DeBiaso will do the punting 
• Ordille is one possibility at the return positions 

Schedule: 

• Friday, 8/25, Washington Township at Ocean City 
• Friday, 9/1, Ocean City at home 
• Friday, 9/8, Oakcrest at home 
• Friday, 9/15, at Atlantic City 
• Friday, 9/22, at Hammonton 
• Friday, 9/29, at Bridgeton 
• Friday, 10/6, at Absegami 
• Friday, 10/13, Clearview at home 
• Friday, 10/20, at Egg Harbor 

Concerns: 

• Defensive line development 

Recruiting: 

• Watson verballed to Holy Cross
• Tyson verballed to Villanova 
• Cook has interest, but is considered a talented tweener 
• Ordille ranges from 1-AA to D3 
• Other seniors may go D3 
• Underclassmen: 
• It is too early to determine, but the sophomore class is very talented 

Coach’s Comments: 

“We have a lot of experience back. We must maintain our focus and improve each week to defend our divisional and sectional titles.” – Head Coach Chuck Smith