Ocean Spartans 

August 25, 2023 

2022: 

• 8-1 
• Lost to Burlington Township in the South Jersey Group 3 sectional quarterfinals 
• Wins included Red Bank, Brick, Brick Memorial, Raritan, and Middletown North 
• Scored 287 points for a 31.89 average 
• Allowed 165 points for an 18.33 average  

Graduation: 

• QB Tyler Douglas – Temple 
• TE/DE Shane Garrett – Monmouth 
• WR/DB Mateo Andrews – Wagner 

Offense: 

• Formation: Multiple Spread 
• Returning Starters: 6  

Quarterback: 

• Bobby Paglia, Senior, 5-10, 185 – projected starter 

Running Back: 

• Nicky Iacouzzi, Senior, 5-7, 165 – returning starter 
• Michael Volek, Junior, 5-9, 160 – will spell Iacouzzi 
• Josh Calixte, Sophomore, 5-11, 180 – will spell Iacouzzi 

Wide Receiver: 

• James Sobieski, Junior, 5-9, 170 – returning starter 
• Michael Sorrentino, Senior, 5-9, 170 – projected starter; saw action 
• Alex Staten, Freshman, 5-8, 150 – projected starter 
• Stephen Falco, Senior, 6-0, 190 – part of the rotation; started on defense  

Tight End: 

• Willie Canavan, Senior, 5-10, 195 – projected starter; started on defense 

Offensive Line: 

• Giancarlo Palazzolo, Senior, 6-0, 210 – 3-year starter at left tackle 
• Reuvi Israeli, Senior, 5-10, 240 – returning starter at left guard 
• Nick Caruso, Senior, 6-3, 240 – 4-year starter at center 
• Ray Sexton, Junior, 6-2, 230 – projected starter at right guard 
• Ben Girard, Senior, 6-1, 220 – returning starter at right tackle 

Defense: 

• Formation: Odd Front 
• Returning Starters: 6 

Defensive Line: 

• Ben Girard, Senior, 6-1, 220 – returning starter at end 
• Abimael Andre, Junior, 5-11, 230 – part of the rotation at nose guard 
• Wes Dodo, Senior, 6-0, 220 – part of the rotation at nose guard 
• Danny Farina, Junior, 5-11, 190 – projected starter at end 

Linebacker: 

• Willie Canavan, Senior, 5-10, 195 – 3-year starter in the middle 
• Michael Poniros, Senior, 5-10, 175 – returning starter on the outside 
• Stephen Falco, Senior, 6-0, 190 – returning starter on the outside 
• Josh Calixte, Sophomore, 5-11, 180 – projected starter at the rover 

Secondary: 

• James Sobieski, Junior, 5-9, 170 – returning starter at safety 
• Michael Volek, Junior, 5-9, 160 – projected starter at safety 
• Malcolm Beale, Junior, 5-8, 155 – returning starter at cornerback 
• Michael Sorrentino, Senior, 5-9, 170 – competing at cornerback 
• Mickey McGovern, Sophomore, 5-11, 175 – competing at cornerback 

Special Teams: 

• Senior Michael Sorrentino returns at kicker and senior Michael Poniros is back at punter 
• Sobieski is the primary return man  

Schedule: 

• Friday, 9/1, Lacey at home 
• Friday, 9/8, Asbury Park at home 
• Thursday, 9/14, at Shore 
• Friday, 9/22, St. John Vianney at home 
• Friday, 9/29, Raritan at home 
• Friday, 10/6, at Holmdel 
• Friday, 10/13, at Freehold Township 
• Saturday, 10/21, at Manasquan 

Concerns: 

• Replacing some very good players, three playing Division 1 
• How quick they can develop skill players 
• Staying healthy 

Recruiting: 

• Caruso verballed to Merrimack 
• Gerard has 1-AA and D2 interest 
• Canavan will play on the next level 
• Others are D3 types 
• There are no underclassmen on the radar at this time 

Coach’s Comments: 

“I am happy with the attitude and the work ethic. The defense has guys back who are fast and physical. We will see if we can build momentum off last year.” – Head Coach Don Klein