2017 in Review: The Bulldagz were 9-3, winning the South Jersey Group 2 championship by beating West Deptford after beating Cinnaminson and Sterling. They scored 352 points for a 29.33 average, while allowing 170 for a 14.17 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Paulsboro, Holy Cross, and Overbrook, while their losses were to West Deptford, Sterling, and Cedar Creek.
Graduation Losses: LB Will Ciemny – Davidson, RB Ben Klaus – U Penn for sprint football
Offense: Haddonfield runs a multiple I and returns seven starters and others who played. Returning at quarterback is senior Jay Foley (5-8, 175). Tailback will have several getting carries: senior Chris Brown (5-10, 185), junior Alex Kadar (5-11, 170), senior Lew Evans (5-11, 190), and sophomore Tommy Batson (5-10, 165). The fullback will be senior Lance Forebaugh (5-10, 205) after missing much of last year.
Both wide receivers are back in seniors Johnny Foley (6-2, 185) and Davis Smith (6-2, 185). Also in the mix senior Drew Gavranich (6-3, 180), who saw a lot of action, and junior John Maynes (6-1, 190). Returning at tight end is senior Gabe Klaus (6-2, 220).
Returning to the line are senior tackle Vince Brady (6-2, 255), junior guard Nicky DiNoia (5-11, 205), and senior center Matthew Pinsky (6-0, 260). The other tackle will be senior Jack Brady (6-2, 255), who saw quality time and the other guard will be either senior Jimmy Kane (6-2, 215) or junior Michael Carey (6-2, 205).
Defense: The Bulldawgs run a 3-4 and return six starters. Kane returns to the line and he will be joined by DiNoia, both Brady’s, and some of the offensive linemen. Where they play will be settled in the pre-season.
Returning at linebacker are Evans and Klaus on the inside, with Klaus moving from the outside. Also in the mix inside are Forebaugh and Batson. The outside backers should be Gavranich, Carey, senior Harry Rohlfing (6-3, 191), and possibly Klaus or Forebaugh. Gavranich saw a lot of time last year.
Returning at cornerback are Kadar and Smith, with senior Luke Colehowser (5-11, 170) supporting them. At safety, Brown will play the strong side and the free safety will be either Johnny Foley or junior Jack Narducci (5-10, 195).
Special Teams: Senior Henry Grozier will be the kicker for the third year and he will also punt. The return men are Brown, Smith, Colehowser, and Kadar.
Schedule:
Friday, 9/7, at Pleasantville, 7 PM
Friday, 9/7, at Sterling, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, Cinnaminson at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/21, at Overbrook, 7 PM
Saturday, 9/29, at St. Joe’s (Hammonton), 12 PM
Friday, 10/5, West Deptford at home, 7 PM
10/12-13, Bye Week
Friday, 10/19, at Collingswood, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, Deptford at home, 7 PM
Thursday, 11/22, Haddon Heights at home, 11 AM
Recruits: Smith has offers from Air Force, Monmouth, and Sacred Heart. Johnny Foley and Gabe Klaus have interest from Ivy and Patriot League schools. Gavranich is a lower 1-AA/D2 prospect. Brown is a very good high school football player who missed much of last year. Pinsky is D3 because of a height issue and the same goes for Jay Foley, who will be in the NESCAC or Centennial Conference. Evans is a Centennial League player.
Underclassmen: Kadar is the top player from the junior class and Batson is the top sophomore.
Concerns: Staying hungry, humble, and working hard.
Comments: “We’re excited and want to compete every week. In the end, it’s a privilege to get in the playoffs. We care about the “H” on the helmet and work on staying together. The winning takes care of itself.” – Head Coach Frank Delano