August 7, 2018
2017 In Review: The Comets were 4-6 with a young squad. They scored 196 points for a 19.6 average, while allowing 260 for a 26.0 average. Their losses included Passaic Tech and Ridgewood.
Graduation Losses: DB Justin Marshall – Urbana, OL Jonathan Urgiles – New Haven
Offense: Hackensack runs a multiple-I and returns six starters. Back at quarterback is senior Zion Frazier (6-3, 185), while the running backs will be junior Tymere Robinson (5-10, 200) at tailback and the fullback is junior Isaiah McFadden (6-0, 180). Senior Jabreal Habehh (5-7, 160) is in reserve and sophomore Jayden Robertson (6-0, 190) will play some running back, as a quarterback in the wildcat, and as a receiver.
The receivers return senior Dylan Powell (6-0, 249) at tight end and junior Jordan Wimberley (5-8, 150) at wide receiver. Joining Wimberley at the other wideout is junior Isaiah Buster (5-10, 165), who started on defense. Also in the mix will be junior MJ Ramirez (6-0, 180) and senior Najhiem Wellington (6-4, 190), with junior Danny Mei (6-0, 190) as the second tight end when needed.
Three starters return to the line in senior Raheem Nathan (6-2, 215) and junior Robert Walker (6-0, 245) at tackle and senior Mark Brown (6-0, 265) at center. One guard will be junior Gideon Adu (6-0, 205), where he started two games. There is competition at the opposite guard with senior Tori Du’pree (6-0, 263), sophomore Jason Zapata (6-0, 285), senior Malik Irby (5-10, 220), senior Justin Coleman (5-9, 245), and senior Donovan Hines (6-0, 245).
Defense: The Comets run a 4-4 and return eight starters. Powell and junior Thomas Samuels (6-3, 190) return at end, with senior D’Andre Hazel (5-10, 171) possibly rotating in. The tackles will be a collection of Walker, junior Aubyn Bryan (5-11, 250), sophomore Clifton Thompson (5-11, 240), junior Trey Taylor (6-2, 282), senior Jackson Carchi (5-10, 220), and some of the offensive linemen. Walker started last year, but the plan is to keep him fresh.
Three linebackers return and a fourth saw quality time. Tymere Robinson and junior Isaiah Spain (6-0, 225) return to the inside and senior Vinsen Zorilla (6-0, 190) returns outside. Mai will play opposite Zorilla and he saw action last year. In the running outside are McFadden and Ramirez.
Returning in the secondary are senior Anthony Charlier (5-11, 180) at cornerback and Buster at safety. The opposite corner will be either freshman Curtis Whiting (5-9, 165) or sophomore Jayden Smith (5-9, 155). Playing in nickel packages may be Jordan Wimberley or Frazier.
Special Teams: Junior Bruno Espinosa will handle kicking and punting chores, with the return men being Jordan and Buster.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/31, at Eastside, 7 PM
Friday, 9/7, Passaic Tech at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, at Paramus Catholic, 7 PM
Friday, 9/21, Clifton at home, 7 PM
Saturday, 9/29, Hudson Catholic at home, 1 PM
Friday, 10/5, Bergen Tech at home, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/13, at Kennedy, 1 PM
10/19-20, Bye Week
Friday, 10/26, at Ridgewood, 7 PM
Thursday, 11/22, Teaneck at home, 10:30 AM
Recruits: Powell will be a defensive tackle in college and has both 1-AA and 1-A interest. Frazier has interest from Rutgers and interest on both the 1-A and 1-AA levels. Both Powell and Frazier are excellent students.
In the junior class, Robinson, Jordan Wimberley, and Buster are receiving interest.
Concerns: Gelling as a unit and there is good competition in camp. They are primarily a junior team, with 10-12 sophomores starting or getting a lot of time last year.
Coach’s Comments: “We played a lot of sophomores last year and they gained valuable experience. The main thing is we’ve had a great off-season and commitment, great team chemistry, and we’re looking forward to competing.” – Head Coach Benjie Wimberley