August 9, 2018
2017 In Review: The Cardinals were 8-3, losing to Hasbrouck Heights in the North Jersey Section 1 Group 1 final after beating Wallington and Emerson. They scored 324 points for a 29.45 average, while allowing 184 for a 16.73 average. Wins included Hawthorne, Waldwick, and Lyndhurst, while their other losses were to New Milford and Manchester.
Graduation Losses: OL/DL Drew Flynn – Cornell for wrestling, WR/DB Steve Sanders – Muhlenberg, OL/DL Austin Leone – Kings for lacrosse, P Harry Herrera – William Paterson
Offense: Pompton Lakes runs a multiple spread and return four starters. Quarterback has not been decided and sophomore Mike Eberhart (5-11, 170) is the frontrunner. Junior Frank Negrini (5-10, 210) returns at running back and he will be spelled by sophomore Justin Garcia (5-8, 185).
The receivers have senior John Tanis (5-11, 177) back at wide receiver and junior PJ Latora (6-0, 225) back at tight end. The other two wideouts are senior Dan McCarthy (5-11, 160) and junior Brian Woodard (6-2, 160). Pushing to get in the rotation is junior Jason Testino (5-10, 175), who started on defense.
The lone starter back on the line is senior guard Ryan Presta (5-10, 235), moving from center. Taking over at center is sophomore Dylan Graf (6-0, 225) and the other guard has sophomores Mike Kheyfets (5-10, 170) and Nick Cappiello (5-10, 205) rotating. The tackles will be junior Kyle Kleinot (5-10, 220) and sophomore Louis Schofield (5-10, 230). The line isn’t as big as it was, but they are mobile and quick.
Defense: The Cardinals run a multiple, matchup-based 5-2 and return four starters. Kheyfets and Capiello will rotate at nose guard, while Kleinot will play somewhere after seeing time. Others expected to play are Schofield, Graf, Latora, and Presta.
Negrini and Garcia are the veterans at linebacker, with Garcia starting the last five games. Also expected to play is sophomore Dan Malkinski (5-10, 175).
Tanis returns at free safety and Testino is back at cornerback. Woodard or senior Hunter Heimall (5-8, 150) will be the other corner, while McCarthy will play strong safety. Eberhart will see spot duty.
Special Teams: Negrini returns as the punter and kicker is undecided. The return men will be Garcia, Negrini, Tanis, and others.
Schedule:
Thursday, 8/30, at New Milford, 7 PM
9/7-8, Bye Week
Saturday, 9/15, Secaucus at home, 1 PM
Saturday, 9/22, Lyndhurst at home, 1 PM
Friday, 9/28, at Hawthorne, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/6, Elmwood Park at home, 2 PM
Friday, 10/12, at Harrison, 7 PM
10/19-20, NJIC playoffs
10/26-27, NJIC playoffs
Recruits: Tanis has D3 schools such as Muhlenberg, Misericordia, and Kean interested.
In the junior class, Negrini is a 1-AA/D2 prospect with good grades.
Concerns: Youth and starting the season against one of the contenders: New Milford. The following bye week will help them regroup.
Coach’s Comments: “I’m very impressed with the team speed. We will be good this year, but we will be better the next two years.” – Head Coach Scott Mahoney