North Hunterdon Lions  

2018 in Review:  

• 3-7 record 
• Lost to Phillipsburg in the North Jersey Section 2 Group 4 playoffs 
• Scored 209 points – 20.9 average
• Allowed 256 points – 25.6 average 
• Wins Included: Voorhees, Montgomery, Scotch Plains-Fanwood
• Losses: Summit, Rahway, Immaculata, South Plainfield, Nottingham, Warren Hills 

*With exception of Phillipsburg and Rahway losses, the Lions lost five games by a total of 32 points, including a 1-point loss in overtime. They were the Group 4 Section 2 champs in 2017. 

Departing Seniors:   

• OL/DL Matt Spichiger – Washington University (St. Louis) 
• QB Anthony Hale – Bowdoin (Maine) 
• LB Zach Atherton – Springfield (Mass.)   

*The bold print below is a returning starter. This includes one who had playing time and one who started on the other side of the ball only in 2018, with explanation included after their name.  

Offense: 

Formation: Multiple Spread
Returning Starters: 2 

Quarterback:  

• Cole Matthews, Senior, 6-1, 165 – competing, started several games last year 
• Ryan Rochelle, Junior, 6-1, 155 – competing 
• Christian Solino, Sophomore, 6-1, 160 – competing 

Running Back:  

• Jake Taylor, Senior, 5-9, 170 – shared duties last year and started on defense 
• Christian Baucom, Junior, 5-9, 190 – will get carries 
• Frank DiEsso, Junior, 5-6, 150 – will get carries 

H-Back:  

• Anthony Masters, Senior, 5-11, 180 – returning starter who will be moved around  

Wide Receiver:  

• Dylan Farina, Senior, 5-10, 155 – returning starter 
• Zibassie Edwards, Senior, 5-11, 180 – projected starter, started on defense 
• Jai Vatsayan, Junior, 6-1, 185 – in the mix 
• Jacob Lavigne, Junior, 6-0, 180 – in the mix 
• Other young players may see action 

Offensive Line:  

• Spencer Peck, Junior, 6-3, 300 – projected starter 
• Phoenix Gilder, Senior, 6-2, 255 – competing, started on defense 
• A mix of juniors and sophomores are competing 

Defense:  

• Formation: 4-2-5
• Returning Starters: 6 

Defensive Line:  

• Phoenix Gilder, Senior – returning starter 
• Bennett Bachert, Senior, 6-1, 210 – competing 
• Similar to the situation on the offensive line 

Linebacker: 

• Anthony Masters, Senior – returning starter 
• Nathan Fossett, Senior, 5-11, 195 – returning starter 
• Austin McHugh, Junior, 6-0, 180 – provides depth 

Cornerback:  

• Jake Taylor, Senior – returning starter 
• Conner Quinn, Junior, 5-9, 150 – competing at other corner 
• Colin DeCleene, Senior, 6-0, 165 – competing at other corner 
• Ryan Drwal, Sophomore, 5-10, 165 – competing at other corner 

Safety:  

• Dylan Farina, Senior – returning starter at free safety 
• Zibassie Edwards, Senior – returning at weak safety/strong safety 
• Jacob Lavigne, Junior – competing at weak safety/strong safety 

Special Teams: 

• Kicker and punter have seniors Owen Deeming and Ben Pawlowski competing 
• Farina, Drwal, and Quinn are the return men 

Schedule: 

• Friday, 9/6, at Watchung Hills 
• Friday, 9/13, at Immaculata 
• Friday, 9/20, Warren Hills at home 
• Friday, 9/27, at Montgomery 
• Saturday, 10/5, at Scotch Plains-Fanwood 
• Friday, 10/11, South Plainfield at home 
• Friday, 10/18, Phillipsburg at home 
• Friday, 10/25, Cranford at home 
• Friday, 11/1, Voorhees at home 

Concerns: 

• Figuring out the lines and who goes where is a big question mark, but the young players will improve 

Recruiting:  

• Edwards is anywhere from 1-AA to D3 and may have offers once the season starts
• Masters verballed to Hofstra for lacrosse 
• Farina, Taylor, and Gilder are D3 prospects 

Coach’s Comments:  

“Our skill players can hang with most and if the linemen step up, we can have a good year. We have a tough schedule and we’re looking forward to seeing how the team grows.” – Head Coach Kevin Kley