Post 359 – HS Football Preview 2019: Ramapo

Ramapo Raiders

2018 in Review:  

  • 13-0 record 
  • Beat Summit in North Jersey Group 3 bowl game  
  • Beat River Dell in the North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 final 
  • Beat Sparta in the semifinals and Demarest in the first round 
  • Scored 471 points – 36.23 average
  • Allowed 186 points – 14.31 average, including two shutouts  
  • Wins Included: River Dell, Wayne Hills, Sparta, Old Tappan, River Dell  
  • Losses: None 

Departing Seniors:   

  • RB/LB Luca Ragone – Lafayette 
  • LB Mike Connor – Yale 
  • QB AJ Wingfield – Ithaca 
  • WR/DB Noah Baker – Ithaca 
  • OL Grant Cotugno – Ithaca 
  • WR/DB Isaiah Savitt – Kutztown 
  • LB Anthony Sargenti – Muhlenberg 

*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:  

  • Chris Valvano, Senior, 5-10, 175 – competing 
  • Charles DePrima, Junior, 6-1, 175 – competing 
  • Wess Jaten, Junior, 6-0, 175 – competing 

Running Back:  

  • Jake Tirone, Senior, 5-8, 170 – will share position, started on defense 
  • Rich Sica, Junior, 6-2, 175 – will share the position 

Wide Receiver:  

  • Luke Robinson, Senior, 5-9, 160 – projected starter, started on defense  
  • Sean Clapp, Junior, 6-2, 175 – projected starter 
  • Justin Garland, Senior – projected starter, but currently injured 
  • Shane Campbell, Junior, 5-9, 150 – competing 
  • Max Kucharksi, Junior, 5-10, 185 – competing 
  • Tim Murray, Senior, 5-11, 160 – competing 
  • John Skead, Junior, 6-1, 170 – competing 

Tight End (when used):  

  • Mike DenBlaker, Junior, 6-1, 185 

Offensive Line:  

  • Miles Shifar, Senior, 6-2, 215 – returning starter at right tackle 
  • Sam Basa, Senior, 5-8, 220 – returning starter at right guard 
  • Josh D’Avanzo, Senior, 5-11, 210 – projected starter at center, started on defense 
  • Luke Pensallorto, Senior, 6-2, 235 – projected starter at left guard 
  • Bobby Styles, Senior – projected starter at left tackle 

Defense:  

  • Formation: 3-4
  • Returning Starters: 5 

End:  

  • Miles Shifar, Senior – returning starter 
  • Bobby Styles, Senior – projected starter, saw quality time 
  • Josh D’Avanzo, Senior – returning starter – moving to linebacker, but may play here

Nose Guard:  

  • Sam Basa, Senior – returning starter – may share position or play some linebacker 
  • Matt Kane, Junior, 6-0, 230 – may share position 

Outside Linebacker:  

  • Sean Clapp, Junior – competing 
  • Mike DenBlaker, Junior – competing 
  • Josh D’Avanzo, Senior – returning starter at end, competing here 
  • Ryan Macke, Junior, 5-10, 170 – competing 

Linebacker:  

  • Nick Caporuscio, Senior, 5-10, 180 – projected starter 
  • Tyler Cosgrove, Junior, 5-10, 200 – projected starter 
  • Sam Basa, Senior – returning starter at nose guard who could play here 

Cornerback:  

  • Luke Robinson, Senior – returning starter 
  • Chris Valvano, Senior – competing here if he does not play quarterback 
  • Max Kucharski, Junior – competing 

Safety:  

  • Jake Tirone, Senior – returning starter moving from cornerback 
  • Rich Sica, Junior- projected starter 
  • John Skead, Junior, Provides depth 
  • Tim Murray, Senior – provides depth 

Special Teams: 

  • Senior Aiden Labell returns at kicker and competing with senior JJ Carroll at punter 
  • Robinson and Tirone are the return men 

Schedule: 

  • Friday, 9/6, Sparta at home 
  • Saturday, 9/14, at Bergenfield 
  • Friday, 9/20, at Northern Highlands 
  • Friday, 9/27, Old Tappan at home 
  • Saturday, 10/5, at River Dell, 3:30 
  • Saturday, 10/12, at Teaneck, 6:00 
  • Friday, 10/18, Wayne Hills at home  
  • Friday, 10/25, Pascack Valley at home  
  • Friday, 11/1, at Randolph 

Concerns: 

  • Depth 
  • Inexperience after graduating a strong senior class 

Recruiting:  

  • Basa, Shifar, Robinson, and Tirone are D3 prospects 
  • Juniors Clapp and Sica have potential 

Coach’s Comments:  

“I have been happy with the work ethic shown and how the kids go about their business, plus the way the leadership has stepped up. We’re replacing a strong senior class and the seniors saw how it was done. The kids are doing their best to follow that model and put their own stamp on it.” – Head Coach Drew Gibbs  

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.