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