Post 398 – HS Football Preview 2019: Mainland

Mainland Mustangs 

2018 in Review:  

  • 8-3 record 
  • Lost to Shawnee in the South Jersey Group 4 playoffs 
  • Scored 190 points – 17.27 average
  • Allowed 129 points – 11.73 average, including three shutouts  
  • Wins Included: Absegami, Oakcrest, Ocean City, Middle Township 
  • Losses: Clearview, Cherry Hill West 

Departing Seniors:   

  • RB/DB Sean Lorick – Moravian 
  • K Sean Carrier – Rowan 

*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: 4

Quarterback:  

  • Zach Graziotto, Senior, 5-9, 161 – started some games late in the season 
  • Cole Campbell, Sophomore, 5-9, 165 – provides depth 

Running Back:  

  • Jabriel Mace, Freshman, 5-9, 165 – projected starter 

Wide Receiver:  

  • Jaquan Mace, Senior, 5-7, 150 – projected starter at slotback 
  • Mike Ordille, Sophomore, 5-7, 165 – projected starter at slotback; saw action 
  • Jake Cook, Senior, 6-3, 205 – projected starter at split end, basketball player out for the team
  • Dan Misa, Senior, 5-11, 175 – competing at other split end 
  • Nick Wagner, Freshman, 6-1, 170 – competing at other split end 

H-Back (Situational):  

  • Drew DeMorat, Senior, 6-0, 215 – started on defense 

Offensive Line:  

  • Sean Bradley, Senior, 6-0, 205 – returning starter at left tackle  
  • Ben Arena, Senior, 5-10, 220 – returning starter at left guard moving from center 
  • Sam Epstein, Junior, 5-10, 190 – projected starter at center 
  • Chris Campbell, Junior, 6-1, 235 – projected starter at right guard 
  • Brayden Pohlman, Senior, 6-2, 235 – 3-year starter at right tackle  
  • Jack Connolly, Senior, 6-3, 195 – sixth man along the line 

Defense:  

  • Formation: 3-3 Stack
  • Returning Starters: 5 

End:  

  • Brayden Pohlmann, Senior – 3-year starter at end 
  • Jack Connolly, Senior – projected starter who saw action 
  • Ben Arena, Senior – provides depth 

Nose Guard:    

  • Sam Epstein, Junior – projected starter 
  • Chris Campbell, Junior – provides depth 

Inside Linebacker:  

  • Drew DeMorat, Senior – 3-year starter on strong side 
  • Sean Bradley, Senior – returning starter in middle 
  • Ian Russo, Senior, 5-7, 175 – projected starter on weak side; lpayed often 

Outside Linebacker:  

  • Justin Barretta, Junior, 5-10, 175 – projected starter 
  • McKenzie Murphy, Junior, 5-9, 175 – projected starter at the rover 

Cornerback:  

  • Amir Vick, Senior, 5-10, 170 – returning starter 
  • Jaquan Mace, Senior – projected starter  
  • Elijah Williams, Senior, 6-1, 175 – third corner who played often  

Safety:  

  • Brandon Batz, Senior, 5-11, 185 – 3-year starter 
  • Cole Campbell, Sophomore – provides depth  

Special Teams:  

  • Kicker and punter have sophomore Brady Panas and junior Jake Weeks competing 
  • The Mace brothers will be the return men  

Schedule: 

  • Friday, 9/6, Overbrook at home 
  • Friday, 9/13, at Absegami 
  • Friday, 9/20, Cherry Hill West at home 
  • Friday, 9/27, at Bridgeton 
  • Friday, 10/4, Clearview at home 
  • Friday, 10/11, Oakcrest at home 
  • Friday, 10/18, at Middle Township 
  • Bye Week 
  • Friday, 11/1, Ocean City at home 
  • Thursday, 11/28, at Egg Harbor 

Concerns: 

  • Getting young skill players up to speed as soon as possible 

Recruiting:  

  • Pohlmann has a Monmouth offer and other 1-AA interest 
  • DeMorat has heavy interest from the Ivy and Patriot Leagues 

Coach’s Comments:  

“We’re looking forward to the season and we’re coming off a good year. We want to repeat as conference champs. We also want to make noise in the playoffs; last year, we were happy just to be there.” – Head Coach Chuck Smith 

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