Post 400 – HS Football Preview 2019: Middletown South

Middletown South Eagles  

2018 in Review:  

  • 8-3 record 
  • Lost to Brick in the Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals  
  • Beat Northern Burlington in the first round 
  • Scored 235 points – 21.36 average
  • Allowed 168 points – 15.27 average 
  • Wins Included: Manalapan, Rumson-Fair Haven, Toms River North, Middletown North
  • Losses: St. John Vaiiney, Coatesville (Pa.) 

Departing Seniors:   

  • DB Matt Cruz – Catholic U 

*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 Option
Returning Starters: 6 

Quarterback:  

  • Vinnie Bonavita, Senior, 6-1, 175 – projected starter  

Running Backs:  

  • Chris Lotito, Senior, 5-11, 175 – returning starter at halfback  
  • Matt Krellin, Senior, 5-11, 180 – projected starter at halfback; started on defense 
  • Vince Condito, Senior, 5-10, 215 – returning starter at fullback 
  • Tyler Cuccia, Senior, 6-1, 175 – part of halfback rotation 
  • Matt Grab, Sophomore, 5-9, 165 – part of halfback rotation 
  • Austin Ruziecki, Sophomore, 5-10, 185 – part of halfback rotation 

Wide Receiver:  

  • Luke Albrecht, Junior, 5-11, 160 – returning starter   
  • Luke Burbank, Junior, 5-11, 175 – part of rotation 
  • Tom Schork, Sophomore, 5-11, 170 – part of rotation 
  • Matt Mauro, Junior, 5-11, 175 – part of rotation and also the backup quarterback 

Tight End:  

  • Brendan Bigos, Junior, 6-3, 215 – projected co-starter; started on defense 
  • Joe Stanzione, Junior, 6-1, 220 – projected co-starter; started on defense 

Offensive Line:  

  • Tom Mielnikiewicz, Senior, 5-11, 240 – 3-year starter at left tackle 
  • Jake Williamson, Sophomore, 6-2, 240 – projected starter at left guard  
  • Tyler Kline, Senior, 5-10,  210 – started several games at center 
  • Alex Higgins, Junior, 6-0, 210 – projected starter at right guard 
  • Nick Bonfiglio, Senior, 5-11, 225 – 3-year starter at right tackle 
  • TJ Latore, Senior, 5-11, 210 – sixth man; started last year, but this year’s focus will be defense 

Defense:  

  • Formation: 3-4
  • Returning Starters: 6 

Nose Guard:  

  • Vince Condito, Senior – projected co-starter 
  • Jack Prancel, Senior, 5-10, 200 – projected co-starter 

End:  

  • Brendan Bigos, Junior – returning starter 
  • Ian Rahill, Junior, 6-0, 210 – returning starter 
  • Tom Mielnikiewicz, Senior – part of rotation 
  • Nick Bonfiglio, Senior – part of rotation 

Outside Linebacker:  

  • Liam Murphy, Junior, 5-10, 170 – projected starter 
  • Joe Stanzione, Junior – returning starter moving from tackle 
  • Francis Brown, Junior, 6-2, 175 – part of rotation 

Inside Linebacker:  

  • TJ Latore, Senior – returning starter 
  • Shane Murphy, Senior, 5-9, 170 – projected starter 
  • Jack Latore, Sophomore, 6-0, 175 – part of rotation 

Cornerback:  

  • Tyler Cuccia, Senior – projected starter 
  • Luke Albrecht, Junior – projected starter 
  • Matt Grab, Sophomore – part of rotation 

Safety:  

  • Chris Lotito, Senior – returning starter moving from cornerback 
  • Matt Krellin, Senior – returning starter moving from linebacker 
  • Matt Mauro, Junior – part of rotation 
  • Tom DeMarco, Junior, 5-8, 155 – part of rotation 

Special Teams: 

  • Junior Mike D’Amato will be the kicker and Cuccia is the punter 
  • Lotito, Krellin, and Cuccia are the return men 

Schedule: 

Friday, 9/6, Manalapan at home
Friday, 9/13, at St. John Vianney
Friday, 9/20, at Red Bank Catholic
Bye Week
Friday, 10/14, at Long Branch
Friday, 10/11, Toms River North at home
Friday, 10/18, at Rumson-Fair Haven
Bye Week
Friday, 11/1, Brick at home
Thursday, 11/28, Middletown North at home 

Concerns: 

  • Depth 
  • Tough Schedule 
  • Health 

Recruiting:  

  • Lotito, Krellin, Cuccia, and Bonfiglio are D2/D3 candidates 
  • Among juniors, Bigos and Stanzione are 1-AA/D2 prospects 

Coach’s Comments:  

“We’re going to be well tested and by the playoffs, we will be a tough out. If we find a way to get in, we can be a noise maker.” – Head Coach Steve Antonucci 

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