St. John Vianney
2017 In Review: The Lancers were 10-1, losing to DePaul in the Non-Public Group 3 semi-finals after beating Camden Catholic. They scored 436 points for a 39.64 average, while allowing 172 for a 15.63 average. Wins included Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Middletown South, and Brick.
Graduation Losses: RB/LB Johnny Buchanan – Delaware, QB Haaziq Daniels – Air Force, WR/DB AJ Calabro – Syracuse, T/DT Donovan Reiser – Sacred Heart, DE Nick Densieski – Pace, OL/DL Dominick Spano – Stonehill (Mass.), WR/DB Zyaire Sterling – Wesleyan, LB Dylan Stoppiello – Kean, LB/FB Josiah Walker – Mayville State, WR/DB Sam East – Gannon
Offense: St. John Vianney runs a multiple I/spread and returns three starters. Quarterback has not been settled yet, with junior CJ Duell (6-2, 180) in the lead and being challenged by sophomore Josh East (5-11, 165) and junior Zarrin Stephens (6-3, 180), who may start at wide receiver. At running back, junior Kavon Chambers (5-11, 185) will be in the mix with senior Mike Noble (5-9, 180), junior Anthony Brett (5-9, 155), and junior Naron Alston (6-1, 170), with two of the players starting.
Returning at tight end is senior Andrew McGimpsey (6-6, 230). Wide receiver will have several in the mix, including Stephens, freshman Jaden Bellamy (6-1, 170), junior Warren Griffith (5-8, 160), senior Jesse Reynoso (6-2, 185), junior Evan Purdy (6-1, 165), and senior Jack DeBold (5-10, 165).
Two starters return to the line and they take up the right side, with senior CJ Hanson (6-5, 305) at tackle and Paul Liseno (6-2, 275) at guard. One player who was expected to start this year is junior Gage Moellman (6-1, 225), but he tore his ACL and will miss the season. The left tackle is expected to be junior Jack MacCutcheon (6-2, 245), while left guard is a battle between junior Matt Mandarino (5-10, 225) and sophomore David Glass (6-1, 270). Center is still open with junior John DeFelice (5-11, 210) in the lead ahead of Glass and junior Dan Forella (6-4, 265).
Defense: The Lancers run a 3-4 and return one starter and three others who saw quality action. McGimpsey, Hanson, and Liseno are the three who saw action at end and the two tackles, respectively. McGimpsey will be in a rotation with MacCutcheon, DeFelice, and Mandarino. Forella, Glass, and senior George Trimarche (5-8, 220) will all play inside.
Noble will be the middle linebacker, while the outside posts are in contention. Senior Jaden Duncan (6-1, 205), sophomore Julian Young (6-1, 185), Brett, and sophomore Blake Clayton (5-9, 185) are fighting it out.
The secondary has Stevens and DeBold returning as the safeties. Senior Don Bosco transfer Damon Washington (6-1, 185) and Bellamy will be the corners, with East possibly rotating in. Purdy may get time at safety.
Special Teams: DeBold will be the kicker and Brett will punt. The return men are yet to be determined.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/31, Red Bank Catholic at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/7, at Rumson-Fair Haven, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, Brick at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/21, at Middletown North, 7 PM
Friday, 9/28, Brick Memorial at home, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/6, at Freehold Boro, 2 PM
10/12-13, Bye Week
Friday, 10/19, at Middletown South, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, Central Regional at home, 7 PM
Recruits: Hanson verballed to Rutgers and Liseno has a few offers from 1-A/1-AA programs. McGimpsey has offers from Morgan State, Colgate, and a few others. Washington and DeBold are two who will play somewhere and the other seniors have to prove it.
In the junior class, Chambers, Duell, and Stephens are hearing from schools and a freshman to watch is Bellamy.
Concerns: Varsity game experience.
Coach’s Comments: “We’re happy and excited about the attitude and work ethic. We show a willingness to pick up new things, putting in the extra time to be on the same page. We need to keep going in that direction and play fast.” – Head Coach Joe Martucci