August 26, 2017
2017 In Review: The Falcons were 9-1, losing to Paramus Catholic in the Non-Public Group 4 playoffs. They scored 350 points for a 35.0 average, while allowing 103 for a 10.3 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Colonia, North Brunswick, and Carteret.
Graduation Losses: WR/K/P Jonathan Sot – Harvard, QB Paul Cocozziello – Catholic U, RB/LB Emmanuel Resto – Bentley (Mass.), OL/DL David Barattucci – Susquehanna (Pa.), C Brian Boczon – Gettysburg, TE/DB Garrett Klurman – Monmouth for lacrosse
Offense: St. Joe’s (Metuchen) runs a multiple I and returns four starters. The quarterback is junior Tyree Ford (6-0, 185) and senior Jordan Davis (5-9, 167) is a three-year starter at tailback. Playing fullback is senior Brian Reilly (6-0, 210), who started on defense.
Returning at wide receiver Nate Wyatt (6-2, 180) and he will be joined by senior Ryan Granito (6-1, 185). Lining up in the slot when they go spread are senior Derek Zelesnik (5-7, 155) and junior Tom Fehl (5-8, 160), while junior Martin Greene (6-0, 180) will line up outside. The tight end is senior Jalen Murray (6-0, 220) and senior Bobby Kelly (6-0, 190) will play when two tight ends are used.
The line returns two starters in senior left guard John Olmstead (6-6, 305) and senior right tackle David Barr (6-2, 290). The left tackle is sophomore Jacob Allen (6-6, 290) and senior Val Cintron (6-4, 315) is the right guard after starting on defense. Playing center is senior Zach Radi (6-0, 225).
Defense: The Falcons run a 3-3 stack and return seven starters. Cintron returns on the nose and Olmstead is a three-year starter at end. The opposite end has junior Avery Nieves (6-2, 215) and sophomore Tommy Romond (6-1, 205) competing.
Returning at linebacker are Murray on the left side and Reilly, a three-year starter, in the middle. On the right side, Kelly and Ford may share the position.
In the secondary, Davis is a three-year starter at the bandit and Granito returns at free safety. Wyatt is back on the corner. Strong safety is between seniors Jack Hogarty (5-9, 170) and Mike Cardinali (5-8, 165), while the opposite corner has Greene and junior Kash Shulters (6-1, 165) battling it out.
Special Teams: The kicker is junior Chris Moyer and Ford is the punter. The return men are Davis and Wyatt.
Schedule:
Thursday, 8/30, at North Brunswick, 7 PM
Saturday, 9/8, Colonia at home, 1 PM
Friday, 9/14, at South Plainfield, 7 PM
Saturday, 9/22, Carteret at home, 1 PM
Saturday, 9/29, at Westfield, 1 PM
Saturday, 10/6, Immaculata at home, 1 PM
Friday, 10/12, at South Brunswick, 7 PM
Friday, 10/19, at Summit, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/27, JFK (Iselin) at home, 1 PM
Recruits: Olmstead verballed to Notre Dame and Wyatt to Temple. Reilly is 1-AA interest and Barr, Davis, and Murray are receiving looks at the 1-AA/D2 level. Cintron is a D2 candidate.
Ford is a junior who did not play football last year, but is a very good basketball player and a special athlete. In the sophomore class, Allen is a Power-5 prospect with good feet.
Concerns: Keeping healthy, especially since they have low numbers.
Coach’s Comments: “We have a really good team and a good offensive line. We have upped the schedule, adding Westfield and South Brunswick. We want to compete in the playoffs.” – Head Coach Rich Hilliard