Sparta Spartans 

2020: 

• 5-2 
• 237 points scored; 33.86 average 
• 123 points allowed; 17.57 average 
• Wins: Parsippany Hills, Passaic Valley, Jefferson  
• Losses: West Morris, Shawnee 

Graduation:  

• WR Colby Plotts – Utah for lacrosse 
• WR Brendan Cina – Robert Morris for lacrosse 
• WR/DB James Maloney – Sussex County Community College 
• OL Max Schelle – Sussex County Community College 
• LB Dominick Gigantelli – Sussex County Community College 

2021 Captains:  

• To be named later 

Offense:  

• Formation: Multiple Spread 
• Returning Starters: 5 

Quarterback: 

• Austen Frattura, Junior, 6-2, 196 – 3-year starter 

Running Back: 

• Sam Esposito, Senior, 5-9, 185 – returning starter  
• Josh Brancy, Sophomore, 5-10, 175 – started two games; will also line up in slot 
• Justin Smith, Senior, 5-9, 170 – will get carries; started on defense 

Wide Receiver:  

• Luke Szabo, Senior, 6-3-½, 200 – returning starter 
• Josh Brancy, Sophomore, 5-10, 175 – projected starter in slot 
• Kevin Struble, Senior, 5-10, 180 – projected starter in slot; saw action 
• Zach Paladini, Senior, 6-3, 180 – projected starter; started on defense 
• Matt Schweizer, Junior, 5-11, 180 – competing and will see time 
• Nick Ryan, Junior, 5-10, 170 – competing in the slot 

Offensive Line:  

• Josh Ermeus, Senior, 6-4, 255 – projected starter at tackle 
• Hunter Peterson, Junior, 6-4, 260 – projected starter at tackle 
• Jack Cisko, Senior, 5-10, 250 – returning starter at guard 
• Brad Maines, Junior, 6-0, 250 – competing at center 
• John Sigillo, Senior, 5-11, 250 – competing at center 
• Zach Holick, Senior, 6-0, 260 – competing at guard 
• Billy Quinn, Senior, 5-11, 265 – competing at guard; started last two years and may concentrate on defense   

Defense:  

• Formation: 4-2-5 
• Returning Starters: 8 

Defensive Line:  

• Nick Doumbe, Senior, 6-1, 198 – returning starter at end 
• Parker Williamson, Senior, 6-0, 190 – 3-year starter at end 
• Billy Quinn, Senior, 5-11, 265 – 3-year starter at tackle 
• Logan Arienta, Junior, 5-11, 260 – returning starter at tackle 
• Any of the offensive linemen can rotate here 

Linebacker:  

• Paul Gennat, Senior, 5-10, 190 – returning starter 
• Joe Byrnes, Senior, 5-10, 190 – projected starter; played often 

Secondary:  

• Zach Paladini, Senior, 6-3, 180 – returning starter at cornerback  
• Justin Smith, Senior, 5-9, 170 – returning starter at free safety 
• Brady Doyle, Senior, 6-2, 190 – returning starter at strong safety 
• Josh Brancy, Sophomore, 5-10, 175 – projected starter at weak safety 
• Nick Ryan, Junior, 5-10, 170 – competing at cornerback 
• Mike McGovern, Senior, 6-0, 170 – competing at cornerback 
• Chase Geer, Senior, 5-10, 165 – competing at cornerback 

Special Teams: 

• Mike McGovern returns at punter 
• Kicker is open with junior Gavin Denmead in the mix 
• Any of the backs and receivers can return kicks or punts 

Schedule: 

• Friday, 9/3, Newton at home 
• Friday, 9/10, at West Morris 
• Friday, 9/17, at Jefferson 
• Friday, 9/24, Parsippany Hills at home 
• Friday, 10/1, Chatham at home 
• Friday, 10/8, at Montville 
• Friday, 10/15, at Mendham 
• Friday, 10/22, Morris Hills at home 
• Friday, 10/29, Mount Olive at home 

Concerns:  

• Staying healthy 

Recruiting:  

• • Ermeus will play and is very athletic 
  • Szabo is a D2 prospect 
  • Quinn is D2/D3 
  • There are at least seven seniors who can play in college 
  • Underclassmen: 
  • Frattura holds offers from Pitt and Maryland and more will come 
  • Peterson is athletic with good feet 

Coach’s Comments:  

“We’re going to have a competitive team with good size, fast backs, and tall receivers. Only five seniors started last year and we had some young kids play. I’m excited and looking forward to the season.” – Head Coach Frank Marchiano