Willingboro
2017 In Review: The Chimeras were 7-3, losing to Cedar Creek in the South Jersey Group 2 playoffs. They scored 279 points for a 27.9 average, while allowing 163 for a 16.3 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Woodrow Wilson, Ewing, Holy Cross, and Collingswood, while their other losses were to West Deptford and Cinnaminson.
Graduation Losses: LB Albert Nah – walk-on at North Carolina A & T, WR David Green – Delaware State, QB Trae Green – Graceland (Iowa), WR Josh Robertson – Lincoln (Pa.), OL Elijah Ford – Pierce JC (LA)
Offense: Willingboro runs a multiple offense and returns four starters. At quarterback is sophomore Ah-Shaun Davis (6-3, 205) and returning at running back is junior Zaire Clements (5-10, 180). Also getting carries will be junior Darren Karngbaye (5-10, 185) and sophomore Demie Sumo (5-10, 180).
Two wide receiver s are back in junior Chris Long (6-2, 175) and senior Nasir Murray (5-10, 190). Joining them are senior Shaleed Williams (6-1, 180) and junior Khaleb McRae (6-2, 175). At tight end is junior Nate Robertson (6-3, 180) and freshman Bryson Bright (6-1, 185).
The lone returning starter to the line is senior Azeem Deen (5-10, 205). The guards are juniors De’Sean Jackson (6-5, 280) and Oliver Lilly (6-2, 290), while the tackles are senior Isaiah Wells (6-5, 270) and sophomore Da’Jour Dixon (6-3, 285). Also in the rotation are seniors Isaiah Cooks (6-4, 300) and Aaron Everette (6-0, 235). Everette started last year, but will concentrate more on defense this year.
Defense: The Chimera run a 3-3 stack and return six starters. Cooks will play nose guard, while Everette and senior Khris Hackett (6-2, 200) return at the ends. Rotating at nose guard are Lilly, Deen, and Jackson, while Robertson, junior Jeremiah Fofie (6-2, 175), and junior Stephen Nagbe (6-7, 205) will also get time at end.
The three inside linebackers will be Sumo, Karngbaye, and junior Zaire Bell (5-9, 180).
The secondary brings back experience with four starters coming back. Back at strong safety is senior Zyaire Harkins (5-8, 170), Murray at weak safety, Williams at free safety, and Long at cornerback. Rounding out the group is a rotation of McRae and junior Jahaad Green (6-2, 180) at cornerback. Rotating at safety is sophomore Chance Bennett (6-0, 170).
Special Teams: Green is back as the punter and Clements is the kicker. The return men are Long, Murray, Williams, and Clements.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/31, Cedar Creek at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/7, Delsea at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, Northern Burlington at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/21, at Camden Catholic, 7 PM
Friday, 9/28, Cinnaminson at home, 7 PM
10/5-6, Bye Week
Friday, 10/12, at Sterling, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/20, at Woodrow Wilson, 12 PM
Friday, 10/26, at Camden, 6 PM
Recruits: Murray is a probable 1-AA player, Wells is D2, Everette is a D2/D3 candidate, Deen is D3, and Williams will play somewhere.
As for juniors, Long has several offers, including Rutgers, Louisville, Baylor, North Carolina, and Duke. In the sophomore class, Davis has a lot of potential.
Concerns: Staying healthy and playing it one week at a time.
Coach’s Comments: “We’re young, but experienced. We have explosive guys and hope they take us to big-time wins.” – Head Coach Steve Everette