August 28, 2018
2017 In Review: The Fighting Clan was 8-2, losing to Lenape in the South Jersey Group 5 playoffs. They scored 365 points for a 36.5 average, while allowing 122 for a 12.2 average. Wins included Millville, Atlantic City, and Clearview, while their other loss was to St. Augustine.
Graduation Losses: QB/DB Isiah Pacheco – Rutgers, RB/LB Nihym Anderson – Maryland, OL/DL Noah Sansalone – Bucknell
Offense: Vineland runs a multiple shotgun set and returns four starters. Starting at quarterback is junior Ryan Shelton (6-2, 185), who started on defense and will only play offense this year. The running back will be junior Nahzir Broome (5-10, 175) and senior De’Andre Tull-Kennedy (5-10, 185) and freshman Anthony Arthur (5-9, 160) will also play.
Returning at slot back is senior JP Garcia (5-7, 160), while senior Anthony Reyes (5-11, 220) returns for his third year at tight end. Also starting are sophomore Jonathan Toney (5-8, 158) at slot back and juniors Tyreem Powell (6-4, 185) and Conrad Jackson (6-0, 195) at wide receiver.
The line returns two starters in senior four-year starter Mike Bokma (6-0, 265) at center and senior Shane Ecker (6-0, 240) at left guard. Left tackle belongs to sophomore David Dutra (6-2, 250). While the right side has senior Brandon Roldan (5-10, 260) at guard and senior Brandon Anderson (6-0, 250) at tackle.
Defense: The Fighting Clan runs a 3-3 stack and return five starters. The nose guard is senior George Robinson (5-10, 250) and the ends are senior Jhamir Malloy (6-0, 245) and sophomore Kevon Williams (5-10, 240). Rotating at nose guard will be senior Elizah Jones (5-10, 350), who started last year. Also rotating at end are Bokma and sophomore Demarcus Rivers (6-1, 315).
All three inside linebackers are returning starters, Reyes, senior Phil Blackwell (5-9, 190), and Groome; Reyes being a four-year starter moving from the line. On the outside, senior Isaiah Blakely (5-10, 180) returns and the opposite linebacker will be senior Trust Cooper (5-11, 200).
The corners have Tull-Kennedy on one side and the other being shared by senior Otis Harold (5-8, 140) and Garcia. Powell will be the free safety, where Shelton played before becoming the quarterback.
Special Teams: Junior Robert Aparicio returns at kicker, but he has been injured and is in a battle with sophomore Henry Garton. The punter is senior Nate Schnell, while junior Syncere Gaye (5-6, 145) and Tull-Kennedy are the return men.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/31, Williamstown at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/7, at Atlantic City, 6 PM
Friday, 9/14, at Lenape, 6 PM
Friday, 9/21, Timber Creek at home, 6 PM
Friday, 9/28, Trenton at home, 6 PM
Saturday, 10/6, at St. Joe’s (Hammonton), 2 PM
Friday, 10/12, at Rancocas Valley, 7 PM
Saturday, 10/20, Washington Township, 2 PM
10/26-27, Bye Week
Thursday, 11/22, Millville at home, 10:30 AM
Recruits: Reyes and Bokma are D2/D3 candidates.
In the junior class, Powell is a 1-A prospect who has an offer from Temple. Both Shelton and Jackson have very good potential.
Concerns: Lack of varsity experience.
Coach’s Comments: “We have a great bunch of kids who work hard and learned a lot from our last two classes. We’re looking forward to our new schedule and giving the community a team they can be proud of.” – Head Coach Dan Russo