August 28, 2018
2017 In Review: The Pirates were 8-3, losing to Haddonfield in the South Jersey Group 2 semi-finals after beating Camden. They scored 291 points for a 26.45 average, while allowing 124 for an 11.27 average, including three shutouts. Wins included West Deptford, Willingboro, and Collingswood, while their other losses were to Sterling and Holy Cross.
Graduation Losses: G/LB Kyle Leibfried – McDaniel (Md.), on a side note Cinnaminson alum Matt Gono, a tackle, is currently in camp with the Atlanta Falcons
Offense: Cinnaminson runs a multiple spread and return seven starters. Returning in the backfield are senior quarterback Shawn Ruffin (5-10, 190) and senior running back Rashad Raymond (5-10, 190), a four-year starter.
At wide receiver, seniors John Meekins (6-3, 185) and Chad Howard (6-2, 180) return, with Meekins a three-year starter. The other wideouts are junior Elijah Bryant (5-8, 170) and senior Jahsir Williams (5-10, 145). When a tight end, it will be junior Carmen Saginario (5-11, 180).
The line has three starters returning: senior three-year starter Joe Sireci (5-9, 225) at center, junior Cam Horsely (6-4, 320) at guard, and senior Alex Furphy (6-4, 250) at tackle. The opposite tackle is senior Eli Haegele (6-4, 235) and senior Christian Torres (5-7, 210) will play guard. Close behind are sophomores Ryan Hunter (6-2, 210) and Andrew Brown (5-10, 195).
Defense: The Pirates run a 4-3 and return eight starters. Three starters are back on the line, with Cam Horsley at tackle and seniors Craig Horsely (6-4, 220) and Ahmad Gantt (6-4, 200) at the ends. Playing at tackle is Torres, with Hunter and Brown in the rotation.
Sireci is a three-year starter at middle linebacker, moving from the defensive line. On the outside, senior Greg Willis (5-10, 220) returns and Saginario will play the opposite side, with sophomore Amauri Marshall (5-10, 190) in the mix.
Three starters are back in the secondary, with Howard back at strong safety, Raymond at free safety, and Meekins a three-year starter at cornerback. Playing opposite Meekins is senior Isaiah Newby (5-8, 170), who saw time.
Special Teams: Sireci returns as the punter and will also be the kicker and the return men are Raymond and Bryant.
Schedule:
Thursday, 8/30, Cherry Hill West at home, 6 PM
Friday, 9/7, Pemberton at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, at Haddonfield, 7 PM
Friday, 9/21, at Northern Burlington, 7 PM
Friday, 9/28, at Willingboro, 7 PM
Friday, 10/5, Bishop Eustace at home, 7 PM
Friday, 10/12, Holy Cross at home, 7 PM
Friday, 10/19, at Ewing, 7 PM
10/26-27, Bye Week
Wednesday, 11/21, Delran at home, 7 PM
Recruits: Raymond is a 1-AA/D2 candidate, while Meekins has D2 looks, and the rest are D3.
In the junior class, Horsley is a two-way lineman who is hearing from 1-A schools.
Concerns: Overall depth at skill positions.
Coach’s Comments: “We have a good nucleus of experience and non-experience. If we stay healthy, we have a chance to be pretty competitive.” – Head Coach Mario Patrizi