July 22, 2018
2017 in Review: The Hermits were 5-5, losing to Bergen Catholic in the first round of the Non-Public Group 4 playoffs. They scored 233 points for a 23.3 average, while allowing 178 for a 17.8 average. Wins included Vineland, Williamstown, and Atlantic City, while their other losses were to St. Joe’s (Hammonton), Holy Spirit, Millville, and Malvern Prep (Pa.).
Graduation Losses: WR/S Shamere Collins – Sacred Heart, WR/DB Xavier File – Choate (prep school), LB Garrett Dolan – Christopher Newport (Va.), OL/DL Matt Compton – FDU (Madison), K Nate Fondacaro – Villanova, OL Andrew Silver – Washington University (St. Louis)
Offense: St. Augustine runs a multiple spread and returns five starters. Back at quarterback is senior Chris Allen (6-2, 175) and senior True Robinson (5-8, 180) returns at running back. An intriguing player is sophomore quarterback Corey Yeoman(6-2, 190), who could end up playing running back or wide receiver, since he is too good of an athlete to keep off the field.
Returning at wide receiver are seniors Jaylen DeCoteau (5-11, 195) and Sincere Rhea(5-10, 180). Also in the mix there will be junior Justin Shorter (5-10, 170) and possibly Teoman. Back at tight end/h-back is junior Isaiah Raikes (6-1-1/2, 290) and he will be supported by senior Shane Quast (6-2, 225), who started on defense.
The lone returnee back on the line is junior tackle Chandler Bird (6-1, 265), who is moving from center. The other tackle is sophomore Jake Ketschek (6-3, 300). The center is senior Justin Mirenda (5-10, 250), while the guards will be juniors Angelo Fodera (6-1, 230) and Dylan McNally (6-0, 220).
Defense: The Hermits will play multiple four and five man fronts, returning five starters. The line is unsettled at this point, but Raikes is back at tackle and senior Joe Kolonich (6-0, 180) will probably be an end.
Returning at linebacker are senior Joe Banczek (6-1, 220) and Quast. Possibly seeing time here is Yeoman.
In the secondary, Rhea and DeCoteau are back at cornerback and safety, respectively. Shorter will play wither corner or safety, while two others in the mix are juniors Charlie Chiango (5-10, 170) and Jace Rodriguez (6-1, 180).
Special Teams: The punter is junior Adam Heston, while kicker is between senior Greg Giangiulio and sophomore Luke Snyder. Rhea will be a return man, along with others.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/31, State College (Pa.) at home, 6 PM
Friday, 9/7, Lenape at home, 6 PM
Friday, 9/14, St. Joe’s (Hammonton) at home, 6 PM
Friday, 9/21, Shawnee at home, 6 PM
Friday, 9/28, at Ocean City, 6 PM
Friday, 10/5, at Rancocas Valley, 7 PM
Friday, 10/12, Holy Spirit at home, 6 PM
Friday, 10/19, at Cherokee, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, at Williamstown, 7 PM
Recruits: Ronczek has verballed to Princeton. DeCoteau has offers from Western Michigan, Army, Kent State, and some 1-AA’s. Rhea has offers from Lehigh, Sacred Heart, Morgan State, and Delaware State.
In the junior class, Raikes has offers from Temple, Baylor, Cincinnati, and Duke. Others will need a good year, but some will be sought after this year.
Concerns: Depth. Also, there has been no freshman team the last three years prior to Head Coach Pete Lancetta’s arrival. There currently have low numbers, but the freshman team is back, with 30 incoming players, part of a conscious effort to have a freshman team.
Comments: “We have a great group of kids who have been working hard, very dedicated. It’s good to start fresh for both the players and coaches; it was tough for both last year. But that’s life; we made the best of it and we’re moving forward.” – Pete Lancetta