August 29, 2018
2017 In Review: The Eagles were 5-5, losing to Long Branch in the Central Jersey Group 4 playoffs. They scored 144 points for a 14.4 average, while allowing 185 for an 18.5 average. Wins included Manasquan, Middletown North, and Wall, while their other losses were to St. John Vianney, Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair haven, and Long Branch.
Graduation Losses: LB Jake Krellin – Rowan
Offense: Middletown will run a multiple option offense and return five starters and others who played. The quarterback is senior Trevor Brey (5-9, 170) and he is being pushed by junior Tyler Cuccia (6-1, 165). The fullback will be senior Ken McCarthy (5-9, 180), while the halfbacks will be seniors Chris Fleming (5-10, 165) and Jamie Petrillo (5-7, 155). Also in the mix at halfback are senior Troy Burbank (5-10, 165) and junior Chris Lotito (6-0, 175).
Junior Connor Ard (6-2, 175) returns at wide receiver and he will be paired with senior Dennis Brown (5-9, 170). Sophomore Luke Albrecht (5-10, 165) will also play and when a tight end is used, it will be senior Matt Tardy (6-1-1/2, 220), who started there last year.
Returning to the line are junior Tom Mielnikiewicz (5-10, 215) at left tackle, junior Nick Bonfiglio (5-10, 215) at right tackle, and senior Brady Smith (5-10, 240) at right guard. The center is junior TJ Latore (6-1, 215) and left guard is either senior Joe DellaValle (5-10, 260) or sophomore Joe Stanzione (6-1, 250).
Defense: The Eagles employ a 3-4 and return six starters. Returning at nose guard is junior Vincent Condito (5-9, 225) and the ends are sophomore Ian Rahill (5-9, 200) and junior Mike Dunn (6-0, 190). Rotating in at end is sophomore Brendan Bigos (6-3, 205).
Three linebackers return, with Tardy and senior Dylan Walling (6-0, 200) inside and junior Matt Krellin (5-9, 175) on the outside. The other outside starter is Troy Burbank.
Three starters are back in the secondary: Lotito and senior Matt Cruz (6-0, 175) at cornerback and Petrillo at strong safety. Free safety will be wither Brown or Albrecht, while Cuccia will get action at cornerback.
Special Teams: Returning at kicker is senior Chris Kaldrovics and he is being challenged by sophomore Mike O’Connor, who will be the punter. The return men will be Cuccia, Petrillo, and Albrecht.
Schedule:
Thursday, 8/30, at Coatesville (Pa.), 6 PM
Friday, 9/7, Freehold Township at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, at Manalapan, 7 PM
Friday, 9/21, Howell at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/28, at Central Regional, 7 PM
Friday, 10/5, at Toms River East, 7 PM
10/12-13, Bye Week
Friday, 10/19, St. John Vianney at home, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, Rumson-Fair Haven at home, 7 PM
Thursday, 11/22, at Middletown North, 10:30 AM
Recruits: Tardy has 1-AA interest and Walling is possibly a D2 player.
Concerns: Depth and straightening out the quarterback situation. Growth is also a concern: how far have the returning players come and are they ready to take the next step?
Coach’s Comments: “I like this group and we had a good off-season, putting the time in. Hopefully, we reap the benefits.” – Head Coach Steve Antonucci