August 30, 2108
2017 In Review: The Green Wave was 9-3, winning the Central Jersey Group 4 championship by beating Freehold Boro after beating Colonia and Middletown South. They scored 330 points for a 27.5 average, while allowing 216 for an 18.0 average, including two shutouts. Wins included Middletown South, Wall, Middletown North, and Manasquan, while their losses were to Red Bank Catholic, Freehold Boro, and Red Bank.
Graduation Losses: WR-TE/DE Kaymar Mimes – Pitt, WR/DB TJ Fosque – Monmouth, QB/DB Juwan Wilkins – Albright, WR/DB Pasa Fields – Kean, DB Kevin Porch – Stonehill (Mass.), DB Elijah Sherin – Kean, RB/LB/LS Darien Cleveland – Albright, DE Kyle Smith – prep school
Offense: Long Branch runs a multiple spread and return six starters. Senior Marc Dennis (5-11, 170) split time last year and was the starter in 2016. Running back returns juniors Jermaine Corbett (5-9, 175) and Jah’Kwan Gordon (6-0, 175).
The lone returnee at wide receiver is senior Matthew Clarke (6-3, 195) and he will be joined by senior Zahdierr Blueford (5-10, 165), sophomore Jayon Farrar (5-11, 160), and senior Devyn Blount (5-8, 155). When a tight end is used, it will be junior Lucas Telles (6-3, 185) and senior Niles Montgomery (5-10, 175).
The line returns three starters and others who shared time. Back are senior Kevin Cerruti (6-5, 290) at left tackle, senior Hunter Metzler (6-1, 225) at left guard, and junior Tracey Taylor (5-11, 235) at center. At right guard or tackle is senior Jahaire Smith-Moore (6-3, 255), while senior Raul Rivera (6-0, 255) may play guard and senior Victor Torres (6-0, 265) may play tackle. Both Smith-Moore and Torres split time on the line.
Defense: The Green Wave run a 40 defense and return five starters and several who played. The lien has several who played, with junior Beyan Jennings (6-2, 185) and Metzler playing end. Cerruti, senior Imir Durant (6-2, 220), and Taylor will rotate at tackle – only Taylor did not get action.
Returning at linebacker are seniors Luke Arnold (5-11, 185) and La’Qym Morris (5-10, 195), plus Gordon will start.
Three starters are back to patrol the secondary, with senior Billy Levy (5-11, 180) and Dennis back as safeties and Corbett returning at cornerback. The opposite corner will be senior Latrell Bennett (5-11, 175). Also getting time will be junior Jarell Sherin (5-10, 150) at safety and Blount at cornerback.
Special Teams: The kicker will be senior Joey Mazza, while Blueford is the punter. Corbett and Clarke will be the return men.
Schedule:
Friday, 8/31, at Hammonton, 7 PM
Friday, 9/7, Toms River East at home, 7 PM
9/14-15, Bye Week
Friday, 9/21, at Ocean, 7 PM
Friday, 9/28, Toms River South at home, 7 PM
Friday, 10/5, at Red Bank Catholic, 7 PM
Friday, 10/12, at Wall, 7 PM
Friday, 10/19, Manalapan at home, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, at Brick Memorial, 7 PM
Thursday, 11/22, Red Bank at home, 10:30 AM
Recruits: Cerruti has a Monmouth offer and other 1-AA interest. Others can play somewhere with a good season.
In the junior class, Corbett is a 1-A prospect and Gordon a 1-AA.
Concerns: Being prepared every day, now that they have the target on their backs. After winning a state title, they will be compared to last year’s team in every practice, every scrimmage, and every game. They need to be mentally prepared for the season.
Coach’s Comments: “We’ve had a great off-season and the kids are excited. We’re getting closer to opening day and we’re ready to go.” – Head Coach Dan George