Newton Braves
2021:
- 10-1
- Lost to Jefferson in the North Jersey Section 2 Group 2 semifinals after beating Verona in the first round
- Scored 374 points: 34.00 average
- Allowed 139 points: 12.64 average
- Wins included Sparta, Jefferson, Vernon, Lenape Valley, and Kittatinny
Graduation:
- QB/DB Jack Young – College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
- TE/DE Melkart Abou Jaoude – Delaware as a preferred walk-on
- RB/DB Darrell Mims – William Paterson
- OL Matt Iatesta – WIlliam Paterson
Offense:
- Formation: Wing-T with Gun
- Returning Starters: 7
Quarterback:
- Robert McCullough, Senior, 5-11, 170 – projected starter
Running Back:
- Brayden Nolan, Senior, 5-9, 190 – 4-year starter at halfback
- Matt May, Senior, 6-0, 200 – returning starter at halfback; moving from guard
- Thaylor Sibblies, Senior, 5-7, 165 – returning starter at fullback
Wide Receiver:
- Dom Ferdenzi, Senior, 5-10, 150 – competing; saw action
- Oso Ruiz, Senior, 5-9, 165 – competing: Garfield transfer
- Garrett Wikander, Senior, 6-2, 170 – competing
- Deuce Edwards, Senior, 5-8, 150 – competing
Tight End:
- Pasquale Festa, Senior, 5-10, 185 – returning starter
Offensive Line:
- Billy Greenhalgh, Junior, 6-2, 230 – projected starter at left tackle
- Mike Melillo, Senior, 5-7, 165 – returning starter at left guard
- Matt McLean, Senior, 5-10, 180 – 3-year starter at center
- Rylan Ivaldi, Senior, 6-0, 190 – returning starter at right guard from 2019 and 2020; missed last year with an injury
- Pat Teets, Junior, 6-1, 240 – projected starter at right tackle
- Dom Boscia, Senior, 5-5, 150 – depth along the line
Defense:
- Formation: Multiple 5-2 base
- Returning Starters: 5
Defensive Line:
- Matt May, Senior, 6-0, 200 – projected starter at end
- Dylan Cotter, Junior, 6-0, 205 – projected starter at end
- Claudio Ibarra, Senior, 5-9, 205 – returning starter at tackle
- Billy Greenhalgh, Junior, 6-2, 230 – part of rotation at tackle
- Pat Teets, Junior, 6-1, 240 – part of rotation at tackle
- Brody Guerra, Senior, 5-6, 205 – 3-year starter at nose guard
Linebacker:
- Brayden Nolan, Senior, 5-9, 190 – 4-year starter
- Pasquale Festa, Senior, 5-10, 185 – returning starter
- Mike Melillo, Senior, 5-7, 165 – provides depth
Secondary:
- Thaylor Sibblies, Senior, 5-7, 165 – returning starter at safety
- Matt Teets, Junior, 5-8, 150 – competing at other safety
- Garrett Wikander, Senior, 6-2, 170 – competing at other safety
- Dom Ferdenzi, Senior, 5-10, 150 – competing at other safety
- Demarius Posey, Junior, 5-9, 155 – projected starter at cornerback
- Deuce Edwards, Senior, 5-8, 150 – competing at opposite corner
- Oso Ruiz, Senior, 5-9, 165 – competing at opposite corner
Special Teams:
- Senior Robert McCullough is a 3-year starter at kicker and punter
- Sibblies and Nolan will return kicks, while Posey or Ferdonzi will return punts
Schedule:
- Friday, 9/2, at Warren Hills
- Friday, 9/9, Sussex Tech at home
- Saturday, 9/17, at Wallkill Valley
- Friday, 9/23, Kittatinny at home
- Friday, 9/30, Lenape Valley at home
- Friday, 10/7, at Hackettstown
- Friday, 10/14, Ramsey at home
- Friday, 10/21, at Sparta
Concerns:
- Physical size on both lines; they are experienced and athletic
Recruiting:
- Nolan has interest from Monmouth and Mount Union
- McCullough has interest from Merrimack for his kicking
- Others may play D3 football
- Most underclassmen at this point are D3 types
Coach’s Comments:
“We’re hoping to be a contender for a title. The schedule is challenging, especially late in the year. We have experience and need some unknowns to step up and make their mark.” – Head Coach Matt Perzero