September 4, 2018
2017 In Review: The Chiefs were 7-3, losing to Howell in the South Jersey Group 5 playoffs. They scored 277 points for a 27.7 average, while allowing 205 for a 20.5 average. Wins included Shawnee, Williamstown, Hammonton, and Paul VI, while their other losses were to Timber Creek and Lenape.
Graduation Losses: DB Tylker Ludwikowski – College of New Jersey, OL/DL Andrew Cardinali – Widener, WR Wayne Davenport – Monroe JC (NY), DB Devin Ibarrondo – Rowan, K Ethan McKarron – Rowan, QB/LB Jack Walters – Johns Hopkins for baseball, WR/DE Tymere Bennett – Bloomfield College for basketball,
Offense: Cherokee runs a multiple spread and returns three starters. The new quarterback will be senior Aidan Douglas (6-1, 190) and returning at running back is junior EJ Bard (5-10, 170) and sophomore Darren Hazen (5-10, 185) may also get carries.
Returning at wide receiver are senior Ryan Bassett (5-11, 175) and junior Jackson McIntyre (6-1, 185). The other two spots will come from junior Zac Litty (5-9, 170), junior Andy Walters (5-9, 175), and sophomore Darnell Hightower (5-9, 155). When they use a tight end, it will be senior AJ Pasquarella (6-3, 190), a returning defensive starter.
The line will be brand new, graduating everyone from last year. The left tackle will be senior Jared Quitugua (5-11, 205) and right tackle will be held down by senior Nick Bernardi (5-10, 220). At center is senior Tim Haverstick (5-10, 190), while the guards will be sophomores Josh Toner (6-0, 255) on the left side and Ryan Doyle (6-0, 255) on the right. Pushing for time is senior Max Fisher (6-0, 210).
Defense: The Chiefs run a multiple four and five-man fronts, returning four starters, including Pasquarella and senior Kevin Linden (5-11, 220) at the ends. The tackles are senior Will Smith (6-0, 220) and sophomore Matt Ellis (6-1, 230), with senior Andrew Iamurri (5-10, 240) playing nose guard.
The linebackers bring back senior Marcus Dawson (5-9, 190) and he will be paired with sophomore Brett Bickett (5-10, 190).
Returning at cornerback is McIntyre and senior Shane Silver (5-8, 155) will be the other corner after seeing action. The safeties will be Litty and Walters.
Special Teams: Senior Chris Marrone is the punter and is competing at kicker with senior Spencer Lane. The return men will be McIntyre, Litty, and Bard.
Schedule:
Friday, 9/7, at Shawnee, 7 PM
Friday, 9/14, Winslow at home,
Friday, 9/21, Rancocas Valley at home, 7 PM
Friday, 9/28, at Millville, 6 PM
Saturday, 10/6, at Williamstown, 7:30 PM
10/13-14, Bye Week
Friday, 10/19, St. Augustine at home, 7 PM
Friday, 10/26, at Lenape, 7 PM
Thursday, 11/22, Seneca at home, 11 AM
Recruits: Linden ranges from 1-AA to D3, while Pasquarelli and Bassett are D2/D3. Dawson will also play somewhere.
In the junior class, Bard runs an 11.1 100 meters and can go track, while McIntyre is 1-AA/D2.
Concerns: Health, depth, and will they improve?
Coach’s Comments: “We have a good group of kids who work hard and are buying in. We have a different schedule and there will be excitement and a new challenge every week. The expectations and outlook are the same, we only worry about ourselves, and we expect to be successful every time we step on the field.” – Head Coach Brian Glatz