By Jimmy Allinder
As the East Brunswick High School and Monroe Township High School football teams prepare to kick off the season, they possess more depth and experience than they’ve had in quite a few years.
Whether those elements are enough to make them competitive in the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division — one of the state’s toughest — remains to be seen.
“We return over 80 percent of our offensive and defensive production,” said East Brunswick head coach Bob Molarz, who is in his fourth season at the helm. “That and the senior leadership are our team’s strong points. We think we have improved, but by how much remains to be seen.”
That cautionary statement by Molarz, who has been associated with Middlesex County football for 37 years, including 17 as a head coach, speaks volumes of how difficult it is to win in the Red Division. No fewer than five teams qualified for the NJSIAA state playoffs last year, including Central Jersey, Group V champion South Brunswick High School. That number could increase this season.
Coming off a 3-7 season, Molarz says his team is still looking to establish credibility.
“We can’t afford to circle any game as more important than another,” he said. “The next game is the most important one.”
If there is a player the Bears can’t afford to be without, it’s senior running back and defensive back Kyle Wiggins. On offense, Wiggins ran the ball for 902 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. On defense, he plays in the secondary but can shift closer to the line depending on the situation. Wherever he plays, Wiggins is always near the ball.
Junior James Schuld returns at quarterback after seeing frequent playing time as a sophomore. He possesses size at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 190 pounds, a better-than-average arm and good mobility. His primary receivers are experienced seniors Anthony Torres and Owen McSweeney. Senior Alex Cameron and newcomer Jack Solomini join them at wide receiver, while senior Matt Bartus is the tight end and will be backed by Ryan Crocco.
Other backs who could see action are senior Jair Davis and juniors Andre Gambino and Isaiah Jackson. Newcomers include seniors Kevin Conley and Zahir Jackson and sophomore Tim Gudzak, who is Schuld’s backup.
The offensive line is still a work in progress. Back are seniors Steve Kozo and Del Barry, while the newcomers include seniors Drew Spahn and Deven Priolo and junior Christian Tarnofsky.
The Bears open the season Sept. 9 at Sayreville War Memorial High School.
Monroe’s second-year coach, Dan Lee, says 20 returning seniors will be counted on to provide leadership for a team that finished 4-6 last season.
“I was an assistant for seven years here before becoming head coach, said Lee and one thing I’ve learned is that each season is different,” Lee said. “We need to adapt our program to fit the skills and strengths of each group we coach.”
The one constant is the weekly grind of playing in the Red Division along with equally tough games on the schedule against Shore Conference opponents. That’s where experience and leadership becomes important.
Senior running back and linebacker, Carlton Coleman, will be the most impactful player. He rushed for 766 yards last season and scored three touchdowns. On defense, Coleman was credited with 40 tackles.
The other returning letter winners are seniors Josh Baynes (wide receiver/safety), Lou Ceras (center/defensive tackle), Jaroni Coats (wide receiver/safety), Michael Chaves (running back/linebacker) and Timmy Joseph (wide receiver/defensive back).
Other contributors will be Aidan Lavian (defensive end/quarterback), Justin Mekhail (running back/strong safety), Tom Stolte (offensive tackle/linebacker) and Tom Toht (tight end/defensive end) and junior Matt Zurawiecki (offensive line/defensive end).
Newcomers to the lineup include seniors Tyrese Exantus (running back/defensive back), Tyler Krisinski (offensive/defensive lines) and Brian Steigler (quarterback); juniors Dominick Alongi (offensive line/defensive line), Kaylon Bradley (running back/defensive end), Russ van de Sande (wide receiver/strong safety) and Jeffrey Uhrig (offensive line/defensive line); and sophomore Isaiah Johnston (running back/defensive back).
With the season opener at Edison High School Sept. 9, the Falcons have been focused on stopping the Eagles, who are led by senior running back James Stewart.
“Every game is going to be a fight,” Lee said.
