The Edison Jets Mitey Mite football team relied on a high-powered offense and a tenacious defense to steamroll to a 9-0 record during the 2016 season.
These skilled players, who ranged from 7 to 9 years old, were a force during the fall in the Mitey Mite Division of the Central Jersey Pop Warner Division 2.
The Edison Jets defeated such local town teams as North Edison, Plainfield, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Monroe and Allentown.
The Edison Jets flourished with the ball, scoring 275 points, while on defense, the team allowed just 19 points en route to recording six shutouts.
Offensively, this balanced squad was steered by quarterback Anthony Calantoni, (10 rushing touchdowns, five passing touchdowns), tailbacks Evan Toth (15 rushing touchdowns, three receiving touchdowns) and Jacob Pappas (12 rushing touchdowns, seven receptions), fullbacks Justin Boslet (three touchdowns) and Jestin Davis (three touchdowns) and receiver/tight end Tyler LeBrocq (four touchdowns).
Those players were treated by some solid line play from Ethan Alcover, Mason Faas, Nick Martinez, Isaiah Lutz, Cameron Lucarelli, Brody Ferrer and Pete Szymanski.
The defense, which permitted just 11 first downs through the entire season, was spearheaded by the captain, Boslet, who played middle linebacker.
The defense also featured Lucarelli and Davis at ends, who bottled up the outside running lanes, while running inside was nearly impossible due to a line that was anchored by Shaun Garland, Anthony Baio, Dylan Librizzi, Steven Librizzi and Leonidas Petrakis.
Calantoni and Alcover were the athletic and sturdy tacklers at outside linebacker, while Toth and Papas covered ground at the corners.
The coaching staff was guided by the head coach and offensive coordinator, Brian Calantoni, who was known as “Coach Cal.”
He was assisted by the defensive coordinator, Dan Boslet (“Coach Boz”), Ryan Toth, Lawrence LeBrocq, Shannon Faas and Stan Szymanski.
“It’s not about wins and losses, it’s about the comradely, it’s about the life lessons through football. Success doesn’t necessarily reflect your record. While winning is great, this coaching staff stressed teamwork, togetherness and fun,” coach Calantoni said.
“Our job as coaches goes beyond football, it’s about teaching these players not to give up, dealing with adversity, hard work, desire, giving 100 percent all the time and being there for your team and teammates.”
Calantoni went on to extend gratitude.
“All in all, it was a very successful and productive season. These players learned a lot. I’d like to thank the parents, the Edison Jets Mitey Mite Cheerleaders, the Edison Jets organization, Dori Toth (team parent), the coaches and most of all, the players. Thanks for a great season — can’t wait until next year.”
