NJ football preview: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold's Colonia primed for big year
With kickoff for the 2023 football season underway Aug. 25, storylines abound in the Big Central Conference. Here's a look at the league's Liberty Gold Division squads and what to expect this fall as we continue our preseason coverage.
COLONIA PATRIOTS
The Colonia coaches would love to transform Jaeden Jones into a real-life version of a video game player on Friday nights. He’d score touchdown after touchdown after touchdown.
But alas, they can’t.
So the Patriots are looking for other players to step up and complement the electric quarterback and strong safety.
“We just need to find ways to keep defenses honest,” Colonia coach Tom Roarty said. “Everybody knows we’re going to run him and he’s going to run the ball, but we can’t run him 250 times. We can – but we need to find guys to take the pressure off so defenses have to honor the whole field. By the end of (last) year, we were seeing seven, eight-man boxes. You know, you can’t run against that. So we've got to be able to throw the ball, we have to have other guys able to run, catch, and just kind of keep defenses honest.”
BCC UNITED GOLD PREVIEW: Football preview: Big Central Conference United Gold Division
BCC UNITED SILVER PREVIEW: Football preview: Big Central Conference United Silver Division
The Patriots seem primed for a big fall with Jones, an experienced line and other emerging skill-position players.
Jones could certainly make things happen. He seamlessly transitioned last season to quarterback from a receiver/running role. He rushed for 1,661 yards (19 TDs) and threw for 1,059 yards and had 80 tackles (46 solo) on defense.
The senior credited his time as a point guard for Colonia’s successful basketball team for being able to see the field and plays unfold. He also gave his teammates a nod for helping him iron out new things in the position.
So, what is it like when a play is unfolding and he has a split-second to make a decision?
“It kind of goes in slow motion,” said Jones, who has committed to Monmouth. “I was telling my parents today that it’s crazy how like everything’s going full speed, but in your head everything’s moving so slow.”
The bottom line for him is to “play. Have fun. That’s really it.”
He should be well protected with four returning offensive linemen in seniors Eliot Rubin (LT), Antonio Pulecio (LG), Logan Ramos (RG) and Luke Colon (RT). Junior center Gianni Scaturro joins the unit.
The top returning receiving is senior Casey Chiola (15-123, 1 TD) and he’ll be joined in the starting lineup by seniors Joe Perosi and Jason Torre-Grasso and junior Nygel Hill. RJ Wortman (So., WR/DB) is a newcomer to the unit.
Senior running back Joe Baca takes over the full-time role and the downhill runner has played well in the preseason.
Defensively, senior Noah Bone (66 tackles, 34 solo) and junior Nic Straile (57 tackles, 27 solo) are the outside linebackers. On the inside are seniors Joe Baca (57 tackles, 35 solo) and Brian Freitas (41 tackles, 18 solo).
Seniors John Trzaskos and Alex Roy are at end, with John Bekheet (Jr.) at a tackle. Along with Jones in the secondary are Tobi Popoola (Sr., CB), Nygel Hill (Jr., CB), George Simpson (So., FS) and Anthony Garafalo (Jr., FS).
J.F. KENNEDY MUSTANGS
The fighting spirit trumped any wilting or moping.
J.F. Kennedy just had one of those stretches early on last year where nothing bounced its way, including three defeats by eight, two and six points.
Nothing.
But the players kept showing up, improving, and pulled out two late wins led by a heavy senior class.
“Credit to the kids that were in there last year,” said second-year head coach Mike Henderson. “I think that trickled into this year. It spilled over. We came every day. We worked hard. We were losing close games. It’s tough and it’s demoralizing at times and it’s here we go again, but we kept working week in, week out. You’re playing close games and it paid off at the end for us.”
That momentum carried into the offseason training as the younger kids saw how the over 20 seniors operated. In fact, many of the underclassmen saw playing time, which should help their transition into fulltime roles.
The Mustangs are breaking in new skill-position players, but a plus is half a dozen offensive linemen return who started at least one game. Seniors Josh Alencar, Miguel Alvarez and Xavier Hernandez lead the way, along with Brenden Denti (Jr.).
The big guys will help to take some pressure off the newcomers.
“Having that leadership there is going help us out through the season,” Henderson said. “This way, hopefully, the offensive line can make up for some skill mistakes and these guys can find their way behind a solid offensive line.”
Juniors Manny Perez-Quijano (DE/RB) and Lee Tobon (DB/WR) are the other top returning letterwinners.
Sophomores Richie Trotman and Aiden Roche (DB) have been working in at quarterback during the preseason, while classmate Fiheem Howell (RB/LB) has been showing patience and looks for a breakout season in the backfield.
Other newcomers to watch include juniors Dylan Driz (LB/RB), EJ Kaminski (OL/LB), Alejandro Montalvo (DB/WR/RB), Nyeem Muse (LB) and Zack Tyler (WR/DB).
Sophomores in the mix are Jamir Campbell (RB/LB), Duvell Jones-King (OL/DL), Grant Lorentzen (DB/WR) and Emilio Ruiz (DB/WR).
TOP PLAYERS: Central Jersey football players to watch for 2023
LINDEN TIGERS
Linden had only been in this preseason for just over a week when coach Al Chiola noted, “when we’re at practice and camp right now, it’s like we’ve been there for a whole year already.”
Now, that’s not in the sense of things dragging and constant clock-watching for the sessions to end. Rather, the opposite.
“We’re just moving along,” Chiola said. “It’s been a great camp, too. It’s a testament to the kids and their hard work. We got a lot of returners. We’re trying to carry some momentum from last season into this year and we’re ahead of the game where we were last year.”
That’s always something that coaches love to report.
The Tigers finished strong last season with two wins and now return eight starters on offense and seven on defense with two of the top players in the conference.
Three-year starting quarterback Te’Quan Thomas rushed for 1,184 yards (130 carries, 13 TDs) and threw for 689 yards. Fellow senior linebacker Myles Hamilton had 124 tackles last year (17 for a loss) and nine sacks. The seniors look for another great season.
“Te’Quan, just anytime he touches the ball, he’s a threat to score,” Chiola said. “He really is. And for Myles on defense, he just has a relentless motor. That’s what makes him great. He just goes sideline to sideline. You can’t take him off the field. He doesn’t want a break – just keep me out here coach. He’s that type of kid. He loves football. He has a passion for the game, but all our kids do. They love playing with each other.”
Linden has returning skill-position players in senior Alex Donic (RB/LB, 221 rushing yards, 5 TD), Jordan Austin (Sr., RB/DB) and receivers Davon McClintock (Sr., 17-144), Semaj Irving (Jr., DB, 22-283) and Jawan Lee (Jr., LB).
Just as important is an experienced line to pave the way. All are also on the defensive line. Juniors Shahad Brown and Kevin Taylor bring experience as do seniors Adrian Castillo and Myjon Floyd with juniors Jawan Gass and Joe Mesko in the mix.
Other players to watch include Tyrone Hinton (Jr., LB), Decon Chavis (Sr., RB), Fuquan Moore (Jr., HB/LB), Sherkhan Zackery (Jr., DB) and freshman Joe Boyd (LB).
PERTH AMBOY PANTHERS
Who’s getting the ball and how?
Those are the questions defenses must answer when preparing for Perth Amboy. The Panthers have a handful of exciting skill-position players who can line up at different spots.
“Trying to keep them on their heels,” Panthers coach William Clark said. “We’re not trying to be too predictable. We’re trying to get our best guys their space, let them get out on the perimeter and make plays. We have a few playmakers, trying to get them the ball in space.”
That includes Laivon Balthazar and (QB/WR/DE) and Jahmeil Brown (QB/RB/SS). No, seeing QB behind both names isn’t a typo. Guy Bernadin (RB/LB) is another playmaker with experience.
Other top returning letterwinners include Carlos Garcia (K), Shakir Price (WR/DB), Kelvin Restituyo (OL/DL) and Raul Rodriguez Camilo (OL/DL).
Players to watch cracking the lineup include Bryan Escotto (RB/LB), James Ferrara (WR/DB) and Jezic Ramos (RB/LB).
WOODBRIDGE BARRONS
While last season wasn’t quite a rebuilding year for Woodbridge, the Barrons also didn’t have that heavy senior class like in the recent past.
Consider it an in-between campaign.
“It was a transition year,” said Woodbridge coach Joe LaSala said at the Big Central Conference’s initial media day event. “We were playing a lot of sophomores and juniors. After spending a year in the weight room got bigger, faster, stronger. We’re definitely more hungry.”
Now, it wasn’t that Woodbridge had a bad season, qualifying for the North 1 Group 4 playoffs as the seventh seed and dropping three close games in the regular season. Now, many of those guys return.
“I don’t think you could put a price tag on experience, especially at the high school level,” LaSala said. “So it’s really nice to have those guys coming back. They’ve been in the system, played varsity football for one year so they’re a little more comfortable. They understand the speed. Understand what the coaches are trying to go ahead and teach them.”
A good starting point is senior AJ Bosch (WR/DB). The three-year starter showed his versatility all over the field last season by grabbing 40 catches for 655 yards and rushing 80 times for 455 yards with a combined 15 TDs. The 5-foot-8, 170-pounder also had 65 tackles, two interceptions and excelled in special teams (9 kick returns for 204 yards, TD and 7 punt returns for 150 yards).
Junior Derek Anderson takes over at quarterback for the graduated Antonio Rosado (1,052 passing yards, 887 rushing yards). He’s a dual threat-type, able to go long but can also tuck it and run.
Woodbridge’s deep receiving corps includes seniors Bryan Anderson (Jr., SS, 214 yards on 23 catches) and Jordan Byron Williams (DB) and juniors Sincere Barner (S) andIzaiah Toliver (WR/K) are also in the receiving mix.
Woodbridge looks to make up yards for the 1,300 graduated rushing yards from Rosado and Michael Darkwah (434 rushing yards) with seniors Dean Fiore (H-back/OLB)Tony Wright Jr. (RB) and Angelo Campos (Jr., RB/S).
Several of those now-seasoned players are on the line in juniors Jayden Felciano (DT), JanCarlo Mena (DT) and Kevin Rosario (DT), as well as sophomore Jeremiah Colon (DE).
The defense graduated some heavy hitters, but defensive ends Nadino Joseph (Sr.), Chris Milevoi (Jr.) and Jose Tejerio (Jr.).
Other top newcomers include juniors Barry Carter Jr. (DB), Jahmir Beal (RB/DB), Tyler Simkovich (LB), Jeremiah Allen (LB), Jayden Mance (OL/DE), Anthony McGuire (OL), Johnny Collado (DL) and sophomores Josh Allen (DB), Kenny Mongelli (OL) and Ian Roberts (DB).
BCC LIBERTY GOLD AT A GLANCE
COLONIA PATRIOTS
Head coach: Tom Roarty, 9th season (58-33)
Assistants: Ryan DonDiego (Assistant Head Coach/OC), ,Joe Vigilante (Special Teams/WR/DB), Andrew Cianfano (OL/DL), Bryant Androvich (OL/DL), Kareem Smith (RB/DB), Steve Miller (OL/DL)Jack Roarty (Freshmen), Tyler Layton (Freshmen)
State classification: North Group 4
League: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold Division
Colors: Blue and gold
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: 3-4
2022 results (8-2 overall, 4-0 in BCC Liberty Gold)
New Brunswick, W 17-7
Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 34-24
J.F. Kennedy, W 21-13
Linden, W 28-25
Woodbridge, W 14-13
North Hunterdon, L 33-7
Perth Amboy, W 24-14
Summit, W 28-23
Rahway, W 21-20
Morris Knolls, L 35-14
2023 schedule
8/25-Sayreville, 6 p.m.
8/31-at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 7 p.m.
9/8-J.F. Kennedy, 6 p.m.
9/15-at Linden, 6 p.m.
9/22-at Woodbridge, 6 p.m
9/29-North Hunterdon, 6 p.m.
10/6-at Perth Amboy, 6 p.m.
10/13-Summit, 6 p.m.
10/20-Rahway, 6 p.m.
J.F. KENNEDY MUSTANGS
Head coach: Mike Henderson, second season (2-8)
Assistants: Matt Creighton (OC), Jay Parry (DC), Pat McGann (OL/DL), Greg Capone (WR/DB),
John Joyce (Freshman), Dan Panaro (Freshman)
State classification: North Group 4
League: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold Division
Colors: Blue and gold
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: 4-2-5
2022 results (2-8 overall, 0-4 in BCC Liberty Gold)
Carteret, L 29-9
South Plainfield, L 33-13
Colonia, L 21-13
Perth Amboy, L 10-8
Governor Livingston, L 16-10
Linden, L 34-6
Woodbridge, L 34-0
Voorhees, W 21-7
Scotch Plains-Fanwood, W 21-19
East Brunswick, L 42-22
2023 schedule
9/1-South Plainfield, 6 p.m.
9/8-at Colonia, 6 p.m.
9/15-Perth Amboy, 6 p.m.
9/22-Governor Livingston, 6 p.m.
9/29-a Linden, 6 p.m.
10/6-Woodbridge, 6 p.m.
10/13-at Voorhees, 7 p.m.
10/20-at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 7 p.m.
LINDEN TIGERS
Head coach: Al Chiola, 9th season (34-41)
Assistants: Anthony Reinoso (Assistant Head Coach/DC/LB/HB), Albert Reinoso (OC/WR), Jimmy Smith (Special Teams Coordinator/DL/OL), Luke Jarmolowski (OL/DL), Kyle Phipps (RB/S), BJ George (RB/OLB), Griffin Thomas (WR/DB), Michael Pozyc (QB/LB/K), Alvaro Fernadez (Freshman Head Coach), Joe Russo (Freshman), Michael Marino (Middle School Coach)
State classification: North Group 4
League: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold Division
Colors: Black and orange
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: 3-5
2022 results (5-5 overall, 3-1 in BCC Liberty Gold)
Rahway, L 21-20
Woodbridge, W 31-0
Colonia, L 28-25
Perth Amboy, W 13-0
J.F. Kennedy, W 34-6
Summit, L 28-14
Cranford, L 31-0
Montgomery, L 28-13
Barringer, W 41-0
Bergenfield, W 29-22
2023 schedule
8/25-vs. Elizabeth at Kean, 7:30 p.m.
9/1-Rahway, 6 p.m.
9/8-at Woodbridge, 6 p.m.
9/15-Colonia, 6 p.m.
9/22-at Perth Amboy, 6 p.m.
9/29-J.F. Kennedy, 6 p.m.
10/7-at Summit, 2:30 p.m.
10/13-at Cranford, 7 p.m.
10/20-Montgomery, 7 p.m.
PERTH AMBOY PANTHERS
Head coach: William Clark, 5th season
Assistants: Sean Atkins (assistant head coach, OC), Jeremy Rosa (DC), Mike Manfre (WR/DB/K), Patrick Ricks (QB/DB), Damon Clark (freshman/LB), Jeffery Gumbs (OL/DL), Alex De Los Santos (freshman)
State classification: South Group 5
League: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold Division
Colors: Red and white
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: 4-2-5
2022 results (2-7 overall, 1-3 in BCC Liberty Gold)
Carteret, L 13-0
J.P. Stevens, W 39-14
J.F. Kennedy, 10-8
Linden, L 13-0
Woodbridge, L 42-17
Colonia, L 24-14
South Plainfield, L 20-14
Hunterdon Central, L 27-7
Howell, L 26-8
2023 schedule
8/25-at Rahway, 6 p.m.
9/1-Carteret, 6 p.m.
9/8-at J.P. Stevens, 6 p.m.
9/15-at J.F. Kennedy, 6 p.m.
9/22-Linden, 6 p.m.
9/29-at Woodbridge, 6 p.m.
10/6-Colonia, 6 p.m.
10/13-South Plainfield, 6 p.m.
10/20-at Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.
WOODBRIDGE BARRONS
Head coach: Joe LaSala, 6th season (31-16)
Assistants: Frank Juliano (DC/LB/OL), Anthony Nyers (Special Teams/RB/LB), Brian Cherepski (OL/DT), Tracey Fudge (QB/DE), Vinnie Crisafi (HB/DB), Rob Paladino (Freshmen), Marlon Noyan (Freshman), Jack Golden (Freshman)
State classification: North Group 4
League: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold Division
Colors: Black and red
Offensive formation: Multiple Spread
Defensive formation: 4-3
2022 results (4-6 overall, 2-2 in BCC Liberty Gold)
Irvington, L 20-7
Summit, W 34-27
Linden, L 31-0
Cranford, L 35-28
Colonia, L 14-13
Perth Amboy, W 42-17
J.F. Kennedy, W 34-0
North Hunterdon, L 35-7
Sayreville, W 35-21
Ramapo, L 49-19
2023 schedule
8/25-Old Bridge, 6 p.m.
9/2-Summit, 1 p.m.
9/8-Linden, 6 p.m.
9/14-at Cranford, 7 p.m.
9/22-Colonia, 6 p.m.
9/29-Perth Amboy, 6 p.m.
10/6-at J.F. Kennedy, 6 p.m.
10/13-North Hunterdon, 6 p.m.
10/20-at Sayreville, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Football Preview: Big Central Conference Liberty Gold
