NJ football preview: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division teams set to step up
The Bernards High School football program has emerged as a legit powerhouse, reeling off five straight eight-win seasons. The Mountaineers have won three straight divisional titles, and with a big group of experienced, proven varsity talent back – especially at key positions -- perhaps Bernards is ready for that next big step.
Bernards hasn’t made a sectional title since 2016, and has never won a sectional championship, and that’s certainly at the top of this year’s list of goals, along with trying to win a program-record fourth straight conference crown.
“We prepare all offseason to put ourselves in this position,” said Bernards coach Jon Simoneau, in his 16th season at the helm, two wins away from No. 100. “We need to stay healthy and make progress every game and every practice. In football, you either get better or worse every day, you never stay the same. And to make a run in states we need to secure some big victories early in the season and obtain a top seed.”
The Mountaineers’ opening-round playoff loss at Ramsey was one of only two setbacks last year, the first coming in Week 1 against Hillside. They do lose first-team all-conference linebacker Kai Dallimore to graduation, as well as a couple other key guys, including lead back Nicky Kouflie, but the returning group is stacked with standouts.
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Senior three-year starter Connor Laverty is back at quarterback after being named second-team All-Area last year when he threw for 1,213 yards, 17 touchdowns and only three picks while rushing for 321 more yards and seven more scores. Senior receiver Jake Caldwell, who was also second-team All-Area last year, is joined by third-team junior Terrance Hanratty and each will be key on offense, along with junior Max Austin.
Bernards returns four on the offensive line, including senior second-team all-conference Logan Ritchie and senior all-division honoree Tim Pagonis.
Caldwell and senior linebacker Charlie Gonella are three-year starters on defense and will lead that unit, with Hanratty also expected to be key.
Delaware Valley
Ben Ibach, who spent the past six seasons as the offensive coordinator at Delaware Valley, takes over as Terriers head coach after Michael Haughey’s new teaching position made it impossible for him to continue to lead the Terriers. Ibach, who also took Haughey’s spot at the helm of the Del Val girls' basketball team last winter, inherits a football club riding a conference-best 18-year streak of non-losing seasons.
But he also assumes the challenge of replacing some top-level players lost to graduation, including first-team all-conference quarterback Jack Bill, and veteran running back/linebacker Patrick Garlinghouse. The Terriers also graduated their four top receivers and top defensive backs, leaving a mostly inexperienced club for the first-year head coach, who will look to Jeff Bate, Nick Mauro, and Michael Holzworth to handle the leadership.
The quarterback spot is still up for grabs as of press time, with senior Luke Brogan and sophomore Kelton Ibach battling for the top spot. Camp battles for the top running back and receivers spots are still playing out, with RB Stoy Fohring, a returner, and newcomers Michael Holzworth, Will Fritsche, Keith Polin and Eric Klemmer all in the mix for regular touches.
Bate, Mauro, Aycock and Gohil return up front, with newcomer Carter Goron also expected to start on the offensive line. Bate, Polin and Justin Kollmer are expected to lead the defense.
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Voorhees
After winning just one game two years ago, Voorhees got things head back in the right direction last year. The Vikings were certainly within reach of their first winning season since 2017 had injuries not impeded more of their progress last season. Now, with an experienced team carrying high expectations, perhaps this is the year Voorhees gets back over the hump.
Coach Ricky Kurtz knows expectations are meaningless without performance, and he will rely on a strong senior class to lead the way on and off the field. Senior Isaac Levitan returns under center, where he’ll pilot an offense that features classmates Justin Watsuba (slot) and Brandon Kuzeja (RB), who is returning after suffering a season-ending injury on opening day last year. Also expected to impact the offense are Chris Salko, Tyler Kinney and Waylon Jowaiszas, who was also lost for the season in last year’s opener. Sophomore Antonio Sauchelli will also contribute, out of the backfield and in the slot.
Senior returning standout Cameron Baumann leads the line, with fellow 12th-grader Dylan Varela, along with junior Kyle Borgh and Lucas Knagenhjelmand. Levitan (OLB), Salko (FS), and Kurzeja (LB) will be key on defense.
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South River
When South River coach Rich Marchesi talks about players having hard knocks, he doesn’t mean the HBO show that follows NFL teams around in the preseason. Rather, the veteran coach is referring to a handful of his players who saw varsity action last year as underclassmen.
“They were thrown into the fire,” Marchesi said. “No choice.”
That happens sometimes, especially in programs with a lower school enrollment. The good thing — they get older and more seasoned. While the Rams have graduation holes to fill, they return a strong nucleus.
Leading the way is senior quarterback Parker Lane (6-3, 185, CB), who threw for nearly 700 yards last season and nine touchdowns. Marchesi said Lane is making better decisions under center as a senior.
“He feels comfortable,” Marchesi said. “Having fun, laughing, instead of struggling with it. He looks comfortable.”
He’ll get protected by returning linemen Gavin Staffa (Sr., LG/DL) and junior center Karl Nielsen (DL). Varsity newcomers were vying to fill out the line during the first week of practice.
Two tight ends have nice size in Michael Marchesi (Jr., OLB, 6-0, 180, so of the head coach) and Quintin Hamilton (So., DE, 6-2, 185).
Sophomore Philipe Granadeiro is back at running back and linebacker after playing varsity as a rookie. Some of those juniors who gained valuable experience include Aiden Velez (RB/LB), Ryker Stewart, (RB/OLB) and Eddie Herrera (RB/WR/S).
Other players on defense are seniors Troy O’Connor, who is moving to end from linebacker, and down lineman Ryan Popovich.
Bound Brook
Bound Brook would like to erase 2022’s results from their memories after a winless campaign, but, hopefully, can put some of the lessons learned to good use as the program looks to get things turned around. The good news is there’s really nowhere to go but up after being outscored 365-25 a year ago.
Coach Dave LePoidevin is expecting big things from junior two-way lineman Tyler Bhola, who is moving into the lineup for the first time. Classmate and fellow rookie Quaryn Roberts will be another key lineman for the Crusaders. Junior receiver/defensive back Alhim Jones should also make an impact as a newcomer. Juniors Jamile Adoboe (TE/DE), Lucas Coleman (WR/DB) and Grant Guzzino (RB/LB) are the top returning letterwinners.
Simeon Pincus has been covering NJ sports since 1997. He can be reached at SPincus@GannettNJ.com. Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus.
Andy Mendlowitz can be reached at AMendlowitz@NJPressMedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Andy_Mendlowitz
BCC PATRIOT GOLD TEAMS AT A GLANCE
BERNARDS MOUNTAINEERS
Head coach: Jon Simoneau, 16th season (98-49)
Assistants: Dave Carmon (OC), Ryan McCullough (STC), Wayne Simoneau (Quality Control), Chris Kulcsar (QB), Brendan O 'Reilly (DL), Andrew Maurizio (OL), John Maddaluna (WR), Chris Shilts (LB), Zack Lakatos (JV), Steve Masotti Sr. (Freshmen).
State classification: North Group 2
League: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division
Colors: Red and black
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: Multiple 4-4
2022 results (8-2 overall, 4-0 in Patriot Gold, division champ)
Overbrook, W 21-6
Hillside, L 35-20
South River, W 35-0
Voorhees, W 35-0
Delaware Valley, W 17-14
North Plainfield, W 37-0
Bound Brook, W 38-0
New Providence, W 31-0
Governor Livingston, W 42-0
Ramsey in playoffs, L 35-21
2023 schedule
8/25-at Jefferson, 6:30 p.m.
9/2-at Hillside, 1 p.m.
9/8-South River, 7 p.m.
9/14-Voorhees, 7 p.m.
9/22-Delaware Valley, 7 p.m.
9/29-at North Plainfield, 7 p.m.
10/6-Bound Brook, 7 p.m.
10/13-at New Providence, 7 p.m.
10/21-at Governor Livingston, 1 p.m.
BOUND BROOK CRUSADERS
Head coach: Dave LePoidevin, fourth season (9-17)
State classification: South Group 2
League: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division
Colors: Red and black
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: 4-4
2022 results (0-9 overall, 0-6 in BCC Patriot Gold Division)
Middlesex, L 27-0
A.L. Johnson, L 42-0
South River, L 31-0
Voorhees, L 41-6
Delaware Valley, L 53-6
Bernards, L 38-0
Roselle, L 47-6
Manville, L 51-0
Whippany Park, L 35-7
2023 schedule
9/1-Middlesex, 7 p.m.
9/8-at A.L. Johnson, 7 p.m.
9/15-South River, 7 p.m.
9/22-Voorhees, 7 p.m.
9/29-at Delaware Valley, 7 p.m.
10/6-at Bound Brook, 7 p.m.
10/13-Roselle, 7 p.m.
10/20-at Manville, 7 p.m.
DELAWARE VALLEY TERRIERS
Head coach: Ben Ibach, first season
Assistants: Chuck Friedel (DC), Rich Price (co-OC/QBs), Kyle Fogarty (OL/DB), Dan Brokaw (RB/DB), Alan Smarz (Freshmen), Logan Ditmar (Freshmen).
State classification: South Group 2
League: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division
Colors: Blue and Gold
Offensive formation: Spread
Defensive formation: Multiple
2022 results (6-3 overall, 3-1 in BCC Patriot Gold)
Roselle, W 20-17
Voorhees, W 38-7
New Providence, W 33-14
Bernards, L 17-14
Bound Brook, W 53-6
South River, W 48-0
Hillside, L 35-14
North Plainfield, W 48-14
Oakcrest, L 14-0 in playoffs
2023 schedule
9/1-Roselle, 7 p.m.
9/8-Voorhees, 7 p.m.
9/14-at New Providence, 7 p.m.
9/22-at Bernards, 7 p.m.
9/29-Bound Brook, 7 p.m.
10/7-at South River, 2 p.m.
10/13-Hillside, 7 p.m.
10/20-at North Plainfield, 7 p.m.
SOUTH RIVER RAMS
Head coach: Rich Marchesi, 36th season (225-133)
Assistants: Matt Musante (DC/OL/DL; Bobby Young (QB/DB/special teams); Kevin Feaster (QB/DB)State classification: South Group 2
League: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division
Colors: Maroon and gray
Offensive formation: Multiple
Defensive formation: Multiple
2022 results (2-7 overall, 1-3 in BCC Patriot Gold)
Metuchen, W 28-21
Bernards, L 35-0
Bound Brook, W 31-0
Spotswood, L 28-21
Voorhees, L 34-14
Delaware Valley, L 48-0
Governor Livingston, L 17-7
A.L. Johnson, L 35-9
Keansburg, L 33-18
2023 schedule
9/2-Metuchen, 1 p.m.
9/8-at Bernards, 7 p.m.
9/15-at Bound Brook, 7 p.m.
9/23-Spotswood, 1 p.m.
9/29-at Voorhees, 7 p.m.
10/7-Delaware Valley, 2 p.m.
10/14-Governor Livingston, 1 p.m.
10/20-at A.L. Johnson, 7 p.m.
VOORHEES VIKINGS
Head coach: Ricky Kurtz, fifth season (10-27)
Assistants: Jake Petro (DC), Pat Mancini (OL/DL), Steve Gross (OL/DL), Patrick LaFevre (RB/LB), Rob Miller (STC/WR/DB), Nick Perkalis (TE/H/DE/OLB), Colin Rapach (WR/DB), Tommy Driscoll (OL/DL), Reagan Loescher (RB/LB).
State classification: North Group 3
League: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division
Colors: Maroon and gold
Offensive formation: Gun-T/spread
Defensive formation: 3-5
2022 results (3-6 overall, 2-2 in BCC Patriot Gold)
North Plainfield, W 33-12
Delaware Valley, L 38-7
Bernards, L 35-0
Bound Brook, W 41-6
South River, W 34-14
South Plainfield, L 33-19
J.F Kennedy, L 21-7
North Hunterdon, L 35-7
Millburn L 15-13
2023 schedule
8/25-Somerville, 7 p.m.
8/31-North Plainfield, 7 p.m.
9/8-at Delaware Valley, 7 p.m.
9/14-at Bernards, 7 p.m.
9/22-at Bound Brook, 7 p.m.
9/29-South River, 7 p.m.
10/6-at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.
10/13-J.F. Kennedy, 7 p.m.
10/20-North Hunterdon, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Football preview: Big Central Conference Patriot Gold Division
