NJ football preview: A look at the Big Central Conference's National Gold Division teams
With kickoff for the 2023 football season set for Aug. 25, storylines abound in the Big Central Conference. Here's a look at the league's National Gold Division squads and what to expect this fall as we continue our preseason coverage.
EAST BRUNSWICK BEARS
East Brunswick’s record said one thing, but how they played looked totally different.
The Bears gave just about everybody fits last season, but couldn’t snare that win until the final game. The good thing — the players displayed a fighting spirit and kept showing up. That attitude carried into the offseason with a fresh start this fall.
The team’s motto: “What can we be in 23?”
The Bears graduated quarterback Ben Solimini, who rushed for 1,030 yards. They received a boost with prolific passer Vito Tropeano, who started in the EB school system, transferred back from Elizabeth.
He looks to throw to senior captains Ryan Bennett (DB), Derick Christie (DE), Logan Conrardy (DB), as well as to Marco Guddat (Sr., DB) and Ethan Hernandez (Jr., DB).
Another senior captain Elias Viscariello (OL/DL) provides leadership on the lines.
Newcomers looking to have breakout seasons include seniors Abe Algarin (DL/OL), Marcelo Perez (LB/OL), Brian Marmion (DE/OL), juniors Felix Munoz (DB/WR), Faruq Tajudeen (LB/RB) and sophomores George Crostewitz (LB/RB), Jacob Howard (LB/RB), Noah DeJesus (DL/OL) and Anthony Talluto (DL/OL).
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MONROE FALCONS
Nick Isola is the kind of guy who bleeds the purple and gold.
He played at Monroe, as did his two brothers, and began his coaching career as the team’s freshman coach. He wants to be there. Now, he takes over as the skipper for Dan Lee, who stepped down after eight seasons.
“It absolutely been a dream come true to have this opportunity to be head football coach at the school I played for,” Isola said. “Give these kids the opportunity that I had and every single day that’s what I go to work for is to make sure that the program is in great hands and these kids have the best experience possible.”
Isola, who played at Widener, was the offensive coordinator since 2019, including a prolific 2020 season in which Monroe finished, fi 5-1.
The Falcons do graduate key players, including spark plugs Christian Updale (WR/QB/ Returner) and Aidan Lane (WR/S) and offensive linemen Varun Magadum and Tejman Singh.
However, they return a blend of some veterans with newcomers. Leading the way are captains in seniors Salvatore Marchione (WR/S/P), Jordan Lacerte (RB/LB), Kaushal Gandra (OL/DL), Evan Kalabratzidis (OL/DL) and junior Logan Fotiadis (WR/OLB).
At quarterback, Brandon Macaluso (Jr.) and Zack Wallace (Sr.) were seeing reps during the preseason, and Ryan Bayoumy (Jr., TE/DE) is a returning letter winner.
Among the newcomers to watch are Ryan McCaffrey (Sr., LB), Jordan Lockhart (Jr., CB), Landon Corley (Sr., DL), Victor Velasco (Jr., OLB/K), Anthony Salesi (Jr., WR/DB), Dylan Degraw (Jr., OL/DL_, JJ Aiello (Jr., OL) and Ryan Czuba (Sr., OL/DL).
OLD BRIDGE KNIGHTS
It’s just the cycle of high school sports — you can’t help but lose a chunk of players from time to time with new guys eager for their chance.
That’s the case for Old Bridge as the season gets underway. The Knights lose some veterans, including seven All-Division players sprinkled throughout the lineup.
“We have a good amount of kids coming back,” coach Matt Donaghue said. “We have a lot of underclassmen. It’s a matter of molding them together and getting the younger kids caught up to speed and teaching them how to win on a Friday night. I like the athleticism we have. We’re definitely a tough group of kids. It’s still early for us to really have any type of prediction to see where we’re at. We have to see how we’ll play.”
There’s still plenty of excitement for the Knights, a program that’s always in the mix.
CJ Fortunes takes over at quarterback for the graduated Brady Cavallaro (1,521 passing yards, 17 TD). The 6-foot-4, 225 pound-junior gives the Knights a dual threat under center and also plays cornerback. He can also line up as tight end with sophomore Brody Nugent (DB) able to take snaps when he's not at receiver.
Running backs Stephen Davies (Jr., 102 yards last season) and sophomores Jaden Endaz and Jeremiah Dixon are in the mix for carries. Jaden Griffith (Jr.) is at No. 1 receiver with Brody Hunt, working in at quarterback and fullback.
All-Division senior Pietro Gambino is back at receiver/defensive back, as is sophomore Xavier Diaz.
The offensive line includes All-Division Ryan Kuhl (Sr., OT/DL), Jason Blume (Sr., C), Noah Balbuena (Jr., RT), Jordayn Rogers (Jr., OG), Jayson Focarino (Sr., OG), Zack Florio (So., DL/OL), Noble Heron (So., OL/DL), Lucas Thomas (Sr.), Matt Velez (Sr.) and Eloi Latouche (Sr.).
Also seeing time at defensive line are Zahmir Evans (Jr., DE), Mike Kvas (So., DE/WR), Jared Ruderman (Sr., DL) and Tremel Forson (Jr.).
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The linebackers consist of seniors Kevin Diaz and Kyle Hughes on the inside, as well as Tasye Walker (Jr.) and Tommy Kasoff (So.). Playing outside linebackers are Jake Gervase (Sr.), Munvy Franzoise (Jr.), Enaz, Mehki Wolfe (Jr.) and Justin Valinotti (So.)
Also in the secondary are Kelvin Moliina (Sr.), Noah Rios (So.) and Aiden Reynoso (Jr.). Senior Josh Endaz handles the kicking duties.
PISCATAWAY CHIEFS
Imagine getting to edit a young Hemingway or spotting the raw skill in Picasso’s early lines, and knowing something special is there.
Well, maybe the Piscataway football team isn’t quite at that level, but coach Dan Higgins likes the talent he sees on the gridiron. They still need some seasoning with a majority of first-year starters and underclassmen. They’ve shown glimpses in the scrimmages, but … “The only missing ingredient is they weren’t out there under the lights,” said Higgins, who’s entering his 21st season at the helm. “That was a very heavy senior team. So with that being said, it’s just a matter of getting them some experience and as we go we’ll grow and get better. …
“There’s still no substitute for Friday night lights. So I expect this team to get better game-to-game as the season goes on. And I expect us to be playing really good football by the end because we’re talented. We’re just young.”
The good thing — the program is back. Or as Higgins said, “It feels like normal again.”
Piscataway was one of the few districts across the state that canceled the 2020 falls sports slate because of safety concerns for COVID-19. That set back the Chiefs’ football team, considered one of the best public school programs in the state.
Piscataway went 0-8 in 2021 and improved to 6-3 last season and snared a postseason berth. Now, the players are coming up through the pipeline like in years past.
“The good thing is now all the underclassmen are ready to play football where they weren’t before,” Higgins said, “and now we have our cycle of work that goes into it — and I’m including playing other sports and competing all the time. Then you got the weight room and you got the summer. There’s no abnormality to the whole situation except there’s so few seniors. We only have a couple guys and they’re very good players but there’s not a lot of them.”
Piscataway must replace the dynamic Antonio Rivera (RB/WR/DB, 1,426 all-purpose yards, Piscataway record with five career kick returns for TDs and had 30 tackles on defense).
Taking over at quarterback for Aleks Sitkowski, who transferred to Watchung Hills, is junior Elan McCrorey.
“He is like a prototypical Piscataway quarterback,” Higgins said. “Very athletic. Can run, he can also play defense, too. We have him playing some cornerback. That tells you how athletic he is, but he can make all the throws. He’s good with the deep ball. He’s very good with the short immediate. His accuracy is good. His arm strength is good. He’s just learning how to be a quarterback.”
Piscataway does return its two leading receivers in Jahai Johnson (Jr., WR/DB, who had 11 catches for 172 yards and two scores and De’Shaun Stephens (12) (WR/DB/KR, 8 catches for 135 yards and TD).
Other players back with experience include seniors Kiandre Dato-Snead (WR/LB/DB) and Kenley Candil (WR/DB/K) and juniors Altarik White (OL/DL) and Horace Thompson (FB/DE).
The top newcomers include juniors DaJuan Weems (RB/LB), Josh Stephens (RB/LB), Mark Peterson (OL/DL), Nathan Waldorf (OL/DL) and Riley Wingate (OL/DL/LB).
SOUTH BRUNSWICK VIKINGS
South Brunswick has a lot of tradition through the years. Head coach Joe Goerge even mentioned Mohamed Sanu and Justin Shorter, alums and future NFL players, at the Big Central Conference Media Day.
Senior Braden Paulmenn was asked about the coaching staff.
“He has three state championships with us,“ said Paulmenn, a QB and DB, “so we obviously know that the results are there. So if we put in the effort like those guys did, we bring the talent, we see the results. There’s proof that what he does works and what he says works. So ultimately if we just do what he says, the goal — state championship.”
Goerge grabbed the microphone and added with a smile: “But that doesn’t happen all the time.”
No, it doesn’t, but expectations were high when Goerge returned to South Brunswick last season after his seven-year run at the school ended in 2018.
The Vikings battled last season in a 5-5 record. Now, they bring back a good balance of veterans and newcomers as they look for a postseason berth.
“We’re excited,” Goerge said. "It’s a good group. It’s fun coaching this group. I’m really enjoying it and getting back involved with the offense a lot more since my son took the head job at Stevens (Jason Goerge, last year’s offensive coordinator who is now the head coach at J.P. Stevens).”
Paulmenn takes over at quarterback full-time after playing the final four games there last fall. He threw for 361 yards (17-of-22) and rushed for 327 yards on 60 carries. He also had 52 solo tackles at strong safety.
Other top returners are seniors Matt Pierre (OL/DL), Greg Sledge (OL/DL) and Shawn Schneider (Slot/DB) and juniors Dason Boateng (OL/DL) and Chisom Asonye (LB).
Among the newcomers to watch are Jayden Davis (So., RB/DB), Jeylon Billups (So., RB/LB), Evan Cojocar (Jr., CB/WR), Mario Williams (So., WR/DB) and Xavier Hullum (Jr., RB/LB).
BCC NATIONAL GOLD DIVISION AT A GLANCE
EAST BRUNSWICK BEARS
Head coach: Andy Steinfeld, 5th season (17-19)
Assistants: Matt Pazinko (OC), Dan Pike (DC), Allen Grosholz (RB/DL, Head JV Coach), Zack Gega (WR/DB), Crispin Prott (volunteer), Chris Corsale (Head Freshmen Coach), Delbin Espinal (Assistant Freshmen Coach), Dave Hagan (Head Middle School Coach), Nick Candelario (Assistant Middle School), Anthony Cavallo (Assistant Middle School)
State classification: South Group 5
League: Big Central Conference National Gold Division
Colors: Green and white
Offensive formation: Multiple formations
Defensive formation: 4-2-5
2022 results (1-8 overall, 0-4 in BCC National Gold)
Hillsborough, L 42-6
Monroe, L 24-14
South Brunswick, L 29-14
Old Bridge, L 24-7
Sayreville, L 35-21
Piscataway, L 42-14
North Brunswick, L 26-0
Phillipsburg, L 28-0
J.F. Kennedy, W 42-22
2023 schedule
8/25-Franklin, 7 p.m.
9/1-Hillsborough, 7 p.m.
9/8-Monroe, 7 p.m.
9/14-at South Brunswick, 6:30 p.m.
9/22-Old Bridge, 7 p.m.
9/29-at Sayreville, 7 p.m.
10/6-at Piscataway, 6 p.m.
10/13-North Brunswick, 7 p.m.
10/20-at Philipsburg, 7 p.m
MONROE FALCONS
Head coach: Nick Isola, first season
State classification: South Group 5
League: Big Central Conference National Gold Division
Colors: Purple and gold
Offensive formation: 11 personnel up tempo
Defensive formation: 3-4
2022 results (2-7 overall, 1-3 in BCC National Gold)
Ridge, L 48-0
East Brunswick, W 24-14
Piscataway, L 40-24
New Brunswick, W 34-28
South Brunswick, L 27-17
Old Bridge, L 28-21
Plainfield, L 54-28
South Plainfield, L 19-14
Mount Olive, L 35-27
2023 schedule
8/25-Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 6 p.m.
8/31-Ridge, 6 p.m.
9/8-at East Brunswick, 7 p.m.
9/14-Piscataway, 6 p.m.
9/22-at New Brunswick, 6 p.m.
9/29-at South Brunswick, 6:30 p.m.
10/6-Old Bridge, 7 p.m.
10/13-Plainfield, 7 p.m.
10/20-at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.
OLD BRIDGE KNIGHTS
Head coach: Matt Donaghue, 2nd season (5-5)
Assistants: Anthony Rybek (OC/RB/DB), Mohamad El-Sherbini (DC), Scott Messler (OL/DL), Sean Gleason (Special Teams Coordinator/JV), Andrew Boriello (Freshmen), Cam Hutchins (DB), Kyle Wiggins (RB/freshman and JV OC), Matt Flores (freshman WR/DB)Collis Spann (Strength and Conditioning) Will Williams (Frosh Volunteer); Bobby Wunder (OL/DL Volunteer); Niko Endaz (OL/DL Volunteer); Zach Scire (DB/WR Volunteer)
State classification: South Group 5
League: Big Central Conference National Gold Division
Colors: Purple and black
Offensive formation: Power sprea
Defensive formation: 4-2-
2022 results (5-5 overall, 3-1 in CC National Gold)
Trenton, W 40-6
Somerville, L 42-33
South Brunswick, W 27-22
North Brunswick, L 33-7
East Brunswick, W 24-7
Piscataway, L 38-14
Monroe, W 28-21
New Brunswick, W 28-0
Bridgewater-Raritan, L 34-0
Toms River North, L 49-7
2023 schedule
8/25-at Woodbridge, 6 p.m.
9/1-at Somerville, 7 p.m.
9/8-South Brunswick, 7 p.m.
9/14-North Brunswick, 7 p.m.
9/22-at East Brunswick, 7 p.m.
9/29-Piscataway, 7 p.m.
10/6-at Monroe, 7 p.m.
10/13-at New Brunswick, 7 p.m.
10/20-Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.
PISCATAWAY CHIEFS
Head coach: Dan Higgins, 21st season (160-50)
Assistants: James Marsh (DC/LB), Craig Lowery (OC), Jeff Cerro (OL), Loroine McKnight (RB/DB), AJ Cook (QB/RB/DB), Kyle Higgins (WR/DB), Mike Pernell (QB), Frank Uhrin (DL/Freshmen), Rashon Cooper (Freshmen), Tevin Shaw (volunteer), Gerry Wilson (volunteer), Bill Gonzalez (volunteer), Robert Uhrin (volunteer), John B. Thompson (volunteer)
State classification: North Group 5
League: Big Central Conference National Gold Division
Colors: Black and gold
Offensive formation: Multiple Sets
Defensive formation: 4-3
2022 results (6-3 overall, 3-1 in BCC National Gold)
Hunterdon Central, L 17-0
Franklin, W 19-14
Monroe, W 40-24
South Brunswick, L 14-13
Old Bridge, W 38-14
East Brunswick, W 42-14
Sayreville, W 14-8
New Brunswick, W 51-0
Eastside, L 28-7
2023 schedule
8/25-Long Branch, 7 p.m.
9/1-at Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.
9/8-Franklin, 6 p.m.
9/14-at Monroe, 6 p.m.
9/22-South Brunswick, 6 p.m.
9/29-at Old Bridge, 7 p.m.
10/6-East Brunswick, 6 p.m.
10/13-Sayreville, 6 p.m.
10/20-at New Brunswick, 7 p.m.
SOUTH BRUNSWICK VIKINGS
Head coach: Joe Goerge, 9th season at South Brunswick, second stints (68-22)
Assistants: Michael Goerge (LB, calls defense), James Noebels (OL/DL), Erik Trost (Safeties/Slots), Ryan Lynady (CB/WR), Chris Rossomando (LB/Strength & Speed), Kevin Drakes (RB/LB), Pete Ogrodnik (Freshman), Nurt Dunbar (Freshman)
State classification: South Group 5
League: Big Central Conference National Gold Division
Colors: Black and gold
Offensive formation: Triple option
Defensive formation: 3-3 stack
2022 results (5-5 overall, 3-1 in BCC National Gold)
North Brunswick, L 19-0
Old Bridge, L 27-22
East Brunswick, W 29-14
Piscataway, W 14-13
Monroe, W 27-17
Ridge, L 24-7
Edison, L 42-21
Somerville, L 41-28
Howell, W 21-20
Egg Harbor, W 41-25
2023 schedule
8/25-Hillsborough, 6 p.m.
9/1-North Brunswick, 6:30 p.m.
9/8-at Old Bridge, 7 p.m.
9/14-East Brunswick, 6:30 p.m.
9/22-at Piscataway, 6 p.m.
9/29-Monroe, 6:30 p.m.
10/6-at Ridge, 7 p.m.
10/13-Edison, 6:30 p.m.
10/20-at Somerville, 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ football preview: A look at the BCC National Gold Division
