Freehold Borough looks to build on last year’s success

Staff Writer

By tim morris

Freehold Borough looks to
build on last year’s success


JERRY WOLKOWITZ Freehold’s Keith Reed lunges for extra yardage during a scrimmage against Monsignor Donovan on Friday. JERRY WOLKOWITZ Freehold’s Keith Reed lunges for extra yardage during a scrimmage against Monsignor Donovan on Friday.

AA year ago, the Colonials were coming off a winless season and motivated to show everyone that they were far better than their record. They accomplished their mission and a whole lot more, winning the school’s first football championship since 1985.

This fall, the motivation for Coach Larry Boice’s Colonials is to keep it going.

"We return a number of kids who experienced success last year," said Boice. "We lost some pretty good football players, but we’ve kept some good ones as well."

Heading the returners is three-year starter Keith Reed. Boice expects his senior tailback to have a big breakout season.

"He’s a good football player," noted Boice. "He’s a smooth runner. He’s very elusive and has good speed. He also understands the wing-T better."

Reed and Larry Hendrickson are the Colonial co-captains.

Hendrickson is another of the quality players returning from the ’99 championship team.

The senior will be the cornerstone of the offensive line.

The Colonials will be relying on his leadership skills as well as his blocking talents at guard to mold the offensive line into an effective unit.

Hendrickson is also valuable on the defensive side where he plays end.

Senior Jon Rudman steps in at quarterback, replacing graduated starter Steve DiNicolas.

The 6-2, 185-pound Rudman will bring a balance between the run and pass to the position. He has a strong arm that will stretch defenses and he also runs the ball well.

He’ll be backed by promising junior Brett Jones.

Josh James played beside all-state linebacker Darrell Reid last year where he learned a thing or two about the position of inside linebacker.

"He’s a tough, all-out player," Boice said of his junior. "He learned from one of the best."

Other returners include defensive tackle Tiron Custus, offensive tackle/center Gary Cocco, outside linebacker Anthony Hubbert and tight end/defensive end Elton Cook.

Newcomers include senior offensive/defensive lineman Ray Taylor; and juniors Ed Wilgucki, offensive/defensive lineman; Anthony Smith, offensive tackle; John Renni, guard; and Jamar Ousley, outside linebacker.

"We have a very enthusiastic bunch of kids," said Boice. "That’s a sign that we’ll be competitive. The kids have experienced success and they want to keep it going."

The numbers are up at Freehold Borough and that is always a good sign for the Colonials.

"There’s no doubt that success breeds more numbers," Boice pointed out.

Freehold Borough will be in the new National Division this fall, but it won’t have a significant impact on their schedule. The Colonials will still be playing the likes of Rumson-Fair Haven, Holmdel, Mater Dei, Keyport and Shore Regional.

Colts Neck will be Freehold Borough’s new Thanksgiving Day opponent.