JERRY WOLKOWITZ Monroe junior Eric Gaston hits the hole during a recent practice at Monroe High School.
An experienced offensive line will lead the Monroe High School football team’s option attack as the Falcons look to improve upon last year’s 2-8 mark.
Right guard and co-captain Brian Staffa (5-10, 215), a three-year starter; center Mike Tanzi (6-0, 215); and left guard Steve Bordonaro (6-0, 240) give Monroe solid hands on both sides of the line.
In addition, tackles Rich Narvaez (6-0, 230) and Chris Romano (5-11, 225) both saw significant playing time a year ago. Tanzi and Romano are juniors, while the other three are seniors.
They will lead the way for five runners whom coach Jim Griffin plans to alternate in the backfield. Senior Mario Zygadlo (6-1, 215) is the top returnee, after rushing for more than 300 yards last fall. Senior Brian Ruane (5-10, 165), juniors Matt Fromhold (5-10, 170), and Nick Asta (5-11, 180), and promising sophomore James Boyd (6-3, 205) round out the running backs.
"We have to be able to run the football with the option," Griffin said. "This should be a power team. Our backs all run well, and they have excellent blockers in front of them."
Two juniors, Jarad Axelrod (5-8, 155) and Eric Gaston (6-1, 175), are likely to alternate at quarterback, at least in the early going. Both players can run with the ball, but the key, according to Griffin, will be completing enough passes to aid the effectiveness of the Falcons’ running game.
Their targets include senior wideouts Dennis Chieffo, Keith Hackett and Brian Swenson, as well as Stephan Kowalewski, a senior, and Chris Kavach, a junior, who will be the tight ends.
Kowalewski, the place-kicker, is arguably the best in the Greater Middlesex Conference and one of the best in the state, and gives Monroe a top-notch scoring threat when drives stall. Last year he booted seven field goals (four of them from more than 40 yards away).
Kavach, meanwhile, is one of the top punters in the conference, which should help keep opponents in their own territory.
"Our kicking game will really help us," Griffin said. "Anytime we get across the 40, we have a legitimate shot at three points, and our punting will help us keep good field position."
Defensively, the Falcons should be much stingier than a year ago. Asta and junior Joe Palach (5-11, 180) will be at the ends, with Staffa and Bordonaro at the tackles, and junior Sean Denehy (5-9, 165) at nose guard. Zygadlo and Kavach are the linebackers, Ruane and Fromhold are the safeties, and Hackett and junior Rudy James are the cornerbacks.
"Last year our defense gave up too many big plays in the passing game, and that’s one area where we’re much improved," Griffin said. "We’ve also played very well against the run in our scrimmages. The guys are pursuing well, and I’ve seen a noticeable improvement."
Despite its struggles last year, Monroe could easily have put up four wins. The Falcons dropped a 14-13 game against Carteret and lost 21-16 to Colonia.
"I think this will be a very competitive team, and there’s no reason this team can’t succeed," Griffin said.