Monmouth football team
looks to notch some wins
Golden Falcons ready to take on tough schedule
FARRAH MAFFAI Monmouth Regional’s James Elhomsi drags a couple of Marlboro defenders during a recent scrimmage at Marlboro.
Sometimes a team’s record doesn’t reflect how good the team really is. For the Monmouth Regional Golden Falcons, 0-10 doesn’t even begin to represent who they truly are.
Placed in Central Jersey Group III and the Shore Conference Liberty Division, the Falcons have a schedule that proves annually to be an uphill battle.
But coach Bob Merola refuses to make excuses and instead concentrates on improving his Falcons and getting them ready for the regular season. And thus far, he likes what he’s seen from his team.
"We haven’t looked too bad during the preseason," Merola said. "We’ve made some mistakes, but the kids are learning and improving with each practice and scrimmage."
Merola believes that offensively, his team will be improved from last year with Jerrell Coleman at quarterback and a rotating core of running backs, including Aaron Shaw, Steven McQuay, Jason McQuay, Andrew Datre, Julian Colin, James Elhomsi and Chris Ballard.
One change Merola has noticed about his offensive unit in general is the improved speed.
Complementing Monmouth’s numerous ground weapons will be the receivers, with Pat Barnet leading the way.
Defensively the Falcons’ strongest group is the secondary. Shaw, Barnet, Derek Simmons, Ballard, Ronny Stokes, Barry Bostrick and Jeremy Costa should wreak havoc on opposing offenses with their speed and athletic ability. Merola hopes their presence will provide consistent pressure on opposing offenses and allow some of his down linemen to find holes in the offensive line.
Merola has set some realistic goals for his team. While he knows that wins are there for his team to take, he is stressing hard work and discipline, day in and day out.
"The kids are playing well. This group of kids is very close, and they come to play," he said.
Assisting Merola is Gerry Schulty, Ted Jarmusz, Carmen Magnota, J.C. Grey, Fred Kampf Jr., Anthony Gitano and John Phepps.
Monmouth opens up tonight against a solid St. John Vianney squad, with its home opener next week against Point Pleasant Boro. From there, the Golden Falcons will take on Wall, Monsignor Donovan, Manasquan, Red Bank Catholic, Asbury Park, Long Branch and Ocean.
It’s a difficult schedule for sure, but Monmouth has grown accustomed to that. And if it’s true that tough competition only makes you stronger, Monmouth should be an improved team this time around.