By: Rich Fisher
The Monroe Wolverines Pop Warner teams got their season underway in Linden this past Sunday and three teams came up winners. The Wolverines first home game will be this Saturday, 4 p.m., against North Brunswick. The home opener will be celebrated with a pep rally tonight (Friday), 7 p.m., at Danny Ryan Field.
Here’s a look at last week’s opening games.
MITEY MITES
The Mites started out on a sour note when Linden claimed a 7-0 lead, but Monroe rallied for three straight touchdowns en route to a 21-7 victory.
Monroe got touchdown runs from Zach Gorham, Mitchell Martucci and Chris Cordova to win going away. D.J. Mascali came up with a 60-yard run from scrimmage, and a stingy defense was powered by Bobby Steffe, Matt Siemons and Danny Gregor.
"I think the game went very well," assistant coach Mike Roberts said. "The kids were very prepared and enthusiastic about playing, and played a great game.
"After Linden went ahead, they stayed focus. They didn’t get unraveled by going down early, and they stayed with it. The offensive line did a great job, they were the strength of the team."
Rounding out the Mitey Mites roster are Gerald Boque, Ryan Fisher, Chris Germano, Patrick Diaz, Louis Pron, Evan Kaiser, Nick Isola, Nick Romano, Steve Kovaleski, Kyle Crothers, Sean Sowinski, Zach Wilson, Matt Magaraci, Nick Mazzio, Brandon Quinn, Gordon DeMetzky, Ryan Stolte, Steve Montes, Ed Walp, Brett Witt, Macklin Regan, Cole Witt, Jeff Cassella, James DeSalvo, Wesley Glessman, Jared Hussey and Bobby Horsh.
JUN IOR PEE WEES
The Juniors pitched a shutout in their opener, taking a 19-0 victory over Linden. Nick Dini set up the first score with an interception. Dini then ran the ball close to the goal line to allow quarterback Alex Vizcaino to score.
In the second quarter, Kyle Mike ran for substantial yardage, and Vizcaino found Steven Calavano for the Wolverine’s second touchdown. Dini ran in the extra point to make it 13-0 at halftime. In the fourth quarter, Mike’s long run set up the final score, as Vizcaino ran it in from a yard out.
Defensively, Matt Gorham had an interception, Jake O’Brien, Nick Cantor and Jason Spennato had fumble recoveries and Marc Tyson, Xavier Selby and Cantor played strong all-around defensive games that held Linden without a first down.
"We had a great year last year at 7-1, so I’m comparing everything to last year," coach Dave Gregor said. "But we’ve moved up into a tougher division because of our success, so the schedule will definitely be tougher.
"We have a lot of first-year players and have about 10 or 11 kids that are 70 pounds in a league where the max is 95. But they were a pleasant surprise (in the opener). I thought we’d be challenged, but it came down to conditioning and discipline. We were running two plays at a time with no huddle and catching them off guard."
Other players on the roster this year include John Albecker, Corey Deak, Dan Deevey, Dan Ficci, Ryan Fleming, Matt Garabaldi, Ryan Genevieve, Marcus Moonesar, Robert Mucciolo, Joe Naddeo, Brian Nale, Tyler Paquette, Giovani Perone, Daniel Roberts, Jason Saley, Xavier Selby, Willie Wager, Michael Walp and Matt Yoffredo.
PEE WEES
Trailing 7-6 with six minutes remaining, Ross Worden scored on an 11-yard-run to give the Pee Wees a 13-7 victory over Linden.
Monroe scored on its first drive of the game, capped by Frank Ruopoli’s touchdown run. Chris Geist also contributed to the drive.
Defensively, coach Pat Cusanelli felt the entire squad played well.
"They only got one first down," the coach said. "We just made too many mistakes offensively.
"I think we should be a real good team this year. I coached them three years ago and we were 7-1 in Mitey Mites, and last year they were 7-1 in Junior Pee Wees. I have high expectations, I know the talent is there. We just have to put it together."
The Pee Wees complete roster includes Mike Caccioppoli, Mathew Calavano, Patrick Cusanelli, Travis Dufner, Christopher Geist, Jeremy Governale, Christopher Gregor, Richard Hackworth, Patrick Harrity, Glenn Lucas, Joseph Martucci, Brandon Mottolla, Chris Ogule, Eric Palasay, Eric Paone, Jonhathan Philbert, Frank Ruopoli, David Saley, Luke Stanisce, Max Stanisce, Kashaun Stroughn, Brandon Vetrocin and Ross Worden.
MIDGETS
The Midgets lost their season-opener to Linden, as the home team converted four turnovers into two touchdowns. Monroe’s offense gained just 47 yards, including a 20-yard pass from Ryan Worden to Christian Hanley. Monroe also got hard running from Justin Doslik and good blocking from Kyle Gigiello.
Defensively, Gigiello and Doslik led the team in tackles, while first-year player Jason Schick had two fumble recoveries and a tackle.
