Flag team enjoyed success
By: John E. Powers
The Manville Mavericks, the foundation of the Manville Youth Athletic League football program, built another strong base this fall.
Led by quarterback A.J. Bocchino, and the outstanding blocking and running of Anthony Zuhone, Nick Herenza and the line of Kyle Puza and Jared Matisak, the Mavs produced another outstanding season.
Middle linebacker D.J. McHugh made countless flag grabs, defensive tackle Travis Keastead harassed opposing team’s quarterbacks and Bocchino, Zuhone, Herenza and Scott Caswell added outstanding plays on defense.
The team had contributions from many places.
The defensive line of Stephen Agans, Derrick Ballicki, Bocchino, Drew Byra, Caswell, Keastead, Randy Marshall, Jack Murray, Danny Peltack and Zuhone stood tall. The defensive backfield of Troy Armstrong, Bobby Demeter, Jeremy Nurnberger, Tyler Pluchino and Coty Willey came up to support the line. The offensive line of Ballicki, Byra, Caswell, Keastead, Tim Lukac, Matisak, Peltack, Puza, David Rubin and McHugh did a solid job blocking.
The Mavericks also got great production from linebackers Caswell, Joey Hanover, Marshall, Zuhone, Herenza and McHugh.
Running backs Ballicki, Bocchino, Caswell, Demeter, Hanover, Keastead, Murray, Zuhone and Herenza were outstanding.
The coaching staff was led by longtime co-head coaches Joe Morella and John Snow. The assistants were Kevin McHugh, Mark Peltack, Jeff Morella, Eric Manguel and the student advisor was Aaron Janner. Nancy Bocchino was team commissioner.