As expected, Flashes dominate all-star squads

By: Sean Moylan
   You could have probably just written down "the entire Florence boys’ varsity football team’s defense" when selecting the Freedom Division First Team All-Stars and few would have argued.
   As it was the Flashes had five players (Brett Burg, Jeff Erlston, Ryan Lee, Joe Spahn and Dave Havens) make it as defensive First-Team all-stars. Matt Ordog, Abree Jones, Maurice "Mo" Calhoun, Zach Rinaldi and Ryan Arroyo would have certainly made the first-team all defense too had they not already been selected as First-Team offensive players.
   Joe Fitzpatrick, who continued the Flashes’ rich tradition of always having great centers, was also chosen as a first-teamer.
   The most conspicuous name absent in the lost of First Team All-Stars was that of Pat Montalto. A master ball-stripper and tackler, Montalto has never received the recognition he has deserved as a player. And even though he was picked to the Freedom Division All-Star Second Team, which is an honor in itself, it seems he deserved much more this season.
   Taylor Lovejoy, Joe Havens, Dan Woolston, Anthony Cardone, Andrew Cipriano and Bobby Render were also chosen as Second Team all-stars.
   Brett "The Bruiser" Burg delivers the kind of hits that make one happy to be on the sidelines. If Florence’s great senior linebacker had not made the all-star team, the town of Florence would have probably called for an investigation.
   Florence had a huge hole to fill on its defensive line when Chad Kessler graduated last spring. However, football life without Kessler became a lot easier for the Flashes when senior Jeff Erlston, already a brilliant tight end, took his already solid game to the next level on the D-line this season. Big and fearsome, no Flash, other than Ryan Arroyo, strikes a more imposing figure than Erlston.
   Senior Ryan Lee is the Flashes’ rock on the defensive line. A good "wrap up" tackler, Lee is one of the Flashes greatest technical players. He’s also a fine punter too. You never see Ryan Lee make a mental mistake on the football field.
   Junior Joe Spahn, a linebacker, is the kind of player one pays to see. At least once a game Spahn makes a big tackle, interception or fumble recovery that produces a deafening roar from Florence’s fans. He is a special player.
   Don’t let Dave Havens’ friendly smile fool you. On the football field he is as tough as they come. He has had a great season intercepting and batting down passes.
   When one considers offense and defense no one on the Flashes makes more big plays than Matt Ordog, Florence’s brilliant senior quarterback. His touchdown tosses to Zach Rinaldi this season are already the stuff of legend. Moreover, he is completely fearless on quarterback sneaks over the middle.
   Junior Abree Jones is so talented one could envision him having a couple of 300-plus rushing games next season. Jones combines blazing speed with stellar tackle-breaking skills to make him one of the most formidable runners in Burlington County. He also is a tremendous kicker.
   Senior Maurice Calhoun is a fine clutch runner who’ll always fight for the extra yard. A natural leader, Calhoun gets the job done regardless of the circumstances.
   Football coaches like to talk about receivers "creating separation." No receiver in the Freedom Division creates more space between himself and the defensive back than Zach Rinaldi, a senior. Rinaldi’s incredible speed and fancy moves make him virtually unstoppable in single coverage situations.
   Ryan Arroyo is the ultimate offensive lineman, a big guy with quickness. Arroyo is so good he should make an excellent college football player for some lucky team.
   A great special teams player, Taylor Lovejoy made the Second Team as a wingback on offense.
   Although he missed some time with injuries Bobby Render still was selected as a Second Team defensive back. Render, quietly, makes all the plays.
   Joe Havens is just a solid offensive lineman, who often has key blocks on sweeps.
   A defensive lineman, Dan Woolston is another terrific tackler.
   Junior linebacker Anthony "The Little Dynamo" Cardone propels himself at runners like he’s being shot out of a cannon. He’s fearless and talented.
   Senior Andrew Cipriano is just a good offensive lineman with great intelligence and an excellent attitude. He carries out his assignments to perfection.
   While Florence Coach Joe Frappolli seemed somewhat satisfied with the squad overall, he questioned Montalto’s exclusion from the First Team All-Stars and commented, "I thought he was a first-teamer." Number 62 really was that good.