BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Staff Writer
SCOTT PILLING staff St. John Vianney quarterback Anthony Zambito goes airborne during a recent scrimmage in Freehold Township. Zambito is one of two quarterbacks that head coach John Amabile intends to use this year as the Lancers hope to be competitive within the Liberty Division. With a veteran offensive line returning and a potentially high-powered attack, the St. John Vianney High School football team will be looking to improve dramatically on last year’s 2-8 record.
The Lancers, who open at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Holmdel, will feature a multiple-set offense and won’t be afraid to throw the ball, coach John Amabile said.
Center Joe Dallavalle, guards Evan Orosz and Joe Melchionna, and tackle Ryan Chehanske, all seniors, along with tackle Dan Calabrese, man the line.
Sophomore tailback Dave Whittaker, who ran for 600 yards in 95 attempts as a freshman, gives the Lancers a speedy presence in the backfield. Senior Rob Howell is the fullback.
Amabile also has two quarterbacks with strong arms.
Junior Anthony Zambito saw some playing time behind center last season, and freshman Steve Zwroka has been impressive in camp. Their primary target will be senior Kevin McInerney, who hauled in 39 passes for nearly 400 yards a year ago.
Senior Mike LaBrano and sophomores Chris Lewnes and Joe Mason are the other wideouts, while senior Dave Vermeuel lines up at tight end.
“We’re fortunate to have two quarterbacks who can throw the ball as well as a strong group of receivers,” Amabile said. “That, combined with an experienced line, should help us put some points on the board.”
Defensively, Amabile plans to use an odd-man front with Chenanske and juniors Nick Scarillo and Francis Journock as the defensive ends. Junior Andrew Alvarez is the nose guard.
Vermeuel and LaBrano are the outside linebackers, with junior Eric Garaghty and sophomore Manny Esdaile on the inside. Lewnes, Mason, McInerney and Zwroka will be in the secondary.
“This team has a lot of potential and, obviously, we want to do better than we did last year,” the coach explained. “We’ll be looking to make things happen, and our experience should help us do that.”
2005 St. John Vianney H.S.
football schedule
9/9HolmdelH7 p.m.
9/17ManasquanA1 p.m.
9/24ManchesterA 1 p.m.
10/1PinelandsA 1 p.m.
10/14RBCH 7 p.m.
10/21RaritanA7 p.m.
10/28Mater DeiH 7 p.m.
11/4MonmouthH7 p.m.
11/24MatawanH10:30 a.m.