BY RICHARD JEROME
Staff Writer
PHOTOS BY MIGUEL JUAREZ staff South River quarterback Markeith Dobbins (above) and tight end Josh Williams (below) are among the players hoping to lead the Rams back into the postseason this fall. The emergence of two quarterbacks, Kevin Feaster and Markeith Dobbins, has turned out to be a pleasant surprise for South River High School football coach Rich Marchesi, whose Rams open Saturday against Colonia.
They’ve got some tough shoes to fill, with J.J. Adelino (938 yards passing and 10 TDs) graduating after emerging as one of the GMC’s elite passers. However, thus far anyway, Marchesi has seen some encouraging signs.
Ram quarterback James Angley has impressed his coach with his play during the preseason, and will look to continue his strong play when the Rams open against Colonia tomorrow night. “Coming into preseason, I thought we’d have to run the ball more this year,” said the veteran Marchesi, who led SRHS to an 8-3 record last fall. “But these kids have come along so well, I think we’ll be back to our usual passing game.”
Senior Feaster (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) played a bit last year and, his coach says, has a firm grasp of the offense.
MIGUEL JUAREZ staff “He’s sure of himself, and very aggressive,” Marchesi added.
Southpaw Dobbins (5-11, 175) has also grown assured, and is displaying a stronger arm than expected.
South River also lost several skill position players, like Zyhair Dotson, Tom Lefever, Joe LaSala (who transferred to Colonia) and Eric McDaniel. McDaniel was the team’s go-to guy last year, racking up over 1,400 all-purpose yards and finding the end zone 14 times.
However, Marchesi, as usual, has several talented players ready to fill the void.
In the backfield this fall will be senior fullback Ron Litz (5-11, 225) and tailbacks Jarvis Crandall (5-10, 185), a sophomore, and 5-11, 185-pound senior Andre Murphy.
As for the rest of the offense, senior Josh Williams, a 6-4, 265-pounder, is at tight end, with Adam Malgieri (5-9, 200) and senior Joe Piha (5-11, 220) at left tackle. Senior Emil Imbriano (5-11, 230) occupies the left guard slot, along with a junior, Justin Hortelea, who packs 225 pounds on a 5-9 frame.
John Aroneo, a 6-0, 190-pound senior, fills right guard, and another 12th-grader, Jason Martin (6-2, 255) brings size and experience to right tackle.
The experience at offensive line should be a strength for the Rams, who Marchesi expects to have a solid ground attack.
Marchesi has several players to see duty at spread end and flanker, including junior Brendan Hodges (6-2, 180), senior Marty McGough (5-10, 185), 5-9, 160-pound sophomore Eric Seawright, and junior Kwasi Bell (6-2, 170).
As usual with a small school, the Rams have a number of players doing two-way duty. Two pure defenders, however, are senior ends Vin Teafrio (5-11, 200) and Mike Dean (5-11, 180).
Josh Williams and Martin will play tackle, with sophomore Dan Litz (5-9, 225) at nose guard.
The linebackers include Ron Litz in the middle, flanked by McGough and Hodges. Feaster will play safety, while Crandall, Dobbins and junior Vincent Mobley (5-10, 170) are the halfbacks.
Helping out on the sidelines, Marchesi has the usual crew of ex-Rams: Jim Mackiewicz, Mike Lepore, Ian Evanovich, Matt Musante and Bob and Joe Young. Also as usual, the coach is focused on immediate, rather than long-term, goals.
“We’re zeroing in on week one and Colonia,” he said. “We want to win that first game, and not lose at home.”
South River lost quite a bit from last year’s team, but based on the team’s track record, don’t be surprised to see the Rams in the running for a state playoff spot once again this year.