Ahr football to rely on Meade, Dumchus in ’09

Duo combined for 1,800 yards a season ago

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer

The Bishop Ahr High School football team will look to pick up where it left off last season when the new year kicks off on Sept. 11 with a visit from Raritan High School.

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Tim Haggerty, a sophomore, pulls in a pass during a recent Bishop George Ahr High School football practice. The Trojans open the 2009 campaign against Raritan on Friday night. SCOTT FRIEDMAN Tim Haggerty, a sophomore, pulls in a pass during a recent Bishop George Ahr High School football practice. The Trojans open the 2009 campaign against Raritan on Friday night. Last season’s Trojan team finished 8-2 with an unblemished record in Greater Middlesex Conference play. Bishop Ahr swept through the Blue Division competition, winning the division unbeaten. It was the team’s first division title since 2004.

Unfortunately, the team’s postseason run was cut short after a first-round loss to Camden Catholic High School. Undoubtedly, the team looks to return to the postseason and go deeper into the playoffs.

While the team did suffer its share of losses after last season, a nice crop of returners should make the Trojans one of the top teams in the Blue Division once again. Heading the list is senior quarterback Robert Meade. Meade took over the starting job last season and was stellar. He gained over 1,000 yards on the ground and through the air, amassing over 2,500 yards of total offense.

“He’s looking even better,” Bishop Ahr head coach Ron Hilliard said. “He’s throwing the ball as well as anybody that’s ever come through our building. He’s developed even more speed, and we’re looking for another big year from him.”

Joining Meade in the Trojan backfield is senior running back Steve Dumchus. Dumchus racked up over 800 yards on the ground last season despite missing four games with an ankle injury.

“He’s healthy this year and he looks good,” Hilliard said. “He played hurt all last season and did a heck of a job. He should be even better injury-free.”

Also expected to get some carries this autumn is sophomore running back Kenny Virdin.

“Kenny is new to varsity this season, and he’s a big kid with explosive speed,” Hilliard said. “He’ll be a nice addition.”

Much of what the backfield accomplishes rests in the hands of the Trojan offensive line. The line is led by center Brandon Vitable, who is listed as the country’s No. 6 center, according to rivals.com. He’s headed to the Big 10 and Northwestern University next season on full scholarship.

Teammates Ray Delorenzo and Nick Napurano rejoin Vitable on the line and are expected to be joined by junior Rashad Kilgore at tight end.

“Rashad’s looking to be the frontrunner for the vacancy at tight end,” Hilliard said. “He’s a pretty good blocker.”

Also expected to make some key grabs off the arm of Meade are receivers Mike Gallant and Adonis Rivie.

“Both have a lot of experience,” Hilliard said. “They’re pretty sure-handed and looking better every day.”

Dumchus and Gallant will join forces at safety on the other side of the ball with Gallant and Rivie manning the corner. With Vitable and Napurano anchoring the defensive line, the only question mark may be at linebacker. Chris Hart, Julian Latimore and Meade will occupy the middle of the defense.

“We’re a little raw on experience at linebacker,” Hilliard said. “The guys are picking it up pretty well, and I think we’ll be fine.”

The competition will prove to be a bit tougher this year in the Blue Division with Carteret, Colonia and South Plainfield expected to be legitimate contenders.

“We look good on paper, but will we be good on the field remains to be seen,” Hilliard said. “You can’t take anybody lightly in our division, because you’ll pay for it. It should be a tough year in the Blue Division.”