Jackson Liberty High School’s boys lacrosse team won four games last season, mostly against young teams like itself. This year, the Liberty Lions have many key veterans that make for a more promising outlook this spring under a new coach. The regular season began on April 1 at home against Steinert High School.
“They’re starting to buy into what we’re trying to do,” said Jim Sharples, who had coached the junior varsity team for six seasons and is replacing Jason Lynch, who had to resign when he took a school administrative position. “They’re eager to start. They know where we’re coming from. I know a lot of these players from when I had them [as JV coach] in the past.” Sharples said many younger players are starting to catch up with the faster, more physical demands of the varsity level.
A good turnout for a roster of 22 players, including many talented freshmen, beefed up the team that lost some of its most productive scorers from last season because of graduation. Four seniors with experience will be vested with the responsibility of keeping things under control at the midfield — Brandon Kokich, Steve Quarenta, Alex Castellano and Marcus Clowney. Their play will be instrumental as the Liberty Lions compete in Shore Conference A North.
“When we move the ball on offense and get players involved, that will carry us,” Sharples said. “When we try to isolate, sometimes winding up with a one-on-six situation, that’s old habits — and that’s where we’ve gotten into trouble. We have to avoid that. If we get a lot of touches, we’ll do good.”
Sharples hopes his team embraces that idea quickly, as it was set to play on April 3 at home against crosstown rival Jackson Memorial High School, which reached the Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) finals the last two seasons and finished 16-5 a year ago. After that, it plays host to Manasquan High School on Saturday, April 6.
Jackson Memorial replaces some highprofile players, including All-American Nick Wolf and solid scoring threat Connor Cunningham, with players like the Specht twins — Mike, a trusty scorer, and Nick. Mike had four goals in an 11-10 SCT semifinals victory over Christian Brothers Academy before the Jaguars lost in the championship to Rumson Fair Haven Regional High School.
At Jackson Liberty, freshman Christopher Mulholland will be thrown into the fray from the outset as the goalie after outperforming other candidates during preseason workouts. But Sharples feels young Mulholland is their “guy for the future.” His older brother James, who is a senior, will try to help ease things for him on the attacking end, where freshman Matthew Ferullo is expected to lead the way along with his brother Andrew, a sophomore.
Senior William Bouford is one of the leaders on the back line, while Sharples expects junior Dominick Legotte. Freshmen Chris Stefanowicz and Walter Mathies to contribute there as well.
Although it opens with three home games, Sharples said most games this season are on the road.