Middletown High School South’s football team started preseason workouts last week with a little more familiarity with the spread pistol offense that was introduced a year ago.
Quarterback Kyle Brey and wide receiver Andrew Wisialko, a third-year starter who can draw a lot of interest as a college prospect if he has another big season, are more comfortable with the offense than a year ago, said coach Steve Antonucci.
“He’s looking good,” Antonucci said of Brey. “Last year, this was all new to him. And now he’s become more of a vocal leader on offense.”
Both players adapted well to the new scheme, as Middletown South ended its season 8-4 and avenged a regular season loss to Colts Neck High School in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV semifinals before falling to unbeaten Sayreville War Memorial High School in its bid for an 11th state sectional title. Drew O’Connell, a senior who played running back last season, is stepping outside as a wide receiver for the equal opportunity offense that gets the ball to the open player.
This group is determined to end the season with another title, which was last won by the Eagles in 2006. They have played in 10 sectional title games since 2000.
“The kids did a good job in the offseason,” Antonucci said. “They did a good job in the weight room. They’re better strength-wise.”
What helps is the return of three starting linemen — senior Jon Low, and juniors Brian Joyce and Jim Wilson. Leading ground gainer Jake Ripnick is graduated, as is Eli Smith, who had a career day in the victory over Colts Neck with 229 rushing yards. Sophomore Cole Rogers is eager to take on some of the workload in the run-first offense.
“The offense is a little better than where we were, but we’re not as mature on defense with only four starters back,” Antonucci said.
The rebuilding defense is anchored by returning inside linebackers Conner Spreen and Tayler Hendrickson, who has drawn interest from Patriot League school recruiters but is leaning toward the University of Pennsylvania, according to Antonucci.
Sophomore backup quarterback Matt Mosquera is emerging as the regular kicker and punter.
The Eagles get their first preseason test on Aug. 27 in a scrimmage against Neptune High School, followed by scrimmages against Piscataway Township High School and James Caldwell High School. The Eagles open the season at home on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. against Brick Township High School.
They’re playing in the highly regarded Shore Conference B South Division that Antonucci calls “top heavy” with Manalapan High School, Colts Neck and Red Bank Catholic High School, which many feel is one of the top teams in the Shore.
“I think we have the ability to compete,” Antonucci said of the division schedule, which also includes a game against Freehold Township High School and another Thanksgiving showdown with crosstown rival Middletown High School North, which has a new coach this season in the well-traveled Steve Bush.