Growing Mater Dei grid squad eager to take next step up

MATER DEI

By WAYNE WITKOWSKI
Correspondent

Head coach Steve Sciarappa, the Mater Dei Prep football team and the community couldn’t have been more eager for the start of preseason football practice on Aug. 5.

“More guys have been working hard in the preseason,” said Sciarappa, who has been the Seraphs’ head coach for three seasons. “It used to be everybody on the team was an everyday player. But now, for the first year, we have guys who can come in and help who can start.”

Sciarappa credits the influx of one of the largest freshman classes in many years, including 20 primarily on the freshman team. In the past, a number of freshmen would be called up for varsity games to help fill out the lineup, and it was hard to field a freshman team. A few freshmen may get an opportunity to play varsity this year. But with half of the starters back this season and “with most of the key players returning,” according to Sciarappa, the numbers are good at the varsity level.

Sciarappa, who is also the school’s principal, credits the freshman class growth largely to a dual enrollment academic program that enables students in the upper grades to take college classes.

Having success in the athletic program, particularly with the football team that had its best season since 1999 last year, can only help.

Sciarappa said being able to blend talented younger players into the lineup behind proven senior veterans Christian Palmer (quarterback) and Tysaun White (running back) also helps. In the past, the team relied on seniors year-after-year to stay competitive, and each season became a massive rebuilding project.

“Now that we’ve been doing this for three years, the players realize [more] that it’s about competing. Now it’s a different mindset because they’ve seen this team compete for a state championship,” Sciarappa said.

“Obviously, last season is a huge confidence booster, and it’s motivating the team,” Palmer said. “Guys come in at 6 in the morning and have their goals in focus. It’s hard to be energetic that early. Some guys travel 45 minutes a day or more from North Jersey, some taking a train and two buses for a workout.

“It’s something special to have guys that committed to the program,” he continued. “It’s great when you see where the program is heading.”

Mater Dei comes off a 6-5 season in which it won a NJSIAA Non-Public Group I playoff game against Morristown-Beard School, 12-7, for its first postseason victory since 1999. It lost convincingly in the semifinals to St. Mary High School of Rutherford.

“That gave our players an idea of the level they need to get to,” Sciarappa said, as his team prepares for its opener on Sept. 13 against Shore Conference B Central rival Keansburg High School at home at 1 p.m. Other divisional opponents include Shore Regional High School, Point Pleasant Beach High School and Keyport High School. Seeing the potential for ongoing success, Sciarappa said he has stoked the schedule with strong non-conference opponents, including Central Regional High School, South River High School, Dunellen High School, Highland Park High School and Metuchen High School.

Keith Rescorl, a longtime assistant at Middletown High School South and Raritan High School for the past 10 years, joins the staff as special teams coach. He will also work with the linemen.

“He’s an assistant who is well known around the Shore and is a big addition to our staff,” Sciarappa said.

Palmer returns for his third season running the offense.

He said he is working on a three-step release to get the ball to his receivers more quickly.

“I have a great set of skill guys and great guys up front giving me plenty of time,” Palmer said. “This team has grown up. We’re at a point now where guys are competing to play. And 6-5 was a good season [last year], but we want to win more, to win a championship. That’s always the goal.”

Palmer has earned the praise of his coach. “He looks really good. He’s 100-percent healthy after getting banged up toward the end of last season. And he’s a leader,” Sciarappa said. “He’s going to grind it out, so teams better be ready.”

White scored 11 touchdowns, four on special teams. Senior Zach Bragg has also shown his offseason commitment and will give depth to the backfield running the ball.

“Having Tysaun on the same side of the ball is a huge bonus,” Palmer said. “He’s quick and has great hands. And when he finds open space, nobody can catch him.”

Ed Lewis also showed great potential and production last season as a freshman, playing wide receiver and running back. He is part of the nucleus on offense that includes senior center Liam Olausen, a third year starter on the line, and senior tackle Dave Osborn.

Mater Dei will look to fill the void left by the graduation of two-way back Derrick Lopez and two-way lineman Ron Perez.

Lewis is also the kicker and punter.

Sciarappa said junior lineman Nick Massaro and sophomore linebacker John Lubintus are also key starters returning from last season who will be integral to the defense.