SOUTH COUNTY: Athletes prepping for spotlight

Soccer, field hockey open next Friday; football starts on road on Sept. 12

By John Tredrea, Special Writer
Three seniors will be key personnel for this year’s South Hunterdon Regional High School’s football team, which opens its season Sept. 12 at New Providence.
"Three important starters for us this year will be Tyler Frazee, Myles Johnson and Clayton Hope," said Eagles coach Toby Jefferis.
Frazee is at quarterback on offense and defensive back on defense. Johnson is a running back who also is in the defensive backfield. Hope plays on both the offensive and defensive lines.
"Key losses from last year’s team are Devon Troutman (quarterback and strong safety), Toby Coleman (running back and linebacker) and Jake Whitaker (running back and safety)," Coach Jefferis said.
"We run the option on offense and use a 4-4 on defense," the coach added. "Our big game of the year will be on Thanksgiving, against New Hope-Solebury."
On Sept. 4, the gridiron unit will scrimmage on the road, at Bordentown.
The team’s home opener, on Sept. 19 against David Brearley, will be an even bigger event than usual, when the first inductees into the Eagle Hall of Fame will be announced. The inductees will be honored at a formal dinner in late winter or early spring.
Field Hockey
The high school’s field hockey team opens on the road on Sept. 5 at Mount St. Mary.
"They’ve consistently been one of our toughest opponents, so it will be a great competitive start to our regular season," said coach Stephanie Davis. "The girls on our team have been working very hard throughout the summer and our first two weeks of pre-season. With two seniors, Natalie Muscatell and Lena Sabidussi, and one of our top-scoring juniors, Ashley Eick, returning, we are looking to them to show leadership and dedication to our younger players this season.
"Our goalie, Giovanna Rubino, is a returning sophomore who has already shown a significant improvement from last season."
Boys’ Soccer
The Eagles boys’ soccer varsity also opens on the road on Sept. 5 at Rutgers Prep.
"This year is going to be a very strong season for the boys varsity soccer program," predicted coach Luigi Moriello.
"This team is ready for a new beginning. Players are as focused as they can be and eager to begin the season. The freshman class this year is a very strong group of kids who will be able to help the team and the program grow to where it needs to be. The level of soccer this year is as high as it has ever been. T
"here are many leaders on this team, which is a great thing to have, especially for the younger players. Our captains this year are Dario Sabidussi, Brandon Panetta, and Jacob van Gebal. Some returning starters are: Antonio Gasparro, Bayron Delcid, Jess Cally, Marshal Kinney, and Evan MacGregor."
Girls’ Soccer
The varsity will open at home on Sept. 5 versus Rutgers Prep.
"Our offense will be led by freshman Charlotte Smith and sophomore Abbi Garrison, both midfielders," said coach Bay Pedersen. "Sara Franzini and Elyse Williams will captain the team from the backfield. We will be young in the cage, with either sophomore Ellie Seiter or freshman Jane Davis."
Top players lost from last year’s team are midfielders Lauren Wendeborn and Jessica MacGregor. "They accounted for about 80 percent of our offense last year," coach Pedersen said.
In addition to Elyse Williams and Sarah Franzini, who was out last year with an ACL injury, returning players are midfielders Shannon Ferry and Devin Nini, forward Kayla Marriott and back Cassie Barrett.
Promising newcomers in addition to Charlotte Smith and Jane Davis include senior back Alley Baggett.