H ead coach Dan George often likens Long Branch High School’s football schedule to competing in the Southeastern Conference. This year, the Green Wave is preparing for an even tougher battle.
Long Branch opens the season on the road against Red Bank Catholic High School on Sept. 12, putting the team immediately to the test. The Caseys, who have won 33 consecutive games against Shore Conference rivals, were moved to the Class B North Division this year.
The schedule also includes defending NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II champion Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Colts Neck High School, Matawan Regional High School and Ocean Township High School, which went undefeated against B North opponents on its way to a division title in 2013. Colts Neck made a run in the NJSIAA sectionals, while Matawan won seven games last season.
“It’s one of the most difficult schedules in the Shore Conference. It’s extremely challenging,” George said.
The head coach, now in his 16th season with Long Branch, is confident that the Green Wave will again match up well against the competition. Long Branch was knocked out of the state tournament in the first round last season, but it finished with a record of 7-3. The team went 5-1 within B North.
The Green Wave will feature a returning quarterback in Jordan Rodriguez, who started six games as a junior last year. Long Branch is looking for Rodriguez to continue his development as a passer and keep opposing defenses from guarding solely against the running game. Rodriguez, who is coming off an ACL injury, threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns a year ago. He also ran for 87 yards.
“Jordan did really good things for us last year,” George said, adding that Long Branch will again have the flexibility to run option plays. “We’ll continue doing what we’ve been doing. He’s a dual-threat quarterback. In this day in age, especially at the high school level, the best quarterbacks are the ones that can hurt you with their arms or their feet.”
The running game — a perennial strength for Long Branch — will be anchored by senior tailback Dahmiere Willis, a two-year starter at fullback. George called the Green Wave a “tailback-oriented team,” saying a backfield of Willis and senior fullback Qu’Ran Standard should produce yards on the ground.
Willis ran for 640 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He replaces rushing leader Deion Williams, who booked 769 yards in his senior year.
David Colbert returns to a starting position at wide receiver, joined by fellow senior Joe Sanchez. Senior John Mimes, a transfer from Middletown High School North, will play tight end.
Long Branch also has three returning starters on the offensive line in senior Andrew Huff and juniors Cameron Hills and Joe Jasio. Steve Kologi will serve as the center. The last spot goes to junior Nick Stoia.
Three-year starter Vinny Mota is back as Long Branch’s kicker and punter. Mota completed four field-goal attempts last season.
On defense, Long Branch is bringing back veteran players that helped the team limit opponents to just 10.1 points per game in 2013.
Experience can be found on the front line and in the secondary. George said getting the linebacking corps up to speed may take some time. The team’s B North rivals like to run the football, so Long Branch needs to protect against the ground game.
“It’s a who’s who in running backs,” George said of Long Branch’s division rivals. “We’ve got to play a great run defense.”
Senior linebacker Hunter Baillie is a three-year starter who is transitioning from defensive end. He will be playing alongside Standard and senior Brandon Lane. Sophomore Austin Cannon will also see time as a linebacker.
Mimes will be back at defensive end opposite Jasio. Sean Madison and John Tomlinson are newcomers at defensive tackle.
Cornerbacks Colbert and junior Jahmir Elliot-Hare are returnees. First-year starter Darin Harmon, a senior, will slide into a safety spot next to Willis, one of the conference’s top players at the position.