It’s a quieter summer for head coach Jim Sharples and his Jackson Liberty High School football team than a year ago.
The Liberty Lions last summer were the buzz of the Shore during preseason when Matt Castronuova, one of the leading returning players, transferred across town to Jackson Memorial High school for his senior year. The team pulled through it and finished 5-5.
But this summer is all about purpose with no controversy, as the players vigorously begin preparation for the upcoming season. They include returning senior starters Ryan Van Wickle at quarterback and linebacker; Ken Pommerencke at free safety and wide receiver; Jared DiZenzo at center and nose guard; Brayden Yorke at tight end, linebacker and as the returning kicker; Bobby Miller at defensive end and as the returning punter; and two-way lineman J.J. Goodman. Rising juniors Ryan Downer at running back and defensive back and Steven Schuster at fullback and linebacker also saw action as starters.
Last season, Van Wickle completed 79 of 168 passes for 981 yards and 11 touchdowns. Pommerencke and Schuster were second and third on the team in tackles at 60 and 54, respectively.
There also are up-and-coming prospects in juniors Justin Mayes, who will get a good look as a backup quarterback, running back and linebacker; Brad McKelvey, who is working out as a running back, wide receiver and defensive back; Derek Catron, as tight end and linebacker; Jake Stillwell, as a two-way lineman; and Jake Stevens at fullback and linebacker.
Brett Ribellino, who is headed to Wilkes University, and Dom Regina, who is going to William Paterson University in the fall, are among the many graduated seniors headed to college, and both will play in the Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic pitting Monmouth vs. Ocean July 16 at Long Branch High School. Practice takes place the week of July 10 at Shore Regional High School.
Regina rushed for 637 yards and scored five rushing touchdowns. Ribellino caught 32 passes for 522 yards and seven touchdowns.
“This was a record year for kids going on to play college football,” Sharples said. “It tells me that the kids enjoyed their experience playing football and want to continue. It’s a great feeling as a coach [seeing this].”
Some of those players include Ryan Brennen Polina, who is going to Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Park; Mike Stout, who is committed to Castleton College; and Jordan Billups, who is headed to Wilkes. Brenden Busacca, Brian Mathieu and Ryan Barbato are all considering Jersey Coast Academy, which is affiliated with Ocean County College.
Sharples commended the offseason work of the players.
“Offseason commitment has been better than the past,” Sharples said. “Kids are working hard and doing what has been asked. They are gaining strength. We have about 50 on the roster and many playing more than one sport, so many work out on their own. I really love the attitude of this bunch of kids. They do whatever I ask. They are model kids in the school, and we have no attitude problems. We are not the biggest, fastest, strongest or most talented team, but we will show up.”
That’ll be put to the test in the Sept. 11 opener at defending NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV champion Jackson Memorial, a team that Jackson Liberty has never beaten in its young rivalry.
Jackson Memorial has nine All-Star selections for the Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic, including standout tight end Brody Graham, who is headed to the University of Pennsylvania but will not play in the game. Others selected include Joe DeMaio, Tyler Rauch, Glenn Kipila and Brad Greenway, as well as Zach Tetro, Aaron Curet, Cole Collins and Castronuova.
“They are a great team, and we love getting the opportunity to play against the best,” Sharples said.
The Lions participate in a 7-on-7 showcase at 5:30 p.m. July 13 at Toms River High School East and scrimmage after preseason officially begins Aug. 17 against Hightstown High School, Aug. 28 against Monmouth Regional High School and Sept. 1 against Wall High School. They return to Port Jervis, New York, for a team camp Aug. 23-26.