Freehold High School’s return to relevance on the gridiron was one of the highlights of 2014 in the Freehold Regional High School District.
Head coach Dave Ellis pointed out that as good as 2014 was for the Colonials (7- 3), they still have unfinished business.
“Ultimately we didn’t win a championship,” he said. “It was a step in the right direction, and we want to build on that.”
The goal of the 2015 Colonials is to make 2014 stick and for the club to become a perennial winner. By making the state playoffs and playing in big regularseason games against Manalapan High School and Middletown High School South for the Shore Conference A North Division title, the Colonials were right where they want the program to be: contending for championships.
The Colonials learned that while they are moving in the right direction, they’re not there yet.
“We know what it’s like [playing big games], and we have to keep trying to improve,” Ellis said.
Coming off last season, Ellis stated that there are two things Freehold must do to succeed.
“We have to limit turnovers and mistakes (penalties),” he said. “Those are the keys for us.”
The Freehold offense will have a different look minus 1,500-yard rusher Josh Dixon.
“He was electrifying every time he touched the ball,” Ellis said.
But the Colonials have veteran quarterback Jake Curry, who is a playmaker in his own right. The senior has been a starter since midway through his sophomore year.
“He totally understands the offense,” Ellis said. “He has the ability to make adjustments. Jake is like having another coach on the field.”
Ashanti Worthy appears ready to step up and be the Colonials’ No. 1 running back. The senior proved to be more than a capable runner last year and should flourish this fall. He is a big-play threat.
The Colonials aren’t looking for one player to carry the load as Dixon did, though.
“We want to stay balanced and take advantage of what the defense gives us,” Ellis said. “We’ll look to ride the hot hand.”
The Colonials have a fine receiving core that blends speed that can stretch the field vertically with sure-handed possession receivers who can move the chains.
Jamel Smith-Rush, Markee Gill, Matt Krause, Martelle Tims and Jared VanDysen make up the Colonials’ talented receiver corps.
Up front, the Alec Mahon, Nick Eccelston, Marki Gill, Todd Berger and Derek Perez are starting to gel as a unit. “They’re communicating well,” Ellis said.
The heart and soul of the defense is the Colonials’ three linebackers: Worthy, Xavier Madera and VanDysen. They have experience playing together and are very good at getting to the ball quickly.
Joel Perez, Mahon, Marki Gill and Quajon Everett are new to the defensive line, but Ellis noted they are quick and have good size. Their job is to hold their own in the trenches and let the linebackers make plays.
Curry is every bit as essential to the defense as he is to the offense. He’s able to anticipate plays and leads a ball-hawking secondary that has Smith-Rush, Markee Gill and Chris Boe at the safeties with him. Isaiah Howard is a cornerback.
Roberto Meyo will do the kicking for the Colonials.
The football season begins with rivalry week, which means the Norman “Duke” Farrell Trophy will be on the line when the Colonials host Freehold Township Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.
The Colonials won last year’s game in Freehold Township, 29-7.