North Brunswick Township High School’s football team is looking to bounce back from a 2-8 record under new coach Don Zsak.
The Raiders have struggled since moving into the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Red Division in 2012, but Zsak, who spent the last 10 seasons as an assistant at Morristown High School, hopes to change that.
“We’re looking to play some old-school football,” the new coach said. “Our goal is to play a very physical game. We’re going to come straight at teams and let them know that North Brunswick comes to play. We do have some different offensive packages, and at times we will spread things out and throw it around a little bit.”
North Brunswick does return several seniors, including offensive linemen Esberth Pereyra and Tymeer Robinson, who will be joined up front by junior Jeremy Tan and sophomore Tyler Hernandez, with junior Bryce Priester starting at tight end. Zsak is undecided on who will play center, and several players are competing for the job.
The Raiders will have a diverse and deep backfield with senior fullbacks Zack Rowell and Zhavier Bonds. Tyler Bryant, Jamil Davis and Quamere Nance will get their share of carries as well.
Junior Frances Omowole will see time as running back, quarterback and wide receiver depending on the situation. Eddie Carpenter and strong-armed sophomore Dylan Seal are the quarterbacks. In addition, Max Emmanuel, another quick back, will line up behind center in the Raiders’ wildcat set. Another sophomore, Isaiah Hall gives the Raiders a speedy wideout.
“I’m happy with the way our guys moved the ball during scrimmages,” Zsak said. “We still have some work to do, but they’re buying in to what we want them to do.”
Defensively, the North Brunswick line includes Bryant, Nance and Hernandez also playing the line. Nate Rowell and Sam Quaci are the key linebackers. Hill, fellow sophomore Jeremy Cole and senior Jake DeStefano, who moves from defensive end, comprise the secondary. Zsak said he moved DeStefano, who was an undersized lineman, back to provide a more physical presence in the defensive backfield.
“At times, we may just go with one high safety,” the coach said. “I like to play an eight-man front. We want to stop the run and survive the pass.”
North Brunswick will open the season at Old Bridge High School (6-4 a year ago) Sept. 11. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.