By Jimmy Allinder
Edison
It speaks volumes about the leadership of the Edison High School (1-1) football team that even though the Eagles’ starting quarterback transferred, they still can finish with a winning season and qualify for the playoffs.
Haaziq Daniels opted to transfer to St. John Vianney High School and in came Justin Turner, a wide receiver last fall, to call signals. All Turner did was rush for a touchdown and complete 10 of 13 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns in a 40-14 season-opening victory over Monroe Township High School (0-2) Sept. 9.
It didn’t hurt that Turner was able to call running back James Stewart’s number frequently. Stewart, who rushed for over 1,300 yards a year ago, ran for 150 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Sayreville War Memorial High School (2-0) proved to be a much tougher opponent, as the Eagles fell 18-13 to the Bombers Sept. 16. Edison has a bye week before it visits Old Bridge High School (2-0) Sept 30.
It’s been Edison’s returning letter winners who have played important roles in leading the team so far, which include seniors Nick Yanik (wide receiver/outside linebacker), Reilly Gonzales (running back/linebacker), Lance Rice (right guard/defensive end), Jason Kelly (left tackle/defensive tackle), Steven Roe (outside linebacker), Austin River (wide receiver/defensive back) and Dominic Kurtyan (wide receiver/defensive back).
Newcomers who expect to receive playing time are seniors Sincere Williams (running back/defensive back), Keanu Reed (wide receiver/defensive back), Victor Lamin (offensive tackle/defensive end), Tahjea Thomas (wide receiver) and Ronnie Spears (wide receiver/defensive back).
There’s also Brandon Thomas (defensive end), Josh Soler (offensive line/defensive tackle), Jason McGrady (left guard/linebacker), Justin Mendez (linebacker) and Jack Karvaski (defensive tackle).
Sophomores Anthony Burke (center/defensive tackle), Xavier Long (right tackle/defensive tackle) and Noah Stansbury (wide receiver/defensive back) also look to contribute.
“We have a great group of 28 seniors, many of whom have experience and are positive leaders,” Edison head coach Matt Fulham said. “However, we play in a brutal division (Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Red Division), and every team is well-coached.”
Metuchen
Metuchen High School’s football team opened the season with a 28-7 victory over Middlesex High School Sept. 9 but was defeated by Monmouth Regional High School, 33-22, Sept. 17. The loss, however, was to a Shore Conference team, which means the Bulldogs are 1-0 in the GMC Blue Division.
After a week off, Metuchen returns Sept. 30 to face Asbury Park High School (1-1) in one of two remaining games against Shore Conference teams.
According to head coach Bob Ulmer, a lack of depth could become a concern moving forward.
“Any injury could impact the team, because our numbers are extremely low this year,” he said. “Fortunately, everybody has been working hard and playing to the best of their ability. If the kids, especially the younger ones, can learn our system, I’m optimistic we can keep it going.”
Ulmer said he has reminded his team about last season, when the Bulldogs finished 6-2 and still failed to qualify for the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group I playoffs.
The returning veterans will make sure the rest of the team remember that. Of those who start, senior Devin Miller (tight end/defensive end) can make an impact both offensively and defensively. Since backing out of a verbal agreement to attend the University of Houston, Miller is being actively recruited again. Other returning starters are Justin Briggs (fullback/linebacker), Dan Russell (cornerback/wide receiver) and Cam McPartlyn (offensive and defensive tackle).
Newcomers expecting to see action are Willie Rojas (tailback/cornerback), Will Hronich (quarterback), Avery Clark (tailback/linebacker), Jon Hoffman (center/defensive tackle), Joe Sipos (wide receiver/free safety) and Owen Critchley (offensive guard/defensive end). Rojas enjoyed a successful debut against Middlesex by rushing for 119 yards, while Honrich was 8-of-11 passing with 108 yards.
Boys’ soccer
The Metuchen boys’ soccer team is the defending GMC Blue Division champion and made it to the Central Jersey, Group I title game before falling to South River High School.
However, even with the loss of 21 seniors to graduation, the Bulldogs are 4-1 and hope to avenge their lone defeat (to South River, 6-1) when the teams meet again Sept. 28. Ed Albanese returns for his second season as head coach and says the goals remain the same: winning the division and sectional.
“I’ve learned that if soccer is played the right way and the kids play like a team, good things will follow,” Albanese said.
Senior defender Kyle Harry (two goals, three assists) and junior midfielder Jack Bradley (four goals, one assist) have not only contributed scoring, but they also have become team leaders. The top goal-scorer is Ken Rosamilla (five goals), while Brandon Iskandar has six assists, Charlie Bradley has a goal and an assist, Avi Hogan-Appell has three goals and an assist, Sam Johnson has scored twice and Griffen Kick has a goal and assist.
Goalkeeper Alex Brooks has made 28 saves.
“The younger players have done a great job taking the place of those who graduated,” Albanese said. “They’ve committed to raising their fitness level and improving their skills so they can compete on the varsity level.”
Saint Joseph of Metuchen
The Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen’s football team (2-0) will surround its home game Sept. 24 against Colonia High School by honoring area military, police, firemen and family members. The day begins with a tailgate at the football field starting at 10:30 a.m. with complimentary food and other refreshments, and guests will be escorted onto the field by players for a short ceremony thanking them for their service.
Head coach Casey Ransone said those guests to be honored who have yet to RSVP that they will attend the event should email him at [email protected] or call 908-500-7421 as soon as possible.