Football preview: Big Central Conference American Gold Division

Elizabeth

While the Minutemen did lose key players to graduation, including first-team all-conference WR/DB Ibn McDaniels (744 receiving yards, 8 TDs) and second team WR/DB Imad Canty, Elizabeth does return some nice experience and is hoping the spark it generated in the latter half of last season carries over.

All nine of the Minutemen’s regular-season games last year came down to the final minutes with a margin of a touchdown or less. Eight of those went against Elizabeth, including five by three or fewer points. But the club finished strong, grabbing a big late-season win over rival Union, and finishing the campaign with a pair of lopsided victories over non-conference teams.

Elizabeth returns eight starters on offense and some talented players at every level on the defense and, even with a schedule that is as tough as ever, the coaching staff loves where the culture is and they expect this group to learn how to finish games.

High school football in Central Jersey: Links to our preview coverage for 2024 season

Big Central Conference: Storylines to follow as practices get underway

Sophomore Arique Flemming returns at quarterback after tossing 15 touchdowns and throwing for 1,663 yards last year as a freshman. Elizabeth also features a three-headed rushing attack, with senior Jamad Lyles, who led the squad in rushing last year, joined by classmates Junior Desir and Jalais Mendoza.

The Minutemen also boast a deep receiving corps, led by sophomore Nahjae Smith, along with seniors Antoine Blount and Kyshawn Decarteret, junior Quameen Williams, and sophomores Qua’Yon Williams and John Fiore Jr. Tight end Luis Cuero could also make a big impact.

Returning starters Ethan Abreu and Nico Abreu are joined by Josh Cardenas, Joel Lopez, Brian Palamar and David Beita in forming the offensive line.

Elizabeth gets back all four of its starting linebackers, in Ezekiel Penick, Jayden DeRosa, TJ Hawkins and Quameen Williams, with safety Nahjae Smith and interior linemen Nico Abreu, Joel Lopez and Maximiliano Oliveira also expected to have an impact.

ELIZABETH MINUTEMEN

Head coach: John Fiore, third season (5-15)

Assistants: Eugene Kline (Asst. HC/OL), Henry Wilson (DC, LB), Evan Rothfield (DB), Kenny Davis (WR/TE), Mike Giles (DL), CJ Sears (CB), Thomas Anderson (RB), Quinton Spotwood (WR, specials), Brendan Mankarious (DL), Joseph Misura (OL/specials), Jahad Thomas (RB), Robert Ferrara (quality control).

State classification: North Group 5

League: Big Central Conference American Gold Division

Colors: Red and black

Offensive formation: Power spread

Defensive formation: Multiple

2023 results (3-8 overall, 1-3 in BCC American Gold)

vs. Linden @ Kean University, L 27-22

at Plainfield, L 33-26

Hunterdon Central, L 21-14

at Westfield, L 23-21

St. Joseph-Metuchen, L 21-19

at Somerville, L 17-14

Union, W 28-26

at Bridgewater-Raritan, L 23-19

Watchung Hills, L 30-13

at Paterson Eastside in Group 5 Invitational final, W 27-6

at Hackensack, W 29-9

2024 schedule

8/30 Linden, 6 p.m.

9/6 at Bayonne, 7 p.m.

9/14 at Westfield, 1 p.m.

9/20 St. Joseph (Metuchen), 6 p.m.

9/27 St. Thomas Aquinas, 6 p.m.

10/4 Bridgewater-Raritan, 6 p.m.

10/10 at Morristown, 7 p.m.

10/18 Watchung Hills, 6 p.m.

10/25 at Union, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph-Metuchen

Perhaps the St. Joseph players should have put on those stickers that say “Hello my name is” with a blank space underneath before practice started this offseason.

About two-thirds of the 90 or so players are freshmen and sophomores and they come from different towns, creating an adjustment period of getting to know one another in addition to learning the intensity and detail of varsity practice.

“We had a three-week camp and we were markedly improved on our 17th workout compared to our first workout,” Falcons coach Bill Tracy said. “It does take a little bit of time.”

How has that period been going?

“Very well,” the third-year coach said. “They got nice personality, nice chemistry. They got that spark, that chemistry and they laugh. They’re buddies. A lot of these kids are pretty funny so it’s great. It’s a great group of guys.”

That’s always a plus and the program has grown from about 65 players in Tracy’s first season.

“We’re happy about Year 3 and everything is trending upward, no doubt,” Tracy said.

Now, the Falcons need to fill some key spots, including All-Division picks like two-way standout Jeremy DeCaro, quarterback Daniel DeGennaro and leading tackler Elias Scott.

The upperclassmen have been leading the way so far after the team won six straight games to reach the playoffs.

“Our challenge this year is to take the lessons they taught us and keep them going,” Tracy said. “That is what a program does. We do bring back many experienced guys in all three phases of the game."

He calls kicker/punter Tyler Huseth one of the best in the state. The senior made 29 of 30 extra points and 7 of 12 field goals, including a 25-yarder in the final seconds in a 17-14 win over Westfield. He is also a defensive end and tight end and was selected a captain.

Also back are senior captains and All-Division players Javon Hudson (ILB/FB, 70 tackles, 8 TFL, 2 INTs for TDs) and Ashton Irving (FS/WR, 15 catches for 249 yards, 32 tackles, 2 INTs).

Several two-year starters return, including seniors John Kelly (DT/OG), Jacob Pappas (C/WR) and juniors Brody Picariello (C/DT, captain) and Tommy Kwiatkowski (OG/DT). Jason Gross (Jr., DE/OG) rotated in last year on defense.

Justin Scaramuzzo takes over at quarterback and was selected as a captain. Tracy said that the 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior learned from DeGennaro last year and has a great arm, can run and "is kind of a throw-back leader.”

Among the newcomers looking to make an impact are seniors Tyler Bien (OT/DT) and Nick Faria (OG), juniors Reggie Bropleh (HB/C Return man), Tom Myers (TE/S), Dylan Pierce (OLB/FB/HB) and sophomores Triston Bester (OLB/HB/Slot/Return man), Jaylen Frias (ILB/FB/HB) and Liam Barr (Long and Short Snapper/C/OG).

ST. JOSEPH FALCONS

Head coach : Bill Tracy, third season (12-8)

Assistants: Joe Riggi (DC/LBs/Backs), Mike Alleman (OL/DL), Ben Collins (OLB/TE/Kicking Game Coordinator), Jimmie Parker (QB/S), CJ Rawls (WR/CB), Jeff Morton (Asst. with QB/LB), Bill Anner (Head Freshmen), John Scanlon (Fresh), Liam Harding (Fresh)

State classification: Non-Public Group A

League: Big Central Conference American Gold Division

Colors: Green and white

Offensive formation: Wing-T, Shotgun

Defensive formation: 4-2-5

2023 results (7-3 overall, 2-2 in BCC American Gold)

at New Brunswick, W 35-0

Somerville, L 28-20

Union, L 22-15

at Elizabeth, W 21-19

Westfield, W 17-14

at Edison, W 35-14

at Watchung Hills, W 26-21

Summit, W 42-14

Pope John XXIII, W 10-6

Seton Hall Prep, L 61-20

2024 schedule

9/7 Ridge, 1 p.m.

9/14 Union, 1 p.m.

9/20 at Elizabeth, 6 p.m.

9/28 at Westfield, 1 p.m.

10/4 North Brunswick, 7 p.m.

10/11 at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

10/19 St. Thomas Aquinas, 1 p.m.

10/25 at Woodbridge, 6 p.m.

11/2 St. John Vianney, 1 p.m.

Union

Jason Scott, an assistant coach at Union since 2016, takes over as head coach from Lou Grasso, who left after 11 seasons guiding the Farmers to be athletic director at Colonia.

Scott, a Central Regional alum who played and coached at Montclair State, takes over a club that lost some top-flight players, including first-team All-Conference linebacker Kordell Hilton and second-team lineman Zach Menon to graduation, and second-team corner/receiver Renick Dorilas to transfer (Don Bosco). Still, the new coach said his team boasts a good group of returners that have been tremendous leaders to the younger guys, and a team that shows up and works hard every day.

Senior quarterback O’Malley King returns, with junior Matt Nigro also in the mix under center. Senior receiver Dakari Dugger and junior newcomer Zaire Nash, at running back, are expected to have a big impact on the Farmers’ offensive fortunes.

Seniors Bacmicho Exuma, Babadara Olowe, Enoch Adeniran and Kervin Desir all return on the offensive and defensive line, while senior tight ends Dugger, Bryan Accinot, Owen Wilson and Micha McDowell lead the defense.

Nash, sophomore receiver/DB Elijah Greene, and junior receiver/DB are candidates for breakout rookie seasons.

UNION FARMERS

Head coach: Jason Scott, first season

League: Big Central Conference American Gold Division

Colors: Maroon and white

Offensive formation: Multiple

Defensive formation: 4-3

2023 results (5-6 overall, 3-1 in BCC American Gold)

vs. Rancocas Valley, L 21-6

at Bridgewater-Raritan, W 27-21 OT

Westfield, W 37-7

at St. Joseph-Metuchen, W 22-15

Somerville, W 13-10

Hillsborough, L 15-7

at Elizabeth, L 28-26

Phillipsburg, L 27-6

at Ridge, L 26-7

at Ridgewood in sectional quarterfinals, W 35-30

at Passaic Tech in sectional semi, L 35-7

2024 schedule

at Seton Hall Prep, 7 p.m.

at Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

at St. Joseph-Metuchen, 1 p.m.

Westfield, 7 p.m.

Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.

at Ridge 7:30 p.m.

at South Brunswick 6 p.m.

Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

Elizabeth, 7 p.m.

Westfield

Matt Andzel, who is the 13th Blue Devils head coach in the program’s 127-year history, takes over a program that got hit hard by graduation and will need newcomers and veterans to step up if they’re to score their third straight winning season.

“With lots of new starters in key positions ― like quarterback, running back and linebacker ― we are expecting our new starters to step up and fill the void,” Andzel said. “We have a very difficult schedule and expect our kids to rise to the challenge and play at a high level throughout the season.”

Junior Cole Weidler is expected to open the season under center and his play will have a lot to do with the team’s fortunes, Andzel said.

Westfield does get a standout back at receiver. Senior Enzo Ferrero, who caught 54 passes for 915 yards and 11 touchdowns last year, enters the season is in a position to break school records, including receptions and touchdowns, after being named second-team all-conference. He’s joined by classmate Sebastian Margerhini as primary targets for their first-year quarterback.

Sophomores Jordan Walsh (WR) and Shaq McKenith, who will see time at running back and receiver, should also be a big part of the offense. Senior Blake Rudlow will also be in the running-back mix.

Seniors Jack Martin, PJ McGovern and Brenton Hatch anchor the offensive line, while senior Zac Wragg, Lincoln Meyers and Brian Russo lead the way on defense.

WESTFIELD BLUE DEVILS

Head coach: Matt Andzel, first season

Assistants: Ken Miller (DC, DB), Don Dayon (LB), Dave Hancock (ST, RB), Sam Haiman (OC, WR), Tom Langton (OL), Na’ati Akoula (DL), Lee Gallman (ST, DB), Hank Shapiro (QB).

State classification: North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference American Gold Division

Colors: Blue and white

Offensive formation: Multiple pro

Defensive formation: 4-4/4-3

2023 results (6-5 overall, 2-2 in BCC American Gold, division champ)

Watchung Hills, L 34-20

at Union, L 37-7

Elizabeth, W 23-21

at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, W 31-0

at St. Joseph-Metuchen, L 17-14

Somerville, W 31-29

Ridge, L 34-15

at Hillsborough, W 17-0

Clifton in sectional quarterfinals, W 36-0

at Phillipsburg in sec. semi, L 42-24

at Plainfield, W 29-8

2024 schedule

9/6 at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

9/14 Elizabeth, 1 p.m.

9/20 at Union, 7 p.m.

9/28 St Joseph (Metuchen), 1 p.m.

10/4 at Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

10/10 North Brunswick, 4 p.m.

10/19 Bridgewater-Raritan, 1 p.m.

10/25 at Ridge, 7 p.m.

11/28 Plainfield, 11 a.m.

Simeon Pincus has covered NJ sports since 1997. He can be reached at SPincus@GannettNJ.com . Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

Andy Mendlowitz can be reached at AMendlowitz@NJPressMedia.com . Follow him on Twitter @Andy_Mendlowitz

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Football preview: Big Central Conference American Gold Division