Football preview: Big Central Conference United Silver Division

The 2024 season is about to kick off for the Governor Livingston, J.F. Kennedy, New Brunswick, North Plainfield and South Plainfield high school football teams.

Here’s a look at team previews for the Big Central Conference United Silver Division.

Governor Livingston

The Highlanders are coming off just their third playoff berth since 2009, and though a couple of key guys walked the graduation aisle last June, there’s plenty back for Governor Livingston to be in good shape for another step forward.

While Governor Livingston has needed to replace most of its wide receiver and secondary corps, the Highlanders hope to lean on a strong offensive and defensive line to fuel the charge back to the postseason, said coach Peter Ramiccio, who is entering his third season at the helm.

GL returns four starters back on the offensive line and three on the D-line, as well as senior quarterback Lucciano Santamaria and First-Team All-County and second-team All-Conference linebacker Jack Dally, who will take over as one of the primary backs on offense. Senior Chris D’Amato is also expected to see a lot of carries, as the Highlanders look to replace the graduated Owen Chait, who led the club in rushing last year.

With last year’s top four pass-catchers graduated, Governor Livingston features a large group competing to replace that production, including seniors Ray Lo, Francisco Londono and Ryan Benza, and junior Eric Kyi. Senior Ryan Honey, who is returning from injury, should also see touches at both running back and receiver.

The offensive line returns both starting tackles and guards, headed by junior three-year starter Max DiDonato, and two-year starters in seniors Dylan Randis and Jack Bauer, and junior David Dorsett.

Dally is back at linebacker to lead the defense after recording a team-high 82 tackles last year, while senior Noah Brown and Dorsett return at the ends to lead a strong defensive line – one that could see 8-to-10 players make major contributors this season, the coach said.

“Getting off to a good start is paramount, as the schedule toughens a bit this year,” said Ramiccio, whose team traded out games against J.P. Stevens and South River for two long road trips, to Lakeland and Voorhees. “We open early, on Thursday, Aug. 29 – the first possible day for games – on the road at Lakeland, before traveling to rival New Providence the following Friday night. If we can get through those first two games healthy, and with a win or two, we should be in good shape moving forward.”

GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON HIGHLANDERS

Head coach: Pete Ramiccio, third season (10-10 at GL, 15-14 overall)

Assistants: Paul Sep (co-DC, OL/DL), Noah Torino (LB/RB), Vin Gargano (QB, JV HC), Justin Polce (OC, WR), Jared Van Oostendorp (RB, JV).

State classification: North Group 3

League: Big Central Conference United Silver Division

Colors: Red and blue

Offensive formation: Power spread

Defensive formation: 4-2-5

2023 results (6-4 overall, 3-1 in BCC United Silver)

New Providence, L 14-4

A.L. Johnson, W 33-21

vs. North Plainfield @Kean, W 2-0

J.P. Stevens, W 34-0

at J.F. Kennedy, W 35-0

at South Plainfield, W 25-6

Carteret, L 42-6

at South River, W 35-6

Bernards, L 42-7

at Summit in states, L 42-14

2024 schedule

8/29 at Lakeland, 6:30 p.m.

9/6 at New Providence, 7 p.m.

9/14 J.F. Kennedy, 1 p.m.

9/20 North Plainfield, 7 p.m.

9/27 at South Plainfield, 6 p.m.

10/5 A.L. Johnson, 2 p.m.

10/10 at Voorhees, 7 p.m.

10/19 Bernards, 1 p.m.

10/25 at New Brunswick, 7 p.m.

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

More: Football: Big Central Conference and area week-by-week schedule

J.F. Kennedy

Yes, the J.F. Kennedy football team had some growing pains last season. But growing isn’t something permanent, it’s simply part of the process.

Perhaps a better way to put it is that the Mustangs were growing success and experience.

“Last year, we were a really young team and a lot of these players are back this year,” third-year coach Mike Henderson said at the BCC media day. “So there were a lot of growing pains going through last year. Kids came back more mature. They’re hungry. They’re ready to work. We’re trying to build off of that going into this year. Again, it’s a lot of familiar faces so it’s a good thing to have around the locker room and on the field there for us.”

Wide receiver/defensive back Grant Lorentzen returns as first-team All-Division – in fact, the throw back-type of three-sport star also earned All-Division in baseball and basketball. The junior caught 46 passes for 626 yards last season and will be one of the playmakers for Richie Trotman.

The junior quarterback threw for 865 yards and completed 59 percent of his 145 passes last season. Fiheem Howell (Jr., RB/DB) is back after rushing for a team-high 542 yards on 120 carries and looks to be a breakout candidate.

Lee Tobon, (Sr., DB/WR) and Emilio Ruiz (Jr., WR/DB) bring experience to both sides of the ball.

The varsity minutes continue onto the defense and the offensive lines. Top returning players include seniors Manny Perez-Quijano (DL/RB, a three-year letterwinner, 38 tackles, 9 TFL), Brenden Denti (OL/DL, a two-year letter winner) and Dylan Driz (LB/RB, 67 tackles, 42 solo).

Alejandro Montalvo (Sr., DB/WR) and Jayden France (Sr., LB) are among the leaders on the defense and E.J. Kaminski (Sr., OL/LB) is a top offensive lineman.

Other projected starters include seniors Aiden Roche (DB), Nyeem Muse (LB/RB), Zack Tyler (TE/WR), Justin Calderon (OL/DL) and junior Jamir Campbell (LB).

Top newcomers include Duane McFarland (Sr., OL/DL) and juniors Leon Prince (OL/DL) and Jugraj Singh (OL/DL).

The Mustangs move from the Liberty Gold to the United Silver and host Perth Amboy in Week Zero.

“We’ve been progressing pretty well installing a new defense, putting in some wrinkles in our offense and adapting some things there,” Henderson said. “One of the good things about our schedule is we do see a lot of familiar opponents, played a lot of teams in our division last year in crossovers. Perth Amboy was in our division the last two years. We’re excited to go play them. They always compete hard and bring the heat so we’re ready to go.”

J.F. KENNEDY MUSTANGS

Head coach: Mike Henderson, third season

Assistants: Matt Creighton (OC), Pat Mcgann (OL/DL/STC), Greg Capone (DB/WR), Arick Rebetje (DL/OL), Dan Panero (S/C/freshmen), John Joyce (QC, freshmen)

State classification: North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference United Silver Division

Colors: Green and white

Offensive formation: Spread multiple

Defensive formation: 3-4

2023 results (1-8 overall, 0-4 in BCC Liberty Gold)

South Plainfield, L 26-7

at Colonia, L 49-6

Perth Amboy, L 35-7

Governor Livingston, L 35-0

at Linden, L 42-7

Woodbridge, L 56-0

at Voorhees, L 42-7

at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, L 39-0

at J.P. Stevens, W 24-21

2024 schedule

8/29 Perth Amboy, 6 p.m.

9/6 at Voorhees, 7 p.m.

9/14 at Governor Livingston, 1 p.m.

9/20 New Brunswick, 7 p.m.

9/27 at Monroe, 7 p.m.

10/4 Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 6 p.m.

10/10 North Plainfield, 6 p.m.

10/18 at Middlesex, 7 p.m.

10/26 South Plainfield, 1 p.m.

New Brunswick

Forget actual coaching, Steve Gluchowski’s duties as head New Brunswick football coach included being part hype man and part salesman, almost like a breathing social media clip seeking to get likes.

The Zebras ended last season with a small roster, so it was up to the second-year skipper and his staff to spread the word and get players from the hallways and classrooms.

“Me and the guys have been recruiting all winter, any athlete we could get out,” Gluchowski said at media day. “We ended our season last year with 18 kids on the sideline. We’ve been consistently close to 35, 40 at practice all summer.”

One focus was try to convince athletes in other endeavors to play multiple sports, i.e. football.

“We do have some really good basketball players that have come out and some other athletes that have come out that are starting to look like they know what they’re doing on a football field,” Gluchowski said. “So that’s going to help us produce on the field, hopefully.”

Depth does go a long way on the gridiron.

While New Brunswick graduated its two All-Division picks in Omari Williams (OT/DE) and Stanford Williams (OG/MLB), who combined for 166 tackles, the Zebras return other experienced players.

The junior trio of Zi’youn Brown (RB/LB), Jabril Bright (LB/WR) and Jeffren Paulino (DE/OG) are ready to lead the defense.

Jayden Buggs (Sr.) takes over fulltime at quarterback, in addition to his safety duties. Chase Maurrasse (So., RB/LB) seems primed for a big season in the backfield.

Additionally, Edwin Cedillo (C/DT), Tyshawn Holley (WR/S) and Kiyale Walker (OT/DT) bring senior experience.

Newcomers to watch include two-way linemen Mike Galindo and Asi Headley OL/DL.

NEW BRUNSWICK ZEBRAS

Head coach: Steve Gluchowski, second season

Assistants: Scott Dickinson (DC), Brandon Smith (QB/DB), Mike Meklin (OL/DL), Angelo Golino (RB/S), Dave Holder (QB/LB), Nick Cilento (DL/WR), Joe Pitarresi (DB/WR)

State classification: South Group 5

League: Big Central Conference United Silver Division

Colors: Blue and white

Offensive formation: Gun Wing-T

Defensive formation: 4-3

2023 results (0-9 overall, 0-4 in BCC National Silver)

Trenton, L 35-8

St. Joseph, L 35-0

at Sayreville, L 55-0

at Franklin, L 42-6

Monroe, L 37-7

at Edison, L 35-6

at North Brunswick, L 35-0

Old Bridge, L 51-0

Piscataway, L 41-6

2024 schedule

8/30 Freehold Boro, 6 p.m.

9/6 Plainfield, 7 p.m.

9/14 Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 1 p.m.

9/20 at J.F. Kennedy, 7 p.m.

9/27 at North Plainfield, 7 p.m.

10/4 Carteret, 7 p.m.

10/11 at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.

10/18 at Rahway, 6 p.m.

10/25 Governor Livingston, 7 p.m.

North Plainfield

When you look at the list of the top returning letterwinners for North Plainfield, your eyes scroll and then scroll some more.

In all, there are 19 names listed and that alone tells you why they have optimism for the season. True, the Canucks are coming off a 1-10 campaign but now the players are that more seasoned.

“We don’t really look behind us,” said third-year coach Derrick Eatman at media day. “We just look forward. Right now, the kids have been working harder than ever. I think the thing that those losses don’t show is the fact that we got 16 kids that played 20 varsity football games and they come back to play for us this year. So we just got a win-now mentality. So that’s how we feel right now.”

North Plainfield was right there in many games and suffered a 2-0 loss to Governor Livingston, a 20-19 defeat to South Plainfield and a 13-12 loss to Nutley.

Instead of wilting, the players stuck together and carried their work ethic into the winter and spring.

“This season I’m taking things personal,” senior Aaron Potts said. “Last year was bad. So we’re not taking it easy on anyone. … The senior class is really tight. Even the underclassmen, we’re all like a big brotherhood, so we’re excited to go to work and we’re excited to really win some games this year.”

Potts (RB/DB) returns as an All-Division first-team player after rushing for 504 yards and five scores. He’ll be a part of a three-headed monster along with Anthony Peneranda (Sr., WR/DB) and Zkye Knowles (Jr., RB/LB) to lead the skilled-position players.

On the offensive line, look for seniors Caleb Henderson (OL/DL) and Andrejs Morozovs (OL/DL) and junior Johnnie Parker (OL/LB) to lead the way with two-way linemen Mike Mazariegos (Sr.), Sergio Mejia (Sr.), Brandon Gardner (Jr.) and sophomores Omar Ahmed, Daniel Gonzalez and Anthony Dipietro all back with varsity experience.

On defense, seniors Julian Adopante (LB/TE) and Julien Josias (DE/TE) are among the leaders. Also coming back with experience are Mohammad Ahsan (Sr.) and Zane Stites (So.) at quarterback, Nahdir Campbell (Sr., WR/DB), Julius King (Jr., RB/DB) and Alex Kruszcynski (So., TE/LB).

Top newcomers include Isaiah Canada (Sr., WR/DB), Jordan Burnett (Jr., RB/DB), Louie Spagnuolo (Jr., WR/LB) and Anthony Costello (Fr., WR/DB).

NORTH PLAINFED CANUCKS

Head coach: Derrick Eatman, third season

Assistants: Taj Belfield (DC), James D’Alessio (OC), Peter Giousis (STC), Roger Terry (DL),

Jeff Robinson (TE), Kelvin White Jr. (LB), Koran Gregory (WR),

State classification: North Group 3

League: Big Central Conference United Silver Division

Colors: Maroon, black and white

Offensive formation: Spread

Defensive formation: 4-3

2023 results (1-10 overall, 1-3 in BCC United Silver)

at Manchester Twp., L 34-6

at Voorhees, L 48-8

Governor Livingston, L 2-0

at South Plainfield, L 20-19

Carteret, L 34-0

Bernards, L 40-0

at J.P. Stevens, W 20-8

at St. Thomas Aquinas, L 49-0

Delaware Valley, L 41-6

at Nutley, L 13-12

Metuchen, L 35-0

2024 schedule

9/6 at Belvidere, 7 p.m.

9/13 South Plainfield, 7 p.m.

9/20 at Governor Livingston, 7 p.m.

9/27 New Brunswick, 7 p.m.

10/4 Voorhees, 7 p.m.

10/10 at J.F. Kennedy, 6 p.m.

10/18 at A.L. Johnson, 6 p.m.

10/25 Metuchen, 6 p.m.

South Plainfield

Fans would have been wise to keep their South Plainfield roster from last season as many of those same names are back – and that’s a very good thing for the Tigers faithful.

They have four All-Division players returning with talent spread on all phases.

“We got a lot of guys back from last year’s team and it’s a great group of guys,” South Plainfield coach Bill Hamilton said at media day. “A big senior class, great leaders that care about each other and they want what’s best for this program moving forward.”

The Tigers are led by three-year starter AJ Perales, a three-sport athlete who plays basketball and is a top sprinters on the South Plainfield track team. Perales, who was first-team All-Division, is an athletic defensive end and tight end with speed. The senior made 83 tackles (40 solo, 24 TFL) last year.

He’ll be joined by two junior first-team All-Division picks in Dylan Oller (RB/LB), who led the team with 111 tackles (10 TFL), and Dominic Massaro (RB/DB/KR). The explosive Massaro started since he was a freshman and excelled everywhere with 975 rushing yards (9.7 ypc) and 10 TDs, 103 tackles and two kick returns for scores.

Returning quarterback Ryan Balent (Sr., DB) runs the show and threw for 646 yards last season with eight touchdowns.

A veteran senior group will provide plenty of protection and join the fun on defense. They include Evan Brown (OL/DL 57 tackles; 7.5 TFL), Jack Jones (LB, 52 tackles), Lorenzo Fuscoletti (DL/TE/LS, 52 tackles, 10 TFL), Kaden Deakyne (OL/DL, 48 tackles, 9 TFL) and Joe Mongiovi (Sr., TE/LB, 52 tackles, 12 TFL).

Other players back with experience number seniors Zach Vautrin (OL), Jaden Ramrup (OL/DL), Ryan Rizk (OL), Chris Vautrin (OL/DL), James Adams (DB/WR), Damian Capra (P/WR) and Kyle Pear (DB/RB), as well as juniors Aaron Everitt (OL/DL) and Kenny Young (DB/RB).

South Plainfield also emphasizes special teams and have returned six kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns over the last two seasons.

Top newcomers include seniors Vincenzo Venetucci (RB/DB) and Manny Torres (LB/TE), juniors Erick Hernandez (RB/LB), Aiden Rinaldi (LB/OL) and Hayden Hook (QB/DB) and sophomores Jaydon Jones (RB/DB), Jordan Magazine, (QB/DB), Christian Brown (RB/DB), Micah Anderson (RB/DB), Brandon DeGeronimo (RB/DB) and Tyler Wnuk (LB/RB).

SOUTH PLAINFED TIGERS

Head coach: Bill Hamilton, fourth season

Assistants: Keith Kapinos (DC/QB), Matt Connell (ST/TE/DL), Momoh Bassie (OL/LB), Bo Diaz (RB/DB), Shane Raymond (Head freshman coach), Tom Rizk (OL/LBs), Bryan Holt (OC/DL)

State classification: South Group 3

League: Big Central Conference United Silver Division

Colors: Green and black

Offensive formation: Spread Wing-T

Defensive formation: 4-3

2023 results (4-6 overall, 2-2 in BCC United Silver)

at Westwood, L 44-12

at J.F. Kennedy, W 26-7

at Carteret, L 40-7

North Plainfield, W 20-19

at J.P. Stevens, W 47-19

Governor Livingston, L 25-6

Voorhees, L 41-14

at Perth Amboy, W 29-27

Monroe, L 47-14

at Scotch Plains-Fanwood, L 46-27

2024 schedule

8/29 at New Providence, 6:30 p.m.

9/6 Delaware Valley, 6 p.m.

9/13 at North Plainfield, 7 p.m.

9/20 Cranford, 6 p.m.

9/27 Governor Livingston, 6 p.m.

10/4 at Bernards, 7 p.m.

10/11 New Brunswick, 7 p.m.

10/19 at South River, 1 p.m.

10/26 at J.F. Kennedy, 1 p.m.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Football preview: Big Central Conference United Silver Division