Football preview: Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division

The 2024 season for the Montgomery, North Hunterdon, Rahway, Somerville and Watchung Hills high school football teams is set for kickoff.

Here's a look at team previews for the Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division.

Montgomery

Count the Cougars among the Big Central Conference teams hit the hardest by graduation. Montgomery enjoyed the most successful season in program history a year ago, going 8-1-1 and winning its third straight divisional title. Now, with a graduation haul that included three-year starting quarterback Michael Schmelzer and fellow first-team All-Conference pick Matt D’Avino, and it’s rebuild time in Skillman.

Coach Zoran Milich said he is very excited about the players he has, but acknowledges losing a group to graduation that included five college players, including a pair of Division 1 guys, is going to be tough.

“We are inexperienced as a whole, so the sooner our first-time varsity guys get up to varsity speed, the better,” Milich said. “The goal is to get better every week and for our players to trust the process. This is not an overnight thing, but we have some talented new players who get their opportunity to play.”

Junior Jack Kristjanson takes over at quarterback, and while Montgomery lost its best offensive weapons to graduation in D’Avino and running back Brady Post, the Cougars do get all-purpose threat Trey McFadden. The junior stood out as a receiver, cornerback and kicker last year, and will be key again.

Senior Brandon Rector and junior Mike Bellamy will lead the offensive and defensive lines, with senior linebackers Landen Dikker and Eamonn Kyler joined by McFadden as key defensive leaders.

MONTGOMERY COUGARS

Head coach: Zoran Milich, 23rd season (101-109-1)

Assistants: Sean Carty (OC, QB), Brian Santaniello (DC, LB), Dan Aguilar (OL/DL), Chris Sima (freshmen HC), Matthew Popadiuk (freshmen), Jon England (RB/OLB), Mark Priebracha (WR/DB).

State classification: North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division

Colors: Green and gold

Offensive formation: Shotgun spread wing-T

Defensive formation: 3-4

2023 results (8-1-1 overall, 3-0 in BCC Liberty Silver, division champ)

Robbinsville, W 29-6

Franklin, W 28-14

Plainfield, W 35-7

at Somerville, W 27-21

at Hamilton West, W 41-2

at Watchung Hills, L 33-0

at North Hunterdon, L 21-14

Scotch Plains-Fanwood, W 40-14

at Linden, W 28-13

Sayreville, L 35-14 in playoff opener

2024 schedule

8/30 Hopewell Valley, 7 p.m.

9/7 at Summit, 1 p.m.

9/13 Somerville, 7 p.m.

9/20 at North Hunterdon, 7 p.m.

9/27 at Watchung Hills, 7 p.m.

10/5 at Linden, 1 p.m.

10/11 at Woodbridge, 7 p.m.

10/18 Sayreville, 7 p.m.

10/25 Rahway, 7 p.m.

North Hunterdon

The past two seasons couldn’t have been more different for the Lions, who followed up their 2022 state sectional championship campaign by going winless last year. Now, as head coach CJ Robinson enters his second year at the helm, and after a very productive offseason, the hope is that things will be headed back in the right direction in Clinton Township.

Robinson said his club has done a good job of preparation in the offseason, spending a lot of time in the weight room, getting bigger, faster, and stronger. Most importantly, he said, they spent a lot of time together building chemistry. Robinson said the senior class has stepped up into leadership roles, bringing the team together and creating a tight, cohesive squad.

“We are excited to get the season underway and look to compete week in and week out,” Robinson said. “We will continue to focus on the little things while playing with great effort, attitude, and toughness.”

Quarterback and leading rusher Tyler Anderson is the biggest graduation loss, and junior Nick Ramaci will get first crack under center after making 28 catches and leading the club with 452 receiving yards a year ago. Junior Cole O’Connor, who saw 24 carries last season, opens as the main back, with junior Dan Figurski, returning at receiver, and junior Antonio Sauchelli and senior Graham Burt stepping up into regular snaps.

Senior Luke Testa, the team’s top returning player, is back to lead the offensive line, where he’ll be joined by classmate Russell Hyland and junior Bret Banek in leading the unit. Junior linebacker Pat Wojtal and junior DB Grant Hillman will be key on defense.

NORTH HUNTERDON LIONS

Head coach: CJ Robinson, second season

Assistants: Blair Maginnis (OC), Chris Miller (DC), Mike Vellucci (assistant), Ryan Tatarka (assistant), John McSweeney (assistant).

State classification: North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division

Colors: Green and gold

Offensive formation: Spread

Defensive formation: Multiple

2023 results (0-9 overall, 0-3 in BCC Liberty Silver)

Hunterdon Central, L 44-7

Cranford, L 41-0

Watchung Hills, L 49-6

Phillipsburg, L 54-7

Plainfield, L 35-0

at Colonia, L 48-24

Montgomery, L 49-6

at Woodbridge, L 41-7

at Voorhees, L 35-14

2024 schedule

8/30 at Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.

9/6 Colonia, 7 p.m.

9/13 at Watchung Hills, 7 p.m.

9/20 Montgomery, 7 p.m.

9/27 at Rahway, 6 p.m.

10/4 Monroe, 7 p.m.

10/10 at Somerville, 7 p.m.

10/18 at East Brunswick, 7 p.m.

10/25 Voorhees, 7 p.m.

Rahway

A Group 4 school playing a freshman or two on varsity isn’t typical, though, not unheard of – but 13?

Rahway used a baker’s dozen at various times last season, with talented youngsters earning looks and others forced into action because of injuries. That included Jaquan Robinson starting the second half at quarterback as a rookie.

Now, the coaches expect them to be mentally tougher along with 12 seniors and other key pieces leading the way. Rahway dropped its last six games but again made the playoffs because of a hot start and its strength of schedule.

“We look forward to being a lot better this year,” Rahway coach Brian Russo said at the BCC media day. “Obviously, those kids had to play older. So, we’re excited for raised expectations.”

The Indians graduated four All-Division players but junior first-teamer Andrew Avent returns as a three-year starter. He should be a force at running back (733 rushing yards, 11 TDs) and linebacker (82 tackles, 14 TFL).

Robinson also returns to run the multiple-spread offense. He’ll have explosive junior receivers (and defensive backs) Ziare Fields and Synceir Touissant to connect with for big plays.

Providing the protection are returning offensive line starters in seniors Donea “Kai” Fish (moving to OL from h-back and is a four-year starter at DT), Daniel Davidson and Jonathan Martinez, as well as sophomore Jalen Eastman, a returning starter at tight end and defensive end.

Senior two-way linemen Malachi Lowe also seems primed for a big season, while Tony Lopez (Sr.) returns as a three-year starter at kicker.

The defense should be led by the front seven and will be boosted by senior transfer Kevin Taylor from Linden (10 sacks last season). He can also play at linebacker and on the offensive line and at tight end.

Other players to keep an eye on include seniors Daarion Wiggins (WR/DB) and Mo’zion McGatt (DB), junior Duvet Sheppard (DB) and sophomores Jyvon Cooper (RB/LB) and Allen Daverson (DB).

RAHWAY INDIANS

Head coach: Brian Russo, 10th season (50-37)

Assistants: Lou Urbano (Associate HC/STC), Mike Kuchar (OL/DL), Danny Garay (RB/DL), Troy Eastman (QB/LB/DC), Michael Carbone (WR/DB), Rich Nyers (QB/DB), Javier Gonzalez (OL/LB), Jerrish Halsey (WR/DB/Freshmen), Roy Eastman (Freshmen), Key’maan Coleman (Freshmen), Donovan Steele (Videographer/Statistician/Gameplan), Marc Menalas (Freshmen), Dominik Williams (Freshmen), Jeff Daniels (Freshmen)

State classification: North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division

Colors: Black and red

Offensive formation: Multiple Spread

Defensive formation: 4-2-5

2023 results (3-7 overall, 1-3 in BCC United Gold)

Perth Amboy, W 21-7

at Linden, L 28-20

Lincoln (JC), W 13-12

Scotch Plains-Fanwood, W 27-12

Summit, L 41-7

Cranford, L 25-6

St. Thomas Aquinas, L 31-7

at Carteret, L 19-5

at Colonia, L 35-7

at Ramapo, L 42-7

2024 schedule

8/29 Voorhees, 6 p.m.

9/6 Scotch Plains-Fanwood, 6 p.m.

9/13 at Perth Amboy, 6 p.m.

9/20 at Somerville, 7 p.m.

9/27 North Hunterdon, 6 p.m.

10/4 Cranford, 7 p.m.

10/12 at Watchung Hills, 7 p.m.

10/18 New Brunswick, 6 p.m.

10/25 at Montgomery, 7 p.m.

Somerville

As teams across the conference look to evaluate newcomers and first-time starters to replace graduated stars, the Pioneers know exactly what they have.

Somerville returns nearly intact, especially among its impact skill guys. Not that the Pioneers didn’t lose talent to graduation, with second-team all-county picks Quinn Carran and Brenden Kaye having graduated. But with a haul of talent returning, one that includes three-year starting quarterback Brenden Pacheco, second-team All-Conference running back Terrell Mitchell, and third-team defensive end Jayden Loftin, the Ville is loaded. Pair that with the fact Somerville, rightfully, moves down from the All-Group 5 American Gold Division to the size-and-strength appropriate Liberty Silver, and the Pioneers are in great shape for a special season.

“This team has the ability to go on a long playoff run and will do so if hard work remains a point of emphasis,” coach Matt Bloom said. “The players have worked their tails off to deserve a successful season, and it will be one, as long as everyone moves in the same direction.”

With Pacheco under center and Mitchell in the backfield, the Pioneers boast a potent attack, one that also includes senior returning receivers Josh Rodriguez, Brady Scheier and Zahid Lee Jackson, as well as senior tight end Jamile Adoboe, who, like Loftin, transferred in from Bound Brook. Seniors Jon LoStocco and Sean O’Neill anchor the offensive line.

Loftin is joined by classmate Matt Chubenko on the defensive line, with senior Max Nuzzi leading the linebacking corps and Jackson keys the secondary.

Senior newcomer Remy Ozomgbachi could also be a force on the defensive line, while juniors Aidan Bush (WR/DB) and Griffin Kaye (WR/DB), and sophomore Justin Bowen look to have an impact in their first season as regular varsity performers.

SOMERVILLE PIONEERS

Head coach: Matt Bloom, third season (7-6)

Assistants: John Hoehn (DC), Gary Knoeppel (STC/DB), Dave Peist (DL), Ty Headen (WR), AJ Akins (LB), Luke Genise (OL), Pat Manna (DB), Mike Skomba, Joe Petrill.

State classification: South Group 3

League: Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division

Colors: Orange and white

Offensive formation: Spread

Defensive formation: 3-4

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

at Voorhees, W 41-7

Old Bridge, W 33-14

at St. Joseph-Metuchen, W 28-20

Montgomery, L 27-21

at Union, L 13-10

Elizabeth, W 17-14

at Westfield, L 31-29

at Hillsborough, W 14-7

South Brunswick, W 42-14

at Manasquan in sectional quarterfinals, L 14-13

2024 schedule

8/29 Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

9/6 at Cranford, 7 p.m.

9/13 at Montgomery, 7 p.m.

9/20 Rahway, 7 p.m.

9/28 at Hillside, 1 p.m.

10/4 Summit, 7 p.m.

10/10 North Hunterdon, 7 p.m.

10/18 at Plainfield, 7 p.m.

10/25 Watchung Hills, 7 p.m.

Watchung Hills

The Warriors are coming off a historic season, one that started with the program’s first 5-0 start since 1978 and finished 8-3, marking their winningest season since that year and featuring the team’s first playoff win since that same campaign -- and just the second in program history.

Watchung Hills will have to endure some heavy graduation losses, including the departures of four First-Team All-Area players in quarterback Alex Sitkowski, as well as receiver Jack Clintock, DB Scott Drews and lineman Cam Montague. But, coach Rich Seubert said, his club features 28 seniors and he’s excited to see them finish their careers in the brown and gold.

Senior Mason Kelly takes over as quarterback, leading an offense that will include senior Brayden Kelly, who was named second-team All-Area last year. Seniors Fin Slattery, Jake Carfaro and Ali Dilone will lead the way on the offensive line.

Defensive back Brayden Kelly is joined by senior linebacker Jake Arkelian in leading the defense.

WATCHUNG HILLS WARRIORS

Head coach : Rich Seubert, ninth season (28-43)

Assistants : Joe Tremarco (DC/LB), Joe Ascolese (OC/QB), James Huff (STC/RB), Joe Almeida (AHC/TE), Paul Leinbach (WR/JVHC), Anthony Rizzolo (DL/JVOC), Kenneth Ridley (DB/JVSTC), Steve Fortugno (LB/JVDC), Jimmy Miller (scout), Adam Kudlacik (freshmen HC), Kevin Marshall (freshmen DC), Anthony Montufar (freshmen STC), Ghost Grundman (wellness), Joe Ferraro (freshmen), Nate Scala (student coach), Matt Hubert (student coach).

State classification: North Group 5

League: Big Central Conference Liberty Silver Division

Colors : Brown and gold

Offensive formation: multiple

Defensive formation: multiple

2023 results (8-3 overall, 2-1 in BCC Liberty Silver)

Bayonne, W 37-8

at Westfield, W 34-20

at North Hunterdon, W 49-6

at Morris Knolls, W 31-24

Bridgewater-Raritan, W 14-7

Montgomery, L 28-21

at Plainfield, W 20-10

St. Joseph-Metuchen, L 24-21

at Elizabeth, W 20-13

Bridgewater-Raritan, W 33-23 in sectional quarterfinals

Montclair, L 24-21 in sec. semi

2024 schedule

8/30 at Moorestown, 7 p.m.

9/6 at Woodbridge, 6 p.m.

9/13 North Hunterdon, 7 p.m.

9/20 Linden, 7 p.m.

9/27 Montgomery, 7 p.m.

10/5 at South Brunswick, 3 p.m.

10/12 Rahway, 7 p.m.

10/18 at Elizabeth, 7 p.m.

10/25 at Somerville, 7 p.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 Liberty Silver Division