Football preview: Big Central Conference American Silver Division

Phillipsburg

The task of leading Phillipsburg’s football legacy has been inherited by the considerable talents of playmakers like senior quarterback Jett Genovese and receiver Matt Scerbo, both three-year starters, leading a returning group of seasoned players.

Genovese and Scerbo have been major contributors in the team's 21-3 record of the last two seasons, including last year’s 10-2 mark that netted a BCC American Silver co-championship and a trip to the sectional finals. The pair have been connecting since eighth graders with the Pohatcong Warriors in the Warren County Midget Football League. Pohatcong is one of the feeders to Phillipsburg success, but there are youngsters who choose to travel across the Delaware to attend high school and play ball in the Lehigh Valley.

Genovese’s brother went to Bethlehem Catholic. Stateliners coach Frank Duffy heard of Jett Genovese’s promise, and knew his older brother had decided to head west. Would Jett follow?

“You want to develop a relationship with certain players before they get to high school and that’s what I did with Jett,” said Duffy, who enters his ninth season with a 67-22 record that includes four division titles, two straight sectional final berths and two straight rout wins over rival Easton.

“I visited with him at a gym in town that our athletes work out at and I’d visit with him every so often. I watched him work out. I wanted to make sure I built a relationship with him and let him make his own decision on what was best for him and fortunately he chose to come to Phillipsburg.”

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Genovese, whose team moves down from Group 5 to Group 4 this year, making its playoff road a little easier, got a sample of the varsity as a freshman, then took over as a sophomore, throwing for 1,380 yards and 13 touchdowns. Seven went to Scerbo. Despite missing three games with an injury last season, Genovese threw for 1,351 and 14 scores, with six to Scerbo.

The Liners use a four-receiver set and Genovese takes full advantage. Scerbo, senior Felix Matos and junior Mike Braco and senior transfer Jaysen Blacknall-Farmer (Notre Dame, Pa.) will be among the targets for the quarterback, who is known to be an equal distributor of the ball.

Juniors Jaquiln Dooley and Sam Dech will be in the backfield, and Scerbo will lend his versatility on punt and kick returns. He has been offered scholarships at Colgate, Lehigh, Lafayette and Sacred Heart.

“Matt has really grown physically since sophomore year,” Dunny said. “He’s got great hands, great route running ability, the ability to shield off defenders, and his jump ball ability is extremely unique.”

Scerbo, also an outstanding basketball player, is back at cornerback with Matos. Junior defensive end/offensive lineman Ben Coury is the youngest of three brothers to play for Phillipsburg. Junior linebacker Jayden Lucas was the outstanding defensive player in the 47-12 win over Easton last season.

The Liners lost an outstanding player when John Wargo graduated, but this is P’burg, where the next group finds the way.

“You don’t replace John Wargo, you just replace him with someone who has their own skill sets that help you be productive and win games - you build around guys who have their own skill sets,” said Duffy.

Genovese will also play defense full time this season at outside linebacker.

“He was anxious to play (defense) and approached me about wanting to play defense,” Duffy said.  “He was a good defensive player at the youth levels. He had some injuries last year at quarterback, so it was best for us to keep him on one side of the ball. But now with certain guys leaving on the defensive side we think he’ll be able to help us on the defensive side.”

--- Harry Frezza

PHILLIPSBURG STATELINERS

Head coach: Frank Duffy, ninth season (67-19)

State classification : North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference American Silver Division

Colors: Maroon and white

Offensive formation: Pro, multiple-I

Defensive formation: 4-4

2023 results (10-2 overall, 3-1 in BCC American Silver, division co-champ)

Sayreville, W 42-7

Ridge, W 21-14

at North Hunterdon, W 54-7

at Hillsborough, L 14-13

Hunterdon Central, W 21-7

at Bridgewater-Raritan, W 42-19

at Union, W 27-6

East Brunswick, W 49-7

Morristown, W 49-7 in sectional quarterfinals

Westfield, W 42-24 in sec. semi

West Orange, L 24-17 in North 2 Group 5 final

vs. Easton, W 47-12

2024 schedule

9/6 Westfield, 7 p.m.

9/13 Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.

9/20 at Ridge, 7 p.m.

9/27 Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

10/4 at West Orange, 7 p.m.

10/11 St. Joseph, 7 p.m.

10/18 at Union, 7 p.m.

10/25 at Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.

11/28 vs. Easton, 10:30 a.m.

Bridgewater-Raritan

The Panthers ’ 3-7 record last year is misleading: Six of those losses came by 10 points or fewer, four by a touchdown or less. With a big senior class graduated, including almost all of the offense, it’s up to some unproven talent to give BR its first winning season since 2021.

Second-year coach DJ Catalano is happy with his team’s offseason, and feels his squad is in a great place, physically. The young talent has also shown great development over the summer, he said.

“Our main focus for the season is to be better today than we were yesterday,” Catalano said. “We're committed to a philosophy of continuous improvement ― both individually and as a collective unit. While we are optimistic that our progress will be reflected in our record, we are focused on the strides we make together.”

Those strides are going to have to be made from a new set of offensive skill players. Junior Declan Kurdyla enters the season as the new quarterback. The backfield includes junior rookie Denzel Amoafo and senior Nick DiEsso, who had just four carries last season, with senior Ja’Sante Johnson as the top receiving target after only playing defense last year.

Senior Jack Schroeder returns to lead the offensive line, while juniors Justin Simpson and Stephen Pikulin, who both logged time last year, are also expected to be key up front. Ja’Sante Johnson on the defensive line and senior Dylan Tierney at linebacker will lead the defense, with DiEsso (LB), as well as linemen Schroeder, Simpson and Pikulin all bringing experience to the unit.

BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN PANTHERS

Head coach: DJ Catalano, second season (3-7)

Assistants: Joe Cahill (OC), Nick Costanzo (freshmen), Vinny DiStefano (DL/OL), Brandon Myers (TE), Kyle Murphy (freshmen HC), Sean Nunn (OL/DL), Kyle Paustian (OL/LB), Brett Stibitz (DB/RB), Joe Puleio (WR/DB), Dom Mulieri (STC).

State classification: North Group 5

League: Big Central Conference American Silver Division

Colors: Silver and black

Offensive formation: Multiple

Defensive formation: Multiple

2023 results (3-7 overall, 0-3 in BCC American Silver)

Edison, W 44-12

Union, L 27-21 OT

at Hillsborough, L 29-21

Hunterdon Central, L 17-7

at Watchung Hills, L 14-7

at Ridge, L 30-23

vs. Phillipsburg, L 42-19

Elizabeth, W 23-19

at Old Bridge, W 49-21

at Watchung Hills in states, L 33-23

2024 schedule

8/30 at Notre Dame, 6 p.m.

9/6 at Piscataway, 6 p.m.

9/14 at Morris Knolls 100

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

9/27 Ridge, 7 p.m.

10/4 at Elizabeth, 6 p.m.

10/10 Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

10/19 at Westfield, 1 p.m.

10/25 Phillipsburg, 7:15 p.m.

Hillsborough

The Raiders are three years removed from a perfect season and are coming off an 8-3 campaign and a trip to the sectional semifinals.

Hillsborough did lose key players to graduation, including three-year starting linebacker Jonathan Lobello, but the bulk of the club returns, with some players who got experience in limited roles last year ready to step up.

“Our group has had the strongest offseason that I can remember, and we have a high volume of quality players,” said Kevin Carty Jr., who is in his 14th season as the head coach at Hillsborough and 19th leading a varsity program. “I am confident in our depth. We also need to continue playing physical and smart on defense, and think we have the players to do so.”

The defense was the strength last year, holding opponents to 11.5 points – fourth-best in the conference – and the unit should be strong again. The offense, however, struggled at times, and Carty expects the Raiders' attack to be significantly more potent.

Among the offensive returners are five players who started on the offensive line a year ago, a two-way standout at tight end in senior Chimmy Ozokpor, and a 1,000-yard rusher in senior Jackson Jankowicz.

Senior Ryan Seamon takes over as the starting quarterback from Alex Reidling, a baseball player who decided not to play football this year. Carty said the new signal caller has the team firmly behind him and the coach expects a big season.

Jankowicz will be the featured back, with senior Brenden Barker also seeing carries. Junior Andrew Schwarz, who will see carries out of the backfield and targets as a receiver, could have a breakout season after playing a limited role last year. Senior Berto Santiago could also be poised for a breakout campaign as the Raiders’ top receiving target, with Baker and junior Sanjay Mills also expected to contribute in the passing game.

Seniors Matt Bleemer, Garrett Meyer, Alfred Williams, Joey Battoglia and Brandon Lew all return on the offensive line, with senior Spencer Marso also in the mix for regular time up front. Sophomore Nicholas Schmitt, who handled the kicking toward the end of last year, is back in that capacity.

Senior tackle Garrett Robuck and senior end Xander Borowski return to lead the defensive line, with junior tackle Nicholas Duarte and senior end Giuseppe Cicciari also expected to see regular snaps up front. Senior Garrett Meyer is joined by Ozokpor and Schwarz at linebacker, with Jankowicz at cornerback and senior Andrew Advani at safety, and junior safety Jayden Carter leading the way in the secondary.

Hillsborough will get a huge test opening night with a Thursday trip to Somerville – Carty’s alma mater. The Pioneers and Raiders have split meetings the past two seasons.

HILLSBOROUGH RAIDERS

Head coach: Kevin Carty Jr., 14th season (79-53 Hillsborough, 113-70 overall).

Assistants: Rocco Mazzagatti (DC), Don Adams (OL, S&C), Wayne Briggs (LB/RB), Vince Coviello (STC), PJ Jankowicz (WR), Brandon Wiater (DB, S&C), Patrick DeNapoli (freshmen),Tim O’Sullivan (freshmen).

State classification: South Group 5

League: Big Central Conference American Silver Division

Colors: Red and gold

Offensive formation: Multiple spread

Defensive formation: Multiple 4-4

2023 results (8-3 overall, 3-1 in BCC American Silver, shared division title)

at South Brunswick, W 29-8

at East Brunswick, W 43-0

Bridgewater-Raritan, W 29-21

at Ridge, L 28-7

vs. Phillipsburg @Rutgers, W 14-13

at Union, W 15-7

at Hunterdon Central, W 19-13 OT

Somerville, W 14-7

Westfield, L 17-0

Howell in sectional quarterfinals, W 14-0

Marlboro in sec. semis, L 12-0

2024 schedule

8/29 at Somerville, 7 p.m.

9/6 Union, 7 p.m.

9/13 at Ridge, 7 p.m.

9/20 Sayreville, 7 p.m.

9/27 at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

10/4 Westfield, 7 p.m.

10/10 at Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.

10/18 at Piscataway, 6 p.m.

10/25 Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.

Hunterdon Central

The Red Devils were one of the great stories in the conference last season, shaking off four straight losing years – including an 0-6 campaign in 2020 – and finishing 6-4 last year. Now, despite losing some pretty big pieces to graduation, including first-team all-conference back Jake Saus and two-year starting quarterback RJ Hart, the hope is the Red Devils can build on last year’s successes.

“I think we turned a corner last year with our program,” coach Casey Ransone said. “We’ve been through the fire, we stuck to the blueprint, and now we’re starting to see the fruition of that.”

Junior Drew Cella takes over at quarterback, and Xavier Arteaga could be poised for a big year out of the backfield after serving as a backup last season. Senior Nick Vasquez is a promising newcomer at receiver, a unit that was also hit pretty hard by graduation. Alex Kagen, AJ Melo and Jayden Cozze should also be a factor in the passing game.

What Central does have going for it is good proven talent up front. Seniors Tyler Suk, Quint Fisher and Kyle Etere return to anchor the offensive line, a unit that will also feature juniors Declan Joyce, Preston Shamansky and Mauricio Aquino. Those six, as well as senior Edwin Sanchez, will handle things on the defensive line, as well.

Senior linebacker Jesus Vargas is joined by junior Giovanni Veliz and sophomore Cozze in the middle of the defense, while senior Matt Smith heads a defensive backfield that will also feature Vargas, Xavier Arteaga, junior Troy Arteaga and senior Tyler Farley.

HUNTERDON CENTRAL RED DEVILS

Head coach: Casey Ransone, eighth season (24-41 at Central, 50-54 overall)

Assistants: Mike Vergalito (STC), Conall Joyce (OC), Mark Wroblewski (DL), Rob Martucci (WR), Tyler Wrable (TE/DL), Jim Meert (OL/LB), Ethen Aquino (DB/WR), Joe Capasso (freshmen HC),  Logan Brodsky (freshmen), Marty Dowling (freshmen), Alex Wasserman- (Director of football operations), Paul Kolody (strength and conditioning).

League: Big Central Conference American Silver Division

Colors: Red and black

Offensive formation: Multiple

Defensive formation: 4-3

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

at North Hunterdon, W 44-7

Piscataway, W 28-27 OT

at Elizabeth, W 21-14

at Bridgewater-Raritan, L 17-7

Ridge, L 41-13

at Phillipsburg, L 21-7

Hillsborough, L 19-13 OT

at Franklin, W 35-0

Perth Amboy, W 32-6

Kingsway, L 27-14 in playoff opener

2024 schedule

8/30 North Hunterdon, 7 p.m.

9/6 Monroe, 7 p.m.

9/13 at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

9/20 Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.

9/27 at Union, 7 p.m.

10/5 East Brunswick, 1 p.m.

10/10 Ridge, 7 p.m.

10/18 at Old Bridge, 7 p.m.

10/25 at Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

Ridge

It’s the same old story for the Red Devils, coach Andy West acknowledged, as a group of great players depart and a new group steps up, hungry for their turn to continue the program's success: Eight consecutive playoff berths and five straight trips to the sectional semifinals.

This year’s exodus includes a pair of first-team all-conference players in Will Deady and lineman Chris Oliver, as well as quarterback Ryan Olivo and linebacker/fullback Rooke Donohoe. Still, West said, this year's players have committed themselves throughout the summer, and will look to keep the train rolling.

The Red Devils' entire schedule made the playoffs a year ago, but the team knows it must embrace that challenge and prepare itself for the journey ahead.

“We look to be fast, but physical, so we have to hold to that standard,” West said. “It is a smart group of guys, and they are eager to continue the strong tradition that we have at Ridge. But it will not be easy, as the schedule is loaded and we will have our hands full each week.”

Connor McLachlan was the front runner for the starting quarterback job as the preseason opened, but Matthew Bober and Sawyer Paul were also in the mix. Returning seniors Ryan Turner (HB) and Aidan Stieglitz (FB) will be a big part of the offense, as will senior halfback Ryan Swan and senior newcomer Joseph Dachnowicz (HB).

Seniors Bode Ganny, Nick Giordano and Andrew Dachnowicz return as starters on the offensive line, with senior newcomers Nate Schneider and Nathan Engdahl have been doing well, West said. Senior nose guard Jacob Giordano returns and will be a big part of the defense, along with Stieglitz (LB), Turner (CB), Chase Fritz (LB), Swan (safety), Andrew Dachnowicz (LB) and Engdahl (DT).

RIDGE RED DEVILS

Head coach: Andy West, fourth season (28-10)

Assistants: Chase Vena (STC, OL/LB), Tom Blackwell (QB/DB), Matt Giordano (OL/DL), Brian McCarthy (TE/DE), JD Moore (HB/DB).

State classification: North Group 4

League: Big Central Conference American Silver Division

Colors: Green and white

Offensive formation: Wing-T

Defensive formation: 3-4

2023 results (8-2 overall, 3-1 in BCC American Silver co-champ)

at Monroe, W 41-7

at Phillipsburg, L 21-14

Hillsborough, W 28-7

at Hunterdon Central, W 41-13

Bridgewater-Raritan, W 30-23

South Brunswick, W 35-0

at Westfield, W 34-15

Union, W 26-7

Woodbridge in sectional quarterfinals, W 42-14

Northern Highlands in sectional semi, L 31-26

2024 schedule

9/7 at St. Joseph, 1 p.m.

9/13 Hillsborough, 7 p.m.

9/20 Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

9/27 at Bridgewater-Raritan, 7 p.m.

10/4 Union, 7:30 p.m.

10/10 at Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.

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

10/25 Westfield, 7 p.m.

Simeon Pincus has been covering New Jersey sports since 1997. He can be reached at SPincus@GannettNJ.com . Follow him on Twitter @SimeonPincus

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