Dickinson Rams
NJTCC Division 4
North 2, Group IV
2008: 1-8
Playoffs: None.
Head Coach:
Rich Glover
3rd year (4-15)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 6
Offense: Spread, Option
Defense: 4-4
2009 Schedule
9/11 at Ferris 7 p.m.
9/18 at Union City 7p.m.
9/25 at Memorial 7 p.m.
10/3 vs Teaneck 7 p.m.
10/10 vs North Bergen 7 p.m.
10/16 at Bayonne 7 p.m.
10/24 at Fair Lawn 1 p.m.
10/29 vs St. Peter’s Prep 6 p.m.
11/6 vs Wayne Hills 8 p.m.
Football Preview Guide
Team Previews
Bayonne
Dickinson
Ferris
Harrison
Hoboken
Hudson Catholic
Kearny
Lincoln
Marist
Memorial
North Bergen
St. Anthony
St. Peter’s Prep
Secaucus
Snyder
Union City
Weehawken
Lessons learned
After an injury plagued 2008, senior Melvin Daise is poised for a big season.
Click Here for more photos from Dickinson vs. St. Anthony scrimmage.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – For Rich Glover and his Dickinson Rams, the process of rebuilding the team back into a contender was not going to be an easy one. With more than half of the roster comprised of first-year players, the Rams’ inexperience showed as they slumped to a 1-8 mark in 2008.
Now as those players enter their second season of football, the lessons learned from last year are showing some dividends now.
“I’ve seen some maturity,” Glover said. “They understand football a little better than before.”
While Glover does not have as many players as he would like, there are some talented players in the junior and senior classes. That talent will be tested this season as the state realignment has resulted in the additions of Wayne Hills, Teaneck and Fair Lawn to the schedule. It’s a challenge that Glover and the Rams are ready to take head on.
“I wish we could still play the Jersey City schools since that’s where we’re from and there’s pride that comes from competing for a city championship,” Glover said. “But I think it’s a great schedule because I like challenges and for our kids to get better it’s good for them to get out of the county and play better teams.”
Offensive Overview:
Shamiour Griffin's hard work has paid off for Dickinson at middle linebacker.
The Rams have a two-headed monster at running back with junior Shamiour Griffin and senior Melvin Daise.
“Shamiour is our horse,” quarterback Jarell Boyd said. “He’s our bull basically. He’s likes to pound the ball. Melvin, he likes to pound the ball, he’s versatile, he’s speedy.”
Daise is back after injuries kept him out a year ago. Senior Ruben Noel could also see carries for Dickinson.
Boyd is another running threat as he continues the transition from wide receiver to quarterback. Senior wide receiver Dan Jean is Boyd’s top target.
Glover believes the strength of the team lies on the offensive line where he has four returning starters in Terick Rogers, Mekhail Sarofiem, Maurice Tyne and Terrell Rogers.
Defensive Overview:
At 5-foot-11, cornerback Dan Jean is unafraid to get to physical with bigger receivers.
With Terick Rogers and Sarofiem at the ends along with Terrell Rogers and Tyne inside, Glover has a quartet of experienced linemen to form the strength of the defense.
“They played (together) last year,” Glover said. “This will be their second year and they’re a little more experienced. They understand what we’re trying to do on defense and they work really hard.”
The 5-foot-11 Jean is a physical corner with the toughness and leaping ability to cover big receivers. Junior Kashawn Fuller and Boyd are the starting safeties and will round out the secondary.
Junior Joshuah Wooten has been impressive in camp at outside linebacker. Griffin will be a starter at inside linebacker.
Star Spotlight: Jarell Boyd, QB/FS
Jarell Boyd makes the transition from wide receiver to quarterback in 2009.
How did Dickinson’s Jarrel Boyd spend his summer? For the senior, it’s been a crash course in quarterbacking. Boyd said that the transition was difficult at first, but an offseason of work and preparation has paid off.
“It’s been progressing a lot,” Boyd said. “I’ve been out here working with Coach Glover Jr. He’s brought me to the field several times throughout the summer. We’ve been out here working one-on-one, passing in the pocket, passing on the run and watching film numerous times, going over different defenses. I feel like it’s progressing a lot for me.”
Last season, the 6-foot-2 Boyd was a starting wide receiver and a backup quarterback for the Rams. While Boyd did not see time as a quarterback, Glover isn’t concerned about the lack of experience under center.
“I think if anything the playing experience (elsewhere) helps,” Glover said. “You’ve got to get playing experience and he has it.”
Boyd is a strong runner that isn’t easy to bring down. He will also start at free safety on defense.