Hudson Catholic Hawks
NJTCC Division 6
Non-Public, Group II
2008: 7-4
Playoffs: Defeated St. Joseph (Hammonton) in 3-0 semifinals. Lost to Holy Cross 7-0 in final.
Head Coach:
Chris Demarest
1st year
Returning Starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 6
Offense: Multiple Wing, I
Defense: 4-3
2009 Schedule
9/11 at Weequahic 7 p.m.
9/19 vs Malvern Prep 7 p.m.
9/26 vs Marist 7 p.m.
10/10 vs Xaverian Brothers 1 p.m.
10/16 at Snyder 7 p.m.
10/24 vs St. Anthony 7 p.m.
10/30 at Lincoln 7 p.m.
11/7 vs Hoboken 3:30 p.m.
11/26 vs Paramus Catholic 11 a.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
Smooth Transitions
Freshman safety Champ Smith is one of many new faces at Hudson Catholic.
Click Here for more photos from Hudson Catholic's football practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – Dealing with offseason uncertainty is nothing new for Hudson Catholic. After having the threat of closure looming over their heads, the Hawks advanced to their first ever state championship game before falling to Holy Cross.
This year, the Hawks dealt with another offseason of uncertainty when former head coach Rob Stern was let go. In his place is Chris Demarest, a former defensive backs coach at Rutgers and North Carolina State. Demarest, who didn’t take over until August 1, has been pleased with the transition process thus far.
“I know any transition is going to be difficult, whether you’re coming to a winning program or a losing program a transition’s difficult,” Demarest said. “But I have the support of the administration. I brought in a good coaching staff and along with that and a good group of kids that are buying into what I’m teaching and preaching to them it’s going good so far.”
Demarest brings an experienced staff with Hudson County ties, most notably former Emerson head man Eddie Marinez and former Hoboken standout (and current High Tech softball coach) Ravon Anderson.
Offensive Overview:
Whether it's at running back or receiver, Kadeem Johnson will play a big role on offense.
Quarterback Steven Soto returns for his second season under center for the Hawks. Soto made some big throws for Hudson Catholic a year ago and Demarest has been impressed with the senior signal caller.
“I think Steven brings experience, he’s been a starter here which is good,” Demarest said. “He has a live arm so we’re not afraid to throw the ball with him.”
With Jason Hendricks now playing at Pittsburgh, the Hawks have a big hole to fill at running back. Right now it looks like junior Oscar Torres and Kadeem Johnson are among a crowded group that will fight for carries.
Standing at over 6-feet, Johnson will also make an impact at receiver with his physical style of play. Aaron Villette is a deep threat at the other receiver spot. Another speedster is Jamal Presley, a sophomore transfer who should make his presence felt as a kick returner.
Guard Hector Garcia and tackle Rory Walsh are returning starters who will anchor the left side of the offensive line.
Defensive Overview:
Hector Garcia (left) and Rory Walsh (right) are key starters on the defensive line.
Hudson Catholic returns six starters on defense, highlighted by middle linebacker Wilfredo Bustillo. The junior is a complete backer and one of the county’s premier defensive players. Sophomore Byron King has impressed in camp and will start at outside linebacker.
Villette is a returning starter at cornerback. Freshman Champ Smith has turned heads and will start at safety.
“I don’t think it’s a big deal at the high school level,” Demarest said about the adjustment for a freshman. “I think this kid is physically and mentally ready to play.”
Garcia and Walsh will provide support on the defensive line.
Star Spotlight: Wilfredo Bustillo LB
Linebacker Wilfredo Bustillo led Hudson Catholic with 117 tackles in 2008.
There is little that Wilfredo Bustillo can’t do as a linebacker. Whether it be against the run or the pass, Bustillo proved to be one of the best in the county and a quick favorite of his new head coach.
“(Wilfredo’s) a stud,” Demarest said. “He picks up very quickly on the new things that are being taught. I think he does a great job of seeing things and reacting. And I know he’s not afraid to hit. Those are some great things for a MIKE linebacker position.”
Bustillo did plenty of hitting a year ago for the Hawks, registering a team-best 117 tackles. Bustillo put an emphasis on improving against the pass this offseason, which is a scary thought for opponents since the junior also recorded three interceptions.