Big dreams ahead
Junior Savon Huggins (right) is one of the state's best running backs
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – After being the dominant football power in Hudson County for more than a decade, the Marauders are ready for their toughest challenge to date. With their sights set on a state championship and a possible national ranking, St. Peter’s Prep enters the season with a grueling schedule that includes Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph of Montvale and St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. It’s a challenge that Hansen relishes for his Maraduers squad that is ranked fifth in the state.
“We feel we’ve upgraded our schedule,” Hansen said. “It’s where we need to be and where we should be. Anything less would be a disservice to the program. This is what high school football is all about going in great venues and playing against great teams in great environments with a lot on the line. We’re excited about it.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from St. Peter's Prep Practice.
Playoffs or bust
Quarterback Steve Le and the Bulldogs look to build upon last year's 6-4 record.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BLOOMFIELD – Over the past few seasons, Ferris has emerged as one of Hudson County’s top teams and the premier Jersey City public program. But despite 18 victories in the past three years, one thing has eluded head coach Wilbur Valdez and his team – a spot in the state playoffs.
“It’s a chip on our shoulder without a doubt,” Valdez said. “With these kids every year, that’s our goal (to make the playoffs). Every year we do enough to earn it, but just because of how the system works, we always end up being the odd man out. It’s definitely been frustrating.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Ferris' scrimmage in Bloomfield.
Hanging tough
Kenny Llano (left) and Kearny hope their aggressive style of play will pay off.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
KEARNY – When head coach Oscar Guerrero took over at Kearny before last season, he wanted to change the whole mentally of a program to one based on an aggressive style of play.
“We always want to be competitive and play with a high physicality on offensively and defensively as well as on special teams.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Kearny's practice.
Moving forward
The Friars' Josh Ford (left) and the Rams' Dan Jean (right) during a scrimmage.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – For both Dickinson and St. Anthony, they are glad to put 2008 in the rearview mirror. The Friars saw a season that started promising, crumble midseason after the use of an illegal player resulted in three forfeits and a change at head coach.
Forced to rely on young players that were lacking in experience, the Rams’ rebuilding movement struggled through a disappointing 1-8 performance.
Now, a year older and a year wiser, both Jersey City schools hold high hopes for 2009.
Click Here for Dickinson's 2009 Preview. Click Here for St. Anthony 2009 Preview.
Click Here for more photos from the Dickinson vs. St. Anthony scrimmage.
Class in session
Michael Collado is one of the few players on Snyder with varsity experience.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – Franz Pierre-Louis likes challenges. So when the former Essex Catholic head coach took the job at Snyder this June, he wasn’t deterred by the Tigers’ back-to-back winless seasons.
“It didn’t deter me, it turned me on to the job,” Pierre-Louis said about Snyder’s recent struggles. “It’s a challenge for me and I love challenges. I contacted my coaches that coached with me before and they were up for the challenge as well. It’s a test of our coaching ability as well. That’s what makes this exciting.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Snyder's football practice.
Lessons learned
OT/DT Bobby Reiss is one of four sophomores expected to start for Weehawken.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
WEEHAWKEN – A season ago, Weehawken’s youngsters were forced to learn football the hard way. Left with few options, first year head coach Chris Johnsen opted to go with his young players through what was a tough 1-9 campaign. While it did not result in success in the standings, Johnsen hopes it pays off this year.
“We learned with the young kids,” Johnsen said. “These kids, they’ve got experience. They got beat up last year. Let’s see if that year of experience helped them.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Weehawken's football practice.
One step closer
Giuseppe Marzocca and the Patriots look to remain the class of the BCSL National.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – Success has not made the Patriots content. The three-time defending champions of the BCSL National division, playoff success had eluded Secaucus until last season, when they won a state playoff game for the first time in more than five seasons. However, their title hopes came to an end a week later when they dropped a 14-0 decision to Hoboken.
“I would like to say that the guys felt like they were going to win last year,” Secaucus coach Charlie Voorhees said. “They really felt they had the ability to win last year.” Read More
Click Here for more photos from Secaucus' football practice.