Marist Royal Knights
NJTCC Division 6
Non-Public, Group II
2008: 2-8
Playoffs: None.
Head Coach:
Larry Arico
5th year (12-27)
Returning Starters
Offense: 10
Defense: 10
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 3-3 Stack
2009 Schedule
9/12 vs Sussex Tech 1 p.m.
9/18 at Memorial 7 p.m.
9/26 at Hudson Catholic 7 p.m.
10/3 at Allentown 1 p.m.
10/10 vs St. Anthony 1 p.m.
10/17 vs Lincoln 7 p.m.
10/24 at Montclair Kimberley 1 p.m.
10/31 vs Hoboken 1 p.m.
11/6 at Snyder 5 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
All grown up
With 20 returning starters, Otis Best and the Royal Knights have high expectations.
Click Here for more photos from Marist's football practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – After two forgettable seasons, the Royal Knights are ready to grow up. After being one of the youngest teams in Hudson County, Marist loses just one senior off of last year’s roster. As a result, head coach Larry Arico brings a veteran squad that in his eyes is the deepest he’s had since taking over in 2005.
“It will be the first time where we’ve actually brought back a veteran group, a group that’s been through the program,” Arico said. “We’ve worked through the past two years and now it’s starting to pay off. Hopefully it will translate in wins and losses.”
With 20 returning starters, expectations are higher than they’ve been in a while at the Bayonne school.
“They expect to have a great year,” “The pressure they have is what they put on themselves. They’re working hard.”
Offensive Overview:
Jalen Shelton (left) and Isaiah Berryman (right) will split the carries for Marist.
Isaiah Berryman and Jalen Shelton give the Royal Knights a one-two punch at running back. Shelton, a senior is an explosive runner who will also make an impact in the return game. Berryman, a junior is a bruising back between the tackles.
“They were pretty even across the board as far as carries go,” Arico said about running back duo.
Quarterback Maurice Dunn is a returning starter as is his top target at receiver, Otis Best. Arico Senior right tackle Ernest Washington leads an offensive line that returns all five starters.
Defensive Overview:
The Royal Knights hope Byron Hode will have a big year at linebacker.
Arico runs a 3-3 stack defense with the strength residing on the defensive line. Washington anchors the line at defensive tackle and is sandwiched by Ivan Sommerville and Kadeem Wilson at the ends.
Tre Watkins is a hard hitter who makes the transition to strong safety. According to Arico, the move from linebacker has been seamless for the hard-hitting senior. Derek DuBose and sophomore Troy Garland will start at the corners as part of a strong rotation of players in the secondary.
Garry Merrill, Byron Hade and P.J. Ubah are expected to start at linebacker. Merrill has especially impressed with his intelligence and leadership.
“He has experience,” Arico said. “He started last year. He’s got a great grasp of the defense.”
Star Spotlight: Ernest Washington, RT/DT
Ernest Washington recorded five sacks in 2088 and is a standout on both sides of the ball.
A three-year starter for the Royal Knights, Washington is the cornerstone of both lines.
“He has great leverage,” Arico said. “He’s strong.”
At 6-foot-2 and around 280 pounds, Washington is a force at right tackle on offense and at defensive tackle on defense. A year ago he recorded five sacks for Marist.
Already displaying impressive power, Washington said he has placed an emphasis on increasing his speed.