Weehawken

2009 football preview

Lessons learned

Bobby Reese Weehawken

OT/DT Bobby Reiss is one of four sophomores expected to start for Weehawken.

Click Here for more photos from Weehawken's football practice.

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.”

With a core group that is comprised primarily of sophomores, Johnsen knows that there is a lot more work to be done. Four sophomores and a freshman are projected to be starters this season.

There are signs of progress already for Weehawken, especially on the offensive side, now the Indians hope it will result in some more victories.

Offensive Overview:

Jason Pineda Weehawken

Sophomore Jason Pineda started the final seven games at quarterback last year.

Angelo Corredor may be gone, but another Corredor steps right into his place. Just a freshman, Damian Corredor will start at running back and return kicks for the Indians. Joining Damian in the backfield are senior Jose Arroyo and sophomore Humberto Leigue. Arroyo is a power runner, while Leigue provides speed and a receiving threat out of the backfield.

After starting seven games as a freshman, Jason Pineda returns at quarterback with a greater command of the offense.

Guard Felix Andujar leads the line for Weehawken. At 190 pounds, Andujar does not have prototypical size for the position, but his athleticism makes him a pivotal part of their Wing-T offense.

“(Felix) gets out on the corners and into the secondary,” Johnsen said. “He’s our trap guy. We run fullback traps and he’s the guy we’re going to trap with.”

Andujar is one of three returning starters on the offensive line, the others being center Anthony Landi and tackle Zeke Sosa. Sophomore Bobby Reiss takes over at the other tackle spot and is a transfer from St. Peter’s Prep.

Defensive Overview:

Humberto Leigue Weehawken

Safety Humberto Leigue is part of an athletic Weehawken secondary.

It’s not often that a freshman starts on both sides of the ball, but Corredor is an exception. He’ll start at safety and kick in addition to his duties at running back and returner.
 
“He’s stepped in right away and he’s been everything he’s been hyped up to be as an eighth grader,” Johnsen said.

Leigue lines up at the other safety spot, while Ray Feliciano and Fufu Warrad start at the corners.

Arroyo mans the middle at linebacker with fellow senior Kyran Guerra on the outside. Andujar, Reiss and sophomore Kenny Minor will start on the defensive line.

Star Spotlight: Jose Arroyo RB/LB

Jose Arroyo Weehawken

Now at 210 pounds, Jose Arroyo is ready for a heavier workload on offense.

Standing at just 5-foot-5, senior Jose Arroyo doesn’t seem to be your typical fullback. But after an offseason of strength training, a bulked up Arroyo can pack a mean punch.

“He did a pretty good job in the weight room,” Johnsen said. “Last year at the end of the weight room he weight 185 pounds. This year he came into camp weighing 210 pounds.”

“To get stronger (was my goal),” Arroyo said. “I’ve gained more weight and lifted more.”

That added strength will come in handy for Arroyo this season. A year ago, he rushed for over 300 yards in a complimentary role. But with the graduation of leading rusher Angelo Corredor, Arroyo is being asked to take on a much bigger role in the offense.

A three-year starter at fullback, Arroyo is also the team’s starting middle linebacker. Last year Arroyo recorded five sacks for the Indians.