Football

September 8, 2010

Up off the canvas

Jalen Haynes, Hoboken

Left tackle Jalen Haynes and Hoboken look to avenge last season's 3-7.

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

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

HOBOKEN –For a program defined by success and championships like Hoboken, the 2009 season was a stunning reversal of fortune. Just one year removed from an appearance in the state title game, the Red Wings endured a 3-7 season and the unfamiliar position of being excluded from the state playoffs. After such a disappointing season, Hoboken vows that this season will not be a repeat of that.

“That’s our goal to make the state playoffs,” head coach Lou Taglieri said. “We weren’t in it last year. We played the consolation game and boy that was a terrible feeling. To get rid of that feeling would be great.”

“Last year just (stunk),” RB/LB Jason Montalvo said. “That was the first time we didn’t make the playoffs in so long and this year I want to come back and make the playoffs.”

If Hoboken is to return to the state playoffs, it will have to be done with one of the youngest rosters in the county. The Red Wings will rely heavily on a sophomore class, with as many as five of them starting this season.

“You’ve got to be patient,” Taglieri said. “Kids are going to make mistakes. But they’re going to learn from those mistakes and eventually they’re going to be (very good) football players.”

Offensive Overview:

Peter Bishara, Hoboken

Right tackle Peter Bishara is one of three new starters on the offensive line.

The Red Wings’ Wing-T offense requires plenty of depth at running back and this year’s team has plenty of options in the backfield. Jason Montalvo, a four-year starter and a HCV All-County Team selection, will see the bulk of the carries. Fellow senior Chris Morales will also start at running back as will sophomore Dante Carter. The coaching staff has been especially high on Carter, one of three sophomores (Rameen Herron and Daquan Peterson are the others) who are expected to see heavy action in the backfield.

“These are kids that were freshmen last year so it’s going to be trial by fire,” Taglieri said. “They’re going to be battle tested as the games progress.”

Also in the backfield will be Steven Skipper, a punishing blocker, and Daquan Stewart. Stewart is a threat to score whenever the ball is in his hands and will also see time as a receiver opposite Delquan Groomes. Tareek Montague is a returning starter at tight end.

Hoboken returns two starters from an offensive line which was decimated by injuries last season. Jalen Haynes returns at left tackle and Andrew Mullens is back at center. Guards Devin Lawrence and Able Hodge and tackle Peter Bishara round out a line which is one of the biggest in the county.

Junior Spencer Perez takes over at quarterback for the Red Wings.

Defensive Overview:

Delquan Groomes, Hoboken

Hoboken returns all four starters in the secondary including CB Delquan Groomes.

There’s little doubt that the strength of the Hoboken defense lies in the secondary. Seniors Jeffrey Ferguson and Groomes will start at cornerback with Perez and Stewart at safety. All four players are returning starters, allowing Taglieri and the Red Wings to be more aggressive and creative on defense.

“It makes it a lot easier to game plan,” Taglieri said. “You’re not limited to the amount of coverages you can have because they’ve been around and they coverages.”

That experience carries over to the linebacker spot as Montalvo, Morales and Montague all have starting experience. They will be joined by sophomore outside linebacker Giovanni Laroiux.

Hodge and Goodwin start at defensive tackles for Hoboken with Haynes and Aaron Kirchoff starting at defensive end. Skipper will provide depth throughout the front seven and should see plenty of action.

Star Spotlight: Jason Montalvo, RB/LB

Jason Montalvo, Hoboken

Senior Jason Montalvo had a pair of 200+ yard rushing games last season.

Studying game film and learning on-field tendencies is common for most running backs. For Hoboken’s Jason Montalvo, his studying goes beyond his position.

As Montalvo enters his fourth season in the Red Wings’ offense, he has picked up the nuances of all the other positions on the field.

“Jason’s been playing for four years,” head coach Lou Taglieri said. “So he really knows the offense. He knows everybody’s assignment. So he’s like an extension of the coach in the huddle and on the field.”

This added knowledge has proven to be quite beneficial for the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Montalvo. He ran for more than 1,000 yards (a career best) in his junior season, highlighted by 250 yards against St. Anthony and 223 against Hudson Catholic.

“When you know what they’re supposed to do, you know the exact cuts to make running the ball,” Montalvo said. “It’s easier to read the blocks when you know what everybody’s doing.”

Montalvo, who has received interest from Akron, has also focused on becoming a more physical runner and a better receiver out of the backfield.