Football

September 1, 2010

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Matt Roman, Secaucus

RB/LB Matt Roman is one of many experienced seniors for Secaucus.

Click Here for more photos from Secaucus at Bayonne Scrimmage.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

BAYONNE –Every year the goals for Secaucus are the same – compete for a league title and a state championship.

Last year saw the Patriots win their first 11 games, capturing their fourth consecutive BCSL National crown and reached the North 2, Group I title game at Giants Stadium before falling to Cedar Grove.

“I think everybody understands how hard it is to do and they respect what goes into it,” head coach Charlie Voorhees said. “Getting there is very hard to do and we say it every year we want to compete for the league and the state titles and we anticipate doing that once again this year.”

The Patriots return many key members of last year’s squad including lineman Nick Gjoni, WR/S Matt Traynor, RB Eddie Delgado and a pair of quarterbacks with starting experience. They also add a collection of seniors, who get their first crack at starting and our ready to make their mark on one the state’s top Group I schools.

“We’re fortunate in the fact that we have good, quality players so that you have to wait your turn,” Voorhees said. “Sometimes you’ve got to wait all the way until your senior year. They stay in the program, they work hard, they play in the JV games and before you know it it’s their turn and they make it happen.”

Offensive Overview:

Sean Egan, Secaucus

Sean Egan led the Patriots to a 7-1 record as the starting quarterback.

When some teams are struggling to find one quarterback to put their trust in, the Patriots have two. Senior Niko Petruzzella started the first four games before suffering a knee injury. Junior Sean Egan took over and promptly led Secaucus to seven-straight wins of his own. Both signal callers are healthy and competing for the top spot.

“It’s a nice problem to have,” Voorhees said. “Both guys can play. Both guys can manage our program and manage our plays. Both play defense and both can play anywhere else on offense. Very good athletes and good kids, we should be fine.”

Delgado returns at running back after posting 1,072 yards and 13 touchdowns a season ago. Senior Matt Roman and juniors Nick Schaffer and Casey Quinones will also see plenty of touches in a backfield known for getting everyone involved.

Traynor is a HCV All-County First Team selection and a big play threat whenever the ball is in his hands. Senior Al Krause starts at the other receiver spot after missing all of last season to injury. Dom Rizzo and Rich Rivera provide athleticism at tight end.

Standout guard Betim Bujari may now be at Rutgers, but the Patriots should still have one of the strongest offensive lines in the area. Tackles Gjoni and Evan Rodriguez are returning starters. Matt Pagnano, Thomas Kessler and Sal Peralta will man the guard spots and Justin Meyer starts at center.

Defensive Overview:

Al Krause, Secaucus

Al Krause will start at CB after missing all of 2009 due to injury.

Secaucus’ 3-4 defense has made life a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks with 43 team sacks a year ago. The Patriots return their top three pass rushers from last season. Pagnano, who had 11 sacks, will start at one outside linebacker spot with Roman (seven sacks) starting at the other.

Gjoni had seven sacks and will anchor the defensive line with Peralta, Rodriguez, Joe Schoendorf and Aly Aboushaca.

Rivera, Schaffer and Mike Fragliossi will take over at inside linebacker. Junior Tom Roselli and Petruzzella provide depth throughout the front seven.

Traynor is a three-year starter at safety and posted a team-high four interceptions last season. Rizzo and Egan are expected to split the other safety spot. Delgado and Krause are the starters at cornerback.

Star Spotlight: Nick Gjoni, LT/DT

Nick Gjoni, Secaucus

Senior Nick Gjoni is a disruptive force on both sides of the ball for Secaucus.

As Betim Bujari continues his career at Rutgers, there’s a new 300-pound athletic lineman who becomes the target of opposing teams.

Senior Nick Gjoni, a 6-foot-5, 320 pound defensive lineman, knows he will now be the target of the double teams on defense. It’s a task he has quickly learned to accept.

“It’s rough,” Gjoni said. “But I know if I take the double team or the triple team that someone else is going to make the play.”

Last year, Gjoni showed how big of a force he can be on the field as evidenced by his three sack game against Becton in the North 2, Group I semifinals. He finished the season with seven sacks overall to earn a spot on HCV’s All-County Team at defensive lineman.

As good as he is on the defensive side, Gjoni may be even better on the offensive side as he combines brute strength with surprising agility for a player of his size at left tackle.

Rutgers, Boston College, West Virginia and Connecticut are among the schools interested in Gjoni.

“Someone’s going to get a good player once they pick him up,” Voorhees said. “I think his best days are ahead of him.”