Rivals.com Home | Network Index | High School | Mobile | Video | Radio RSS | Subscribe | Shop
 

September 3, 2012

Pat PJR Rice
NJVarsity.com

2011 In Review: The Cougars were 8-2, losing to Glen Rock in the first round of the North Jersey Section 1 Group 1 playoffs. They scored 201 points for a 22.33 average**, while allowing 158 points for a 15.55 average**. Wins included Pompton Lakes, New Milford, and Secaucus, while their other loss was to Becton.

**Scoring averages allow for nine games and does not include forfeit win.

Departures: T/DT Rich Van Cleft - Marist, QB/DB Ryan Feulner - Franklin & Marshall, RB/OLB Gino LaGalia - Sacred Heart

Offense: Cresskill runs a multiple offense and returns four starters. Quarterback is between senior Jack Zurlini (5-foot-10, 165) and junior Troy Henderson (6-foot-0, 165). Tailback has competition among senior Tom Hollenfer (5-foot-9, 170), junior Sean Coffey (5-foot-10, 175), and junior Josh Rodriguez (5-foot-9, 170). Fullback will be either junior Joe Hernandez (5-foot-9, 210) or senior Jed Benhamroun (5-foot-9, 175).

Two wide receivers return in senior Drew Farber (6-foot-3, 175) and junior Christian Van Cleft (5-foot-10, 160). Also getting playing time will be senior Eric Sheked (5-foot-9, 160), junior Joe Peluso (5-foot-9, 155), and junior Austin Cardo (6-foot-0, 160). Tight end has seniors Ken Benfante (5-foot-11, 180) and John Hwang (5-foot-10, 180) competing.

Two starters return to the line, with senior tackle Andy Ladubev (6-foot-4, 245) and senior guard Fred Kim (5-foot-10, 205). The rest of the spots are open. The other tackle could have senior Kevin Schuster (6-foot-3, 290), junior Ryan Madden (6-foot-2, 235), and junior Will Fahy (6-foot-0, 210) playing. The other guard may have senior Paul Lee (5-foot-9, 230) or Schuster there. Center will probably be in the hands of junior Evan Caballos (5-foot-10, 175).

Defense: The Cougars run a 5-2 and return four starters and two who started several games. Hollenfer is a returning starter at end, moving from strong safety, and he will be paired with Hwang. Labudev returns at one tackle. Kim will be in the running at the other tackle and nose guard and he will be joined by Schuster, Madden, and junior John Funiciello (5-foot-9, 210).

Benfante and Hernandez return at linebacker and they will be pushed by Rodriguez and Ceballos.

At cornerback, Van Cleft and Zurlini started several games and they will pair up there this year. They will be pushed by senior Max Moallen (5-foot-9, 145). Free safety will be either Coffey or Henderson and strong safety will be between Farber and Benhamroun.

Special Teams: The kicker will be sophomore Matt Ferrara and Hernandez is back as punter. The return men will be Van Cleft, Hollenfer, and Coffey.

Schedule:

Saturday, 9/8, at St. Mary's, 1PM
Friday, 9/14, Pompton Lakes, 7PM
Friday, 9/21, at Lyndhurst, 7PM
Friday, 9/28, Manchester, 7PM
Friday, 10/5, at Secaucus, 7PM
Friday, 10/12, at Ridgefield, 7PM
Friday, 10/19, New Milford, 7PM
Friday, 10/26, Harrison, 7PM
Saturday, 11/3, Queen of Peace, 2PM

Schedule is courtesy of www.maxpreps.com and www.gridironnewjersey.com

Question Marks: Inexperience in key spots.

Recruiting: Labudev is possible 1-AA and may go to an Ivy or Patriot League school. Farber, Benfante, and Hollenfer may go D3.

In the junior class, Henderson, Hernandez, Van Cleft, and Coffey will need good junior years.

Coach's Comments: "We have a nice group of kids. There is a challenge with inexperience in key spots. We also have a difficult schedule. Overall, we're excited about the season." - Head Coach Bob Valli


HS News

More High School
News | Video | Recruiting
HS Community: 72 fans online now
NCAA Merchandise
Rivals.com is your source for: College Football | Football Recruiting | College Basketball | Basketball Recruiting | College Baseball | High School | College Merchandise
Site-specific editorial/photos © Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. This website is an unofficial and independently operated source of news and information not affiliated with any school or team.
About | Advertise with Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | About our Ads | Terms of Service | Copyright/IP policy | Yahoo! Sports - NBC Sports Network