Four downs: Camp of Champions Pt. 1

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PHOTOS

MONROE-WOODBURY
Head coach: Bernie Connolly
Last year: 7-2

* First down *

If you ask the players on Monroe-Woodbury's football squad, it's almost like there hasn't even been a coaching change.

"Nothing has really changed," senior defensive end Kenny Fee said.

"There's no difference," junior defensive tackle Rob Kelly added.

That's how smooth the transition has been for former Crusaders defensive coordinator Bernie Connolly, who stepped in for longtime friend and coach Pat D'Aliso. D'Aliso, who set a Section 9 record with 194 wins during his tenure at Monroe-Woodbury, has stayed on as the team's offensive coordinator.

"We are best friends," said Connolly, who got his first head coaching job at Stepinac in White Plains back in the 1980s. "We have been here 24 years. He's got my back and I've got his. We both feel like we are brothers."

But will there any sweeping changes now that Connolly wields the whistle?

Don't hold your breath.

"Nothing has really changed," Connolly said. "It is the same weight lifting program and same philosophy. We did the 7-on-7s and we came to camp. Maybe I might tweak some practice stuff or we might try to go with no-huddle this year. And we might try to get some new technology with the program."

* Second down *

Unlike most of the last decade, Monroe-Woodbury won't enter the 2012 season as an overwhelming favorite in Section 9 Class AA. In 2011, the Crusaders proved to be human. Their seven-year reign atop Class AA came to an end as Newburgh took home the title for the first time since 2003. The Goldbacks also snapped Monroe-Woodbury's 63-game winning streak against Section 9 opponents.

Despite putting together a stellar 7-2 season, the Crusaders failed to even qualify for the postseason. Needless to say, there's no shortage of motivation heading into this year.

"Coming back and not being on top just means we have to work that much harder," Kelly said. "We are a lot more hungry and we are ready to go."

For some of the players, it is still a sore subject.

"That's the past," senior wide receiver Justin Kaffenberger said. "I don't like to think about that. I'm just looking ahead to the upcoming season."

In a way, the rare down year has humbled the team.

"We have to work a lot harder," junior center Nick Dillon said. "We aren't the only good team out there. There are a lot of other good teams out there. Everyone is almost at the same level, so you just have to work hard."

Heading into 2012, Connolly thinks defending champ Newburgh is still the team to beat.

"I think we will still have a little bit of a bull's-eye on our back, but Newburgh's the defending champ," he said. "They will be the prohibitive favorite."

* Third down *

In terms of personnel, the biggest change is under center. Former standout Ryan Spelman has moved on to University at Albany. Last year's backup, junior Kevin Carr, is slated to take over the job.

Connolly described the differences between the two signal-callers.

"(Kevin) is more of a game manager," the coach said. "He was the point guard on the basketball team, so he understands staying within the context of the game.

"Spelman — if we use a Freudian team — was pure ID. He just goes and he goes and was always looking to make plays and do things. I think Kevin's going to surprise a lot of people because he has that capability, but he will stay within the framework of what the team wants him to do and what his talents are."

Carr's teammates already have his back.

"I've known him my whole life and he's a good kid on and off the field," said Kaffenberger, who will be Carr's No. 1 target. "I think he's going to do great for us this year."

There's also a chance Kaffenberger — a former quarterback — takes some snaps as the season progresses.

* Fourth down *

The Crusaders will have a thunder and lightning backfield with Mark Tooma and Jalen Santos.

Tooma, a star on the hockey team, is undersized but has the speed and tenacity to break off long runs. Santos, meanwhile, is the power back. He didn't play last year as a junior but has impressed his teammates early on in 2012.

"Mark Tooma's really fast and can break one open at anytime," Dillon said. "Jalen's a powerful guy who can run over people. They are going to be something to watch."

Dillon and Nick Marino return to anchor the offensive line. Fee and Connor Fitzgerald will serve as bookend defensive ends, while Kelly and Nico Lebron are penciled in as defensive tackles.

Mike Gennaro will anchor the linebacking core and Ricky Giraldo, a cornerback last year, shifts over to free safety. Connolly called Giraldo "the best all-around athlete on the team."

WARWICK
Head coach: James Sciarra
In 2011: 6-4 (Section 9 Class AA runner-up; lost to Newburgh in the finals)

* First down *

Warwick has the unenviable task of replacing a record-setting quarterback in John Garcia, who will continue his career at Hartwick College. The standout gunslinger threw for a Section 9-best 2,754 yards in 2011. Overall, he completed 182 of 331 passes for 26 TDs and 7 INTs.

Pretty big shoes to fill, eh?

As of right now, the Wildcats haven't decided on a definite starter. Senior Brendan Waters and junior Phil Goska are battling it out. Sophomore Brendan Bauer has also performed well.

"They have progressed a lot throughout the week," senior wide receiver Jordan Totaro said. "They are just getting better and better."

Despite the loss of Garcia, Warwick's high-flying offense won't be grounded this year.

"We are going to stick to the same type of offense," Totaro said. "We have different players coming up from JV and I think we are going to run the ball a little more, but we have good personnel."

Some running backs to keep an eye on are Matt Weaver, Nick Calacanis and Justin Giannino.

* Second down *

While the quarterback position is unsettled, the receiving corps are rock-solid.

Senior Brad Garcia, who caught a team-high 48 balls for 918 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011, returns as a bonafide star. Totaro, who caught 37 passes for 550 yards and three touchdowns, is arguably the best No. 2 wide receiver in Section 9.

Brad Garcia is more of a burner, evidenced by his 19.3 yards per catch average. He also hauled in a 70-yard touchdown. Totaro, meanwhile, does most of his work on underneath routes.

"Brad takes that spot of burning corners," Totaro said. "I'm usually a route runner and settle in the middle to catch the ball and get hit."

The loss of dynamic tight end Albert Hall is impossible to ignore. Hall had a breakout senior year and will attempt to make it as a walk-on at Penn State University this fall. Still, Totaro and Brad Garcia said they have the players to move on and not skip a beat.

* Third down *

Warwick turned in a quality 2011 season, upsetting Kingston in the Section 9 Class AA semis to advance to the finals for the first time since 2009. While the Wildcats fell to Newburgh in the title game, the postseason run reinvigorated the program.

In 2012, the goals have grown larger.

"This year our goals are much higher than last year," Brad Garcia said. "It is a division championship, section championship and getting better everyday and every week."

* Fourth down *

With an aerial attack that relies on timing between the quarterback and receivers, Warwick really benefits from competing in 7-on-7 tournaments. Last year, the Wildcats competed at nationals in Florida and fared quite well. It set the scene for what turned out to be one of Section 9's most explosive offenses.

While Warwick didn't go quite as south during this offseason, it still managed to hit a competitive 7-on-7 tourney in New Jersey. Once again, the Wildcats fared well, going toe-to-toe with powerhouse programs like Montclair and Hackensack.

If 2012 follows the same script as 2011, Warwick's offense should be poised for another big year.

MINISINK VALLEY
Head coach: Kevin Gallagher
In 2011: 4-5

* First down *

Sean Tirelli, who took the reins to the offense midway through last season, returns to quarterback the Warriors in 2012.

"Last year, I learned that I could work with the team," Tirelli said.

Despite being just 5-4 and 145 pounds, Tirelli has the quickness and, more importantly, toughness to get the job done.

"I mostly run with the option, but I can pass, too," he said. "I'm a double-threat."

Senior right tackle Colin Scott voiced his support of Tirelli.

"He's going to be big for us," Scott said. "He's small but he's also quick. He's a tough guy."

* Second down *

Austin Ferrier, a 6-foot, 195-pound fullback, will be a versatile threat for the Warriors in 2012. He's primed to have a breakout year running the ball.

"Austin will be a big runner for us," Scott said.

Ferrier is also a ball-hawking cornerback and contributes on special teams as a returner.

Tirelli labeled wide receiver Frankie Yovino as his top target and lauded the talents of running back Josh Tobin.

* Third down *

At a solid 6-3, 240 pounds, Scott will anchor the offensive line. Teammates Josh Bonneau, a 6-2, 215-pound right guard, and Rico Delmoral, a 6-1, 215-pound left guard, will join him as key contributors in the trenches.

"We lost a lot of starters, but (the offensive line) is dominant," Scott said. "We are smaller but strong and quick, so we are gong to do pretty good."

Jake Zito (6-2, 225), a defensive tackle, is another player to watch. Junior Tim Vance (6-0, 220) will make an impact at linebacker.

* Fourth down *

Despite finishing below .500 in 2011, Minisink's thinking big in 2012.

"I think we can win it all," Tirelli said. "We have a lot of potential."

The Warriors won three of their finals four games to close out last year, so the momentum is certainly there for a turnaround campaign in 2012.

Follow Isaac Cass on Twitter @MSGV_Icass | Email him at Icass@cablevision.com
 

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