By Joe Ragozzino
Sports editor
Experience and talent abounds for Seton Hall Prep.
The Pirates went 7-0 in the Super Essex Conference-American Division to capture the regular-season divisional title in the first year of the conference and qualified for the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 4 playoffs, losing to Don Bosco Prep in the semifinals to finish with a 9-2 record. Don Bosco Prep finished as the No. 1 team in the nation.
Though John Finnegan isn’t going to take anything for granted, the eighth-year head coach feels the pieces are in place for the Pirates to defend their conference crown.
“We know it’s not going to
be easy, but we feel we have a
good nucleus,” he said.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Sean Maguire, junior, 6-foot-2, 195 pounds
Running back: Kevin Monangai, senior, 5-9, 200
Running back: Rory Merklinger, junior, 5-9, 195
Halfback: Connor Wujciak, senior, 6-4, 250
Running back: Kevin Ijeoma, senior, 5-11, 195
Running back: Charlie Kennedy, senior, 5-9, 185
Wide receiver: Kyle Queirro, sophomore, 6-3, 180
Tight end: Mac Stewart, senior, 6-0, 200
Right tackle: Connor Brink, senior, 5-11, 230
Right guard: A.J. Pravata,
junior, 5-11, 220
Center: Max Ruiz, senior, 6-1, 250
Left guard: Frank Flores, senior, 6-2, 250
Left tackle: Dave Wightman, 6-2, 200
Offensive analysisThe backfield is as formidable as any in the area. Keying the rushing attack, Monangai and Merklinger are a dangerous 1-2 threat. Monangai rushed for 1,083 yards and 17 touchdowns and Merklinger ran for 1,072 yards and 15 TDs last season.
Ijeoma and Kennedy also will get plenty of carries.
Maguire returns as a starter at quarterback.
The offensive line is a bit inexperienced, but shows potential.
“We are solid in the backfield,” said Finnegan. “We just have to develop the offensive line.”
DEFENSE
End: Wujciak
Tackle: Ruiz
Tackle: Brink
End: Kevin Sampson, senior, 6-1, 240
Outside linebacker: Brendan Hartwig, senior, 5-11, 180
Outside linebacker: Jack Fraser, senior, 5-11, 180
Inside linebacker: Scott Haertel, senior, 6-0, 200
Inside linebacker: Kevin Serrillo, senior, 5-9, 185
Cornerback: Ijeoma
Cornerback: Steve Silvestri, senior, 6-0, 175
Safety: Queirro
Defensive analysis
Wujciak and Sampson provide a strong pass-rushing threat. Wujciak, who posted 60 tackles and 10 sacks a year ago, is one of the top players in the state, having committed to play at Boston College.
Ijeoma and Silvestri also bring experience in the secondary, each recording six interceptions last season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Place-kicker: Mike Borrelli, junior, 6-0, 175
Place-kicker: Dan Ingram, senior, 6-0, 165
Punter: Ryan Mohr, senior, 6-0, 180
Kick-returners: Ijeoma, Merklinger
Final analysis
Staying healthy will be key, especially since the Pirates are thin on both sides of the line. The progress of the linemen also will prove critical in the Pirates’ quest to win a second straight conference title. “The linemen have to step up and fill those spots and so far they have in the scrimmages,” said Finnegan.
Seton Hall Prep football
Sept. 11, Morristown, 1 p.m.
Sept. 17, at DePaul, 7 p.m.
Sept. 25, at Montclair, 1 p.m.
Oct. 2, Bloomfield, 1 p.m.
Oct. 9, at West Orange, 2 p.m.
Oct. 16, Irvington, 1 p.m.
Oct. 23, Livingston, 1 p.m.
Oct. 30, at East Orange Campus, 1 p.m.
Nov. 6, West Side, 2 p.m.
You need to be a member of West Orange Navigator to add comments!
Join West Orange Navigator