MTHS Football Team Looks To Add Experience To Match its Age

Sometimes, a football team loaded with veteran talent doesn't translate into a team loaded with experience.

Case in point: the Montville Township High School Mustangs.

Montville struggled to a 5-5 record and missed the state playoffs in 2009.

This year, the Mustangs return with a roster loaded with seniors, but, except for quarterback and some spots on the offensive line, most of the seniors competing for starting jobs lack game-day experience.

"We have a lot of seniors, but we have a lot of holes to fill," said head coach Gerry Gallagher, who is entering his 16th season at Montville. "Where we have the experience, we are very good. But, it's feast or famine. At many positions, we are low on experience."

Where the Mustangs have the most experience is at the quarterback position. Jordan Gajdos is coming off an excellent season running the Mustangs' Wing-T offense. The 6-3, 186-lb senior passed for 700 yards last season and rushed for 400 more.

"Jordan is a veteran with good leadership skills," Gallagher said. "He brings a lot to the game."

A starter also on defense in the secondary, Gajdos will be calling the signals on both sides of the ball.

Halfback Brian Keane (6-1, 180), who rushed for 200 yards last season, is the most experienced member of the backfield, where several players are competing for positions. Keane will be joined by fullbacks Brandon Barnes (6-1, 200) and Nolan Entholt (5-9, 170).

"The backfield has a lot of positions up for grabs," Gallagher said.

Ellis Casler (6-2, 195), Jared Silverstein (5-7, 160) and Vinny Dellefave (5-7, 150) will be competing for halfback spots behind Keane.

Carmen Cerreto (5-8, 165) and Matt Kelly (6-3, 185) lock down the wide receiver positions while tight end Peter Tollis (6-3, 220) returns at tight end.

"He (Tollis) was our leading receiver last year," Gallagher said. "He is also a very good blocker for our backs.

"Because of the inexperience in the backfield, we'll probably throw more this year then in the past," he added.

Returning starter Evan Samlin (6-4, 276) anchors the offensive line at tackle. Justin Citron (6-2, 225) appears to be a lock at the other tackle position, but there is competition at the guard and center spots.

Jon Kaplan (5-9, 180), Chris Debrock (5-10, 175) and Taylor Bernstein (6-2, 235) are competing for the two guard positions, while Sean Fucetola (5-9, 205) and Victor Andreou (5-10, 225) are battling it out at center.

In the Mustangs' 50 Shade defensive formation, Keane is the only returning starter on the defensive line. Keane will hold down one defensive end spot, with Bernstein and Joe Socci (6-1, 175) competing at the other end.

Citron, Samlin, Tollis and Phil Cutugno (6-1, 215) are competing at defensive tackle and Barnes and Fucetola at nose guard.

Six players are competing for two linebacker spots: Casler, Debrock, Brian Sauerborn (5-8,160), Jeff Gamba (5-7, 155), Mike Wong (5-8, 160) and Kevin Thornton (5-11, 175).

Joining Gajdos in the secondary could be Silverstein, Entholt, Cerreto, Kelly, Dellefave and Kyle Becker (6-2, 180).

"With so many holes to fill, there is no clear cut position," Gallagher said, adding the upcoming game scrimmage against Pequannock on Thursday is so important. "It will tell a lot about where we're headed in 2010."

The Mustangs open their season on Saturday, Sept. 11, at James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell at 1 p.m. The following Thursday they play their home opener, hosting Vernon Township High School at 7 p.m. at Montville High School Stadium.

Like every coach at the beginning of a new season, Gallagher would love to see the Mustangs go undefeated in 2010, but he is realistic.

"You like to start undefeated and finish undefeated," he said. "A 6-3 season would be good. "We'll take it one game at a time and see how we do."

Even after 16 seasons at Montville, Gallagher still gets excited about a new football season.

"There's always the excitement. That's why you do this," he said. "The kids are jumping around and that gets you pumped up as a coach."

Schedule:

• Saturday, Sept. 11 at James Caldwell, 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 16 vs. Vernon Township, 7 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 24 vs. Morris Hills, 7 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 1 at Mount Olive, 7 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 8 at Jefferson Township, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 16  at High Point, 1 p.m.
•  Friday, Oct. 22 vs. Sparta, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 30 at Pope John, 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 6 vs. Roxbury, 7 p.m.