Rams take jump in competition

White Division schedule void
of any Group I schools

BY RICHARD JEROME
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Eric McDaniel (above) is one of several running threats the Rams plan on using this season, while QB J.J. Adelino (l) is expected to be one of the GMC’s top playmakers once again. Coach Rich Marchesi begins his 18th year at the helm of the South River High School football team by leading the Rams into the Greater Middlesex County White Division.

And that means a change in the competition.

“We won’t be playing any other Group I schools,” he said. “All Group II, III and IVs. So, more than any other time, the phrase ‘one game at a time’ applies to us.”

The Rams, who went 7-3 last fall, open up on Saturday against Colonia.

“We have a good nucleus back, a mix of vets and younger kids stepping in,” Marchesi adds. “J.J. Adelino is back at quarterback for his fourth year, and we’ll be throwing the ball more. But we’re still a run-oriented team.”

Adelino, a 5-11, 185-pound senior, passed for 1,100-plus yards last year and is closing in on 3,000 yards for his career.

The running backs include senior fullback Zyhair Dotson (6-0, 190), who ran and received for more than 600 yards each last year; senior Eric McDaniel (5-10, 180), and another senior, Marquiex Maing (5-8, 165).

Senior Scott Macchio (5-10, 170) is at flanker, and at spread end is 5-9, 175-pound senior Tom Lefever.

On the offensive line, junior Jason Martin (6-1, 290) and senior Tom Scanlon (6-0, 285) are at tackle; senior Jason Kuzmack (5-11, 230) plays guard; and 5-10, 200-pounder Charlie Heiser is the center along with a sophomore Justin Hortelea (5-9, 220). Emil Imbriano (5-11, 230) is at the other guard.

The tight ends are Vinnie Teafrio (5-11, 190), a junior, and sophomore Brendan Hodges (6-1, 185).

As usual, many of the same faces double on defense. Dotson, Teafrio and Mike Dean (5-11, 180) play defensive end, with Scanlon and Martin the tackles, along with Imbriano and 6-2, 260-pound soph Josh Williams.

The linebackers are Lefever on the outside with junior Marty McGough (5-10, 180). Junior Ron Litz (5-11, 205) is in the middle. At safety is McDaniel, while other backs are junior Kevin Feaster (5-9, 175) and soph Joe Lasala (6-0, 180).

Assisting Marchesi, once again, are Jim Mackiewicz, Mike Lepore, Ian Evanovich, Bog Young, Matt Musante and an addition, Joe Young.