Bombers expect to meet their own high standards
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
Six key starters return for the Sayreville War Memorial High School football team looks to continue its winning ways following an 8-2 campaign last fall.

FILE PHOTO Sayreville's title hopes took a hit with the loss of tailback Michael Knight to a season-ending back injury, but with Rasheim Clarke waiting in the wings, the Bombers should still feature their typically strong running game.

Coach George Najjar's team opens the season tonight at North Brunswick in a Greater Middlesex Conference White Division game. In addition to contending for the divisional title, Najjar is looking towards another trip to the NJSIAA Central, Group IV playoffs, where Sayreville was upset in the opening round by Brick Memorial a year ago.

While the Bombers, as always, should have a strong running game, Sayreville will be without Michael Knight, the team's top runner in 2006. Knight will miss the entire season with a back injury.

That leaves the running game in the hands of Rasheim Clarke, who saw substantial time as a starter last year, Reinaldo Rodriquez, who started at split end; Justin Reyes, and juniors Lavone Graham and Matt Gruytch, who will be the fullbacks. Mike McLafferty, a 6-4 junior who played well in limited time as a sophomore, will call the signals for the Bombers.

"McLafferty gives us some options," Najjar said. "He's got good size and he throws a nice ball. He's been looking very good in our scrimmages so we're expecting him to step right in."

The receiving corps includes wideouts Jason Addino, Mike Leonard and Jerry Flores, with Mark Dobiszewski and Chris Robinson sharing the tight end duties. Dobiszewski also started last season.

Center Kevin O'Connor (6-2, 200) and tackle Luis Gavicia (6-2, 260) will again start on the line. They will be joined by tackle Augustine Sesay (6-1, 210) and junior guards Tyler Danielson (6-2, 220) and Mike Vongonton (5-9, 165).

O'Connor, Sesay and Robinson will split time as defensive ends, with Danielson at one tackle spot and junior Kevin Ishola (5-11, 185) in the Bombers 4-3 set. Gavicia will occasionally spell the tackles.

Gritty Frank Velardi (5-8, 180) returns to anchor a crew of linebackers that also includes Dobiszewski and sophomore Paul Hobbs (5-11, 185). Addino and Rodriguez are the safeties with Clarke and Graham at the corners. Najjar will also use junior Javon Hodges in the secondary.

"We have good experience on defense from last year so that should be a strength," the coach said. "We play an attacking type of defense and they know what's expected and they have the experience to make it work."

On special teams Velardi will handle the place-kicking and Ryan Behr is Sayreville's punter.

"Our goal is to maintain our winning tradition, qualify for the state tournament and contend for the division title," Najjar said. "We have a good mix of seniors and juniors and many of the seniors played varsity last year. Their experience and leadership ability will be a big plus for our team."