By Bob Badders - Senior Writer
E-mail: badders@digitalsports.com
Over the years,
Manalapan has quietly been one of the most consistent teams in the Shore Conference. The Braves haven't had a losing season for as far back as the coaching staff can remember, have had very productive individual players and have made the playoffs in four of the last six seasons.
There's plenty to admire about the program, but there is one trend the Braves would love to buck, and it's one that has probably prevented Manalapan from having some special seasons.
If you are a team that has played the Braves in the second half of the season over the last three years, then you have most likely tasted defeat. The Braves are a combined 19-2 over their last seven games in the last three years, but instead of those torrid streaks leading to great playoff runs they have merely helped the Braves sneak into the playoffs. Why? Because the Braves have started painfully slow by going either 1-2 or 0-3 the least three seasons.
"We know we need to get off to a better start and we spend a lot of time evaluating that," said head coach Tom Gallahue. "We focused on that last year and we still started off 0-3. It's not easy battling back from that and it sure isn't fun."
As is the case seemingly every season, the Braves will have to replace some key offensive components. Manalapan, however, has developed a reputation to continually reload rather than rebuild and that looks like it will be the case again in 2008.
The biggest changes come at the quarterback and running back positions, two spots that will surely go a long way toward determining what kind of start Manalapan gets off to. Replacing two-year starter David Presby at running back will be senior Jim Gilburn, who has been a standout at safety and tight end since his sophomore season, leading the Shore Conference in catches by a tight end last season. He is, however, a natural running back and is expected to flourish as the feature ball carrier.
"As an underclassman you are always the backup and with Presby leaving there is some big shoes to fill," Gilburn said. "But it will be a lot of fun and I'm excited."
"Jimmy is a tremendous key for this team and this program," Gallahue said. "He's a great kid and we expect him to be even better than he was the last two years."
There are certain positions that Manalapan always seems to have top players at and along with running back and tight end, quarterback heads the list. Nick Scardelli and Craig Peterson, the Braves last two quarterbacks, were each among the top three in passing in the Shore Conference during their tenures, so sophomore Michael Bimonte certainly has a lot to live up to. Bimonte is obviously inexperienced, but Gallahue praised the young signal-caller's smarts and ability to process information quickly.
"He's the kind of kid you only have to say and show things to once," Gallahue said.
Being the versatile player that he is, Gilburn will also see some time at quarterback. The other marquee position in the Braves' multiple-I offense - tight end - will be manned by another promising sophomore, 5-foot-10, 215-pound Josh Firkser. Another position the Braves are excited about is at fullback where first-year player Steven Ching will lead the way for Gilburn. The senior is 5-foot-9 and 290 pounds, but is athletic enough to move well in space and even present himself as an option in the passing game.
The offensive line could also be a strength for Manalapan, as three players that either started or saw time are back. The new guys are 230-pound senior Jacob Maricone at left tackle and senior Jarrett Levin at right guard. Senior Alex Pasternack will be at left guard while senior Thomas Higgins will be the center. The right tackle has another returning starter, 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior Steven Harold.
Both starting wide receivers are back in junior Kevin Cruz and senior deep threat Chris Pellicano.
"We know how to run the ball and when we need to we can throw it," Pellicano said. "We have enough talent on offense that we should continue to score."
The Braves' 4-4 defense will have eight returning starters, including three of four linebackers and the entire secondary. Down on the line, junior Johnny Dokouslis is the only returning starter from his defensive end position. Joining him as the opposite end will be 6-foot, 210-pound sophomore Joshua Grey. Senior Michael Cuccia (230 pounds) and junior Michael Seminerio will be the starting defensive tackles.
Seniors Chris Essner, Justin Dattolo and Mark Zelinski will lead the linebackers with senior Ralph Loretta filling the fourth spot on the senior-laden unit. Jim Falcone, Cruz and Pellicano all return at cornerback with Gilburn manning the safety spot for the third year in a row.
"I think we're a lot more aggressive than we were last year on defense," Essner said.
On special teams, Cruz will be the team's kicker and Gilburn will take care of the punting.
The American Division is without a doubt a stellar division with many quality teams, but that is nothing new to Manalapan. There are several factors that will contribute to the Braves' success, such as the play of their young quarterback and their ability to stay healthy since depth is not one of their strong points. But it all comes back to getting off to a good start. Manalapan closes its seasons in impressive fashion, and if it isn't forced to do that just to earn a late playoff spot this could be a championship-contending team.
"It's really important for us to take that next step," Gallahue said. "Just making the playoffs is not the goal. We feel like we're as good as anybody in our bracket. Confidence is the key this year."
Head coach
Tom Gallahue
Assistant coaches:
Ed Gurrieri (asst. head coach/def. coord.); Joe Tetley (assoc. head coach/off. line); Dom Pollifrone (def. line); Andy Sliwoski (tight ends); Justin Fumando (special teams/wide receivers); Steven Vella (secondary).
2007
record
6-4 (2-4)
BIG SHOES TO
FILL: A sophomore quarterback usually always has his work cut out for him, and replacing the numbers and big throws Craig Peterson had for this team won't be easy for Michael Bimonte.
X-FACTOR:
How will a sophomore quarterback fare on this team and in the American Division? Can the Braves get off to a good start?
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Senior fullback Steven Ching decided to come out for the team this year, and the running game could be thanking him many times over if his 290-pound frame is laying out linemen and linebackers in front of Jim Gilburn.
PIVOTAL
GAME: Week 2 vs. Jackson Memorial. It's the Braves' first division game and will also be a game where a win would make them either 2-0 or 1-1 early the season.