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Cobbs, DiGirolamo will ignite Vikings
By Dennis Wilson
Dave Albano starts his initial season as head coach of the Parsippany
Hills Vikings gridiron program following five years at New Milford. On the first day of preseason practice, he
was met by 13 seniors, two of whom are already drawing long looks from NCAA Division I-A programs.
"It has been a constructive preseason," said Albano who played at Ramapo College before the Roadrunners
dropped football. "We will be a senior-oriented team with some outstanding players in the skill positions."
A trio of members of the Class of 2001 will serve as captains. Justin Caron (5-10, 240) will go both ways up front
in the trenches.
"Justin is a tough kid who has the potential to continue his career at the Division III level," stated
Albano. "He worked hard in the weight room in the off-season and is our strongest player."
Another senior captain is Justin Toplowski (5-9, 200) who will lead the running attack from his offensive guard
slot and play linebacker on defense.
"Justin is a hard-nosed kid," added Albano. "He has a great work ethic and has the leadership abilities
that the underclassmen look to follow."
The third senior captain is quarterback John DiGirolamo (6-3, 215) who returns as the starting quarterback after
posting impressive numbers as a junior.
"John has a gun for an arm. He is an experienced veteran who is a real student of the game, devoting hours
to watching film," stated Albano. "He will see action at free safety when the game is on the line. He
is being looked at by Wisconsin, Miami (FL) and several other D-IA programs."
R.J. Cobbs (5-11, 185) will be the Vikings top gun on the attack.
"R.J. is a legitimate D-IA prospect," stated Albano. "He is drawing a great deal of interest from
Wisconsin, Nebraska and Syracuse. He will be our go-to back all season."
Donnie Bridge-Mahon (6-1, 190) can run and he will display his quickness at wide receiver and in a linebacker slot.
Kevin Carrikk (6-3, 180) will be the primary aerial target at wide receiver and will start in the defensive secondary.
Justin Seekamp (6-0, 170) is challenging for varsity minutes at both wide receiver and defensive back while Rutveej
Patel (5-10, 160) is also a candidate for playing time at wide receiver and defensive back while Simon Rabinovich
(5-9, 165) is at wide receiver and linebacker.
Up front in the trenches on both sides of the line of scrimmage will be Tom Burke (6-2, 265), Mike Corri (6-0,
205) and Dab Wojcik (5-10, 220). Rich Whithous (5-11, 190) is a senior out for the first time who is a running
back and linebacker.
Several members of the junior class are projected to be starters. Vinne Cooper (6-2, 190) will go both ways as
a wide receiver and linebacker while Ryan Godleski (5-7, 170) will play as a running back and defensive back. Starting
at offensive tackle and defensive end will be Keith Koellhoffer (6-4, 225) while Scott Londabury (5-11, 215) will
come off the bench on both sides of the ball in in the line. Nelson Lopes (5-9, 200) doubles a fullback and defensive
lineman who will be in the three-deep backfield alignment. Chris Schorling (6-2, 270) is a two-starter at offensive
tackle and defensive line while B.J. Staples (5-5, 150) is the No. 3 wide receiver, a starter at free safety and
will handle the placekicking chores. Ellis Swift (5-8, 240) will anchor the offensive front wall as the starting
center while Mike Thomas (5-6, 170) will see time at fullback and linebacker.
One sophomore has earned a starting assignment. Craig Richards (6-0, 185) will begin the season as the No. 1 fullback
and will line up on defense as a linebacker.
Brian Francis is the new assistant head coach who came to Par Hills after serving with Albano for the five seasons
at New Milford. Francis is the defensive coordinator while Russ Tarlow coaches the offensive line, Sandy Cosenzo
handles the defensive line and Don Henry has coaching responsibility for the running backs and defensive backs.
Coaching the freshmen are Steve Masotti and Jason Lodato.
Par Hills posted a 6-4 record as the 20th Century came to a close. The Vikings move up to the Iron Division of
the Iron Hills Conference, opening the new millennium against East Orange. Roxbury and Morristown follow so the
baptism under fire will be quick against the larger schools of the IHC.
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