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Look for frosh to impact on Knights varsity gridiron
By Dennis Wilson
Sports In The Garden State
Coming off a 7-4 record in 1999 that allowed the Knights to post winning seasons
throughout the decade of the 1990s, a new concept will be utilized this season as West Essex looks to start the
new millennium with a winning mark.
Head coach Dave Drozjock has elevated a freshman Anthony Durso (5-8, 150) to the varsity roster as a result of
his efforts in preseason camp. The significance of this promotion is that not one freshman ever saw action on a
varsity gridiron during the 1990s.
"Anthony played on a freshmen team that went 8-0-1 and he is a good one;" said Drozjock. "He is
contention for the starting assignment at running back and could see action in the secondary at cornerback."
West Essex went 6-3 in the Hills Division of the Iron Hills Conference before routing Caldwell 32-8 in the opening
round of the state playoffs. In the semifinals, the Knights dropped a 27-21 decision to Hills Division champion
Hanover Park.
Drozjock's lineup includes nine seniors who are back from last year's squad and appreciate the thrill of victory
while absorbing the agony of defeat in the OT loss to the Hornets. Chris DiStaulo (6-0, 305), the Knights heavyweight
wrestler, is back to battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
"Chris is a powerful run-blocker and will be the key to the success of our running game," added Drozjock.
"He is a great kid and will be one of our captains."
Another captain is Peter Lang (6-4, 223) who is the incumbent tight end and a returning starter at defensive end.
"Pete leads by example," continued Drozjock. "He has a great work ethic and it rubs off on the underclassmen."
Anthony Mineo (5-9, 190) will serve as the third captain. He will be the Knights power back after toting the pigskin
45 times while churning out 219 yards as a junior. On defense, he returns as a starting linebacker after recording
89 tackles with five quarterback slots.
"Anthony is a hard worker and a versatile athlete," stated Drozjock. "He has deceptive speed on
offense and utilizes his wrestling experience to make himself an outstanding linebacker."
Chris Curado (6-1, 230) moved into a starting job for the last three games in 1999. He has gotten bigger and posses
quickness that will make him a standout on both sides of the ball.
Will Edwards (6-1, 190) will see action in a running back role after averaging 4.5 yards per carry as a junior.
He is slated to be the Knight back in the linebacking corps after recording 13 tackles last season.
Zak Kleinman (6-0, 175) is another grappler who plays football. He earned a letter on special teams and will start
at cornerback and be part of the wide receiver rotation.
Andrew Liebert (6-0, 190) ranks sixth academically in the Class of 2001. "Hawk" as he called by his teammates
and the coaching staff, will see action on the special teams and be a situation player on the defensive side of
the ball.
Rich Sherman (6-0, 164) will be in the wide receiver rotation.
"Rich has come a long way. He has great hands and runs good routes," offered Drozjock. "He will
start at wide receiver."
Neelish Tiruviluamala (5-9, 160) is still another wrestler who is on the squad. A hard-worker, He will see action
on the special teams and is the backup at inside middle linebacker.
Joe Rullis (6-2, 270) returns to the gridiron for the first time since his days with the Fairfield Falcons. He
is a candidate for varsity minutes on both the defensive and offensive lines.
Several juniors have earned starting roles, including Tommy Cardasco (6-1, 155) who is the heir apparent at quarterback.
"Tommy was a starter on the varsity baseball team as a sophomore at shortstop," said Drozjock. "He
has a gun for an arm, is a solid performer and this is his team."
Michael Mineo (6-0, 160) has grown from his days wrestling in the lower weight divisions, and will start at cornerback
while also seeing time at wingback on the attack.
Joe Cifelli (6-2, 205) lettered as a sophomore playing special teams and as a backup. He has earned the starting
nod at offensive guard and outside linebacker.
His classmate Adam Squatrito (5-8, 185) is projected to start at offensive center while a pair of sophomores have
earned the other two slots. Sal LoCasio (5-8, 205) will start at offensive guard and middle linebacker while Ryan
Lang (6-3, 255) will be in the starting rotation on the defensive line.
Competing with Durso and Edwards for time in the running back rotation is junior Ricky Teehan (5-8, 155). Backing
up Cordasco at quarterback are a pair of sophomores in Erich Sisco (6-0, 165) and Josh Haba (5-7, 145).
On the defensive side of the ball, junior Nick Angelo (6-1, 170) who lettered as the backup at split end and free
safety, moves up to the starting team in both slots. His classmate Greg Vaccaro (6-1, 165) and Sherman are the
other two who will rotate at both SE slots.
Junior Jordan Brody (6-1, 205) started games last season at nose guard but has moved outside and will start at
defensive end. Two sophomores will be backups on defense. They are Michael Kerr (6-0, 215) at defensive end and
Michael Hayak (6-1, 185), another varsity wrestler, who will fill in at linebacker and fullback.
Where do the Knights go this season? They have a good mix of proven seniors and quality underclassmen who can be
blended to send Wessex deep into the sectional playoffs while challenging for the Hills Division crown in the IHC.
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