Lincoln suffered a tough 21-19 loss to Memorial in its season opener last weekend, but coach Tom Ferriero’s team should be very competitive this season, led by senior tight end/linebacker Irv Wilson and senior running back Brandon McGowan. Leonard Green and David Campbell are also players to watch for the Lions.
Hudson Catholic, led by second-year head coach Chipper Benway, has one of the best fullbacks in the state returning in senior Brad Cunningham. Whadi Ali-Holmes and Chris Dalton and Darren Lionakis are also key performers for the Hawks.
Ferris has some of the best young talent in the county, including junior Michael Dupree and Aramis Ciprian. Gerald Frierson is a capable running back and Chris Jackson returns as the Bulldogs’ quarterback.
Marist, which suffered a tough 55-14 loss to Mendham last weekend, has quarterback Chris Baker returning. Baker is one of the most recruited players in New Jersey, with prominent schools like Nebraska, Tennessee and Syracuse paying extensive visits to see the 6-4, 200-pound option wizard. Defensive back Kevin Elam, who is also receiving a host of scholarship offers, also returns.
Dickinson, which welcomes new head coach Rob Maffia, also has a player receiving his fair share of college recruiting attention in linebacker Yonar Candelario. Abbiel Acevedo is one of the best defensive backs in the state.
Snyder and St. Joseph will field football teams again this year, with Snyder, under coach Eric Piccolo, playing a full varsity schedule for the first time in two years.
Hudson Reporter H.S. Football Top Five
1. Hoboken (1-0)
2. Memorial (1-0)
3. North Bergen (1-0)
4. Emerson (1-0)
5. Secaucus (0-0)