Memorial no longer a surprise team
Tigers begin 2000 season among top ranked teams in New Jersey
A year ago, the Memorial Tigers were clearly the biggest surprise of the Hudson County high school football season, rolling through their first 10 games without a loss, capturing the HCIAA National Conference championship and the school’s first-ever victory in the NJSIAA playoffs.
But as the 2000 season kicked off recently, the Tigers weren’t about to sneak up on anyone. Even though they lost perhaps the finest all-around football performer in the school’s history in Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Year Jonathan Robinson, the Tigers have a host of talented players back from last year’s magical year – enough talent to begin the year as the No. 18 team in New Jersey.
"I think after we beat (St. Peter’s) Prep last year, people knew we were for real," said Memorial head coach Ed Sargent, who begins his fourth year at the helm. "But without a doubt, teams are going to be waiting for us this year. There’s no way we can be a surprise to anyone anymore."
Leading the way for the returning Tigers is senior fullback/linebacker Paul Villanueva (5-9, 190), who rushed for 1,121 yards and 10 touchdowns a year ago.
"He’s the strongest kid in our weight room," Sargent explained. "And he has a tremendous work ethic. He’s quiet and leads by example, but he really doesn’t have to say much."
Senior halfback/linebacker Willy Garcia (5-6, 165) rushed for 800 yards and eight touchdowns.
Johnny Correa (5-8, 165) joins Garcia and Villanueva in the backfield. Correa is a junior who has excellent speed and gives the Tigers a host of talent at the running back position.
Junior Rudy Delgado (5-10, 170) has the unfortunate task of trying to replace the talented Robinson, now at the University of Pennsylvania, at quarterback. Delgado was a flanker last year.
Junior Newbery Rosario (6-4, 200) is the team’s tight end and poses as a solid target for Delgado. Junior Bryan Durango (5-11, 175) moves to flanker from tight end, where he played last year.
The offensive line is spearheaded by senior guard Alain Amaro (5-10, 175). Amaro has a special place in Sargent’s heart, because he has been Sargent’s personal warrior since he took the job.
"He’s willing to do anything and everything for this program," Sargent said. "Alain, Paul and Willy have all been together for four years now and they bring a lot to this program."
Gilbert Rodriguez (5-10, 235), who started at center last year, has been moved to tackle this season. Christian Gallego (5-9, 170), Steve Schlitzer (5-10, 205) and Juan Gamarra (5-11, 175) are the other offensive line starters, but Sargent is concerned because of their lack of experience.
"We don’t have a lot of size and we’re moving to quicker kids," Sargent said. "But I’d have to say that they’re big question marks right now."
Sophomore Cesar Sabino (6-3, 195) has been a standout at defensive end.
"He’s a very good athlete and he’s done well for us right away," Sargent said.
Senior Andy Garcia (5-6, 155), who is Willy’s twin brother and not the famous actor, anchors the secondary, along with junior Marcus Morales (5-8, 160). The linebacking corps, namely Villanueva, Amaro and Willy Garcia, returns in tact from a year ago. Villanueva earned All-Area honors from the Hudson Reporter last year.
Junior Robert Sanchez (5-11, 225) will play defensive tackle.
So, can the people of West New York expect more of the same in 2000?
"I think there has been a nice carryover from last year," Sargent said. "We have some key people back and that’s a help. But nobody is going to take us lightly this year. We obviously have to play well."
The Tigers opened their season with a 21-19 thrilling victory over Lincoln last weekend.