Although they lost to Memorial in their season opener last weekend, the Lions of Lincoln High School should be a solid contender in the HCIAA American Conference, ready to battle Hoboken for conference honors. Head coach Tom Ferriero welcomes a solid group of returnees, especially running backs Shawn Henry (5-10, 205) and Joe Ladson (5-11, 185). Lonnie Henderson is a fine linebacker and Ali Williams is a solid two-way lineman.
Weehawken welcomes a new head coach in Anthony Stratton, hoping to save some of the magic from the 2000 season, which saw the Indians qualify for the state playoffs for the first time ever. QB Alex Montanile is a fine signal caller and passer. FB Vic Barone and two-way lineman Kevin McLaughlin will also have a positive impact.
Hudson Catholic got off to a good start last weekend with a thrilling 6-3 victory over Dickinson, scoring a touchdown on the game’s final play. QB Darren Lionakis is a strong passer and is coming off a severe knee injury. Two-way lineman Paul Bauer is considered as a solid college prospect. Richie Mercier will be the team’s top running back.
Dickinson welcomes back head coach Rob Maffia for his second season. Craig Morrison and Will King are solid running backs and Mahmoud Awad is a fine two-way lineman.
Snyder will have veteran coach Eric Piccolo back for another season, implementing a spread offense as a newfangled approach. Antonio Ratliff and Larry Rouse are excellent runners and receivers for QB Anthony Bell’s passes.
St. Joseph of West New York welcomes varsity football back again after a seven-year hiatus. Sophomore Ed Suros will be the quarterback for the Blue Jays and Jason Majano will be the workhorse at tailback.
Marist has two talented performers in big 315-pound lineman John Harper and LB/RB Walter Peavy.
Hudson Reporter H.S. Football Top Five
1. St. Peter’s Prep (1-0)
2. Hoboken (1-0)
3. North Bergen (1-0)
4. Memorial (1-0)
5. Emerson (0-1)