Joe Rotondi knows that the Union Hill football program is completely his now. After all, he’s been the head coach of the Hillers for four years now, so every player in the program has been developed under his watch.
Rotondi knows that the Hillers have to improve on last year’s 3-7 performance, and it won’t be easy, considering All-State offensive lineman Pedro Sosa is now at Rutgers and two other prospective returning starters have moved (one to Pennsylvania and another to Georgia).
"Right now, we’re in a feeling-out process," said Rotondi, who was a long-time assistant coach at Hoboken before taking the Union Hill job four years ago. "We’ve been going through the scrimmages to see who can play. We basically have a sophomore and junior team, with only seven seniors. So we’re young and feeling our way around."
The biggest problem the Hillers faced last season is that they just simply couldn’t score.
"No matter what we did, we couldn’t get points on the board," Rotondi said. "We don’t think that’s going to happen this year."
Leading the way for the Hillers is junior quarterback Ruben Machado (5-11, 170), who Rotondi feels will develop into a solid field general.
"I feel he’s going to be very good for us," Rotondi said. "He can throw the ball and is a good leader."
Junior Ye Zhang (5-10, 205) also returns from last year’s team. Zhang played all last year with a knee injury and had surgery in the off-season. But he has fully recovered from the injury and will play both running back and defensive back for the Hillers this season.
Junior Mario Milanes (5-11, 215) is a tight end/linebacker with a lot of promise. Rotondi likes his toughness and his mental approach.
Senior Rob Aguiar (5-6, 210) will be the Hillers’ fullback, while also playing linebacker. According to Rotondi, Aguiar is the team’s inspirational leader.
Senior Steve Natal (5-11, 185) will be the split end and Machado’s main target. Natal will also see time in the secondary. Senior Carlos Sosa (6-2, 190), no relation to Pedro, is a converted quarterback who will play wide receiver, as well as handling the punting and kicking chores.
Senior Francisco Acevedo (5-10, 220) is the team’s jack-of-all-trades. In the preseason, Acevedo has played defensive end, tight end and running back.
"He can play anywhere," Rotondi said.
Along the line, senior Bryant Najara (5-11, 260) is the lone returning starter.
"We’re very young on the line and the kids are still learning," Rotondi said. "But they’re doing a good job."
Senior John Almonte (5-11, 245) and junior Ariel Rodriguez (6-1, 275) are the tackles, with junior Alejandro Fleitas (5-7, 170) at center. Sophomore Jose Planes (6-0, 235) joins Najara at guard.
Rotondi will utilize the same cast of characters on the defensive side as well. Acevedo and Planes are the defensive ends, with Najara and Rodriguez at defensive tackle.
Milanes and Aguiar are returning starters at linebacker, joined by junior Yohan Pimentel (5-8, 200).
Zhang is the team’s strong safety, with senior Sal Rivera (5-7, 165) playing free safety. Natal is a cornerback, along with sophomore Luis Ramos (5-10, 165).
The Hillers open their season Friday night against Hudson Catholic. Rotondi believes that the Hillers are a work in progress.
"I think it’s a team that will hit some bumps along the way, but we’ll grow together," Rotondi said. "As fast as the line develops, then that’s how good we’ll be. We need those young kids to develop in a hurry."
Count on the young Hillers to be a competitive and feisty bunch this season. – Jim Hague