On paper, it looked like a devastating loss for the Memorial High School football team before the season even began. Alfredo Cadiz, the Tigers’ leading rusher in each of the last two seasons and a runner with game-breaking capabilities, transferred in the off-season to Queen of Peace in North Arlington. A 3-7 team simply can’t afford to lose a player of Cadiz’ talent and ability, right?
Well, guess again.
“As good as he was, it’s not that huge of a loss,” said Memorial head coach Brian Cooney, who begins his third season with the Tigers. “He was an excellent player and I hope he does well there. There are no hard feelings, but I want to go into battle with the players who want to be here. These are my guys, my soldiers.”
General Cooney’s troops feature 17 seniors who are more than willing to forget about Cadiz and forget about the losing in the past.
“We’re definitely senior-dominated,” Cooney said. “These kids have been with us for two years and they’re tough, hard-nosed kids.”
Cooney, who was a standout quarterback during his days at North Bergen High School and Montclair State, is utilizing the spread offense this year for the first time.
“We felt that the offense would better fit our players and our line,” Cooney said. “If we can eliminate using so many blocking schemes, we would be in better shape.”
Senior Felix Sacerio (5-9, 180) is the starting quarterback. Sacerio was the backup to Gus Lopez (now at Widener) last year and inherits the responsibilities of a new offense this year.
“He has very good knowledge of football in general,” Cooney said. “He also has a good understanding of the offense.”
Senior Rob Rivera (5-10, 175) may also see time at quarterback. Rivera has good speed and a strong arm, according to Cooney.
Senior Johan Gil (5-7, 200) is the team’s lone back, but Cooney sees great things from the strong Gil. “He’s a load, but he has good quickness and good vision,” Cooney said of Gil. “He might not have breakaway speed, but he will get the job done. I’m expecting him to have a big year.”
The wide receiving corps is talented and they’re all seniors. Gabe Fernandez (5-9, 175), Manny Valerio (5-10, 180), Nick Chavez (5-8, 175) and Jose Marquez (5-8, 185). Cooney said that all four are excellent pass catchers, making Sacerio’s job a little easier.
The offensive line is not blessed with size.
“We always play with undersized kids,” Cooney said. “We’re kind of used to it.”
Seniors Gabe Rojas (5-11, 240) and Ralph Flores (6-0, 230) are three-year starters _ Rojas at center, Flores at guard. Junior Lazaro Villareal (6-0, 220) is the other guard, with senior Steve Leon (6-1, 220) moving from tight end to tackle to play with either Mohammed El-Maksoud (6-2, 220), a junior, or Javier Gutierrez (6-0, 250), a sophomore.
Most of the same personnel turn around to play defense. Flores and senior Sergio David (6-0, 210) are at defensive end, with Gutierrez playing the nose guard slot. The outside linebackers are Leon and junior Angel Pardo (5-9, 180), a transfer from Weehawken. Gil and junior Kevin Andrara (5-8, 180) are the inside linebackers, with Gil emerging as one of the best two-way performers in the county. The wide receivers move to the secondary, with Chavez and Fernandez playing cornerbacks and Marquez and Valerio at safety.
The schedule is not kind to the Tigers. They open this weekend against Bayonne and All-State caliber receiver Kenny Britt, then play North Bergen in the Bruins’ season opener next week.
“I think we have the kids who believe in the system,” Cooney said. “They just have to execute.”
Cooney has rounded up a host of former Bruin standouts to serve as assistant coaches. Former All-State players Wayne Zitt and former Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Year Czar Wiley (1996-97) are on the staff, along with former Bruin standout Joe Chapparo. So it’s safe to say that the Tigers will have a certain North Bergen flavor this season.
“We have a new system, a new staff, but the same kids,” Cooney said. “We need to win a couple games this year that we haven’t won in the past. We have to have a new attitude. We haven’t been able to turn the corner. This could be the year.”
– Jim Hague