As he begins his seventh season as the head football coach at Hoboken High School, Lou Taglieri knows that he has to put last year’s 7-3 campaign behind him and his program.
“We have to put in a box and put it on the shelf,” Taglieri said. “We don’t return a lot of people, so we have to start up again. These young kids have to learn as we go along. We have a lot of sophomores and juniors that we’re counting on this year. It’s nice to coach a team like this, because basically, we have a fresh start.”
Taglieri, whose team lost to eventual champion New Providence, 24-21, in the opening round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I playoffs last year, thinks that having a major turnover in personnel could actually be a blessing.
“All of these kids are eager players, wanting to learn and wanting to impress,” Taglieri said. “They’re aggressive and want to be out there.”
But because the Red Wings are basically a young team, Taglieri went out and scheduled four preseason scrimmages.
“We had to get four scrimmages, just to see if the kids understand where we’re coming from,” Taglieri said. “They need the time to play together before the season starts. There’s no substitution for experience.”
One of the more experienced returning Red Wings is senior quarterback Spencer Perez (6-2, 185), who is one of the best signal callers in Hudson County. Perez, drawing some attention from the United States Military Academy at West Point, threw for an amazing 22 touchdowns last year and had only two interceptions. Perez compiled 1,400-plus yards in the process.
“In the past, we have gone through our running backs,” Taglieri said. “This year, we’re going through Spencer. He’s the one who has been through all of this before. We expect him to make plays and allow the younger kids to get some experience.”
A trio of juniors will comprise the Red Wings’ Delaware Wing-T backfield, a staple of Hoboken football for decades.
Donte Carter (5-11, 195) and Rahmein Herron (5-11, 175) are interchangeable halfbacks, while junior Daquan Peterson (5-10, 170), the nephew of all-time Hoboken great back Dwayne Peterson, is the fullback.
Usually, the fullback is the featured back in the Hoboken offense, but Taglieri is looking at ways to feature all three.
“They all played last year and they are very similar with their running styles,” Taglieri said.
A pair of sophomores makes up the Red Wings’ receiving corps. Kain Dunham (6-0, 180) and Donte Bass (5-10, 180) are capable pass catchers.
Another sophomore, Dashawn Reed (6-1, 210) is the starter at tight end.
The Red Wings’ starting offensive line, despite the lack of experience, does have some nice size and talent.
The tackles are seniors John Smith (6-1, 220) and David Williams (6-2, 275). The guards are senior Tracy Sims (5-11, 230) and Giovanni Leroix (5-10, 215) with senior Devin Lawrence (5-11, 215) the lone returning starter up front at center.
Defensively, the Red Wings utilize many of the same personnel, like most Group I enrollment schools do.
Reed and Smith are the defensive ends, with Williams and junior Andrew Mullins (5-11, 240) at defensive tackle.
Leroix and Carter are linebackers, along with juniors Jeffrey Herron (5-10, 180 and no relation at all to Rahmein) and Justin Moreau (6-0, 180). Taglieri likes the way his linebackers go to the football.
Junior Jamal Wilks (5-9, 180) and sophomore Terry Perry (5-10, 170) are the cornerbacks with Rahmein Herron and Perez at safety.
Taglieri has no apprehension about putting his prized quarterback at safety.
“He’s not coming off the field,” Taglieri said. “We’re absolutely counting on him that much. He has to lead us and has to remain on the field.”
As one can see, it’s a very young Red Wing team with not many upperclassmen.
“We might be very young, but these kids are very talented,” Taglieri said. “Perez has a ton of talent. The others have to follow suit.”
The Red Wings open their season Friday, Sept. 9 at home against Memorial, bringing Hudson County’s version of “Friday Night Lights” to life. The Red Wings remain at home for Friday night games against Passaic and Snyder. They should know where they stand after the first three contests.
It’s safe to say that the Red Wings should once again be in contention for a Group I state playoff berth and battling St. Anthony and Lincoln for HCIAA American Division honors.
“That’s what we’re shooting for,” Taglieri said. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.