After winning the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group I state championship for the second straight year last December, this time in heart-stopping action at Kean University, winning on a touchdown in the closing seconds, the Hoboken High School football team wasted little time in a pursuit of history.
“It was an exciting time, winning the states again,” said veteran head coach Lou Taglieri. “But three weeks later, we were back in the weight room, getting ready for another one.”
The Red Wings, 9-3 a year ago, achieved three straight state titles only one time (1994 through 1996), when they compiled the second longest win streak in Hudson County history, winning 38 straight games.
“They’ve won two in a row,” Taglieri said. “Now they have a chance to do something that hasn’t been done since 1996. They know they have that opportunity. It’s in their minds. It makes things a lot easier, because they’re all excited about their chances.”
The Red Wings welcome back a familiar face, legendary running back Keeon Walker, the All-State performer who went on to have a great career at Syracuse University. Walker, currently a member of the Hoboken Fire Department, has joined Taglieri’s staff this season after previously serving as an assistant in Union City.
“Having Keeon with us is a tremendous help,” Taglieri said. “He’s a great football coach.”
The Red Wings also have another addition from Union City, namely former Soaring Eagles player Elijah Mercado, who has moved to Hoboken and will be the Red Wings’ starting quarterback.
Mercado (6-2, 210) brings a lot of size to the quarterback position at Hoboken that hasn’t been there since All-State performer Rashard Casey was under center back in that great aforementioned run.
“He comes in knowing the offense and that’s a key,” Taglieri said of Mercado. “He’s able to step right in and lead us. He definitely can throw the football.”
Senior Josh Mercado (5-11, 210 and no relation to Elijah) is the Red Wings’ fullback. Mercado was the back who scored the game-winning touchdown with just 12 seconds left in the state championship game last December against Shabazz.
“He has to be our main guy,” Taglieri said. “It’s his time. It evolves around him. He has to be the one to lead us.”
Senior Michael Williamson (5-10, 185) is another returning back. Williamson played a key role with the Red Wings last year before getting injured and missing significant time.
“He’s a special runner,” Taglieri said of Williamson. “He has all the speed in the world. He just has to stay healthy.”
Junior Hafiz Gordonel (5-10, 175) is another speedy member of the Red Wing backfield. Junior Diquill Neal (5-9, 165) will also see considerable action in the Hoboken backfield.
Junior Kyiese Lopez (5-10, 175) is a talented receiver who is already considered among the best juniors in the entire state. Jarius Mills (5-10, 180) is a senior receiver, giving Elijah Mercado plenty of targets to throw to.
Junior Isaiah James (6-3, 215) is the starter at tight end. James is a transfer from St. Peter’s Prep.
“He’s going to be an asset for us,” Taglieri said of James. “He has excellent hands.”
The offensive line features standout Daniel Clifford (6-5, 315), one of the top offensive tackles in the state. Clifford already has solid college offers from Wake Forest, Iowa State, East Carolina and Connecticut.
Clifford has been a starter on the line for four years, so he will get a chance to secure his third ring. Not too shabby.
The other tackle is junior Luis Negron (6-1, 225). A pair of seniors, namely Eric Benekin (6-0, 225) and Sam Sobolov (5-10, 210), occupies the guard slots. Senior Preston Mars (5-11, 225) is the center.
Defensively, the Red Wings will play a 4-2-5 formation to capitalize on their incredible speed.
Benekin and Negron are the defensive ends, with Clifford and sophomore Keith Boyd (6-3, 310) at defensive tackle. Boyd is a player to watch.
Mars, James and Sobolov will all share time at linebacker.
Mills and Lopez are the cornerbacks, with Neal and Williamson at safety and Josh Mercado as the rover back.
The Red Wings open their season Sept. 12 in a rematch of last year’s state title game against Shabazz. It’s funny how the schedule works out. Shabazz comes to the Mile Square City for a little dose of “Friday Night Lights.”
“We have more than enough talent to compete,” Taglieri said. “It’s on them to get it done. We have to stay away from the injury bug. Everything just aligned up perfectly last year. That’s not going to happen again. But there’s talent on this team and they know it. They know what’s expected of them.”
What’s expected is yet another December dance in the state playoffs for the Red Wings. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.