In most football seasons at Weehawken High School, four wins would be a cause for celebration and perhaps even a victory parade.
But the culture has definitely changed since Zach Naszimento took over the Indians’ grid program.
Ready for what Naszimento has to say about last year’s 4-6 campaign?
“It was a disappointment,” said Naszimento, who enters his fourth season as the Indians’ head coach and athletic director at the school. “We had such a great year the year before and the expectations were high. We only had five seniors coming back from the state playoff team [which posted a 7-3 record], but we really expected things to continue. So going 4-6 was disappointing and frustrating.”
Naszimento has high hopes for the 2014 version of the Indians.
“I think this group of kids is very focused and they want to get back to where we were,” Naszimento said. “The attitude is great. They work hard every day. They all know what is needed to be done. This is a team that has been with me since they were freshmen, been with me for four years. They understand what has to be done in practice. They understand the terminology. They’ve been part of the winning here. They’ve seen the good times and the struggles.”
Naszimento, the former Secaucus High School and University of Cincinnati standout, likes the makeup of his team.
“We have a good group of kids,” Naszimento said. “I like this group of kids. They’re experienced and that helps. But it’s also fun to coach them. It really is.”
Leading the fun is senior quarterback Oliver Molano (5-11, 165), who is a three-year starter for the Indians. Molano rushed for more than 1,000 yards and passed for more than 1,000 last season.
“I expect a lot from him,” Naszimento said. “I’m expecting even more this season. I think he thrives in knowing that. To his credit, he’s ready for it. He’s a fierce competitor.”
Senior Javier Lopez (5-8, 170) is the team’s main running back.
“He rushed for 800 yards last year,” Naszimento said of Lopez. “He’s a tough runner, a downhill runner. I think he’s going to have a great year for us.”
Junior Isaiah Abreu (5-9 165) is another key member to the backfield.
Sophomore Bryan Pedron (6-1, 180) might be the best of the lot. Pedron, who started a lot as a freshman, has the perfect balance of speed, size and quickness.
“If he continues to grow, then the sky’s the limit,” Naszimento said of Pedron. “He has all the tools.”
Junior Joan Andujar (5-10, 180) is a wingback/halfback who will also contribute.
Isaiah Morales (6-1, 185) is a junior wide receiver who makes for a nice target for Molano.
Junior Sebastian Sanchez (6-2, 210) has developed into a nice tight end. He will most certainly receive some kind of financial aid or scholarship package when his football playing days at Weehawken are done.
The offensive line has some decent size and returns in entirety from a year ago.
Senior Patrick Higgins (6-2, 285) is a fixture, where he has started ever since he enrolled in the school. His younger brother, Steven, is a starter at guard. The younger Higgins, a junior, stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 220.
The other tackle is senior Mohamed Hassan (6-0, 255), who also returns at the position. The guards are juniors Keith Hablitz Jr. (6-2, 240) and Steven Munoz (5-9, 200).
“It’s a good mix of size and experience,” Naszimento said. “In fact, it’s awesome to have that experience, because they all know what’s going on.”
Defensively, the Indians use a 4-3 formation.
Hassan and Andujar are the defensive ends, with sophomore Shane O’Rourke (6-2, 295) and senior Victor Suarez (6-3, 325) at defensive tackles. It’s safe to say that the Indians’ defensive line will not get pushed around much this season.
The outside linebackers are senior Jesus Mendoza (5-9, 180) and promising junior DeAnthony Flores (6-0, 200).
Pedron is a player to watch at middle linebacker.
“By the time he’s done, he’s going to be one of the best,” Naszimento said. “He’s just so raw. But he can play. We just need to find a home for him and find out what he really is.”
Junior Eddie Caseres (5-9, 165) and Abreu are the cornerbacks, with Molano returning to his safety slot, where he earned Hudson Reporter All-Area honors last fall.
The Indians start off the season on the road, going to Cresskill, then Queen of Peace for the first two games.
“We’re going to be challenged right away, but I like that,” Naszimento said. “We’re going to get right into it. We have a good team. We just don’t have a lot of kids.”
But the Indians should be improved on last year’s squad. There will be no need for the use of the disappointing tag this time around. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.