The Hudson Catholic football team flirted with an undefeated record last year before finally finishing with a 7-3 record and a berth in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 2 state playoffs, before falling to Immaculata.
Now in his fourth year as the head coach at his alma mater, Lou Zampella wants to see his Hawk team make a step up this season.
“We expect to build on what we did last year, but our goal is to get further in the state playoffs,” Zampella said. “We had a predominately underclass team last year. Now this year, we have a predominately senior class, with the most amount of seniors [16] that I’ve ever had. So we expect to take it to the next level this year. Our goal is to get to the state finals and play for it all.”
Zampella knows what it is like to play for it all, because he was the defensive coordinator the last time the Hawks played for a state title in 2008.
“Right now, I can sense that the kids want to go further this year,” Zampella said. “They want to accomplish some of the things that the school has never done [Hudson Catholic has never won a state football title]. I think these kids want to get that chance and I think they have the sense of urgency that you need.”
Leading the Hawks is senior quarterback Marcus Dunn (5-11, 185), who started a handful of games last year after transferring to Hudson Catholic from Marist, where Dunn started every game as a sophomore.
“I think his experience will help us,” Zampella said. “He knows how to handle no-huddle offenses, calling off plays at the line and making checks. He has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders.”
But Zampella has another signal caller waiting in the wings, a talented freshman named Johnathan Banks (5-10, 165).
“He has a lot of potential,” Zampella said of Banks. “He had poise beyond his years. He has a great arm and he could be a great player for us.”
Junior Syhiem Simmons (6-0, 200) returns for another season with the Hawks.
Simmons has been nothing short of brilliant over his first two seasons, rushing for more than 1,000 yards and scoring 18 touchdowns a year ago.
“He’s a big boy,” Zampella said. “Not a lot of people realize how big he really is. I expect more from him this year, because he’s now an upperclassman and has a lot of experience. He has unbelievable talent who could be a major college player some day.”
The Hawks also have junior Khashawn Decker (5-10, 180), who also had his moments of brilliance last season.
“He can fly,” Zampella said of Decker. “He has unbelievable speed. This could be his breakout season.”
Another running back is senior Malcolm Stewart (5-8, 170), who was the starting quarterback last year before Dunn’s arrival.
“We will line him up all over the place, quarterback, running back, wide receiver,” Zampella said. “He can do it all. He does multiple things well.”
Senior Sef Penson (5-10, 175) is another player who adds depth to an already deep backfield.
The wide receiving corps is talented, led by returning starter Satchel Moore (6-4, 190), a sure-handed senior. Fellow senior Javeon Ensley (6-1, 185) is also a threat. The fullback/H-back is junior Ibrahima Toure (5-10, 205), a transfer from St. Anthony.
“He does a lot of the little things that helps you win games,” Zampella said of Toure. “He has a presence running and blocking.”
The offensive line features seniors Steven Harper (6-2, 220), a two-time Hudson Reporter All-Area performer during his days at Marist, and Warren Mayenga (6-0, 245) at tackle. Sophomore Kalif Hurt (6-2, 265) is also getting time at tackle.
The guards are senior Alfredo Vera (5-11, 235) and sophomore Rasheed Wallace (5-10, 250). Senior Nick Giordano (5-11, 265) returns to his starting position at center.
Defensively, the Hawks use a 4-4 formation, with Toure and senior Matt Newsome (6-1, 200) at defensive end and Vera and sophomore Masai Coakley (5-11, 265) at defensive tackle.
The outside linebackers are returning senior starter Stephon Andrews (6-1, 190) and junior Dashawn Muhammad (5-11, 175). Simmons and Harper are the inside linebackers. Harper is the real deal defensively and should get his share of collegiate offers.
Ensley, Stewart, Hurt and Wallace will also get time at inside linebacker as well.
Decker and senior Terrell Bush (5-10, 175) are the cornerbacks, with Moore, a returning starter, and Ensley seeing time at safety.
The Hawks open up the 2015 season with a home game against Newark Central at Caven Point Cochrane Stadium on the Ed “Faa” Ford Memorial Complex Friday night Sept. 11.
“I think we have talent at the skilled positions,” Zampella said. “I think our younger kids need some experience, but I like the makeup of the team. I like the senior leadership we’re getting. Hopefully, this is the season where we can top what the prior teams have done here.”
One thing is for sure: The pieces are in place. – Jim Hague
Hudson’s Hawks look to soar in Zampella’s year four
