The Weehawken High School football program is coming off a second consecutive 4-6 season. In years gone by, that mark would have been enough for a celebration in Weehawken, but as Zach Naszimento enters his fifth season as the Indians’ head coach — and athletic director, for that matter — winning four games just doesn’t cut it.
“Last year, we should have had a better record,” said Naszimento, the former Secaucus High standout who went on to play at the University of Cincinnati. “For whatever reason, we just couldn’t be consistent. To have a 4-6 record, we’re not satisfied with that. We want to be better than .500. We’ve all put a lot of work and commitment into it. We’ve set a good standard and we want to be better than what we have been.”
Remind you, this is coming from a program that didn’t win four games in a decade, never mind one season. But Naszimento won five games his first season, then took the Indians to the NJSIAA North 2, Group I playoffs with a seven-win team his second year. He raised the bar on his own.
“I know the people in our Weehawken community believe we can be successful,” said Naszimento, who works with his father, assistant coach Bruce Naszimento, a Hudson County Sports Hall of Famer from his days at the old Emerson High School, on a daily basis. “That’s a good thing to have. With that come higher expectations. I think our kids are up to that challenge. They’ve been with me throughout. They totally get what I’m trying to say to them. I’m not just screaming my head off for no reason. They know how to prepare for games.”
Naszimento will look to junior Nick Anasa (5-9, 170) to lead the way at quarterback. Anasa has a tough road to hoe, replacing the multi-talented Oliver Molano as the Indians’ signal caller.
“Losing Molano was big for us, but Nick is doing a great job leading our offense,” Naszimento said. “He’s a very smart kid. He’s respected by his teammates and everyone in the school. He’s a quiet kid, but he gets the job done.”
Senior Joan Andjuar (5-10, 215) is the team’s fullback. Andujar rushed for almost 800 yards last year.
“I expect him to be a leader on this team,” Naszimento said. “He’s waited his turn. It’s his turn now.”
Junior Brayan Pedron (6-1, 205) is the team’s halfback. Pedron had some moments of brilliance with the ball last year, both running and receiving.
“I think he’s going to have a good year,” Naszimento said.
The wingback is senior Isaiah Abreu (5-8, 170), who is a whirling bundle of energy on the field.
“He gets everyone going,” Naszimento said. “He’s a good football player.”
The wide receiver is promising sophomore Joe Pinhasik (6-1, 180), who has stepped right in and taken on a prominent role with the Indians.
Junior Eddie Cacares (5-9, 160) will get into the mix as well, either at the wing or at wide receiver.
The tight end is junior Wally Martinez (6-2, 220).
The offensive line returns in its entirety, which really has helped Naszimento in the preseason.
“It is a tremendous help to have that continuity,” Naszimento said. “We’re not spending a lot of time on blocking schemes. In our offense, you have to know what you’re doing at all times. We’re not worried about that.”
Senior Sebastian Sanchez (6-2, 230) is a three-year returning starter at tackle.
“He’s a strong kid,” Naszimento said. “He’s very reliable.”
Senior Keith Hablitz, Jr. (6-3, 260) and senior Steven Munoz (5-10, 230) are the guards. Both started last year. Senior Steven Higgins (5-9, 230) is the center.
But the player to watch along the line is junior tackle Shane O’Rourke (6-3, 300), who has the potential to play college football in two years.
“Shane is the strongest kid on the team,” Naszimento said. “He’s a weight room fanatic and a great bench presser.”
Defensively, the Indians play a 4-3 formation, with Higgins and Andujar at defensive end and Hablitz, Jr. with seniorAaron Cippaglia (6-0, 205) at defensive tackle.
Sanchez returns to his spot at outside linebacker, where he’s joined by junior Chris de Leon (5-10, 180).
D’Anthony Flores, a 6-foot, 180-pound senior, is a two-year starter at middle linebacker.
Abreu and junior Brian Pedermo (5-9, 180) are the cornerbacks, with senior Ayden Buglione (6-0, 170) joining Pinhasik at safety.
Naszimento just loves watching Pinhasik operate.
“He’s going to be a very good one for us,” Naszimento said. “He’s such an athletic kid. He’s smart and he can run. He can really play.”
The Indians open their 2015 season at Weehawken Stadium on Friday, Sept. 11 against Cresskill with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
Naszimento knows his team will be vastly improved this season.
“These kids get along so well,” Naszimento said. “They have good chemistry. That’s been a surprise how well they get along. That absolutely has carried over onto the field. This team wants to get back to the playoffs. I think they know what it’s like to be on a winner and they want that again. They can be successful. I’m very proud of these guys for coming along so far.” – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.