With the ‘Senior Triple Threat,’ Secaucus could very well have Group I state title hopes
Secaucus head coach Charlie Voorhees is a very blessed man these days, knowing full well that he has perhaps the most talented backfield in the history of the school returning for another season – call them "The Patriot Senior Triple Threat."
"When you talk about having three players together this talented, it’s something you may see only once in a lifetime," said Voorhees, who begins his second year as the Patriots’ head coach. "They are among the best who have ever played in the building and they’re all on the same team. That’s pretty amazing."
Voorhees is referring to his three very talented seniors, namely quarterback Bobby Dornan, fullback/linebacker Mike Gerbasio and halfback/defensive back Tommy Warth. All three are definitely among the finest athletes that Secaucus has ever produced and all three return for their final season together.
Dornan (6-2, 190) threw for almost 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
"He’s solid," Voorhees said. "He does everything you tell him to do. He came into the program humble and he’ll walk away humble. He’s really one of those special guys. He takes control and it’s great to watch him go."
The bruising Gerbasio (5-11, 240) rushed for 1,081 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. He also led the team in tackles from his linebacker slot.
"He’s an absolute load, a regular moose," Voorhees said of Gerbasio. "He can bench 370 (pounds) and does that time and time again. He’s so strong that he just eats up the weight room."
The speedy Warth (6-0, 185) could very well be the best all-around athlete in Secaucus history, showing his prowess on both the basketball hardwood and the baseball diamond, where he is considered among the finest players in New Jersey. Warth had 900 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns last year.
"You just put the ball in his hands and he’s on his way," Voorhees said. "He can do anything."
With a triple threat like that, the Patriots just have to win, right? Not that quickly.
"We’re rebuilding an entire line and that’s not easy," Voorhees said. "With the key players we have back, the pressure is on me to make sure that the line clicks. Because those kids (Dornan, Gerbasio and Warth) are the kinds of kids that if you give them a little bit of room, they’ll be fine. If I can’t put something together, then there’s something wrong with me."
The lone returning starter is senior Jude Masullo (5-11, 245), who has been a starter along the line for the last two seasons.
The Patriots will look to two seniors to anchor the line, namely John Federer (6-0, 245) and Mike Kuechler (5-9, 200). Junior David Galeon (5-9, 200) will be the center, flanked by juniors Rich Ryals (6-1, 265) and Frank Larza (5-10, 200) and sophomores Alex Smith (6-0, 195) and Andrew Kovarik (6-1, 235).
The best of the bunch could eventually be towering freshman Austin Hinton (6-5, 260), who is only 14 years old, but already has a size 18 shoe.
"He has some talent," Voorhees said. "We’re teaching him to be mean. But there’s a lot of potential there."
Voorhees will look at two newcomers at wide receiver, namely senior Craig Bronowich (6-0, 160) and sophomore Justin Jinorio (5-7, 160). Jinorio is also the team’s backup quarterback. Junior Jamaal Ford (6-3, 210), the former St. Anthony basketball player who transferred to Secaucus over the summer, plays football for the first time and will also see action at flanker. The tight ends are senior John Bernier (5-10, 180) and junior Ted Bagorgos (6-3, 220).
Defensively, the Patriots will use a lot of the same players, including Gerbasio, who was an All-Bergen County Scholastic League selection a year ago at linebacker. Senior Nelson Cardona (6-0, 220) joins Gerbasio at linebacker.
Senior Ed Mitchell (6-0, 200) will play defensive end. Ford, Bernier, Bagorgos and senior Aaron Karowski (6-2, 175) man the outside linebacker slots.
Warth, Dornan, Bronowich and senior Chris Seshadri (6-0, 180) comprise the secondary.
So can the Patriots contend for NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group I honors?
"I think so," Voorhees said. "Are we there yet? No. It’s going to take a lot of work. I think the new guys are starting to understand what it’s all about, starting to show signs that they mean business. It has all the possibilities of being a very good year."
The Patriots open this weekend at perennial state playoff contender Hasbrouck Heights.
CAPTION
POWERFUL PATRIOTS – Secaucus is ready to make a solid run at both BSCL and state Group I honors this season. Front row, from left, are: Bob Knipe, Frank Lanza, David Galeon and Ed Mitchell. Back row, from left, are head coach Charlie Voorhees, Frank Zitzman, Rich Ryals, Austin Hinton, Jude Masullo, Alex Smith and Assistant Coach Bruce Naszimento.