Woodbridge football will have new attitude with Coleman

While the entire game of football is built on passion, it is often the defensive side of the ball that lights the fire under the team.

Perhaps it’s the defenses stubbornness to give up a yard or the hard hits that awes the crowd. Regardless of the play, it seems it is always the defense that gets the team's passion flowing through their veins.

For Woodbridge’s newly named head coach Kevin Coleman, he is extremely passionate about football and he plans to install that passion and fire in every single one of his players.

The Barrons will begin its 93rd season in the program's history against its crosstown rival Colonia on Sept. 9.

“I don’t have to get them hyped up because it’s Colonia,” Coleman said. “But I will get them hyped up because it’s my first game as a head coach and I want to win the game. I think I was born to coach, it’s something I love to do and I want to start it off with a bang.”

Coleman spent the last three years as defensive coordinator with the Barrons, and when coach Bill Nyers stepped down, Woodbridge chose to hire from within and there was no better man for the job than Coleman.

While the head coach is different the defense will remain intact as the Barrons are returning eight starters on the defensive side. Senior Marquan Payne will be anchoring this experienced defense as a defensive end who can rush the passer with his speed or strength. At just 5-foot-7, Payne’s tenacious attitude is exactly what the new defensive minded head coach is looking for in a player.

“He’s a guy that’s been there last year and worked very hard,” Coleman said. “He’s a small guy but very strong, stout in the run and a great pass rusher.”

As Payne leads the defensive line, the secondary is receiving new help from a division rival. Former Carteret running back and cornerback Da’Avian Ellington will be providing an extra spark as he puts on the red and black uniform this year. Ellington racked up 785 yards and five total touchdowns while with the Ramblers, and now the transfer is glad he can bring his two years of experience at the varsity level to the Barrons' program.

“They welcomed me as a family early, it wasn’t really too much to get used to,” Ellington told analyst Marcus Borden at his third annual Greater Middlesex Conference Camp Caravan. “I’m here and I’m ready to work.”

On the offensive side, Ellington will need to work hard as the Barrons are trying to fill the void left from graduating three-year starting quarterback Tracy Fudge. Fudge threw 17 passing touchdowns last year with 1,499 passing yards and added three rushing touchdowns.

Woodbridge is still unsure who will be Fudge’s replacement, but senior Keyshaun Henry is willing to transition from running back to quarterback if needed.

Sophomore Donavan Tabon has also been taking snaps under center throughout camp, and Coleman knows the offense will run best if Tabon can adjust to the varsity level and perform well, while Henry can line up behind him at his original position.

“I think we’re going to need our young quarterback,” Coleman said. “I’d like him to come through and make some plays for us when we need him because I think we’re going to have to use him and put Keyshaun at running back. We need to have that combination where we can put (Henry) out wide."

If Tabon can maintain the starting spot, he will be provided with an arsenal of weapons to throw to including his older brother Darin Tabon, senior Hura Blaine and senior Quaasim Glover, who finished last season with 10 total touchdowns and 723 receiving yards.

Coleman will continue to run the same spread offense but is faced with a challenge as four linemen from last year’s team graduated. Senior Dylan Leone will be commanding the young line at the center position.

“(Leone) will also be playing at the outside linebacker position,” Coleman said. “He’s about 215 and a very strong guy.”

Woodbridge hopes to start out strong when it takes on its rivals on Colonia’s turf. The two teams will meet for the 50th time this year and Coleman knows there is no better way to start his tenure with the Barrons, than with a win against the Patriots.

“We haven’t beat Colonia since I have been here,” Coleman said. “I’m going to be fired up, if there’s something to get fired up for it’s definitely this team.”

Woodbridge Barrons

Coach: Kevin Coleman, first season

Staff: Daniel Harrison, Anthony Nyers, Joe Liquori, Willie Marsh, Coach Merlo, Coach Allen, Coach Chittum, Coach Gega.

Classification: North 2 Group IV

2015 Record: 6-4

Offensive Formation: Spread

Defensive Formation: 4-3

Returning Starters: Quaasim Glover (WR/S), Keshaun Henry (RB/CB), Da'Avian Ellington (RB/S) - Transfer Carteret, Dylan Leone (LB/C), Marquan Payne (DL/RB), Darin Tabon (WR/S), Alex Lagrippo (DL/G), Christian Figueroa (OLB), Hura Blaine (CB/WR), Nick Nyers (LB/TE/G), Antonio Prestin-Lopez (DL/C)

Top Newcomers: Divine Santiago (RB/LB), Donovan Santiago (QB), Khalil Brown (RB/CB), Chance Modica (RB/CB), Jakub Mankowski (OL/DL), James Jones (OL/DL)