Woodbridge Football - 2017, The 94th Season!

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 8:31 p.m. EDT May 16, 2016

Woodbridge participants, from left, coach Bill Nyers, Tracy Fudge, Jr., Anthony Nyers, Olivia Anderson, James Monica, Johnathon O'Halloran, David McDevitt, Brielle Small, Nate Lanier, and Woodbridge High School principal Glenn Rottmann, at the MyCentralJersey.com Snapple Bowl press conference at North Brunswick High School on May 16, 2016. (Photo: Keith Muccilli/ Staff)Buy Photo

EDITOR'S NOTE: A photo gallery and video will be added to this page ASAP, so please consider revisiting it later tonight.

By the very nature of his position, Woodbridge High School offensive lineman David McDevitt often sacrifices for the good of others, so his philanthropic efforts off the field shouldn’t come as a complete surprise.

Still, Marcus Borden, founder and director of the MyCentralJersey.com Snapple Bowl, a charity all-star football game between recently graduated seniors from Middlesex and Union counties, was "amazed" to learn prior to Monday’s press conference at North Brunswick High School announcing players and cheerleaders for the 23rd annual installment of the summer classic that McDevitt had already raised nearly $2,000 for the beneficiaries.

“He’s on a path to break the individual record,” said Borden, noting that Johnathon O'Halloran, another Woodbridge senior, set the fundraising standard for participants a year ago, raising more than $2,500 as the winner of the Snapple Bowl’s inaugural Mascot Challenge.

Last summer, the Snapple Bowl set a single-game record, raising more than $50,000 for Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside and the Edison-based Lakeview School, a program of the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities. Since its inception, the game has raised more than $535,000.

McDevitt was among the more than 160 players and cheerleaders from both counties who were introduced – along with representatives from the game’s sponsors and beneficiaries – Monday night.

During game week, players and cheerleaders will visit children from both charities, which has proved over the years to be a life-altering experience for many Snapple Bowl participants, leading some to even pursue careers as special education teachers. Each county will conduct the first of seven practices at Woodbridge (Middlesex) and Union (Union) high schools on July 11. Players and cheerleaders from both sides will gather for the annual Snapple Bowl banquet at the Pines Manor on July 20.

Middlesex leads the series 14-8 and has won nine of the past 10 Snapple Bowls including last summer’s 33-13 victory. Five of the past 11 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less.

Upon learning in late February that he had been selected to play in the game, McDevitt created a GoFundMe page, on which he wrote, in part: “I was lucky in life and provided with a healthy mind and body. There are those that are not so lucky … I want to ensure that this year’s game generates a new record in donations by asking my family, friends, neighbors and strangers to donate whatever they are comfortable with … everything raised will benefit the Children's Specialized Hospital and the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities.”

"What a great example to use, as well as Johnathon last year taking the Snapple Bowl by storm," said Woodbridge High School principal Glenn Lottmann of O'Halloran and McDevitt, noting both seniors benefit from the support of the school-community. "That's what our school does. That's why I love our school so much. Everyone gives, and that's why it's a special place. I'm thankful that outsiders see it."

McDevitt's impressive fundraising campaign is as much a reflection of the student-athlete as it is of the Woodbridge school-community as a whole. Borden said he is elated that the Barrons are hosting Snapple Bowl XXIII at recently renovated Nicholas A. Priscoe Stadium on July 21 at 7 p.m.

“The thing that’s got me excited is the enthusiasm in the school and the community and those who have already reached out to me,” Borden said of recent conversations with officials from the township and high school, including Lottmann. “Glenn is so enthusiastic. He’s always pumped about his school, and how they rally around each other is just phenomenal. It’s going to be exciting that he’s leading the charge.”

The Woodbridge school-community, according to high school athletics director Joe Ward, is equally enthused about the opportunity to host the game.

“Everybody is excited, from the football program to the parents club to the Pop Warner, the mayor and our school administration,” Ward said. “It’s an honor to host a prestigious event like the Snapple Bowl and have all the best players and cheerleaders from Middlesex and Union counties come to the school and see what first-class facilities we have here.”

Woodbridge Township used $9.89 million in property-in-lieu of taxes (PILOT) funding to upgrade facilities for athletics and extracurricular activities district-wide including, but not limited to, the installation of synthetic turf football and baseball fields at J.F. Kennedy and Colonia high schools and a complete overhaul of Priscoe Stadium.

Improvements to the stadium, originally built in 1948, include the demolition of the white concrete home stands, which were replaced by red and black metal bleachers that reflect the school’s colors, a larger athletic trainer’s room, a revitalized coach’s office equipped with ceiling projectors and white boards, a beautified locker room, new public restrooms, wheelchair ramps for handicap access to the venue, a new press box and internet access.

Players will look as sharp as the field on which they are competing. Borden also unveiled that Snapple Bowl participants will be the first in the country to wear Nike’s new power vapor jersey. The uniforms were on display during the press conference.

Venus Majeski, director of development and community relations at the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities, captivated the players, cheerleaders and their parents who attended Monday's press conference with a prophetic message.

"You truly don't realize that you are a part of something so much bigger than yourself, and so much larger than your school and so much larger than your own community because you are taking a bold step forward and saying, 'I am going to make a difference in the life of child,' " Majeski said. "You won't understand it today. When I see you at the banquet (on the eve of Snapple Bowl XXIII), then you will know because (by then) you will have visited the Lakeview School and Children's Specialized Hospital."

Majeski told the Snapple Bowl participants that the game will "make a difference in how the world prepares you for" the future and that the game will be "a life-changing experience."

This year’s goal, Borden said, is to sell 5,000 tickets for the Snapple Bowl, which drew approximately 3,500 spectators at Kean University last summer. Those who can’t attend the game will be able to watch a rebroadcast of it in its entirety, courtesy of The Woodbridge Channels.

Borden said he has assembled an all-star lineup of game sponsors and media partners including Autoland of Route 22 in Springfield, the Pines Manor, Snapple, FIJI Water, Bai, Sports Paradise, the Home News Tribune, the Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com.

“I really believe we can fill that place,” Borden said of Priscoe Stadium. “I believe that we can break a record.”

MIDDLESEX ALL-STAR PLAYERS (listed alphabetically by player's name)

Yousef Abohend (East Brunswick) OT; Ben Baez (Edison) WR; Mohammed Bangura (New Brunswick) DE; Adrian Brown (Dunellen) DT; Cristian Cardosa (J.F. Kennedy) DT; Corey Clark (Sayreville) OLB; Ryan Coke (Middlesex) RB; Josemar Contreras (New Brunswick) LB; Justin Counts (South Plainfield) DE; Samad Davila (New Brunswick) RB; Mike Diakunczak (Edison) OG; Almaliek Fitzpatrick (East Brunswick) TE; Tracy Fudge (Woodbridge) QB; Robert Gee (Bishop Ahr) LB; Rashiek Harvard (J.P. Stevens) CB; Nate Lanier (Woodbridge) WR; Bashir Lauderdale (Colonia) LB; Jason Lee (South Plainfield) RB; Dane Lupton (Bishop Ahr) LB; Marcel Mason (Piscataway) RB; David McDevitt (Woodbridge) OT; James Modica (Woodbridge) WR; Christian Napolitano (South Brunswick) C; Mario Nigro (South River) OLB; Ogemdi Nwadike (Highland Park) SS; Joe Papa (St. Joseph) FS; Esberth Pereyra (North Brunswick) OG; Noah Pointer (Highland Park) WR; Anthony Porcaro (Sayreville) OT; Andrew Roberts (J.F. Kennedy) QB; Chase Santiago (Monroe) WR; Danny Santiago (Perth Amboy) DE;Tyler Santos (Colonia) WR; Derek Schneider (Spotswood) TE; Josh Siegenthaler (South Plainfield) TE; Jarett Sims (Metuchen) LB; Tru Stell (Old Bridge)DT; Kaamal Stewart (Piscataway) WR; Lee Tamburello (Colonia) FS; Joe Trainor (Monroe) LB; Lou Vacca (Spotswood) OT; Jared Vann (Piscataway) C; Coray Williams (Sayreville) CB; Josh Wood (Monroe) PK/P.

MIDDLESEX ALL-STAR CHEERLEADERS (listed alphabetically by school name)

Samantha Juarez (Bishop Ahr), Brianna Kovach (Bishop Ahr), Angelica Vergara (Carteret), Brianna Dowd (Colonia), Jordan Matty (Colonia), DaNeyh Dugan (Dunellen), Krystal Jones (Dunellen), Nicole Carrera (East Brunswick), Demi Massih (East Brunswick), Amy Trapani (Edison), Brianna Udove (Edison), Morgan Lyons (J.F. Kennedy), Marissa Murray (J.F. Kennedy), Brianna Biezewski (J.P. Stevens), Tianna Bradford (J.P. Stevens), Maya Inman (Metuchen), Devin Lissy (Middlesex), Kayla Tarsan (Middlesex), Alexandra Heizer (Monroe), Sunny Worden (Monroe), Amanda Farrell (North Brunswick), Megan Illes (North Brunswick), Brianna Cardaci (Old Bridge), Katie Padin (Old Bridge), Jailene Maldonado (Perth Amboy), Leslie Valdez (Perth Amboy), Diamond Cheek (Piscataway), Asia Mathis (Piscataway), Lisa Calabrese (Sayreville), Victoria DePinto (Sayreville), Jamie Donato (South Plainfield), Jessica Ortiz (South Plainfield), Layanni Colbert  (South River), Arianna Reid Hill (South River), Emily Baile (Spotswood), Elizabeth Nielsen (Spotswood), Alexa Robel (Spotswood), Sibel Siglam (Spotswood), Olivia Anderson (Woodbridge), Brielle Small (Woodbridge).

UNION ALL-STAR PLAYERS (listed alphabetically by player's name)

Ed Accinot (Abraham Clark) DL; Mike Bellrose (Cranford) OL; Kyle Boyd (Union) S; David Brown (Union) OL; Matt Bruno (Governor Livingston) TE; Ja'quill Burch (Elizabeth) QB; Cesar Cordoba (Plainfield) TE; Tyler DaCosta (David Brearley) OL; Russell Davidson (New Providence) DL; Mike Evans (Jonathon Dayton) OL; Justin Falke (Arthur L. Johnson) DL; Will Ferdinando    (Roselle Park) LB; Noah Goldberg (Jonathon Dayton) WR; Guirvenson Guillaume (Linden) RB; Elijah Harrison (Linden) C; Caleb Holden (Union) C; Manoli Kanellos (Governor Livingston) LB; Torry Langley (Abraham Clark) OL; Sean Leonard (Cranford) S; Andrew Leibowitz (Jonathon Dayton) OL; Erik Loneker (David Brearley) OL; Sebastian Montesdeoca (David Brearley) QB; Tom Morley (Westfield) OL; Joseph Norton (Cranford) K/P; Osaheni Omokaro (Hillside) DL; Chris Ortiz (Union) FS; Kyron Paige (Elizabeth) WR; Jacquez Payne (Abraham Clark) C; Anthony Primavera (David Brearley) RB; Shaquille Privott (Plainfield) OL; Lucas Ramadan (Cranford) LB; Jonathan Ramirez (Summit) DL; Anthony Rizzuto (Arthur L. Johnson) LB; Brett Robertshaw (Westfield) FS; Drew Shannon (Arthur L. Johnson) OL; Malik Singleton (Abraham Clark) LB; Steven Sottosanti (Governor Livingston) TE; Marquel Taylor (Scotch Plains) WR; Nick Tenor (Elizabeth) C; Patrick Thomas (Union) WR; Ethan Tom (Cranford) DL; Andy Urness (New Providence) S; Pernell Williams (Elizabeth) LB; Fred Womble (Rahway) WR; Joe Woods (Roselle Park) QB.

UNION ALL-STAR CHEERLEADERS (listed alphabetically by school name)

Kelly Brett (Abraham Clark), Kamryn James (Abraham Clark), Anya Johnson (Abraham Clark), Kayla DeNunzio (David Brearley), Samantha Smith (David Brearley), Branna Cesaro (David Brearley), Alex Buckley (Governor Livingston), Abby Kepner (Governor Livingston), Jenna Rabasca (Governor Livingston), Khyri Crawfard (Hillside), Chasity Degrout (Hillside), Makayla Jones (Hillside), Briannah Charles (Linden), Ayannah Finney (Linden), Aliyyah Johnson (Linden), Aniyah Person (Linden), Bianna Moore (Rahway), Danielle Chambliss (Rahway), Catie Gibson (Roselle Park), Kristen Vrabel (Roselle Park), Nicolette Lorusso (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Alison Mebes (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Jamiah Sykes-Samuels (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Tiiyana Young (Scotch Plains-Fanwood), Brooke Becket (Summit), Caroline Mckinlay (Summit), Mary Chimezie (Union), Aliyah Myrick (Union), Katie Clark (Westfield), Drew Ferriss (Westfield), Maria Gerckens (Westfield), Samantha Smith (Westfield).

Marcus Borden, @bordenfb4ever 5:12 p.m. EDT May 13, 2016

Citing safety concerns, Pop Warner became the first national football organization to ban kickoffs, announcing on Thursday that it was eliminating them for children 10-and-under.

In lieu of a kickoff, the ball will be placed at the 35-yard line to start each half and after every score in Pop Warner's three youngest divisions: Tiny Mite (5-7 year olds), Mitey Mite (7-9 year-olds) and Junior Pee Wee (8-10 year olds).

Pop Warner Executive Director Jon Butler is quoted on the organization’s website stating, “We are constantly working to make the game safer and better for our young athletes, and we think the move is an important step in that direction.”

By eliminating the kickoffs, “There will be a substantial reduction in the number of violent hits by one team’s best player(s) on the opposing team’s best player,” said Jake Rodriguez of the South Brunswick PAL. “It’s a great rule.”

Furthermore, Rodriguez said he believes the rule just makes sense with “the limited practice time and the difficulty in teaching special teams techniques to the younger players.”

Pop Warner, the nation's largest youth football organization, will evaluate the 2016 season’s kickoff ban at the conclusion of the year to determine the success of the rule implementation and to see what changes might be made in the future for all levels of competition.

National Federation for State High School Associations (NFHS) Executive Director Bob Gardner said, “We are very supportive of Pop Warner’s decision to improve the safety of the game and we look forward to hearing about the results of their rule implementation.”

Asked about changes to the high school game, Gardner said  “no formal proposals are on the table, although we are constantly looking to improve the safety of the game, and remember, in high school football the ball is still dead once it crosses the goal line.”

NJSIAA Associate Director Jack Dubois, who sits on the NHFS Football Rules Committee and is in charge of football for the statewide athletics association, echoed Gardner’s comments regarding the impact on New Jersey high school football. He said, “The only recent change to the high school kicking game is the number of players that must be on either side of the ball on a free kick. Discussion about making the game safer in New Jersey is ongoing and we know that the kickoff is considered one of the most dangerous plays.”

Recent changes to the kicking game in the NFL have many believing that there may be a trickle-down effect to the college and high school game.  Five years ago the league moved the kickoff from the 30 to the 35-yard line to force more touchbacks and to reduce the number of high-speed collisions that are part of the kickoff return. Prior to the rule about 80 percent of kicks were returned.  A steady decline each year has proved that there has been a significant impact from the rule change, which shows that in 2015 a little more that 40 percent of kicks were returned.

Still looking to make the game safer, the NFL has decided that in 2016 teams that take a touchback will be rewarded by placing the ball on the 25-yard line instead of the 20. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, a critic of tinkering with kickoffs at the professional level, told pool reporters at the NFL's annual league meeting earlier this year: “Do you want the kicking game in the game or not in the game? If it's in the game, let's kick it and return it and let's play the play. Let's not reward a decision not to compete with 5 extra yards."

Some football purists cringe at the thought of what might happen to the game if a team cannot rally for a comeback win because the kickoff or onside kick are no longer an option. Others may side with Pop Warner's strategy.

“If the NFL is making adjustments to the kicking game," Rodriguez said, "then maybe we ought to be thinking about it, too, at all levels of play.”

The official Twitter account for WoodbridgeFootball.com is @WoodbridgeFTBL. This is a new venue. Hopefully we get it right!

The Snapple Bowl is scheduled for July 21, 2016, 7pm at Woodbridge High School.

Tracy Fudge - QB


Nathan Lanier - RB, LB


James Modica - WR, DB


David McDevitt - OT

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 9:45 p.m. Feb 18, 2016

Kevin Coleman, who served as a defensive coordinator at Woodbridge the past three seasons, was approved as the high school’s new head football coach during the township’s board of education meeting on Thursday night.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 2:28 p.m. August 23, 2015

Being a ref isn't always easy. But someone on this crew blew it big time. You can not throw a flag for Unsportsmanship and not see the play. The Linden player should have been ejected as well. Its was nice to see that the Mid-State 38 Conference assigning official suspended the officiating crew. It should have been for 4+ weeks instead of the 2. Send a message.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/2015/09/19/team-worked-linden-immaculata-game-suspended/72497126/

John Haley is a high school sports reporter for the GMC area. He launched a web site, TheAuthoritySports.com last year. The site was a fresh new look at GMC sports. Unfortunately, as is in life, money talks. He was unable to make the venture profitable and he closed it down.

I will miss his reporting. No one is more knowledgeable about local athletic than Mr. Haley. Looking to see you again very soon, and thank you for all you have done for me personally!

Unless you just arrived from another planet, the hottest topic in NJ football this week is the Linden football assault issue. I've seen the play, and I believe the Linden player deserves the punishment meted out. Removal from the team for the season. Actions like his have NO legitimate justifications. Period.

Bottom line. Channel that rage or frustration into the next play. If you can't, you're out of control and need help.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2015/09/17/advocate-linden-football-player-city-blew-out-proportion/32538899/ 

Game 2 – Bishop Ahr - GMC White Division Game

Friday, September 18, 2015  7pm

By WoodbridgeFootball.com: 09-14-2015

Last year, the Barrons wasted an 18-7 first quarter lead against BGA, losing 19-18. Focus was the issue. Not this year. 

Woodbridge 28 – Bishop Ahr 20

Its nice to open the season with a win. But its much nicer to end your season with one! (G12) Continue to strive toward that goal.


Keshaun Henry makes an interception in the end zone to kill a Carteret drive.

The Ramblers Long Snapper and Secondary are suspect. Either or both will give up big plays for the Barrons.You heard it hear first.

Carteret will be visiting Nick Priscoe Stadium this Friday night. They bring a major threat, DE / RB Sam Kamara #11. This kid has talent and needs to be "spied" on both side of the ball. When he is on defense, he has to be physically challenged every down, On Offense, someone has to account for his every move, making him work hard. Bottom line, wear him down physically, tire him out, don't allow him an easy play, force him to run his battery down and take a blow, then make it hurt!

Two alumni, George P. Ryan CPA, WHS Class of 1971, and Dr. Nicholas Sardone, WHS Class of 1963, have written a book on the history of Woodbridge HS Football dating back to 1924.

Dr. Sardone has agreed to provide the Woodbridge Football Weekly Newsletter with periodic reports as the season progresses. Be sure to look for them this season!

The Final Tune Up!
East Brunswick
Thursday, September 3, 2015  6:00pm (was 7:00pm)
Home - Nick Priscoe Stadium

Wednesday, September 2, 2015  4pm
at East Brunswick

The Ocean Township team were few in numbers. but they brought some very good players. The first quarter was scoreless. In the second quarter, Ocean scored first with an up and in pass from inside the 20. A Woodbridge TD that would have tied the contest was called back for offensive pass interference. A final score by Ocean with under 2 minutes saw a deep post from outside the 20 ending the play by the first teams. In the second half, Woodbridge put two TD's on the board on some brilliant running and blocking.

(S3)  Ocean Township
Friday, August 28, 2015  11am


Nat Lanier (RB)

Hillsborough was a 9-2 team in 2014, losing in Round 2 of the Playoffs to Manalapan 28-6. They too, have returned a large number of players. In last years scrimmage, they roughed us up a bit. This year, the tables were turned. The Barrons offense came to play today, dropping 3 scores on the Raiders, while the defense came up big again with a shutout of the Raiders starters. The group two and three defense allowed a lone score in the final drives.
Woodbridge 3 scores - Hillsborough 1


Tracy Fudge (QB)

Linden was the State Champions of the North Jersey 2, Group 5 last season. They return a good group of players. The Woodbridge offense was able to score twice against their aggressive defense, while our own stifling defense held the Tigers to a single score
Woodbridge 2 scores - Linden 1


L-R: Tracy Fudge, David McDevitt, Alex LaGrippo, Dylan Leone, Robert Bognar, Sydney Pierre, Nat Lanier, Darin Tabon.