Caldwell Prepared and Motivated for New Season

Even though his days as a teacher are over, Ken Trimmer is still handing out homework assignments.

The recently retired physical education teacher and his staff have prepared the full coursework of various formations on both sides of the ball that the James Caldwell High School football team has studied and memorized.

Now it's time for the Chiefs' first test.

Trimmer begins his 17th season as head coach when Caldwell hosts Montville Saturday at Bonnel Field at 1 p.m.

"Believe me, they have to know their stuff," Trimmer said. "We have at least six different fronts on defense. These kids have to have really good technique and they have to know what to do on each play."

Senior quarterback Chris Lawshe was anxious for the season to begin and to show off the team's expansive playbook.

"We like to mix it up and show different looks," he said.

Players like Lawshe and fellow senior captain and fullback Chris Zaorski were part of Caldwell's state championship team in 2008.

After losing in the North Jersey Section 2, Group 2 state tournament semifinals to Orange last year, the Chiefs are looking to make a return trip to the Meadowlands this fall.

The Chiefs received a taste of the New Meadowlands Stadium last week when they served as stand-ins for NFL players as Verizon prepared to televise the New York Giants-New England Patriots preseason game in 3D.

But still resonating with the team is the sour taste of losing of last season coming to an abrupt halt in a 10-7 loss to Orange, a team Caldwell defeated 34-0 just two weeks earlier.

Lawshe threw for 11 touchdowns and ran for a pair of scores last season, including three touchdown passes and 200 yards in the air during that regular-season win over the Tornados.

But Orange's No. 1 quarterback, Contrez Hunter, who was suspended for the regular-season game, returned for the postseason encounter.

Hunter's presence, coupled with the memory of the one-sided victory just a few weeks earlier, doomed the Chiefs.

"If you beat a team 34-0, you sort of think you can beat them," Lawshe said.

While Caldwell will face Orange again in November, the Chiefs seek redemption in the first game against Montville, which won last year's season-opener 26-7.

Caldwell, which finished 8-3 last season, will have experience at the skill positions this fall, but will replace five starters from the offensive line.

Junior Tyler Condit could see time at right tackle, while senior David Hotaling will be a guard and senior Nick Ammirato will be at center. Seniors Frank Rodgers and Windsor Guzman will also see time at guard. Seniors Matt Bader, Lucas Banko and Jerry Napoleon will each see time at left tackle.

The line will be protecting senior tri-captains Lawshe, Zaorski and running back Darnel Thomas.

Trimmer praised Zaorski's strength and believes his fullback is going to have a big year.

"He's bigger and strong," Trimmer said. "He's going to have a great year and is a dominating player."

While Lawshe returns for a third year under center, Thomas moves up from a backup role into a starting position out of the backfield.

"All of our captains have great leadership ability," said Trimmer, who pointed out that Thomas ran hard during the preseason.

Lawshe will need to find a new top target this season after the graduation of Michael Fess, who is now playing at Holy Cross after compiling 600 yards receiving as a split end last season.

Lawshe will now look to sophomores Billy Pierce and John Gallagher at tight end, along with seniors Alex Defuria and Chris Kinsella and sophomore Andrew Goodman as receivers.

The team's defense overall is a bit inexperienced with some players receiving their first varsity playing time.

Zaorski will be at defensive end with Thomas at the other end spot. The two tackles are Guzman and Ammirato

After recording 80 tackles last season, Condit returns at linebacker, along with Pierce and Condit on the inside and senior Simone Kurzum on the outside.

Senior Anthony Mautone leads the defensive backfield at cornerback, while sophomore Sonny Puzzo, who is also the backup quarterback, will be at strong safety. Sophomore Mark Mattheiss and junior T.J. Reuter will see time at safety.

While the Super Essex Conference's Colonial Division will likely be determined against Orange on Nov. 5, Caldwell will also revive a long-time tradition of Thanksgiving Day football with nearby neighbor Verona.

(Games at 1 p.m. unless noted)

Sept. 11     Montville
Sept. 17     at West Essex, 3 p.m.
Sept. 25     Chatham
Oct. 2         Cedar Grove
Oct. 16       at Glen Ridge
Oct. 23       Newark Central, 2 p.m.
Oct. 30       Weequahic
Nov. 5         at Orange, 7 p.m.
Nov. 25      at Verona, 10 a.m.