Matawan Hungry for Playoffs After Last Season's Snub

Photo: Middle linebacker Aliem Shaw (#40) and six other starters return on defense for the Huskies.

MATAWAN – Anyone who thinks the Huskies have forgotten about being the only Shore Conference team with a winning record not to qualify for the NJSIAA playoffs last season after posting a 5-3 record at selection time and watching several sub-.500 teams’ march into the playoffs, may just be “barking up the wrong tree.”

“We felt we were a playoff caliber team last year and kind of got shafted,” head coach John Kaye said. “It’s our job not to let that happen again this year and the kids are well aware of it. We are absolutely using it as motivation.”

After finishing the 2013 season 7-3 and tied for third in the tough Class B North Division at 3-3, the Huskies are chomping at the bit to prove they’re not only a playoff team but a team to be reckoned with once they get there.

Last season, the defense was the heart and soul of the team while limiting its opponents to 8.9 points a game – the third least total points of any team in the Shore Conference. But for the Huskies to make a serious run at a state title this season they need their offense, particularly at the quarterback spot, to step it up a notch, and try to keep pace with their top-rated defense.

Matawan’s defense – which returns seven starters - is best described as ”ferocious”. They’re a physical, swarming defense that will attack you from anywhere on the field. They’re led by first-team All-Shore linebacker Aliem Shaw, who burst onto the scene as a sophomore last season to lead the Shore Conference in sacks (17) and tackles for losses (30) while amassing 111 total tackles. His strength, his ability to read plays, and a 11.2 seconds time in the 100-meter dash make him a nightmare for opposing blockers. He’s already gotten interest from numerous Division I schools including North Carolina State, Rutgers, Nebraska and Michigan State.

“Shaw’s a big time player,” Kaye said. “He’s fast, explosive and physical. He has tremendous speed, reads plays, attacks the gaps and aggressively plays down hill; he’s a special player and an excellent person.”

Shaw will line up at the middle linebacker spot in Matawan’s 4-3 set with junior Isaiah Phillip flanking him at strongside linebacker after recording 73 tackles with 15 of them for a loss as a sophomore. At weakside linebacker senior Devon Spann, the team’s leading rusher last season with 848 yards and eight touchdowns, gets the starting nod with senior Matt Liebowitz rotating in.

The defense line rotation is anchored by senior returners Jake Weber - who posted 40 tackles last season – and 6-foot, 200-pound Dan Corredor. 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior Austin Santana-Simmons and 6-foot, 185-pound sophomore Andrew Conzo are both in the starting rotation as well. All four players possess skill sets which allow them to be lined up at both tackle or end depending on what the game dictates.

5-foot-11, 180-pound junior cornerback Dejohn Rogers, who is also garnering interest from Division I programs, returns to lead a secondary that has the potential to be one of the best in the conference even with the transfer of junior cornerback Khalil Haskins to Saint John Vianney. Both safeties are returning starters with 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior Justin Ferrara - who led the team with three interceptions last season - at one safety spot and 5-foot-10, 165-pound senior Shawn Ramcheran returning at the other safety spot after making 59 tackles last season. 5-foot-11, 175-pound junior Mikaya Ceasar will take Haskins place at cornerback after spending most his time on offense last season. Devon’s younger brother Devonte Spann, a freshman, could see time at safety and Neptune transfer Naz Neal could fill in at cornerback.

The Huskies are excited about the progress their offense has made this off-season after switching to a no-huddle spread attack after averaging only 18.2 points a game last season. They’ll go with zone read plays and four receiver sets to take advantage of their athleticism, quickness and overall team speed. The new offense was on display this summer with strong performances in 7-on-7 competition at Rutgers and Monmouth University and winning the Shore Conference Tournament 7-on-7 at the U.S. Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic.

Senior quarterback Jimmy Pierce is back after throwing for 547 yards and one touchdown and rushing for 245 and two scores last season. Pierce most likely will get the starting nod but is being pushed by strong-armed freshman quarterback George Pearson – who just may be better suited for the Huskies new spread-option attack. Pearson is the nephew of former Dallas Cowboy star Drew Pearson.

Rogers, Ramcheran and Ferrara are all returning starters and bring a ton of experience at the wide receiver position with juniors Kyle Midtlyng and Alex Pierce in mix as well. Spann will see time at the slot position as well as running back in the spread offense. Liebowitz is back at tight end and will be asked to catch the ball more often in the spread this season after being utilized primarily as a blocker last season.

Spann starts at halfback but will be moved around in the new offense to take advantage of his skill set. Ceasar will get plenty of touches in the backfield with Shaw and Phillip getting carries as well.

The offensive line returns two starters led by Weber at center. The 6-foot-1, 225 Weber is a three year starter at center and will be counted on the anchor the line. At left tackle is 6-foot-4, 320-pound sophomore Donald Smalls with 6-foot-2, 280-pound junior Mike Kawka at left guard. Kawka started two games for the Huskies last season. The 6-foot, 200-pound Corredor returns to right guard spot and the right tackle will be Mike McHugh – a 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore. 6-foot, 275-pound junior Dave Sherman is vying for playing time and has looked good in camp.

Senior Adam Elliot – a shortstop on the Matawan baseball team – will handle the kicking duties replacing first-team All-Shore kicker Mike Creamer, who set a single-season record with 14 field goals last season.

The Huskies were realigned into the Class A Central Division this season and will now renew their intense rivalry with Rumson Fair-Haven. The two schools last met in the 2011 Central Jersey Group II championship game won by the Huskies, 3-0, after losing to the Bulldogs in the 2010 final, 13-6. The Bulldogs and the Huskies will collide in an early season matchup Friday, September 19 with the winner taking early command of the division.

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