Third Year May be the Charm for Stacked Tom River North

Photo above: Mariners at @JSNSPORTINGNEWS photo shoot

TOMS RIVER – After a one-win season in head coach Dave Oizerowitz’s first year at the helm at Toms River North in 2013, the Mariners improved to 6-5 last season, including a trip to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group V playoffs which saw them defeat No.1 seed Lenape in the first round before bowing out in the semifinals.

This season the Mariners appear primed to make another significant leap, but this time as one of the Shore Conference elite teams.

“Our expectations are pretty high,” Oizerowitz said. “We’d like to get back into the mix of contending for a division title and getting back into the tournament; those are our goals right now.”

They return most of their offense that produced over 4,200 yards of total offense last season, including an All-Shore quarterback that was one of only three Shore Conference QB’s to throw and run for over a thousand yards, huge offensive linemen that are not only strong as bulls but also extremely athletically gifted, and an assortment of skill players that have the ability to take over games.

Gifted junior quarterback Mike Husni - a second team All-Shore selection – returns after throwing for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns while running for an additional 1,387 with 12 TD’s. With the weapon’s Husni has at his disposal, his off-season workout ethic and his maturation process, the sky is the limit for this ultra-talented young signal caller.

“Mike exceeded our expectations last year,” Oizerowitz said. “He’s a dynamic force with the football in his hands. In our spread he’s our point guard who distributes the football as well as making the plays when the plays are there. And he’s able to do that for us, he’s as competitive a guy that I’ve ever been around.”

Senior RB/DB/SB Asante Moorer was a third team All-Shore performer last season after rushing for 1,064 yards and scoring nine touchdowns while gaining 284 yards on 16 receptions out of the slot receiver spot with three touchdowns and is expected to carry the load at running back. Sophomore RB/OLB Daryn Blackwell will be the first option out of the backfield after Moorer and has impressed in preseason.

Husni has a couple of options at wide receiver that return with significant playing experience. Juniors Bryce Watts (24-284 2 TD, 106 yds. rush, TD) and Darron Carrington (16-284 2 TD) will be Husni’s main targets.

Oizerowitz is expecting them to be the best two playmakers on the perimeter in the division, if not the Shore this season.

There’s a battle for the third wide receiver spot between junior Kenny Cook – the fastest of the three – and sophomore Andrew Daniluk, another speedster who has looked awfully good. Senior Ricky Carberry is considered a jack of all trades. He’s a return specialist but will see time at wideout as well; he’s one of the fastest guys in the county according to Oizerowitz.

When the Mariners do lineup in a tight end formation it will be seniors Quintin Manning and inside linebacker/ TE Calvin Jackson.

The offensive line is the heart-and-soul of the team according to Oizerowitz. Seniors Luke Butera (6-foot-3, 265 lb.) at guard and team captain Tim Peterson (6-foot-1, 250 lb.) at tackle along with juniors Esiah Santamia (6-foot-0, 260 lb.) at guard, Cole LaBatch (6-foot-3, 280 lb.) tackle and Will Sagarese (5-foot-11, 200 lb.) at center form one of the most dominating offensive lines in the Shore. Junior Matt Melamed (6-foot-4, 260 lb.) has played well in preseason and is fighting for playing time.

Senior defensive tackle Da’Shon Copes is the defensive leader after a season which saw him garner one award after another, including first team All-Shore selections from the Asbury Park Press, Shore Sports Network and Star Ledger. He recorded 91 tackles/ 22 for a loss while registering 12 sacks – third in the Shore Conference.

“Our defense is built around Copes,” Oizerowitz said. “He’s a three-year starter and fantastic football player that dominates in the middle.”

Copes will anchor a defensive line on the week side and opposite him on the strong side will be LaBatch (36 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks). At nose tackle there’s a battle between junior Joe Nardoza (6-foot-260 lb.) and sophomore Shane Carney (5-foot-10, 280 lb.) with both showing promising signs.

The linebacking corps is headed by All-Division strong side outside linebacker Christian Lynch. The senior returns to his starting role after recording 62 tackles with 12.5 tackle for a loss. Opposite Lynch on the weekside there’s competition between seniors Tom Donovan and Anthony Storino.

Back at inside linebacker is senior Calvin Jackson (6-foot-0, 225 lb.) who stabilized the position after gaining the start there at midseason. Next to Jackson it’s between senior Michale Cangialosi (23 tackles), junior Pete Laquaglia and senior Rich Roma.

Senior Matt Tomaschek returns to head up a secondary loaded with talent infused with a ton of pure athletic ability as well as experience. Tomaschek registered 53 tackles from his safety spot along with five passes defended and one interception. Watts (19 tackles) and Carrington (12 tackles, Int.) are back at cornerback and Moorer will do double duty at safety – a position he’s come to love. Daniluk, Janaire Bradley and Kayin Dacruz are pushing for time as well.

“Watts is big and fast,” Oizerowitz said. “I think he’s one of the best corners in the Shore Conference. He plays the run, he plays man, he plays zone; we really like him there.”

The Shore Conference Class A South title is up for grabs this season; there is no definitive favorite. If the Mariners can play consistent football, meaning, they win the games they’re supposed to win and play up to their capabilities against the likes of Brick Township and Jackson Memorial they have a realistic chance of not only winning the division title but bringing home the programs first state title since 2007.

“We try to create the environment that will allow them to be successful,” Oizerowitz said. “But ultimately they will determine it. We try to shape it and nurture it but they have to determine it.”