Seton Hall Prep Opens Practice

Seton Hall Prep's football team began practice Monday morning with an eye toward another winning season and Non-Public III playoff berth.

Head coach John Finnegan said he is very confident his team can repeat as Super Essex Conference American Division champions and qualify for the state playoffs for the seventh straight season.

"We have a nice mix of players," said Finnegan, whose team finished last season with a 9-2 record. "We have got a lot of guys back in the skill positions."

Among the standouts back is 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior Connor Wujciak, who has committed to playing at Boston College. Wojciak will play H back and defensive end. "He clears the way,'' Finnegan said.

Also returning are junior quarterback Sean Maguire and senior running back Kevin Monangai and junior back Rory Merklinger. "When all is said and done, Sean might be the best quarterback we've ever had here,'' Finnegan said.

Both running backs rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season in the Pirates' Delaware Wing T offense. Finnegan said Maguire will have reliable receivers to throw to in senior split end Steve Silvestri, senior back Kevin Ijoma and sophomore Kyle Queirro.

Queirro started one game last year as a freshman. "Steve has an offer (to attend) Maine and Kevin has one from Monmouth,'' Finnegan said.

The line is anchored by senior center Max Ruiz and senior tackle Kevin Sampson. "We have some offensive line questons we have to answer, but I think our skill positions are pretty clear," Finnegan said.

Finnegan said the early days of practice will be spent on preparing offensive and defensive schemes and developing a depth chart. The Pirates will have their first scrimmage next Tuesday morning at Ridge High School in Somerset County. The season begins Saturday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. against Morristown at home.

"We'll be in the hunt," said Finnegan. "Montclair will be much better, Bloomfield and Irvington are dangerous and East Orange was a state finalist."