Hawks have some big holes to fill
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

FARRAH MAFFAI staff While the J.P. Stevens football team lost some key players from last year’s 6-4 squad, one player they can depend on to continue to excel this year is Tamar Robinson, who will be the Hawks’ featured back on offense, and will also anchor the defensive backfield from his corner back position.

EDISON — With two of its premier players from last year suiting up for the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University this season, the J.P. Stevens High School football team looks to be embarking on a rebuilding year.

All-state lineman Jeremy Zuttah and quarterback Anthony Miller leave big shoes to fill, but the Hawks’ entire offensive line graduated this spring as well.

Last year’s team finished 6-4 with an appearance in the state playoffs, but unfortunately fell short at the hands of Bridgewater-Raritan.

The Hawks 2004 campaign kicks off at 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at South Brunswick. The home opener is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 23 against Woodbridge.

"It should be an interesting season," Stevens head coach Frank Zarro said. "This is definitely a rebuilding year. We’re asking guys that played JV and freshman ball last year to step up. It’s a big jump and it’s going to take a lot of hard work."

Expected to play a pivotal role in this year’s offense is returning running back Tamar Robinson.

Like many Stevens players, Robinson plays both sides of the ball and will start at defensive back.

"We hope Tamar will be a major contributor to our offense," Zarro said.

"He saw a lot of action as a sophomore, and this year he is one of our key players."

Senior and multi-sport talent Kyle Trueblood returns to the starting lineupand looks to be a threat to lead the team in receptions for a second straight season.

Senior Kyle McCormick will do his best to replace the 6-foot-5, 290-pound loss of Zuttah at tackle. McCormick will lead a young and inexperienced line with his own 6-3, 265-pound frame.

"Kyle is a kid that can probably play at the next level," Zarro said. "I can see somebody trying to land him because of his size, but it’s still too early to tell."

Omarie Nelson joins Robinson in the backfield. The junior’s lightning-quick speed was showcased on the track this spring and his 5-8, 180-pound frame complements Robinson in addition to senior Bart Piegdon. Piegdon will primarily see time at tight end and linebacker, but can be added to the backfield due to his speed when needed.

Additional players returning to the varsity lineup from last year’s roster in­clude wide receiver/defensive back Michael Chupka and tight end/defensive end Eric Jeffries.

Sophomore Elicer Gomez has been impressive in pre-season and will occupy some space with his 5-11, 205-pound frame at guard and defensive end.

"We are hoping Elicer is a guy that can play varsity line," Zarro said. "It’s silly to think the young guys are going to come in and immediately replace some­one like Jeremy Zuttah, but they’ve been working hard."

Also joining the young line is junior Larry Reynolds. The 5-9, 195-pounder is expected to play guard and linebacker.

"Larry is another guy we are looking at to fill the void left by last year’s se­niors," Zarro said. "How well we do this season is going to depend on how well we can mature up front and how quickly we can get strong."

Behind the new offensive line is sophomore quarterback Greg Sica. Sica takes over for the departed Miller and will need to perform big if the Hawks look to enjoy another winning season.

"Greg has nice size [6 feet, 170 pounds] and he gets the ball down the field really well, but he has a lot of work ahead of him," Zarro said. "Our offense will obviously be different with the loss of Anthony. Anthony is a Division I athlete and he could do it all. Greg is an intelli­gent kid and he looks really good right now, but we’re asking a 15-year-old kid to play a major varsity role. It’s pointless to compare him to Anthony, but I do know that given time Greg will be very good. Right now he’s still learning."

Although the Hawks will be young and inexperienced in critical positions their strength on the perimeter will still make them a formidable foe to the GMC teams. A solid core of receivers, running backs and defensive backs can match up against any team in the conference.