Barrons hope to return to their winning ways
BY MIKE McDONALD
Staff Writer

Above, Woodbridge head coach Brian Russo works with his players during a recent practice in Woodbridge. Below, Garret Mozolic shows off the running style which has made him one of the GMC's most feared backs.

Coming off a disappointing 3-7 season, the Woodbridge High School football team can hardly wait to take the field this weekend.

In fact, head coach Brian Russo may actually have to calm his team down before their game against Passaic County Tech High School.

"We have to remain focused," the coach said. "We have to keep our cool and not make mental mistakes. I like to have my team eager to take the field, but they must have control as well."

This year's Barrons are a more experienced group, leading Russo to come into the season with greater expectations.

"We want to improve upon last year's record and hopefully get back to the playoffs," said Russo.

Andy Viola will once again take the helm as the team's starting quarterback. With one year already under his belt at the varsity level, expectations are pretty high for the young stud.

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"Andy is one of the better quarterbacks in our area," Russo said. "He still has a lot to prove, though. He moves quick, but he has to step up in big situations for our team to be successful."

A lot will be expected out of Garret Mozolic, who should once again be one of the Greater Middlesex Conference's dominant offensive players coming out of the backfield.

"Garret is a great athlete. He is a terrific kid," Russo said.

Last year in the opening game for Woodbridge against South Brunswick, Mozolic rushed 24 times and gained 118 yards. He even had an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Woodbridge can only hope to get the same kind of effort out of their star this opener.

Unfortunately for Woodbridge, Mozolic's performance in last year's opening game was about the only thing positive to take from the game. Woodbridge lost the game, and Russo knows his team needs to get off to a better start this year if they hope to put together a strong season.

"We have to get off to a good start this year. Last year I considered it a rebuilding year. This year we need to play much better," said Russo.

Oftentimes a coach can tell what type of team he has in the preseason. Throughout this year's preseason, Russo has liked what he's seen.

"The kids are practicing hard and can't wait for the season to begin," he said. "They want to have a good season. That makes me as the coach excited."

There have been a few other players who have caught the coach's eye this off-season.

"Chuck Peterson, Derrick Shea and Gino Abdete have had great practices. Chris Bouchard, Sal Daluca and Vinny Rodriguez have looked impressive too," said Russo.

Woodbridge has a tough schedule after Passaic County Tech High School. They next play Piscataway High School, J.P. Stevens High School and Sayreville High School.

"We certainly have a tough schedule, but we have a good team. We should be able to compete with anybody," Russo said.