Middletown South Focusing on Strong Season

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Middletown South Focusing on Strong Season
By Sean Simmons
MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown South football team is used to being one of the top teams in the Shore Conference.
Last year, however, the Eagles struggled and finished with a 5-5 record, losing to Burlington Township, 52-45, in the first round of the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs.
The Eagles gun spread formation offense will be led by junior quarterback Matt Mosquera, who takes over for Kyle Brey, who was one of the top quarterbacks in the Shore Conference as a senior last season. Mosquera will also be the placekicker and punter for South this season after having an exceptional season last year as a sophomore by going a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points and 5-for-5 on field goals.
“Mosquera has looked good in the preseason,” Middletown South head coach Steve Antonucci said. “He has a great grasp of the offense and will be a threat to both run and pass.”
South’s backfield will be led by senior running back Corey Grant, junior running back Cole Rogers and sophomore running back James McCarthy. McCarthy starred on an undefeated freshman team last season.
“McCarthy is a physical back and player and he has a tremendous upside,” Antonucci said. “He will see time on both sides of the ball and will be a special player.”
Mosquera’s top receiving weapons will be senior tight ends Pat Crowe and Dominic Tobacco, senior wide receiver Nolan Pereless and junior wide receivers Tom Coffey and Spencer Peerless.
According to Antonucci, the key to the Eagles offense this season will be their offensive line with seniors Brian Joyce, Kyle Maynes, Dan Servidio and James Wilson and juniors Thomas Lopez and Joe Rutkowski.
“We have many starters returning on the offensive line with a lot of experience,” Antonucci said.
Defensively, the Eagles will run a 4-2-5 formation and their strength will be at the linebacker position with senior Sergio Gonzalez, junior Dylan Rogers and McCarthy.
Other key players on defense for the Eagles will be Coffey, Nolan Pereless, Spencer Peerless and Cole Rogers at defensive back, Crowe and Tobacco at defensive end and defensive linemen Joyce and Servidio. Another promising player on defense for the Eagles will be sophomore Maxx Imsho at defensive back.
“We still have a young team for the most part,” Antonucci said. “Our goals are to compete for the division title and have a better showing in the playoffs.”
The Eagles will open up their season at 1 p. m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Marlboro High School.
Middletown South 2014 Football Schedule
Sept. 6, Away vs. Marlboro, 1 p.m.
Sept. 12, Home vs. South Brunswick, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19, Away vs. Neptune, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2, Home vs. Freehold Twp., 6 p.m.
Oct. 10, Away vs. Howell, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 17, Away vs. Manalapan, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24, Home vs. Brick, 7 p.m.
Nov. 7, Home vs. Freehold Boro, 7 p.m.
Nov. 27, Away vs. Middletown North, 10:30 a.m.
For the Middletown High School South 2014 football team roster, click here: Middletown South 2014 Football Roster.