COLTS NECK – Coach Matt Ahearn’s season saw just three wins, but all were memorable starting with an 8-7 win over Monmouth Regional on opening weekend and a wild 20-14 overtime win against Marlboro and a 50-point outburst against Princeton in the crossover postseason game. The Cougars bring back two outstanding linemen who will contribute on both sides of the ball. The Two River Times caught up with Thomas Lidondici (6’3”, 280 lbs.) and Jackson Sporacio (6’2”, 250 lbs.) about the upcoming season.
Head Coach: Matt Ahearn (2nd Season)
2018 Record: 3-7
Offense: 14.9 points scored per game Defense: 24.8 points allowed per game
TRT: Colts Neck opens the season with five of their first six games on the road. How are you embracing that challenge?
Sporacio: Having as many road games early on as we do is definitely a challenge but we are up to it. It’s definitely a challenge we’ve discussed as a team and we’re embracing it completely. The road games will be a huge test for us and will be a showcase of our overall team discipline and grit. Not to mention it allows us to save those home advantages for the end of the season.
Lidondici: To be honest it does not phase us as a team. We will approach every game the same way, to win. Coach Ahearn has really changed the culture here for Colts Neck. Coming into this season as an underdog, I’m excited to surprise a lot of people. Coach Ahearn and the staff have a lot to do with that.
TRT: The line is a strength of this team thanks to both of you. How is the unit coming together in August workouts?
Sporacio: The line is definitely one of our biggest strengths due to our physicality and violent play throughout camp. Having an all-division player in Tom and a three-year starter in me means we can help the younger guys on the interior greatly. The quicker we can catch them up, the quicker we can establish our presence in the run game and help open up passing opportunities. Overall, the group is very promising and hungry to improve every day.
Lidondici: We are very fortunate that not only me and Jackson are coming back this year, but players such as Logan Lupo, Mike Spinelli and Dan Volpe saw some varsity action. Our goal has been to get better every day, and with the offseason and summer we have had as a whole, I’m really looking forward to seeing what we are capable of doing.
Photo by Rich Chrampanis
TRT: Who are some players to keep an eye for on the Cougars roster in 2019?
Sporacio: Some players that have impressed the coaching staff with their athletic ability and leadership are Rahim Diallo and Delano Marcelus. They are both transfers who have become familiar with our schemes quickly and were impressive in our quad scrimmage. Delano has been a force at defensive end and Rahim has done very well in the secondary.
Lidondici: Our running back, Romeo Thomas, who was All-Division last year, has stepped up to be one of our senior leaders. He bought into the program this offseason and summer, and the sky is the limit for his success. Our transfers senior Rahim Diallo (CB and WR) and junior Delano Marcelus (TE and DE) have proven to be some of the top players in our program. They quickly caught up and have excelled in camp. Lastly, our sophmore QB, Tommy Fallon, who started seven games last season has stepped up to the challenge. Being a freshman and called up to start on varsity is a lot to ask and it was definitely an adjustment for him to make, but I’m confident he will be a prominent role in our success.
COLTS NECK 2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 6 – at Freehold Township
Saturday, Sept. 14 – at Marlboro
Friday, Sept. 20 – at Matawan
Saturday, Sept. 28 – vs. Toms River East
Friday, Oct. 4 – at Toms River South
Saturday, Oct. 12 – at Lakewood
Friday, Oct. 19 – vs. Pinelands
Friday, Oct. 26 – vs. Neptune
Saturday, Nov. 2 – at Jackson Liberty
GAME TO WATCH
SATURDAY, SEPT. 14 ROAD GAME AT MARLBORO
One of the wildest games of 2018 saw Colts Neck rally from 14-6 down in the 4th quarter to force overtime on a touchdown and two-point conversion leading to Romeo Thomas deliver the game-winner in overtime. Marlboro won 20-14 in 2017, the Cougars reversed the tables with a 20-14 win in 2018. Round three? We can only hope it matches the excitement of the first two games.
PLAYER TO WATCH
ROMEO THOMAS SENIOR RUNNING BACK
Thomas ran for 970 yards and eight scores as a junior averaging seven yards every time he touched the ball. With 4.48 speed in the 40, Romeo will look to take advantage of the size on the Cougars line and try and emerge as one of the top runners in the Shore.
