Weekly High School Spotlight: Millville High School
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In 2022, Coach Humberto Ayala took the Millville Thunderbolts to the Group 4 state championship, where they beat Northern Highlands 18-14. During their championship run, Coach Ayala was able to get the most out of his players and there were…
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Continue ReadingIn 2022, Coach Humberto Ayala took the Millville Thunderbolts to the Group 4 state championship, where they beat Northern Highlands 18-14. During their championship run, Coach Ayala was able to get the most out of his players and there were a few standouts who expect to play a critical role in achieving back-to-back-to-back state championships!
Millville High School, in 2021, beat Winslow Township 45-35 in the South Group IV state championship game – in 2022, they successfully completed their back-to-back championships. Coach Ayala, who took over the football program the Summer of 2022, prides his program on 3 main principles: Hard Work, Teamwork, & Respect of the Game. He is able to make a bond with his players that fight for each other, do what it takes to win, and discipline to follow the rules of the game.
Coach Ayala is given an incredible opportunity to further build upon the success at Millville with plenty of key returning players that will have a vital impact on the upcoming season. Here are 7 players we are evaluating who look to further grow their accomplishments in the 2023 football season.
Lotzeir Brooks Lotzeir Brooks 5’11” | 170 lbs | WR Millville | 2025 State NJ is already making a name for himself as a 2025 ATH receiving over 15 offers from schools such as Rutgers, Oregon, Nebraska, Georgia, and Penn State. Brooks is a dynamic player who can plays in all three facets of the game with his speed, athleticism and agility. In the 2023 season, Brooks was a threat on every play catching 69 passes for 1,089 yards and 14 touchdowns as well as 47 tackles and 2 interceptions on defense. With these numbers, he won the The Press Football Player of the Year. Expect Brooks to further build upon his incredible young career and be a major part in Millville’s run for another state championship.
Ta’Ron Haile Ta’Ron Haile 6’1″ | 170 lbs | WR Millville | 2024 State NJ is a rising Senior who is another piece in the electric dynamic trio on Millville’s offense. Haile so far has 15 offers with more rolling in any moment now. On the field, he catches the ball naturally and from all different angles making his catch radius ideal for a quarterback. Haile is a smooth runner and very effective with the ball in his hands cutting in and out of break effectively. His acceleration is immediate as he reaches his top speed with only a few steps. Look for Haile’s recruitment to heat up as he continues to build his resume and further improve his technique this offseason.
Starting quarterback for the Thunderbolts is sleeper Jacob Zamot Jacob Zamot 6’1″ | 190 lbs | QB Millville | 2025 NJ , who led all of the state in New Jersey in passing yards with 3,158 last season. In his first year as the starter, Zamot led Millville to a state championship. Not only can he sling it across the field, he displays solid athleticism to escape the pocket and get yards with his legs. Zamot throws a very good deep ball with accuracy and precision on the run and in the pocket to his playmakers. In addition, he has consistently thrown into tight windows and anticipation, which is uncharacteristic for a high school quarterback especially with limited playing experience. With Zamot going into his second season as the starting quarterback, watch out for him to make exponential strides with his supporting cast as Millville seeks a third straight state championship.
Highlights
As the third piece in Millville’s trio of wide receivers is Freddie Lavan III Freddie Lavan III 6’1″ | 165 lbs | WR Millville | 2024 NJ . Lavan has been working extremely hard this offseason improving his craft and build muscle as he seeks to have a breakout 2023 campaign coming off a 2022 season catching 46 passes for 650 yards. Throughout last season, Lavan proved himself to be a dynamic jump ball receiver who often comes down with the 50-50 balls, however they seem to be more 70-30 when thrown his direction. What should not be forgotten is his willingness and drive to be a strong run blocker where he often looks to lay out his opposition. Based on Lavan’s tape, there is no reason why his recruitment should not be picking up speed any moment now. Look out for him to have a breakout season as his drive goes stronger and stronger to play at the next level.
Darian Blachewicz
Darian Blachewicz
How does watching Darian Blachewicz’s highlights not excite you? A young defensive lineman who is athletic as he is that runs north and south as well as he runs east and west is special. Against the pass, Blachewicz never gives up on the play always countering and using his hands to win versus the blockers in front of him. Also, he consistently shows the ability to line up across the line of scrimmage and run down the quarterback no matter where he is in the backfield. As he further develops his pass rushing plan and arsenal of moves, he will be an absolute monster for opposing offenses. Against the run, Blachewicz holds the point of attack well and is effective shedding blocks timely to make a play in the backfield. With an improved first step and increased muscle mass, watch out for Blachewicz to compete as one of the best recruits in the 2025 class in the state.
Jayden Jones
Jayden Jones
As a freshman, Jayden Jones does a lot of stuff schools at the next level like. A trend I have noticed while watching Millville tape is the team consistently never gives up on the play and Jones is another one to add to the list. In addition, Jones is a wrestler which is very notable while watching his tape. Jones is a name to watch over the next few years as he continues to make a name for himself as a lineman on both sides of the ball.
Marcus Offer
Marcus Offer
Marcus Offer is an intelligent student athlete repping a 3.9 GPA as well as playing center and nose guard for the Thunderbolts. On offense, Offer is a consistent and reliable snapper who can hold the point of attack against all defensive fronts. He is also comfortable snapping the ball in shotgun or under center. In the run game, Offer holds his ground and drives his feet moving his opponent multiple yards down the field on a regular basis. On defense, he is persistent and can occupy multiple blockers on every given play. Offer also shows the ability to counter and use his hands to shed and create havoc in the backfield for opposing running backs and quarterbacks. As Offer continues to build on a strong 2022 season, watch for him to further develop as an effective player on both sides of the ball.