Division Returners: American Red
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American Red was absolutely dominated by the eventual state champions Westwood. Lucky for them, they have a ton of returning talent that will look to repeat in 2024. For the rest of the division, they will lean on returning athletes…
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Continue ReadingAmerican Red was absolutely dominated by the eventual state champions Westwood. Lucky for them, they have a ton of returning talent that will look to repeat in 2024. For the rest of the division, they will lean on returning athletes that will look to help elevate their team to the next level.
Aidan Dugan
Aidan Dugan
One of the top returners from American Red, Aidan Dugan is ready to become the focal point of Westwood’s offense. Totaling nearly 900 offensive yards and 4 touchdowns, Aidan was not only dominant when carrying the rock but has the potential to play a big part in the pass game as well. A tough player to bring down to the ground, Aidan is a bruiser of a runner and any defender that tries to tackle him up high is going to instantly regret it. I am very confident Aidan will become a 1000 yard rusher next season and help get his team back into the playoffs.
A running back that bounces off defenders, Preston Duffy Preston Duffy 5’9″ | 200 lbs | RB Mahwah | 2025 NJ is a player to look out for in the American Red division. Rushing for 402 yards and 3 touchdown, the Mahwah junior earned first team all division fo his play on the field. A runner with strong legs, Preston can churn through defenders and is a back you can trust when you need to gain a couple yards. Surprisingly quick as well, Preston can catch defenders off guard when he gets into the open field.
Luke Bussanich
Luke Bussanich
The second Westwood product on this list, Luke Bussanich has arguably the most potential to develop into something special within the division. Lining up as a linebacker and tight end, Luke could really play on either side of the ball at the next level.
On the defensive side of the ball, Luke was able to sack the quarterback two times and make 32 tackles as well. I could see him developing into an elite edge rusher with his dimensions and quickness off of the line. Offensively, Luke will play a big role next season at the TE position. He does a great job outcompeting the defender for the ball and has strong hands that can reel it in from above. Luke is a player more colleges should get their eyes on.
A defensive lineman for Westwood, Dario Mathurin Dario Mathurin 6’2″ | 200 lbs | DL Westwood | 2026 NJ made a big impact on the field in 2023 as he helped lead one of the most impressive defensive units in the state. Racking up 38.5 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and forcing a fumble, Dario was a threat to every offensive scheme. A bonafide run stuffer, Dario commanded the line of scrimmage as he rarely gave up an inch. Dario is a player we may see rack up double digit sacks in 2024.
A true athlete coming out of Ridgefield Park, sophomore Francisco Then Francisco Then 5’10” | 170 lbs | QB Ridgefield Park | 2026 NJ did a little bit of everything for his team in 2023. Throwing for 479 yards and rushing for another 249, you can see Francisco has the capability to take control of a game and hurt the defense in multiple ways. And with 5 touchdowns through the air, 5 on the ground, and 1 returned for a punt, Francisco will become even more familiar with the endzone in 2024. While Ridgefield Park went 2-7 last season, Francisco is enough reason to believe the team is trending in the right direction.