Returning Contributors: The Phillipsburg Stateliners’ Skills

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the second-consecutive season, one of New Jersey's most heralded programs earned a top two-finish in the North, Group V Playoff bracket with a collective record of 21-3. Moreover, the last two editions of the Phillipsburg Stateliners' team were young and relied on a relatively green roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last fall North Group V's #2 overall seed fell to eventual sectional champion Union City in a one-possession game 24-17, in a matchup of two run-first, -second, and - third teams. Phillipsburg has also defeated arch-rival Easton (PA) on Thanksgiving Day the last two seasons, rather handedly, by a combined score of 82-26. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With many young prospects back for one last go, how will the Liners' respond? Here are a batch of players they will be counting on this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be sure to catch up on my entire returning contributors series by clicking through on the link to the articles below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-bayonne-fighting-bees-skill-players/">Bayonne Fighting Bees' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-skills/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-elizabeth-minutemen-big-men/">Elizabeth Minutemen Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-skill-positions/">Linden Tigers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-montclair-mounties-skill-positions/">Montclair Mounties' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-morristown-colonials-big-men/">Morristown Colonials' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-passaic-county-tech-bulldogs-skills/">Passaic County Tech Bulldogs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-skills/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-st-thomas-aquinas-trojan-skills-line/">St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans' Skills &amp; Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-union-farmers-linemen/">Union Farmers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-watchung-hills-warriors-linemen/">Watchung Hills Warriors' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-linemen/">Westfield Blue Devils' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Embarking this fall on his third straight season as the Liner's starting quarterback is [player_tooltip player_id='855768' first='Jett' last='Genovese']. Last fall Genovese was 88/160 for 1351 yards with 14 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, while slashing 54/185/3 on the ground. Genovese's effectiveness as a quarterback beings with his superior footwork, particularly how he moves backwards extremely well, and keen sense of pocket awareness. Reminding me of a less-risky gunslinger, Genovese has a quick release and keeps his eyes downfield at all times and is not looking to scramble. He has the ability to place the ball in great spots on fades and is solid when he moves around. There is something to his game that just screams u0022confidenceu0022 to me. If there is one critique for Genovese to take is that when rolling out to focus on resetting his feet to deliver throws similar to those when he has a clean pocket.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd548e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15625429/65650158da514b0c8cd4550f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd553e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1189148"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the leading rushers for Phillipsburg is [player_tooltip player_id='1189148' first='Sam' last='Dech']. Dech, who is a shifty tailback with good pad level, relies on his go-to juke move to make defenders miss. Last year he rushed 87 times for 638 yards and 6 scores. What makes Dech appear explosive is that he hits the hole at full speed, in approximately three steps. Like a disciplined back, he does not deviate from running his track and rushes inside-out. Despite a diminutive stature, Dech fights for extra yardage and keeps the pile moving. What I appreciate most about Dech is that it seems his play absolutely fires up his team, as evidenced by their reaction to his plays on the sideline. Should Dech aspire to play college ball, he may profile as a scat-back. That said, his tape ought to include clips of him in pass protection and as a pass catcher out of the backfield","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd559c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19412252/65635db190ef3803e4d376a1' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd55ba"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1189147"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1189147' first='Jah'quil' last='Dooley'] is a very solid two-way contributor for the Stateliners. Last fall Dooley was credited with 34 tackles (29 solo), 3 tFL, 2 sacks, and 1 FF and FR a piece; he also slashed 14/102/3 on the ground. Typically a fullback, Dooley has strong legs that he keeps moving. He has solid balance as he looks to barrel through or bounce off of defenders when he rushes through the muck. A versatile safety who can play cover 2, single high, or down off the edge, Dooley reads run very well and is aggressive in getting to his run fit. He also does a lot of fundamental things well - form-fit tackling and boxing oncoming blockers correctly. These two attributes allow him to set the edge nicely. Dooley is tough to hook on a reach block and scrapes backside down the line with tight angles. As a safety, we need a better sense for how he covers. There were not many clips of him in coverage on his tape.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd560e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19409467/6539424a6e8b3a15b4f2ee8f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd562b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1189137"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Heading up a stout secondary is [player_tooltip player_id='1189137' first='Felix' last='Matos']. The junior cornerback was credited with 34 tackles (27 solo) with 1 TFL and 3 picks; he contributed on offense with 19 carries for 129 yards and 2 scores. As a corner Matos is capable of doing a lot of things well. His first clip was absolutely impressive. Against what appears to be a wing-t team, to the close side we see Matos take on an oncoming blocker, block him up, and make the tackle on the ball carrier at the same time - all the while not giving up the edge as a force player covering a tight end. As impressive as that play was, at the 1:18 mark of is film Matos is in press coverage at the goal line against a single-receiver to his side. He jams the receiver, sheds the block by going inside, re-establishes his run fit leverage, and manages to make the tackle on a back in the flat. Truly, a tremendous play. Not to be outdone, on another clip we see Matos play backside corner on a play away from him. He hustles and hawks the ball carrier down way downfield on the other side of the field. Matos typically plays either in your face or about 7-10 yards off. Although he may not jam when in press, he sees slants and other in-breaking routes, gets in your hip pocket, and sees things early enough to fight over the top to play the ball. When at receiver, we see Matos high points the ball and likes to deliver head-fakes to create space. Also the Liners' wildcat back, he often makes the first man miss en route to additional yardage. Clearly a good, solid, well coached player, Matos can stand to improve his tackling, as he is a bit of a arm tackler right now.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd5689"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19499027/6569e13b578d5d02d090bde2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd56a7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1189138"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"There are several quarterback-receiver tandems that come to mind who break the varsity lineup at the same time, produce at a high level together, and graduate the same time. A few that come to mind, recently, are [player_tooltip player_id='918873' first='Landon' last='Deprima'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1021643' first='Zachary' last='Schnorrbusch'], [player_tooltip player_id='1048201' first='Ala-Meen' last='Watkins'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='883312' first='Joel' last='Cordoba'], [player_tooltip player_id='380410' first='Michael' last='Schmelzer'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='378556' first='Matthew' last='D'Avino'], Mathew Yascko u0026amp; Malcolm Stansbury. Phillipsburg appears to have their own duo with [player_tooltip player_id='855768' first='Jett' last='Genovese'] u0026amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1189138' first='Matthew' last='Scerbo']. Set to be a three-year lettermen, Scerbo hauled in 45 grabs for 717 yards and 6 touchdowns. Scerbo's other contributions on the field include a scoop-and-score, a 91-yard kickoff return for a TD, and also plays basketball for the school.rnrnScerbo excels, and is called upon frequently, at running double-moves. He sells these routes with head fakes and solid route running. This causes him to be a deceptive route runner. More of a strider in my opinion, Scerbo gains a lot of ground with each step he takes. Combine this with his ability to high point the the ball and catches with his hands. With the ball in his hands, he has plus-vision and often finds his way to green grass. The most subtle thing Scerbo does at receiver, however, might be his savviness in understanding a defender's leverage. Moreover, he often u003cemu003eexploits u003c/emu003etheir leverage to gain plenty of YAC. One thing I would love to see from Scerbo is to come back to and actively attack the ball as it is headed his way.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd5707"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16480952/656f87442aa6e60ccc57270f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd572b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1189144"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The last defender who defends the New Jersey state line is [player_tooltip player_id='1189144' first='Jayden' last='Lucas']. A linebacker and tight end/fullback on offense, Lucas made 52 tackles (40 solo), 3 TFL, and a forced fumble, fumble recovery, and an interception a piece. Playing mike, Lucas appears to be a two-way man-in-the-middle. He is quick to get into his pass drop and flows with his zone well and does an excellent job reading his keys when defending the run. Connected to this, Lucas has the instincts of a true mike 'backer has the ability - and knows when to - either flow over the top or shoot the window when stuffing the run. Similarly he does a nice job timing his blitzes in order to knife into the backfield and has a motor that allows him to run sideline-to-sideline. One thing he can work on, and it may be a push, is lowering his bad level when he makes tackles. As an offensive contributor Lucas appears to understand angles and is thus an effective blocker. He also lines up on kickoff and as a wing on punt return where we see him go bowling with anyone who stands in his path. Lastly, what might have impressed me the most about Lucas was how he has the strength and valor to engage with offensive linemen, stand them up, and shed/disengage en route to making a tackle. I have not seem many 'backers on film do this to the degree Lucas does.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd5784"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19437993/656a00bdc124c70284d208b3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65d7781cd57a0"} /-->