Returning Contributors: The Watchung Hills Warriors Skills

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a 7-2 regular season, the Watchung Hills Warriors hosted a playoff game, and won their first playoff game by 1-score against a 3-win Bridgewater-Raritan team. The long-time-coming season would end short of a sectional title game – which would have been their first since 1978 – to the hands of Montclair by a field goal with under a minute left.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who will the Warriors be counting on to replicate and expand upon last year's success? Here are some of their top returning players for the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Contributors Series</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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-the-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-bridgewater-raritan-panthers-linemen-ii/">Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers' Line, Part 2</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-clifton-mustangs-skill-positions/">Clifton Mustangs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-defensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Defensive Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-east-orange-jaguars-offensive-skills/">East Orange Jaguars' Offensive 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-hackensack-comets-skill-positions/">Hackensack Comets' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-linden-tigers-linemen-2/">Linden Tigers' 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/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-morristown-colonials-skill-positions/">Morristown Colonials' Skills</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-the-phillipsburg-stateliners-skills/">Phillipsburg Stateliners' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-piscataway-chiefs-skill-positions/">Piscataway Chiefs' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-ridgewood-maroons-skills-line/">Ridgewood Maroons' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-st-joseph-metuchen-falcons-linemen/">St. Joseph (Metuchen) Falcons' Line</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' Skills</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-the-union-city-soaring-eagles-skills/">Union City Soaring Eagles' Skills</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:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/03/returning-contributors-the-westfield-blue-devils-skills/">Westfield Blue Devils' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/02/returning-contributors-the-west-orange-mountaineers-skills/">West Orange Mountaineers' Skills</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["723582"],"_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 into his third season as a starter and the backbone of the Warriors' defense is cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='723582' first='Brayden' last='Kelly']. Kelly took on an expanded role this year on offense that left his defensive play seemingly unaffected. For the year Kelly slashed 33/487/5 as a receiver while making 46 stops (36 solo) on defense, along with 3 TFLs, 1 FR, 4 FF, 4 Ints, and one pick-six. At receiver we see Kelly look to manipulate his speed to gain an edge by creating space. When he is not split out wide, expect Kelly to be used to create either mismatches or unexpected ways by lining up at either tight end or running back. Kelly also exploits linebackers who are less athletic than he is when lined up in the slot, hitting double-moves such as the out-and-up to make big plays. Defensively Kelly seems to have had a nose for the ball last year, knocking many loose, intercepting several, and breaking up countless passes. Kelly does a superb job of playing the hands of his matched up receiver to break up those passes. He typically plays in a trail technique, allowing him to be in position to make a tackle; yet, having deceptively long reach, Kelly can extend and tip passes as well. A fighter, we see Kelly scrap with receivers along the perimeter to keep his run fit as a force player. Similarly, Kelly is an excellent solo tackler; however, I would encourage him to refurbish his tacking leverage at times to avoid any broken tackles to head north up the sideline.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f096"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16392463/654e4825da50b80a30594a71' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f187"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206811"],"_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='1206811' first='Jake' last='Arakelian'] is a linebacker who does tons of things well for Watchung Hills. Starting with his keys, Arakelian reads, flows, and accelerates extremely well to the ball. At his best, he sees holes clearly and fills them accordingly. Although he can tackle a bit high at times, Arakelian makes up for it by applying his full force behind just about every tackle he makes. Last point on tackling, Arakelian breaks down in space nicely to ensure ball carriers do not squirm away. Arakelian is also more than capable of playing pass coverage too. A hands catcher, Arakelian seems inclined to be in the right spot at the right time, clogging passing lanes and read progression, while also doing an excellent job of carrying crossing patterns in-and-out of his zone. If Arakelian adds healthy pass this offseason I think he will fare better with blockers climbing to the second level. Last year he rushed 5 times for 32 yards and 1 score, while catching 6 balls for 23 yards and 1 score, and adding 54  tackles (38 solo), 5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 FF, and 2 Ints to his ledger.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f225"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16389425/654283adff02760984b50a46' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f254"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206810"],"_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":"Set to compete for a bigger role in 2024 is [player_tooltip player_id='1206810' first='Keven' last='Ferrari']. Ferrari has shown that he can get to his pass drop with ease; however, what I think I like most about Ferrari's game is the way he breaks on the ball, accelerates, and runs full speed the moment he identifies the offensive threat. On kickoff Ferrari can disengage from weaker wall defenders as well. For Ferrari to crack the opening day lineup for the Warriors I would implore him to work on using his shoulder when tackling.rnrnu003cstrongu003eHudl: u003c/strongu003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/16390784/Keven-Ferrari/highlights","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f2ce"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206812"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSeemingly having to wait his u0022turnu0022 after a run of really good quarterbacks on the hilly side of Route 22, it appears that the quarterback job is [player_tooltip player_id='1206812' first='Mason' last='Kelly']'s to lose. In a reserve role last year, Kelly was 15 of 22 for 125 yards with a touchdown, slashed 11/33/1 on the ground, and was credited with 16 tackles (13 solo) and 1 fumble recovery on defense. The most composite film available for Kelly, unfortunately, was from his freshman year and my evaluation is based on that. Mindful that this film is at least two years old, I fully expect Kelly to have grown bigger, faster, stronger, more athletic, more skilled, and more nuanced as a u003cemu003ecomplete u003c/emu003efootball player. At a young age we see Kelly utilize the pump fake and be willing to step up into the pocket despite tremendous pressure in order to get the throw off. Not too different from other quarterback's Kelly's mechanics are improved when he has a clean pocket, yet shine brightest on the deep ball. Lastly, when running option Kelly sees and reads the option defender clearly in order to lead his team to big plays. Because the film I watched is a bit dated, I will refrain from a critique of Kelly's game as I am positive much has changed for this young man as he prepares for his senior season. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f333"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16388064/6182f276bd6c1a0824b5efef' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f354"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206813"],"_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":"Something about evaluating specialists just warms my heart. Lucky for me I get to write about one for the second consecutive post. [player_tooltip player_id='1206813' first='Dillon' last='Nunes'] serves as the Warriors' punter and kicker. What I appreciate about Nunes' film is that he is unafraid of his film, putting clips out of him in inclement weather. In the rain Nunes can directionally kick well, placing the ball between the 20-25 yard line. By doing so, his coverage team gets downfield and avoids a return and uses the sideline as their 12th defender. In clear weather we see that he gets another 15 or so yards on his kicks, getting the ball to about the 5 yard line and will directionally kick to about the 15, tight to the sideline. I did not see any clips of Nunes kicking field goals; however, on his PATs he takes a stutter step when there is a bad snap or hold. I would encourage him to wait until the ball is placed and then proceed with his motion.rnrnu003cstrongu003eHudl: u003c/strongu003ehttps://www.hudl.com/profile/18002096/dillon-nunes/highlights","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f3a8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1206814"],"_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":"Out of a large crop of rising freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1206814' first='Owen' last='Lapetina'] is one that caught my eye. A wide receiver, Lapetina shows much promise for Watchung Hills. Lapetina has an ability to appear lackadaisical at times on the field, only to explode past defenders who he baited into thinking the play was away. He also adjusts to under thrown balls well and uses his hands to  make catches. Working to be a complete wide receiver, Lapetina is capable of delivering leveling blocks, yet also understands that all he merely has to do is seal a defender along the edge to open up allies for big gains. Also a corner and safety, Lapetina is athletic enough to stay with most athletes. As he prepares for his first taste of varsity ball, Lapetina will benefit from improved feet, allowing his routes to become more crisp and his back pedal to become more fluid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f3fa"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19617755/6539d556386e0909f4081a40' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ef89de7f417"} /-->