Names to Know from Freedom Gold
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Spotswood dominated the division last season as they started the season red hot with a 7-0 record and finished it 8-2 overall. This is a team that returns talent at a few critical positions, so it may be tough to…
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Continue ReadingSpotswood dominated the division last season as they started the season red hot with a 7-0 record and finished it 8-2 overall. This is a team that returns talent at a few critical positions, so it may be tough to dethrone them from the top spot. However, even though teams like Brearley and Dayton ended the season with only 3 wins each, both have the potential to add a few more wins in the 2024 season and put stress on Spotswood next fall.
Stephen Henits
Stephen Henits
A very big target lining up on the outside, Stephen Henits is Spotswood premiere pass catcher. Making miraculous catches game after game, Stephen’s concentration and hand-eye coordination gives him a very high success rate for coming down with the ball in traffic. Spotswood’s quarterback had a lot of confidence in throwing it Stephen’s direction last season, and for good reason. Stephen can beat a corner off of the line and use his reach to reel in a pass as it’s placed over the defender. Stephen will be a tough WR to cover without having a safety shadow overtop.
The second player on this list honing from division leader Spotswood, Sebastian Saracino Sebastian Saracino 5’9″ | 150 lbs | DB Spotswood | 2026 NJ is in a position to become the feature running back for his team next fall. A confident runner up the gut, Sebastian takes the hand off and lowers his shoulder as he churns his feet through the second level. Sebastian also shined on defense, as he delivered punishing hits from the outside linebacker position.
Matt Resende
Matt Resende
One of the younger players on the list, Matt Resende is another future lead back that has the ability to help Brearley racked up a few more wins in 2024. If there’s one way to define Matt, it is speed out of the backfield. As soon as he takes the hand off he accelerates through the hole before defenders can even react. Defensively, Matt lined up as a do-it-all safety that gave support in pass coverage and also could fly up field to shut down any run heading to the outside.
A tall, mobile quarterback for Highland Park, Markos Hantsoulis Markos Hantsoulis 6’4″ | QB Highland Park | 2025 NJ is the type of weapon that can completely take over a game. While Highland Park only won one game in 2023, Markos has the capability to elevate his team and flip the script on their recent success. Markos can not only deliver accurate throws into tight windows, but he also has one of the strongest arms in the Big Central conference. A great passer that can thrive while on the run, Markos may be even more dangerous when he tucks it and runs. He’s a step quicker than his opponents and can bounce it around to find open lanes in the defense.
John John Desarno
John John Desarno
The second big name quarterback in the division, John John Desarno will look to help lead Dayton back on the right track in 2024. Tossing 7 touchdowns and 1076 yards last season, John John displayed impeccable timing with his receivers as he stretched the play downfield and zipped the ball across the middle. A tall presence in the pocket, John John stood composed as the rush closed in on him last year. He is able to hold the ball until the last moment to give his receiver enough time to get open. Rushing for 5 touchdowns as well, John John’s long strides allows him to take off and outrun the defenders.