D’Avino had a tremendous senior campaign this fall. No matter where he lined up on the field, D’Avino produced for his team. What makes D’Avino unique is that he understands the subtle nuance on how to create extra space, influencing the way defenders move, by the way he runs his routes (not to be confused with creating separation in his route running). Similarly, D’Avino will use his body to box out and out-leverage defenders trying to play the ball and sells his route fakes nicely. He is a hands-catcher, high pointing the ball every opportunity he has to. By about the fourth step or so I would say D’Avino maxes out in speed. D’Avino seems to love the challenge of making catches that are heavily contested. D’Avino would benefit from a more expansive route tree and his routes will become sharper as he continues to sink his hips when breaking.

Who was Schmelzer’s favorite target in the 42-42 tie at Linden? Fellow 2024 graduate Matthew D’Avino Matthew D’Avino 6'1" | DB Montgomery | 2024 State NJ of course. With the chemistry these two have developed over their four years together, it only makes sense they have grown and experienced wild success together. In this contest D’Avino hauled in 10 passes for 141 yards and 4 touchdowns. Also finding time to play defense, D’Avino made 8 tackles (6 solos) and intercepted 1 pass. D’Avino has caught at least 7 balls in six of nine games this year, including his last five contests – all if which he has had at 120 yards or better.

An undefeated Montgomery team’s hopes are awfully high after extending their winning streak to 5-0 to open the season. Most recently the Cougars defeated Hamilton West on the road by a score of 27-8. Accounting for 18 of those 27 points was d’Avino, their senior receiver. Although he had two games with 95 yards or more, in topping 100 yards for the second time this season d’Avino finished the game with a season high 143 yards on 9 receptions while scoring 3 times. d’Avino and the Cougars look keep things rolling this week in a matchup of undefeated teams as they travel to the mountains to face 5-0 Watchung Hills.

When Michael Schmelzer Michael Schmelzer 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Montgomery | 2024 State NJ throws it up, chances are he is targeting his 6’0″ 161lb fellow junior Matthew D’Avino Matthew D’Avino 6'1" | DB Montgomery | 2024 State NJ . There’s also a good shot Davino comes down with the ball too. This two-sport (basketball) athlete went 57/1053/14 in 2022, while he added a total of 27 returns for 549 yards and converted one 2-point play as well.

Davino’s basketball skills translate to the football field as well. He has shown a propensity to highpoint the ball when it is in the air. I have only seen him line up as an outside receiver, where he is typically the one to win 50/50 vertical jump balls thrown his way. Davino will become more dynamic and perhaps get some looks in the slot as his release improves.

Something tells me Schmelzer and Davino have been playing pitch and catch for a long time already.

Hudlrn