N.J. football preview, 2024: A look at the SFC Patriot White Division

West Essex Playoff section: North 3 Coach: Chris Benacquista (108-34, in his 14th season) Record last 3 years: 10-4, 7-4, 9-3 2024 Schedule Aug. 30: at Old Tappan Sept. 6: at Wayne Hills Sept. 13: Caldwell Sept. 20: Lakeland Sept. 28: Nutley Oct. 5: at Passaic Valley Oct. 18: at Hanover Park Oct. 25: Morris Knolls What to watch for: West Essex appears to have numerous holes to fill among its offensive skill positions, but that task may actually may be less worrisome than the loss of statistics would suggest. The Knights did graduate their top three running backs from this North 2, Group 3 championship squad (Riley Ruane, Ryan Lasher, Jorden Simeone), though current senior Brady Phillips was expected to be one of those top ground gainers from the start. He wound up missing eight games with an injury, and was limited to linebacker duty when he returned. This season he is expected to lead a deep ground unit that includes Nick Sangillo, Max Garcia and Ryan McInerney, and will be propelled by a veteran line that includes returning starters Michael Conforti, Mikey Cerisano and Joe Russo. The Knights also graduated quarterback Sam Long, yet his younger brother Jake, a junior, could very well be his successor after battling it out in camp with sophomore Gaetano Iavarrone. Should Iavarrone get the nod, Long will have plenty to do as a returning starter at outside linebacker. The top target regardless of the QB is sure to be senior Anthony Drago, who has established himself as one of the state’s best overall athletes the past several years as a football and lacrosse star. The Duke lacrosse commit was second team All-State as a DB last football season and third team All-State in lacrosse this past June. He will head up an experienced defense also led by Phillips, who amassed 75 tackles in just six games at inside linebacker. Sangillo is a returning starter on the inside, and Cerisano joins Long as a returner at OLB. Garcia is back at cornerback.

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West Essex Regional High School Athletics

N.J. FOOTBALL PREVIEW, 2024: A LOOK AT THE SFC PATRIOT WHITE DIVISION

MIKE KINNEY

nj.com | 8/27/2024