Jackson Memorial enters the 2016 season as the two-time defending NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV champion, and with an experienced offensive line and franchise running back Mike Gawlik returning, the Jaguars have a great chance to enter the Shore Conference record books.
The Jaguars will be looking to become just the sixth team in Shore history to win three straight NJSIAA state titles. It's a motivating factor, for sure, but looking ahead isn't something Jackson has the luxury of doing.
Jackson Memorial seniors Dan Barker (1), Mike Gawlik (8), Zack Lubertazzi (34) and Mitch Mills (68), and junior Joe Hurle (50). (Photo by Ray Richardson).
The Jaguars made a fantastic run to the program's fifth sectional title last season, shaking off a mid-season three-game losing streak and rallying around each other after some injuries to key players. Armed with talent and the know-how of what it takes to win a championship, the Jaguars are ready for what their grueling schedule has to offer.
"We all know what it takes to be state championship-caliber team," Mills said.
"We knew we could hang with the better teams, and our mindset going into the playoffs was we were just going to go get it," Gawlik said.
The Jaguars multiple offense is led by Gawlik, a two-time first-team All-Shore selection who has rushed for over 2,700 yards and 38 touchdowns in his career. A three-year starter on offense and defense, he is the engine, heart and soul of the Jags.
"With Mike Gawlik back there we always have a chance," Krystopik said.
The running game is the bread and butter of Jackson's offense, so returning Gawlik, four of five starting offensive linemen and fullback Tom Pellone bodes very well. Mills is the left tackle with senior Larry Richardson at left guard. Senior Sean Martin started five games last year and returns at right guard. Junior Joe Hurle, an all-Class A South pick last year, is at right tackle. The only new spot is at center where senior Magnus McCaleb and junior Devin Martinez are battling for the starting position.
Junior Brandon Hirsch will be the tight end while junior Justin Martin-Culet will also see time at fullback with Pellone.
The wide receivers are all new with junior Devynn Lee, senior trevor Louro and juniors A.J. Tolmachewich and Matt D'Amore.
Rounding out the offense is senior quarterback Dan Barker, who was the starter last season until an injury cut his season short. The Jaguars inserted senior Kyle Johnson from receiver, and Johnson caught fire to help the Jaguars win another state crown. One year later, Barker has the reigns of the offense again.
Barker started strong last season with nine touchdowns and only one interception, so the coaching staff is confident he can build off that.
The Jaguars were the No. 7 defense in the Shore last season allowing 11 points per game. Four starters return in their 4-3 base with Richardson at defensive end and senior Phil Jenkins at defensive tackle. The nose guard is senior Jim Zapata and the other defensive end is sophomore Chance Benjamin.
Senior Zack Lubertazzi, a returning starter, will miss the beginning of the season with a leg injury, so the Jaguars will need a trio of junior linebackers to rise to the occasion until he returns. Pellone will start in the middle for Lubertazzi with Martin-Culet as the weak-side linebacker and senior Nick Tremmell and Hirsch at strong-side linebacker.
Gawlik returns as the starting strong safety where he excels in run support. He's basically a fourth linebacker but has the speed to cover in space. Louro is the free safety along with senior Dan Kellet. The cornerbacks are Lee and senior Jordan Caldwell.
The Class A South schedule is stacked and the Jaguars also have a tough nonconference game against Old Bridge. This group, however, has learned how to weather the storm and rebound from adversity. There's not much you can throw at them they haven't seen yet.
Head Coach: Walt Krystopik, sixth season.
Coaching staff: Tony Compitello (off. coord./WR); Jeff Brown (OL); Keith Anderson (RB); Tom Bradley (DL); Chris Rash (OLB); Vincent Mistretta (DB); Nicole Figaro (athletic trainer).
Before Kyle Johnson moved to quarterback he was a big-play wide receiver. Lee looks to add that element to the offense while also starting in the secondary.
Barker played well last season before being injured. If he can regain his form and lead an inexperienced group of receivers, the Jaguars will have a necessary complement to their power running game.
Gawlik leads by example with his focus and intensity on the field, not to mention his production and clutch performances in big games.
The promising junior will start at linebacker and also see time at fullback, which is an underrated position of importance in Jackson's offense.
The Mariners and Jaguars look to be the top two teams in the division heading into the season, so this could very well be the game that decides the division title.