Oizerowitz has big plans for Lakewood football

Rebuilding a football program is no simple project. For years the Lakewood High School football team slumped.

In the last couple of seasons, however, the Piners have shown signs of improvement. Last year, Lakewood finished with an 8-2 mark. For the first time in 35 years, the Piners claimed a share of a Shore Conference divisional title. A first-round loss to Egg Harbor in the state playoffs ended Lakewood’s best season in many years.

Dave Oizerowitz, Lakewood’s new head coach, has been around the program for the last five years. Starting off as an assistant, last year Oizerowitz was promoted to offensive coordinator under head coach Nick Eremita. Oizerowitz got the head job when Eremita resigned this summer to pursue an administrative position in Keansburg.

Oizerowitz has been around to witness the start of the transformation.

"Five years ago we were having problems getting kids to come out for football," Oizerowitz said. "But the last couple of years we’ve had a great turnout.

"I think that the kids are buying into the philosophy of the program. They want to be part of a winning program.

"I believe this program has the potential to be solid year in and year out.

"We have a lot of talented athletes here at Lakewood. We want to continue to add to the foundation that has been built here," he added.

Lakewood is hoping to better last season’s efforts. The Piners kick off the season at 1 p.m. Saturday at Lacey Township High School.

Oizerowitz realizes the importance of getting off to a fast start.

"We’ve been working hard in the preseason," Oizerowitz said. "But we have been stressing to the kids that we need to gel now. I feel we’re going to be a very good football team. But if we don’t get out of the blocks early with a couple of victories, it could be a long season.

"We play in a very tough division. With a couple of early losses our chances for a playoff bid could be over by week five," he said.

Senior quarterback Andrew Nelson leads Lakewood’s offense. Nelson is a gifted runner who is blessed with a strong arm. Oizerowitz praised the work of Nelson in the preseason.

"We feel he is about as good a quarterback as there is in the Shore Conference," the first year coach said. "He has done everything that is expected of him. If he plays to his potential he will elevate our level of play."

Senior Quadree Swain and sophomore newcomer Dwayne Jones anchor the Piners’ backfield. Oizerowitz feels Jones has the potential to be an outstanding running back.

In a scrimmage against Manchester High School, Jones amassed 300 yards on nine carries and scored three touchdowns.

"He is going to be a special player," Oizerowitz said. "The sky is the limit for this guy."

Nelson has a couple of experienced receivers to work with. Senior Terrance Bergstrom and Junior J.R. Smith figure to be two of his favorite targets. Both players possess good size (Bergstrom is 6-3 and Smith goes 6-6) and speed.

"We have a number of players who are capable of breaking off big plays," Oizerowitz said. "When we start spreading teams out, we have players who can hurt you in a one-on-one situation."

With all the offensive weapons Lakewood has, Oizerowitz said the key to scoring points is the work of the offensive line.

"Our line has been working hard in trying to come together," Oizerowitz said. "We still have some work to do there. We need them to protect for Nelson and our runners."

Seniors Craig Gunther, Nick Trumper and Justin Mitchell are keys to the success of the offensive line. Gunther and Mitchell will start on the defensive line as well.

"Those two guys are tireless," Oizerowitz said. "They play hard and never complain. They are in great shape so conditioning isn’t a question."

Completing the defensive front are juniors Sam Joyner and Eeron Boston, and sophomore Marcus Worthy. Senior Jeff DeLuca joins Bergstrom and Smith at lineback, and Nelson will get the nod at safety.

"We have guys who like to hit," Oizerowitz said. "We may not have all that much size, but we are quick and do a good job of getting to the ball."

Lakewood’s defense will play a key role in stopping Lacey. The Piners will be looking to apply the pressure to quarterback Kyren Dooley, who will be looking to connect with veteran receiver John Mari.

"We’re not necessarily keying on those two guys, but we’ll be aware of them," Oizerowitz said. "They are as good offensively as they have been in the last couple of years."