Jaguars hope for another shot at state title

BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

Joe Reggio (above) and Mark Schiavone (r) are two of the players the Jaguars will be looking to carry the load for the offense this year as they look to get back to the state championship game. JACKSON — The Jackson High School football team collected 11 straight victories during the 2004 season.

However, it was the single loss, a 17-14 setback against East Brunswick in the state final that Jaguars coach Mike Smith hopes inspires his squad for the 2005 campaign.

“We had an unbelievable season last year,” said Smith, now in his third year at the helm. “Hopefully we learn from that loss we suffered in the championship game. The kids worked hard all year and came up just shy of winning that title game. We want that hard work to continue.”

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff The Jags suffer just a couple of losses due to graduation. Gone are linemen Barry Murphy and Scott Marshall, quarterback Bill Fenimore, who threw for 1,500 yards, safety Travis Wilton and linebacker Tom Hopkins.

“We lost some key guys,” Smith said. “But we’re confident in the people we have replacing them.”

Jackson opens the season Friday night 7 p.m. against Manalapan.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Smith said. “We have looked good in a couple of the scrimmages we’ve had so far. The kids are prepared and are anxious to get the season under way. We expect a tough game from Manalapan.”

The Jags have a pair of top-notch receivers for starting quarterback Corey Lavin to work with. Seniors Joe Arneth and Bobby Cole reeled in 90 passes between them last season, and will be Lavin’s main targets this year.

“We used both of them a lot last year,” Smith said. “If we can get the ball in their hands, we feel pretty confident that can make some good things happen.”

Running backs Joe Cella and brothers Jon and Joe Reggio will handle most of the carries. In fact, Jon Reggio rushed for 1,200 yards last year to lead the team.

“All three can run the ball,” Smith said. “They’ve got experience and know what to expect.”

In addition, junior Mark Schiavone will get plenty of time at both running back and defensive back. Last year, Schiavone busted his collarbone but did return at the end of the year.

“We have a lot of options in the backfield,” Smith said. “We’ll mix it up between the run and the pass. We have the capability to give a lot of teams problems. We don’t want to become one dimensional and predictable.”

Other key returnees include senior linemen Asil Mubah and Kevin Solomon, tight end Mike Schoch, senior center Jeff Brown, and junior lineman Tim Nolan.

“We need contributions from everybody this year,” Smith said. “We’ve got depth and we plan on using it.”

Smith cited the mettle of newcomers senior Eddie Duncan and junior Dan Hopkins as welcome additions to the program.

“I think both guys are going to make an impact at some point during the season,” Smith feels the tradition that has been erected by the football program is the cornerstone of success.

“We’ve been very successful here since 1999,” Smith said. “For six straight years we’ve qualified for the state tournament. The kids buy into what we are teaching here. They are dedicated and willing to do what it takes to be winners.”