HOLMDEL – Saint John Vianney left some unfinished business on the field last season and with a predominantly senior- laden team returning for the 2017 season, they’d like nothing more than to finish what they started four years ago.
After going 9-0 and undefeated in the Shore Conference a year ago and outscoring its Shore opponents by a 300-82 margin, the Lancers entered the state playoffs with high expectations. Then after whipping No. 4 seed Camden Catholic, 33-13, as the fifth seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group III first round, their ultimate goal of a state title was in sight.
But in the semifinals, up against heralded St. Joe’s (Montvale), their dreams of an undefeated championship season crash landed in a 45-20 loss that ended the season on a sour note. St. Joe’s went on to win the sectional title, beating second-seeded DePaul, 26-17, and was named the No. 1 team in New Jersey in the NJ.com final top 20 rankings.
“It’s been a long time, I believe 1980 was the last one,” said second-team All-State linebacker Johnny Buchanan when asked about his team’s chances at a state title this season. We’re looking to make history this year – an undefeated state championship is the goal. That’s our first and most important goal.”
Buchanan will be the featured back this season after rushing for 443 yards and 11 touchdowns on 65 carries a year ago backing up All-Shore running back Chris Chukwuneke – who is doing a graduate year at the Peddie School.
Buchanan will again line up at the “Mike” linebacker position where he was second in the Shore with 140 tackles – 92 solo – along with 10 TFL, four sacks and two interceptions. He is the undisputed leader of a defense that figures to be one, if not the, best units in the Shore Conference this season.
“Personally, I feel like when I’m on the field I should be in on every single tackle,” said Buchanan. “So my goal is 200 tackles this season.”
Senior Josiah Walker, who was second on the team with 80 tackles and 12 TFL, is back at outside linebacker. He’ll move up on the defensive line in certain formations to give the defense a five-man look to its front. AJ Calabro plays a hybrid linebacker/safety position and you’ll see him lineup all over the field. He had a team-high four interceptions with 66 tackles and seven TFL a year ago. Seniors Cooper Pflug and Dylan Stoppiello will be in the linebacker rotation after backing up last season.
First-team All-Shore defensive end Nick Densieski returns to anchor the defensive line after a season which saw him tie for the Shore Conference lead in sacks with 15. He also led the team with 13 TFL and recorded 51 tackles.
“Nick Densieski off the edge, that’s a nightmare for quarterbacks,” Buchanan said of his standout defensive end.
Senior Dominick Spano (40 T, 7 TFL, 4 SKS) returns at defensive end giving the Lancers two proven bookend pass rushers. Junior C.J. Hansen (6-4, 270) and senior Donovan Reiser (6-4, 285) step in at defensive tackle and Keansburg transfer junior Paul Liseno (6-4, 275) is another big body that will be in the line rotation as well after a strong preseason camp.
Returning starting seniors Zyaire Sterling and Sam East are lockdown corners and solid tacklers in the running game with Sterling recording 36 tackles last season. Calabro will line up at free safety and move up to linebacker depending on the defensive call.
“Those guys do their own thing – they’re lockdown corners,” Buchanan said of Sterlin and East. “I don’t have to worry. I just have to worry about making my tackles ‘cause on one-on-one coverage they’re taking the receivers out of the game. And AJ is a ball hawk, if the ball’s in the air he’s coming down with it.”
On offense, senior dual-threat quarterback Haaziq Daniels is back under center after transferring from Edison a year ago and stepping in for injured quarterback Matt Degennaro. Daniels threw for 908 yards with eight TDs completing 54-of-103 passes and rushed for an additional 288 and three scores on 55 carries.
“Haaziq has looked really good in camp,” Sterling said of his quarterback. “We’re getting the connection down between him, the receivers and the running backs. So it’s all starting to come together.”
Walker (5-10, 205) is back at fullback where he’s a devastating blocker that can pick up the tough yardage when called on.
Sterling (20-485, 5 TD), East (24-468-4 TD) and Calabro (8-143-TD) gives Daniels a trio of high-end wide receivers that can really stretch the field. Junior Nick Degennaro has looked good in camp and senior Mike Dipede gives the Lancers some quality depth at wide receiver. Densieski will slide over to tight end when the offense has the ball offering Daniels a big target in the passing game and blocker to help in the running game.
The offensive line includes a bunch of road graders in Hanson (6-4, 270), Reiser (6-4, 285), Spano (6-3, 250) and Liseno (6-4, 275). Having mountainous offensive lines is a SJV trademark that sent a couple of last season’s studs, All-State lineman Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty, to Rutgers with Clark expected to see playing time this season as a true freshman.
Second-team All-Shore kicker Will Forman returns giving the Lancers one more scoring weapon.
The Lancers have the potential to once again dominate in the Shore Conference and are the Jersey Sporting News Shore Conference preseason pick as the No. 1 team. However, anything less than a state title for this group would be a let down.
“We treat every game the same,” Buchanan said. “We never underestimate our opponent or fear an opponent. Week in and week out, we’re ready to go. We won’t be satisfied with anything but a state championship.”
- 2023 JSN Awards Finalists Announced - December 18, 2023
- Sunil Sunder Raj Recaps Day One of State Football Finals With OnNJ (VIDEO) - November 27, 2023
- Mental Health and Exercise: Finding Balance in New Jersey's Fast-Paced Life - November 27, 2023
