2010 High School Football: East Orange Campus is on title mission

By Joe Ragozzino
Sports editor
East Orange Campus has plenty of motivation this season.
Last season, the seventh-seeded Jaguars upset second-seeded Ridgewood and No. 3 seed Passaic Tech to reach the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 4 championship game at Giants Stadium. But those title hopes were dashed as they lost to top-seeded Roxbury to finish with a 7-5 record.
The Jaguars, who have been moved to Section 2, Group 4, have a mission to get back to the championship, but this time, win it all.
“The kids got a taste of being at the Meadowlands and since they have that taste of being at the Meadowlands, I think they like it,” said seventh-year head coach Marion Bell, whose team won the sectional title in 2007, beating Montclair at Giants Stadium. “We are going to make a run at it again.”
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Justin Laroda, junior, 5-feet-10, 175 pounds
Quarterback: Elijah Nickerson, junior, 6-2, 180
Running back: Al Malik Walker, senior, 6-0, 170
Running back: Najee Williams, junior, 5-10, 205
Running back: Chris Rollings, senior, 5-8, 175
Running back: Rashaan Bailey-King, senior, 5-11, 235
Wide receiver: Bobby Gibson, senior, 6-2, 170
Wide receiver: A.J. Cooper, senior, 6-6, 190
Wide receiver: Jordan Finney, senior, 5-9, 155
Wide receiver: Ronald Salley, senior, 6-0, 170
Left tackle: Omaine Stephens, junior, 6-3, 220
Left guard: Baja Rowe, sophomore, 5-10, 250
Center: Darren Hammond, senior, 6-1, 255
Right guard: Ethan James, senior, 6-1, 270
Right tackle: Ian Stith, junior, 205.
Offensive analysis
As a first-year starter last season, Laroda did an exceptional job in directing the offense. This season, Laroda and Nickerson will split time, which will make the unit even more potent.
“Right now, they both are doing a great job,” said Bell of the two quarterbacks. “They both bring a different look to the table. Elijah is taller, but Justin has a year’s experience. He is much better than he was last year, but it is hard to deny Elijah; he is a talented kid.”
The Jaguars have a deep set of skill makers and will show different formations.
The offensive line isn’t as big as last season, but is more athletic, which will help in getting to the blocks faster, said Bell.
DEFENSE
End: Stephens
End: Stith
Tackle: James
Tackle: Hammond
Middle linebacker: Bailey-King
Outside linebacker: Williams
Outside linebacker: Rameel Tisdale, junior, 6-1, 245
Cornerback: Shamir Moon, sophomore, 5-8, 155
Cornerback: Sylvester Gooden, junior, 5-11, 160
Safety: Clarence Fonvil, senior, 6-1, 180
Safety: Walker
Defensive analysis
Sure, the Jaguars lost All-State defensive tackle Chris Woods to graduation, but don’t expect them to miss a beat, with Bailey-King leading the charge. Bailey-King, a three-year starter, has emerged as one of the top linebackers in the area, earning first-team All-Super Essex Conference honors last season.
And to think, Bailey-King’s potential hasn’t even been realized.
“He can only get better,” said Bell.
The defense also is all about speed and intelligence.
“Every guy is very quick and very smart,” said Bell. “They know how to play; they have been playing all their lives. That’s the key; speed and recognizing different formations from the other team, and making the necessary adjustments.”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Place-kicker: Alain Johnson, junior, 6-1, 185
Punter: Kevin Norville, senior, 5-11, 175
Kick-returners: Walker, Moon.
Final analysis
For the Jaguars, the talent is evident, but Bell warns about being complacent. The road back to the championship will involve a strong and consistent mentality in each game, no matter the opponent.
“It’s going to take us to stay focused and not lose games we are not supposed to lose,” said Bell. “Teams we are supposed to beat, we have to beat them, and that is just a matter of staying focused from beginning to end, and that is what we are going to be preaching as coaches, to stay focused from beginning to end. Last year we were more focused from the middle to the end.
“We have to treat every game the same and prepare the same each week.”
East Orange Campus schedule
Sept. 10, Vernon, 7 p.m.
Sept. 18, at Irvington, 1 p.m.
Sept. 24, at Livingston, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2, Montclair, 1 p.m.
Oct. 8, at West Side, 7 p.m.
Oct. 15, Bloomfield, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23, West Orange, 1 p.m.
Oct. 30, Seton Hall Prep, 1 p.m.
Nov. 25, Barringer, 10:30 a.m.