CLARK, NJ- It is hard to believe, but it is that time of year once again, the start of the high school football season. The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders varsity football team will open up their 2017 season at home against New Providence HS tomorrow night, September 8, at 7:00 p.m.
HISTORY:
The two teams have met the past two seasons. Johnson won the NJSIAA Central, Group 2 first round playoff matchup in 2015 by a final score of 40-6.
In last year’s season opener, Johnson steamrolled New Providence by a final score of 38-0.
NOTES:
New Providence begins a new era with first-year head coach Chet Parlavecchio Jr., who was hired to lead the Pioneers in late May.
Parlavecchio Jr., the defensive coordinator at Delbarton HS last year, replaces Mitch Goodstein, who resigned after only one season as the New Providence varsity football head coach.Parlavecchio Jr. is the third New Providence football head coach in the past three seasons.
Not only in coaching, but there is a new era of leadership on the field.
Quarterback Jack Barletta, Jr. transferred to the Hun School following last year, where the Pioneers finished 1-9, only winning a road game at Roselle Park HS, 11-0. While most players return from last year, a new quarterback will be leading the Pioneers on the field.
For Johnson, they are led by fourth-year head coach Anthony DelConte and have two quarterbacks in Mike Brunio and Vito Galluzzo.
Senior fullback Joe Turek, who was named one of the two captains last week, will look to build on a productive football career for the Crusaders, which featured 14 TD’s and around 1,045 rushing yards.
Other running backs pacing Johnson include seniors Brandon Rapp and Kevin Metz getting major reps on the running game, along with junior Sebastian Iakovchevitch.
Senior tight end and defender Tommy Bowen was named the second co-captain of the Crusaders, who are in the NJSIAA Central, Group 2 bracket.
New Providence moves to the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 bracket.
Tomorrow night marks the start of the season for both teams and coverage will be of the highest proportions for the upcoming season.
Live updates at tomorrow’s game can be found through this link.
