New coach, veteran players look to lead Falcons
Open season tomorrow at Red Bank Regional
BY VIN RAPOLLA
Staff Writer

Above, Monmouth Regional quarterback Tom D'Amrisi is forced out of the pocket during a scrimmage against Freehold Borough in Freehold. Below, Aaron Moore tries to break away from a Colonial defender.

With an experienced roster, especially on defense, and a new coaching staff, the Monmouth Regional football team is looking forward to a breakout season.

The team, which is now led by veteran head coach Bob Acosta, could make an impact in the Shore Conference's Liberty Division with 10 defensive starters back from last year and many returning starters at the offensive skill positions.

"We have about 22 seniors who have all played together and been successful," said Acosta. "The pressure is on to do well with this team."

Defensively is where coach Acosta is looking to have most of his success this season. Acosta has changed the team's defensive scheme for the upcoming season to the 4-3. With very little time to work with the team on the new defensive scheme, he is relying heavily on his senior leadership to propel the defense.

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Monmouth's senior linebacking crew of Jaren Edwards, Tye Coleman and Joey Yjglesias will be the catalyst of the defense, since all three have seen plenty of time as linebackers.

"These are three solid linebackers, who will all most definitely make some big plays," said Acosta.

Acosta will also look to his secondary to help slow the opposition. Among the starters there are senior cornerbacks Aaron Moore, whom Acosta has moved from safety, and Kelley Fisher, along with safety Louis Haynes, who will be moving from the corner position.

"Haynes definitely knows the system; this should be a good move for him," said Acosta. "Fisher is a [track] state champion, so he definitely has the speed in the secondary."

Acosta will also be looking to senior nose guard Brandon Catley to be solid up front and serve as the anchor of the defensive line.

"We're also expecting a lot from Catley," said Acosta.

Elsewhere on the defense there are still many positions to fill, though Acosta is very happy with his camp this year and knows his guys are working hard to grab the remaining defensive starting roles.

"Our other defensive jobs at this point are up for grabs," said the coach. "We've had a very competitive camp."

Offensively the team will have four-year starter and captain Tommy D'Ambrisi to lead the team. D'Ambrisi is coming off a 900-yard passing year and will have returning senior receiver Louis Haynes to throw the ball to.

"Tommy is the person that can make this team believe," said Acosta. "He's like having another coach, and he wants to win and has taken all of the steps to win."

Having to replace a 1,000-yard rusher, the team now has a fierce battle for the tailback position - one that may not be filled until opening day. Tye Coleman, Aaron Moore and Darren Edwards are vying for the position.

"We will feel confident with any of these three playing," said Acosta. "The benefit is we can rotate the three to keep them fresh."

The offensive line may be the least experienced group on the field. The team lost much of its line to graduation and has only one returning starter in Paul Schweight.

"Paul is the cornerstone of the line at this point," said Acosta. "He'll help improve our younger line, but we're still a very competitive camp at this point."

With a tough Liberty Division schedule ahead of the team, Acosta knows the team will have to do everything right if they hope to stay competitive in the league.

"Any team, in any game can step up in our league," said Acosta. "We can't look past anyone, we have to look at each game as a championship game. We have to bring our A game every week."