Blue Devils could surprise

THG/Dan Russoman

Senior Jared Sanchez is one of the top running backs in the Cape Atlantic League this season.

by Dan Russoman

HAMMONTON—Coming off a season in which it won its first state championship in more than a decade, it would be easy to expect Hammonton High School’s football team to take a step back this season.
But high expectations are the norm for head coach Pete Lancetta’s Blue Devils, and Hammonton’s goals this season are as lofty as ever.
“Last year was a great one for us. But now we need to focus on this season and what this team can accomplish. We lost some very good players. We have some very big shoes to fill. But every year brings new challenges, and we’re ready to go out and show what we can do,” Lancetta said.
A year ago, Hammonton cruised through the regular season and capped its championship run with a win against Timber Creek in the South Jersey Group III championship game. This year brings some changes for the Blue Devils, both in the lineup and on the schedule.
Cape Atlantic League realignment created some new matchups for HHS this season, and losses to graduation have opened some opportunities for several players to step into the starting lineup.
Perhaps the biggest loss from last season is under center, where Nick Crescenzo is now playing baseball at Rider University. Crescenzo operated Hammonton’s modified Wing-T offense to perfection last season, and will be missed as both a passer and runner.
Calling the signals this season will be junior Tyler D’Amelio. Not as speedy as Crescenzo, D’Amelio brings a strong, accurate arm to Hammonton’s offensive attack.
“Tyler is a different type of quarterback than Nick was. He has some different skills. But we’re very confident in what he can do for us. We’ll probably pass a little more than we have in the past to take advantage of Tyler’s ability to throw the football,” Lancetta said.
When D’Amelio throws, he’ll have some talented targets, as Hammonton features some solid wide receivers.
Earning a starting nod for a second straight season will be junior Bobby Barbieri. Barbieri has good hands and runs routes well. Jason Crowder will also see action at receiver, as will Cruize Rainey. Both have good speed and game-breaking ability.
Last year’s tight end, Ian Evans is now playing at the University of Maryland, and his replacement this season will be C.J. Conway. A wide out last year, Conway moves inside this season, where his size will allow him to be a solid blocker and his experience outside could make him a favorite target for D’Amelio.
While the passing game may be a more important part of the offensive attack this season for Hammonton, the Blue Devils’ bread and butter remains its rushing attack, which will also feature some new faces this season.
The fullback position has always been an important one at Hammonton, and this year senior Tim Alexander steps into the starting job. A strong, powerful runner, Alexander has the strength to earn the tough yards up the middle and is quick enough to break long runs.
Joining Alexander in the backfield will be veteran Jared Sanchez, a starter a year ago who played his best football down the stretch last season in wins against St. Joseph and the championship game against Timber Creek.
Sanchez has game-breaking speed and is a good receiver out of the backfield. He should have the bulk of the carries this season for Hammonton, and if he stays healthy, should be one of the best runners in southern New Jersey.
Rounding out the starting backfield will be junior Jordan Brown, a transfer from Oakcrest. Brown has shown a good combination of power and speed in preseason scrimmages, and gives Hammonton another strong running option. DeQuan Mason adds depth, and should see a lot of action this season.
Talented skill players can only take a team so far, and as longtime followers of Hammonton football know, the Blue Devils’ offense depends on strong play by the offensive line.
This season, Hammonton has a good mix of veterans and newcomers, and all five starters have played well in preseason.
Senior C.J. Plummer was an All-Cape Atlantic League selection a year ago, and returns at tackle to anchor this year’s unit. Plummer is a punishing blocker, who often overpowers his opponent.
Next to Plummer will be another returning starter, Stephen Musto. Musto played well a year ago, and brings strong run and pass blocking skills to the line.
Also returning is guard Nate Haden. Haden stepped into the lineup last year as a injury replacement, and played well despite not being the biggest member of the line.
Junior Brian Beebe will take over at tackle, while Pat Fiorentino has earned the starting job at center.
Defensively, Plummer, Haden, Musto and Beebe will rotate on the defensive line, and each has shown the ability to defend the run as well as rush the passer.
On the ends, Hammonton will start A.J. Scibilia and Chris Brennan. Both are quick to the ball and are strong tacklers.
Anchoring the defense will be its linebackers, where Alexander returns inside and will be joined by Brown. Both are hard hitters and will force opposing running backs to earn every yard they gain this season.
In the secondary, Mason and Barbieri will man the corners, while Sanchez and Crowder are the safeties.
On special teams, Barbieri and Crowder split the punting duties in preseason, while Esteban Sandoval returns as Hammonton’s placekicker.
“We’re ready to win another championship. Hammonton is all about winning football, and we’re ready,” Sanchez said.