Every Christmas Eve, Morris Sussex Sports puts together their postseason football awards to recognize and pay homage to the season that was and honor all the football teams, coaches and players that make football in our area so special. In preparation for this piece, the Morris-Sussex team of writers and reporters spent countless hours watching live games, pouring over game film, reviewing stats and talking to coaches and players to put together the 2021 All Morris Sussex Sports Team. We hope you enjoy!
Coach Hennelly’s 2021 resume includes winning 10 games, scoring 35 points or more 7 times, shutting out opponents four different times, winning a sectional championship and winning the first group championship in Morris-Sussex history. What’s most impressive is that he did that against a schedule that included 10 playoff teams. Four teams that made it to the sectional title and two that made it to the group finals. And of course, his curtain call was his Wolfpack crushed Cranford in the group finals 53-14 after being rated the underdog by just about everybody.
No coaching staff dealt with more adversity than Jerry Venturino and his staff that included Bill Stager, Andrew Scalone, Keith Runne, Joe Olean, John Whitehead, Alan Sandberg, Nick Miller, Marcus Thompson and Scott Byers. They had the challenge of rallying a team that started 2-5 that was nursing a bunch of injuries and making them playoff ready. Boy did they rise to the occasion! In the semi-final round of the state tournament, the Falcons shocked a #2 seed Newton team who was on a two-year win streak with a 27-14 road victory. Then the sectional finals, receiver Erik Garv moved back to quarterback after starter Petter Delaportas went down with a season ending injury and guided Jefferson to a 28-7 win over Rutherford to bring a title back to Jefferson for the first time since 2008.
Stefano Montella was the best player in every game he played this year as he rushed 220 times for 1793-yards and 19 touchdowns, caught 22 passes for 310-yards and four touchdowns, had 152 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He also scored on four 2-point conversions. When Montella touched the ball, it seemed as if all of the other players on the field were moving in slow-motion. Montella’s prowess on the field guided the Wolfpack to their first sectional title in a decade and the school’s first ever North Group Championship.
Filippone might just be the most athletic football player in all of Morris-Sussex. The senior was the perfect mix of power and speed (4.42 forty) and guided the Hornets to their first sectional final since 1999. Filippone’s 188 carries, 1516-yards and 20 touchdowns was second in Morris-Sussex only to Montella who also played two extra games.
Williamson was a terror all year for opposing offenses as he racked up 17 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a host of hurries and tackles for losses. Without #33, the Spartans would have had a much harder time getting to the sectional finals.
Delaportas was absolutely masterful in his debut for the Jefferson Falcons this year. The senior threw for 2,006 yards and 26 touchdowns despite missing games due to injury. With him on the team, the Falcons were able to win their first sectional championship in over 12 years.
More opposing teams said Hunter Perez was the best athlete they faced more than any other player in 2021. The senior rushed for 1,419 and 27 touchdowns from scrimmage, and had seven games where he rushed for 100-yards or more.
DePietro was as dynamic as they come, catching 42 passes, 890-yards and 13 touchdowns. While the team went 3-7, the senior stayed consistent day-in and day-out, finishing the season as the 6th leading receiver in the state.
The Wolfpack front six of center Bryce Cope, guards Henry Frayne and Collin Leonhardt, tackles Will Groeling Will Groeling and Nick Muha, and blocking tight end Bailey Dowson paved the way for one of the most productive offensives in the state with 4,897-yards and 60 touchdowns from scrimmage. This unit’s highlight of the year is when they stunned Cranford’s state leading defense with 458-yards and 7 touchdowns of offense to the school’s first ever North Group Championship.
At 6-5, 240-pounds, Caughey was a one man wrecking machine and a problem for every offense he faced. The Stamford bound senior was one of the main reasons the Wave was able to hang with some of the best high school teams in the country in 2021.
Although Hillier was dynamic on the offensive side of the ball, his 124 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery was pivotal to the Wolfpack going the distance and winning the section and the group.
Thomas was a phenom on defense, wrecking opposing coaches game plans week-in and week-out. His 60 tackles and two interceptions were impressive, especially considering teams would intentionally call plays to the other side of where he was on every play.
McCullough was the best kicker in Morris-Sussex, kicking for 49 of 53 extra points and drilling in 3-5 field goals (averaging 39.7), one from 50-yards out and prolific as a punter and kickoffs, regularly putting opposing offenses in terrible field position. His reliable leg was key in helping the Braves win 10 straight.
Verducci was one of the most electric players in Morris-Sussex during his four years as a starter. As a senior, he threw for 1,900 yards and 13 touchdowns, rushed for 603 yards and 14 touchdowns and even caught a pass for 35-yards and a touchdown.
There is not much glory in being a blocking tight end. This no frills job didn’t get the senior any headlines but Dowson's selfless attitude was one of the reasons West Morris had nearly 5,000 yards of offense and ended up going the distance and winning the top team honor in the state.
Skawinski was a dynamo for the Gaels from the moment he stepped on the field. While Roxbury finished 4-6, the nifty sophomore kept his squad in each game they played against some of the best competition in Morris-Sussex.
Jack Young is the epitome of a “lead by example” kind of guy, throwing for 1,291-yards and 21 touchdowns, rushing for 527 and 3 touchdowns and picking up 47 tackles and three INTs on defense while taking his Braves to a 10-1 record.
No cheerleader squad seemed to bring it as much as the Vernon Vikings did. This group was impeccable with their routines and kept the crowd and team motivated when they needed it the most.
1st Team
Team Captain Jack Young Newton Senior
Offense
Quarterback Austen Frattura Sparta Junior
Quarterback Dean Denobile Morris Catholic Senior
Quarterback Peter Delaportas Jefferson Senior
Runningback Stefano Montella West Morris Junior
Runningback Michael Filippone Hanover Park Senior
Runningback Hunter Perez Mount Olive Senior
Fullback Hunter VanZant Boonton Senior
Wide Receiver Travis Osterhaut Jefferson Senior
Wide Receiver Nick DiPietro Parsippany Senior
Wide Receiver Ryan McLaughlin Mountain Lakes Senior
Tight End Anthony Moscatello Mount Olive Junior
Offensive Lineman Pat Gilchrist Randolph Senior
Offensive Lineman Kevin Coulther Vernon Senior
Offensive Lineman Cole Morgan Delbarton Senior
Offensive Lineman Will Groeling West Morris
Offensive Lineman Dylan Patscher Jefferson Senior
Defense
Defensive Lineman Darian Ghahary Randolph Senior
Defensive Lineman Parker Williamson Sparta Senior
Defensive Lineman Patrick Caughey Delbarton Senior
Defensive Lineman Rory Coyle Jefferson Senior
Linebacker Trevor Hillier West Morris Senior
Linebacker Joey Delle Monache Morris Knolls Senior
Linebacker John Kowalski Vernon Senior
Linebacker Thaylor Sibblies Newton Junior
Defensive Back Brett Behre Hanover Park Senior
Defensive Back Bryce Kania Chatham Sophomore
Defensive Back Zach Thomas Morris Catholic Senior
Defensive Back Hunter Morgenroth Whippany Park Senior
Team Specials
Kicker Robert McCullough Newton Junior
Punter Zack Byank West Morris Senior
Punt Returner Brayden Nolan Newton Junior
Kickoff Returner Luke Szabo Sparta Senior
Gunner Ryan Brady West Morris Senior
Utility Player Dominick Verducci Parsippany Hills Senior
2nd Team
Team Captain Erik Garv Jefferson Senior
Offense
Quarterback Sean Clark Randolph Junior
Quarterback Robert Russo Delbarton Junior
Quarterback Jake Clamente Mount Olive Senior
Runningback Justin Smith Sparta Senior
Runningback Gage Moskovitz Vernon Junior
Runningback David Turner Morris Hills Senior
Fullback Luke Brex Kittatinny Senior
Wide Receiver Nick Gonzalez Morris Catholic Junior
Wide Receiver Chase Lorencovitz Wallkill Valley Junior
Wide Receiver Kevin Struble Sparta Senior
Tight End Melkart Abou-Jaoude Newton Senior
Offensive Lineman Josh Ermeus Sparta Senior
Offensive Lineman Collin Leonhardt West Morris Junior
Offensive Lineman Dylan Maier Mountain Lakes Senior
Offensive Lineman Melvin Rodriguez Mount Olive Senior
Offensive Lineman Matt McLean Newton Junior
Defense
Defensive Lineman Justin Eisele Jefferson Senior
Defensive Lineman Zack Waltsak Montville Junior
Defensive Lineman Matt Gemma Delbarton Junior
Defensive Lineman Bleon Meta Roxbury Senior
Linebacker Jack Stoll Pope John Senior
Linebacker Owen Walewander Chatham Senior
Linebacker Sean Line Pope John Junior
Linebacker Jack LaVere Lenape Valley Senior
Defensive Back Vinny Desiderio West Morris Junior
Defensive Back Paul Cosentino Hanover Park Senior
Defensive Back Sean Harris Mount Olive Senior
Defensive Back Mike Bencivengo Jefferson Senior
Team Specials
Kicker Ibrahim Fall Boonton Senior
Punter Josh Emann Butler Junior
Punt Returner Noah Turner West Morris Senior
Kickoff Returner Darrell Mims Newton Senior
Gunner Shane Nugent Wallkill Valley Junior
Utility Player Cullen Decker Chatham Senior
3rd Team
Team Captain James Marinello Morristown-Beard Senior
Offense
Quarterback Nick Tavarone Morris Knolls Senior
Quarterback David Rigoglioso Pequannock Senior
Quarterback Triston Perez Montville Senior
Runningback Jax Ulbrich Chatham Senior
Runningback Jason Eisele Jefferson Junior
Runningback Justin Hernando Mountain Lakes Senior
Fullback Aiden Matheney Randolph Junior
Wide Receiver Brady Doyle Sparta Senior
Wide Receiver Ryan Novak Randolph Junior
Wide Receiver Theo Fisher Jefferson Senior
Tight End Dylan Hakes Delbarton Senior
Offensive Lineman Nick Muha West Morris Senior
Offensive Lineman Jay Martin Kittatinny Senior
Offensive Lineman Mohammad Gaber Montville Senior
Offensive Lineman Vaughn Burnell High Point Senior
Offensive Lineman Henry Frayne West Morris Junior
Defense
Defensive Lineman Emmett Hynes Chatham Senior
Defensive Lineman Chuck Nnaeto Delbarton Senior
Defensive Lineman Vin Rispoli Hanover Park Senior
Defensive Lineman Dom Devincenzo Madison Senior
Linebacker Mikey Borrello Hanover Park Junior
Linebacker Jack Pope Lenape Valley Senior
Linebacker JJ Lebovitz Morristown-Beard Senior
Linebacker Marco Dzamba Mountain Lakes Sophomore
Defensive Back Chris Casale Kittatinny Junior
Defensive Back Michael Mastroeni Hopatcong Senior
Defensive Back Cooper Anderson Mount Olive Senior
Defensive Back Alex Maldonado Roxbury Junior
Team Specials
Kicker Luke Schabel Roxbury Senior
Punter Jack Morgese Pope John Sophomore
Punt Returner Gabe Maya Mount Olive Senior
Kickoff Returner Aidan Papantonis Delbarton Senior
Gunner Arnol Herrara Dover Senior
Utility Player Joe Rehberg Montville Junior
Honorable Mention
Quarterbacks
Anthony Skawinski Roxbury Sophomore
Anthony Trongone Dover Sophomore
Bobby Pattipede Butler Sophomore
Campbell Pivnick Parsippany Senior
Colin Price North Warren Senior
Derek Lazier Vernon Junior
Dylan Bonser Wallkill Valley Junior
Frank Kontely Mendham Senior
Gio Del Re Chatham Junior
Jackson Hodges Chatham Sophomore
Mike Cerbo Kittatinny Junior
Shea Endean Hopatcong Senior
Tim Christ Mountain Lakes Senior
Tyvon Sargent Morris Hills Senior
Runningbacks
Alex Chambers Dover Freshman
Brain McGrath Montville Senior
Brycen Mafaro Pope John Senior
Dave Kraus Lenape Valley Sophomore
Dennis Jarensky Pequannock Junior
Eric Perez Lenape Valley Junior
Jamal Williams Hopatcong Senior
Jayson Candelario Madison Junior
Joey Alexion Mendham Junior
Jonah Ripley High Point Junior
Josh Babe Morris Hills Senior
Marcello Laracca Morristown-Beard Senior
Matt Balser Hackettstown Senior
Matt Barile Butler Freshman
Pierson Baum Morristown-Beard Senior
Rocco Presti Butler Junior
Sean Bodine North Warren Senior
Zion Baitey Morristown Junior
Tight Ends
Bailey Dowson West Morris Senior
Chris Carey Wallkill Valley Junior
Franco Luna Vernon Sophomore
Sean Bienkowski Morris Knolls Senior
Wide Receivers
Brady Coffey Pope John Senior
David Link Delbarton Senior
Dylan Wang Parsippany Junior
Emilio Mendez Dover Freshman
Gavin Huber Butler Junior
Hayden Ribaudo Butler Senior
Jack McNear Butler Junior
Joe Drew Mount Olive Junior
Matt Bretz Whippany Park Senior
Rick Healy Vernon Junior
Trent Molfetto Kittatinny Senior
Offensive Linemen
Adam Amin Parsippany Junior
Aiden Toupet Roxbury Senior
Alex Diaz Dover Senior
Alex Gonzalez Parsippany Hills Senior
Alex Harby Pope John Senior
Andrew DiFalco Boonton Senior
Andy Sieradzki Whippany Park Senior
Anthony Miller Chatham Senior
Bendan Holland Chatham Senior
Billy Quinn Sparta Senior
Brady Anderson Pope John Senior
Brendan Gay Delbarton Junior
Brian McCarick Sussex Tech Senior
Bryce Cope West Morris Junior
Charlie Colvin Chatham Junior
Colin Groome Morris Knolls Senior
Connor Gilfillan Madison Senior
Cooper Dimmick Whippany Park Senior
Davis Limbert Morristown-Beard Senior
DJ Rosanelli Wallkill Valley Junior
Dylan Maier Mountain Lakes Senior
Dylan Pellinger Lenape Valley Senior
Dylan Zuppa Boonton Senior
Elias Wood North Warren Senior
Frank Cunha Sussex Tech Senior
Garrett Kelly Lenape Valley Senior
Hank Lobban Kittatinny Senior
Jack Cisco Sparta Senior
Jack Masarano Hanover Park Junior
Jacob Rubin Pope John Senior
Jason Wohlers North Warren Junior
Jay Benson Whippany Park Senior
Josh Ermeus Sparta Senior
Josh Herrman Mendham Senior
Justin Vogt Montville Junior
Kobe Hills Morristown Sophomore
Kyle Schermerhorn Morris Catholic Senior
Kyle Tomaskovic Pequannock Senior
Logan Yanoff High Point Senior
Luca Toriello Butler Freshman
Luke Ehler Chatham Senior
Makobe Maponya Mount Olive Senior
Matt Iatesta Newton Senior
Matt May Newton Junior
Matt Smith Butler Senior
Matthew Mercado Dover Senior
Mekhi Wall Randolph Junior
Merit Perrin Mendham Senior
Michael Rodeiro Pequannock Senior
Renato Febbi Mountain Lakes Senior
Rob VanEeuwen Wallkill Valley Junior
Robbie Ramundo Whippany Park Senior
Ryan Bergman Sussex Tech Senior
Spencer Merritt Mountain Lakes Senior
Syed Ahmed Boonton Senior
Thomas Defranco Hanover Park Senior
Tyler Fro Morris Hills Senior
Vincent Licor Parsippany Hills Senior
Will Martelli Mount Olive Senior
Defensive Linemen
Aidan Duffy Vernon Sophomore
Aiden Melian Whippany Park Senior
Austin Wrede Hopatcong Junior
Brody Guerra Newton Junior
Cade Laferriere Madison Junior
Chris Parisi Vernon Senior
Chris Tortola Butler Senior
Cooper Rosso North Warren Junior
David Michelman Kittatinny Senior
Diego Huaman Lenape Valley Junior
Dom DeVincenzo Madison Senior
Donato Bevacqua Newton Senior
Donato Cilenti Randolph Senior
Elliot Cano Butler Senior
Gary Nelso Mendham Senior
Jacob Brennan Pope John Senior
Jacob Perna Lenape Valley Senior
Jake Cuttito Lenape Valley Senior
James Few Mountain Lakes Senior
James Kleiven Randolph Sophomore
Riley Camoia Mount Olive Senior
Jason Fisher Wallkill Valley Junior
Jason Guancione Roxbury Senior
Joey Pizza Parsippany Hills Senior
Josh Bentley Butler Junior
Liam Parrella Kinnelon Junior
Max Oswald Whippany Park Senior
Mikey Secallus Morris Knolls
Nick Doumbe Sparta Senior
Nigel McSween Delbarton Junior
Noah Getahoun Parsippany Senior
Peter Brantner Mountain Lakes Senior
Ryan Schlacter Boonton Senior
Sean Slyker Mount Olive Senior
Shane Saulnier Vernon Senior
Stuart Garrett Chatham Senior
Tom Forand Morris Knolls Senior
Yohann Gouin Morris Catholic Senior
Linebackers
Adam DeCristofaro Mount Olive Sophomore
Aiden Hertzberg Kinnelon Senior
Alex Relovsky Kinnelon Senior
Andrew Thomas Parsippany Hills Senior
Anthony Moscatello Mount Olive Junior
Brian Rosko North Warren Senior
Chris Conyers Sussex Tech Senior
Dan Holdt Kittatinny Junior
Donte Brooks Boonton Senior
Dreveon Eddleman Morris Catholic Senior
Eddie Reinle Wallkill Valley Junior
Ian Aguilar Morris Hills Senior
Jack Eisenhardt Delbarton Junior
James Kratochvil Randolph Junior
Jeff DiLorenzo Boonton Senior
Jimmy Dolan Pequannock Junior
Joe Byrnes Sparta Senior
Joe Carfano Madison Senior
John Walsh Montville Senior
Jordan Cross Randolph Senior
Luke Denison Madison Senior
Mason McLean Lenape Valley Sophomore
Matt Leslie Morris Hills Junior
Matt Rattay Roxbury Sophomore
Milton Ochoa Dover Senior
Pasquale Festa Newton Junior
Paul Gennat Sparta Senior
Peter Calvi Butler Freshman
Preston Fazekas Pequannock Senior
Richard Baark Mount Olive Senior
Ryan Swayze Randolph Senior
Stephen Heffernan Madison Senior
Takeo Sibblies Newton Senior
Teddy Ciamillo Whippany Park Senior
Trey Buchner Morristown Junior
William Schlegel Mendham Senior
Xavier LaCorte Boonton Senior
Defensive Backs
Andrew Baker Sussex Tech Sophomore
Andrew Knutelsky Kittatinny Junior
Andrew Novak Randolph Senior
Anthony Macera Morris Hills Senior
Billy Templeton Montville Junior
Bobby McMillian Wallkill Valley Senior
Cade Schuckman Mountain Lakes Senior
Chase Geer Sparta Senior
Chris Carranza Dover Sophomore
Collin Brath Pequannock Senior
Connor Sensbach Vernon Junior
Cullen Fagen Mountain Lakes Senior
Dante Galella Morris Catholic Senior
Dante Marinello Morristown-Beard Senior
Dom Madera Hanover Park Junior
Evan Hatten Hackettstown Senior
Heath Lestz Newton Senior
Hunter Carney High Point Senior
Jack Crowley Chatham Senior
Jack Matthew Kinnelon Senior
Jaiden Liferiedge Hackettstown Junior
Jake Checchio Delbarton Senior
James Fusco Randolph Junior
James Panico West Morris Senior
Jason Heckler Whippany Park Senior
Jeremiah Carfello Vernon Senior
Jimmy Elliot Mountain Lakes Junior
John Rigas Boonton Senior
Jordan Eaton Whippany Park Senior
Josh Allison Chatham Senior
Josh Brancy Sparta Sophomore
Justin Simone Vernon Senior
Matt DeLitizia Pequannock Senior
Nate Prater Boonton Senior
Omari Gainz Pope John Freshman
PJ Coffey Butler Freshman
Ryan Connelly Kittatinny Senior
Sam Tirone North Warren Senior
Will Baum Morristown-Beard Senior
Xavion Crosby Morristown-Beard Senior
Kickers
Carson Hecht Randolph Senior
Matt Martino Montville Sophomore
Ray Lara Morris Knolls Senior
Roger Rubinetti Par Hills Senior
Punters
Brian Gruber Sussex Tech Freshman
Craig Shipps North Warren Junior
Moritz Gablenz Mendham Senior
Thank you to all the players, coaches, booster clubs, athletic directors and fans that made the 2021 season so special! We wish you the happiest of holidays and a fantastic New Year!
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