Long Branch to be tested right off the bat

BY DOUG McKENZIE
Staff Writer

Seniors Maurice Turpin (above) and Terrence McKeller (right) are two of the big play-makers returning for a Green Wave team that anticipates another strong season, despite playing one of the Shore’s most competitive schedules. If the Long Branch Green Wave football team wanted to know where it stacks up against the best the Shore Conference has to offer, it will get its chance on Saturday.

Head coach Dan George’s squad will open its season against defending Central Jersey Group III champion Middletown South in Middletown on Saturday, in a game that will offer the Green Wave an opportunity to both measure itself against a loaded Eagles squad, and a chance to send an early message to the Shore football community.

“They’ve got it all working right now; they’re firing on all cylinders,” George said of the Eagles. “They’re certainly worthy of a top-five ranking in the state.”

That being said, George is confident that his squad can play with the Eagles, and is looking forward to the challenge.

“All we can do is continue to work hard, and prepare for Middletown South,” he said. “It’s easy to get distracted, especially with a couple of days before the game. But we’ve talked about putting ourselves in position to win our conference, and if we can do that, we’ll be in good shape for the state tournament. That’s what we’re shooting for.”

The Green Wave has plenty of experienced players returning, too, starting with the team’s quarterback, Maurice Turpin.

Turpin, now a senior, will be the key to the Long Branch offense once again — a role that he has earned, according to his coach.

“Maurice really progressed as the year went on last year and developed into a leader,” George said. “He controls the tempo of the game and gets us into our rhythm. In order for us to be successful, we have to get solid play at the quarterback position, and Maurice provides that.”

The Long Branch backfield will feature four players, all of whom will get plenty of touches throughout the year, according to George. Senior Cameron Zuidema and junior Robert Cheese will split duties at the fullback position, while juniors Alex Decos and Paul Lewis are the tailbacks.

The Green Wave is also deep at the wide receiver position, where junior Francisco Gomez and senior Terrence McKeller provide able targets for Turpin when Long Branch goes to the air. Seniors Jared Sanderson and Cleveland Cannon will also see time at wide receiver.

Another target for Turpin is senior tight end Monty Jones.

The offensive line should be a strength for Long Branch once again, with three starters returning. Junior center John Jasio is back, along with senior guard Manny Navarro and senior tackle Nick Soffiotti.

Senior Chris Kanack will man the other guard position, while junior Darius Morris is the other tackle.

“The offense has played well through the preseason, and having a lot of skill players back will certainly help us,” George said. “I’d say the offense is a little bit ahead of the defense right now, but the defense should be strong as well.”

Only five starters return to the defense — Navarro at defensive tackle, Zuidema at linebacker, Sanderson and junior Miguel Encarcion at corner back, and junior Aurlander Daniels at safety — but George is confident that the newer players will adjust quickly.

Joining Navarro on the defensive line are junior Jared Brabham at the other tackle position, and Decos and junior Kevin Richardson at the defensive end slots.

Cheese and Martin Porter are the other linebackers, while senior Antwion Tucker is the other safety.

George is pleased to return so many starters on both sides of the ball, and said the experience of the team will help against what is a tremendously tough schedule.

“We’re looking at a bright outlook, coming off a good off-season and a good preseason,” George said. “We have a difficult schedule, but the kids are very focused.”

Looking at Middletown South, George said his team understands the challenges slowing down the Eagle offense will provide, starting with tailback Knowshon Moreno, who has a knack for finding the end zone. The speedy junior recorded 36 touchdowns last season alone.

“He’s the key, without question, but the quarterback is playing very well, and the other two running backs are dynamite,” George said. “Their defense is legitimate as well, so we’re expecting a battle.”

Following South, Long Branch has another tough game against Neptune the following weekend in their home opener.

But the Green Wave will take this season one game at a time, and expects to find itself back in the postseason come December.