Matawan’s high school football team appears to be on the cusp of a resurgence, according to their head coach Jay Graber. With a roster loaded with young talent, the Huskies are eager to build on last season’s success that saw them win a Shore Conference division title. Although Matawan went 6-3 last year, they lost to tough opponents like Raritan, Middletown South, and Hopewell Valley, who all had winning records.
Graber believes that many of his young, homegrown players are committed to staying at Matawan and building on the program’s tradition. Graber has also stressed the importance of having a strong summer program to prepare his players for the upcoming season.
The team’s star players include Wellman Crooms Jr., Jayden Elijah, and Am’ir Martinzez. Crooms Jr., a sophomore, already has several Power Five offers and impressed with 682 yards of offense as a freshman. Elijah, a junior, has already received a scholarship offer from Rutgers and has several other big schools showing interest. Martinzez, another junior, racked up 1,573 yards from scrimmage as a sophomore, showcasing his ability to both pass and run.
Other players to watch out for include Colin Palumbo, Morgan Blake Ganeron, Cameron Cooper, and Jayden Percodani. Palumbo is a powerful runner who also excels on defense, while Ganeron is a versatile player who led the team in tackles last season. Cooper caught three touchdown passes last year while also making plenty of tackles on defense. Finally, Percodani is a strong defender who can play both near the line and in coverage.
With the Huskies moving to the Independence division this season, they face a new set of opponents, including Barnegat, Brick Memorial, Brick, Freehold, and Freehold Township. However, the team is confident they can handle the challenge and build on last year’s success.
Overall, Matawan’s football team is poised for a resurgence behind a talented roster of players and a dedicated coaching staff. If they can continue to work hard and build on their success, they have the potential to be a top team in the state.
