New Egypt to be tested right from the start
BY MIKE WHITE Staff Writer

JEFF GRANIT staff Senior Lance Sutton is a co-captain on this year's New Egypt team, which opens its season against powerful Maple Shade later tonight.

PLUMSTED - The New Egypt High School football team suffered numerous keys losses to graduation, but sixth-year coach Tom Farrell remains quietly optimistic that the Warriors can stay competitive as the 2007 season prepares to get under way.

Gone are quarterback Steve Panasuk, who tossed for more than 1,200 yards last season, lineman Dom Valdner, and tackles Josh Howard and Andy Fox.

"We are getting hit really hard," Farrell said. "When you lose as many key players to your team that we have, there is going to be a period of adjustment. The kids have been working extremely hard, and we have looked pretty good in the preseason. We have a number of talented kids coming back, and they're going to have to step up and lead."

The Warriors are set to open their season tonight at Maple Shade High School. Leading New Egypt into the campaign are senior captains Dylan Rowley and Lance Sutton. Rowley takes over for Panasuk as the Warriors' signal caller, while Sutton will do double time at running back and defensive back.

"They have been with the program for the past couple of years and they understand what is expected of them and the team," Farrell said.

"We will rely heavily on those guys to lead and motivate the underclassmen. So far, both have done an admirable job."

Farrell says Friday's game will be New Egypt's speed against Maple Shade's size.

"From what we know, they are a big, strong team," Farrell said. "We're going to need to utilize our team speed and quickness to offset their power. If we can achieve that, I feel we have a good shot at coming out on top."

Other key returnees include wideout/linebacker Dakota Havens and senior wideout/defensive back Davion Clanton. Senior tackles Kevin Vaclavicek and Tom Boguc anchor the offensive line. Junior Cody Shields is slated to go both ways at running back and linebacker.

"We have players with talent," Farrell said. "However, we do lack depth and we're young. It is going to take a while for the younger guys to get accustomed to playing at this level."

Farrell cited a number of talented newcomers who should have an impact. Junior center Mike Ruggiero has looked sharp in the preseason. Juniors Walter Dibenko and Mike Reynolds are vying for minutes. Junior Ronnie Tortoriello (wide receiver/defensive back) and sophomore Ryan Hamilton (safety) should see plenty of playing time.

"This season we're going to need these young guys to step up in certain games and make significant contributions," Farrell said. "They're capable of doing that. As the season goes on, I expect we will become a more cohesive group."

New Egypt has shown glimpses of solid play in the preseason. Farrell liked what he saw on both sides of the ball in scrimmages against Manchester and Toms River South.

"We did some real nice things in those two scrimmages," Farrell said.

"Of course, we still have areas that need improvement. If we become more consistent at both ends of the field and limit the turnover and mental mistakes, we'll find ourselves to be a very competitive squad."

While Farrell is impressed with his skill position players, it's the defensive line that will prove to be the key ingredient.

"We have some very good talent at the skill positions," Farrell said.

"A lot of what happens this season depends on the consistency of the defensive line."