Stability is the key to Marlboro’s rebuilding of its football program
BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

JEFFGRANIT staff Marlboro’s Robbie Boyce is vying for the starting quarterback position once again as the Mustangs look for a fresh start under new coach John Fiore.

The top priority for John Fiore and his coaching staff is to bring stability back to the Marlboro High School football program.

The Mustangs have had three coaches in the last four years, and Fiore knows that bringing a steady voice to the program is the first thing required in the rebuilding process. He faced a similar situation in Spotswood and turned the Chargers around, winning Greater Middlesex Conference division titles and making the state playoffs a routine.

Fiore will face a similar daunting task at Marlboro, but one thing he knows, he has players who are tired of losing. He also knows that the Mustangs have won before (the 1994 Central Jersey Group IV championship, for instance).

The Mustangs new head coach likes the attitude his players have displayed thus far. They are willing to listen and eager to win.

“They’re enthusiastic kids. They want success so bad,” he said.

One drawback will be the team’s youth. There are just 13 seniors on the squad, and not a lot of experience returning.

But there is talent on the Marlboro campus, led by a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver in Rodney Salomon. The 6-foot-3 Salomon will strike fear in defenses with his ability to make plays downfield and pull the ball down in traffic. He could be one of the most explosive pass catchers in the entire Shore Conference.

“Rodney was everything I thought he’d be, he’s a player,” said Fiore. “Our goal is to get him the ball as often as we can. He’s our go-to guy.”

Fiore, however, knows that the Mustangs need a balanced offense to make Salomon more effective and the team more efficient and difficult to defend. His goal is to spread the ball around, and that starts with the ability to run and throw the ball with equal success in his option offense.

Robbie Boyce and Dan Sturman, a pair of juniors, are currently battling for the starting assignment at quarterback. Each has his separate strengths.

“Dan runs the ball better in the option, while Robbie has a power arm,” noted Fiore.

Fiore could end up using both during games because of their different talents.

The Mustangs will rotate four backs with seniors Justin Braz and Kevin Labayen, and juniors Jordan Giallanzo and Chris Kauffman, splitting the time. Labayen and Giallanzo are fullbacks while Braz and Kauffman are tailbacks.

Joe Levine, another junior, is the slot back and Mike Rappel, a returning senior, lines up on the other side of Salomon at wide receiver.

The Mustangs have a line that combines size with speed. It has tackle Bryan Tiscia, who is 6-4, 275 pounds, as well as linemen who rely on quickness.

Seniors Jared Blumetti, tackle, and Bryan Blutstein, guard, are the only returners from last year. Robert Clarizio will start at center with tackle Justin Stattel and guard Scott Katzelnick joining the rotation with Tiscia, Blumetti and Blutstein.

Fiore is looking for this unit to jell and allow the Mustangs to have a ball-control attack.

“We have to get guys to step up and give us a diversified attack,” he pointed out.

Brandon Weiner is the team’s kicker.

Defensively, Marlboro is ahead of the offense because it brings back more experience. Salomon and Levine return at the cornerbacks, with Kauffman and Mike Pontoriero the safeties. This is a very reliable unit.

Middle linebacker Blutstein anchors the linebacker corps that has Giallanzo and Braz flanking him. They are a very active unit that can make plays all over the field.

The line is very good with Stattel and Blumetti at the ends, and Labayen and Brian Borden at the tackles.

Tiscia and Jason Seigle provide depth here for the Mustangs. Fiore won’t have any problem keeping fresh players on the line.

“Our line is very solid,” said Fiore. “What we have to do is play mistake-free football on defense.”

Marlboro opens Fiore era on Friday night (7 p.m.) at Shore Conference power Toms River North. The Mustangs also hit the road for their second game, against Freehold Township on Sept. 11 (1 p.m.) before playing their home opener on Sept. 23 against Jackson Memorial (4 p.m.)

The Mustangs play in the American Division of the Shore Conference with Freehold District rivals Freehold Township, Howell (home, Oct. 23) and Manalapan (home, Nov. 25), along with Brick Township (away, Oct., 8) and Jackson. It is one of the toughest divisions in the conference.