Cougars set for action with speedy Jackson
Cougars open gridiron season at home Saturday against Howell Rebels
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
Colts Neck was a team that had to prove it belonged in 2006. Mike McArthur had built a winning football program at the school, but last fall the Cougars moved up to Group IV and to the Constitution Division in the Shore Conference. Some questioned whether or not the Cougars were ready for the move up in class.

CHRIS KELLY staff Colts Neck's offense will be led once again by Ashton Jackson, one of the top backs in the state, as the Cougars look to make a return trip to the state playoffs.

They responded in the best way they could, going 6-4 and qualifying for the state playoffs.

The 2007 Cougars are not as deep as last year, and many players will be going two ways, but that seems to be fine with both coach and players.

"The kids are excited about playing more," noted McArthur. "We don't have the depth we had last year, but we have quality."

The quality starts with tailback Ashton Jackson, who has earned the nickname "Action" Jackson. He is one of the most exciting players in the Shore Conference and a genuine threat to turn any play into a touchdown. Teams learned last year just how difficult it is to contain him for 48 minutes. He ran for 1,315 yards while averaging better than seven yards per rush. He scored 11 touchdowns.

"Ashton has looked very good in the preseason," noted McArthur. "He's a little stronger this year."

Last year the Cougars had a one-two punch in Jackson and Pat Six. Although the graduated Six was often injured, the Cougars remained a two-back team. This time around, Jackson is the featured back and will be carrying the ball more often.

In addition to his running, McArthur is looking to use him more as a receiver. Jackson will also return kicks, and he plays free safety on defense.

"He's one of those kids who never wants to be off the field," said McArthur.

Along with taking on more of the offensive load, McArthur is looking for Jackson to provide senior leadership.

In Alex Muka, the Cougars have a second back who can complement Jackson. Muka can hammer the middle, picking up the critical three- and four-yard runs. He is also an outstanding blocker.

Ryan Moore and Brendan Cotter are the backup running backs.

The Cougars are breaking in a sophomore quarterback in Chris Chiarella. McArthur didn't expect the leader of last year's freshman team to be at the helm, but he earned it.

"Chris stepped up and won the job," said McArthur. "He worked hard in the offseason. I've known him since Pop Warner, and he understands the position.

With a lot of talent surrounding him, Chiarella is going to be asked to manage the game. He doesn't have to win it for the Cougars. Besides Jackson and Muka, the signal caller has returning receivers Jeremy Dinkins and Kevin Callelo to throw to.

He also has tight end Alex Leroy back, who at 6-2 is a big target. Throwing the ball is important for the Cougars.

"We have to be able to throw the ball vertically," McArthur pointed out.

Chiarella can throw the deep ball, and teams stacking the line to stop Jackson take the risk of getting burned with the big play. Colts Neck hopes to hit teams with the big play to force them to defend the pass.

Up front, the Cougars have three returning starters in center Justin Boxman, tackle Taylor Howes and guard Chris Brandli.

Will Patelis (tackle) and Kyle Ingram (guard) are the other starters on an offensive line that is shaping up as one of the team's strengths.

"They are unselfish and they know their roles," said McArthur.

"They are very physical and they can move."

Sophomore Eric Spillane has been one of the pleasant surprises of the preseason. His place-kicker has brought another dimension to the team's offense.

Colts Neck will line up in its multiple front 4-4-3 defense with one noticeable change.

"We're more athletic," McArthur said of his defensive unit.

Boxman and Howes are playing inside at the tackles on the defensive line, with John Weber and Joe Lepore at the ends.

The Cougars look for their linebackers to make plays, and they have that in Sean Smith, Richie Foligno, Muka and Cody Bello.

They will be spelled by Billy Gerdes. Smith and Foligno play the inside with Bello and Muka the inside linebackers

The secondary is seasoned with returners Jackson, Dinkins and Callelo.

McArthur believes he has a defense that can dominate by stopping the run.

With so many players going two ways, conditioning is going to be very important. It has been a focal point of the preseason.

Colts Neck kicks off its 2007 season at home on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Howell in an important Constitution Division game out of the gate.

Last year the Cougars announced their arrival by edging the Rebels on the road. But, lest the Cougars forget, Howell did go on to play for the Central Jersey Group IV championship.

The first game does not make or break a season, but for the Cougars, it will give them a very good indicator of how things will shape up in the division.

This year's schedule includes a rare four-game home stand. Beginning with the Sept. 20 game against Toms River South (3:30 p.m.), the Cougars will play Freehold Township (Oct. 6, 3 p.m.), Lacey (Oct. 13, 1 p.m.) and Manalapan (Oct. 20, 1 p.m.) in Colts Neck.

If the Cougars hold serve, it could go a long way toward getting them back in the playoffs.

The regular season will end with the traditional Thanksgiving Day game Nov. 22 against Freehold Borough in Freehold (10 a.m.).