Mustangs put in the time during offseason
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
One thing a coach can learn from a 0- 10 season is who the football players on his team are.

CHRIS KELLY staff Nick Tyson will split time with starter Gerard Cicero at quarterback once again this year, as Marlboro looks to improve on last season's difficult season.

A winless season will separate the serious player from the not-so serious player very quickly.

Marlboro head coach Joe Passo enters his second season at the helm of the Mustangs, secure in the knowledge that he has a team of dedicated players for whom last season has served as the ultimate motivator.

"They persevered, you have to give them credit for that," he said. "They put in the work [during the offseason].

"They understand what they have to do to prepare [for the season] and get better," he added. "In the offseason, they were hitting the weight room every day and doing their agility drills. We've made some strides."

Like distance runners who put in their base mileage before tapering back and doing the more intense speed work, the Mustangs had a big emphasis on conditioning last year. In the offseason, they did more sports-specific workouts and the results are a more athletic team.

FILE PHOTO Zev Sibony will be one of several players getting carries for the Mustangs this fall.

One of the advantages of suffering through a 0-10 season is that Passo got a look at all his players. Of course, the downside is that they didn't win a game.

"Everyone played last year, everybody got a shot," he pointed out.

The Mustangs will again use the multiple wing, three back-I on offense.

Gerard Cicero and Nick Tyson, both split time at quarterback in '06 and will do so again this year with Cicero getting the nod as the starter. Leadership and managing the offense is what Passo is looking to get from his quarterbacks.

It will be running back by committee for the Mustangs as they have several backs who can do the job.

Zev Sibony, Joe Deegan, Marc Ng Kyle Lindenaur and Jordan Slavens will be sharing the football.

"They all have something to bring to the table and they have similar speed," Passo said of his running backs.

Ryan Hilla and Nick Golding are the wide receivers, and E.J. Tucker is the tight end. The running backs will also be part of the passing attack.

As much as Marlboro wants to run the ball, Passo knows that it will be important for his club to throw the football. He noted that Hilla and Golding are both sure-handed, possession receivers.

"We are looking to control the football more," Passo remarked.

Slavens will do the team's placekicking.

The offensive line will help in the Marlboro goal of controlling time of possession. Andrew Kugler, Matt McLeod and Matt Bobrow all started last year and are greatly improved. Kugler is the center and leader of the unit with Bobrow lining up at tackle and McLeod at guard.

"They learned a lot about playing the line and it paid off," said Passo.

Dylan Seber is starting at the other tackle spot with Sonny Parmar, the guard. Eric Bregman, who can play any position on the line, will spell the starters.

"It's a strong line and worked well together," said Passo.

Defensively, Passo said his team is much more athletic and faster as an overall unit. It will help them

match up better with the teams in the American Division that are known for their pounding running games.

Will Eastman, Kevin Yao, Joe

Napoli and Bobrow constitute the defensive line. Bobrow is the playmaker among this group.

Matt McWilliams and Ng are the key returners to the linebacker corps.

Safeties Rich Santora and Stefan Appelman bring experience to the defensive backfield.

Passo likes the progress the defense has made. The second-year coach is far more comfortable with his team heading into the start of the season. The players are now familiar with his system and are clearly improved over this time last year. He is confident that the Mustangs will make progress in '07.

Marlboro drew its bye week the opening weekend of the season. The Mustangs don't start the 2007 campaign until Sept. 15 when they visit Jackson Memorial for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

The Mustangs home opener is Sept. 20 when they host Southern Regional at 3:30 p.m. Marlboro is home on Sept. 29 for a 1 p.m. start against Toms River North.