Bernardsville's Ray, Maddaluna a Formidable Football Pair

Editor's note: The following commentary was submitted by Eric Simoneau, scorekeeper and statistician for the who now have achieved a perfect 7-0 season record. The team heads to its next scheduled game at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights.

In a football world gone pass happy, there is nothing more thrilling than watching a quarterback hurl a pass downfield to a speedy receiver who can catch the ball at full speed and dash for the end zone. Fans of the Bernards High School Mountaineers have witnessed many of these thrills on Friday nights at Olcott Field since Jon Simoneau became the head football coach before the 2008 season.

The Mountaineers current marriage of accuracy and speed between senior quarterback Devin Ray and senior wide receiver John Maddaluna has produced a statistical explosion, rewritten school record books, boosted attendance, and garnered attention for the team throughout the state.

Since Simoneau has been the head coach, after several years as their defensive coordinator, the Mountaineers the offense has employed a “no huddle, spread” offensive philosophy.

Coach Simoneau was quick to credit offensive coordinator David Carmon for the successful implementation of their high powered attack. Carmon joined the Mountaineers coaching staff in 2007 after a successful playing career. As a player at Division III powerhouse Delaware Valley College from 2002-2006 Carmon re-wrote their record books on his way to (2) MAC conference titles and All-American accolades.

Carmon still holds school records for career receptions with (214), season receptions with (78), and single game receptions with (11). Carmon formed a close bond with then Del Val Head Coach GA Mangus. Mangus, a former Florida Gator under Steve Spurrier in the early 90’s, posted a (.745) winning percentage in his four seasons as head coach before moving on to Middle Tennessee University & The University of South Carolina. Mangus is known in football coaching circles as a quarterback guru, often teaching offseason coaching clinics on the subject. Carmon has been his best pupil as a player and now a coach. He has sent a quarterback and wide receiver to play college football for each of his seasons calling the plays for the Mountaineers.

The year 2008 was the combination of QB Sean Kenney (Franklin and Marshall) and WR Connor Deleone (Del Val College), 2009 QB Ryan Sansalone (Bentley) and WR Jayson Travalini (Gettysburg), 2010 QB JP McDonnell(Sewanee) and WR Charles Edwards(Monmouth), and 2011 with current QB Devin Ray and WR Ryan Zeccola(Case Western Reserve). But it is this season’s dynamic duo of QB Devin Ray & WR John Maddaluna has surpassed all of their predecessors. 

When asked for the reasons for Ray & Maddaluna’s success Carmon and Simoneau both credited countless hours of practice including on field drills, conditioning, and film study. “John and Devin have been relentless at perfecting their craft.” said Simoneau. Carmon also mentioned the amount of time they put in outside of required practice time, as a testament to their hard work and character. 

Both players have totaled some impressive stats while winning their second consecutive conference championship this season. Ray recently passed the (1,000) yard passing mark for the third consecutive season, and after (7) games this season totals (1,210) passing yards and (14) passing touchdowns and only (1) interception. He also has rushed for (310) yards and (7) more touchdowns.  He now has totaled (5,402) passing yards and (45) passing touchdowns in his career.

With two touchdowns in last Friday’s game against Bound Brook High School, Maddaluna raised his career total to (43) touchdowns. On the season Ray has found Maddaluna for (28) receptions for (733) yards and (10) touchdowns. In their three seasons as varsity players Ray has found Maddaluna for (87) receptions, (1,857) yards, and (27) touchdowns.

Those impressive statistics will surely be tough to replicate. But as the Mountaineers prepare for the state playoffs next month, the focus is on the opportunity to add to these statistics by advancing in the state playoffs. One thing is for sure, Ray-to-Maddaluna will be tough to stop.