Spartans Seek Elusive State Title Through Run Game

For the past five years, Paramus Spartans head coach Dan Sabella and his flourishing program have sought a state title but so far the championship has eluded the Spartans who have appeared in the playoffs each year.

The former North 1 Group 3 competitor will yet again have a tough road ahead as the Spartans wer bumped up to North 1 Group 4 following the recent NJSIAA classification reallignment. And once again, the Spartans will feature its third quarterback in as many years as Dominic Smith and Tyler Smith (no relation) are currently battling for the starting playcaller spot.

"We feel pretty good about our offensive and defensive lines," head coach Dan Sabella told NJ Varsity. "There are proven veterans there on both sides of the ball. There are holes to fill at the skill positions, a lot of uncertainty in a lot of areas. At the same time, the kids have put in the time and have worked at it. It's a matter of how fast they mature and grow into roles."

Among this year's veterans that were part of last season's 7-4 squad which fell to Ridgewood in the annual  and fell to Wayne Hills in the North Jersey Section 1 Group 3 semi-finals are split between both sides of the ball.

Offensively, Sabella will look to tailbacks Brandon Sebahie and Steven Regalbuto, fullback Matt Tozzi, wide receiver's Chris Sabo, Josh Garcia, Darius House, Nick Torcivia and Mike Mimmo while there is a three-way battle for tight end between Jason Hall, Stefan Stojanovic and Chris Voorhis.

The front line will again feature senior tackles Brandon Manosalves and Joe Binns along with senior center Zack Zysman, and guards Dwight Wise, Matt Lewis, Marc Bari and Ali Bayat.

“Our strength is going to be our offensive line and our backfield," Sabella told The Record. “I hate to use the term ‘ground and pound,’ but the fact is we’re definitely going to be a run-first team this year.”

Running a 4-4 defense, expect to see the likes of freshman Phil Tilercio, senior Patrick Nobleza, senior Ivan Druskovich, sophomore Bryce Jacob, sophomore Jonah Molina, and freshman Joe Merlino. Jeff Carpented will return as the starting kicker, but so far the punting duties have yet to be decided. 

"I think our running attack is going to be good this year," said senior lineman Joe Binns.

Competing in the Big North Freedom division, the Spartans are currently ranked 12th in the Big North Conference, 76th in the state and 3,823 on a national level.

Under the new group classifications, Paramus with its move into North 1 Group 4 will continue to square off against Demarest, Old Tappan, Teaneck, Montville, Mount Olive, Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley. Among their new post season competition will be Belleville, Fair Lawn, Hackensack,  Northern Highlands, Nutley, Passaic Valley, Roxbury, and Vernon high schools.

Spartans Schedule

• Friday, Sept. 7, 7pm vs. De Paul Catholic
• Friday, Sept. 14, 7pm at Lakeland
• Saturday, Sept. 22, 2:30pm at Northern Highlands
• Friday, Sept. 28, 7pm vs. Teaneck
• Friday, Oct. 5, 7pm vs. Indian Hills
• Friday, Oct. 12, 7pm at Wayne Valley
• Friday, Oct. 19, 7pm vs. Ramapo
• Friday,Nov. 2, 7pm vs. Wayne Hills
• Thursday, Nov. 22, 10:30am vs. Ridgewood

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