NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION SOUTH JERSEY CHAPTER
2021-2022 Scholar-Athlete Awards
Selected from South Jersey Chapter member schools within the competitive West Jersey Football League, these Scholar-Athletes have been chosen by their coaches and peers for their achievements academically and athletically
AJ was a vital part of our program this year, leading by example rather than verbally. Not only did Anthony successfully represent himself on the field, but he was also a model student in the classroom. This past season, Anthony took on a more prominent role on defense, embracing the challenge and exceeding staff expectations. Teachers and coaches respect Anthony due to his hard-working ability and the respectful manner in which he carries himself. AJ will be enlisting in the Army, utilizing his leadership and team-working abilities to further enhance his career. There is no doubt that AJ will be successful in the future and is very deserving of this award. He is a young man of integrity and class and will represent our country to the fullest.
Coach: Chris Sacco
Athletic Director: Steve Fortis
Eric is a leader on and off the field. He is a very determined young man. He also takes his education and future plans very seriously.
Coach: Keenan Wright
Athletic Director: Chris Ford
Alex has a had rough four years of high school football. The two years before I was hired, Alex did not play much football. He was hit by a car in the student parking lot that limited his playing time and he has dealt with ankle issues. My first year with Alex, I was able to see what type of leader and a person of high character standards. His Junior year was plagued by injuries but he battled through and still made it to the end. His Senior year started rough as his prior injury started to creep back. However, Alex was able to push through and not has been a game and/or practice all year. He is a fantastic team leader and I wished that I had him for another year! He has stepped up in a big way to help our young team start to rebuild our football program. I have no one that is more deserving than Alex.
Coach Mike Wilson
Athletic Direct: Doug Volovar
This young man may not be the biggest member on the team but he has the biggest heart. He never misses practices and has a great attitude with coaches and teammates. He is captain of the team and maintains a 3.6 GPA. He is a 3 sport athlete and exemplifies every definition of the phrase student athlete. Matt is respected by his peers, teaching staff, and coaches.
Coach: Steve Lane
Athletic Director: Cyndy Wilks
Coach: Dennis Conti
Athletic Director: Mark Prince
Jamal Chapman has been an integral part of the Cedar Creek Football program from the day he stepped on campus . He is respectful, hard-working, and driven for success which is the most important asset to have to be a successful student-athlete. Jamal is a 3 year starter as a hybrid outside linebacker here at Cedar Creek. Jamal led our defense in sacks and tackles for loss in his 3 years as a starter. Jamal also was a team captain and was able to lead our team to a perfect 13-0 season and a South Jersey Group 3 State Championship. He was named First Team All South Jersey and a First Team WJFL selection as a senior. In the classroom, Jamal owns a 94% GPA which makes him eligible for the National Honor Society. He challenges himself each year with multiple honors and advanced level courses. He also excels in the Engineering Program. He is being courted by many esteemed colleges and universities for his work both in the classroom and on the football field. Jamal will be remembered as a great teammate and an unquestioned leader here at Cedar Creek High School.
Coach: James Melody
Athletic Director: Karen Cavalieri
Quameer is a young man with great character. He takes care of business both on the field and in the classroom. He challenges himself in the classroom by taking high level courses. On the field of play he is a leader during the season and in the offseason. He leads by example by attending off -season weight room and summer workouts. That leadership drives his teammates to attend these opportunities to improve themselves as well.
Coach: Dwayne Hendricks
Athletic Director: Todd Jorgenson
Julian has worked extremely hard, both on and off the field, to develop into an outstanding young man. His commitment to succeed has led him to achieve many of the goals he set. Julian worked himself into a two-year starter and all-conference performer. On countless occasions, he showed tremendous perseverance and leadership by putting the team first and pushing through difficult circumstances that would have deterred many others. Julian has been an absolute pleasure to work with and is a stellar example for our younger players. He has a bright future ahead of him and will be successful in whatever endeavors he chooses to pursue.
Coach: Kevin Stetser
Athletic Director: Mike Pellegrino
Neil is an outstanding young man on and off of the field. He was a team captain and put countless hours on the field and most importantly in the classroom. Neil will be successful in whatever he chooses to do.
Coach: Jim Raso
Athletic Director: Marni Parks
Michael is a 4 year starter for us as a DB; he is a leader both on and off the field; he was one of our captains this past season; and most importantly Michael is a true gentleman.
Coach: A. J. Russo
Athletic Director: Steve Normane
Mike Castellano has been a vital part of the athletic department at Lower Cape May Regional high school the last four years. He has participated in Football, Wrestling, and Lacrosse each of those four years. He has earned the respect of his fellow team members and coaches during this time by being named captain of each one these programs. Academically, Mike is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Spanish National Honor Society. He is a member of the Biomedical Club and has recently been named the “Lunch with Lynch Foundation” Volunteer of the Year.
Coach: Lance Bailey
Athletic Director: Erik Simonsen
Michael represents the definition of not only a Student Athlete but a Scholar Athlete. Michael has done an outstanding job in the classroom - receiving all A's in every subject he took during his 4 years at Mainland. Michael is also a 4-year letter winner on the gridiron having played on special teams; and as an offensive starter the last 3 years. Truly an outstanding young man.
Coach: Chuck Smith
Athletic Director: Mike Gatley
Brett is an outstanding young man with an excellent work ethic completely dedicated to helping others. He is an excellent student. His grade point average of 4.62 and his class rank of 23 of 198 are indicative of his efforts in the classroom. This is particularly impressive considering the fact that he has also participated in several extra-curricular activities while also maintaining a full-time job each of the last three summers. He was always well prepared, articulate, and worked very well with both his teammates and coaches. His overall leadership and dedication to any and all tasks is unquestioned. He was also a first team all-conference selection as a quarterback and a second team All AC Press selection. His First Team All-South Jersey selection as a punter also highlight his abilities to play multiple positions. He is a prime example of what can happen when you dedicate yourself to the weight room and becoming a better athlete. He only came off the field on kickoff and kickoff return during his entire senior season. He was physically able to handle the rigors of regularly carrying the football on offense and constant run support as a strong safety on defense because of his hard work over the entire four years of high school. He is also expected to be named a captain of the lacrosse team this spring for the second consecutive season.
Coach: Frank Riggitano
Athletic Director: Sharon Remeter
Nate Robbins is a captain on our football team. He showed the ability to co-operate with other players while being a team leader. Throughout his high school career, Nate was an excellent player. As a senior Nate stepped up and became a team leader. This year, Nate was very instrumental in creating unity between the seniors and the underclassmen, which was a key factor in our teams success. Nate Robbins is a true leader who has the ability to guide his team to the finish line, as he demonstrated this year leading the Bolts to the 2021 NJSIAA Group 4 South/Central Regional Championship.
Coach: Dennis Thomas
Athletic Director: Dave Lagamba
One of the hardest workers we had on and off the field. Never had a complaint from this young man. He just continues to work and give his all in every practice and every game.
Coach: Mike Forrest
Athletic Director: Dave Bennett
Sam is one of the most coachable players we've had at Ocean City. His football IQ is excellent. He sets our defensive fronts and communicates adjustments with the rest of the defense. He sets the tone for our practices by bringing a game-day mentality on Tuesday and Wednesday. He watches more Hudl film than any player on the team. He provides a great role model for our younger players through his work ethic and the way he leads by example. In short, Sam is an ideal representation of the type of players we want in our program. Sam is a leader both on and off of the field and an excellent scholar.
Coach: Kevin Smith
Athletic Director: Geoff Haines
James Emel was a 4 year member of the Varsity Football team at Penns Grove High School including Sectional Championships Teams in 2018 and 2019. This past season James was a Captain and started at both Guard and Outside Linebacker. He led Penns Grove with 12 sacks and was an All-Conference Performer on both sides of the ball.
James is in the Engineering Academy and has earned over 30 college credits already while in High School. He is top 20 in his graduating class and plans to attend a 4 year college majoring in Business and Finance.
Coach: John Emel
Athletic Director: Anwar Golden
Coach: Mike Healy
Athletic Director: Adam Slusher
Time and again, Amon has shown his potential, his character, and his leadership abilities not only in the classroom but throughout our school itself, working in highly positive ways to better his school and help his classmates and teammates stretch their capabilities to the fullest. He is highly regarded by his teachers, liked and appreciated by the staff of our school, and respected by his classmates and teammates. His academic abilities linked to his strength of character and genuine desire for learning allow him to be our NFF Candidate.
Coach: James Garcia
Athletic Director: Stephen Townsend
Jayden is a great example of who we strive to be here at Salem High School. He is a leader on and off the field. He also is one of the first to volunteer in community events. He will be missed by all administrators, students, and football staff here at Salem.
Coach: Montrey Right
Athletic Director: Darryl Roberts
John Bruther is an excellent candidate who represents Southern Regional to the highest standards. John is a tremendous person who has excelled both academically and athletically at Southern. He helped our team qualify for the 2021 NJSIAA State Group V Playoffs.
Coach: Seth Brown
Athletic Director: Chuck Donahue
Franklin is a very unselfish player and an outstanding student. He made position sacrifices for the benefit of the "TEAM" which is a rare occurrence these days.
Coach: Pete Lancetta
Athletic Director: Mike Rizzo
Cohl Mercado is a young man that has always had his priorities straight. He is an individual who never shied away from competition or hard work. His work ethic always exceeds expectations. Cohl is a multiple sport student-athlete who always gives 100% in the classroom, weight room and field of play. He is a very quiet young man who leads by example. Cohl Mercado is pound for pound one of the top players to walk the halls of St. Joseph Academy. He will be deeply missed. As his coach I am beyond proud of his accomplishments and that Cohl will continue his education and athletic opportunities at Boston College on a baseball scholarship.
Coach: Paul Sacco, Jr.
Athletic Director: Anne Marie Mercado
Braylon was chosen because he exemplifies what we want in the Vineland High School Football Program. Braylon was an outstanding player for us and a leader on our team. He was named captain for his senior year. Even though his senior year was cut short due to an injury, he was always there trying leading the team and giving his wisdom to the younger players in the program. We're looking forward to seeing him contribute at the next level. Due to his excellent academic performance over his last four years, Braylon will be playing for The College of New Jersey the next four years. The Blakely Family has had major contributions over the last 10 years to help the Vineland Football Program have some very great years. Braylon is the fourth Blakely to play at VHS in those years.
Coach: Dan Russo
Athletic Director: Donnie Robbins
Ernie is the epitome of hard work and dedication. He never came off the field no matter what. Leading tackler. Tremendous scholar-athlete.
Coach: Ken Loomis
Athletic Director: Steven Lerch
Bryson is one of the top students at WHS and also a top linebacker in the State of NJ. He has emerged into a great leader and example for the students in our community. His high academic marks and moral character is a testament to the inner drive he possesses. He is an exemplar of what a student-athlete should be.
Coach: Stephen Everette
Athletic Director Tonda Seals
Matt is a hard working young man in and out of the classroom. From the first time he stepped foot in the weight room as an 8th grader it was all business. He is a 3 time letter winner, 2 time team captain, and all conference player. I am excited to see what the future holds for this young man.
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