Raiders Football Set For Challenge of New Section

The football team lost a number of key players to graduation last year. The most noticeable loss is at quarterback with John Von Nessen now at Penn State, where he will play lacrosse. Second-year Raiders head coach Kevin Carty Jr. expects to go with a two-quarterback rotation. Sophomore Ed Trimpert, who last year led the freshman team to an undefeated season, and junior Andrew Zitel will split time under center during Friday's opening game at Phillipsburg. Zitel, who was a started at wide receiver last year, will pull double duty at both positions.

The Raiders this year move up into the newly created Central Jersey, Group V section, in which it will battle for a playoff spot. During the regular season schedule, the Raiders add perennial powerhouses Elizabeth and Westfield to their schedule, who replace Ridge and Watchung Hills.

LAST SEASON'S RESULTS

The Raiders finished their 2011 season with a 4-6 record while qualifying for the NJSIAA postseason for the first time since 2005. They fell to South Brunswick, 63-14, in the Central Jersey, Group IV first round.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

John Banaciski–The senior running back was named as last year's Somerset County Player of the Year, rushing for 1,551 yards, 445 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. In addition to his duties at running back, Banaciski will be expected to play defensive back and contribute on the kick return team.

David Dudek–The senior is expected to lead the defensive line.

Nico Mukendi, Mike Williams, Cedric Small–The trio of newcomers is expected to provide depth and big plays at the wide receiver position.

THEY WILL BE MISSED

John Von Nessen, QB–Last year's starting quarterback is attending Penn
State University, playing lacrosse.

Andrew Kincaid, OL–Mulhenberg playing football.

Owen Thomson, OL–Sacred Heart University playing lacrosse.

Chris Giradi, WR–Last year's leading wide receiver is now attending University of Rhode Island.

Dominick Picarillo, LB–Attending Misericordia and playing football.

Erick Acosta, LB–Attending Raritan Valley

James Stavrakis, LB–SUNY Cortland playing lacrosse.

Greg Zotian, OL/DL–Attending Misericordia and playing football.

COACHES TAKE

“All of our returning players have come back this year looking better and
stronger. We have a tough schedule but we're ready.” – head coach Kevin Carty
Jr.

THEY SAID IT

"We lost some starters on the offensive line but the new guys coming up are looking real good" - senior center Alex Duncan.

UP NEXT - The Raiders open their season at Phillipsburg Friday at 7 p.m.

2012 RAIDERS SCHEDULE
(Schedule May Change As Season Progresses. The Team Posts Its Schedule Here)

• Sept. 7, at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 14, vs. Westfield, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 21, vs. Bridgewtaer-Raritan, 7 p.m.
• Sept. 28, at Elizabeth, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 5 vs. Hunterdon Central, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 12 at Union, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 19 vs. Montgomery, 7 p.m.
• Oct. 26 vs. North Hunterdon, 7 p.m.
• Nov. 3 at Franklin, 1 p.m.

2012 RAIDERS ROSTER 

COACHING STAFF