By Josh Lashley
West Milford — Regardless of whether they were competing at a championship level or had some rough times in the recent past, more often than not, a sports team has high hopes heading into a brand new season.
But, to make those dreams of prosperity a reality, a team is well advised to understand that each practice, workout and scrimmage is a valuable opportunity to build toward a positive future.
The West Milford High School football program, including the coaching staff and the student-athletes on the roster seem to fully comprehend this notion-and that may serve them well in the long term.
Steve Maslanek, in his first year at the helm as head coach welcomes back a large group of varsity tested players. Maslanek takes over for Don Dougherty.
The Highlanders finished with an overall record of 3-7 in 2017 and they are scheduled to begin the regular season with a home game versus Indian Hills on Friday night Aug. 31.
Key players returnKey returning players for West Milford include Zack Milko (senior, quarterback/defensive end), Ryan Coyle (senior, wide receiver/line backer), Dan DiMinno (senior, wide receiver/tight end/line backer), Adam Rust (senior, wide receiver/defensive back), Brandon Sanchez (senior, running back/defensive back), Ryan Pomeroy (senior, wide receiver/defensive back), Joe Desanno (senior, offensive line/defensive line), Sean Kuhn (senior, offensive line/line backer), Ray Gorny (senior, offensive line/line backer), Noah Walker (senior, offensive line/defensive line), Greg Maroquin (senior, wide receiver/defensive back), Joseph Heisler (senior, offensive line/line backer) and Kevin Schaeffer (senior, tight end/defensive end).
Newcomers looking to contribute on the varsity lineup include Brandon Peters (senior, running back/defensive back), Mike Toro (senior, wide receiver/defensive back), Patrick Lebart (senior, wide receiver/defensive back), Ryan Zeppetelli (junior, offensive line/defensive line), Brandon Cerone (junior, running back/defensive back), Luis Veliz (junior, offensive line/defensive line), Phil Strina (junior, offensive line/defensive line) and Billy Egan (junior, wide receiver/defensive back).
“Captains for the 2018 Season are Zack Milko, Dan DiMinno, Ray Gorny and Ryan Coyle,’’ Maslanek said. “I would like to see us improve each week, and take it game by game. Our team goal this year is to get back to the playoffs.
“I look at us as a spoiler. We have a ton of returning players, and a few have been playing since their sophomore year. There is a lot of talent on this team, and if we can stay healthy I think we can surprise some people this year. Everyone in our Division is a team to beat.’’