Ryan's injury forces others on South River to step up

A season-ending injury to senior running back Doug Ryan, an incumbent Home News Tribune first-team All-Area selection and one of the state's best players, will challenge the offensive creativity of South River head coach Rich Marchesi, renowned for running gadget plays.

"I don't know if you can figure it out," Marchesi said of revamping the offense in Ryan's absence.

"You're taking 25 to 30 touchdowns off the board, and possibly 2,000 yards, which is not easy. It's a challenge, and I'm looking forward to it."

The defending Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division champions, who were favored to repeat before Ryan broke his leg in a tri-scrimmage last month, isn't left without weapons.

South River still has plenty of veteran talent on offense with quarterback Nick Lepore, fullback Cyrus Bird, tight end Sean Darrar and tackle Richie LeoGrande.

Slot back and receiver Khaliyl Everett, a transfer from Edison who will also start at linebacker, will be more involved in the offensive game plan, along with the rest of the skill position players, as a result of Ryan's injury.

"He's still going to be there (at his original positions), but he's going to get some touches from tailback," Marchesi said of Everett, who he described as a scat back. "He's got great moves and great speed."

Darrar will get more involved in the offense, playing some fullback, tailback and slot. Bird is going to get more carries. Lepore will also be counted on to throw the ball more often.

"Offensively," Marchesi said, "it's going to be a little bit by committee."

Ryan's injury left the Rams temporarily deflated. On the same morning that Ryan underwent surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University in New Brunswick, less than 24 hours after breaking his leg, Marchesi met with his players.

"Our first time back on Friday morning, when we got into the (team) meeting, they all were kind of waiting to see what I was going to say," recalled Marchesi, whose message was simple.

"The sun came up today, the world did not end," Marchesi said he told his players. "We have a good football team. We are going to make a few changes, but we are going to move forward."

The absence of Ryan, who rushed for 1,284 yards and 20 touchdowns, despite missing two games with an ankle injury last season, makes the division title race a free-for-all with at least four teams having a legitimate chance to dethrone the defending champions.

Ryan broke his leg on the final play of a 10-play sequence against Princeton. After catching a screen pass and cutting against the grain, Ryan rambled nearly 70 yards before getting dragged down with a horse-collar tackle, on which the Princeton defender drew a flag.

Marchesi said he pulled his team off the field after Ryan's injury and boarded the bus. Assistant coach Mike Lepore Jr. said one could hear a pin drop on the ride home.

"For one of the best players in the GMC to go down," Marchesi said, "it's terrible."

Lepore will take over at safety, filling the vacancy created with Ryan's injury, while Pacheco will also play some downs there, as well.

Defense and special teams will play a vital role in South River's success. The punting of LeoGrande and the kicking of Brandon Pacheco can pin opponents deep.

The Rams' stellar defense will also help win the field position battle, giving the offense shorter distance to travel in the absence of their workhorse back.

"I think that's going to be our strength," Marchesi said. "We are going to just keep harping on that."

SOUTH RIVER

About the Rams

Coach: Rich Marchesi, 28th season (184-93-2).

Assistants: Matt Musante (defensive coordinator, offensive line, defensive line), Mike Lepore Jr. (quarterbacks, defensive backs, special teams), Joe Young (running backs, outside linebackers, defensive ends), Bob Young (quarterbacks, secondary, punters/kickers), Mike Feaster (safeties, junior varsity).

Stadium: William C. Denny Stadium (grass).

Colors: Maroon and gray.

Classification: Central Group I.

Offensive formation: Multiple.

Defensive formation: Multiple.

Last year (8-2 overall, 6-0 GMC Blue): Highland Park 35-6 (W), Metuchen 28-3 (W), Keansburg 48-6 (W), Shore 45-0 (L), Dunellen 22-18 (W), Keyport 28-27 (W), Cardinal McCarrick Forfeit (W), Spotswood 14-3 (W), Middlesex 21-13 (W), Asbury Park 42-7 (L).

2014 schedule: Sept. 13 at Metuchen, 1 p.m.; Sept. 20 Keyport, 1 p.m.; Sept. 27, Middlesex, 1 p.m.; Oct. 4 at Keansburg, 1 p.m.; Oct. 11 Mater Dei, 1 p.m.; Oct. 18 at Spotswood, 1 p.m.; Oct. 24 at Shore, 7 p.m.; Oct. 31 at Dunellen, 7 p.m.; Nov. 8 Highland Park, 1 p.m.

RETURNING LEADERS

THE SKINNY

Returning starters: Brandon Pacheco, (Sr., 5-8, 160, WR-CB-K), Sean Darrar, (Sr., 5-11, 195, TE-MLB), Jared Smith, (Sr., 6-1, 170, WR-CB), Nick Lepore (Sr., 5-9, 175, QB-S), Cyrus Byrd (Sr., 5-11, 200, FB-DE), James Hart (Jr., 5-9, 170, RB-OLB), Doug Ryan (Sr., 5-11, 200, RB-FS), Richard LeoGrande (Sr., 6-2, 215, OL-DE), Kyle Bird (Sr., 5-10, 205, C-DE), Justin Garay (Sr., 6-0, 230, OL-DL).

Key losses: Mark Alston (WR-S); Hunter Wolff (WR-CB); Rui Almeida (OT-DT); Xhemajl Camaj (OG-MLB); Tyler Hill (OT-DT); Shane Ciesielski (FB-OLB); Marcio Correia (WR-OLB-K); Tyron Suydam (RB-CB).

Top newcomers: Mario Nigro (Jr., RB-CB), Anthony Bonasante (Jr., OL-DT), Khaliyl Everett (Jr., HB-MLB).