Sofilkanich hoping to establish change at New Brunswick

When Don Sofilkanich was an offensive and defensive coordinator for New Brunswick in 2002-06 under head coach John Quinn, the Zebras went 51-7 with three sectional titles. Since Quinn left in 2009, the Zebras have gone 2-36.

This season, Sofilkanich, who has taught at New Brunswick for the past 12 years, returns to the Zebras as their fourth head coach in the last six years after turning around an Asbury Park program who was once 1-9.

"I think you have to first establish discipline," said Sofilkanich. "Once you establish that, the rest will fall into place. A big part is doing all the little things and we talk about that every day."

Sofilkanich has already started doing things his way, changing the helmet style of the Zebras, changing where they practice, and even change the weight room to his liking.

Change will certainly be a good thing for the Zebras, who have struggled to find an identity after being so dominant in years past.

"The whole thing was that we needed change," said Sofilkanich. "We needed a change and we need to embrace that change. We're looking forward to having a bright future here and we need to embrace all of it."

Maurice Ffrench will lead the charge for the Zebras, as the junior will look to be the "diamond in the rough" of a hungry Zebras team.

"Maurice is a very versatile athlete," said Sofilkanich. "We're going to be creative and find ways to get him the ball. He's a good player, a hard worker and those are the things that are important."

Ffrench has noticed a change in his team since Sofilkanich has taken charge. The junior has seen some bad times during his high school career, but he's ready to turn over a new leaf as a new regime takes the helm.

"I can say that we're more focused on actually playing football," said Ffrench of his team. "Our previous years we never really conditioned or focused and it was like we were joking all the time. Now it's more serious."

Sofilkanich's tactics have already rubbed off on the Zebras, and he has already seen the difference in this year's team as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.

"I think we have some good kids, I wouldn't have taken this job if we didn't," said Sofilkanich. "We just have to build a program and it all comes down to discipline and what the chain of command is within the program."

The on-the-field pressure will rest on the shoulders of Ffrench, as he is the focal point in an offense that has struggled in season before. While it may not happen right away, Ffrench knows that the team has set lofty goals for themselves.

"I want to win opening day against J.F. Kennedy so everyone can notice that New Brunswick is back," said Ffrench. "We're striving for a championship, but we're trying to get better every day too because to win you have to start from the bottom."

NEW BRUNSWICK

About the Zebras

Head coach: Don Sofilkanich, first season (57-29).

Assistants: Nate Harris (defensive coordinator); Phil Macho (special teams coordinator); Shawn Simmons (defensive backs, wide receivers); Jermaine Terrell (inside linebackers, running backs); RJ Davis (offensive linebackers, running backs); Garrett Cogger (defensive line, offensive line).

Stadium: Memorial Stadium (grass).

Colors: Blue and white

Classification: Central Group IV.

Offensive formation: Wing-T

Defensive formation: 4-4.

Last year: (1-9 overall, 0-8 GMC Blue): South Plainfield 47-13 (L), Woodbridge 41-12 (L), Colonia 48-14 (L), Carteret 45-14 (L), J.F. Kennedy 60-13 (L), Bishop Ahr 39-6 (L), Perth Amboy 39-13 (L), St. Joseph 40-13 (L), Matawan 42-6 (L), Hightstown 21-14 (W).

2014 schedule: Sept. 12 at J.F. Kennedy, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19 South Plainfield, 7 p.m.; Sept. 26 at Carteret, 7 p.m.; Oct. 3 Bishop Ahr, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 at Woodbridge, 7 p.m.; Oct. 17 Perth Amboy, 7 p.m.; Oct. 24 at Freehold Township, 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 31 Colonia, 7 p.m.; Nov. 7 St. Joseph, 7 p.m.

RETURNING LEADERS

THE SKINNY

Returning starters: Travon Blakey (Jr., 6-0, 175, QB-DB); Maurice Ffrench (Jr., 6-0, 190, RB-DB); Samad Davilla (Jr., 6-0, 200, RB-LB); C.J. Hernandez (Jr., 5-10, 170, RB-DB); Mohammed Bangura (Jr., 6-2, 215, TE-DE); Samuel Pierce (Sr., 6-3, 260, OT/DT); Savier Rosario (Sr., 5-11, 185, RB-LB); Edwin Aguliera (6-1, 190, QB-LB).

Key losses: Juwan Haney (WR-DB)

Top newcomers: Josimar Contrerres (Jr., RB-LB); Osei Emmanuel (Jr., DE-LB); Chris Revon (So., TE-DE); Mike Nazario (Sr., OL-DL).