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South Plainfield football family overcame outsider rift to become sectional finalist

Greg Tufaro
@GregTufaro
Gary Cassio


Before Gary Cassio could create a family atmosphere within the South Plainfield High School football team, he needed a dispute between members outside the program to be resolved.

“We stress that we are a family here,” said Cassio, a fifth-year head coach who has positioned South Plainfield to win its first sectional title when the Tigers face three-time defending champion Rumson-Fair Haven in the Central Group III final at Rutgers University’s High Point Solutions Stadium on Saturday.

“People say that, but we really stress that. Not one person is more important than the other. We are a very balanced team. We’re not star-studded. There’s not a selfish kid on the team. We are by far not the biggest group, and we are by far not the fastest. We have a blue-collar, no-name team. They love what they do and they love playing for each other.”

South Plainfield’s journey to the sectional final began five years ago with the resolution of a not previously publicized disagreement between the teachers union, representing a faction that did not want a coach from outside the district to be hired, and an administrator who fervently believed Cassio, a highly respected borough police detective, was the right man to replace Phlip McGuane, the school’s revered longtime head coach.

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“We had to make a change, and I thought Gary was the right guy at that time,” said recently retired South Plainfield Athletics Director Al Czech, noting the Tigers finished a combined 9-31 during the last four of McGuane’s 18 seasons.

“I lived in South Plainfield and always thought of Gary (a lifelong borough resident) as a really good person, so it was an easy thing for me because of my respect for him as a young man. He was coaching our middle school team (prior to the 2012 campaign) and I thought that would make a good transition. He knew most of the kids that were coming up.”

South Plainfield Education Association President Diana Joffe said Cassio’s hiring “was controversial” but “had nothing to do with Gary personally.”

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“He’s a great guy and certainly, professionally, he was qualified. In our contract, however, the money that we bargain from the board for coaches and teachers is our pot of money. Naturally, as the president of the teachers association – and I remember the teachers who wanted that money to go to a teacher – our problem wasn’t with Gary. The problem was hiring out of the district without giving the teachers in our district the chance, so that was our concern.”

Cassio, owner of a 28-23 career record, including an 8-3 mark this season that is South Plainfield’s best since it last reached a sectional final nearly a decade ago, “has done a great job,” Joffe said.

“We’ve had a great experience with him, and we’re glad he’s here,” Joffe said of Cassio, one of five public school mentors in the 24-team Greater Middlesex Conference that does not teach in the district where he is a head football coach.

“He’s done a great job with the kids. Me, personally, as a high school teacher, if I had a problem, he’s been very good, very supportive. It’s education first, football second.”

South Plainfield quarterback Charles Lovett scrambles against Ewing in the Central Jersey Group III football playoff semifinal in Ewing on Fri. Nov. 18, 2016.

Cassio is already the third winningest mentor and fourth-longest tenured head coach in school history. South Plainfield has had 11 football coaches during its 61 seasons. Only McGuane (73-105 from 1994 to 2011) and Phil Graham (61-42-5 from 1963 to 1974) have more victories.

After ending the school’s four-year playoff drought as a rookie head coach in 2012, Cassio has guided the Tigers to three more postseason appearances, all after the NJSIAA expanded its format from four groups to five. With a victory on Dec. 3, South Plainfield can tie the school's single-season record for victories, which the undefeated 1965 team established while limiting nine opponents to a total of just four touchdowns.

Any points South Plainfield might register against Rumson-Fair Haven would be the first for the program in a championship game as the Tigers have been outscored 50-0 in their three other sectional final appearances. They lost 21-0 to Wall in the 1982 Central Group III final, 9-0 to Shore Regional in the 1988 Central Group II final and 20-0 to Newark West Side in the 2007 North 2 Group III final.

South Plainfield, which entered this season with just five playoff victories in school history, has outscored two postseason opponents 53-6 to reach the Group III final (the 2007 team is the only other to win two postseason games).

The Tigers endured a stunning 39-21 upset on Thanksgiving Day at the hands of North Plainfield (3-7), which has won 13 of the past 14 meetings between the border rivals.

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak during which South Plainfield limited opponents to a combined three touchdowns. The Tigers, who take tremendous pride in their defense, under the meticulous direction of coordinator Mike Jakubik, did not allow more than two touchdowns in any of their victories this season. Jakubik's unit has recorded 19 sacks (Austin Fritze has a team-high six), six interceptions and four fumble recoveries.

South Plainfield will face a Rumson-Fair Haven (8-3) team that is similarly defense-oriented, having limited opponents to two or fewer scores in each of its last six games. Neither the Tigers nor the Bulldogs allowed an offensive touchdown in their respective regular-season meetings with Carteret, which opened the season with a five-game winning streak during which it averaged a league-leading 400-plus yards from scrimmage. Carteret lost 35-6 to Rumson-Fair Haven and 10-0 to South Plainifeld. The Ramblers are the lone common opponent between the Central Group III finalists.

“We are going to be heavy underdogs,” Cassio said of Saturday's championship game. “Let’s call it what it is. We are going to prepare and not lay down for anybody. When we are a full team and healthy, we are a very good football team, and we can play with anybody.”

The Tigers have had to overcome injuries to versatile offensive performer Charlie Lovett and team-leading tackler Dillon Harris (68), both of who were sidelined at different points of the season with high ankle sprains. Mike DeAngelis, another invaluable performer as a receiver and safety, also played banged up this year. Injuries to Harris and Lovett created a domino effect, where players such as Ryan Stankan had to move from outside to inside linebacker.

“When Charlie was out, Ryan did a great job,” Cassio said of South Plainfield quarterback Ryan Marston, who has completed 42 of 80 passes for 667 yards. “He’s a great leader. He manages the offense like no other. He’s very vocal and he’s tough as nails. Charlie is going to spell him (at quarterback with a wildcat look). That gives us a little thunder and lightning. We’re probably going to run a two-quarterback system, but under center it’s going to be Ryan.”

South Plainfield’s unheralded offensive line and diminutive blocking back Ben Lundy, who weighs 165 pounds, have allowed bruising sophomore running back Zach DelVecchio to blossom into a 1,000-yard rusher.

(SPORTS)             10/07/16          So. Plainfield, NJ
South Plainfield’s Ryan Stankan (24) carries the ball during first half action against St. Joe’s on Friday night in So. Plainfield.

BRI EST 1008 FB St. Joseph at South Plainfield I

“He’s one of the most consistent and solid kids I have,” Cassio said of Lundy, an upperclassmen who doubles as an outside linebacker. “He plays every down. We go nowhere without a kid like Ben Lundy.”

Cassio said Lundy and the rest of the senior class, who dress in the locker room with the middle school and sub-varsity programs, lead by example on and off the field, providing continuity that has enabled the Tigers to sustain graduation as part of scholastic sports’ cyclical nature.

“The seniors are showing these kids the way it’s done,” Cassio said. “The way you are supposed to get out to practice on time, to not be lazy and the way you are supposed to act. It’s the little things. I give our seniors all the credit in the world.”

With the exception of Jean Sapini (leading receiver with 513 yards and six touchdowns), return specialist Deshai Smith (536 return yards and three touchdowns), Lovett (836 all-purpose yards) and DelVecchio (1,057 rushing yards and nine touchdowns), the Tigers haven't exactly posted gaudy offensive numbers.

Cassio said he has always had a difficult time deciphering who should receive an allotted six postseason awards during the team’s year-end banquet, but that his current group will make the task particularly challenging later this month.

“Who is to say (one player) is more important than another?” Cassio said. “What do I say about the scout kids preparing us every week? They are just as important because they are getting us ready and they are taking a beating.”

Cassio perceives himself more as a manager than a strategist, delegating and entrusting responsibilities to competent assistants who he believes, along with the players, are responsible for South Plainfield’s success. The staff and players have embraced the team’s mantra.

“Do your job and don’t do anybody else’s,” Cassio said. “We have to work as a cohesive unit. I’ve got to give these (assistants) all the credit. I let them do their thing. I’ve always had a good coaching staff under me.”

MyCentralJersey.com football analyst Marcus Borden, an NJSIAA and New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame mentor, whose trademark was attention to detail as a veteran coach of 30 seasons, said he is most impressed with the preparation of Cassio and his staff.

“I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of South Plainfield’s (annual) preseason practice scrimmage with Middlesex (each of the last three years), and the attention to detail by the coaching staff impressed me tremendously about Coach Cassio and his ability to run his program," Borden said. "Everything is well-scripted and well-organized. There is a tremendous amount of respect from the players for their program and their coach. The message (the staff) imparts upon their players is no one on that team is bigger than the others.”

Cassio said he received “dozens and dozens” of texts from former players after South Plainfield blanked Ewing to reach a sectional final for only the fourth time in school history. The communication, he says, illustrates that “it’s a family atmosphere here,” not just within the program, but throughout the borough.

“Everybody is ecstatic,” Cassio said of South Plainfield, a wrestling town that has caught football fever. “Everywhere we go, everybody is pulling for us. They are excited.”

For Czech, watching the South Plainfield football family’s success from afar confirms his belief in Cassio.

“The kids that he has right now, they really believe in him,” Czech said. “I’m so happy for him, because he’s deserving of all this.”

CENTRAL GROUP III

SOUTH PLAINFIELD (8-3) VS. RUMSON (8-3)

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where: High Point Solutions Stadium, Rutgers University.

South Plainfield game-by-game: Defeated Perth Amboy 33-14; J.P. Stevens 29-10; Woodbridge 15-12; North Brunswick 26-13; Lost to St. Joseph (Metuchen) 37-0; Colonia 28-20; Defeated Carteret 10-0; JFK-Iselin 16-13; Lawrence 27-6; Ewing 26-0;  Lost to North Plainfield 39-21.

South Plainfield statistical leaders: Ryan Martston (Sr., QB/LB., 47-84-706 yards passing, 52 total tackles); Charles Lovett (Jr., QB., 26-44-301 yards passing, 76-562 yards, 6 TDs rushing); Deshai Smith (Sr., Utility.  36-410, 1 TD rushing, 11-188, 1 TD receiving, 2 INTs); Zach DelVecchio (So., RB/LB., 177-1,107 9 TDs, 45 total tackles); Jean Sapini (Sr., TE., 36-545, 6 TDs, DL, 63 total tackles);  Ryan Stankan (Sr., WR/LB., 11-101, 35 total tackles); Mike DeAngelis (Sr., DB., 3 INTs, 56 total tackles); Austin Fritze (Sr., DL., 7 sacks). 

Rumson-Fair Haven game-by-game: Defeated Raritan 41-0; Holmdel 49-0; Lost to Middletown South 14-13; Defeated Matawan 27-0; Lost to St. John Vianney 28-3; Defeated Red Bank 24-7; Monmouth 42-0; Carteret 35-6; Cranford 23-13; Somerville 21-13; Lost to Shore 14-7.

Rumson-Fair Haven statistical leaders:  Mike O’Connor (Sr., QB., 35-72-413 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT passing, 85-619 10 TDs rushing); Mike Ruane (Sr., LB, 112 total tackles. 1 fumble recovery); Matt Vecchiarelli (Sr., RB., 199-1,080 12 TDs); Tyler Pierson (Sr., WR., 19-189, 3 TDs); Trevor Caruso (Sr., WR., 10-206. 2 TDs); Peter Lucas (Jr., RB., 25-258, 2 TDs); Alex Maldjian (So., RB., 26-192, 4 TDs); Liam Adams (Sr., DL., 63 total tackles, 4.5 sacks); Chase Pfrang (Jr., DL/LB., 64 total tackles, 7 sacks); Mike Murdock (Sr., DB., 86 total tackles, 3 INTs); James Melia (Sr., DB., 51 total tackles, 3 INTs); Keegan Woods (So., LB, 77 total tackles, 1 INT); Christian Lanzalotto (So., LB., 62 total tackles).

CENTRAL GROUP III FINAL SCOUTING REPORT FROM NJSIAA AND NJFCA HALL OF FAME COACH MARCUS BORDEN 

SOUTH PLAINFIELD (8-3) VS. RUMSON-FH (8-3)

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where: High Point Solutions Stadium, Rutgers University, Piscataway

Directions to field: Route 18 North into New Brunswick and along the Raritan River. Take the River Road exit and then make a right onto Sutphen Road about a mile down.

South Plainfield game-by-game: Defeated Perth Amboy 33-14; J.P. Stevens 29-10; Woodbridge 15-12; North Brunswick 26-13; Lost to St. Joseph (Metuchen) 37-0; Colonia 28-20; Defeated Carteret 10-0; JFK-Iselin 16-13; Lawrence 27-6; Ewing 26-0;  Lost to North Plainfield 39-21.

South Plainfield statistical leaders: Ryan Marston (Sr., QB/LB., 47-84-706 yards passing, 52 total tackles); Charles Lovett (Jr., QB., 26-44-301 yards passing, 76-562 yards, 6 TDs rushing); Deshai Smith (Sr., Utility.  36-410, 1 TD rushing, 11-188, 1 TD receiving, 2 INTs); Zach DelVecchio (So., RB/LB., 177-1,107 9 TDs, 45 total tackles); Jean Sapini (Sr., TE., 36-545, 6 TDs, DL, 63 total tackles); Ryan Stankan (Sr., WR/LB., 11-101, 35 total tackles); Mike DeAngelis (Sr., DB., 3 INTs, 56 total tackles); Austin Fritze (Sr., DL., 7 sacks).

South Plainfield sectional championships: None.

Rumson-Fair Haven game-by-game: Defeated Raritan 41-0; Holmdel 49-0; Lost to Middletown South 14-13; Defeated Matawan 27-0; Lost to St. John Vianney 28-3; Defeated Red Bank 24-7; Monmouth 42-0; Carteret 35-6; Cranford 23-13; Somerville 21-13; Lost to Shore 14-7.

Rumson-Fair Haven statistical leaders:  Mike O’Connor (Sr., QB., 35-72-413 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT passing, 85-619 10 TDs rushing); Mike Ruane (Sr., LB, 112 total tackles. 1 fumble recovery); Matt Vecchiarelli (Sr., RB., 199-1,080 12 TDs); Tyler Pierson (Sr., WR., 19-189, 3 TDs); Trevor Caruso (Sr., WR., 10-206. 2 TDs); Peter Lucas (Jr., RB., 25-258, 2 TDs); Alex Maldjian (So., RB., 26-192, 4 TDs); Liam Adams (Sr., DL., 63 total tackles, 4.5 sacks); Chase Pfrang (Jr., DL/LB., 64 total tackles, 7 sacks); Mike Murdock (Sr., DB., 86 total tackles, 3 INTs); James Melia (Sr., DB., 51 total tackles, 3 INTs); Keegan Woods (So., LB, 77 total tackles, 1 INT); Christian Lanzalotto (So., LB., 62 total tackles).

Rumson-Fair Haven sectional championships: Four.

Outlook:  On paper the Bulldogs are prohibitive favorites to capture their fourth consecutive title in as many years, joining the likes of other Shore Conference powers Manasquan (1988-2002) and Middletown South (2003-2006) as the only other teams to achieve this feat.

Their impressive defense has yielded less than a touchdown in 11 games while recording four shutouts. They stymied a high-power athletic Somerville team by controlling the clock and running the football. Matt Vecchiarelli, the Bulldogs' leading rusher, epitomizes the team’s mentality which is be physical and never give up. It fits perfectly with a program that has won 11 consecutive playoff games while forcing their opponents to turn over the football by gang tackling and pressuring the quarterback. Rumson-Fair Haven expects to win, period.

Luckily for South Plainfield, games are won on the playing field and not on paper or some computer game. Quietly, the Tigers went about their business under the radar as GMC White Division opponents St. Joseph’s of Metuchen and Carteret garnered the early attention as they looked to be on a collision course as potentially undefeated combatants for a late October Saturday afternoon match-up. Little did we know that South Plainfield had other plans as they blanked the Ramblers 10-0 at “The Pit”, their beloved hometown stadium the week prior.

These blue-collar Tigers just might be the twin brothers of their Shore counterparts. Zach DelVecchio is not a flashy runner, he barrels forward punishing would-be-tacklers that get in his way. That was obvious as he bullied the more athletic Ewing defense that wanted no part of him as the game wore on.

Interesting enough, South Plainfield followed a similar game plan that Rumson-Fair Haven used against Somerville, which was control the clock, run the ball and sprinkle in some play action pass to move the chains and score. A ball control offense enhances the defense’s chances when the other team is forced out of their comfort zone which then leads to turnovers. The Tigers shut out a no-huddle wide open Ewing offense with a great defensive plan too.

South Plainfield in my estimation may have an x-factor that could go as long way in determining what I believe will be a heavy weight boxing match between two teams with similar philosophies. The dual-headed monster is the quarterbacks Ryan Marston and Charles Lovett. They both bring something to the table that could potentially be the difference maker in determining the outcome of this contest. As coach Gary Cassio likes to call them, Thunder and Lightning, could throw the defense a curve ball if they both line up in the back field.