When asked about the key losses from a year ago, Rich Ward, the first–year coach for Marlboro, said he didn’t know. That was the past, and Ward was looking forward.

Marlboro finished 2-7 and ended the season with a 42-12 semifinal loss to Highland in the Section 9, Class B tournament. In the second quarter of that game, Marlboro sent the Huskies into a temporary panic coming back with 12 points after being down 14-0.
At the center of Marlboro’s final flourish was six-foot, five-inch Maxx Faircloth, who picked up a 15-yard reception. Faircloth graduated along with his ability to make a big play.

Ward, a 1995 Marlboro grad, replaced Bob Koonz, who spent 13 years as head coach and who will now spend the 2010 season as an assistant in Wallkill.

Ward, though, starts the season with Ben Cary, an aggressive senior who will play running back and linebacker.

“Ben Cary is a good linebacker,” said Ward.

In the backfield, Cary will be paired with TJ Henderson, also a senior who will play linebacker. Vinny Porcelli, a senior, will be the quarterback, and he’ll have seniors Alex Baglieri, Tyler Peck, Russ Pernal and Gerry Kennedy to throw the ball to. That quartet will also play in the defensive backfield along with juniors John Gallo, Matt Orszewski, Willie Brown and Mike Tamburri, also wide receivers. Mike Schoonmaker, a junior, could see time as quarterback and in the backfield.

Seniors John Lamela, Nick Lamela, Mike Cavazza and Matt Gekakis will play both defensive and offensive lines along with junior Mike Tomanelli and sophomore Darren Olympia. Charlie Gent, a senior, will play linebacker and wide receiver. Seniors Frank Harpolis and Teddy Harpolis will play linebacker and Matt Cook, a junior, will play tight-end and defensive end.

Ward, who was Cornwall’s defensive coordinator in 2006 during their Class A state title bid, doesn’t see just one player making a contribution on the team, he expects everybody to help.

“We’re going to have a very balanced attack,” he said.

By Bond Brungard
sports@tcnewspapers.com