Ask any high school football coach around the country. Changing to a new offense requires hours of planning and many more hours of practice.
But installing a brand-new offense and defense in the same offseason, all with a once-in-a-century pandemic limiting every interaction?
Woof.
After working out the early-season kinks of a Multiple offense and odd-front defense, Sayreville (4-4) rode a three-game winning streak to a .500 record and a tie for second place in Big Central Division 5B, where the Bombers hope their new formations will lead to another era of success.
Sayreville won just one of its first four games, but close losses to No. 4 North Brunswick and Edison were a sign of wins to come. Surely enough, the Bombers strung together victories over New Brunswick, East Brunswick, and Linden in the second half of the season, and the new-look defense held its opponents to an average of just nine points-per-game over that span.
Sayreville’s transition from a Spread offense to multiple offensive looks, including the Wing-T, better suited the Bombers’ current quarterback situation, according to head coach Chris Beagan. There are dual-threat quarterbacks in the town’s system, and this year’s platoon starters — junior Timmy Mayer and sophomore Michael Colonnello —lacked experience leading the Spread at the varsity level.
The Wing-T also allowed Sayreville to incorporate its long list of skill-position athletes. 14 different players produced offensive yardage. Senior RB Janiel Taveras led the team with 393 total yards. Taveras, senior WR Javiion Simmon, and junior RB Rodney Acquah each recorded three rushing touchdowns.
Taveras and Beagan spoke to Central Jersey Sports Radio about the season. Click below to hear their comments:
Senior RB Janiel Taveras
Head Coach Chris Beagan