Woodbridge coach Joe LaSala steps down

After six seasons at the helm of the Woodbridge football program, head coach Joe LaSala resigned last night, confirming the news this morning to Central Jersey Sports Radio.

LaSala says he plans to meet with with his team on Friday to talk about his decision.

“I’ve worked every single day for the last six years, and just recently had my first daughter,” LaSala said.

LaSala was 37-20 in his time as the Barrons’ head coach. Debuting with a 5-5 season in 2018, Woodbridge followed that up with a 10-1 campaign in 2019 – its best season under LaSala – which featured a trip to the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 finals. The Barrons lost in the title game at Northern Highlands.

LaSala played high school ball at Colonia – one of three high schools in the Woodbridge school district – for his father, Ben LaSala, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Next year’s team will bring back starting quarterback Derek Anderson, who last year threw for 1,750 yards and 21 touchdowns. Two of their top three rushers return, in Jamier Beal (593 yrds, 6 TD) and Kyle Anderson (328 yds, 6 TD), while top receiver Bryan Anderson (30 catches, 524 yds, 4 TD) is also back. All are seniors.

On defense, the top three tacklers are all back: Bryan Anderson (65 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 INT) and Jose Tejierio (64 tackles) – both seniors – and Ian Roberts (68 tackles, 1 fumble recovery), who will be a junior.