Football time

"Official" football practice begins Monday around the state.

I've talked to about a dozen of our coaches to get an early idea of what they have back.

Virtually every school -- no matter the size -- has had some kind of practice since school ended in June. Whether it was 7-on-7 scrimmages or team camps, teams have been drilling.

Immaculata, which won the state Group III non-public title last December, went 12-0 last year. If you could find a club that will challenge the Spartans in the regular season, please let me know. My guess is defending Central Jersey Group IV champ Hunterdon Central. The Spartans won't see them until November 2.

Hunterdon Central did lose Courier News Offensive Player of the Year Mike Weisel and special teams star Kevin Alparone, but the Red Devils have a lot back. Receiver Dan Fitzsimmons caught six touchdown passes last year and returns. Tight end/linebacker Garrett Thul, linebacker Mike Diehl and linebacker/running back Anthony Toresco are back after experiencing a championship title at Rutgers Stadium. Derek Goreczny, a senior corner/wideout returned an interception 47 yards for a score. The Red Devils will be out to unseat four-time defending Skyland East Division champion Phillipsburg.

Bridgewater-Raritan returned Friday from a team camp at Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pa. The Panthers had 70 players between the 10th and 12th grades participate. First-year coach Scott Bray is a Lycoming College graduate. Bridgewater-Raritan went 2-8 last year under outgoing coach Tony Maglione, who is now helping out New Brunswick head coach John Quinn.

Bound Brook has had a busy summer. The Crusaders are coming off a 8-2 season with their first playoff berth since 1978. Senior wide receiver Deven Baker has been offered a scholarship at Temple University and senior Erron Banks has been offered at Towson State. Bound Brook will scrimmage Cardinal McCarrick, Metuchen and Hawthorne.

After a 2-8 season, Bernards will be a team to watch. The Mountaineers have senior quarterback Tony Barone back. Bernards did win two of its last three. They have a ton of players back.

Hillsborough also won two of its last three with a young team. Senior Rocco Mazzagatti, a three-year starter, may be the best lineman in the Skyland Conference. Junior quarterback Mike Daly also returns after earning the job as last year went on. Hillsborough finished 3-7.

Franklin coach Lou Solomon will attempt to get the Warriors out to a better start this year. Franklin did beat Bridgewater-Raritan in its opener, but lost the next three. Versatile senior Gavin Roberts, who has announced his intention of playing at Purdue, will be a fun player to watch. Brian Thompson (cornerback/running back) and Jimmy Ray Ragland (LB/FB) are among the other leaders. Franklin went 5-5 a year ago.

North Plainfield lost quite a few players, but it does return three senior playmakers in Yahad Cobb (OLB/FB/K/P), Devaughn George (SL/HB/DB) and quarterback Bilal Jones. Junior lineman Tyson Chandler is a player with potential and size. He's 6-foot-6, 335 pounds.

Montgomery is a team that may be bound for the top of my sleeper list. The Cougars lost their last three games in '06 and finished 3-7. But quarterback Kevin Watson is back along with tight end Cris Garcia, speedy sophomore receiver JT Tartacoff and senior linebacker Alex Colarusso. Watson is most likely headed to play at the Division I-AA level next year.

It would be unwise to discount Somerville. The Pioneers had a "disappointing" 7-3 season last year missing te Central Jersey Group II playoffs with senior star back Mason Robinson, quarterback Dan DiLella and lineman Len Rutledge. Robinson is now at Rutgers and DiLella is at Albany. Somerville has a first-year coach in Greg Arakelian, who replaces longtime coach Kevin Carty Sr. Senior Steve Robinson, a receiver last year, will head to quarterback. Junior back Williams Watson and senior fullback St. Claire Watson are players to watch on offense. Junior wide receiver Mike Naples caught three touchdown passes last year.

More tomorrow....