The 2019 high school football season was not a memorable one for the Tigers of Memorial High School.
The Tigers suffered through a 1-8 campaign, including four lopsided losses to end the season.
Because of the Tigers struggling in terms of participation numbers as well as wins and losses, the school made the decision to enter the New Jersey Super Football Conference’s new Ivy League.
The SFC Ivy League was designed to help like programs that were having a tough time being competitive. The Ivy League will include Hudson County programs like Dickinson and Ferris as well (teams that will be featured in next week’s editions).
“I think it’s important for a program like ours,” said Memorial head coach Stefano “Bear” Calderana, who enters his sixth season as the Tigers’ head coach. “Our participation numbers were low, dropping from 20-to-25. We needed to ignite a little energy into our program and make it appealing to play football in West New York again.”
So the Tigers have taken a two-year flier on playing in the Ivy League beginning this season, which begins Friday, Oct. 2 against Dickinson.
“Hopefully, we will move in a different direction,” Calderana said of the Ivy League, which places teams of the same plight against each other, but does not allow them to qualify for the NJSIAA state playoffs. However, with the pandemic this year, there will be no state playoffs, so it only matter in the 2021 season.
Calderana has already witnessed a change, considering that 42 kids came out for football this season.
“We had a lot of kids who played recreation football in town, but did not play for us for some reason,” Calderana said. “Now, they’ve come back to play this year and a lot of them are going to be big-time players for us. We’re hoping to have some success that will make it appealing for kids in the future. We’re also glad to have our kids back for another year. So we’ve enjoyed a major influx of talent. We have some legitimate football players. It’s a major upgrade. We have some players who meet the criteria to be college football players in the future.”
The starting quarterback is senior Juan Donoso (6-1, 210), who returns to his starting slot.
“He’s a big, physical kid,” Calderana said. “He’s our workhorse. He’s our identity. He’s a load and tough to tackle.”
The main running back will be sophomore Wendell Garcia (5-9, 170), who was a starter at the now-defunct Marist a year ago. Junior Danny Castillo (5-8, 160) is a speedy back who “runs with intensity,” according to Calderana.
Junior Jaden Corbett (6-0, 185) is the team’s fullback.
Senior William Rodriguez (5-8, 150) was the team’s running back last year, but Calderana moved Rodriguez to wide receiver this season.
“I think he’s more natural at wide receiver,” Calderana said. “We moved him there to be more comfortable.”
Junior Ethan Garcia (5-5, 140) is another wide receiver. Garcia is a member of the Tigers’ basketball team in the winter months.
“He has great ball skills,” Calderana said of Garcia, who also has similar skills with a basketball.
Senior Miguel Carambot (6-4, 220) is the team’s tight end.
“He has good foot skills, both blocking and catching the ball,” Calderana said. “He was our starting left tackle as a freshman, then didn’t play football since. But he’s back now.”
The team’s offensive line is immense. Like absolutely immense.
Junior Aaron Swann (6-5, 290) just might be the biggest Memorial football player since current Memorial principal Oscar Guerrero more than 20 years ago. Swann also plays basketball, but for now, he’s the Tigers’ offensive tackle.
“I think he’s a recruit,” Calderana said of Swann.
The other tackle is freshman Camil Gil (6-3, 270).
“He has the potential to be one of the best football players to come out of his school in a very long time,” Calderana said of Gil.
Senior Rian Ramirez (6-0, 225) started last year at guard. Ramirez is joined by junior Matthew Madrid (6-1, 225).
The center is senior Radalfi Ledesma (5-10, 190).
The Tigers utilize a 4-4 defensive front, with Carambot, Ramirez and Madrid alternating at defensive end and the gigantic Swann and Gil at defensive tackle.
Corbett is one of the team’s inside linebackers, along with sophomore Jobeth Manga (6-0, 185).
Donoso returns to his starting position at outside linebacker. Castillo joins him there.
The cornerbacks are both named Garcia – Wendell and Ethan (not related).
Rodriguez is the team’s safety.
Calderana is excited about his team’s prospects.
“There is not a game on our schedule where we don’t have a chance to win,” Calderana said. “I feel confident to be in position to win games.”
That’s all the kids from West New York could ask for. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com
