CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last year was admittedly a down season for John Jay football, according to Head Coach Joe Candarelli.
Still, he was pleased with how the team finished, ending with a win over Fox Lane and an exciting shootout loss to White Plains in the bowl game. He hopes that strong finish serves as a springboard into the new year, and a fresh look on the field won’t hurt either.
“We graduated a lot of kids and have a completely different vibe,” he said.
A shift in leagues should also help. “We were a B-school competing in A,” explained Candarelli.
At quarterback, the coach isn’t ready to reveal a starter just yet. QB by committee, said Candarelli: “We have a bunch of guys who have played the position.”
Up front, experience will help provide protection.
“We have Peter Hill, Kyle Halsey and Joe Ferrer returning,” he said.
The backfield looks promising with a mix of proven talent and rising players. “Nick Rinaldi, one of the better players in the area, will be back, and we have a bunch of young guys in the mix,” he said.
In the passing game, John Jay will once again rely on a key playmaker. “Patrick Ryan is back,” said Candarelli. “He had a phenomenal year.”
Defensively, the line will feature some turnover, though not a complete reset. “There will be some young kids mixed in,” he said. “We’re still waiting to see who they are going to be.”
The secondary also blends experience with newcomers. “Colby Crystal, Austin Schneider and Elijah Outman will dig in again, while any holes will be filled with new blood. The JV had a really good year, and these young kids look like really good athletes,” he assured.
Looking ahead, Candarelli is keeping his approach simple. “There’s expectations for us to stay focused from week to week and day to day, and we’ll go from there,” he concluded.
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