Red Raiders hoping history repeats itself this fall
Keyport opens season on Saturday
against Keansburg
By Warren Rappleyea
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY FARRAH MAFFAI Keyport’s J.J. Bedle returns as one of the most explosive players in the state for the defending state champion Red Raiders, who open their season on Saturday against Keansburg.

KEYPORT — Can the Keyport High School football team do it again?

With many key players returning after going undefeated last season, and winning the Shore Conference’s National Division as well as the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I title, expectations are understandably high heading into the season-opener Saturday against Keansburg.

And head coach Mike Ciccotelli said his players understand what is expected of him.

"That’s tough to top," coach Ciccotelli said, when asked about last year’s success. "It’s going to be much tougher this year. A lot of teams in our division have gotten better, and after what we did last season, they want to beat us."

Kenny Cattouse will be looking to keep the opposition at his back once again this year after a brilliant junior season from which he emerged as one of the top running backs in the Shore.

While opponents will certainly be gunning for the Red Raiders, defeating Keyport promises to be an uphill challenge.

The backfield boasts fullback Ken Cattouse (5-11, 190) and wingback Terry Kennedy (5-9, 165), a pair of seniors who were outstanding a year ago. Cattouse ran for more than 2,000 yards and scored a whopping 27 touchdowns, while Kennedy ran for 1,100 yards and added 14 TDs.

Cattouse is the featured back in the highly potent Keyport offense, and promises to be among the Shore’s top performers this year.

In addition, junior halfback Daquan Cross (6-0, 180) is another threat.

At split end, the Red Raiders have one of the state’s most highly regarded offensive players in J.J. Bedle, a speedy and sure-handed receiver.

Last year, Bedle established himself as a premier play-maker, with an uncanny knack for grabbing the spotlight in key moments. Recognizing Bedle’s big-play ability is one thing, but trying to slow him down is a task opposing defenses will struggle with all season.

Keyport will, however, have a new quarterback, as junior Alex Mazalatis takes over for Pete Miller, who graduated in June.

"It’s always tough with a new quarterback, but Alex has been working hard and he’s getting to where he needs to be," Ciccotelli said.

Mazalatis certainly has the weapons around him at the skill positions.

A veteran line will certainly help ease the transition as well, while opening holes for the runners.

Center Pat Dinardo (5-10, 220), left guard Gary Petrizzo (5-10, 180) right tackle Ryan Young (6-0, 185) and tight end Kevin Spears (6-3, 185) anchor the line, which also includes junior tackle Nick Johnson (6-0, 215) and sophomore guard Derek Maldonado (5-10, 180).

The defense, stellar a year ago, should be strong again. Up front, Johnson and Dinardo team with seniors Mike Pettyjohn (6-1, 225) and Sahabi Singh (6-2, 185) for a formidable front four. Cattouse, Cross, Petrizzo and junior R.J. Foster (5-10, 180) are the linebackers, with Bedle, Spears and senior Jay Vitiello (5-10, 175) in the secondary.

Senior Pete Check will handle all the kicking chores.

"The boys have been working very hard, and they’re aware that when you’re the top dog everyone wants to beat you," Ciccotelli said. "If we don’t play to our capabilities every game, that’s just what will happen. We’re also working on a few new things, which should also help."

Keyport is the overwhelming favorite to re­peat in the National Div­is­ion and will have the added luxury of playing home games this season after playing on the road each week last year while their field was worked on.

Saturday’s highly an­ticipated home opener will offer local football fans a glimpse at what should be one of the Shore’s elite teams, looking for a repeat of last year’s perfect season.