Backfield, Experience Key to Wolfpack Success

It's a formula for winning as old as the game itself.

Anyone familiar with Wolfpack football knows the team’s success depends on how well the offense can run the football.

And in 2012, the formula hasn’t changed, but it’s got a handful of new components.

As the Wolfpack heads into the new campaign, the backfield will see a four running back rotation, according to Head Coach Kevin Hennelly.

Those four include junior Kevin Hennelly (coach’s son), sophomore Kevin Sears, senior Austin Roland, and senior Adam Caruso. Junior Matt Carfaro will be the team’s fullback.

Not one of those players was a starter in 2011, when senior tailbacks and led the Wolfpack to the sectional semifinals before .

Helping the backfield perform, however, is an offensive line Hennelly says may be the strong point of the team.

The line, , is book ended by senior captain tight end Tyler Amandos. Leading the ‘Pack is senior captain and quarterback John Gutowski, starting his third consecutive season.

Each year Gutowski has gained more responsibility, and this year he’s taking it upon himself to push the team, Hennelly said.

“He’s become a leader on and off the field,” Hennelly said. “He’s taken on more responsibility for himself and the team. That’s why his teammates voted him captain.”

While experience and strength may lead the offense, the defense will be a bit different, Hennelly said.

“We’re a little young in the secondary,” Hennelly said about his defense. “We’ve got a lot of sophomores coming in.”

Amandos will start at linebacker again this year, but the team lost defensive , and Tyler Zgombic up front, in addition to defensive backs Joe DeBiasse and Shawn Barnes.

New Group, Old Challenges

During the summer, .

West Morris Central was among the schools moved, switching from Group III to Group IV.

The change in schedule of teams this season won’t make much of a difference, though, Hennelly said.

“I like our schedule,” the coach, now entering his 16th season leading the program said. “Our conference is tough, always has been. But (the group change) doesn’t make much of a difference.”

If the team hopes to best its last two seasons of semifinal losses, it will have to rely on the experience and ground attack it’s come to depend on.

The Wolfpack schedule is: