Montclair’s Unfinished Business: Redemption on the Field

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The Montclair football team is looking for a fresh start this season after being forced to forfeit a state playoff game and four victories due to an ineligible player last year. Head coach Jermain Johnson and the players are determined to prove themselves and carry a chip on their shoulder in pursuit of a state title.

As an example of their motivation, junior Malachi Lewis has stepped up as the new quarterback and will be a leader for the team. With the offensive weapons of Ja-khi Chance and Jayden Lee, as well as the defensive strengths of Kal Wilson and David-Thom Rogers, Montclair is aiming for redemption on the field.

Montclair’s Unfinished Business

Montclair’s football team is determined to make up for last season’s missed playoff opportunity and prove themselves on the field. An ineligible player caused the team to forfeit a state playoff game and four victories, but head coach Jermain Johnson and the team are motivated to reclaim their pride.

Having a year under Johnson’s system will benefit the team in their quest to carry a chip on their shoulder and aim for a state title. Unfortunately, they graduated key players, including top running backs Justin Bernal and Semaj Adams, and quarterback Drew Pfeifer decided not to play his senior year.

Junior Malachi Lewis transferred to Montclair and will be the new quarterback. Junior Ja-khi Chance and Jayden Lee will contribute to the backfield, while David-Thom Rogers and Kal Wilson will be important targets for Lewis. The offensive line is inexperienced, but senior co-captain Wesley Mathis will help mentor them.

On defense, Wilson will play a hybrid role, and Rogers and Asani Brown will anchor the defensive backfield. Montclair needs everyone to step up and make up for the losses if they want to succeed.

Graduation Losses

The team graduated key players from last season. This includes top running backs Justin Bernal and Semaj Adams. Quarterback Drew Pfeifer chose to focus on lacrosse for his senior year instead.

Junior Malachi Lewis transferred to Montclair and will take the quarterback role. He played junior football with the Montclair Cobras, alongside some of the current players.

Replacing these key players won’t be easy, but the team is looking to junior Ja-khi Chance and Jayden Lee in the backfield. Senior co-captains David-Thom Rogers and Kal Wilson will provide the offense with crucial targets. Wesley Mathis is the only returning standout on the offensive line.

Wilson will play a hybrid role between defensive end and linebacker, with Rogers and senior Asani Brown anchoring the defensive backfield. Montclair will need to fill the gap left by the graduation of several standout defensive linemen.

Offensive Weapons

Junior Ja-khi Chance and Jayden Lee will contribute to the backfield. Chance showed promise last season and is expected to be a key running back this year. Lee will be a solid contributor.

Senior wide receiver David-Thom Rogers and tight end Kal Wilson provide the offense with key targets. Rogers and Wilson are co-captains and have the experience to be reliable targets for the quarterback. Rogers was named to the All Super Football Conference Freedom White second team offense last season.

With their experience and talent, they should be able to provide the offense with the necessary weapons to succeed.

Inexperienced Offensive Line

Senior co-captain Wesley Mathis is the only returning standout on the offensive line, and will play a crucial role in mentoring the inexperienced linemen. Montclair lost several key offensive linemen to graduation, so Mathis’ leadership will be key to the success of the team.

The offensive line must protect Lewis and create running lanes for the running backs in order for the team to be successful. Mathis is a natural leader and will be responsible for helping the new line mesh and develop. He will also have to adjust to the new system and take on a larger role in the offense.

Mathis is a reliable player who has experience in the system and can provide guidance to the younger players. With his leadership, the offensive line can become a powerful force and help Montclair reach its goals.

Defensive Strengths

Kal Wilson and David-Thom Rogers will lead the defense, anchoring the defensive backfield. Wilson will serve as a hybrid between a defensive end and linebacker. Rogers and Asani Brown will also provide stability in the backfield.

The defense will need to contain Romelo Tables, Clifton’s junior quarterback, and Devon Stroble, their senior running back. Montclair lost several key defensive linemen to graduation, and the team will need to look to Wilson and others to fill the gaps.

Mathis is the only returning standout on the offensive line, and he will need to mentor the inexperienced linemen. By relying on their experienced leaders and up-and-coming players, Montclair hopes to prove themselves this season and make up for the missed opportunity.

Aiming for Redemption

The team is determined to make up for their missed opportunity and aim for redemption on the field. Montclair’s head coach Jermain Johnson is confident in his team’s ability to win against Clifton and push for a state title.

The players are motivated by their unfinished business, and look to carry a chip on their shoulders. The offense will rely on the chemistry between Junior Malachi Lewis, senior co-captain David-Thom Rogers, and senior co-captain Kal Wilson. Senior co-captain Wesley Mathis is the only returning standout on the offensive line and will be key in mentoring the inexperienced linemen.

Wilson will play a hybrid role between defensive end and linebacker, and Rogers and senior co-captain Asani Brown will anchor the defensive backfield. Montclair has the potential to make up for their lost opportunity and achieve redemption on the field.