Seniors step up on offense

Brady Cavallaro drops back and looks for an open receiver on his right.

BY KADEN BUCHALTER

The Knights football team started the season with a dominant 40-6 win over Trenton on August 21 and a close 33-42 loss against a tough Somerville team on September 2. Fans packed the stands at Lombardi Field for the first two games, including Senior Night on September 2, even though both games took place before the start of the school year, and both games featured standout performances by seniors Brady Cavallaro, Thomas McAleavey, Daniel Hennessy, and Nathan Myers.

McAleavey, a wide receiver, scored two touchdowns and racked up 106 yards in the opening game against Trenton. McAlveavey, who has accrued 228 yards and three touchdowns on 16 receptions over the first two games, said his success is a result of “practicing all summer long, the new coach, and team work.”

All the hard work the Knights put into training over the summer paid off. Myers, a linebacker who gathered two sacks and five total tackles, said, “Coming into the season opener and getting a win was an amazing way to kick off the year.”

Quarterback Cavallaro shared, “It felt good to be able to get that win, for coach Donaghue to get his first win. But it always feels good to start the year off with a win.” Cavallaro has thrown for 564 total passing yards and seven touchdowns over the first two games

Jake Gervase, who has contributed one sack and tackles for a loss this season, drops back in coverage against a Somerville wide receiver.

On September 2, the Knights faced Somerville. The team put forth valiant effort in the heartbreaking 33-42 loss. Senior linebacker Sincere Garcia totaled nine tackles during the game, and junior receiver Luke Triantafillou contributed two touchdowns and 121 receiving yards.

Junior Ryan Kuhl, who plays on the offensive and defensive lines, noted the changes in the defense this year under new head coach and former defensive coordinator Matt Donaghue. “We changed up the formations up front to add another defensive lineman while removing a linebacker,” explained Kuhl.

Gabriella Chiafollo, Ally Glick, Christina Chiafollo, and Emma Glick sport red, white, and blue from head to toe at the Labor Day weekend, Senior Night game.

Daniel Hennessy, the Knights running back, led the team with two rushing touchdowns on Senior Night against Somerville. Hennessy has opened the season strong, already scoring three touchdowns in just two games. Hennessy expressed the key to his success this season. “I have to thank my linemen. They’ve been working so hard for me, getting those gaps, and once they get those gaps, I just take it and go with it.”

The Knights have a positive outlook on the season, with a group of experienced players and a new head coach. Myers, who has recorded a total of 15 tackles already this season, stated, “Coach Donny has always been my favorite coach, and I couldn’t be more excited to play for [him].”

The Knights go on the road to take on South Brunswick tonight. “The key to victory on Friday night would be to do what our coaches coach us to do and to give 100% on every single snap of the game,” said Kuhl.

Quarterback Brady Cavallaro, with running back Daniel Hennessey lined up next to him in the backfield, stands behind the offensive line and waits for the snap.
The student section turned out in full force and red, white, and blue garb for the Labor Day weekend Senior Night game against Somerville.
Jake Gervase, who has contributed one sack and tackles for a loss this season, drops back in coverage against a Somerville wide receiver.
Offensive lineman Nick Caruso lines up in a three-point stance and prepares to block the opposing lineman.
Wide receiver Thomas McAleavey plants his foot to make a cut upfield and evade the Somerville defender.
Nathan Myers, Ryan Kuhl, Gavin Giles, Byron Forson, and other defensive players huddle on the sideline while the offense is on the field.