New Jersey Lions Partner with Holiday Inn

                     New Jersey Lions partner with Holiday Inn-Hazlet

                   

Holmdel NJ---The New Jersey Lions Football team are proud to announce the Holiday Inn-Hazlet have become the official team hotel for the 2011 season. The Holiday Inn-Hazlet is located at 2870 Highway 35 in Hazlet NJ and is a 5 minute drive from the home field of the Lions,  St John Vianney High School, in Holmdel NJ.

The partnership with the Holiday Inn-Hazlet gives the Lions access to a great family get-away with a great night of football mixed in with easy access to the Jersey Shores, amusement parks, area restaurants and shopping, all while staying at a great family hotel that is affordable with discounted rates.

The Lions are pleased to welcome the Holiday Inn-Hazlet into the Lions family look forward to a great partnership in 2011.

                                        

To visit the Holiday Inn-Hazlet, visit the NJ Lions web site at njlionsfootball.com or the Holiday Inn web site at holidayinn.com.

Lions Sign Some Explosive Talent

Holmdel NJ---The New Jersey Lions are pleased to announce the signing of several players for the 2011 season. On offense, the players signed are quarterback Vincent Barr, offensive linemen Melvin Pittman, Gary Filippone, Tommy Wansaw, Sal Santangelo, running back NaQuan Jenkins, and receivers Shakiyl Blakely, Shaune Thomas, Dezmin Laing and Darnell Rose. On defense, the Lions signed defensive linemen David Daly,  Todd Geoghan, Nolan Heineman, Jason Martin, Osuleye Osinowo, linebackers Mark Dobiszewski, Eric Fields, Chris Guderin, Kyle Maher, Alex Zamudio and defensive backs Kevin Andia, Carlos Flores, Ali Lee, Jeremy Reiley and George Williams. Special teams adds kicker Henry Rogan to the mix.

Several players were signed to the game against the New Jersey Irish, played back in January for NFL Films. These players were major contributors in the win against the Irish. They were Tommy Wansaw, Shaune Thomas, Dezmin Laing, Jason Martin, Chris Guderin, Kyle Maher, Kevin Andia, Jeremy Reily and George Williams. Thomas and Laing are major deep threats at receiver, with Thomas also coming over after have recently led the Middlesex Vikings to the BEFF championship. Thomas was also the league and championship game MVP. He was also voted to the BEFF all-star game. Wansaw helped to pave the way for the running game and kept the quarterback free to connect with the receivers. Martin, Guderin and Maher helped to keep the Irish running game to minimal gains and Williams contributed in returning and interception for a score.

The recently signed players are being looked to for assistance in helping get the Lions to the Major League Football Championship (MLF) game. Barr is an experienced quarterback, having played for several years at the Major/Minor League levels. His most recent stints were with the New Jersey Battle and New Jersey Spartans. Pittman, a bruising and physical offensive lineman, brings great size, athletic ability and nastiness to the front line. Jenkins, a veteran of several teams, brings a skill set that many teams crave to have. He is also one of Major/Minor Leagues most dangerous returners around. Blakely brings great size, speed and strength to the Lions offense haven been a prime target on previous teams he has played for. Rose continues in the Lions signing of dynamic players on the offensive side of the ball. Teaming with the already explosive skill position players, Rose will help the Lions offense to potentially become one of the MLF’s tops for 2011.

The defensive side of the ball was not to be out done by the offense. Daly comes to the Lions after having played Morrisville State University where he was a contributor there. Heineman brings a wealth of experience haven recently played at Cranford High School and Kean University. Osinowo comes over after haven played for the New Jersey Spartans where he was consistently a force on the defensive line facing constant double and triple teams. Dobiszewski also comes to the Lions after having played and earning all-star acclaim with the Middlesex Vikings. Fields, a veteran on the Major/Minor League levels with several teams and recently returned after a two year stint at Nassau Junior College. Lee, veteran at the Major/Minor League level, has won championships and competed at a high level. Kicker Rogan is the most experienced of the group haven played for many teams and for a few years. His veteran leadership will help guide the young Lion players in the locker room.

The Lions management is extremely excited in having these players signed for the 2011 season. With the returning veterans and the new players, expectations are high and the focus will be on maintaining the what has been established and helping to take this program to greater heights and maintaining the pride of wearing the “Orange and Black”. Lion fans can look forward to some exciting football in 2011.

2011 Game Schedule Released

                              Lions 2011 schedule preview

Holmdel NJ---With the release of the New Jersey Lions 2011 schedule, here is a preview of the teams that will be facing the Lions. Pre-season will start on June 18^th versus the Long Island Lions, of the Five Star Football League (FSFL). The game will be player at St. John Vianney High School. June 25^th will be against the New York Predators, of the Regional American Football League (RAFL), in Staten Island NY.

The Long Island Lions finished 2010 with a regular season record of 6 wins and 4 losses and made the first round of the FSFL playoffs. During the regular season, Long Island scored an average of 16.5 points per game. They were led by quarterback Rob Zippell who passed for 746 yards, threw 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. On defense, Long Island gave up an average of 11.5 points per game. They were led by defensive back Pete Bonelli who led the team in tackles with 41.5.

The Predators 2010 season ended with winning the National Championship. Along the way to claiming the National Championship, the Predators won the RAFL Championship and the Metro Bowl Championship. Their regular season record was 8 wins and 2 losses. They averaged 32.4 points scored per game and gave up 7 points per game. The Predators offense was led by quarterback Kasey Nunez, who passed for 805 yards, 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. The rushing attack was led by Chi Chi Mansaray who rushed for 319 yards, 5 touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Kareem Moon led the receivers with 382 receiving yards, averaged 22.5 yards per reception and scored 3 touchdowns. On defense, the Predators were led by linebackers Damian McCaig who had 55 tackles, 22 tackles for losses and 8 sacks, and Charlie Pellegrino with 31 tackles, 8 for losses and 2 sacks.

The regular season will see the Lions hosting the Brooklyn Mariners, Central Penn Piranha, Tri-State Bulldogs, Philadelphia Panthers and New Jersey Wolves. The Lions will travel to games against the Rockland Packers, Southern Virginia Trojans, Philadelphia Phoenix, New Jersey Spartans and Brooklyn Mariners.

The Mariners in 2010 finished the regular season with 6 wins and 4 losses. They made the playoffs reaching the 3^rd round before losing to the Wolves. Offensively the Mariners averaged 22.5 points per game and defensively gave up 13.6 points per game. Last year’s quarterback, Paul Bourlis season ended due to injury and may not be back for 2011. Early reports have veteran Jay Hawes taking the reins and ready to lead the Mariners high potent offense. His top receivers will be Sanford Joseph and John Corning. Joseph totaled 657 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Corning totaled 497 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense the Mariners are manned by a veteran cast led by Max Sherman, Sean McGlynn and Charles Burney. This group has great experience and is championship tested. Last year saw the Lions go to Brooklyn and come away with the win 20-6

The Packers 2010 saw them finish with 3 wins and 7 losses. The Packers averaged 14.1 points on offense and 22.9 points on defense. Their offense was led by quarterback Julio Reyes who passed for 1120 yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. On defense, the Packers were led by safety Thomas Starr with 33 tackles. With the influx of talent that the Packers have recruited, expectations are for a much tougher opponent, one that may be equal to their championship of 2007. This will be the first meeting between the Lions and Packers.

Central Penn 2010 regular season ended with 10 wins and 0 losses. They reached the 3^rd round of the playoffs before losing to the eventual champions. During the regular season the Piranha averaged 36.7 points per game and gave up 5.7. The offense was led by quarterback Mark Jarmon who passed for 1049 yards, 18 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Jarmon’s top targets were receivers Darren Echols and Hassan Brockman. Echols totaled 563 yards per reception, 10 touchdowns and 20.1 average per reception. Brockman totaled 445 yards, 7 touchdowns and average 20.2 per reception. The rushing will be led by former Lion Raheem Ridley. Ridley rushed for 812 yards, 6 touchdowns and averaged 10.8 yards per carry. Defensively the Piranha are led by defensive lineman Brian Smith and linebacker Donald Donaldson. Smith totaled 28 tackles with 10.5 sacks while Donaldson totaled 30 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Last year’s game saw the Central Penn come away victorious 26-20 in an action packed game. Expect another great one in 2011.

The Trojans’ 2010 regular season record was 8-2 and made the 2^nd round of the playoffs, losing to the Piranha. Offensively they scored 22.8 points per game and gave up 11.9 per game. Their offense was led by all-star quarterback Andre McGlone and running back Isaiah Wigfall. Both are explosive players who can score from anywhere on the field. The defense was led by safety Andre Twine. Twine is a player that flies around the field, making plays whether with vicious or plays on the ball. This will be the frist meeting between the teams.

The Phoenix are a new team that came from a merger between the South Jersey Vikings and the NorthEast Eagles. The Vikings’ 2010 regular season record was 7-3 and the Eagles record was 5-5. Both teams made the playoffs, losing in the 1^st round. The Vikings on offense averaged 10.9 and the Eagles average 11.8. The defenses averaged 17.3 for the Vikings and 24.6 for the Eagles. With two playoff teams merging, the Phoenix will be a challenge for all the teams in the MLF. This will be the first meeting between the teams.

Tri-State is coming back to Major League football after a three year hiatus. Their last season in 2007 had them finish their season at 5-5. The Bulldogs have always been a tough opponent and expectations are that they will have a high caliber product and not just be a new team. This will be the first meeting between the Lions and Bulldogs. 

The Spartans finished 2010 with 3 wins and 7 losses. Offensively they averaged 5.5 points a game and gave up 20.3 points per game. The Spartans offense was led by quarterback Khalid Shakir who passed for 649 yards. Their defense was led by leagues leader in tackles, linebacker Jose Renderous. 2010 saw the Lions come away a victory, 28-0. The Spartans have heavily upgraded their talent pool for 2011 and may be one of the leagues most improved. Look for a much tougher opponent than what the Lions have faced in the past.

The Panthers finished their 2010 season with a 7-1 record and made it to the 2^nd round of the playoffs. The Panthers offense averaged 23.3 points per game and on defense gave up 15 points per game. The offense was led running back Sean Mayer, the all-time leading rusher in St. Peter’s College history and 3 time 1^st team all-MAAC conference rusher. The defense is led by a veteran group highlighted by lineman Gary Dunlap and linebacker Titus Bacon. This will be the first meeting between the Lions and the Panthers.

The Wolves ended the 2010 regular season with a record of 5 wins and 5 losses making the playoffs. The Wolves made a run to reach the league championship before losing. The Wolves offense averaged 17.1 points per game and gave up 16.7 points per game. The offense will be led by new quarterback Mike Pernell. Pernell is an experienced quarterback and can be dangerous. His main targets will be receiver Jamelle Pyles and tight end Ron Carney. The rushing attack will be led by running back Darryl Luck and newly signed Shaune Puluse. The defense will be led by linebackers Ty Huff, Chi Adams and defensive back Joe Epps. Last year, the two teams split with the Lions winning 24-7 during the regular season and the Wolves winning in the playoffs 28-22 in overtime. Look for the rivalry to continue to grow and this seasons game may be intensity filled. 

2011 Schedule

Pre-Season:

June 18th Long Island Lion (H)    

June 25th New York Predators (A)  

Regular Season:

July 16th Brooklyn Mariners (H) 

July 23rd Rockland Packers (A)

July 30th Central Penn Piranha (H)  

August 6th Southern Virginia Trojans (A) 

August 13th Philadelphia Phoenix (A) 

August 20th Tri-State Bulldogs (H)

August 27th New Jersey Spartans (A) 

September 10th Brooklyn Mariners (A) 

September 17th Philadelphia Panthers (H) 

September 24th New Jersey Wolves (H) 

12 Lions Named To 2010 BNEFF Empire Conference All-Star Team

12 Lions Named To 2010 BNEFF Empire Conference All-Star Team      The New Jersey Lions continue to receive post season acclaim.  First, Coach Paul Castillo was named is the Head Coach of the Empire All-Stars in the 2011 All-Star Game in Virginia Beach, VA in May.  Now, the Lions lead all BNEFF teams with twelve players being elected to participate.  “It’s a great accomplishment for our players and our organization that these players get to showcase their talents against the best players in the BNEFF,” Coach Castillo stated.  “Being a first time coach in an all-star game, having that many of my guys voted on to this team by opposing coaches and having my coaching staff there with me will only help me in being able to solidify a victory for the Empire Conference.”
On offense, QB Mahaki Burns will be the signal caller.  Burns, who started the season as the Lions’ Offensive Coordinator and was forced into action when starting QB Matt Mariano was lost to a broken collarbone for the season, led the Lions offense to 28 points a game, 3rd in the league.  Along with Burns in the backfield are the league’s top two rushers, Raheem Ridley and Tarique Pullen. Pullen and Rushing Champion Ridley were two thirds of a dynamic trio that helped make the Lions the league’s top rushing team. FB Eric Parks also joins the backfield for the Lions.  Parks, a battering ram of a blocker with great hands, is the common denominator in the overall success of the running game. Along the offensive line, G’s Mike Savoye, Lou Gregoire, and T Jeremy Mercer will also be part of the contingent of scoreboard lighting Lions offensive players.  
Not to be outdone, the Lions Blackshirt Defense had five selections of their own.  MLB Jeff Castillo and NT Wayne Niedermeier spearheaded a ferocious group that led the Empire Conference in points against.  Joining them will be hard hitting LB Paul Keator, the game changing CB Teddy Wilson, and the ball hawking SS Taylor Bonner.  Even with five selections on defense, Coach Castillo believes his team had room for more players.  “We could have had more players make the team, but some positions were tighter than others and our guys may have had equal seasons to the guys voted in, but the ones voted in had more name recognition.  Not meant as a slight towards anyone, but when you have to equal players, sometimes the reputation of a certain player may be the tie breaker,” he continued.
LB Raul Rivera and SS Chavesse Covin were also honored as All-Star alternates for their outstanding seasons.  The Lions will also have a final representative participating in the game.  WR Darnell Rose, who recently signed with the Lions, was selected after an amazing season for the New Jersey Wolves.  Rose will represent the Wolves in the game and rightfully so.  “Rose had a great season for the Wolves and out of respect to the Wolves organization, the right thing to do is have him wear their logo on his helmet for the game,” Coach Castillo said.
The 2010 BNEFF All-Star Game will be played May 22, 2011 at the Virginia Beach Sports Complex in Virginia Beach, VA.  The rosters have not been finalized due to selected players having to give their verbal commitment to play.  Keep checking the league website, BNEFF.org, for more details.