Union City High School football preview 2012

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HEAD COACH: WILBER VALDEZ
YEAR WITH TEAM: 3RD
2011 RECORD: 8-3
RECORD AT UNION CITY: 14-8

TYPE OF OFFENSE: Wing-T

OFFENSIVE STRENGTHS:

Isaiah Diaz-Mays enters his third year starting under center for Union City, which will look to take advantage of his dynamic running and throwing abilities. "He's very confident in what he's doing, and he's going to be very dangerous in some spread sets that we've implemented in the Wing-T," Union City coach Wilber Valdez said of his senior quarterback.

On the offensive line, the Soaring Eagles return left guard David Bretton and Jeff Rodriguez. They'll be joined by a pair of sophomores with plenty of upside -- Steven Gonzalez (6-4, 305 pounds) and Alvaro Pittar (6-3, 260 pounds). The right tackle spot will be filled by either David Allen or Roger Riera, while Nick Espana reprises his roll as the team's main ball carrier. Senior Ruben Contreras moves from the line to tight end in an offense that returns a total of five starters.

TYPE OF DEFENSE: Multiple 40

DEFENSIVE STRENGTHS:

With only three returning starters, the names may be different this year, but expect the same hardnosed defense that frequently stifled opposing offenses last season. Espana, a senior, moves from linebacker to safety, while Lorenzo Rodriguez will once again start at linebacker.

Sophomore Tarmaine Boyd (5-11, 225 pounds) has impressed at linebacker, while the defensive line will likely feature a combination of Rodriguez, Allen, Riera, Contreras and Omar Aguiriano. Sophomores Jonathan Castellano and Nawell Rojas head the cornerback contigent with returning starter Ralph Colindres.

COACH'S OUTLOOK:
The Soaring Eagles' 2011 campaign was cut short at home when arch rival North Bergen dealt a 10-7 overtime blow in the NJSIAA, North 1, Group 4 semifinal. Valdez hasn't let his team forget that loss.

"If you don't have a sense of unfinished business, then you can't play for Union City this year."

With the departure of key pieces from that team, Valdez has liked the balance of new and veteran players on the current roster. After two straight years of reaching the sectional semifinals, the Soaring Eagles are chasing a trip to MetLife Stadium.
"Now the fight is to be in the state championship, to win the state championship."

SCHEDULE

Sept. 7 - at Shabazz - 7
Sept. 14 - at North Bergen - 7
Sept. 21 - Bayonne - 7
Sept. 28 - Kearny - 7
Oct. 6 - at St. Peter's Prep - 1
Oct. 12 - at Memorial - 7
Oct. 19 - at Ferris - 7
Nov. 2 - TBA

Source: http://blog.nj.com/hudsonhssports/2012/09/union_city_high_school_footbal.html

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