Washington Township High School Football Opens 2022 Schedule Amid Buzz and High Expectations
WTHS Head Football Coach Mike Schatzman says there is a different vibe heading into the 2022 campaign.
There’s chatter around the Washington Township Minutemen Football program to open the 2022 season, and no one is happier to be in the conversation than fifth-year head coach Mike Schatzman, a 2008 WTHS alum who embarks on his 12th season with the program.
Following a 4-0 start and a 6-3 finish in 2021, the program’s first winning campaign since 2015, Schatzman is encouraged by his lineman-heavy squad that gave the 15th ranked team in the state – Toms River North – a legitimate contest during the season opener on August 27th in Ocean City.
“Toms River North was a really good litmus test for where we are at,” Schatzman said of his team that battled in the 28-21 loss. “For us to have an opportunity to play down the shore, at a neutral site, in a championship-type atmosphere, in front of a great crowd, against a championship-caliber team was a great measuring stick for us, not only physically but mentally. They made a couple more plays than we did, but overall, I think we played really well. To be in that game until the last possession shows the fight that our kids had. I was proud of their effort. I think if they continue to give that effort, and do what they need to do, a lot of things will take care of themselves.”
Schatzman points to a really good mix of experience – (left guard and Rutgers-bound senior John Stone; senior tight end Jason DiBlasio; senior right tackle Michael Lackore and senior Nathan Leone at right guard) – and youth, especially on the offensive line and in the skill positions. Defensively, junior defensive back Logan Perez also is expected to contribute in the secondary. Senior John Williams returns at corner. Seniors Logan Brown, Mike Tomasetti and junior Giuliano Scavetta will see rotating time at linebacker. Sophomore Da’Shawn Long also has impressed early at wide receiver, running back and defensive back.
Junior Jared Dzierzgowski and senior Danny Farley, a mid-year transfer from the Paul VI High School last year, have been pushing each other behind center and are both capable of running the offense. Dzierzgowski, a terrific runner, also likely will see time in the secondary.
Despite the loss of several key players in Jo’Nathan Silver (now at the University of Delaware) and Nah’mere Graves, among others, Schatzman expresses great confidence in his senior leadership – captains John Stone, Jason DiBlasio, Logan Brown, Jared Dzierzgowski and Michael Lackore – took a lot from the Silver-Graves years and had a chance to see individual and team success.
“Our captains are five really good kids who do well in the classroom, are positive role models and who can help our program in the locker room, on the field and in school,” Schatzman said. “They are an extension of me and my coaching staff. They have done a really good job thus far.”
The Minuteman coaching staff remains intact, and welcomes the addition of Matt Barnett, a Township police officer who “is very fiery and great around the kids,” Schatzman said. Jesse Cooper, Dan Hearn, Anthony Sheridan, Nick Fiorentino, Rob Egan, Matt DeFranco, John Wallace, Ron Caccese, Gerry Taraschi, Trevor Sharkey, Carson Shultz, Ray Rapposelli, Ryan Francisco, Johnny Dunbar, Brett Eppolite, Jake Piccoli, and Anthony LaRosa all return to lead a 135-man roster, making up Township’s freshman, junior varsity and varsity squads.
“I have always preached the importance of having consistency in our staff and building a program around people who I know are really good with kids, work in our buildings, are alumni – people who have been around the program and who want to see it do well,” Schatzman said. “Passion goes a long way in high school sports, so I surround myself with passionate guys who love Township football, love our players, love our town. I am very lucky to have these guys around.”
Schatzman and his staff have circled South Jersey finalist Kingsway on the 2022 schedule as a key early game. After losing to the Dragons in overtime two years ago and in a heartbreaker last season, the Minutemen are anxious to take on the cross-county rival and area frontrunner to build momentum.
“There is certainly a sense of expectation for us heading into this season,” Schatzman said, “and I am fine with that. I would rather have high expectations and have people expect more of us, and of me, than have low expectations and go into games thinking we are not going to win. Having the success of last season, being in that game last weekend versus Toms River North, will pay off. The more opportunities we have to be in those situations, the more comfortable we will become. We are looking forward to being in those high-expectation situations.
“There is definitely a different vibe going into this season,” he continued. “Hey, maybe this program can be where it once was, or even better. There is a real sense of confidence, a sense of pride. We know we have a tough schedule. The goal is to win our division and make a push in the Group 5 playoffs, to play our best football in October and November. We know we will have some bumps in the road, but if we push through those things, I think we will be in the conversation.”
2022 WTHS Varsity Football Schedule
8/27 A Toms River North 28-21 (L)
9/2 A Eastern 6 p.m.
9/9 A Kingsway Regional 6 p.m.
9/16 A Holy Spirit TBD
9/23 H Williamstown 7 p.m.
9/30 H Vineland 7 p.m.
10/8 A Winslow 7 p.m.
10/14 H Shawnee 7 p.m.
10/21 H Clearview Regional 7 p.m.
10/28 A State TBD
11/4 A State TBD
11/11 A State TBD
A copy of the 2022 Minutemen roster is attached.