Over the last 18 months or so, the coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered the world in which we live, both in ways that are readily visible and in others that are unseen. For the Mamaroneck football program—which kicked off preseason last week—the challenges of these summer sessions are twofold: To prepare the varsity squad for a competitive Class AA schedule and to help mitigate the effects of a mostly lost 2020 for the Tigers’ younger players.
From a varsity standpoint, Mamaroneck seems ready to build off a promising—if not chaotic—2-3 spring campaign. Although the team graduated several key seniors, head coach Anthony Vitti is encouraged by a large and talented group that shined as sophomores.
Rising junior quarterback Jason Cox figures to play a larger role in the offense this fall after being limited by injuries in the spring. According to Vitti, Cox has the physical tools—and the poise—to become a dynamic signal caller.
“[Jason] came into the camp really focused; nothing rattles him and he’s got good athletic ability and good football IQ,” said Vitti. “He’s picked up the offense really quickly and he’s going to be our leader offensively.”
Cox will have plenty of weapons at his disposal, especially in a loaded backfield led by Lonjezo Sandram. At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Sandram is a rugged, all-purpose back who will also benefit from the development of teammates Damari Hamilton and Jack Ramsey.
“Lonjezo had a really good five games last spring and we’re hoping that helps,” Vitti said. “But with Damari and Jack, it’s like we have a three-headed monster at running back.”
Vitti has also been encouraged by the battles going on at the wide receiver position, and believes that the team’s depth on the perimeter will be invaluable this season.
“We’ve got some receivers, kids who are going to make some splash plays,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron, so when those kids are battling each other day in and day out for jobs, it heightens the experience for everyone.”
But although Vitti has been pleased with the progress his varsity players have made in the first week of camp, he is cognizant that the preseason might be overwhelming for the freshmen and sophomores on the Junior Varsity level who did not get to experience the rigors of a true football camp last spring. To that end, he has made it a point to split his coaching staff at practices, hoping that the next generation of Tigers will benefit from working with the varsity coaches.
“From a culture-building standpoint, we lost a lot last year, and there’s a group of 9th and 10th graders playing JV football who have never been through a double session,” said Vitti. “We thought it would be a powerful message for them to know that we didn’t forget about them and giving them the opportunity to learn just like the older kids and know that they’re valuable to our program.”
Mamaroneck will open up the regular season on Sept. 10 against the Yonkers Brave.
