IRVINGTON, NJ – For Irvington, it’s all about unfinished business.
In “Smoke” Pierre’s first year as head coach, the Blue Knights started off red-hot last season, winning their first eight games and fueling hopes of running the proverbial table and winning their first NJSIAA state sectional playoff history in school history.
But those dreams unfortunately came crashing down. After losing to perennial power Wayne Hills in the final regular-season game, the Blue Knights fell to Randolph in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group 4 state playoffs to finish at 8-2.
The bitter finish has given the Blue Knights extra motivation this season.
The Blue Knights have shown great maturity and focus during preseason workouts, much to Pierre’s delight.
Pierre particularly raves about the team’s sophomores. Among them are Tyrell Edwards, Tayion Battle, Zahir Sawm, and Marvin Chavis, who are all receivers/defensive backs; and receiver Cleville Renaud.
Another talented player to watch is freshman running back Zahir Salaam. Pierre noted that Salaam had a chance to attend one of the parochial powers in the state, but decided to stay home. Salaam has the potential to be an “All-American,” noted Pierre.
“These guys are special,” said Pierre of the underclassmen. “I’m looking forward to seeing these guys develop.”
The young receivers/defensive backs will get a chance to learn from senior Jasiah Provillon, one of the top receivers in the state. Provillon, also a defensive back, committed to North Carolina State University over the summer.
Taking over at quarterback is senior Brandon Robinson, a transfer from nearby Columbia High School. Robinson replaces since-graduated Jyvon Brown, a four-year letterwinner who is continuing his career at the University of Massachusetts.
Robinson is a Division 1 college prospect with much experience and savvy.
“He’s intelligent,” said Pierre of Robinson, the son of former IHS head basketball coach and current Columbia HS head basketball coach “Bam” Robinson, also a 1993 IHS graduate and standout point guard for the Blue Knights basketball team. “He has a 3.4 GPA. He’s a smart kid. I coached him as a freshman. He’s a true quarterback.”
Brandon Robinson will be guided by highly-regarded quarterbacks coach Madei Williams, who is in his first year on the staff.
The Blue Knights’ defense also features talented experienced players. Senior defensive end Lancine Turay has received several major collegiate scholarship offers. Joining Turay on the line are senior tackles Jalen Scott and Carl Napoleon.
Strong safety Nim Salaam, linebacker Keyon Bowman and free safety Jason Antwi, all seniors, are other key defensive players.
“They play together and they’re tough,” said Pierre of the defensive unit. “They run to the football and are aggressive.”
Besides improving their discipline and continuing to work on their toughness, the Blue Knights recognize what they need to do in order to fulfill their championship aspirations.
“We just have to finish ballgames and we’ll be in a good place in November and December,” said Pierre, an Irvington native.
This season the Blue Knights have been reclassified to Section 2, Group 4 for the NJSIAA postseason.
Schedule
Sept. 8, Lincoln, 7 p.m.
Sept. 15, at West Orange, 7 p.m.
Sept. 22, at Smyrna, Del., 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30, at Nutley, 1 p.m
Oct. 6, Millburn, 7 p.m.
Oct. 13, at Wayne Valley, 7 p.m.
Oct. 21, Belleville, 1 p.m.
Oct. 28, at Passaic Valley, 1 p.m.
Nov. 3, Wayne Hills, 7 p.m.
Records for past three seasons:
2016: 8-2 (Section 1, Group 4 playoffs, lost to Randolph, first round)
2015: 3-7
2014: 7-3 (Section 2, Group 4 playoffs, lost to Woodbridge, first round)
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