HS football preview: West Orange has high hopes as Grant era begins

WEST ORANGE, NJ — At West Orange, there’s certainly a lot of buzz.

The Mountaineers have a new head coach in Darnell Grant, one of the most renowned coaches in North Jersey.

Grant comes over Shabazz where he had an impressive 68-32 overall record in the past nine seasons, including two North 2, Group 1 sectional titles in 2014 and 2017, going 12-0 in the latter season.

Shabazz’s bid for a repeat title fell short in last year’s title game against Hasbrouck Heights as the team went on to finish 10-2.

Prior to Shabazz, Grant was the head coach at Irvington, his alma mater. In eight seasons, Grant, a 1991 IHS graduate, boasted a strong 64-21 career record, leading the team to a runner-up finish in the 2006 North 2, Group 3 sectional playoffs, its first sectional final appearance.

Grant is excited about guiding West Orange, recognizing the enormous talent in the program.

“There’s a lot of talent,” Grant said. “This place has produced a lot of guys over the last few years who have been big-time guys. We’re trying to keep them home and give them a big stage.”

Offensively, the Mountaineers feature a bevy of weapons. Grant estimates that six players have the ability to score, led by 6-foot-5 junior wide receiver Jason Raines, who has already received scholarship offers from Rutgers and UMass.

“He’s as good as any that I have had, and I’ve had some good ones,” said Grant, who coached former NFL safety Josh Evans at Irvington. “He makes great catches and runs great routes.”

Raines will be targeted by junior quarterback Mason Murdock, a cousin of Newark legend and former NBA player Eric Murdock. Grant likes Mason Murdock’s poise.

Other receivers to watch are juniors Jason Gonzalez and Dorian Rawls and senior Michael Charles. Junior slotback Mehki Branch will also factor in the Mountaineers’ attack.

The running game will be powered by junior Shakhi Carson, an impact player from last season.

“He’s explosive,” said Grant of Carson. “He’s a student of the game and always trying to get better. He’s quick.”

The key offensive linemen are junior 6-5, 250-pound tackle Aquan Robinson, senior 6-2, 265-pound guard Calvin Nwosu, sophomore center Larry Verducci and senior guard Amadu Kamara.

The Mountaineers have a stout defense. Junior end Jason Dort leads the line. The linebacking corps is dominant with junior Chris Parsons on the inside, senior Adonis May on the outside, and sophomores Matt Bove and Jared Massay.

The secondary also has big-play ability. Senior strong safety Jalen Rutherford joins the team after transferring from Paramus Catholic. Rawls, a three-year starter, and senior Jamil St. Pierre are the cornerbacks and senior Cade Lipsey is the safety.

The Mountaineers went a disappointing 3-7 last season. Grant admits he is not a guy who embraces a slow rebuild.

With Grant, it’s time to win now. “We expect to win,” Grant said. “We expect to come in and compete hard, to be a fast and smart team, and play the right way.”

Schedule

Sept. 7, vs. Montclair, at Rutgers University, 7 p.m.

Sept. 13, Paterson Kennedy, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20, at Don Bosco, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27, at Columbia, 7 p.m.

Oct. 5, at Livingston, 3 p.m.

Oct. 11, East Orange Campus, 7 p.m.

Oct. 18, at Passaic County Tech, 7 p.m.

Oct. 25, Bloomfield, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1, Barringer, 7 p.m.