BRIEF HISTORY OF WOODBRIDGE FOOTBALL
Woodbridge HS Football had its origins in 1915 or earlier and was banned around 1917 as a result
of a serious injury to a player. We are in possession of a photograph of the 1915 Team, but have
no further documentation or statistical data prior to 1924. Therefore, Dr. Nicholas Sardone, a 1963
WHS graduate and WHS Football Historian, has established 1924 as the "1st Season". Dr. Sardone
is in the process of writing a book documenting the Woodbridge HS Football Program.
Back in those early years, WHS utilized the nickname "Red Ghosts"! In 2003, WoodbridgeFootball.com
was created. Utilizing that piece of history, the web site mascot you see on our pages was adopted.
Over the years, the Woodbridge HS Football Teams have utilized at least four playing fields as their home turf.
The first was the Parish House Field and was located between Martin Terrace and East Grove Avenue, and
between Rahway Avenue and the NJ Transit RR,. It was directly east of the then Woodbridge HS
(currently the Woodbridge Middle School on Barron Avenue) and was easily accessed by the players as the
RR was not elevated then as it is now.
The second was the Woodbridge Speedway. It was located where the current Stadium is now. Back in the
day, a football field was lined on the race track's infield and utilized for games.
The third was the Berry Street Field, or Legion Field. It was located at the intersection of Berry Street and
Legion Place. Due to the pending construction of the NJTP, the field was taken for the project forcing the Team to find a new home.
In 1948, the current field was built directly over the property where the Speedway was located. The Race Track had been closed for a few years and not in use because the owners were unable to pay their taxes. The field was built with a modern locker room and ample seating area for spectators. It was named "The Stadium", and subsequently rename "Nicholas Priscoe Field" after the long time WHS coaching legend.
1964 - September, is the official opening of John F. Kennedy Memorial HS. Iselin, NJ
1967 - September, is the official opening of Colonia HS. Colonia, NJ
In 2007, the modern "Field Turf" football surface we have today was installed in Priscoe Field.
On March 17, 2014, demolition of "The Stadium" began. The structure was in poor condition and presented safety concerns. Built in 1948, it served as the Home Field for the Woodbridge High School Football Program for 66 seasons. Construction of the NEW "Stadium" is scheduled for completion for the 2014 season.
The Woodbridge Barrons have won 9 State Championship Titles in their 89 year history! They have compiled an overall record of 436 - 344 - 40, with a winning percentage of .559, and have qualified for 14 NJSIAA State Playoff appearances compiling a playoff record of 10 - 11 (Last updated September 5, 2013).
The Barrons have won or shared 12 Conference / Divisional Titles in 1939, 1954, 1955, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1983, 1986 and 1992.
The 1st State Championship won by the Woodbridge Barrons was in 1930. Under the leadership of Head Coach Heinie Benkert, the Team registered a 9 - 0 season record. It was the 1st and only undefeated, untied season in Barron’s history!
The 2nd and 3rd State Championships were registered back to back! In 1938 and 1939, Head Coach Nick Priscoe guided the Barrons to a 7 - 1 season record ('38), and a 5 - 2 - 2 season record ('39).
Twenty-one years later, Coach Priscoe led his 1960 Team to the 4th State Championship, registering a 2nd undefeated season with an 8 - 0 - 1 record!
In 1969, the Woodbridge Barrons registered their 3rd undefeated season, with a record of 8 - 0 - 1. Despite this accomplishment, the NJSIAA Championship Committee awarded the 1969 State Title to Westfield and Union as co-champions. The 1969 Team did enjoy the recognition of being ranked "6th" in the final statewide poll, by the Newark Evening News that year! From 1973 and prior, there were no playoff games as we know of today. State Titles were decided by the NJSIAA Championship Committee. It wasn't until 1974 that the playoff format was developed to decide on the field, a true champion.
The 5th and 6th State Championship was also registered back to back! In 1970 and 1971, Head Coach Sam Lupo led the Barrons to a 7 - 2 season record ('70), and a 7 - 2 record ('71).
Frank Capraro, in his 8th campaign as the Barrons Head Coach, guided the 1980 Football Team to their 7th State Championship with an 8 - 2 - 1 season record.
In 1993, amazingly in his one and only season as Head Coach, Frank Bender led his Barrons Team to the 8th State Championship, with an impressive 9 - 2 season record.
In 1997, Head Coach William Nyers led his Woodbridge Barrons Team to a 9 - 2 season record, and to their 9th State Championship!
2016 - The 93rd Season, will bring with it the hope of another winning season, another playoff berth, and the Football Programs 10th STATE CHAMPIONSHIP! Go Barrons!
This is just a very brief history of the Woodbridge Football Program. If you have information about these or any topic related to Woodbridge HS Football and would like to share it, please contact me at: info@mcdevittenterprises.com.
"The Red Ghost"
www.WoodbridgeFootball.com
C O A C H ' S C O R N E R
& M E S S A G E B O A R D
Woodbridge Football History
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WOODBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
1877 - School #1 built during 1876 and opened in January 1877. The building is located on School Street, Woodbridge Proper.
1883 - First graduating HS class at School #1 on School Street (2 graduates).
1897 - The HS courses were increased from three to four years.
1877 / 1910 - HS classes held in School #1 on School Street, Woodbridge Proper.
1910 - Plans approved for a new WHS to be located on Barron Avenue, Woodbridge Proper.
1911 - September, is the official opening for the new WHS on Barron Avenue, Woodbridge Proper.
1911 / 1955 - HS classes held in newly built WHS on Barron Avenue, Woodbridge Proper.
1911 - First Graduating HS class at WHS on Barron Avenue (5 graduates).
1883 / 1934 - The nickname of the Woodbridge HS was the “Red Ghosts”
1934 / Present - The nickname of the Woodbridge HS was the "Barrons"
1948 - The “Stadium” is erected off St. George Avenue, Woodbridge Proper. This was
the first season Woodbridge HS Football Team utilized the field as the home turf.
1955 - Last graduating HS class on Barron Avenue (282 graduates).
1956 - September, Official opening for the new Woodbridge HS on Kelly Street
(later 1 Sam Lupo Plaza), Woodbridge Proper.
1956 - First Graduating HS class at WHS on Kelly Street (317graduates).
1964 - September, is the official opening of John F. Kennedy Memorial HS. Iselin, NJ
1967 - September, is the official opening of Colonia HS. Colonia, NJ
2007 - In 2007, the modern "Field Turf" football surface we have today was installed in Priscoe Field.
2014 - Demolition of the original "Stadium", and construction of the new one began. October 24, 2014, first home game using the NEW "Stadium"!
Woodbridge 42 - South Plainfield 7.
Woodbridge Football
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MICHAEL
Special Assistant
to the Head Coach
STEVE BARANDICA
M.Ed., LAT, ATC, EMT
High School: Linden HS, Linden, NJ (2009)
College: Kean University (B.S. in Athletic Training - 2013) and then Auburn University (M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration - 2015).
Trainer Experience: Interned with the Washington Redskins in 2012, worked as a graduate assistant with Auburn University athletics in Tennis, Cheerleading and Football from 2014-2015. Also worked Special Olympics, Senior Olympics and many camps.
Workplace: Woodbridge HS, Athletics Department - 2015
PATRICK
Special Assistant
to the Head Coach
KEVIN COLEMAN
Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator
High School: Snyder HS, Jersey City, NJ
College: Kean University (B.A.)
Played linebacker for Kean College in the early 1990s and led the team in tackles while helping the Cougars capture an ECAC championship in 1994.
Coaching Experience: Previously coached at Snyder HS, Plainfield HS and Bishop Ahr HS before landing at Woodbridge HS. 2016 will be his first season as head coach.
Workplace: Woodbridge HS, Science Department
Coaches and Staff
This page was last updated on: July 15, 2017
"Preparation and Execution are the Keys to Victory and Success!"
WILLIE MARSH
Wide Receivers, and Defensive Backs
High School: Malcolm X-Shabazz HS, Newark, NJ
An All State performer who captured the Kodak and Prep All-American Honors, as well as Academic Honors in Who's Who in America.
College: University of Pittsburgh (B.A. - 1979)
Earned a D1 Football scholarship to Pitt, and was on the 1976 National Championship Team. Co-record holder for Most INTs in a Game (3), in 1978 against Tulane.
New Jersey City University (Masters)
Coaching Experience: 30+ years at various levels.
Workplace: East Side HS, Social Studies, Economics
DANIEL HARRISON
Assistant Head Coach, Running Backs, Safeties
High School: Plainfield HS, Plainfield, NJ
College: New Jersey City University
Coaching Experience: Middlesex HS, Plainfield HS, East Side HS, New Jersey City University, and Woodbridge HS
Workplace: Sundance School, North Plainfield, NJ
ANTHONY NYERS
Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks
High School: Woodbridge HS, Woodbridge, NJ (2012)
2 year Captain, All County, All Group selection, North / South Game 2012.
College: East Stroudburg, transfered to Kean University (Anticipated grad 2017) Special Education.
Coaching Experience: 2 years of HS coaching experience.
Workplace: Student Teacher
JOSEPH LIQUORI
Defensive Coordinator, Inside Linebackers
High School: Woodbridge HS, Woodbridge, NJ (1999)
A member of the 1997 State Championship Team
College: Kean University
Coaching Experience: 5 years of HS coaching experience.
Workplace: Fords Middle School
ERIC ALLEN
Defensive Lineman, Offensive Lineman
High School: John F. Kennedy HS, Iselin, NJ
College: Tennessee Tech University
Coaching Experience: 12 years of HS coaching experience.
Workplace: Woodbine Avenue School, Phys Ed
BRIAN MERLO
Defensive Lineman, Offensive Lineman
High School: John F. Kennedy HS, Iselin, NJ (2005)
College: Kean University (B.A.Health and Phs Ed)
Coaching Experience: 4 years of HS coaching experience. Highland Park HS (2012-15)
Workplace: Ross Street School, Para Professional.
ZACK GEGA
Freshmen Defensive Coordinator
High School: Woodbridge HS, Woodbridge, NJ (2013) Offensive Tackle
College: Kean University (working on a B.A. in English, Special Education)
Coaching Experience: First season at HS level.
Workplace: Student Teacher
Kevin Coleman
Woodbridge Football
Head Coaching Record
2016 Season 5 - 5 - 0 *
Career Record 5 - 5 - 0
* Qualified for Playoffs
ADRIAN COBAJ
Intern - Athletic Training Student
High School: New Dorp HS, Staten Island, NY (2013)
College: Kean University (Working toward a B.S. in Athletic Training - Anticipated Graduation, 2017).
Trainer Experience: Interned at New Jersey City University, Kean University, and Woodbridge HS
Workplace: Athletic Student Training
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
www.WoodbridgeFootball.com
"Coaches and Staff"
is under construction.
