Christian Helm doesn’t want to make any excuses for Nutley’s 3-7 record in his first season as head coach.

But as Helm enters his second season as coach of the Maroon Raiders, the difference between a normal offseason and weight room workout and an extra year of implementing the culture he wants to create is evident.

“It’s not even close (when you compare this preseason to last year). Honestly, we’re training at a level that I didn’t think we’d even get to yet,” Helm said, adding that they’re starting to rebuild the Nutley tradition. “You can see it in the way they work, the way they train, the way they play. We’re a lot further along than we were last year.”

One player who has made more strides than anyone else is senior quarterback Clark Mohrbutter (6-1, 195), who is entering his second full season as a starter. Mohrbutter threw for 919 yards and six touchdowns last year and is poised for even bigger things as he becomes more accustomed to the position and Helm’s offense.

“You can just see his maturity as a person on and off the field,” Helm said. “We definitely have high hopes for him in that leadership role. His teammates voted him in as captain by a large majority and he’s a great leader and really understands the game.”

Mohrbutter and the Nutley offense will certainly benefit from the fact that the Raiders have more offensive players and big-time players this year than in recent years.

Sophomore Aidan Rotbaum (5-9, 180), a starting linebacker and standout wrestler last year, adds the role of lead running back to his resume. The hard-running Rotbaum is joined by senior captain Tyler Von Roth (6-1, 190), a physical fullback, and electrifying junior Zahir Weatherington (5-10, 175), a dynamic speedster who transferred to Nutley from Clifton.

Junior wide receivers and cousins ​​Jeremiah Tirado (5’10”, 195 pounds) and Jalyn Caraballo (6’11”, 195 pounds) add to the talent for big plays. Caraballo has grown three inches since catching seven balls for 189 yards as a sophomore, and Tirado is ready to do big things after sitting out last year with an injury.

Jordan Small (6-0, 160), Michael Sanabria (6-0, 175) and Leander Mejias (5-8, 165) are also options for the receiver position, while Nick Gallo (6-1, 190) and Tim Gordon (6-1, 200) duel at the tight end position.

“We can go into reduced sets and run some of our spread stuff. We can go from spread to our reduced (formation) and vice versa. We can run a power run if we need to. We can be in convoy, which I think will be a big problem for guys,” Helm said. “We should be pretty balanced and I think we’ll be tough to defend.”

Helm is very impressed with his offensive line and has high praise for O-Line coach Brian Kutzleb, who, like the rest of the team, consists entirely of former Nutley players.

Senior captain Damiano Farro (6-1, 220), a three-year starter on the offensive line, moves to left tackle. Senior Gerard Russo (5-11, 190) returns to start at left guard and senior Justin Bido (6-0, 210) moves from tackle to center. Another senior, Paul Vazquez (6-0, 210), will start at right guard and junior Matt Serritella (6-1, 230) will start at right tackle.

Juniors Noah Smith (6-3, 220) and Andrew Abdelmalak (6-3, 260), freshman Luciano Pizano (6-3, 240) and senior Gerald Santangelo (5-8, 180) add depth to the line.

Nutley’s defense will take on a new look with a 4-2-5 scheme as the Raiders will add a level of speed to the unit not normally associated with this program.

“It definitely looks different. I know it’s definitely a different defensive scheme,” Helm said. “It allows some of those athletic kids to get on the field, and I think we’re fortunate to have a good group of kids in the back end that can definitely help get it done.”

Weatherington starts at corner while juniors Mo Mughal (6-1, 175) and Max Forcer (5-9, 160) compete at the other spot. Small starts as free safety, Tirado takes over as strong safety and sophomore Dom Saladino (5-11, 175) is the rover.

The linebacker group is experienced, with seniors Sander Boissard (5-9, 175) and Andrew Santangelo (5-9, 175) as well as Rotbaum all returning and having starting experience.

Farro and Abdelmalak are expected to start at defensive tackle on the inside, while Von Roth and Caraballo are expected to provide speed on the outfield as defensive ends.

Nutley, which won three of its last four games last year, will look to build on that momentum on Thursday, August 29, when it hosts a perennially strong River Dell team at 6:30 p.m., followed by a road game at longtime rival Bloomfield on September 6.

“We love this place, we love these kids and I’m telling you, there’s something special about them,” Helm said. “They’re very tough. Nutley has always had tough kids and I think a lot of good pieces are coming together now.”

Jason Bernstein | Sports journalist at the Observer

Jason Bernstein joined the Observer as a sportswriter in March 2022 following Jim Hague’s retirement. He has extensive experience as a sportswriter, including stints at NJ Advance Media (nj.com, The Jersey Journal, The Star-Ledger).

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