2025 BCG Season Preview – A.L. Johnson Crusaders

Posted on by Big Central Gridiron
The 2025 edition of the A.L. Johnson Crusaders has a veteran offensive line returning, but will need to replace over 2,000 yards of combined offense from the duo of QB Robert Gallagher and RB Ryan George. Last year’s Crusaders averaged 31.1 ppg and 367.4 yards per game.
Mascot:A.L. Johnson
School Colors:Navy Blue and White
Head Coach:Gus Kalikas
Years Coaching at School:1 (Also works as school AD)
VenueAddressMap (Click for larger view.)
Nolan Field365 Westfield Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
NJSIAA Group Classification:South Group 2
BCC Division:Patriot Silver
Team Website:https://sites.google.com/clarkschools.org/johnsoncrusaderathletics/home
Offensive AlignmentTriple Option
Defensive Alignment4-3
Key Returning Players:Jack Kalikas (QB), Nic Carlucci (WR/DB), Vincent Cilento (LB/RB), Nicholas Cilento (TE/LB), C.J. McCann (RB/DB), C.J. DiBiasi (OL/DL), T.J. Kershaw (OL/DL), John Brown (OL/DL),Jason Lamendola (OL/DL), Albert Cosgrove (OL/DL), Robert Marasco (OL/DL), and Nouri Smith (OL/DL)
Key Losses to Graduation:Robert Gallagher (QB), Ryan George (RB), Ryan Volmut (RB/DB), Daniel Metroka (OL/DL), and Michael LaRocca (OL/DL)
Key Newcomers:Jack Lane (OL/DL), Mostaffa El Hady (OL/DL), Devin Patterson (WR/DB), Zaire Majerska (RB/LB), Quel McBride (RB/DB), Manny Rendiero (RB/DB), Julian Colon (LB/RB), and  Matthew Reichenbach (OL/DL).
Team Schedule & Results
Sun, 19 Oct 7:32 pm

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  • Fri, 06 Sep
    David Brearley Bears
    Avery Ward Field
    (Kenilworth, NJ)
    W 35-2
  • Fri, 13 Sep
    New Providence Pioneers
    Nolan Field
    (Clark, NJ)
    W 28-24
  • Fri, 20 Sep
    Roselle Rams
    Nolan Field
    (Clark, NJ)
    W 35-8
  • Fri, 27 Sep
    Metuchen Bulldogs
    Metuchen High School
    (Metuchen, NJ)
    W 34-14
  • Sat, 05 Oct
    Governor Livingston Highlanders
    Frey Field
    (Berkeley Heights, NJ)
    W 41-13
  • Fri, 11 Oct
    Delaware Valley Terriers
    Nolan Field
    (Clark, NJ)
    L 42-34
  • Fri, 18 Oct
    North Plainfield Canucks
    Nolan Field
    (Clark, NJ)
    W 14-6
  • Fri, 25 Oct
    Perth Amboy Panthers
    Albert G. Waters Stadium
    (Perth Amboy, NJ)
    W 56-24
  • Fri, 01 Nov
    Willingboro Chimeras
    Nolan Field
    (Clark, NJ)
    L 62-7

2025 Strength Index57.74
2024 Overall Record7-2
2024 Division Record3-0
2024 Conference Record7-1
2024 AccomplishmentsWon BCC Patriot Silver; Qualified for South Group 2 Playoffs
2024 Strength Index63.54
2024 OSI46.06
2024 Power Points12.00
2024 UPR9.0
2024 Points Per Game31.6
2024 Points Allowed Per Game21.7
2024 Shutouts0
2024 Total Yards Per Game367.4
2024 Yards Rushing Per Game344.3
2024 Yards Passing Per Game23.1
Strengths:Experience running triple-option led by veteran offensive line and versatility at skilled positions.
Areas of Concern:Replacing the experience, leadership, and production from Gallagher at QB and RBs George and Volmut.  Lack of overall team experience.
OutlookA.L. Johnson finished atop of the BCC’s Patriot Silver a year ago, but lost key players such as QB Robert Gallagher and RB Ryan George, who combined for over 1,900 yards rushing and 25 TDs.  Gallagher also threw for 742 yards and 8 TDs a year ago.  The Crusaders were one of the top offenses in the BCC in 2024 with 31.1 ppg and over 350 yards per game.  This year’s Crusaders will have to find ways to fill those huge voids on offense.  The team also has a new head coach and inexperience at the skilled positions on both sides of the ball.