Immaculata High School’s football program is entering a pivotal season under the joint leadership of new head coach Dallas Whitaker and program director Jeff Vanderbeek. Whitaker, who previously guided Somerville to a 38‑5 record and four divisional titles, brings a proven winning pedigree to the Spartans. Together with Vanderbeek, who helped revitalize Somerville’s program alongside Whitaker, the duo aims to reshape the team into a national powerhouse that can rival traditional New Jersey football dynasties such as Bergen Catholic and Don Bosco.
A New Era for Immaculata Football
The roster overhaul is unprecedented. The Spartans will field 47 new players this fall, comprising 15 transfers and a full freshman class of 32 athletes — the first freshman squad in a decade. Returning junior quarterback Jamie Marin is expected to anchor a high‑powered ‘air attack’ offense, while senior backs Brian Cilento and newcomer Kenneth Sharperson add depth to the rushing game. At receiver, Quinn Hayden leads a group that also welcomes fresh talent in Ben Terry and Josiah Jones, promising a dynamic passing attack.
Immaculata will navigate an independent schedule in 2025, opening the season against Rowan University before facing a slate of non‑conference opponents. Although the team departed the Super Football Conference, there remains the possibility of re‑joining the Big Central Conference in the future, a move that could further cement its competitive footprint.
The coaching staff has been bolstered by a cadre of experienced assistants, including Tom McEntire as defensive coordinator, RJ Cobbs with the tight ends, Chris Coles on the offensive line, and Keenan Reid overseeing special teams and defensive backs. Their collective expertise is designed to translate Whitaker’s offensive philosophy into a balanced, disciplined unit capable of sustaining success on both sides of the ball.
Across the county, Pingry School’s Big Blue are defending their 2025 Metropolitan League championship after finishing 6‑3 and falling in the Metro League semifinals. Head coach Joe Passaro, now in his second year, returns a core group that includes starting quarterback Zach Zaslow, backup Luca Solazzo, and standout running backs Oscar Irwin, Teddy Peacock and Lukas Di Pasquale. The offensive line will be anchored by Alex Finkelstein, while receivers James Lear, Matias Stevenson and Kirenan Harris provide additional weapons. Defensively, Conor Albert and Alex Curtis lead a unit bolstered by linemen Wynn Waterstredt and offensive lineman Brian Capriola.
The convergence of fresh talent, experienced leadership and ambitious scheduling sets the stage for a compelling 2025 season. If Immaculata can translate its offseason momentum into on‑field results, the Spartans may not only challenge the established powers of New Jersey football but also reshape the narrative around high school athletics in the region.