HASB. HTS. / W-R AVIATORS

Coach: Joe Bitetto, 1st season


Last season: 12-9


Returning starters:
Victor Fontana, senior F; Tim Thorne, senior M; Mark Schroback, senior D; Jake Serwatka, senior M; Michael Restrepo, senior D; Kunal Amin, senior D.


Top newcomers:
Dan Nese, junior F; Dan Davenport, sophomore M; Tom DeQuinzio, junior M/D; Dom Cristofolo, junior G; Dave Trotter, junior D.


The offense
What makes it go: Fontana, who had the goal in the Aviators' 1-0 State tournament quarterfinal overtime win over Leonia last year, is the top scoring weapon.


"Victor has the knack for breaking free and finding the open spot on the field," Bitetto said. Nese also is a good finisher.


The defense
What makes it go: Schroback, the sweeper, relies on his speed and strength to cut down the angles. "He's the quarterback, the take-charge player who is the key to our defense," Bitetto said.


The outlook
With nine seniors graduated from last season and nine freshmen on the roster this year, the Aviators will look to hit .500 and possibly qualify for the State and Bergen County tourneys.


"I think our defensive-minded philosophy with our 4-3-3 attack could help us succeed," Bitetto said. "We're not quite as optimistic as last season, but we want to at least finish in the middle of the pack in the [BCSL National]."


Hasbrouck Heights/Wood-Ridge lost to North Warren, 3-2, in a North 1, Group 1 semifinal and fell to Leonia, 2-1, in a Bergen tournament first-round game last year.