Millville Thunderbolts
Head coach: Dennis Thomas (seventh season at Millville, 40-23; 53-33 in ninth year overall)
Last year’s record: 4-4
2021 Starting SI rating: 76.11
Division: WJFL American
Division opponents: Lenape, Shawnee, St. Augustine, Vineland, Williamstown
Key players: LeQuint Allen, RB/LB, Sr.; Nate Robbins, QB, Sr.; Lotzeir Brooks, RB/DB, Fr.; Thomas Smith, WR, Sr.; Calem Bowman, WR/LB, Sr.; Ti-yon Cephas, WR/DB, Sr.; Jaydan Wright, OL/DL, Sr.; George Gonzales, OL/LB, Sr.; Tyheem Mitchell, OL/DL, Jr.; Ta’Ron Haile, WR/DB, So.; Achan Harris, OL/DL, Sr.
Outlook: The Thunderbolts were just 9-10 the past two years and 15-15 the last three, but this is a team that seems ready to vault back into contention. Two of Millville’s four wins last year came against powerhouse teams in Williamstown and St. Augustine and this is a team that is talented and experienced.
All-state RB/LB LeQuint Allen, a Syracuse recruit, is back and should fill up the stat sheet on both sides of the ball. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Lotzeir Brooks, who has four FBS offers before taking a snap and is “lightning in a bottle” according to coach Dennis Thomas, while sophomore wide receiver Ta’Ron Haile is another player picking up significant recruiting interest.
Third-year starter Nate Robbins also returns to lead what should be a potent offense, and Allen and Calem Bowman headline what should be an excellent linebacking corps.
Expect a first winning season in three years and a chance to contend for a sectional title. There’s some tough games on the schedule – beginning with what Thomas considers an even matchup against Union – but there shouldn’t be any win considered an upset this year.
2021 schedule
- Aug. 28 vs. Union at Battle at the Beach, 5
- Sept. 2: Mainland, 6
- Sept. 10: at Shawnee, 7
- Sept. 17: at Highland, 7
- Sept. 24: vs. St. Augustine, 6
- Oct. 8: Hammonton, 6
- Oct. 15: at Williamstown, 7
- Oct. 22: at…