One of the most competitive leagues (NNJIL) in the state is home to the premier running back in the state, Rashad White. The future Scarlet Knight leads a team that fell short of its state championship goals in 2006, but defeated two state championship squads along the way. Hit hard with graduation – particularly on the line – will the presence of White be enough to keep Teaneck in the hunt for a championship?

2006 In Review: The Highwaymen went 9-2, scoring 242 points for a 26.55 average, while allowing 194 points for a 17.64 average. Their defense had two shutouts in the process. They had an eight game winning streak, including wins over state champions Clifton and New Brunswick, before losing to Parsippany Hills in the playoffs.

Departures: Lineman Randy Martinez will be playing at Cincinnati, QB/DB Travis Warren and QB/WR/DB William Tyus will play at Temple, twin linemen Keoni and Kaloni Harrison will walk on at Rutgers, WR Pat Jaramillo is going to play for Hofstra, center Victor Marrota will play at Montclair State, and FB Tony Smith is at prep school.

Offense: Teaneck returns three starters to its multiple I offense and it will revolve around Rashad White (5-foot-10, 180), the senior RB who committed to Rutgers and is one of New Jersey's best backs. The QB will be between senior Damian Miles (5-foot-9, 165) and sophomore Casey Grabey (5-foot-9, 165). Miles started at WR last year and will go back there if Grabey is the QB. The fullback is senior Walter Farrior (5-foot-8, 170), but some underclassmen may also figure. The wide receivers will be seniors David Butler (5-foot-9, 165) and Jefferson Moronta (5-foot-10, 180), plus the possibility of Miles returning there. Head Coach Dennis Heck may use three wideouts, but if he uses a tight end, it will probably be a sophomore. The only returning offensive lineman is tackle Chas Thompson (6-foot-3, 300) - and he's a good one. The other tackle will be Kennedy transfer Desi Liggins (6-foot-4, 285). The center will be senior Robert Akridge (6-foot, 280), while the guard spots are open for competition, with sophomore Ivan Spidell (6-foot, 210) a likely starter.

Defense: The Highwaymen use a 4-3 and return six starters. Senior end Patrick Rumble (6-foot-1, 210) returns after a 15 sack season. Thompson started last year and he'll be the other end, with Liggins and Akridge the tackles. Farrior returns at OLB and the other spot should be senior David Schwartz (5-foot-10, 190). Senior Kevin Kea (6-foot, 210) will also see time. The middle linebacker is returning starter Adam Sarraga (5-foot-7, 175). Teaneck will possess arguably the fastest secondary around with White and Miles at the safeties and Butler and Moronta at the corners. White is one of the fastest sprinters in the state, while Miles and Butler are not far behind.

Special Teams: Junior Gino Sudu punted for a 38.0 average last year, but they're looking for a kicker. White and Miles are the return men if anyone wants to kick to them, as Heck said.

Schedule: Teaneck opens at home with Paramus Catholic, then New Brunswick, at Clifton, bye week, at St. Joe's (Montvale), Nutley, Eastside, at Montclair, at Ridgewood, and Hackensack on Thanksgiving. There's talk the New Brunswick game may be MSG Network's televised game of the week.

Question Marks: Who's going to block for Rashad White? They're going to work hard to develop the line. There will also be an inexperienced QB, but White and Farrior will provide a good running game and give them time to develop. The defense, arguably the fastest defense Heck has had in his nineteen years at Teaneck, will keep them in every game.

On The Recruiting Front: White, arguably New Jersey's best back, has committed to Rutgers. Thompson is a 1-A player – he has no offers, but he's been receiving attention lately from Penn State, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Ohio State, and some good 1-AA programs. Rumble, Farrior, Moronta, and Butler are strong 1-AA candidates. Rumble and Farrior visited Hofstra's spring game. Butler has good potential, reportedly running a 10.6 100 in his first year running track. Liggins may have 1-AA or 1-A potential, but Heck hasn't coached him yet.

Coach's Comments: "We return one of the best tailbacks in New Jersey, possibly the northeast, in Rashad White. We have great expectations, but we lost four offensive lineman. However, Chas Thompson is a very good tackle and we have Desi Liggins, a 6-foot-4, 285 pound transfer from Kennedy. We have good young talent. Our seniors last year had great chemistry. 2007 will be a building process, but there'll be a little more speed and talent. We have White running a 10.3 100, while Damian Miles and David Butler each running a 10.6. We'll be strong on the defensive side of the ball. On paper, we look good there and we have guys like Farrior, Sarraga, and Rumble. It'll be the fastest secondary in New Jersey, with four seniors that can run and we have linebackers who were point guards in basketball." – Head Coach Dennis Heck