WEST ORANGE- Gerry Moore has more than paid his dues as a high school football head coach, what with 17 years at the helm of the Hanover Park Hornets and six seasons guiding the Parsippany Red Hawks.
And, before that he was a valued member of John Liberato’s staff for some outstanding Hanover Park teams.
Now, in his fourth season on the strong coaching staff at Seton Hall Prep and second year as head man Bill Fitzgerald’s defensive coordinator, the veteran Moore - like fellow Pirate assistant Tom Falato, who was also once the head coach at immaculata of Somerville – is thoroughly enjoying his role in guiding the promising defensive unit for the Pirates.
SHP opens the new season on Friday, Aug. 28 at Mount Saint Joseph in Baltimore, Md.
Moore is able to coach his son, veteran senior linebacker Colin Moore, along with outstanding Power 5 conference college recruits in University of Minnesota commit Taylor Daniels, a senior defensive back, and the heavily-sought-after edge rusher Cameron McClain, who is gaining more and more attention as he continues to progress toward being one of the state’s top D-lineman.
Powerful D-lineman Joshua Griffith along with other experienced senior contributors such as safety Jayden Johnson and linebacker Jayden Crawford.
“We have a lot of kids back and they are a great group to coach,” said Moore. “Not only do we have some really good talent here, their work ethic is also outstanding and we’re all on the same page in terms of looking to continue to improve each and every day.
“Our veteran guys are a year older, more mature as players and as fine young men who are part of a great culture here at Seton Hall Prep.
“I love working for Coach Fitzgerald and with just a terrific coaching staff that he continues to put together.
“Every week is a definitely a challenge in our league (Super Football Conference) so it’s always one day at a time while never looking any further down the road than who is directly in front of us in that next game.”
Daniels, a very athletic 5-foot-10, 180-pound cornerback or safety, had offers from Boston College, Duke, Florida State and Maryland, but selected Minnesota which has had a long association with him in the on-going recruiting process.
“(Former SHP all-state DB and current Ohio State junior starter) Jaylen McClain told me to go to a team that you feel loved by and Minnesota has been that school for me,” said Daniels, who is also a talented kick return artist and track sprinter. “They’ve been recruiting me since my freshman year and a shout out to coach (and co-defensive coordinator Nick) Monroe who recruited me as a corner and has been right there with me throughout the process.
“They’ve been loving me and believing in me, my skill set and what I can bring to them in terms of my work ethic every single day. I couldn’t ask for anything better than to play in the Big 10 which is the best conference in the country and I’m ready to go up against some really good players who were highly recruited and I’m ready to show what I can do.”
“We’re lucky to have Taylor back to help lead what we believe is a very good secondary,” said Moore. “He is a great athlete and terrific both as a cover guy and in coming up to stop the run.”
The very gifted 6-3, 245-pound Cameron McClain, who is Jaylen’s ‘little’ brother, already has firm offers from Purdue, Minnesota, Temple, UConn, Penn State and Memphis with two more seasons of high school football to go.
“Cameron is an outstanding young man who continues to get better and is emerging as an incredible college prospect.”
As the new season is right around the corner, Moore is excited about the possibilities for his defensive unit as they continue to work each day.
“Our biggest challenge is ourselves and focusing on ourselves to help our entire defense progress toward the strong unit I know that we’re capable of becoming as we prepare for our first game,” said the SHP DC. “I’m having a great time with this group and being part of the entire football community here at Seton Hall Prep!”
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