Three Holmdel Senior Football Players Honored

Two Holmdel High School football players were honored at the Academic All-Shore banquet Sunday at the Eatontown Sheraton.

Offensive lineman Mike Nolan and defensive lineman John Cardaci were nominated by their coaches on the basis of athletics, academics and character. They were selected by a committee of the Shore Football Coaches Foundation.

"They both are fantastic players, academically very sound, and have great character," said Holmdel Head Football Coach Frank Papalia. "They do a lot of charity work, and do a lot for younger kids."

Nolan also won the Vince Lombardi Award on March 3, in recognition for his character and perseverance.

At the event, it was announced that Holmdel High School senior lineman Chris Germinario was selected to represent the Hornets at the annual U.S. Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic, to be held for the first time at Roggy Stadium at Holmdel High School on July 12. 

On that summer Thursday, the best Monmouth County players will face off against the best Ocean County players in this long-running match. Germinario was named to the Asbury Park Press's All-Division team.

"He was an outstanding offensive and defensive lineman," said Coach Papalia. "It was easy to pick him."

Holmdel's Papalia will be the Monmouth County General Manager for the match, which will come at the end of Youth Football skills camp July 9-12 at Holmdel High.