Rex Ryan, Jets have nothing on Seth Ryan, Summit High

While Rex Ryan and the New York Jets currently sit at 4-3 after seven games, Summit (N.J.) and Seth Ryan, Rex's son, are 7-0 heading into tonight's showdown against unbeaten Cranford (N.J.).

The younger Ryan is a junior receiver/defensive back for the Hilltoppers, who captured a NJSIAA section title in 2009 and were runner ups last season.

While not as outspoken as Rex Ryan, Summit head coach John Liberato has had no problem being the coach of the son of the NFL's most ostentatious coaching personality.

According to an article on NJ.com, Liberato has flourished coaching one of the more high-profile football sons in the country. His strict regimen, balanced with a warm demeanor, has earned him the respect of both Ryans.

“He’s got great charisma,” said Seth Ryan, who has been responsible for 26 tackles and two interceptions this season. “A great work ethic, everything. He has us ready every week.”

Ironically, Liberato was named Coach of the Year for the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut area by the New York Giants in 2009, eleven months after Ryan landed the Jets job.

Summit, which has outscored opponents by 313-110 on the season, will be challenged tonight by a Cranford squad that has been similarly potent on offense, averaging 33 points per game over its last three games.

The play of Seth Ryan and the rest of the Hilltoppers' defense could determine the outcome.

Ryan isn't the only son of a famous coach playing high school football in New Jersey. Joey Schiano, son of Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, is a freshman at Immaculata (Somerville, N.J.). Drew Pederson, son of Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Pederson, lines up behind center for Moorestown (N.J.).

Mainland Regional (Linwood, N.J.) quarterback Tom Bradway is the son of former Jets general manager Terry Bradway, who now consults for the team.

Jerry Reese, a sophomore quarterback at Jefferson Township (Oak Ridge, N.J.), is the son of Giants general manager Jerry Reese.