Shore Sports Network Journal High School Sports

Cover Illustration by: Yannis Roumboulias Lettering: Andreas Pefanis

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Perfect Together

Jersey Mike’s & Shore Sports Network The Shore Sports Network and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced

a partnership for the upcoming Shore Conference high school football season. The nationally acclaimed sub chain will be the presenting sponsor of weekly football broadcasts on the Shore Sports Network’s 1160 & 1310AM and will also sponsor the “Team of the Week” program on www.shoresportsnetwork.com. In addition the Shore Sports Network Journal will be distributed at all 24 Jersey Mike’s locations in Ocean and Monmouth counties beginning with the popular football preview issue in early September.

Jersey Mike’s was founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant has under the direction of Peter Cancro and has grown to over 800 franchises around the country.

Despite their growth and success they maintain many of the ideals from the days of being a one-store business and still make the most authentic submarine sandwich available.

In addition Jersey Mike’s has been saluted for their philanthropic endeavors such as their annual Month of Giving campaign.

Sports Sports Network Director Kevin Williams said “partnering with such a prestigious company like Jersey Mike’s will enable us to expand our coverage of high school football in the Shore area.” Williams added that “all of us at Townsquare Media are excited to work with an organization who constantly seeks to make things better for those in their community.”

As part of Jersey Mike’s sponsorship they will bring subs to each of the “Team of the Week” recipients during the 2014 football season.

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5 Barnegat

Table of Contents

.

The Bengals are coming off a season in which they won a schoolrecord 10 games and reached their first NJSIAA final, so now they are looking to finish the job and take home the program’s first state title.

The defending Class B South champions return some of the Shore’s biggest names in senior linebacker Manny Bowen, a Penn State recruit, senior offensive lineman Sam Madden, a Wisconsin recruit, and senior quarterback Cinjun Erskine, who is committed to Bucknell.

Defensive back Ricky Gerena, defensive lineman Xavier Young, linebacker Kevin Hoffman, running back/linebacker Tyler McGuinness, and running back Paul Wickwire also return to help the Bengals make a run to another division title and the South Jersey Group II crown.

SSN Top Returning Recruits ..........................................................Page 4 Class A North ............................Pages 10 thru 20 Class A Central ..........................Pages21 thru 29 Class A South ............................Pages 30 thru 44 Feature Story

Transforming the Shore ................Pages 46-48

Class B North ............................Pages 49 thru 62 Class B Central .......................Pages 63 thru 71 Class B South ..........................Pages 72 thru 84 Week-by-week Shore Conf.

Schedule ................................................. Page 87 Ocean County Field Directions ...............................Pages 88 Monmouth County Field Directions ..............................Pages 89

1 Red Bank Catholic .

The Caseys have gone wire to wire as the Shore’s No. 1 team for the past three years, and they are geared up for another big season. They enter the year having won four straight division titles and 33 straight games against Shore Conference competition. The only mountain left to climb is finding a way to dethrone Non-Public Group III champion St. Joseph’s-Montvale after consecutive playoff losses to the Green Knights in the past two seasons. Leading the way this year is Miami recruit Jamie Gordinier at linebacker, standout two-way linemen Liam Smith and Ryan Kroeger, junior dual threat quarterback Eddie Hahn, senior running back Tommy Spernal, senior tailback/safety Mike Cordova and senior wideout/cornerback Mike DeMonte. Now in Class B North, they have a schedule where eight of their nine opponents were playoff teams last year, including four division champions, so they should be tested before the playoffs.

2 Brick .

The defending Central Jersey Group IV champions are coming off the program’s first sectional title since 1994, and they are loaded up to try to become the first back-to-back state championship team at Brick since the Green Dragons won three straight from 1981-83. First-team All-Shore selections Carmen Sclafani and Ray Fattaruso return at quarterback and running back, respectively, with Fattaruso also back as a top player on the defense at linebacker. The offense features numerous weapons, including senior wideouts Ja’Quez Johnson and Joe Phillips, sophomore Ja’Sir Taylor and senior tight end Simon Bingelis.

Leading tackler James Juliano returns at linebacker, and Johnson is also a standout defensive back. It all adds up to the favorite to win Class A South and make another run to a title.

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. Rumson-Fair Haven

SteveMeyer

Shore Sports Network Director High School Division steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

ScottStump

Managing Editor

stump@allshoremedia.com

Senior Conte nt Pro viders MattManley // Mmanley21@gmail.com BobBadders // badders@allshoremedia.com

Shore Sports Network Journal is published by: T o w n s q u a r e M e d i a 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753

Copyright 2014 Townsquare Media All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Shore Sports Network is prohibited

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The Bulldogs are coming off a school-record 11 wins in a year in which they captured their second NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II title in four seasons, and they return the centerpiece of their offense in Princeton recruit Charlie Volker at tailback. Volker led the Shore Conference with a school-record 2,108 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns to earn SSN Offensive Player of the Year honors. One of the Shore’s best defenses from last year returns senior noseguard Ben Eisenstadt, linebackers Max Pfrang and Tucker Briggs, and a strong secondary featuring seniors Sam Eisenstadt and Jackson Reid. They also have a talented sophomore class ready to contribute. They look like the favorite in Class A Central, and will try to become the first team in school history to win consecutive state titles.

4 Manalapan .

The Braves may have graduated some big names, but the fourtime defending Class A North champions plan on keeping the wins coming and making another run to a state final. They reached their third straight sectional final last season but came up short of winning the program’s first state title, so they are hungry to finish the job. Senior quarterback Dan Anerella, running backs Imamu Mayfield, John Cheung and Dan Debner, wideout Tyson Plummer and junior right guard Joe Sellmeyer lead the offense. The defense features senior defensive end Kyle Mullen, senior linebackers Joe Mendez and Carlos Teixeira and Debner in the secondary, and the special teams feature one of the state’s top kickers in senior Mike Caggiano. The Braves have won 25 straight games against Shore Conference competition and look to make another run to a state final.

6 Toms River South .

The Indians won eight games and reached the South Jersey Group IV semifinals last season to continue their resurgence, and they return an explosive offense as they try to make a deeper playoff push and challenge for the Class A South title this fall. Senior quarterback Tymere Berry returns after earning second-team All-Shore honors last year, and he is joined in the backfield of the Indians’ triple option attack by senior Khaleel Greene, who is poised for a breakout season as the primary ballcarrier. Senior Mike Rutter returns to lead the offensive line, and seniors Quintin DeCarlo and Jimmy Allen lead the defensive line, with senior Joe Odebode returning to anchor the linebackers.

7 Middletown South .

The Eagles are coming off an uncharacteristic .500 season, but have a strong core of sophomores and juniors along with some talented seniors to bounce right back and make a run at Class A North and Central Jersey Group IV titles.

Almost the entire offensive line returns, led by FCS prospect James Wilson, and the backfield should be a standout unit featuring junior Cole Rogers, senior Corey Grant and promising sophomore James McCarthy. Junior Matt Mosquera steps in at quarterback and has senior tight end Pat Crowe and brothers Nolan and Spencer Pereless as targets in the passing game. Crowe, senior defensive lineman Dan Servidio, linebackers Dylan Rogers and Sergio Gonzalez and Cole Rogers in the secondary highlight the defense.

8 Ocean .

The defending Class B North champions are coming off a 10-win season and a trip to the state semifinals. They are out to prove they can weather heavy graduation losses, particularly on defense, but return the ingredients for another strong season in junior tailback Tyler Thompson, one of the Shore’s best, along with senior wideout Marcus Blackman.

Sophomore newcomer Kenny Pickett steps in at quarterback to replace senior Royal Moore, who transferred to Neptune. Senior safety Frank Henry returns to anchor the defense after making 111 tackles last year, senior Pat Ellison is back at defensive end, and Blackman returns at cornerback. That group will look to finish the job after Ocean lost in the Central Jersey Group III semifinals last year to eventual champion Hopewell Valley. They will be tested immediately by a veteran Neptune team that also has Top 10 potential in the opener.

9 Matawan .

Coming off a seven-win season in which they were the only winning team in the Shore to miss the playoffs, the Huskies are hungry to chase after Class A Central and Central Jersey Group III titles. They return firstteam All-Shore linebacker Aliem Shaw, a junior who will also play tailback, and will have the tandem of senior Jimmy Pierce and promising freshman L.C. Pearson at quarterback. Leading rusher Devon Spann and top wideouts Dejohn Rogers, Justin Ferrara and Shawn Ramcheran also return. Those same players plus lineman Jake Weber and linebacker Isaiah Phillip also will be leaders of the defense, which was one of the Shore’s best last season. The Huskies will get a serious test in their opener against an improved St. John Vianney team.

10 Long Branch .

The Green Wave return some top individual talent on both sides of the ball coming off a seven-win season in which they were knocked out in the first round of the Central Jersey Group III playoffs. Senior quarterback Jordan Rodriguez, senior tailback/safety Dahmiere Willis and senior linebacker Hunter Baillie will lead them as they face one of the Shore’s toughest schedules. They also return a veteran offensive line and senior tight end/defensive end John Mimes, a promising prospect who transferred from Middletown North late last season. If they survive the schedule, they should be one of the most battle-tested teams in their bracket come playoff time.

Other teams to watch: Neptune, Point Beach, Lakewood, St. John Vianney, Jackson Memorial, Shore Regional, Lacey, Manasquan, Brick Memorial, Middletown North.

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Thursday, 7-8:30 on 1160 & 1310AM and www.shoresportsnetwork.com.

The only weekly radio and online show that covers Monmouth and Ocean County High School Football.

Award-winning broadcasters Kevin Williams, Matt Harmon and Ed Sarluca cover the entire Shore Conference from Matawan to Pinelands.

Broadcast live from Baker’s Water Street Bar & Grille in Toms River, the weekly show features players, coaches, special segments with Scott Stump and a preview of upcoming games.

The first thing fans, players, coaches and parents want to know after the big game is always,

”Is this going to be on

”

Shore Sports Network has established itself as a leader in scholastic sports coverage in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing more video highlight clips, in-depth reporting, feature stories and regular updates than ANY OTHER OUTLET in the area.

Shore Sports Network Website Features

n Get Video Highlights of all the important games that Shore Conference fans

will be talking about.

n Catch up on the action you might have missed

n Watch video clips of everything from the action early in the event to the big finish as well as video interviews with various athletes. n www.shoresportsnetwork.com is the most visited sports site in the Shore Conference during the scholastic year

n Follow us on Twitter (over 16,000 followers) and Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news

n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

The Shore Conference once again has some of the top-tier talent in New Jersey spread across multiple classes, led by a senior class that already has five FBS verbal commits heading into this fall.

A stellar group of linebackers lead the way this year, with Manasquan’s Tanner Cowley (University of Virginia), Red Bank Catholic’s Jamie Gordinier (Miami) and Barnegat’s Manny Bowen (Penn State) all headed to FBS programs. Lakewood senior

QUARTERBACKS Cinjun Erskine Sr., Barnegat Already committed to Bucknell, Erskine is a dual threat quarterback who has the potential to run for 1,000 yards and throw for 1,000 yards. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, he has good size and has worked on his arm strength and accuracy.

Look for him to put the ball in the air more often in his third season as the starter. n Carmen Sclafani, Sr., Brick n Tymere Berry, Sr., Toms River South n Anthony Brown, Jr., St. John Vianney n Eddie Hahn, Jr., Red Bank Catholic n Donald Glenn, So., Middletown North

RUNNING BACKS Tyler Thompson, Ocean (Jr.) One of the top running backs in New Jersey for the Class of 2016, Thompson already boasts offers from Penn State, Virginia, Boston College, Syracuse, UConn, Old Dominion and Temple as well as interest from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Maryland and reigning national champion Florida State. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he has great feet and agility and has continued to work on his speed. He is a three-year starter on pace to become only the second back in Shore Conference history to record four 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining Miami Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno, a Middletown South legend. Look for Thompson to show his receiving skills out of the backfield more this season. n Charlie Volker, Sr., Rumson-FH – Committed to Princeton n Asante Moorer, Jr., Toms River North n Dahmiere Willis, Sr., Long Branch n Imamu Mayfield, Sr., Manalapan n Jaree Parrish, Sr., Neptune n Calvin Beaty, Jr., St. John Vianney n Josh Dixon, Sr., Freehold Boro n Chad Freshnock, Jr., Middletown North

WIDE RECEIVERS Sadiq Palmer, Jr., Red Bank Regional With the graduation of top talents like Manalapan’s Saeed Blacknall, now at Penn State, there are a lot of up-and-coming talents at wide receiver in the Shore who should put themselves on college radar this season. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Palmer scratched the surface of what he could do last year by making All-Class B North, and he has started receiving FBS interest from Northeast programs and some Big Ten schools. He has good length and soft hands and has continued to work on his route-running and speed. He’s also a talented basketball player.

n Tyson Plummer, Sr., Manalapan n Ja’Sir Taylor, So., Brick n Jaedon Stephens, Jr., Asbury Park

quarterback/linebacker Chapelle Cook (Temple) is the Piners’ first FBS recruit since former defensive end Thomas Carroll, who played at Miami in the early 2000s. Barnegat offensive lineman Sam Madden rounds out the group as a Wisconsin commit who is one of New Jersey’s best. There also is depth to the senior class, with a host of players receiving FCS offers and interest.

Right behind them is a junior class that features FBS n n n n n n n

Dan Calabro, Sr., St. John Vianney Jordan Pitts, Sr., Middletown North Dylan DeWysockie, Sr., Raritan Jordan Hardy, Sr., Central Darrion Carrington, So., Toms River North Marcque Ellington, Jr., Neptune Karl Kumm, Sr., Brick Memorial

TIGHT ENDS Jordan Craig, Sr., Toms River North The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Craig currently has offers from Buffalo and UConn and interest from Boston College and Duke. He is a versatile H-back/tight end who has good speed and hands for his size and is capable of outrunning linebackers and overpowering safeties. He also is a standout at linebacker.

n n n n n

Simon Bingelis, Sr., Brick Troy Thompson, Sr., Middletown North Pat Crowe, Sr., Middletown South Kenny Ferrare, Sr., Rumson-FH Kyle Morris, Sr., Barnegat

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN Sam Madden, Sr., Barnegat A 6-foot-7, 345-pound mauler, Madden is committed to Wisconsin and rated as a four-star recruit by most recruiting services. He had more than two dozen FBS offers. Madden battled a nagging foot injury that required surgery after last season, so he should show more of his potential with a healthy senior year. He has good agility for his size and has been working mainly to improve his footwork and technique heading into this season.

n n n n n n n n n

Liam Smith, Jr., Red Bank Catholic Ryan Kroeger, Sr., RBC – Committed to Fordham James Wilson, Sr., Middletown South Joe Sellmeyer, Jr., Manalapan Nyeem Calhoun, Sr., Donovan Catholic Ryan Demian, Sr., Howell Dylan Smith, Jr., Jackson Memorial Joe MacAvoy, Jr., Lacey Jimmy Allen, Sr., Toms River South

KICKERS/PUNTERS Mike Caggiano, Sr., Manalapan A first-team All-Shore selection as a junior, Caggiano is a three-year varsity player who can play either punter or kicker at the next level.

He has field goal range out past 50 yards, and last season hit 40 touchbacks and averaged 34.3 yards per punt. He has received FBS interest as one of the top kickers in the Northeast region.

n Jake Monteiro, Sr., Shore Regional

prospects like Ocean running back Tyler Thompson, Red Bank Catholic lineman Liam Smith and Caseys’ quarterback Eddie Hahn, Lakewood linebacker Amir Tyler and Matawan linebacker Aliem Shaw.

All commitments noted below are verbal commitments. Players’ decisions will not becoming binding until they sign a National Letter of Intent on or after National Signing Day on Feb. 4, 2015. n Hunter Daly, Sr., Neptune n Pat Davis, Jr., Lacey n Matt Mosquera, Jr., Middletown South

ATHLETES Chapelle Cook, Sr., Lakewood Committed to Temple, Cook will move from tailback to quarterback for the Piners this year and also play at outside linebacker. He also had offers from Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Boston College and was recruited by some as a linebacker and by others as a tailback. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he has good speed and lateral quickness and also is a dedicated presence in the weight room.

n Ray Fattaruso, Sr., RB/LB, Brick n Isaiah Searight, Sr., WR/RB/DB, Monmouth – Committed to Fordham n Khaleel Greene, Sr., RB/DB, Toms River South n Joe Hans, Sr., QB/DB, Brick Memorial n Tyquis Davis, Sr., RB/LB, Asbury Park n Arkeyel Brown, Jr., WR, Keansburg n Tysaun White, Sr., RB/WR/DB, Mater Dei Prep n Marcus Blackman, Sr., WR/DB, Ocean n Mike Frauenheim, Sr., RB/LB, Point Beach n Christian Sanchez, Sr., QB, Colts Neck

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN Adam Kakar, Sr., Toms River North A four-year starter, the 6-foot-3, 315-pound Kakar had a strong offseason that put him on the radar of Rutgers along with several other FBS and FCS programs. He moves well for his size and has good strength and explosion off the ball to the point where he is agile enough to play defensive end for Toms River North. He forms a fierce tandem with teammate Da’shon Copes up front in the Mariners’ 3-4 scheme.

n n n n n n n n n n n

Datrell Reed, Sr., Lakewood Da’shon Copes, Jr., Toms River North Mike Nobile, Jr., Brick Memorial Brody Graham, Sr., Jackson Memorial John Mimes, Sr., Long Branch Xavier Young, Sr., Barnegat Brandon Burdge, Jr., Toms River East Kyle Mullen, Sr., Manalapan Clay Kemp, Sr., St. John Vianney Jake Weber, Sr., Matawan Tarique Smith, Jr., Lacey

LINEBACKERS Manny Bowen, Sr., Barnegat A four-star recruit, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Bowen was the most highlyrecruited out of an outstanding crop of linebackers in the senior class this year. Committed to Penn State, Bowen is a versatile athlete capable

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14 of rushing off the edge, covering the slot and stopping the run. He is the prototype of the hybrid-style player many college defenses covet, and he had 30-plus offers from Alabama to Michigan State to Oregon to Oklahoma.

n n n n n n n n n n

Fri

Jamie Gordinier, Sr., RBC – Committed to Miami Tanner Cowley, Sr., Manasquan – Committed to Virginia Amir Tyler, Jr., Lakewood Aliem Shaw, Jr., Matawan Hunter Baillie, Sr., Long Branch Joe Mendez, Sr., Manalapan James McCarthy, So., Middletown South Frank Condito, Sr., Holmdel Jacob Post, Jr., Lacey Joe Wegrzyniak, Sr., Point Beach

n Doug Goldsmith, Jr., Shore n Tyler McGuinness, Sr., Barnegat

DEFENSIVE BACKS Dejohn Rogers, Jr., Matawan A top cover corner, Rogers has gotten interest from North Carolina State, UConn, Rutgers, Michigan State and Nebraska, with some also looking at him as a wide receiver. He has high-level speed, good instincts and quick closing speed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds.

n n n n

Matt Castronuova, Sr., Jackson Memorial Darryl Gamble, Sr., Monmouth Mike Cordova, Sr., Red Bank Catholic Royal Moore, Sr., Neptune

9/5 Red bank Catholic at Wall

(7pm)

Fri 9/12 Jackson Memorial at Jackson Liberty

(7pm)

Sat 9/13 Lacey

(7pm)

at Toms River North

n n n n n n

Khalil Haskins, Jr., St. John Vianney Ja’Quez Johnson, Sr., Brick Cole Rogers, Jr., Middletown South Dan Debner, Sr., Manalapan Ricky Gerena, Sr., Barnegat Frank Henry, Sr., Ocean

FRESHMEN TO WATCH n n n n

L.C. Pearson, QB, Matawan Tommy Ferrante, RB/LB, Toms River East Josh Lezin, OL/DL, Lakewood Ashante Worthy, WR/DB, Freehold Boro

Fri 10/17 Lacey or Barnegat

at Brick at Point Boro

(7pm) (7pm)

Fri 10/24 Jackson Mem.

at Toms River South

(7pm)

at Brick Memorial at Barnegat

(7pm) (7pm) (7pm) (7pm)

Fri 9/19 Toms River East

at Toms River South

(7pm)

Fri 10/31 Toms River South or Lakewood

Fri 9/26 Lacey or Toms River North

at Brick Memorial at Toms River South

(7pm) (7pm)

Fri 11/7 Toms River South or Brick Memorial

at Brick at Southern

Fri 10/3 Brick at Jackson Mem. or Red Bank Catholic at Wall

(7pm) (7pm)

Thr 11/27 Wall

at Manasquan

Fri 10/10 Manasquan or Wall

(7pm) (7pm)

at Barnegat at Brick

NJSIAA Playoffs

(11am) TBD

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09-06-14

@Marlboro

09-12-14

South Brunswick

10-10-14

@Howell

09-19-14 10-02-14

10-17-14

10-24-14 11-07-14

11-27-14

@Neptune

Freehold Twp

@Manalapan

Brick Memorial

Freehold Boro

@Middletown North

Head Coach: Steve Antonucci, 16th Season Career Record: 149-34

Assistant Coaches: Al Bigos (asst. head coach/def. coord.); Joe O’Connor (off. coord.); Steve Roberts (LB/WR/spec. teams); Joe Passo (QB); Nick Trezza (OL); Rich Read (off. coord./OL); Howard Barbieri (OL); R.J. Read (WR); Joe Mirault (DL); Tom Grier (off. asst.); Rod Murchie, Rick Taylor (freshman); Stacy White (athletic trainer) 2013 Record: 5-5 (4-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Dan Servidio, Sr., DT Servidio will have to help fill the void in production left by the graduation of the defensive tackle tandem of All-Division talent Conner Spreen and one of the Shore’s best, University of Pennsylvania freshman Tayler Hendrickson X-FACTOR: Matt Mosquera If the junior quarterback can help give the Eagles a balanced attack by being efficient in the passing game and also hurt teams in the option by running the ball, this offense should be a handful with a talented backfield behind him.

GLUE GUY: Cole Rogers, Jr., RB/DB Rogers should be a key piece in the backfield and is a fixture in the secondary. He has been playing in big varsity games since his freshman season and is a seasoned veteran by this point.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: James McCarthy, So., RB/LB McCarthy should instantly boost the Eagles’ running game and also has All-Shore potential as a linebacker.

He starred on the freshman team last year and saw a little bit of varsity action later in the season, so he is ready to make an immediate impact.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 17 at Manalapan This game should once again go a long way toward deciding the Class A North title and net the winner a haul of power points for a high playoff seeding. The Eagles will try to find a way to solve the Braves after four straight Manalapan wins.

Reclaiming Their Place

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor t most programs, throwing a bunch of sophomores into the starting lineup and riding the roller coaster to a .500 season wouldn’t raise many eyebrows.

At a Shore Conference standard-bearer like Middletown South, however, it resulted in the Eagles’ first non-winning season in 29 years when they made a first-round playoff exit and finished 5-5. The reason no one is worried that the sky is falling at a program that has reached 10 NJSIAA finals and won five state titles since 2000 is because those sophomores now form a strong junior core complemented by a group of talented senior returners and a loaded sophomore class with several players expected to make a significant impact.

“At some point, we had to go through some kind of rebuilding I’d guess you’d call it,’’ said 16th-year head coach Steve Antonucci, who is one win shy of 150 in his brilliant career. “It was hard, but we knew going in we were going to be young – we played eight sophomores on defense last season. As the season wore on, people started to see that those kids were sophomores, and they started taking advantage of some of the things that they weren’t used to. The outlook now is, can we take the next step now that they’ve played 10 games as sophomores and get on a playoff run and hopefully get back to a final.”

With one of the more athletic groups of skill players they have had in recent years plus a veteran offensive line and a defense that returns almost the entire lineup, everything is in place for the Eagles to reclaim their spot among the Shore Conference elite.

“I see a bright future for this program,’’ said senior offensive lineman James Wilson.

The Eagles caught fire offensively in the final two games last season, combining for 88 points, and hope to carry that momentum into this fall with a deep group of skill players. Junior Matt Mosquera, who was outstanding as the placekicker and punter as a sophomore, takes over at quarterback in the spread option for Kyle Brey, who was fourth in the Shore Conference in passing yards as a senior last season. “(Mosquera) is developing, and that’s what we need him to do,’’ Wilson said. “We also need him to add that extra dimension and run more.

Everything is fitting in well so far.”

The backfield is filled with potential between junior Cole Rogers, who started on defense last year, promising sophomore James McCarthy, and senior Corey Grant. Rogers ran for 148 yards and a touchdown on an average of 7.8 yards per carry in limited duty last year.

“We have three really good running backs,’’ said senior tight end/defensive end Pat Crowe.

“They all have great speed and power.”

McCarthy starred on an undefeated freshman team last season and is one of multiple sophomores expected to make significant contributions this season. At 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, he reminds the coaching staff of Pete Tactikos, who starred at running back for the Eagles in the mid-1990s and was known as a

A

physical runner who relished contact but also had good speed to the outside.

“James McCarthy is an animal,’’ Wilson said.

“He is lightning – a tough kid who takes a hit.”

Sophomore Kevin Higgins will be at fullback in certain packages, and the 6-foot-4 Crowe returns after catching seven passes for 140 yards and a touchdown at tight end, where senior Dom Tobacco also will see time. Mosquera has two experienced targets at wide receiver in senior Nolan Pereless and his younger brother, junior Spencer Pereless. With 30 catches last season for 336 yards and a touchdown, Spencer Pereless had more catches than any other returning receiver in the Shore this season.

Nolan Pereless finished with 21 catches for 245 yards and a score, and those two lead a group that will also include junior Tom Coffey and senior Joe Timmins as threats.

“Receiver-wise, we’re not the biggest kids, but they are great route runners with good hands who are dangerous in space, and we can stick Pat Crowe out there from time to time for a mismatch,’’ Antonucci said. “I think from an offensive standpoint, we’re going to be pretty good.”

Bolstering that confidence in the offense is the fact that five players return with starting experience up front. Junior center Joey Rutkowski, senior left tackle Brian Joyce, and junior right tackle Tom Lopez are all back along with senior Kyle Maynes, who is being pushed at right guard by senior Mike Spendio. The 6-foot5, 285-pound Wilson returns at left guard and has offers from Old Dominion, Youngstown State, Sacred Heart, Monmouth University, Fordham and St. Francis (Pa.), with Youngstown State looking like the front-runner. His younger brother, sophomore Mike Wilson, is also expected to see time in the offensive line rotation.

“Our offensive line this year is just so hungry to get after people,’’ Wilson said.

Mosquera will once again handle the placekicking and punting after a sophomore season in which he earned SSN third-team AllShore honors by going a perfect 40-for-40 on extra points and 5-for-5 on field goals.

Defensively, the Eagles have added some new wrinkles under veteran coordinator Al Bigos.

They have moved from a 4-4 scheme to more of a 4-2-5 look after being shredded by the spread offense of Burlington Township in a wild, 52-45 loss in the first round of the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs last year. The Eagles gave up 24 points per game over the course of last season.

“Traditionally, we’ve been a defense-dominant team, and we’re going through a transition like a lot of other teams because nobody is lining up in the ‘I’ and trying to run power and iso any more,’’ Antonucci said. “Now everybody is spreading it around. We’ve got to be able to adjust.

“We had to come up with a way where we could defend the pass and still be sound in the run game. We’re still going to be a pressure team, but we’re going to do things a little bit

Junior RB Cole Rogers differently, almost like the philosophy of the Seahawks, playing from the top down. We’re going to let you catch the ball in front of us, but we’re going to make you pay for it.”

Senior Dan Servidio is a returning starter at defensive tackle, with sophomore Will Gullick expected to start at the other tackle spot. Joyce and sophomore Robert Burke are also expected to be in the defensive tackle rotation. Crowe is a returning starter at defensive end, with Grant manning the other other end and Tobacco also expected to see time there.

“It’s been better,’’ Crowe said about the new scheme. “I’ve been playing more of an outside linebacker, and coming off the edge is a lot easier.”

The linebackers look to be a particular strength, with junior Dylan Rogers, Cole’s twin brother, returning at inside linebacker along with senior Sergio Gonzalez. Higgins also should see time at inside linebacker, while McCarthy will slide into an outside linebacker spot, where he has the potential to be an FBS-level recruit.

Another promising sophomore, Maxx Imsho, will play a hybrid safety/linebacker spot, with Nolan Pereless, who led the team with four interceptions last year, returning to play the other hybrid spot.

Cole Rogers is a returning starter at cornerback, and junior Rob Hulse will start at the other cornerback spot after seeing time last year.

Junior Ed Pinto is also in the rotation at cornerback.

“I think right now from a defensive standpoint, we’re a hell of a lot better than we were a year ago,’’ Antonucci said.

They enter the Class A North race chasing Manalapan, which has won the division four straight years, becoming one of the rare teams to beat Middletown South four straight times. The Eagles look to be once again be one of the primary obstacles to the Braves’ quest for another division title.

“I like being the underdog because the underdog can always prove someone wrong,’’ Wilson said.

The returners are also trying to rid their minds of the memory of the Burlington Township loss and make last season seem more like a temporary hiccup during a long stretch of success than an ominous sign of things to come.

“During the offseason, we couldn’t get it out of our minds,’’ Crowe said. “We just have to push through that and get back to the state championship.”

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-05-14

09-12-14 09-20-14

10-05-14 10-10-14

@ Freehold Twp Colts Neck

@ Freehold Boro

@ Southern

Middletown South

10-17-14

@ Middletown North

11-07-14

Manalapan

10-24-14 11-01-14

Monroe

@ Marlboro

Head Coach: Luke Sinkhorn, 1st season (6th overall)

Career Record: 0-0 (25-26 overall)

Assistant Coaches: P.J. Gibbs (def. coord./DB); Bob Mussari (LB); Zac Cooper (DL); Joe Migliore (RB/spec. teams); Ryan Klusewicz (OL/DL); Joe Santopietro, Shane Baldwin, Chris Provo (freshman); Amy Ghione (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 4-6 (2-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Colin Mastowski, Sr., QB/LB Mastowski appears to be the favorite to win the starting quarterback job, but this applies to whomever the Rebels start. Last year’s quarterback, Connor McGlynn, led the Shore in passing yards (2,123) and touchdowns (22). Although the system is much different, that’s a void in production that has to be somewhat replaced.

X-FACTOR: Run defense If Howell can dramatically improve its run defense it will give itself a chance to win every time out, while also changing its perception and the way teams have to attack.

GLUE GUY: Mike McGuinness, Sr., OL/DL McGuinness is the only Howell lineman playing both ways, which tells you how much the coaches value him. The lines look to be the team’s strength early on and McGuinness is their leader.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Bobby Cavallero, So., QB With good size for a sophomore at 5-11 and 180 pounds, Cavallero looks like the future quarterback for the Rebels and could seize the starting job this season.

His ability to run and pass with equal talent has intrigued the coaching staff.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Colts Neck The Rebels open with a Week Zero game against Freehold Township, but their rivalry game with the Cougars, who also have a new coach and are coming off a run to the Central Jersey Group IV title game, will give a better idea of where the Rebels are this season.

A New Identity

By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer ith a new coaching staff and a complete system overhaul on both sides of the ball, Howell is ready for the dawn of a new era under Luke Sinkhorn as it looks to regain its championship form.

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Sinkhorn comes to Howell after serving as New Egypt’s head coach for the last five seasons. A Manasquan grad who played under legendary head coach Vic Kubu, Sinkhorn began his coaching career as an assistant at Point Boro before returning to his alma mater for three seasons. He served as an assistant under Tom Farrell for two seasons at New Egypt before being hired as the head coach.

Sinkhorn and defensive coordinator P.J. Gibbs, another Manasquan grad who has coached with the Warriors and also at Matawan, bring with them a defense-first philosophy that will be accompanied by a power running attack. It’s a drastic change from the no-huddle spread passing aerial onslaught installed by former head coach Cory Davies (now an assistant at Lacey) that led to five playoff appearances, two sectional finals, the 2007 Central Jersey Group IV title and many sleepless nights for opposing defensive coordinators.

The Rebels haven’t had a winning season since 2010, however, so the challenge for Sinkhorn is to get Howell back to competing for championships with a new identity.

“It’s going to be a little bit of a culture change,” Sinkhorn said. “We came in with the idea of leading with defense, and that goes in line with running the ball.

They need to see a little success before it clicks, and it’s not going to happen overnight. But the guys are buying in and we’re getting there.”

Jorge Hidalgo at right guard. At left tackle is 6-foot-4, 270-pound senior Jeremy Subjinski and at right tackle is senior Evan Cofrancisco.

“As offensive linemen we don’t ever shy away from contact,” McGuinness said. “We love hitting, and we have a lot of size on the O-line, so we’re looking forward to it.”

“Having all those guys back works in our favor,” Sinkhorn said. “There still needs to be a change with them getting used to playing downhill instead of backing up, but they’re all excited about it.”

The starting tailback in Howell’s multiple-I offense is senior Jarvis Leaks, with junior Mike Reilly as the fullback. Leaks saw more action as a receiver out of the backfield last season and finished with 27 receptions for 379 yards and a touchdown.

The tight ends are senior Matt Prusan and sophomore Mike Ioannides. Wide receiver isn’t the same star-making position at Howell like it was in the previous offense, and the Rebels will be replacing their top three receivers anyway, so the adjustment hasn’t been as stark. Seniors Joe Salafrio and Anthony Sarullo are the starters with juniors Nic Rossi and Nick Chianca, and sophomore Dan Cacciatore also vying for playing time.

“There came a point in the offseason where we all “We’ve all adjusted came together and said no pretty quickly and we matter who our coach ends know this offense is up being, we all have to going to be effective come together on the field,” Senior RB Jar vis Leaks because it fits us,” said senior two-way Leaks said. lineman Mike McGuinness.

“It adds a new dimension in that we can still pass it, “Coach Sinkhorn came in, and we all bought in. We’re but we’ll run it a lot better,” McGuinness said. “You can’t really loving it.” just have three defensive linemen up and have them The offensive linemen are excited for the switch to a chase the quarterback. It’s going to be a lot harder to system that will see them blocking for running plays defend.” much more than in the past. The line also looks to be Working in at quarterback have been senior Colin Howell’s strength on offense as it has size and experience Mastowski, junior Mark Iacobino and sophomore Bobby returning. McGuinness (6-foot-1, 253 pounds) is the Cavallero. Whoever isn’t playing quarterback will be at center and will be flanked by 220-pound senior Johnny another position on defense, and Mastowski already Furmato at left guard and 6-foot-1, 280-pound senior

Howell offensive line starts on defense. Cavallero brings a dual-threat skill set to the position, but with a senior in front of him it remains to be seen how much he’ll play quarterback.

“Cavallero is kind of a throwback guy – he’s not afraid to take a hit,” Sinkhorn said. “He probably gives us our biggest dual threat, but we’re still developing him.”

Defense has been an area that, even when they were successful as a team, was where the Rebels struggled.

Run defense was the biggest problem, but Sinkhorn and Gibbs’ philosophy starts with defending the ground game. Up front in Howell’s 4-3 alignment will be 6-foot3, 300-pound senior Ryan Demian along with senior James Bast at defensive tackle. The defensive ends are McGuinness and 6-foot-4, 275-pound senior Liam Baldwin.

“We have a lot of guys with experience coming back, and this offseason we really hit the weight room hard,” Demian said. “We’re a harder-hitting bunch, and we’re going to show teams what we can do.”

The middle linebacker is junior Justin Jarosz with Cacciatore and Mastowski as the outside linebackers.

Sarullo and Salafrio are the starting cornerbacks with Reilly as the strong safety and Rossi as the free safety.

“It’s how I was brought up as a player and a coach, so wherever I would have gone it’s always defense first and running the ball,” Sinkhorn said. “They did some great things here we’d love to match offensively, but it starts with defense.”

R.J. Grey and Josh Arenas have been working for the starting kicker position, while Ioannides will be the punter.

Howell enters the season as an unknown because of the new coaching staff and drastic change in offensive scheme while being more committed to defense. After years of opposing teams knowing exactly what to get from Howell, 2014 and beyond will be much different.

The excitement to show the rest of the Shore the newlook Rebels is evident.

“I think we know who we are, and we’re ready to play,” McGuinness said. “We’re going to bring the wood every time and fight to every whistle.”

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

13

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-06-14 09-13-14 09-19-14 10-02-14 10-11-14 10-18-14 10-25-14 11-01-14 11-01-07

Middletown South Manalapan @ Middletown North Toms River North @ Freehold Boro Freehold Twp East Brunswick @ Howell @ J.P. Stevens

Head Coach: Jason Dagato, 2nd season Career Record: 2-8

Assistant Coaches: Matt Wisniewski (off. coord./QB); Steve Vella (WR); Cory Varrial (RB); Justin Bloss (OL); Matt Levi (LB); Nick Scalzo (DB/freshman); Tyler Palagonia, Mitch Nock (freshman); Mark Bramble (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 2-8 (0-6)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Joe Catena, Jr., QB Catena is still trying to nail down the starting job and whoever wins the battle between Catena and Mike Wolff will have to fill the void left by Dustin Jensen. Last year, Jensen accounted for 1,200 combined yards passing and rushing, including a team-leading 627 yards on the ground.

X-FACTOR: Jared Moffet, Sr., OL/DL The Mustangs need both the offensive and defensive lines to step up this season and Moffet has a chance to be a dominant player on either side. If he has a big year, that could set the tone for the rest of the group.

GLUE GUY: David Wiener, Sr., OL/DL A senior leader on both lines, Wiener shows a good motor that will serve him well while playing on both lines – center on offense and defensive end on the other side.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Dewann McAllister, Sr., WR After spending a year down at Lacey, McAllister is back in Marlboro and will make an immediate impact in the Mustangs’ spread offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 18 vs. Freehold Township A lot can and will happen between opening weekend and Oct. 18, but regardless of how things start for Marlboro, this is a game the Mustangs will have to have in order to make the claim that they made progress. Freehold Township picked up its lone division win against Marlboro last year.

15

Line in the Sand

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer arlboro seniors Mo Omar and Dewann McAllister have both played in programs with high expectations, so forgive them if they can’t help but ignore the recent past of their current team and dream of the possibilities.

M

just more confidence.”

lot more swagger.

Coach (Bloss) brings a lot of intensity, and it’s definitely rubbing off.”

McAllister, meanwhile, spent last season at Lacey after Seniors Jared beginning his Moffet and David Coming off a rough 2-8 season under a firstcareer at Wiener will anchor year head coach, Marlboro is gearing up for what Marlboro. both the offensive it hopes to be a resurgent season behind Omar Although Lacey and defensive lines, and McAllister – its two best offensive threats – had a rare down with Moffet playing and perhaps more importantly, a bigger, more season, the Lions on the end of both confident line on both sides of the ball. still went 5-5 and and Wiener playing Second-year coach Jason Dagato took over a McAllister center and defensive team that went 4-6 and had moved close to its picked up plenty end. Moffet has an first winning season since 1999 before losing from a program athletic 6-foot-3, much of its talent to graduation. With a year to that expects to 220-pound frame, and put his stamp on the program and for the win with an extra year of underclassmen to improve, Dagato has seen championships experience and a progress even before the first day of practice. every year. summer camp to McAllister brings become a leader, his “Last year was a struggle because we were back some of confidence level has pulling guys from all over the field and trying to Senior wide receiver Dewann McAllister those grown to match that fit them into other positions, especially on the expectations frame. offensive and defensive lines,” Dagato said. without the same “This year, we have guys who know how to play level of pressure to win every game. their position across the board, and that’s made a “Just having that year of experience to learn big difference in practice alone. It’s been a much “It was good to play in a different program and find out what it’s like to play the position has more positive mood around camp and there is an with a different coaching staff to get some made a difference,” Moffet said. “In our division, intensity that wasn’t all there before.” perspective,” McAllister said. “It was a good you have to be physical and sometimes it’s hard learning experience for me, but I’m glad to be Omar will be at the center of the effort after to be as physical as you want to be when you’re back here. I feel like I can bring some of what I emerging as the team’s top playmaker following still learning the position and that’s pretty much learned down at Lacey here and help this program his transfer from St. John Vianney before last where a lot of our guys were last year. This camp get to that next level.” season. He was second on the team in all-purpose has been way more physical.” yards (492) behind quarterback Dustin Jensen, For Omar and McAllister to play to their The final piece for the offense will be at the who accounted potential, the most important offensive position. Junior for more than Mustangs will quarterback Joe Catena has impressed the 1,200 yards need to make a coaching staff during the preseason, but is still between his collective leap locked in a close position battle with sophomore arm and his on the offensive Mike Wolff. Marlboro has been operating out of a legs. line. So far, two-back spread offense that will move senior Dagato and his Omar fullback Josh Zemlock around the backfield. senior leaders averaged under Dagato expected his team to endure some have been four yards per growing pains last season after losing a good pleased with the rush attempt portion of a 4-6 team from 2012. This season, the work that the last year, a mood in camp has been much different, according line has put in number Dagato to Dagato. under new expects to offensive line spike now that “The expectations are a lot more defined than coach Justin Omar is a year they were a year ago, not necessarily in terms of Bloss, a better and has wins and losses, but in terms of the level we Manalapan a retooled expect from each player,” Dagato said. “We want alumnus who offensive line to reach a level of performance and once we’re previously behind which there, the wins will follow.” coached on the to run.

Marlboro is working quickly to get all of its staff at “There’s an players up to speed, keeping in mind that the Matawan. obvious season opens with home games against “There is a difference this Middletown South and Manalapan. huge difference year,” Omar “Why not?” Dagato said of playing the two with our said. “I came most accomplished programs in the division over offensive line so in last year not the last several seasons. “We’re going to find out far,” Omar said. really knowing real fast what kind of football team we’ve got, “Last year, a lot what to expect, and we’re okay with that. of guys didn’t coming over really know from another “We look at it like we’re playing two teams what to do and program and that are the class of the Shore Conference right now, they are having to wait off the bat. Let’s see how we fare against the hitting people, to become best.” getting loud and eligible. This Senior running back Mo Omar playing with a year, there’s

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16

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-05-14

Freehold Boro

09-12-14

@ Perth Amboy

09-19-14

Marlboro

10-02-14 10-10-14

10-17-14

10-31-14 11-07-14

11-27-14

@ Manalapan @ Ocean

Howell

@ New Brunswick

Freehold Twp

@ Middletown South

Head Coach: Steve Bush, 2nd season (15th overall) Career Record: 3-7

Assistant Coaches: John Denuto (def. coord./LB/WR); George Kostas (OL/DL); Geoff Massimini (TE/DB); Jason Pino (RB/OLB); Larry McKnight (OL/DL); Randy Kalman (WR/LB); Dana Webster, Lyndon Johnson, Matt Rosner (freshman); Danielle Kanski (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 3-7 (3-3)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jordan Pitts, Sr., WR Jake Betkowski set a school record with 54 catches to go with 686 yards and 6 touchdowns last season as the Lions’ top wideout to earn second-team AllShore honors. Pitts now moves into that No. 1 slot and needs to keep the production high.

X-FACTOR: The Defense If the defense can take a jump forward after giving up 30 points per game last season and ensure that teams can’t bleed the clock and keep the offense off the field, the Lions can make that leap to the six- or seven-win mark.

GLUE GUY: Troy Thompson, Sr., TE/LB A two-way starter at tight end and outside linebacker, Thompson plays crucial roles on both sides of the ball and also has emerged as a team leader.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Aaron Borrero, Sr., RB/DB. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior has just come out for the team this year and looks to give the Lions another weapon in the backfield to complement Freshnock while also being a factor in the secondary.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 2 at Manalapan.

If they have any designs on competing for the Class A North title, the road goes through four-time defending champion Manalapan, which beat them 42-14 last year. A win over the Braves would be the type of stunner that shows this team has arrived as a serious contender, and it also would be a huge boost to their playoff hopes.

On the Rise

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor ith the Shore Conference’s top returning passer and a 1,000-yard rusher back to ignite the offense, Middletown North is hoping the promise it hinted at last season can translate into a jump in the win column this fall.

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The Lions returned to the state playoffs for the first time in four years last season, giving Nottingham all it could handle in a 35-33 loss in the Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinals. They may have only won three games, but their prolific spread attack under coach Steve Bush has Lions fans looking forward to two more years of watching the tandem of sophomore quarterback Donald Glenn and junior tailback Chad Freshnock.

“We work together,’’ Freshnock said about Glenn.

“He keeps them out of the box, I keep them in the box.

When they come in the box, we throw, when they go back up to cover the passing, then I run all over them.”

Glenn was thrown into the fire as a freshman and responded with 1,557 yards passing and 15 touchdowns, which are believed to be Shore Conference records for a freshman quarterback. Now in year two in Bush’s spread offense, Glenn will look to boost his accuracy after going 116-for-241 (48 percent) and throwing 14 interceptions while making the leap from youth football all the way to varsity. His improvement should help the Lions take a step forward after averaging 21 points per game last year.

“This team, we worked a lot harder in the offseason,’’ Glenn said. “The players helped me a lot being with me in the offseason. I’m a lot more comfortable with this team, the coaching staff and all the players.”

“I expect big things,’’ Bush said. “He’s a hard worker, a guy who wants to be good. He’s gotten much better command of the offense and a lot more poise and understanding of defenses. He did a great job as a freshman playing that position at the varsity level, throwing for 15 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards. He threw a lot of interceptions, too, because his age and inexperience showed up at times, and I think we can eliminate some of those things and take what the defense gives us.”

While the Lions have to replace leading receiver Jake Betkowski and his 54 catches, they do return two primary playmakers poised for big seasons. Senior wide receiver Jordan Pitts is a returning starter who had 24 catches for 341 yards and 3 touchdowns, and versatile senior tight end Troy Thompson is back after making 13 catches for 283 yards and three touchdowns.

Thompson is athletic enough that he can line up at tight end, in the slot, and split wide to make the Lions more difficult to defend.

“Jordan Pitts has done some good things, and Troy Thompson has gotten bigger, stronger and faster, so

those two guys will be real good,’’ Bush said.

Senior Keshawn Williams will be another part of the wide receiving corps and has had a good preseason thus far after making five catches as a junior. He will be joined by 6-foot-2 junior Josh Gomez and sophomore Dwight Wilkerson as other targets for Glenn.

Freshnock, who is also a standout wrestler, returns to lead the running game after finishing with 1,056 and 11 touchdowns on 175 carries as a sophomore. He underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee that he suffered during a 7-on-7 tournament at Rutgers this summer, but has been practicing and said he will be at 100 percent going into the season.

Soph. QB Donald Glenn the Lions with the running game.

His presence makes defenses think twice about selling out to send pressure at Glenn. Aaron Borrero, a good athlete who has come out for the team as a senior, also could see some carries at tailback along with junior Demetrius Radway.

Dudzinski, Antonio, and juniors Tyler Vivian and Mike Behan make up the rotation at defensive tackle, while Pianoforte, Anderson, junior Matt Dombrowski and senior James Courtney will all see time at defensive end. Freshnock returns with experience at inside linebacker, and Pianoforte’s twin brother, Anthony, will be at the other inside linebacker spot after coming out for the team as a senior. Junior Brodie DiGennaro should also see time at inside linebacker.

Crucial to the offense’s success will be the offensive line, which returns only one starter, senior captain Vincent Pianoforte, who will be at tackle. Junior Mike Hoverson steps in at center, 275-pound senior Joe Antonio will be at guard after starting one game as a junior, 6-foot-2, 260-pound junior Pat McGowan will be at the other guard spot, and senior Constantine Dudzinski will be at the other tackle spot, with senior Parker Anderson also seeing time in the offensive line rotation.

Thompson (86 tackles, 3 sacks) and senior captain Dylan Hallard (56 tackles) are both returning starters at outside linebacker, where sophomore Nick Kish could also see some time. Pitts returns to anchor the secondary at free safety after making 44 tackles last year. Junior Matt Harrison also should see some time at safety, and the cornerbacks will be Wilkerson and Borrero, with Radway also in the mix.

“He worked very hard in the offseason,’’ Glenn said.

“You can only expect great things from him.”

“We were almost exactly 50-50 last year in run-pass, so we’d like to be balanced and make teams defend both,’’ Bush said.

“The offensive line is looking really good,’’ Freshnock said. “They’re working really hard.”

“We’re a lot further ahead this year than we were this time last year as far as them knowing who to block and the protections and just understanding what we’re doing,’’ Bush said.

Senior Nick Banta is a returning starter as the placekicker and punter after booting 20 extra points and a pair of field goals last season.

An area the Lions have to improve to take a step forward is the defense, which gave up 30.6 points per game last season against a tough schedule. The front in their 4-4 scheme will be especially important because several of their opponents will try to control the clock and keep the ball out of Glenn’s hands by pounding

“I think we’re running to the ball better, and I think on that side of the ball we understand better what we’re supposed to be doing,’’ Bush said about the defense.

“We’re further along as far as people knowing their responsibilities.”

After generating some excitement with their playoff berth last season, the Lions have now set their sights high in Central Jersey Group IV while also looking to be a factor in the Class A North race.

“I expect to go all the way,’’ Freshnock said.

Bush is hoping the inconsistency that came with youth and inexperience last year can be eradicated to make Middletown North a threat every week.

“I thought we got better as the season went on last year and started to make some real progress, but I thought we took a step backwards in our Thanksgiving game (a 43-6 loss to Middletown South),’’ Bush said.

“Now we’ve got to be able to take the next step and play more consistently and play up to the higher level of competition.”

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-13-14

09-19-14

09-27-14

10-02-14 10-11-14

10-17-14

10-24-14 11-01-14

11-07-14

@ Marlboro

Freehold Twp. Sayreville

Middletown North @ Lacey

Middletown South

@ Red Bank Cath. @ Freehold Boro

Howell

Head Coach:

Career Record: 59-19

Ed Gurrieri, 8 th season

Assistant Coaches: Justin Fumando (def. coord.); Dan D’Avanzo (off. coord./QB); Joe Tetley (OL); Dom Lepore (DB/spec. teams); Bill Smith Sr. (LB); Jimmy Papcun (WR); Andy Sliwoski (football operations); Bill Smith Jr., Jon Harrison, Alex DeCastro, Bobby Schreck, Reggie Grant (freshman); Shannon Tomasula (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 11-1 (6-0)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Carlos Teixeira, Sr., LB Teixeira, who started his career at Manalapan, transferred to St. John Vianney and then transferred back before last season, takes over for Shore Conference Defensive Player of the Year Chris Noesges at inside linebacker. He has been waiting for his chance and has the ability to make sure there won’t be a major drop-off in production from this spot. Senior Tyson Plummer also will be counted on to help fill the shoes of Penn State recruit Saeed Blacknall at wide receiver.

X-FACTOR: The Passing Game Nearly every touchdown pass Dan Anerella threw last year was to Saeed Blacknall, so the new group of receivers will have to step up and try to approximate Blacknall’s production. Teams know Manalapan is going to run the ball, so if Anerella can keep them honest by going over the top, this offense should once again be one of the Shore’s best.

GLUE GUY: Dan Anerella, Sr., QB Anerella has emerged as a team leader and now has a season under his belt in running the offense. He seized the job last season and looks to become more of a playmaker as a senior.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Carlos Teixeira, Sr., LB Stuck behind some of the Shore’s top linebackers last season, Teixeira is poised for a breakout year in his one and only season as a starter.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 17 vs. Middletown South This once again looks like a huge game that will go a long way toward deciding the Class A North title and boosting the playoff seeding of the winner. The Braves are the rare team that has had Middletown South’s number four straight times, and they will look to keep the upper hand.

Ready for Another Run

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

or three straight years, Manalapan has been one win away from its first state title in program history, only to leave a state final in frustration.

Last year it was a 21-0 loss to Hunterdon Central in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group V final that put the only blemish on the Braves’ record and once again left them determined to finish the job. Despite graduating a host of All-Shore talent, including Penn State freshman wide receiver Saeed Blacknall and Shore Sports Network Defensive Player of the Year Chris Noesges, the Braves are intent on filling in the only gap in their resume during a brilliant run over the past three seasons.

“We’re all pushing forward again,’’ said senior quarterback Dan Anerella. “When you fall so many times, the fire really burns brighter.”

“We’re proud of what we’ve done the last four years,’’ head coach Ed Gurrieri said. “We feel that this program has everything in place. The great thing about these guys is that nobody feels sorry for themselves and everybody knows that what doesn’t kill you makes you better, so they work harder. Our goal as a team hasn’t changed. We want to win a state championship this year.”

With an experienced quarterback, a deep backfield, some promising receivers and a defense that returns talented veterans on the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary, the Braves will look to continue their domination of Class A North and make another march to a state final.

They enter the season having won 25 straight games against Shore Conference competition and four straight division titles without a divisional loss. Red Bank Catholic and Manalapan are each bidding to be the first Shore team to win five straight division titles since Middletown South won seven straight from 1999-2005.

“Coach Gurrieri always says that we have a target on our back and every game we play is everyone else’s biggest game, so we just have to be ready and bring our best no matter who it is,’’ said senior defensive end Kyle Mullen.

Anerella is back for his second year as the starter in Manalapan’s pro-style offense after engineering a unit that averaged 36.3 points per game last year. He threw for 913 yards and 14 touchdowns on 57 percent accuracy with only four interceptions in his first season as the starter. For the first half of last season, he rotated series during games with classmate Charles Lombana, but now Lombana will start at safety this year while serving as the back-up quarterback.

“I think Dan Anerella from last year to this year has grown,’’ Gurrieri said. “His arm is certainly stronger, and he has a very good grasp of the offense. This year we’ll give him a little more of the reins, and we think he is going to have a great year.”

He also will have plenty of help, as the Braves return one of the Shore Conference’s deepest backfields. Even though they graduated leading rusher Tyler Leonetti, they return seniors Imamu Mayfield, John Cheung and Dan Debner.

Cheung and Debner are also special teams dynamos as returners, and Mayfield hinted at his potential with 469 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on nearly seven yards per carry last year to generate FCS interest in the offseason.

“It’s definitely a different feel because I have more responsibilities,’’ Mayfield said about stepping into the starting role. “I’ve been trying to lead the team in the weight room and other areas.”

The Braves should be able to roll out fresh backs all game

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with Cheung and Debner also capable of making big plays.

All three are also dangerous receivers out of the backfield in the passing game.

“I think that Imamu is one of the best football players in the Shore, not just as a running back, but as a two-way player,’’ Gurrieri said. “That three-headed monster at tailback, they’re going to have a good year.”

“It’s unlimited what we can do with those three,’’ Anerella said. “We could have two of them out on the field, one of them catching passes, forget about it.” analapan also has three capable fullbacks who will rotate between seniors Ben Sieczkowski, Nick Surhoff and Carlos Teixeira. Mullen and senior Brian Conforth will be at tight end, where the Braves graduated three-year starter R.J. Krause. At wide receiver, they lose Blacknall, who had 52 catches for 707 yards and 15 touchdowns, and will break in 6-foot-2 senior newcomer Tyson Plummer, who has received FCS interest, and senior Gerard HodgeRocourt.

“It’s never going to be easy when you lose stars like that, but we have a bunch of really good players that make one great team,’’ Anerella said.

“You’re never going to replace a kid who has a chance to be an NFL player, but I think this new group is going to be fine,’’ Gurrieri said.

The Braves’ offensive line, which is perennially one of the Shore’s best, brings back a pair of starters in 6-foot-2, 295pound junior right guard Joe Sellmeyer, who was a second-team All-Shore selection as a sophomore, and 280-pound senior left guard Pete Williams.

Six-foot-4 junior Reily Radosevich steps in at right tackle, junior Anthony Tardogno will be at center, and left tackle is a competition between juniors Jake Levine and Mitchell Trabb.

Manalapan’s special teams, which were a standout unit last season, return one of the top kicker/punter combos in New

Senior QB Dan Anerella

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Jersey in first-team All-Shore selection Mike Caggiano, a senior. The All-Class A North selection averaged 34.3 yards per punt with a long of 56 yards and dropped 12 punts inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. As a kicker, he blasted 40 touchbacks out of 74 kickoffs and led all Shore Conference kickers in scoring by going 57-for-60 on extra points and 3-for-6 on field goals. Cheung also returns after averaging 50 yards per kickoff return, and Debner is back after averaging 15 yards per punt return.

Defensively, the Braves will have to replace a pair of AllShore first-teamers in Krause at noseguard and Noesges at linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, but return a host of experienced talent from a unit that allowed only nine points per game last year. Mullen, who has received FCS interest, is back at defensive end after finishing with 70 tackles and 2 ½ sacks last year. Sieczkowski returns with experience at the other defensive end spot, where Radosevich also should see time. Senior Noah Groninger steps in for Krause at noseguard, where Surhoff and junior Alec Mahon are also expected to see minutes.

Senior Joe Mendez, an All-Division selection last season who has received FCS interest, returns at outside linebacker after making 42 tackles and finishing second on the team with five sacks. Teixeira steps in for Noesges at inside linebacker and has the coaching staff believing he’s poised for a big year after being stuck behind one of the Shore’s best.

Mayfield will be at the other inside linebacker spot, with senior Simon Bublis manning the other outside linebacker position.

“They all played in games last year because most of our games were lop-sided, and coach Fumando (defensive coordinator Justin Fumando) did a great job of getting them all time,’’ Mendez said about the newcomers. “We have depth at a lot of positions.”

Lombana steps in at safety, and Debner is a returning starter at cornerback to anchor the secondary after making a pair of interceptions last year. Senior Marc Goldstein will be the starter at the other safety spot, and junior Anthony Bassani will man the other cornerback position.

“We’re never going to replace Chris Noesges,’’ Gurrieri said. “He was like having another coach on the field, but the players that we have in place, I think that we’ll be all right. Last year we gave up one score a game, and I think it might not be that good, but I think we’ll be fine.”

That group will look to keep its grip on the Class A North crown and prove those wrong who think they might take a step back because of the graduation losses.

“We’re still the kings,’’ Anerella said.

They will also need seniors to fill the leadership void of those who graduated in order to get back to the state final and finish the job.

“We have to find more leaders on the team because a lot of the people who graduated, they led us very well and now they’re gone, so people need to take charge,’’ Mayfield said.

“We felt that pain of what it was like to lose last year, and now we’re going to do everything we can to get back there,’’ Anerella said. “We’ll be back, don’t worry.”

Photo by: C l i f f L a v e l l e www.clearedge.zenfolio.com

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-05-14 09-12-14

09-19-14

Howell

Freehold Boro @ Manalapan

10-02-14

@ Middletown South

10-24-14

New Brunswick

10-10-14 10-18-14 10-31-14 11-07-14

@ Toms River East

@ Marlboro @ Edison

Middletown North

Head Coach: Mike D'Antonio, 5th season

Career Record: 10-30 Assistant Coaches: Gene Blanco (def. coord/LB); Dan Shine (DL); Mark Migliori (QB); Dan Cooper (OL); Kevin Popek (DB); Ed Von Nessen (LB); Gerard England (off. asst.); Mike Burlew, Brian Glick, Frank Ferrara (freshman); Mike Stoia (scout); Cindy Carter (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 1-9 (1-5)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Nick Galanti, Jr., LB There were not many seniors on last year’s Freehold Township team, but among them was the team’s leading tackler and All-A North linebacker Dan Weissman. Galanti is a standout athlete who is built for the position, so the physical part of anchoring the middle of the defense should not be too tall an order.

X-FACTOR: Jimmy Purcell, Sr., OL After losing his junior season to a list of injuries, Purcell is back to 100 percent and will help anchor an all-senior offensive line to open the season. With an all-division sophomore season already under his belt, Purcell will be one of the biggest additions of any team in Class A North, especially for a team that needs help on the offensive line.

GLUE GUY: Al Santorelli, Sr., OL/LB Santorelli is the kind of player who can line up in a number of positions, and his coaches will put that versatility to use this year. The senior will move from fullback to left guard this season while also playing one of the middle linebacker spots on defense.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Shane Laricy, Jr., LB A transfer from Freehold Boro, Laricy will see time at outside linebacker along with senior Chris Maguire.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Freehold Boro Not only is this a rivalry game that is now also a division game, but for Freehold Township, it is followed by consecutive games against Manalapan and Middletown South, with a bye week mixed in. If Freehold Township can’t get off to a fast start against Howell and Freehold, 0-4 will be a strong possibility for a team that is desperate to turn things around.

Spreading the Wealth

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer ith one of the youngest rosters last year in a deep Shore Conference Class A North division, Freehold Township head coach Mike D’Antonio expected to watch his team take its lumps against the top teams in the division while hardening his players with an eye on this season.

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However, a disappointing 0-5 start wrecked any thought of earning just the second state playoff berth in program history. The silver lining is that the Patriots went 4-1 to finish the season, and that's what they are looking to build on heading into this fall despite the heavy graduation losses.

It has become commonplace to expect Freehold Township to take its lumps in one of the Shore’s most grueling divisions, senior-laden or not. The Patriots have made the NJSIAA Tournament just once in the history of the program and are coming off a 1-9 season.

There have been other seasons in which the Patriots players and coaches have felt on the cusp of breaking through, but D’Antonio and his squad are excited that this is the Freehold Township team that will finally make the push toward a winning record and state playoff berth.

Although the spread offense will give the skill players like O’Brien, Wilson and senior running backs Matt Pine and Colin Bitsko different responsibilities, the coaching staff has poured more focus into improving the offensive line than any other position, according to D’Antonio. After scoring only 81 points in 10 games, the Patriots offense will Freehold Township defensive coordinator Gene Blanco with look to improve behind an seniors Frank Suglia (24) and Nate Cor vil (7). offensive line of five seniors, with a number of very least, provide some depth for the senior group. sophomores who are pushing for playing time as well.

Pine and Bitsko are the two leading returning “You definitely don’t realize the potential of all our players until you see them in this system,” Pine

“Obviously, as the quarterback, I’m probably more excited than anyone about this offense,” O’Brien said. “It’s been awesome. We’ve got a lot of good athletes to get the ball to so it should be fun.”

A fast and experienced secondary will lead Freehold Township on the defensive side of the ball. Sophomore Anthony Lotti and senior Nate Corvil make up a formidable cornerback duo.

Corvil intercepted two passes last year and covered the top opposing receiver throughout the season. Pine will play both ways, playing alongside senior Nas Haines to account for the two safety positions.

Freehold Township’s Senior Al Santorelli makeover starts on offense, said. “The system gives us a chance to exploit all of where the Patriots have overhauled the scheme and our tools.” personnel. With junior quarterback Jack O’Brien back under center, D’Antonio and his staff are fully Right tackle Mike O’Brien, center Mike Petrula committing to the spread offense with a heavy dose and left tackle Tommy Benedict are all back on the of no-huddle. The hope is that the offense will offensive line, while senior Al Santorelli moves to better employ outside threats like senior Tyree left guard after playing fullback in the flex bone Wilson, who still managed 27 catches while playing last year. Freehold Township’s biggest addition on in the run-heavy flex bone offense. the line – and perhaps anywhere on the field – is senior guard Jimmy Purcell, who missed all of last “We’ve never had this many high-quality athletes season with various ailments after being named to who can run and catch the ball, so it just makes the coaches’ All-Class A North team as a sense,” said D’Antonio, a former wide receivers sophomore. coach at Staten Island power Tottenville. “We’ve

been contemplating making the move to this kind of offense once we felt like we had the players, and we have the players.”

“As a receiver, this offense fits me well because I feel like we’re looking to get the ball down the field more,” Wilson said. “I’m excited to see how it all pans out, not just for me but for everybody to get an opportunity and hopefully be a better offense.”

rushers from last season, with Bitsko amassing 470 yards and Pine rushing for 293. They will provide O’Brien with two options out of the backfield, but the offense will revolve around the junior southpaw slinger. O’Brien threw for 974 yards and six touchdowns while completing just under 50 percent of his passes out of the flex bone, and also rushed for 233 yards.

“It’s been great to see him 100 percent healthy again,” D’Antonio said of Purcell. “Last year was hard on him, and we definitely suffered not having a guy like that. Bringing him back this year is almost like signing a big free agent. It gets you pumped.”

At 6-foot-5 and 279 pounds, junior Alex Schlumpf leads a wave of younger line talent that could push for time on the offensive line and, at the

Junior Nick Galanti and Santorelli are athletic linebackers who provide some balance to the defense while trying to pick up the slack left behind by the graduation of All-Division linebacker Dan Weissman. Galanti will also see time as a tight end, as will Haines, who is also one of the top sprinters in the Shore Conference.

There have long been quality athletes that have passed through the halls of Freehold Township and it has translated into success in other sports. A lot of those athletes have even played football and been successful on an individual basis. D’Antonio is hopeful that the same quality of athlete is abundant on the roster this season and will begin to translate to wins right now. With a large group that was thrown into the proverbial fire last year, this will not be another rebuilding year by the team’s expectation.

“We had a lot of young guys running around out there last year, and we knew there were going to be growing pains,” D’Antonio said. “The plus side to that is guys learn, they get better and they come back this year with more confidence. When you throw in some of the speed and skill we’re seeing, we like what we have. We’re in a brutal A North division, so it’s going to be a challenge. But we’re cautiously optimistic.”

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-05-14

@ Middletown North

10-02-14

Raritan

09-12-14

09-20-14

10-11-14

10-17-14

10-25-14 11-01-14 11-07-14

@ Freehold Twp Howell

Marlboro

@ Wall

@ Toms River East

Manalapan

@ Middletown South

Head Coach: Dave Ellis, 4th season

Career Record: 7-23

Assistant Coaches: Andrew Mandeville (off. coord./QB/DB); Jason Blum (OL); John Kinzel (OL/DL); Greg Elias (RB/LB); Matt Whalen (WR/DB); Rob Keys, Paul Zambito (freshmen); Len Rivers (quality control); Mike Stehle (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 2-8 (1-5)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Todd Burger, Jr., OL You could also throw junior Joel Perez and senior Mitchell Johnson in here, as all three are stepping in as first-year starters and replacing Class B North all-division lineman John Bostic.

X-FACTOR: An improved offense The Colonials averaged just 13.9 points per game last year, so a big year out of Dixon and Curry would certainly help Freehold improve its win total.

GLUE GUY: Jake Curry, Jr., QB/DB Curry enters his first full season as the starting quarterback and Ellis praised his leadership ability, calling him “the true definition of a leader”.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Ashante Worthy, Fr., WR/DB Worthy will almost literally do it all for the Colonials as a freshman. This could be the start of a superstar career.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 20 vs. Howell The Colonials and Rebels are somewhat in the same boat in terms of potential within the division, so this Week Two matchup will be a good gauge of Freehold’s progres.

Turning the Corner

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

ith its starting quarterback and running both returning, and with an exciting group of underclassmen, Freehold hopes it can turn the corner and produce its first winning season since 2010.

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The Colonials are four years removed from a state sectional title, but haven’t made the playoffs since. With an improved offense and a nine total returning starters, Freehold feels it can be much improved in year four under head coach Dave Ellis.

“I feel like all we have to do is gel and buy in and everything will be fine,” said senior running back/defensive back Josh Dixon.

Dixon and junior quarterback Jake Curry return to lead the Colonials’ spread offense, which knows its needs to improve on its 13.9 points per game average from last year. Curry started a handful of games down the stretch last season and enters his junior year with more confidence.

an upperclassmen. His versatility is off the charts, as he can play running back, slot receiver, linebacker, cornerback and safety as well as returning kicks and punting with a range of 35-40 yards.

He’s a humble, smart kid and a hard worker,” Ellis said. “I don’t really look at him as a freshman. To me he acts like a junior or a senior because of the way he carries himself.”

“We have a lot of weapons, so it’s my job to get those guys the ball on the perimeter or go deep on play action,” Curry said. “Those guys can make a lot of moves in the open field.”

The Colonials will run a 3-3-5 stack on defense, and hope to tighten up a unit that allowed 30 points per game last season. The nose guard is senior Nick Kousoulides with Fraumeni and Johnson, a returning starter, as the defensive ends.

“Last year we asked Jake to manage the offense,” Ellis said. “He’s a true quarterback in that he’s cool and calm, and he’s a smart kid. He understands what we’re trying to do and he leads the offense. He’s the true definition of a leader.”

Senior Morgan Quinones is a returning starter at middle

Dixon was a Class B North all-division running back last season and is one of the most underrated backs in the Shore Conference.

Nick Eccelston or Jared Vandysen. The outside linebacker/strong safeties are SmithRush and Indursky.

All three true defensive backs are returning starters with Dixon and Fenn as the cornerbacks and Curry as the safety. Worthy will also see time in the defensive backfield.

On special teams, Worthy will serve as the kicker and punter.

“We have some weapons, it’s just a matter of putting it all together,” Ellis said.

Both Dixon and Curry said a big difference between last season is team unity.

“Last year we had a lot of problems within the team individually,” Curry said. “So this year the focus is on being a family. We go out to eat, catch a movie, watch film together, and it carries over to the field.”

“Last year we really weren’t as close as we are this year,” Dixon said. “Most of us have been playing together for so long and as seniors we feel like we could go far this year.”

“Jake and Josh are both very good players, two of the better ones in the division,” Ellis said. “Up front we have to get better.

We’ll be breaking in three new guys and it all starts up front. We’re talented but we have to protect them.”

A pair of starters return along the offensive line in 225-pound senior left guard David Alpaugh and 220-pound senior center Will Fraumeni. At left tackle will be senior Mitchell Johnson, the right guard is junior Joel Perez and the right tackle is 6-foot-2, 215pound junior Todd Burger.

Freshman RB Ashante Worthy

The Colonials have moved from the rugged B North division to A North, which should help them on their quest to get back over .500. The bottom line for Freehold to succeed will be to maximize its offensive potential and play solid in the fourth quarter, which is something it has struggled with.

linebacker and will be flanked by inside linebackers Xavier Madera, a sophomore, and either sophomore

The four starting wide receivers are junior Jamel Smith-Rush, junior Matt Curcio, senior Bailey Indursky and freshman Ashante Worthy. Senior Jah’sim Fenn will also see time at receiver. Worthy, who is Dixon’s cousin, has impressed Ellis with both his athletic skills and poise of Junior quarterback Jake Curry

“I’ve been telling the kids since the spring that it doesn’t matter what offense or defense we run, we just have to finish football games,” Ellis said. “That’s been our Achilles heel the past couple of years. We’ve been winning games and can’t sustain it. We’ve worked on our conditioning and mental toughness. You have to be able to get that stop or get that conversion in a big spot.”

“Every week we’re going to have to fight,” Dixon said. “Our motto is to never give up.”

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-12-14 09-26-14 10-02-14 10-10-14 10-17-14 10-24-14 10-31-14 11-08-14 11-27-14

Manasquan Matawan @ Freehold Boro @ Red Bank Regional St. John Vianney Point Boro @ Rumson-Fair Haven @ Monmouth Regional Holmdel

Head Coach: Anthony Petruzzi, 5 th season Career Record: 13-27

Assistant Coaches: John Principe (def. coord.); Jeff Struble (off. coord./QB); Billy Kvalheim (DB); Matt Dempsey (OL); George Gibson (DL); Chris Raitano (DL); Matt Walsh (WR); Mike Nunes, Mike Thaner, Nick Sparacello (freshman); Amanda Stump (athletic trainer)

2013 Record: 3-7 (2-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Sean Ennis, Jr., LB After a solid sophomore season, Ennis will be called upon to replace the production lost by leading tackler Tyler Jones at linebacker. Senior safety Colby Jones will also try to fill the leadership void left by his older brother.

X-FACTOR: Offensive line. If the improvements the coaching staff has made in being able to pick up pressure can be executed by this unit, it should go a long way toward boosting the offense to one that can average 20-plus points per game. An improved running game would also help keep Raritan out of obvious passing downs and prevent defenses from consistently bringing pressure on Sullivan.

GLUE GUY: Riley Sullivan, Sr., QB. In his second year as a starter, Sullivan is an indispensable part of Raritan’s success. He has to boost his production and efficiency while cutting down on mistakes for the Rockets to make the leap to a playoff team.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jahciere Jones, Jr., WR Jones was plagued by nagging injuries all last season, but should be a weapon at wide receiver with his speed and elusiveness to complement the big-play threat on the outside of wide receiver Dylan DeWysockie.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Manasquan.

This game is huge for the Rockets for multiple reasons beyond just being the season opener. A victory immediately makes them a darkhorse contender in Class A Central, gives them the confidence that they can beat a strong program like Manasquan, and most likely nets them crucial power points that would put them in a good position to make a run at a playoff spot right off the bat.

While Raritan has never won on Manasquan’s field, this game is on their home turf, where they have knocked the Warriors off multiple times in recent years.

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Taking the Next Step

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

aritan took an important step forward in rebuilding its program last year, so now the task is making that next leap to become a state playoff team for the first time in five years.

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With one of the Shore Conference’s top passers returning along with a solid group of skill players and an experienced defense, the opportunity is there for the Rockets to continue their rise from the ashes of a winless season two years ago to reach the postseason.

We thought we worked hard last year to get those three wins, but if we put in the same amount of work, that will just keep us where we are,’’ said head coach Anthony Petruzzi. “We have to work much harder than we thought we worked last year in order to get where we want to go.”

Senior quarterback Riley Sullivan returns to lead Raritan’s multiple pro offense under new coordinator Jeff Struble after throwing for 1,385 yards and nine touchdowns in nine games last year, the second-most yards of any returning quarterback in the Shore Conference. Raritan averaged only 12.7 points per game last season and was shut out twice, so the offense will have to improve to make a playoff push.

“Our offense has to be more efficient, and I think we’re working towards that now,’’ Sullivan said. “I learned how to read defenses a lot better, and now I’m learning when to run and when to pass, and other situational things. I think our offense is going to surprise people.”

Petruzzi has stressed to the strong-armed lefty that the high-percentage short throw can be just as effective as bombing it deep.

“We just want him to take control of the game and protect the football,’’ Petruzzi said. “He can make all the throws, and he wants to take deep shots, and he has weapons, but we have to stay out of bad situations, move the chains and keep him upright.”

Six-foot-4 senior Dylan DeWysockie returns at wide receiver, where he should be a threat downfield and in the red zone with his height and long arms. Last year, he had 14 catches for 404 yards, an average of 28.9 yards per catch, which included a 99-yard touchdown. Junior Jahciere Jones brings a speed element and should be another weapon, while senior Colby Jones, a returning starter on defense, also should see time at wide receiver along with junior Nick Pasquin.

Junior tight end/H-back Mason Sheehan also returns as another target.

Senior Rich Salerno takes over at tailback after rushing for 198 yards in relief of graduated starter Jared Collins last year, and junior Derek Ernst also will see plenty of carries in the running game.

“Our running game has been good so far,’’ Petruzzi said. “I like our two backs, and I like the guys up front. I think we have enough complementary players at all positions where it’s going to stress defenses.”

Up front, the Rockets return two starters at the tackle spots, seniors Chris Vurchio and Nick Buzzo, and senior Malcom Daniels will start at center after starting on defense last year. Sixfoot-4, 280-pound junior Bo Bentley steps in at guard, while the other guard spot is still being contested. Senior Anthony Zabe was projected to start but is currently injured, so juniors Mike Gillen and Billy Hutchins and sophomore Paul Bavaro are in the mix to start at guard. The placekicker job is up in the air, and Sheehan will handle the punting and kickoffs.

Defensively, the Rockets have tweaked their scheme to more of a 4-2-5 look to compensate for their lack of size and to take advantage of their speed on a unit that allowed 25.6 points per game last year. A big focus has been forcing turnovers, as they finished last season at minus-8 in turnover ratio. They also will be focused on swarming to the ball in a division that features several potent running attacks.

“We need to generate more turnovers defensively and do a much better job of taking care of the ball (on offense),’’ Petruzzi said.

“We’re expecting a double-digit positive number in turnover ratio this year.”

Sophomore Matt Thompson started at defensive end as a freshman and now will also play some defensive tackle this year. Daniels is a returning starter at defensive tackle, where Vurchio will rotate in as well. Sheehan, Gillen, sophomore Sean Agar and junior Sean Friedman make up the rotation at defensive end.

“We’re looking to get as many shutouts as we can,’’ Colby Jones said. “We’re trying to start a new shutout board.”

Junior Sean Ennis is a returning starter at linebacker who showed playmaking ability as a sophomore, and senior Mike Santillo also is a returning starter at linebacker. Sophomore Ryan

Senior QB Riley Sullivan Dickens will step in at the other linebacker spot.

Ernst and senior Peter Terranova are both returning starters at the strong safety spots in the back, and Jones is a returning starter at free safety. Senior Kevin Koehler will see time at safety and at cornerback. DeWysockie returns at one cornerback spot after playing both ways toward the end of last year, and senior Collin Williams and junior Antwuan Bowens also will rotate in at cornerback.

“Our secondary and our D-line are 10 times better than I think they were last year,’’ DeWysockie said.

The Rockets snapped a 14-game losing streak with a victory over Monmouth in their fifth game last season to start the turnaround. That helped boost their confidence to win two of their last four games, including a 38-18 win over playoff qualifier Colonia on the road.

“I think once we won those games, we had blood in our eyes and were just ready to go,’’ Colby Jones said. “We knew that we could take down quality opponents like that if we play as a team.”

Raritan’s schedule also isn’t as unforgiving as it has been the past two seasons. Outside of a challenging Class A Central slate, they have replaced playoff qualifiers Neptune, Carteret and Colonia (combined 19 wins in 2013) with Red Bank, Freehold and Point Boro (combined four wins). The goal is to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

“We want to get back on the map, and show our community that we’ve gotten better and we’re ready to play,’’ DeWysockie said.

“I think this is a playoff-quality team, but you have to win the games,’’ Petruzzi said. “Matawan didn’t make the playoffs last year, and defensively they were the best team we played last year, and that’s including RBC, so you never know what can happen. If we just compete in our division, then the (playoff) section will work itself out.”

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09-12-14 09-19-14 09-26-14 10-02-14 10-10-14 10-17-14 10-24-14 10-31-14 11-08-14

Matawan @ Holmdel Central Regional @ Rumson-Fair Haven Manchester @ Raritan Donovan Catholic Monmouth Regional @ Manasquan

Head Coach: Mark Ciccotelli, 1st season (12th overall) Career Record: 0-0 (71-57 overall)

Assistant Coaches: Noel Kavanagh (def. coord./DB/WR); Mike DeLucia (OL); Sal Spampanato (RB/DB); Jim Reid (OL/DL); Nick Tyson (QB/LB); Al Saner (OL); Eddie Hernandez (RB/LB/strength & conditioning); Tom Dinetta (K); Mike Tedeschi, Lou Liberatore, Rod Dell’Anno (freshman); Frank Palumbo (video coord.); Frank Viggiani (football operations); Ruthanne Rutledge (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 4-6 (2-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Dan Calabro & P.J. Bracchia, Sr., WR. Julanee Prince had one of the most productive seasons of any wide receiver in the Shore last year with 50 catches for 725 yards & 11 touchdowns. Calabro & Bracchia will try to fill that void, although they will be running a drastically different offense with much more of the run game being incorporated, so it’s more about keeping defenses honest by being able to stretch the field in the passing game with Anthony Brown.

X-FACTOR: The Offensive & Defensive Lines.

The skill position talent is in place, so if the line can give them room to operate, this offense can be explosive.

Assistant Mike DeLucia built state championship lines at Freehold & Neptune, so they are in good hands. On the flipside, their defensive front will have to be up to the challenge in a division with several potent running attacks.

GLUE GUY: Nick Mastria, Sr., OL/DL One of the few returning starters from last year’s team, Mastria is a senior leader on the offensive line who gives that unit experience and also may see time on the defensive line.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Khalil Haskins, Jr., RB/DB You can take your pick in this department. Haskins, Calvin Beaty, Aaron Mora, Jeff Sheard and Dan Calabro are all transfers who look to play significant roles. Haskins was an All-Division selection for Matawan in Class B North last year as a defensive back. The coaching staff also has been impressed with Calabro, a Colts Neck transfer, in the early going.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Matawan The season opener should be a doozy as not only is it a rivalry game that has been moved from Thanksgiving, it’s also a divisional game now that Matawan has been realigned into Class A Central from Class B North.

year we went through at least four different offenses throughout the season. By the time we gel together and learn it all this year, we’ll be in good shape.”

Dawn of a New Era

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor ith a group of incoming talent and a new head coach who has three state titles on his resume, St. John Vianney is hoping to start a winning tradition at a program that has not captured a division title since 1982.

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Mark Ciccotelli, who led Freehold and Neptune to a combined three NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III titles and four appearances in the state finals in the last six years, has taken over for Andy Carlstrom to make the Lancers one of the more buzzed-about Shore Conference teams during the offseason. They return a quarterback with plenty of potential in junior Anthony Brown and have added five impact skill position players who transferred into the school in the offseason. Now the task is meshing that talent together into a cohesive unit to hold their own in the competitive Class A Central division.

“Any time you take over a new program, you have to get acclimated and get kids to understand our philosophy and how we want things done,’’ Ciccotelli said. “You can’t feel each other out because time is of the essence, and we’ve got to just believe in each other and move forward. They all know each other anyway, so it doesn’t take long for them to come together.”

The players have noticed the change immediately.

“The intensity in practice has picked up a lot,’’ Brown said.

The offense has the potential to make a jump forward after averaging 19.8 points per game last year. The Lancers graduated the Shore Conference’s second-leading passer in Billy DeMato (1,694 yards), but Brown saw time as a sophomore in addition to playing on defense.

Brown was 12-for-31 for 200 yards and a pair of touchdown passes and also ran for 76 yards and a score in limited duty. ow he is absorbing a new offense that is much different from the spread passing attack employed last year, but it has made stars out of similar dual threat quarterbacks in the past under Ciccotelli. Four signal-callers have earned first-team All-Shore honors in running the flexbone option under Ciccotelli, including consecutive Offensive Players of the Year at Neptune in Jaheem Woods and Ajee Patterson. St. John Vianney quarterbacks coach Nick Tyson also starred in it at Freehold. A dynamic runner with a strong arm, Brown is a candidate for a breakout season if he puts the work in, according to Ciccotelli.

“I think he can be a special player, but you have to do certain things in order to be a special player,’’ Ciccotelli said. “You have to be tough, you have to work hard, you have to be committed, you have to be a student of the game, and you have to rally. He’s the catalyst of the offense.”

“I didn’t know what to expect,’’ Brown said about Ciccotelli being hired. “The more I worked with him, the easier it got.”

Brown will have a host of weapons at his disposal in the backfield and in the passing game. Senior Aaron Mora

will be at tailback after transferring over from Neptune, and junior Calvin Beaty, a physical runner who transferred from Matawan, also will see plenty of time at tailback. The slotbacks will be junior Jeff Sheard, who led Keyport with 21 catches for 434 yards last season before transferring, and junior Khalil Haskins, who was an All-Division defensive back with Matawan last season before he also decided to transfer to St. John Vianney. All of them have good speed and are threats to catch the ball out of the backfield as well.

“We’ve brought in new talent, and we’re starting all over,’’ said senior lineman Clay Kemp. “It’s been a huge difference so far from last year.”

The Lancers have also added a downfield threat in the passing game in senior Dan Calabro, a transfer from Colts Neck who led the Cougars with 34 catches for 308 yards and three touchdowns on a team that reached the Central Jersey Group IV final. Also, senior P.J. Bracchia is a returning starter at wide receiver after making 12 catches for 211 yards and two touchdowns last year. Junior Kevin Callari and senior Josh Taylor round out the receiving corps.

“It wasn’t hard because I knew them before they came here, so it’s been easy to click with them,’’ Brown said about getting acclimated with the new talent.

St. John Vianney also features an offensive line with three returning starters and some good young talent.

Senior Nick Mastria is a returning starter at center, where Kemp will also see time. Kemp, who is a three-year starter on the defensive line, transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in June, but decided to return to St. John Vianney for his senior year. He returned on the second day of preseason camp.

“I missed SJV,’’ Kemp said. “It wasn’t a football school when I was here, but coach ‘Cicc’ has known me since I was born. His older brother (former Keyport Hall of Famer Mike Ciccotelli) coached my dad. I want to be a part of something starting. I came to St. John’s to build something up, and I get more out of this than being down there (in Florida). I felt like I owed it to them.”

Senior Kyle Gibson is a returning starter at guard, and senior Lou Iovine is a returning starter who will be at tackle after playing tight end last year. A pair of 6-foot-4 sophomores with great potential, Jamaal Beaty and Micah Clarke, will be at the other guard and tackle spots, respectively. Junior Joe Rice will handle the placekicking and the punting.

Outside of Kemp, the players on the offensive line will mainly be playing on one side of the ball to keep them fresh and allow them to mesh as a unit by only practicing with the offensive line every day.

“The offense (Ciccotelli) has, as a defensive player, it’s very hard to read,’’ Kemp said. “The offense is going to be our bread and butter. That’s going to carry us. Last

will be seniors Chris Coppola and Nick Labisi and junior Mike McGimpsey.

Mastria and Iovine also could occasionally see some minutes if needed.

Defensively, St. John Vianney will run the 3-3-5 stack that Ciccotelli has employed on his other successful teams. Kemp returns at noseguard, and joining him in the rotation up front

The linebackers will be Mora, Calvin Beaty and up-and-coming Junior QB Anthon y Brown sophomores Matt Bordfeld and Tyler Tedeschi. The “spur’’ position, which is a hybrid safety/linebacker spot, will be manned by returning starter Liam Casey, a senior. The other hybrid position, “bandit,” will feature Sheard. Calabro will start at free safety, where he is also expected to be an impact player. The cornerbacks will be Haskins, who had 53 tackles and two interceptions for Matawan last year, and Taylor.

The Lancers will start their season with a high-profile game, as their rivalry with Matawan has been moved from Thanksgiving to the season opener. With Haskins and Beaty now on board from the Huskies, there will be plenty of subplots in that game, and then they face a challenging Class A Central schedule that also includes defending Central Jersey Group II champion RumsonFair Haven and South Jersey Group III semifinalist Manasquan.

“We’re playing some teams with some serious tradition,’’ Ciccotelli said. “They’re not going to give us anything.”

As he tries to engineer a turnaround at a program whose last championship of any kind was winning Class B North in 1982, Ciccotelli is mainly focused on effort.

“It doesn’t take talent to be tough and work hard,’’ he said. “If we take care of those things, we have a chance to be OK.”

Photo by: Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-12-14 09-19-14 09-26-14 10-03-14 10-10-14 10-17-14 10-24-14 10-31-14 11-07-14

@ St. John Vianney Rumson-Fair Haven @ Raritan @ Monmouth Regional Colonia @ Holmdel Long Branch Manasquan Barnegat

Head Coach: John Kaye, 3rd season (9th overall) Career Record: 13-7 (43-22-1 overall)

Assistant Coaches: Jay Bellamy (def. coord./spec. teams/QB); Sam Turner (OL); Nick Christathakis (LB/FB/TE); Charlie Marsh (LB); Nick Citro (DL); Ken Mandeville (RB); Justin Bloss (TE); Buddy Scott (WR); Scott Davis (WR); Dave Monro, Nick Vasilenko, Bobby Carnovsky (freshman); Matt Goetz (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 7-3 (3-3)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Adam Elliot, Sr., K/P Elliot has come out from the baseball team to help fill the void left by Mike Creamer, a first-team AllShore selection who did not miss a PAT last year and booted a Shore Conference-record 14 field goals. Also, senior Jake Weber will need to help fill the production of Dartmouth recruit Nick Tomkins on the defensive line.

X-FACTOR: Offensive production and quarterback play. If the Huskies’ new spread offense takes off, you’re looking at a team that will be a serious contender for division and state titles. Pierce had one touchdown throw and eight interceptions last year, so if he can make a leap forward and Pearson can add a downfield passing dimension with his strong arm, this will be a complete team.

GLUE GUY: Aliem Shaw, Jr., RB/LB. Shaw not only will once again be called on to lead the defense, but he will be regularly playing both ways in seeing time at tailback, so he can set the tone on both sides of the ball.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: L.C. Pearson, Fr., QB At 6-2 with a strong arm and fluid throwing motion already as a freshman, Pearson is Matawan’s quarterback of the future and should see some action this fall.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 at St. John Vianney.

Not only is this a rivalry game, but the season opener is also a divisional game. The Lancers will be looking to make a statement with a new-look team under head coach Mark Ciccotelli, while Matawan wants to keep the upper hand in the rivalry. Plus there’s the subplot of the two transfers Matawan lost to St. John Vianney.

23

Hungry Dogs

By Scott Stump - Managing Editor

here might not have been a more frustrated team around playoff time last year than Matawan, which was the only Shore Conference squad to have a winning record and not qualify for the postseason

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The Huskies watched as multiple sub-.500 teams made their way into the NJSIAA Tournament while they didn’t have enough power points to qualify, making them more fired-up than ever to return to their customary perch as a playoff contender in the Central Jersey Group III bracket this fall.

“That was very aggravating,” said junior linebacker Aliem Shaw. “We’re going to the playoffs this year. That’s guaranteed.”

“We’re really hungry,’’ said head coach John Kaye. “We had a great summer, and we’re ready.

We’re chomping at the bit.”

The youth brigade that was thrown into the fire last year now returns as seasoned veterans on both sides of the ball. Last season the Huskies had one of the best defenses in the Shore Conference, allowing only 8.9 points per game and the third-least total points of any team. That unit looks to be fast and ferocious again this year led by Shaw, a Shore Sports Network first-team All-Shore selection who led the conference with 17 sacks and 30 tackles for a loss. A 190-pound tackling machine who runs the 100-meter dash in 11.2 seconds, he has gotten interest from North Carolina State, Rutgers, Michigan State and Nebraska, according to Kaye.

“I’m going to try to fly to the ball more because I’m bigger and faster than last year,’’ Shaw said.

“My goal is 20-plus sacks and 120-plus tackles.

There’s a lot of room for improvement.”

Shaw will be at middle linebacker in the Huskies’ 4-3 scheme, and junior Isaiah Phillip returns at strongside linebacker after making 73 tackles and 15 tackles for a loss as a sophomore. Senior Devon Spann, the team’s leading rusher last year, should see significant time at weakside linebacker along with senior Matt Liebowitz.

Up front, the Huskies have a defensive line rotation of senior returner Jake Weber, who had 40 tackles last year, along with senior Dan Corredor, junior Austin Santana-Simmons and sophomore Andrew Conzo. Those four are interchangeable as far as switching between defensive tackle and defensive end.

“We are an attacking defense,’’ Kaye said. “We’re going to pressure people like there’s no tomorrow.

We are going to bring people from every angle you can consider them coming from, and we’re going to stop the run. Our defense allows us to be more aggressive offensively because we don’t think, ‘We can’t lose field position,’ or ‘We can’t give this team the ball here so we have to play three safe and punt.’

That will never be the case with our defense.”

“Our defense was mostly all sophomores last year, and we were pretty good,’’ Shaw said. “(Defensive coordinator Jay) Bellamy really helped us, and now that we have more experience and more of a feel for the game, we’re going to be good this year.”

Their secondary could be one of the Shore Conference’s best, led by junior cornerback Dejohn Rogers, who is being recruited by the same schools as Shaw, according to Kaye. He is a returning starter, and both safeties are returning starters. Senior Justin Ferrara led the team with three interceptions last year, and senior Shawn Ramcheran also returns at safety after making 59 tackles.

Junior Mikaya Caesar steps into the other cornerback spot after seeing time on offense last year. Freshman Devonte Spann, Devon’s younger brother, also could see time at safety, and junior Naz Neal, who was at Neptune but has transferred back to Matawan, could see time at cornerback.

“I think we’re going to scare some teams,’’ Rogers said. “We’ve got a star linebacker and our DBs are looking good. I think we’re going to be really great this year.”

In order to get over the hump and challenge for championships, the Huskies will have to improve an offense that averaged 18.2 points per game last year and struggled against playoff-caliber teams. They have changed the offense to a no-huddle spread attack, with four-wide receiver looks, zone read plays and more in order to take advantage of their team speed. They had strong 7-on-7 performances at Rutgers and Monmouth University over the summer in addition to winning the Shore Conference 7-on-7 Tournament at the U.S. Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic.

“We felt like we had kids who can catch 3-yard passes on the perimeter and run 60 yards with them, so let’s try to get the ball in the hands of playmakers as fast as we can,’’ Kaye said. “We have to get the ball in the hands of the right people in the right places, so we’re trying to open things up a little bit, get some space on the field and put the ball in the hands of athletes in space to make plays.”

Senior Jimmy Pierce returns for his second year as the starter at quarterback after throwing for 547 yards and a touchdown and running for 245 yards and two scores last year. He is being pushed by promising freshman L.C. Pearson, the nephew of former Dallas Cowboys great Drew Pearson. Pierce and Pearson are both expected to get snaps this year.

“Jimmy is really accepting the challenge,’’ Kaye said. “He’s got a young kid pushing him, and he’s really stepped up. He’s a leader, and he knows what every kid on every play is doing.”

Devon Spann is back at tailback after rushing for 848 yards and five touchdowns, and Shaw is expected to see significant time in the backfield as well to take advantage of his athleticism. Junior Kyle Midtlyng, a transfer from St. Joseph’sMetuchen, also could get some carries along with seeing time at cornerback on defense, and Caesar is in the running back mix as well.

The receiving corps is deep and talented, as Rogers, Ferrara and Ramcheran are all returning starters. Junior Alex Pierce also will see time at wide receiver, and Liebowitz returns at tight end after seeing time there last year.

Junior CB Dejohn Rogers “I’m real excited,’’ Ramcheran said. “We have a little bit more speed than we had last year and now we get to spread it out.”

“We plan on scoring a lot of points this year,’’ Rogers said. “We just need to execute better.”

On the offensive line, Weber is a returning starter at center, Corredor will be at one guard spot, and junior Mike Kawka is the other guard after starting two games as a sophomore. A pair of sophomores, Donald Smalls and Mike McHugh, will be the tackles. Junior Dave Sherman also looks to be in the offensive line rotation.

Senior Adam Elliot has perhaps the most daunting task as he will be replacing kicker/punter Mike Creamer, who set a Shore Conference single-season record with 14 field goals last year and also was a field-position weapon as a punter. Elliot is the shortstop on the Huskies’ baseball team and just came out for football this year, but has shown potential as a kicker. Either he or Jimmy Pierce will handle the punting.

The lackluster nondivisional schedule that hurt Matawan in the power points department last year has been replaced with one that includes games against South Jersey Group III finalist Barnegat, playoff qualifier Long Branch and playoff qualifier Colonia. The Huskies also have been realigned from Class B North into Class A Central, which means old rivalries with the likes of Raritan, Manasquan and Rumson-Fair Haven will be renewed.

“It’s great,’’ Kaye said. “We kind of rekindle the fire with those teams. Matawan and Raritan should play. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Also, their Thanksgiving rivalry game with St. John Vianney has been moved to the season opener.

That game should have plenty of juice given that All-Division defensive back Khalil Haskins and tailback/linebacker Calvin Beaty both transferred from Matawan to St. John Vianney in the offseason.

The Lancers also feature multiple other starters with Matawan ties.

“If they want to leave, we’re just going to have to play them and show them why they should’ve stayed at Matawan,’’ Shaw said.

“We’ve been playing with those kids since they were younger,’’ Weber said. “They did what they did, and all I have to say is that we’ll see them September 12th.”

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-13-14

@ Monmouth Regional

10-10-14

Spotswood

09-19-14

09-26-14 10-17-14

10-24-14

10-31-14 11-07-14

11-27-14

St. John Vianney

Manasquan Matawan

@ Pinelands Regional

Red Bank Regional

@ Rumson-Fair Haven

@ Raritan

Head Coach: Jay Graham, 1st season Career Record: 3-7 (1-5)

Assistant Coaches: Pete Christathakis (asst. head coach/off. coord.); Brian Kmak (WR/DB); Scott Cannon (OL/DL); Jimmy Maguire (QB/RB/DB); Colin Hart, Sean Devaney (freshman); Makenzie Atherton (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 3-7

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Steve Walier, Jr., WR/LB Walier will try to fill the spot vacated by all-purpose threat Matt Dixon, who was able to play multiple positions on offense and defense.

X-FACTOR: The offense.

The Hornets only averaged 9.7 points per game last season, so if the new offense installed under Graham can find a way to double that production after finding where the personnel fits best, it would go a long way toward getting back above .500.

GLUE GUY: Ryan Nolan, Sr., OL/LB The senior co-captain is a quiet type who leads by example but will be crucial to Holmdel’s success as the starting center in an offense that will operate out of the shotgun. He also will be a leader on the defense at outside linebacker.

Starting Fresh

By Art Gordon - Shore Sports Network contributor

he high tempo and enthusiasm generated at Holmdel’s preseason practices are good indicators of how excited the Hornets are to get started under new head coach Jay Graham as they try to go from a three-win team to making the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

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Graham returns to Holmdel after previously spending three years as an assistant there before moving on to be an assistant under Hall of Famer Mike Ciccotelli for 14 years at Keyport. Graham also previously has been the head wrestling coach at Holmdel. He takes over for Frank Papalia, who stepped down during the offseason.

on improving the little things like our feet alignment or how to carry the ball. We realize that doing this will help us in the long run.”

The Hornets will run out of a shotgun veer offense with plenty of option mixed in under new coordinator Pete Christathakis.

Most of the positions are still being contested, but the

The program comes into the season on a two-game winning streak from last year and hopes to extend it when they open the season on the road against Monmouth Regional. They will compete in the always-tough Class A Central division, but gone from their schedule are top-ranked Red Bank Catholic and state finalists Barnegat and Shore Regional.

Matawan replaces RBC in A Central, and the Hornets’ nondivisional games are now against Pinelands, Red Bank Regional and Spotswood.

Nuzzi will be at fullback and also will start at outside linebacker, plus he is versatile enough to play at the other linebacker spots in the defense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 13 at Monmouth.

Monmouth returns some good individual skill talent, so this will be a strong test for the Hornets right off the bat and a chance to gain some immediate confidence in their first game under Graham. It also is a divisional game in Class A Central.

Condito returns at running back looking to regain the 1,000-yard form of his sophomore year if he can stay healthy. Juniors Matt Nuzzi and Jovanny Rodriguez are also expected to get some carries out of the backfield. The wide receivers/slot backs competition is between Ibrahim, Rooney and seniors Corey Nuzzi, Thomas Torrese and juniors Steve Walier, Peter Savrides, and Will Van Name.

Senior Ryan Nolan will hold down the center position with sophomore Seamus Wood backing him up. The battle being waged for the guard spots is between seniors Andelo Arena, Matt McDonald, Matt Mallon, junior Christian Tascione, and sophomore James Hyde. Rounding out the offensive line will be senior tackles Jack Russo and Matt Nelson along with junior Dan Graw and sophomore Matt Brady in the mix to see time.

“We are hoping that our O-line will work hard, learn from each other and grow together,” Nolan said. “I am working hard on making the offensive line calls.”

This year’s team returns 20 seniors, most of them having seen significant playing time, led by senior running back and linebacker Frank Condito, a rare four-year starter. After two strong years, he battled injuries throughout last season as a junior. The injury bug has bitten him again as he is currently nursing a slight knee injury, but he is looking forward to opening day.

The defense will be an attacking 3-3-5 stack with constant pressure. It will be led by Condito in the middle at inside linebacker, flanked by Matt Nuzzi and Walier. The outside stacks will be manned by Nolan, Corey Nuzzi, Rodriguez or senior Robby Disko.

Russo and Justin Ruiz also are expected to see minutes there.

“I really think that what is happening is good for us,” Condito said about the new coaching staff. “We loved playing for our staff last year but feel maybe a change can help turn things around. I am looking to be a role model on and off the field. Football is very important to me, and I think I can help bring Holmdel football back.”

“Our strength is in our linebackers,” Ibrahim said. “They can all run to the ball and have been bringing pressure when called upon.”

“We are stressing to the players to finish everything,” Graham said.

“Every play, every quarter, every practice. We have to raise the expectation level and change the culture regarding Holmdel football.”So far things have gone very well. The kids have bought in and are working very hard. Our leaders are helping with the younger kids, and if we continue down this road we think we can be very successful.”

The turnaround will start with their retuning seniors, who have decided that the best way to accomplish their goals is to outwork their opponents and stress the little things.

“Everyone must work hard because we are not the strongest or fastest, but we can certainly outwork everyone,” said senior co-captain Kyle Rooney. “We have different coaches with different ideas and different drills and hopefully that will lead to a different result.”

“We have a new mentality this year,” said senior running back/safety Adam Ibrahim. ” We are working Senior RB/LB Frank Condito

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Nuzzi, Jr., RB/LB

quarterback spot looks like it will fall to either sophomore Aneesh Agrowal or senior Erik Alvino.

Both saw time last year due to injuries.

Photo by: Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

09-13-14 09-20-14 09-26-14 10-02-14 10-11-14 10-24-14 10-31-14 11-08-14 11-27-14

Holmdel @ Manasquan Rumson-Fair Haven Matawan Pinelands Regional @ JFKl @ St. John Vianney Raritan @ Ocean

Head Coach: Career Record: 3-7 (1-5) Assistant Coaches: Dan Wendel (off. coord./QB/DB); Jason McQuay (QB/LB); Cornell Key (OL/DL); Joe Yglesias (OL/DL); Shawn Brown (WR/DB); Kevin Egan (WR/DB); Tom D’Ambrisi (QB); Joe Nappi, Justin McGhee (freshman); LeeAnn Pearce (athletic trainer).

Rich Mosca, 2nd season (18th overall)

2013 Record: 4-6 (2-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Shannen McCue, Sr., FB/LB McCue might have been the team’s best linebacker last year, but he did it alongside captain Dylan Brown, who is the Falcons’ top player lost to graduation. While the onus falls on the whole defense to pick things up and he will have plenty of help from Isaiah Searight behind him, McCue will get the brunt of attention from opposing running games.

X-FACTOR: Tyler Gallagher, Jr., Tackle Like any team, Monmouth’s success or failure likely rests with the offensive line. The Falcons have the skill players to make noise in Class A Central, so the development of the group up front will be crucial.

Gallagher has impressed the coaching staff early and appears to have made the jump necessary to anchor the right side of the line.

GLUE GUY: Jimmy Green, Sr., QB Green is the kind of quarterback that considers himself an all-around football player. He does not shy away from contact and he doesn’t mind dishing out a hit from the linebacker position. That attitude makes him popular among his teammates, many of whom go to bat for him as one of the Shore’s best quarterbacks.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Casey Pachucki, So., RB Although Monmouth has plenty of returning talent in the backfield and on the outside, Pachucki has impressed Mosca and the coaching staff enough that they figure to find snaps and touches for him.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 20 at Manasquan The Hawks open their Class A Central slate against Holmdel at home, which gives the Falcons a legitimate chance to start 2-0 if they can knock off the Warriors the following week. That might seem ambitious on the surface, but Manasquan graduated a fair share of its lineup and Monmouth hopes to compete with the top programs in the division this year.

25

Flying Under the Radar

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

fter a long, accomplished career as a coach at the high school and college levels, Rich Mosca returned to Monmouth Regional three years ago to do two things: coach the Falcons’ defense and, if necessary, drive a few of the more local players to practice.

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Last year, Mosca had no intention of doing anything more than teaching defense to an inexperienced group – something he enjoyed doing that was also just down the road from his Tinton Falls home. At 66 years old with coaching experience that has taken him through tours at three high schools and two universities over 45 years, Mosca never saw himself again dealing with the duties required of a head coach.

Then head coach Jason Morrell left the team at the beginning of preseason camp last season and left Monmouth without a coach as the season approached. Mosca was more than qualified as a last-minute replacement, but the situation was less than ideal for the coach and his players.

“It was a shock to all of us when coach Morrell left,” senior quarterback Jimmy Green said. “Fortunately, we already had coach Mosca here and he stepped up for us. In the end, it’s worked out for the best.”

Flash forward to this season and the instability has given way to a renewed enthusiasm thanks to Mosca and his staff, as well as a group of players who have bought into the program.

“The kids have been great from day one,” Mosca said. “Last year, we needed to teach a lot of guys how to play, and we’re continuing to teach this year. But to the credit of our kids, they have bought into what we’re teaching them, they are working hard and they have improved a lot already. Just talking to the coaches who played us at the end of last year, they know that when they play Monmouth Regional, they are in for a game.”

It also doesn’t hurt that Monmouth returns a high-upside offense thanks to a handful of accomplished skill players. Senior wide receiver Isaiah Searight committed to Fordham University in June and will look to have a breakout year after catching 29 passes for 351 yards and one touchdown as a junior. Although his reception and yardage totals both led the team last year, the Falcons staff are expecting an even bigger year from the 6-foot-4 target.

“Isaiah has been terrific,” Mosca said. “He is the hardest worker in the program – always in the weight room, running routes, working with the younger guys, and he is a great student. He’s exactly the kind of person you want in your program.”

Senior Darryl Gamble, will line up opposite Searight on the offensive side after catching 22 balls for 200-plus yards last year, but his development on the other side of the ball has helped Monmouth create a defensive identity.

Gamble picked up an offer from Wagner College

in late July, with the idea of using him as a cornerback. After beginning his high school career as a defensive end, Gamble moved to the secondary after Mosca saw his potential there last year and helped him make the transition.

“Coach Mosca really knows what to do with his players,” Gamble said. “He always knows the best spot on the field for every player, and he took a look at me and helped me make the transition from (defensive) end and tight end to corner and receiver. He’s taught me a lot about the game and kind of took me under his wing and that’s allowed me to become the player I am.”

Green and Shannen McCue will also play major roles in the offense, with Green returning as the starter at quarterback. Green had an up-and-down season behind a patchwork offensive line last year and the coaches and players in camp expect Green to not only have his best season, but to perform as a one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the conference.

That will require a still-young offensive line to make progress, giving Green a chance to get the ball away to one of his many options while operating the running game as a matter of balance.

“Jimmy has looked great so far,” Searight said.

“We’ve been playing together for a long time, and we have a really good relationship. I expect him to have a big year and I know I’m biased, but I think he’s the best quarterback in the Shore.”

Although he had limited touches last year, McCue remains a key cog in the running game as the fullback, paving the way for junior tailback Eli Velez, who rushed for 559 yards and five touchdowns last year.

While there remains the potential for an explosive offense at Monmouth, Mosca has quietly built up a competitive defense that made serious strides last year. Led by Gamble and Searight – who plays free safety – in the secondary, the Falcons employ a base 4-3 look on defense and feature a number of nickel packages inspired by Mosca’s college connections.

“We’re doing things on defense that not a lot of high school teams are doing, and we’re really picking it up,” Gamble said. “It gives us an edge mentally knowing that what we’re doing is working, and it’s something teams on the college level are doing.”

Mosca also said Green is the team’s best outside linebacker and while his quarterbacking

Senior receiver Isaiah Searight duties will keeping him from playing every down on defense, he will see regular action on that side of the ball.

“I like to hit people,” Green said. “Whether I have the ball or not, I like contact. So, yeah, I’m going to try to be on the field as much as possible.”

Green’s use on defense is part of an overall team trend in which many of the top returning players are indispensable on either side of the ball. Mosca, however, sees the depth on the defensive side of the ball as the most tangible difference between this year and last.

“I know a lot of people like our skill players and we sure like our skill players, but I would venture to say I think our defense is better than our offense,” Mosca said. “We have a lot of good, solid athletes and now that we’re all starting to get comfortable in the system, it’s created a good deal of depth, and that’s a huge asset to have on a defense.”

Class A Central will be a more forgiving division this season with the departure of Red Bank Catholic to Class B North as part of the Shore Conference realignment. Division newcomer Matawan will compete for a division title, as should Rumson-Fair Haven and St. John Vianney, but Monmouth remains a wild card in a new-look division.

“Our goal is to be competitive in every game we play,” Mosca said. “We want to be a team that when we take the field, we’re coming out to beat you and I think at the end of last year, we got to that point. Now, we’re looking to win a few more games.”

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@ Raritan Monmouth Regional @ Holmdel Ocean @ Barnegat Rumson-Fair Haven @ Matawan St. John Vianney Wall

Head Coach: Jay Price, 4th season Career Record: 22-10 Assistant Coaches: Lou Certo (off. coord./WR); Don Klein (OL/DL); Dave Hallion (DB); Alex Vasilenko (DL); Billy Bertscha (OL); Andy Manser (RB); Jay Price Sr. (DB); Brian Lee (QB); Eric Howland (LB); Rich Griffith, Andy Cefalo, Matt Voskian (freshman); Kevin Hyland (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 8-3 (4-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: James McAlary, Sr., RB You can take your pick in this department considering the Warriors graduated their statistical leaders in just about every category and top linemen like Monte Sinisi and Matt Forst, so numerous players have some big shoes to fill. McAlary will have to help replace tailback Joe Murphy, who had 1,038 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns last year.

X-FACTOR: Experience How quickly all the newcomers get up to speed in a competitive Class A Central will determine whether this team can make a deep playoff run this fall.

GLUE GUY: Tanner Cowley, Sr., TE/LB The Virginia recruit is a three-year starter and a force on both sides of the ball. His high football IQ also will be needed to help the new starters get acclimated quickly.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Max Hawkins, Sr., WR/DB Price said Hawkins is the fastest player Manasquan has had in years. Hawkins decided to come out for the team after focusing on baseball for his first three years. He adds a wide receiver who can stretch the field and bolsters the secondary.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 18 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven With Rumson looking like the preseason favorite to win the division, this one should be huge, and it’s at Vic Kubu Warrior Field in Manasquan. Last year the Warriors took the Bulldogs to the wire in a 22-15 loss in the final minute of regulation. This game also will most likely have major power-point implications.

The Next Wave

By Scott Stump - Managing Editor

anasquan has been the definition of a program over the years, able to withstand heavy graduation losses and remain in the state playoff hunt season after season.

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That tradition will once again be put to the test this fall, as the Warriors only return two starters on offense and four on defense from a team that lost to eventual champion Delsea in the South Jersey Group III semifinals. They graduated the majority of their line on both sides of the ball, a 1,300-yard passer, their leading receiver, a 1,000-yard rusher, and their leading tackler, but the high expectations remain the same at a program that has won a Shore Conference-record 11 NJSIAA titles in its history.

“It’s on us, the seniors,’’ senior tight end/linebacker Tanner Cowley said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys who have a ton of talent, but they need leadership. We’re going to take us as far as we want to go. If we get those sophomores and juniors together, it’s going to look good this year. You’re never going to be able to replace a Joe Murphy or a Monte Sinisi, but we got guys out here making their own names.”

“Being young, you kind of crawl through preseason,’’ head coach Jay Price said. “Every little thing you took for granted with an older crew, you’ve got to go back and teach. You’re going back to square one and trying to get them up to speed, but so far they’ve responded well. The sophomores are talented, but they’re just raw.”

The defense returns more experience and looks to be a backbone of the team in the early going while the offense breaks in a host of new skill players and linemen. Cowley, a three-year starter who is verbally committed to the University of Virginia, is the anchor as the strongside linebacker in their 4-3 scheme after making 75 tackles as a junior.

“Cowley is playing at a level I can’t coach,’’ Price said. “He’s a lot quicker than he’s been in the past, and smarter. We might as well put him down as a linebacker coach or a defensive coordinator.

He’s calling out coverages, he’s changing coverages – he’s really become a pretty special kid.”

The linebackers look to be a strength of the defense, as senior John Morris, who had 53 solo tackles and 44 assists last year, is also a returning starter at middle linebacker. The weakside linebacker spot is being contested between seniors Matt Paturzo and Paul Krueger. Senior Craig Miller is the lone returning starter on the defensive line after making 33 tackles last year, and he will be part of the defensive end rotation that includes

senior Jeff Hall, and juniors Dan Mopsick and Dylan Pacetti. The defensive tackles are all new and will feature a rotation of 260-pound junior Matt McGrady, junior Rob Hart and senior Rob Hagaman.

“With all the losses, we need a lot of people to step up, but I’ve seen a lot of sophomores and juniors working hard and trying to earn spots,’’ Morris said.

The secondary returns senior James McAlary at cornerback, where senior newcomer Max Hawkins should see time along with senior Ben Meseroll and junior Grey McMahon. The safeties look to be a rotation of senior Luke O’Shaughnessy, a basketball player who transferred from Christian Brothers Academy last year, along with senior John Driscoll and promising sophomore Tom Meyer.

“We’ve got to get the line up to speed and fill in one or two spots in the secondary, but in practice they have looked pretty good, and we’ll see more when the scrimmages get going,’’ Price said.

Offensively, there will be plenty of new faces in the Warriors’ multiple-I attack. Sophomore Jerry Maher and senior Liam Grieb are battling at quarterback to replace graduated starter Tucker Caccavale. While 1,000-yard rusher Joe Murphy has graduated at tailback, McAlary returns after rushing for 481 yards and 5 touchdowns on 55 carries last year in his first season of football after coming over from the soccer team.

“We did lose a good amount on offense and have a lot of shoes to fill, but we look strong at quarterback, and we have a backfield where we’ll be able to rotate two or three guys with around 10 carries per game,’’ McAlary said.

Krueger also will see carries at tailback and is a complement to the speedy McAlary as a physical, between-the-tackles runner. Morris and O’Shaughnessy will see time at fullback in certain sets. At wideout, the Warriors have to replace a combined 47 catches by Joe Fittin and Kieran Preston, but will break in a group with good potential. Hawkins, a baseball standout, has come out for football as a senior and has great speed, while Paturzo returns with experience at wideout.

Driscoll and 6-foot-3 junior Kyle LeBlanc also will be in the mix at receiver, and the 6-foot-5 Cowley returns at tight end to give them a big target over the middle and in the red zone. art is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, and he will be one of the guards along with Hall. McGrady will be at center, and Miller and Hagaman are the tackles. Mopsick and Pacetti also

Senior TE/LBTanner Cowley should see time in the offensive line rotation.

“(Offensive line coach Don Klein) focuses on how the offensive line leads the team, and if we’re not working, nobody is working, so we have to work our butts off in order for the whole team to get going,’’ Miller said. “I would say our line is one of our stronger points right now.”

Senior Logan Sabins, a member of the school’s golf team, has come out for football and looks to be the starting placekicker. The punting duties are being contested between senior Cody Carrithers and junior Adam Schrek.

The goal is the same as it’s always been at Manasquan – play 12 games. Last year’s senior class was the first once since 1985 to go all four years without the Warriors reaching a state final, so this year’s group wants to break that trend in a South Jersey Group III bracket that still includes a formidable Delsea team among others.

“There’s pressure every year at Manasquan to get to the state final, if not win one, so that’s our goal going in, and we’re going to work hard to attain that goal,’’ Morris said.

“They know that,’’ Price said. “It’s something that weighs pretty heavy on them, but we don’t ever talk about that kind of stuff until we get to the playoffs.”

Right now the Warriors are just focused on the intangibles as they try to reload the lineup.

“Effort is what’s going to have to keep us going because they’re going to make mistakes, and they’re going to be learning on the fly,’’ Price said.

“It’s going to be their effort and drive that’s going to get them through it and get them over the top, so that’s what we’re stressing.”

Photo by: Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

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@ Matawan Monmouth Regional St. John Vianney @ Long Branch @ Manasquan Lakewood Raritan Holmdel @ Shore Regional

Head Coach: Bryan Batchler, 2nd season Career Record: 11-1

Assistant Coaches: Jerry Schulte (def. coord./LB); John Corneliusen (off. coord./QB); Charlie Pirello (quality control); Joe Murphy (OL); Jeremy Schulte (DL); Bill Lagrotteria (DL); Rob Orrok (RB); Chris Quinn (WR); Frank Papalia (TE); Charlie O’Brien (DB); Jerry Gagliano, John Bellevance, Jason Lippart (freshman); Joe Lagrotteria (quality control); Alex Stein (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 11-1 (5-1)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Greg Elsas, Sr., DE There are plenty of positions this applies to, as offensive lineman Peter Righi, defensive end Donald Bedell and linebacker/safety Thomas Martello were all first-team All-Shore selections who graduated. Elsas has to replace Bedell, who is now at Rutgers and had 97 tackles and a teamhigh 12 sacks last year.

X-FACTOR: The passing game Rumson doesn’t have to be world-beaters in this area, but whoever wins the starting job between Reid and O’Connor will have to do enough to keep defenses from putting nine guys in the box to stop Volker.

GLUE GUY: Sam Eisenstadt, Sr., DB A vocal team leader and returning starter in the secondary, Eisenstadt helps set the tone for a team that will look to keep its edge and fight complacency after winning a state title last year. He led the team with four interceptions last year and also returns kicks, plays gunner on punts and can step in to run the ball if needed.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Mike O’Connor, So., QB/WR/DB O’Connor is part of a talented sophomore class that dominated as freshmen with him as the quarterback. He is a good athlete who will either start at quarterback or see time at wide receiver. He also should see plenty of minutes at safety, particularly if Jackson Reid ends up starting at quarterback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 19 at Matawan.

Usually the season opener isn’t the most crucial on the schedule, but this has become a great rivalry, and with Matawan realigned from Class B North back into Rumson’s division, it’s a huge Class A Central game between two teams expected to be right there for the title.

Staying Hungry

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

hree days after Rumson-Fair Haven captured last year’s NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II championship, the returning players were back in the weight room with a new motto: “Stay hungry.”

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”That Monday after, we said we’re not going to accept how good we are,’’ said senior tailback and captain Charlie Volker. “A lot of people are saying 12-0 or bust (this season), but right now we’re just focusing on Matawan. We aren’t worrying about anything other than that.”

No Bulldogs team has ever won consecutive state titles, as last year’s was the second in program history and the first since 2010. They reached consecutive finals in 2010 and 2011, splitting with Matawan, so now the goal is to become the first team to repeat in Central Jersey Group II since Manasquan won a Shore Conference-record five straight titles from 1998-2002.

“We don’t really think of that as our championship,’’ said senior safety Jackson Reid, who is also a team captain. “That was more of (last year’s) seniors’ championship. This is a new team, and we’ve got new people coming up. We’re still hungry, and we want to go back.”

With perennial power Red Bank Catholic now off its schedule because of a switch to a new Thanksgiving rival in Shore Regional, the opportunity is there for the Bulldogs to become the first team in program history to go 12-0 after winning a school-record 11 games last season. Their lone loss was a 45-0 defeat by the Caseys, but they have a challenging schedule this year that includes their Class A Central slate and nondivisional games against Central Jersey Group II semifinalist Lakewood, playoff qualifier Long Branch, and state finalist Shore.

“It’s in the forefront of people’s minds in the public,’’ second-year head coach Bryan Batchler said about going undefeated. “I think the expectation around here has been raised. We’re focused on one thing and one thing only, and that’s beating Matawan.”

Rumson returns a key piece in its quest for division and state titles. Volker, the reigning

Senior RB Charlie Volker

Shore Sports Network Offensive Player of the Year, is back after leading the Shore Conference with a school-record 2,108 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns in his first season as the starting tailback. Verbally committed to Princeton, Volker has bulked up his upper body in anticipation of another heavy workload after leading the Shore with 278 carries, 57 more than any other back in the conference. He also has improved his speed to the 4.5 range in the 40-yard dash thanks to running track in the

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14 spring and a rigorous weightlifting regimen.

“I wanted to add a little bit of weight so I could start running people over more,’’ he said.

Volker was a complete unknown heading into last season, but now he is circled on every opposing scouting report.

“We’re not going to change our gameplan too much,’’ Volker said.

“We’re going to do what we do best, and I think that’s to just keep pounding the ball.”

“It’s a major challenge,’’ Batchler said. “Other kids are going to have step up. I think maybe people don’t know, but we’re deeper than one kid. The other thing is, people might be focused on Volker, and they know we’re going to run ‘power left’ and they know we’re going to run ‘power right,’ but they’ve still got to stop it.”

Also seeing carries out of their multiple-I offense under new coordinator John Corneliusen will be seniors Seamus Walsh and Lucas Seckler. Junior Butchy Clark and sophomore Mike Murdock make up the fullback rotation. The quarterback spot is between Reid, who started at safety last year, and talented newcomer Mike O’Connor, the Bulldogs’ quarterback of the future who starred on Rumson’s dominant freshman team last season.

The wide receiving corps features senior Murray McHeffey, who saw time last season, along with junior Lachlan Hull. O’Connor will also play wideout if he does not start at quarterback. Another weapon will be 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior tight end Kenny Ferrare, who saw time last season.

The offensive line has to replace multiple starters, including first-team All-Shore talent Peter Righi, who is now at Monmouth University.

Senior Greg Elsas will be at center after starting six games last year, and senior Cooper Cuje is a returning starter at right tackle. Senior Brendan Carr and 6-foot-2, 240-pound sophomore Jack Woods are fighting for minutes at left guard, while junior Max Pfrang and sophomore James Melia are in the mix at right guard. Junior James Oncea is at left tackle, where he is being pushed by 6-foot-2, 255-pound sophomore Tim Leonard.

“We got a lot of young guys putting up huge numbers in the gym who are stepping up and filling those positions,’’ Volker said about the offensive line.

Senior Connor Kelly returns as the placekicker, and sophomore Thomas Chapin will handle the punting.

Defensively, the Bulldogs graduated an outstanding group that included Rutgers recruit Donald Bedell at defensive end and first-team All-Shore safety Thomas Martello off a unit that allowed 11.2 points per game and held nine

Senior defensive end Izzy Dunning

opponents to one touchdown or less under veteran coordinator Jerry Schulte. A host of newcomers does not necessarily mean a drop-off, given that the Bulldogs replaced eight starters on defense in 2010 and won their first state title.

They have experience returning at all three levels in their 4-3 scheme starting with senior noseguard Ben Eisenstadt, who had 6 ½ sacks last season. Sophomore Liam Adams could also see some time at that spot, while Woods and Cuje make up the rotation at the three-technique position.

The Bulldogs have to replace one of the top defensive end tandems in the Shore in Bedell and Kevin Clayton, but Elsas is a promising playmaker who saw some minutes there last season behind the two standouts. Yet another member of Rumson’s talented sophomore class, Mike Ruane, is at the other defensive end spot, where Woods and senior Izzy Dunning look to be in the rotation.

Pfrang is a returning starter at middle linebacker after finishing with 70 tackles as a sophomore between playing middle linebacker and weakside linebacker, and senior captain Tucker Briggs is a returning starter at strongside linebacker. Melia, Murdock and Clark are all in competition at the weakside linebacker spot.

“Everyone here is just as hungry now as we were last year,’’ Briggs said. “We graduated so many seniors that people are eager to prove themselves and prove that (the title) wasn’t just them.”

Senior captain Sam Eisenstadt and Reid both return to anchor the

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secondary as the safeties after combining for seven interceptions last season. Eisenstadt moves to safety after registering a team-high four picks at cornerback last year. O’Connor and junior Griffin Schultz also should see time at safety. Junior Mike Caruso and senior Grant Rataski are battling for one cornerback spot, while junior Matt Waters and Kelly are competing for the other cornerback position.

“I’m confident guys are going to step up,’’ Sam Eisenstadt said. “They do every year. I think our secondary is going to be pretty solid, and our linebackers will be solid. Our D-line is a newer group, but I have confidence in those guys.”

With Red Bank Catholic now in Class B North, the opportunity is also there to make a run at the division title before setting their sights on making another piece of school history in the state playoffs.

“You go into every game knowing it’s a huge game for the other team because they know we’re defending champs, so we have to go into games being ready for teams to throw everything at us,’’ Sam Eisenstadt said.

“If we want to get back to where we were, we have to be hungrier than everyone else,’’ Batchler said.

Photo by: Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

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Lacey Brick Memorial @ Toms River South @ Marlboro @ Jackson Memorial Toms River East @ Southern Brick Township Neptune

Head Coach: Dave Oizerowitz, 2nd season (4th overall) Career Record: 12-18 Assistant Coaches: Mike Oizerowitz (off. coord./WR/DB); Rich Malek (def. coord.); Gabe Roonan (LB/spec. teams); Bobby Cassidy (DL); Billy Dowd (OL-co-spec. teams); Jay Gold (RB); Anthony Penna (QB/DB); Nick Zaza (QB); Matt Sura (DB); Chris Gold, Billy Wilbert (freshman); Kendall Hostnik (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 1-9 (0-7)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Bryce Watts, So., WR With most of the team returning, there aren’t too many shoes to fill, but Watts looks to be one of the leading receivers after the graduation of R.J. Bromell and Evan Sirota, two of last year’s top pass-catchers.

X-FACTOR: The Defense How much this unit improves will go a long way toward determining whether the Mariners can compete in one of the Shore Conference’s toughest divisions. They have experience returning up front, at linebacker and in the secondary, so the parts are there to make a significant improvement after giving up 30 points per game last year.

GLUE GUY: Adam Kakar, Sr., OL/DL Kakar is a four-year starter on the defensive line and also may start on the offensive line this season. He is the most veteran player on the team and has taken on more of a leadership role this year.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Parker Day, So., RB/DB While much of the spotlight in the backfield has been shined on Asante Moorer, Day is a dangerous threat as well who looks to form a productive tandem.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 13 vs. Lacey The Mariners open up under the lights on their home field against perennial contender Lacey, so this is the chance to show how much things have changed since last season by getting a win over the Lions in a Class A South game. They gave Lacey a game last year in losing 34-22, so they will look to finish the job this year and gain some immediate confidence.

Out of the Ashes

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

he combination of a new coaching staff, several high-profile transfers leaving the program and a host of inexperienced young talent being thrown into the fire snowballed into an uncharacteristic one-win season for Toms River North last year.

A year later, the coaching staff and returning players have had a full offseason together, and that inexperienced group is one bursting with potential with 10 games of varsity action under its belt. With some high-level individual talent leading the way, the Mariners are geared up to reclaim their place as a division title contender and playoff qualifier.

“We had to get our heads on straight, work hard in the offseason and make sure that when we come back this season we go out there and prove everyone wrong,’’ said senior two-way lineman Joe Fantozzi.

“You don’t know what it’s like to be in a varsity game until you actually play, so having most of the team come back, we know what to expect, and we know what to prepare for.”

“When you’re 1-9, you’ve got things to fix,’’ said second-year head coach Dave Oizerowitz. “Besides the weight room, we really examined our schemes on both sides of the ball.”

The Mariners have switched from a multiple-I scheme on offense to a pistol attack, with sophomore quarterback Mike Husni running the show after starting as a freshman and throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns for an offense that averaged 13.8 points per game.

“Offensively, we’re still going to run the football, we’re still going to be a power offense, but I think there’s going to be a little more window dressing involved with it,’’ Oizerowitz said. “Because we have that kind of perimeter skill, we’re able to utilize it best in this offense. I think our quarterback has improved tremendously. We think that if you’re going to load up on the run, we’re going to be able to throw the football.”

Their running game has a chance to evolve into one of the Shore Conference’s best with the tandem

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of 5-foot-11, 220-pound junior Asante Moorer and sophomore Parker Day in the backfield. Moorer led the team with 843 yards rushing and 7 touchdowns as a sophomore. He has packed on muscle while improving his speed to 4.45 in the 40yard dash, which earned him interest from several FBS programs in the offseason.

“Last year I thought we were a little too young, and (finishing 1-9) was embarrassing,’’ Moorer said.

“We put in a lot of work in the weight room and will play much more physical this year.”

Junior Tommy Donovan is a returning starter at fullback, where 220-pound junior Calvin Jackson should also see some time after starting at tight end last year. Sophomore Bryce Watts, who started in the secondary as a freshman, will be at wide receiver this year along with sophomore Darrion Carrington, who also saw varsity time as a freshman. Senior Valdez Santiago, a threeyear starter at safety, also will be part of the wide receiving corps.

The Mariners return another prime threat in 6-foot5, 225-pound senior tight end Jordan Craig, who has offers from Buffalo and UConn and interest from Boston College and Duke. Sophomore Mike Faione will also see snaps at tight end after getting some minutes as a freshman. Craig had 10 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns last year, and Oizerowitz thinks he can be much more of a weapon this fall.

“I think he’s a tremendous route-runner as a slot guy,’’ Oizerowitz said. “He’s a big H-back, he’s physical, and he can block. What we’re going to ask him to do is really work the middle of the field, and

Junior RB Asante Moorer he’s a nightmare for linebackers and safeties.”

Toms River North returns three starters on the offensive line, but already has been dealt a blow with projected starting center Nick Tedeschi out indefinitely with a foot injury. Fantozzi, who is 6foot-2 and 265 pounds, returns at tackle, and junior Tim Petersen is a returning starter at the other tackle spot. Junior Luke Butera is a returning starter at guard, and other guard spot is being contested between senior Saifullah “Adam” Kakar, a four-year starter on the defensive line, and sophomore Esiah Santamaria. Sophomore Will Sagarese is expected to fill the void at center while Tedeschi is out.

Sophomore Kyle Bayha will handle the placekicking, and senior Pete Colone is a returning starter at punter, where he should be one of the division’s best.

The area the Mariners need to dramatically improve in order to get back to their winning ways is defense after surrendering 30 points per game last

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14 year. They moved some players around in their 3-4 scheme midway through the season and saw some improvement they hope carries over into this season.

Kakar, who looks to be one of the best defensive linemen in the Shore, switched from noseguard to defensive end last year and will stay at that spot this season. The 315-pound Kakar was one of two AllDivision linemen for the Mariners last year, and the other one also returns, as 260-pound junior Da’shon Copes will be at the other defensive end spot.

“We got a lot bigger from last year,’’ Copes said.

“Coach has been on us Senior TE/LB more, and we look a lot better.”

Sophomore Cole LaBatch slides into the noseguard spot, where sophomore Joe Nardoza and junior Sincere Livingston also will see time.

“We think we’ve got the kids in the right positions defensively, so now it’s just coaching them up on their techniques and responsibilities and letting them be physical,’’ Oizerowitz said. “We think that our down five is going to be our strong point defensively.”

“Right now we look a lot better, and we feel completely confident with our defense this year,’’ Kakar said. “Everyone is going to see that when the season starts.”

Senior Mike Siwiec, who started at defensive end last year before moving to linebacker during the

season, is a returning starter at strongside linebacker, and Craig also returns at linebacker. Junior Christian Lynch, a talented transfer who started at Toms River East last year, will be at weakside linebacker. Senior Tyler MacLaine is a returning starter at middle linebacker, and the group of Jackson, juniors Mike Cangialosi and Rich Roma, and sophomores Faione and Pete LaQuaglia is in the mix to see time at linebacker.

Santiago returns as a three-year starter at safety to anchor the secondary, with sophomore Dante Shenkin stepping in at the other safety spot. Day and Jordan Craig sophomore Janaire Bradley also should see time at safety. Watts is a returning starter at cornerback, with senior Caleb Lewis at the other cornerback spot.

“It’s more about the team than individuals this year,’’ Santiago said. “If our team plays together and both sides of the ball are firing, we can win a lot more games.”

Coming off a last-place finish in Class A South in which they did not win a divisional game, the Mariners know they will be under the radar coming into the season. They don’t plan on staying there for long.

“We don’t really worry about all that, we just prepare ourselves,’’ Moorer said. “We’ll do our talking on the field.”

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@ Toms River East Brick Twp. @ Jackson Memorial Howell @ Toms River South Toms River North Lacey Brick Memorial @Central Regional

Head Coach: Chuck Donohue Sr., 17th season (41st overall) Career Record: 231-156-4 Assistant Coaches:

Matt Abbato (def. coord.); Andrew Beckett (DL); Eric Fierro (QB); C.J. Tomelden (RB/DB); Dylan Larson (OL); Dennis Pidgeon (OL/DL); Chuck Donohue Jr. (OL); Joe Fleck, Dan Roy (freshman); Evan Osbourne (football operations); Joe Caucino (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 5-5 (3-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Dom VanDeBrook, Sr., WR/DB No one can replace the void left by Mike Gesicki, who is one of the most physically dominant players in Shore Conference history, but VanDeBrook will step into a starting role at both receiver and cornerback this year.

X-FACTOR: Skill players The Rams have most of their defense back and all five of their starting offensive linemen. If the skill players can produce in their first year as starters, the Rams will be in contention all season.

GLUE GUY: The offensive line It’s rare a team returns its entire offensive line, and Southern’s five-some leads both by example and vocally. As they go, so will the Rams.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jon Bleichner, Sr., QB Bleichner takes over the reins of Southern’s offense after the graduation of Logan Sheehan. If he can be a legit threat in the passing game it will balance out what will be a run-first offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 27 at Jackson Memorial The Jaguars are the defending division champs and will attack with a similar offensive strategy. It should be an old-fashioned slugfest between the two rivals, and if the Rams can come out on top it would set them up to make a mid-season run.

Ground and Pound

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

fter graduating several standout starters and most of its skill players, including current Penn State freshman tight end Mike Gesicki, it would be easy to dismiss Southern as a competitive team in Class A South.

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The Rams, however, have an experienced offensive line and a slew of firstyear starters at the skill positions who are eager to prove they can step in and get the job done.

don’t have a weak link. We all know the calls and what to do.”

“We have all the experience from last year and the offseason being together and going over everything,” Ferraro said. “We’ve really come together since last year. We know how to execute, and we’re ready to go at it.”

The only other returning starter in the Rams’ pro-style shotgun offense is senior receiver Zac Halliday. He’ll be joined by 6-foot-2 senior Dom VanDeBrook, senior Rick Rolenc and senior Mike Butera. The running backs are junior Pat Walker, senior Ryan Winkler and senior Sean Gesser. Playing wingback will be junior Anthony Gagliardi and senior Silas Farina. Competing for the starting tight end spot have been sophomore Jesse Amir and senior Olfemi Palmer.

“It’s one of those transition years,” said head coach Chuck Donohue Sr. “We can’t replace the guys we lost but we have kids that will get their shot now.

We’ll be a little different type of team in that we’ll have to run the ball to be successful.”

While the Rams won’t have an unstoppable playmaker like Gesicki, they are in the rare situation of having all five offensive linemen back as seniors. They will lean on that group to carry them through the brutal A South schedule.

Senior wide receiver Zac Halliday

Up front the Rams have Pat Ferraro at left tackle, Clay Robinson at left guard, Ben Castellazzo at center, Tim Davis at right guard and Nick Miele at right tackle. Last season all five were first-year starters, but this year enter as an experienced and cohesive unit that will fuel Southern’s power running game. The Rams also have juniors Doug VanDeVelde, Joe Dolphin, Mike Browning and Zack Weinidenhoff to add depth on the line.

“It’s great having the whole line coming back,” Robinson said. “You win and lose up front, so having us coming back the skill guys can work off us. We

Jackson Dowhower.

The quarterback will be senior Jon Bleichner with Gagliardi as his backup. The Rams also have a sophomore they’re high on in 6-foot-3

“Our gameplan is that we want to run over kids with a downhill power running game,” Robinson said. “We want to wear teams out and pounce on them.”

“With our line that has to be our style,” Walker said.

“It’s the best part of our team.”

Defensively the Rams will continue to run a 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Matt Abbato.

While Southern’s offense struggled last season, its defense was once again stout in allowing just 14 points per game. Eight starters return from that unit, so the Rams have plenty to build off on that side of the ball. Ferraro, a returning starter, is the noseguard and

Senior OL Clay Robinson Robinson, also a starter last year, is one defensive tackle along with Palmer. Walker and Winkler both return as starting inside linebackers, as does Davis at outside linebacker. Castellazzo steps in as the starter at the other outside linebacker position.

In the secondary, Butera is back as a starting cornerback and VanDeBrook will get the start on the opposite side of the field. The safeties are Halliday and senior Shawn McManus, both of whom are returning starters.

On special teams, junior Kyle McDonnell will be the kicker and junior Brandon Barnetti will be the punter.

With a powerful group of offensive linemen returning and its defense mostly intact, Southern can remain in the hunt in A South if it can remain consistent. The Rams’ skill players are unproven, so nothing is guaranteed, but a solid year out of the receiving corps and Bleichner at quarterback could give the Rams enough offense to be playing meaningful games in November.

“We’re going to have to hang our hat on the fact that we have our entire offensive line back and eight starters on defense,” Donohue said. “It’s not going to be pretty, and it’ll be a struggle every week in this division.”

“I kind of like being the underdog,” Robinson said.

“Maybe a team will take us lightly, and we’ll show them what we can do.”

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@ Donovan Catholic Toms River East Toms River North @ Lacey Southern Jackson Memorial @ Brick Memorial @ Brick Township Lakewood

Head Coach: Ron Signorino Jr., 4th season Career Record: 15-16 Assistant Coaches: Matt Martin (off. coord./RB); Bill Rankin (QB); Brett Hardie (WR/spec. teams); Kyle Austin (OL); Joe Kelly (RB); Ron Signorino Sr. (def. coord./LB); Ray Guzzi (LB); Steve Bernath (LB); John Smicklo (DL); Jimmy Drackowitz (DL); Bill McDonnell (DB); Debbie Morante (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 8-3 (5-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Javion Harris, Jr., WR/DB Harris will be counted on to fill the void left by the graduation of Darrius Hart, who had 467 receiving yards and six touchdowns and also intercepted seven passes on defense.

X-FACTOR: Finishing Game When Toms River South did stumble it was late in games, so the challenge this season is to sustain a high level of play and put good teams away when they do get a lead.

GLUE GUY: Mike Rutter, Sr., OL/DL and Jimmy Allen, Sr., OL/DL Rutter and Allen are returning starters on both sides of the ball who are the key cogs in what appears to be the strength of the team.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Shiffer, So., K/P Shiffer takes over the team’s kicking duties, and with the Indians likely to be playing in several big games, has a chance to potentially convert some crucial kicks.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 26 vs. Toms River North An improved Mariners squad would like nothing more than to knock off their biggest rival in “The Civil War,” and a win by the Indians here would likely leave them undefeated entering the teeth of the A South schedule.

Putting It All Together

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

p 24-0 at halftime only to lose 28-24 to Shawnee in the semifinals of last season’s NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV playoffs, Toms River South has plenty of built-in motivation as it enters 2014.

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“When it happened it was the worst thing ever,” said senior quarterback Tymere Berry.

“But looking back it has put a chip on our shoulder and gives us motivation to come out and go all the way this year.”

“Everybody who was on the field last year will remember that game,” said senior linebacker Quentin DeCarlo.

“It’s in the back of our minds, and we want to get back there and win it this time.”

The Indians will have to replace a handful of All-Shore players from a season ago, but return dynamic quarterback Tymere Berry and running back Khaleel Greene along with a sizable offensive line. After a brutal conclusion to last season, the Indians feel they’re ready to contend for division and state titles in their fourth season under head coach Ron Signorino Jr.

Five total starters return from an offense that averaged 33 points a game last season.

Berry enters his third year as a starter and is coming off a year in which he threw for 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns and ran for an additional 815 yards and 11 scores. At ‘A’ back is Greene, who split time with 1,100-yard rusher Otis Kearney last season. Greene chipped in with 620 yards and 15 touchdowns. The slot backs are junior Jaden Kosh at one position and either junior Tyler Sosa or junior Mike Cutillo. Jeremiah Lonerdon will also see time in the backfield.

“We’re obviously blessed to have Tymere back and there’s no question

Senior quarterback Tymere Berry

he’s the main cog in the offense,” Signorino said. “And we feel good with Khaleel as the full-time ‘A’ back. He’s pretty special with the ball.”

“I know the offense a lot better and everything is second nature now,” Berry said.

“I’m just working hard to keep getting better.”

Junior Javion Harris returns as a starter at wide receiver and will be joined by senior Francis Hearne. Junior Isaiah Parker will also see time at receiver. Harris has strong potential, and the Indians are hoping he can be the downfield threat Darrius Hart was last season.

“This has to be a big year for him,” Signorino said. “He has the ability to replace a Darrius Hart, but will he? That’s yet to be determined. If he does he’ll be a very good football

both sides. Allen, Hebrew and Rutter are just tough, hard-nosed players. And we’re as big at tackle as ever for what we ask them to do.

You win in the trenches, and with what we have in Tymere and Khaleel we’ll be fine because of what we have up front.”

The Indians’ defense was solid last season, but they would like to improve on allowing 21.5 points per game. They’ll run a 4-2-5 base that features six returning starters. Three starting defensive linemen are returners, with Allen at defensive tackle and Rutter and Joe Odebode at defensive end. Junior David Rodriguez will start next to Allen as the other tackle.

DeCarlo started on the line last season but has been moved back to inside linebacker.

Kosh returns as the other starting inside linebacker to give Toms River South a strong run-defending presence.

“We want to stop the run first, and with our size and athleticism up front I think we’ll be able to do that,” Signorino said.

Cutillo and Lonerdon are working in at one outside linebacker spot with Sosa as the other outside linebacker. Harris and Berry are the starting cornerbacks with Parker and Hearne also in the rotation. Greene returns as the starting safety.

Handling both the kicking and punting duties will be sophomore Matt Shiffer.

player.”

The offensive line returns two full-time starters and another player who saw action, and looks to be the strength of the team. Junior Kyle Hebrew is the center and seniors Mike Rutter and Jimmy Allen are the guards. The first-year starters are the tackles, senior Travis Galanos and senior Tyler Parenteau.

“There’s no question this is the biggest team we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Signorino said. “We’re big and strong on

Toms River South began last season 2-0 before losing back-to-back games to eventual Central Jersey Group IV champion Brick and Lacey. The Indians then won their next five games to reach the sectional semifinals before the heartbreaking loss to Shawnee. The Class A South schedule will be fierce once again, but the Indians are up there with Brick as the front-runners to win the division title.

With Berry and Greene in the backfield, the Indians’ offense will put up points. If the lines on both sides play as well as the coaching staff feels they can, it could take the Indians to another level. That feeling among the players and coaches is that this year’s Toms River South squad is a championship team.

“Our mindset is that we’re going to compete and be there in the end,” Signorino said. “We built the foundation and the concrete is dry, so we’re solid there. These seniors are our guys now, so hopefully we prepare them and put a good product out there.”

“We want nothing less than a championship this year,” Berry said. “We went out with a bad taste in our mouths last season, and we want to end it differently this time.”

Photo by: C l i f f L a v e l l e www.clearedge.zenfolio.com

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Southern @ Toms River South @ Brick Township @ Brick Memorial Freehold Township @ Toms River North Freehold Boro Jackson Memorial @ Lacey

Head Coach: Charlie Diskin, 9th season (10th overall) Career Record: 48-44 Assistant Coaches:

Damon Coiro (off. coord./OL); Kyle Sandberg (def. coord.); T.J. Tkac (LB); Sam Iacobone (RB); Joe Zaccone (WR); Bill Beining (DL); Billy Byrne, Vinnie Arminio, Tim Gilmartin, Joe Arminio Jr., Kevin Kanarkowski (freshman); Mike Bronstein, Flo Price (athletic trainers).

2013 Record: 4-6 (2-5)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jeff Wood, Sr., RB/LB Wood steps in as the primary ballcarrier at fullback to replace current Villanova freshman Matt Gudzak, who rolled up 1,043 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground last year along with catching 10 passes for 133 yards and two scores.

X-FACTOR: The Defense The Raiders allowed 33 points per game in 2012 and 29 per game last year, so that number has to improve if they are going to hold their own in a division that features some of the Shore Conference’s most explosive offenses.

GLUE GUY: Jeff Wood, Sr., RB/LB Wood is a mainstay at linebacker who leads the defense and now takes over the reins as a tone-setter at running back on offense. He has to have a big season for the Raiders to get back to the playoffs.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Tommy Ferrante, Fr., RB/LB Already 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, Ferrante has great size and will be one of the rare freshmen to start for the Raiders. He has star potential if he continues to progress, and this season will be all about getting acclimated to the speed and intensity of varsity football.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 19 at Toms River South If the Raiders have any designs on making a darkhorse run at the division title, this will be a great test in a rivalry game against a strong Indians team that has some of the most dynamic playmakers in the Shore on its offense. The Indians wiped out the Raiders 35-0 last year, so this is a chance to see if the gap has closed.

Youth Movement

By Scott Stump - Managing Editor

hile last year did not go as planned for Toms River East, the Raiders are hoping the experience of a group of young players thrown into the fire down the stretch can supply them with the momentum to turn things around.

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The Raiders played a host of sophomores toward the end of the season, so even though they graduated a solid senior class led by Villanova recruit Matt Gudzak, they return plenty of experience, particularly on defense. After turning in their third straight losing season, they look to get back on the winning track by building off two straight victories to end last year.

“Our juniors got a lot of experience as sophomores, and they’re a hard-working group,’’ said head coach Charlie Diskin. “Plus the seniors that are returning are great leaders.”

Toms River East is striving for consistency after an odd season in which it was outscored 86-0 in its first two games but then later hung 42 points on Central Jersey Group IV champion Brick in a victory and scored 40-plus-points two other times.

They ended on a positive note with a 7-0 shutout of rival Toms River North on Thanksgiving.

“Once we changed back against Lacey to more of the multiple wing offense, that gave us the spark,’’ Diskin said. “It took a while for the younger kids to jell. We made a commitment to go with the young guys on defense knowing that we would take our lumps, but they grew up during the season.”

“This year we’re better than last year and working our butts off every day,’’ said junior twoway lineman Brandon Burdge. “Some guys weren’t firing off the ball like they were in the first half last year, and we got tired too easily, so aggression and conditioning are two big things for us.”

The Raiders will once again employ the multiple wing attack after averaging 19.6 points per game last season, and they have to replace Gudzak, a twotime, 1,000-yard rusher and one of the Shore Conference’s top backs. Senior Jeff Wood, an AllClass A South linebacker, steps into the fullback role vacated by Gudzak after rushing for 328 yards and two touchdowns on 6.7 yards per carry last season.

“With the wing, it’s kind of running back by committee, but that guy in the middle, Jeff Wood, we have all the confidence in the world in him,’’ Diskin said. “He’s a workhorse, he’s explosive, and he’s a competitor.”

Also see some carries at fullback will be promising freshman Tommy Ferrante, a 6-foot-1,

215-pound battering linebacker, and ram. Senior Ryan Wasilick in the Wasilick, who started secondary. Joining on defense last year, Burdge in the middle will be one of the up front will be halfbacks after seeing a Sauers, Gibbons, handful of carries last Quintana and senior season, and he will be Diego Altamirano. joined by the group of Lameo and Idzinski juniors Nick Grande will be in the and Michael Grasso defensive end rotation and senior J.T. with Del Valle, who Davidyock in the made 50 tackles, 7 for backfield. Junior Dan a loss, as a Gilligan, who had his sophomore. appendix removed Wood anchors the during the preseason, linebacking corps also should see some Senior RB/LB Jeff Wood after making a teamcarries once he gets high 74 tackles last healthy. The season. J.T. quarterback spot is being contested between senior Davidyock and Gilligan will see time at the other Jay Venezia, who is currently sidelined with a outside linebacker spot. concussion, and junior Dylan Savulich. “(Gudzak) was a lethal weapon and we used him a lot, so now more guys have to step up,’’ Burdge said.

“We are fast and more disciplined on defense this year,” Wood said. “We should be much better.”

Junior Joe Lawson, who is 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds, is a returning starter who will move to center after playing right tackle last season. Burdge, who started on defense as a sophomore, will also play guard this year along with junior Kelly Conklin. Junior Brandon Brush will start at one tackle spot, and the other one is being contested by senior Justin Sauers, who started multiple games last year, senior Tylor Quintana, and senior Brody Idzinski.

“The big thing will be depth with so many guys playing both ways,’’ Diskin said. “It’s all about staying healthy and playing hard. I think the experience and the reps those guys got last year on defense should benefit us.”

Junior Avery Del Valle is a returning starter at tight end, where senior Jay Lameo and sophomore Landon Zagacki will also see time. Senior Joe Davidyock leads the wide receivers after seeing time last season, and juniors Pat Saunders and Norian Davis also will be targets in the passing game.

Senior Matt Contos has come out from the soccer team and will handle the placekicking and also possibly be the punter, where Venezia is also in the mix. Junior Hunter Gibbons has shown a strong leg and could be a kickoff specialist and long-range field goal kicker.

The Raiders return plenty of experience in their multiple four-man front on defense, which looks to take a leap forward under new coordinator Kyle Sandberg after allowing 29 points per game last year. They are led by Burdge at defensive tackle, Del Valle at defensive end, Wood at outside

Ferrante will start at inside linebacker as a freshman, and Conklin will be at the other inside linebacker spot in the 4-4 packages. In the secondary, Grande is a returning starter at free safety after making 31 tackles last year, and Joe Davidyock will be at strong safety. Wasilick is a returning starter at cornerback who was second on the team with 68 tackles last season. Saunders, Grasso and Davis are all in the rotation at the other cornerback spot.

The Raiders will have to find a way to carve out some victories in the rugged Class A South, which once again looks to be one of the Shore Conference’s most competitive divisions top to bottom. Many of them ran the gauntlet as young players and are ready for the challenge.

“We are not intimidated,’’ Burdge said. “We will go up against anybody.”

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@ Brick Memorial @ Southern Regional Toms River East @ Jackson Memorial Wall Lacey @ Colts Neck @ Toms River North Toms River South

Head Coach:

Rob Dahl, 4 th season Career Record: 20-21 Assistant Coaches:

Chip LaBarca Jr., (off. coord.); Brian McNamara (def. coord.); Chris Blackburn (DL); Kevin Stockhoff (QB); Scott Davis (OLB); Vinny Marra (ILB); George Krauszer (DE); Jon Daner (OL); Tim Bray (TE); Vin Spadavecchia (RB); Kurt Weiboldt (K); Jason Groschel, Don Marino, Scott Karos (freshman); Scott Lloyd (strength & conditioning); Jim Barber (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 9-3 (5-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Ja’sir Taylor, So., WR The Green Dragons are pretty well fortified at nearly every position, but after seeing time as a freshman, Taylor should have a bigger role to help offset the graduation of versatile receiver Mike Muratore.

X-FACTOR: Staying Healthy Brick has all the talent and experience to make a run at a 12-0 season. To accomplish their ultimate goal the Dragons will have to be at full strength.

GLUE GUY: Ray Fattaruso, Sr., RB/LB A 220-pound battering ram and a vocal leader, Fattaruso is an easy player to rally around.

Running for nearly 1,100 yards with 14 touchdowns while making 10 sacks also helps.

MPACT NEWCOMER: Chris Kimbiz, Sr., OL/DL Kimbiz transferred from Brick Memorial and will step in as a starting defensive lineman while also in competition for a starting spot along the offensive line.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 13 at Brick Memorial This is one of the Shore’s most heated rivalries with the role of the favorite now back on the Green Dragons’ side of town. This could either be a game where Brick takes care of business to send an early statement, or the Mustangs stun the Shore and open the A South race right off the bat.

Leaving Their Legacy

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

fter winning the program’s first state sectional title in 19 years last season to officially put Brick football back on the map, the Dragons’ seniors are out to cement their legacy at one of the Shore Conference’s most storied programs.

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When Brick captured the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV title last year, the first for the Dragons since 1994, it was, in a way, ahead of schedule.

Brick’s current senior class was highly-touted as it progressed through the ranks of Brick’s youth football organization. When quarterback Carmen Sclafani joined them last season as a transfer from Toms River North, it only added to the talented group, and they rode a pair of 1,000-yard rushers and a tough and clutch defense to a state title. The 2014 season was always looked at as the year Brick would be able to make a serious championship run.

With a title already in tow and a long list of talented an experienced seniors returning, 2014 could be the kind of year that’s talked about in Brick for years to come. They are trying to become the first Brick team to win back-to-back state titles since the Green Dragons won three straight from 1981-83.

“There’s an exciting vibe around here,” Sclafani said. “But inside this locker room we all know it’s going to be harder than last year. We’re going to have to work twice as hard, and we’re going to have targets on our backs.”

The Dragons return nine starters on offense and six on defense from last year’s championship squad and will enter the season as one of the Shore Conference’s top squads and the favorite in Class A South and Central Jersey Group IV. Leading the way are Sclafani and senior running back Ray Fattaruso, who combined for nearly 2,300 rushing yards while scoring 30 touchdowns last season.

Sclafani also threw for 705 yards and five touchdowns despite missing two games with an injury. Fattaruso (1,095) and Sclafani (1,194) each finished among the top 10 in rushing in the Shore Conference, and last year that was enough to carry Brick’s offense. What could catapult Brick’s offense to a devastating unit is the presence of a dynamic passing game.

In addition to Sclafani, Brick will enjoy the services of three returning starters at receiver in seniors Joe Phillips and Ja’Quez Johnson, along with sophomore Ja’Sir Taylor in its multiple spread offense. Adding even another level to the Dragons’ aerial attack is 6-foot-5 senior tight end Simon Bingelis, giving Brick six legit offensive weapons.

“It’s nice to look at the offensive huddle,” said head coach Rob Dahl. “Last year we didn’t really have to pass it – we had two 1,000-yard rushers – but this year you’re going to have to prepare to stop the pass. We’re much more balanced and ahead of the game (than last year) right now.”

“I think last year, even though we did well, we

were very raw as an offense,” Sclafani said.

“With the veterans on the offense this season it’s like we picked up right where we left off. Last year it took us two weeks just to get on the same page and now we’re miles ahead of where we were last year.”

Securing things up front for the six returning starters at the skill positions will be an offensive line that QB Carmen Sclafani & RB Ray Fattaruso returns three starters. The entire right side of the line team and just let our offense do its thing,” Juliano returns with senior Anthony Trapasso at right tackle said. “Our offense should only have to score one along with junior Tyler Colonno at right guard and touchdown for us to win.” junior Alex Trapasso at center. Junior John Kozak Replacing the solid tandem of kicker Anthony joins the unit as the left tackle with either Pasquale Starego and punter Steve Ferlisi will be K.C. Altilio or Brick Memorial transfer Chris Kimbiz at Stackable as the kicker and Hunter Palmer as the left guard. punter.

Brick averaged 26 points per game last season The Dragons will start the season as a top-three with an attack that almost exclusively featured team in the Shore Conference and almost certainly Sclafani and Fattaruso. While those two will still the favorites to win Class A South and Central lead the offense, the Dragons expect to spread the Jersey Group IV. The challenge coming off a ball around much more. There’s obviously high championship on the road to a hopeful repeat is expectations for the unit. keeping the same focus. Dahl has made it to where “With so many weapons on the offense, it’s a speaking about a “state championship” or “rings” is great feeling to have another year to put it on the barred from the field or locker room. His team has field,” Fattaruso said. paid attention.

While Brick doesn’t return quite as many starters “The motto has been ‘Stay humble, Stay on the defensive side, a talented unit returns amidst hungry,’” Dahl said. “They can’t lower their guard. similarly high expectations. Starters at each level They have been really focused in practice, and return to bolster a defense that did yield nearly 20 they’ve worked hard all summer long. I can tell points per game last season, but came up with they’re ready to go at it again.” clutch plays in Brick’s biggest games.

“You could come out here and think you’re hot “We got with a couple of injuries early in the stuff because you won last year and take it easy,” season and the kids were still learning the system,” Sclafani said. “We know last year we flew a little Dahl said. “Last year we were looking to slow under the radar, but this year we’re not going to be teams down, where this year I think we can really overlooked by anyone.” be a shut-down defense and one of the top defenses While Brick is preaching the one-game-at-a-time in the Shore. I’m really expecting a big year out of motto, it also sees the bigger picture. This team has our defense.” the capability to bring home a second straight Kimbiz will play the nose in Brick’s 3-4 championship and the talent to make a run at an alignment with returning starters Jake Layton, a undefeated season. The A South schedule will be senior, and Dan Finelli, a junior, as the defensive foreboding, but this year’s version of Brick football ends. Fattaruso, who made 78 tackles and a teamhas a chance to have a special season. leading 10 sacks, returns as a starter at one of the “Expectations are the same, and that’s to win a outside linebacker positions while the other will be championship,” Dahl said. “Right now it’s to win manned by junior Jordan Keefe. Senior James game one. Last year the pressure was to win, this Juliano was the Dragons’ leading tackler last season year it’s higher because we’re not going to sneak up with 107, and is one of the starting inside on anybody. You’re on everybody’s radar and they linebackers. The other is junior Joe Sclafani, who can’t wait to play you, but I don’t think these guys started three games last season. are going to let the pressure get to them.”

In the secondary, Phillips and Johnson are “For the seniors it’s the last year in the program,” returning starters at cornerback. Senior Tommy Juliano said. “Most of us have been wearing the Leech returns at safety along with senior Joe Bruno, green and white since we were seven years old. We who started three games last season. want to go out leaving our mark.”

“Going into each game we want to lock down a

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@ Toms River North Jackson Memorial @ Brick Memorial Toms River South Manalapan @ Brick Township Jackson Liberty @ Southern Regional Toms River East

Head Coach: Lou Vircillo, 34th season

Career Record: 263-118-3 Assistant Coaches:

Cory Davies (off. coord.); John Tierney (OL); Shane Allen (DL); Warren Smith (QB/LB); Joe Tobin (DB); Mike Stuppiello (DL); Chris D’Amico (RB/LB); Scott Delconzo, Watson Heleila, Danny Fornoff (freshman); Jack Bush (film); Lee Emery (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 5-5 (3-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Ethan Blackwell, Sr., WR Blackwell steps into a starting role for the graduated Christian Tutela, who led the Shore Conference with 54 catches and 1,053 yards last season.

X-FACTOR: The Defense Lacey’s offense has proven it can be explosive, but as last year showed it won’t translate to wins if the defense isn’t back to playing its normal physical and stingy style.

GLUE GUY: Conor Davies, Sr., QB/DB Davies may technically be a first-year starter, but his knowledge of the offense and experience last season in leading Lacey to a pair of wins off the bench has his team firmly confident in his abilities.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Chase Stephensen, So., QB/S Stephensen steps in as the starting free safety and is also the backup quarterback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 20 vs. Jackson Memorial The Jaguars hung 62 points on Lacey last season, so the Lions will surely be looking to return the favor this season against the defending A South champs.

Out For Redemption

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

ver the first five games of last season, Lacey was a top-three team in the Shore Conference and on its way to what looked like a championship season. But after starting 5-0, the wheels feel completely off the bus as the Lions spiraled to five straight losses while allowing a staggering 40 points per game.

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It was a jarring, almost unbelievable sight to see what has traditionally been a stingy defense give up so many points. For the players returning this year, it’s all about redemption.

“We have to bounce back and be tougher this year,” said senior wide receiver/defensive back Mike Bocchini. “We were a little mentally weak when we started losing. We were 10-1 the year before and started last year 5-0, and it got to us. A team effort this season where everyone does their part, and we’ll be back.

We’re not letting last year happen again.”

The Lions I-spread offense will have to replace quarterback Tom Kelly, the school’s alltime leading passer, and 1,000-yard receiver Christian Tutela, but is in a good position to fill those gaps with a strong corps of receivers and an experienced quarterback returning. Senior Conor Davies is back after starting a pair of games and playing half of another last season when Kelly was injured.

Senior George Sayre returns as the team’s starting running back with sophomore Connor Wilson backing him up. Junior Jacob Post is the fullback and senior Isaiah Brown returns as the starting tight end. Bocchini returns at wide receiver after catching 27 passes for 394 yards and 4 touchdowns last season. Opposite him will be senior Ethan Blackwell with junior Scott Tutela also in the mix, as well as sophomore Zach Larney as the second tight end.

As Lacey tries to get back to its roots as a power running team while still utilizing an explosive passing attack, it can lean on an offensive line that returns three starters. Joe MacAvoy, a 6-foot-3, 275pound junior, returns as the left tackle with 230pound senior Frank Cimmiro back at left guard. The center is also a returning starter, senior James Peaney. The newcomers on the line are 275-pound senior Paul Colucci and 220-pound senior Mike Damiano. Tarique Smith, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound junior who saw time on the line last season, is also at tackle.

Defensively, the Lions know they have to improve after allowing over 30 points per game last season. Four starters return in their multiple front defense, including Smith, Post, Sayre and junior Aaron Boos. Injuries at linebacker hit the Lions hard as senior Lucas Sirotniak tore his ACL during lacrosse season and is out for the year. Junior linebacker Luke Bivona was injured early in training camp and will be out for a significant amount of time.

He threw for 743 yards and five touchdowns with a 78 percent completion percentage. Since the passing game is Senior quarterback Conor Davies designed by his father, former Howell head “Last year our offense coach Cory Davies, he enters his first season as the was so potent, but the question was stopping Lions’ full-time quarterback with both knowledge people,” said head coach Lou Vircillo. “We have to and experience. establish ourselves like we did two years ago.”

“It’s almost like I’m a returning starter, so I feel MacAvoy is the nose tackle with Cimmiro also at very comfortable,” Davies said. the position. Smith returns as a starter at defensive “Conor is a very confident quarterback,” end with Brown playing the other end. Post returns Bocchini said. “He’s done it before and we’ve as a starter at linebacker after making 60 tackles last played with him our whole lives, so we have a level season. The other linebackers are senior Matt of trust.”

MacGillvary and juniors Nick Caputo and Mark

Senior running back George Sayre Sheppard in a rotation.

The outside linebacker/strong safeties are Sayre, who started at cornerback last season, and senior Brett Kinsey. Boos started two games last season and will start at one cornerback spot. Bocchini, Davies and senior Will VanSchoick will rotate at the other cornerback position. The free safety is sophomore Chase Stephensen.

“On defense we have a huge rotation in the secondary, and that should help us stay fresh and have more on both sides of the ball,” Davies said.

Junior Pat Davis returns as the team’s kicker and punter. He was 29-for-31 on extra points last season while hitting three field goals with a long of 40 yards.

Vircillo is one win away from passing the late Vic Kubu of Manasquan and Middletown North fame for second all-time in career wins in Shore Conference history. Vircillo will begin his 34th season as the only coach in Lions’ history tied with Kubu with 263 wins.

Lacey also has a trio of former star players now on its coaching staff in Warren Smith, Mike Stuppiello and Chris D’Amico.

“It’s like having your heroes back,” Sayre said.

“They’re always upbeat, and you just want to pick their brains and learn from them.”

Unlike most years, Lacey will not be the favorite to win a division title with Brick and Toms River South leading the pack in Class A South. But the Lions have enough experience and talent to be a factor, and the way last season ended for them continues to serve as a huge motivator.

“This year is about working hard and proving everybody wrong,” Sayre said.

“I think we can compete for a championship,” Bocchini added. “Every game is tough, and we have to go in every time fully loaded. It’s hard work, and we know that. We just have to do our thing and we’ll make it through.”

“If we play at the level we’re capable of there’s no doubt we can win A South,” Davies said.

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Brick Township @ Toms River North Lacey Toms River East @ Old Bridge Jackson Memorial @ Middletown South Toms River South @ Southern Regional

Head Coach: Walt Currie, 8th season Career Record: 44-32

Assistant Coaches: Pete Brennan (def. coord/LB); James Bright (WR); Bill Brunner (OL); Mike Cintron (WR/DB/spec. teams); Mike McArthur (OL); Brian Staub (RB); Rob Merola, Mike Bonventure, Keith Farr (freshman); Sue Penrod (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 6-4 (4-3)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Matt Cathey, Sr., RB/LB Cathey is the most experienced pitch back the Mustangs have after the graduation of the electric Mike Basile and is also a returning starter in the secondary, where Basile patrolled last season and was a two-time Shore Sports Network All-Shore player. Billy Walsh and Alex Clayton also have tough tasks in replacing Jake Lombardo at middle linebacker.

X-FACTOR: Quarterback Play It’s fairly obvious for an option offense, but if Joe Hans can elevate his game as a senior, the Mustangs will be tough team to beat all season. If he struggles, the Mustangs’ offense will have a hard time keeping up with the likes of Brick, Toms River South and Lacey.

GLUE GUY: Karl Kumm, Sr., WR/DB A vocal leader who starts on both sides of the ball, Kumm, along with fellow seniors Joe Hans and Connor Owen, paces the Mustangs.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Zah’kei King, Sr., RB King has shown playmaking ability as a pitch back and could give the Mustangs another weapon in the running game.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 13 vs. Brick Township The Dragons are the favorites to win the Class A South division title and repeat as Central Jersey Group IV champions, so the Mustangs have the chance to send an immediate message to the rest of the Shore and open the division race.

Back in the Saddle

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

ontroversy was the only thing separating Brick Memorial from at least a seven-win season and a trip to a sectional semifinal last season, and even though the Mustangs lost three All-Shore player to graduation, they expect to back in the race for championships in 2014.

C

The Mustangs’ heartwrenching 14-13 loss to top-seeded Manalapan in the first round of the Central Jersey Group V playoffs still sticks in the craw of Brick Memorial’s players and coaches. Instead of overly dwelling on it, the Mustangs have looked back at how they won five of their last six games to reach the postseason and concentrated on picking up where they left off.

being the quarterback. He’s the leader.”

“Since last year Joe has matured immensely,” Kumm said. “He’s the starting quarterback now, and you can see it in his throws. He’s making throws I haven’t seen him make before.”

Senior Connor Owen returns as the starting ‘A’ back. The slot backs are senior Matt Cathey, a returning starter, at ‘Z’ back, with junior Elie Lavarin and senior Zah’kei King working in at ‘H’ back. The Mustangs won’t have the home run threat of Mike Basile, who is currently starting at safety for Monmouth University as a true freshman, but should be able to spread the ball around more.

“It’s not three yards and a cloud of dust or a pitch to Basile anymore,” Currie said of the offense. “It’s ‘Joe, here you go. We’re running option football and the ball’s going into your hands in clutch situations.’”

Senior receiver Karl Kumm “It was definitely a At receiver, the 6-foot-4 heart-breaker,” said Kumm, a returning starter, gives Hans a sizable and senior wide receiver and cornerback Karl Kumm. sure-handed target down the field. The other wide “That bus ride was the lowest of lows, but looking receiver position will be manned by either senior back it shows how much potential we have.”

Mike Kraft or junior Matt Cuppari.

Brick Memorial returns seven starters on offense “When it’s a solo route to (Kumm) I know he’s and defense from last season’s 6-4 squad, and bigger and stronger than anyone that’s going to be should be a factor in the Class A South division out there against him, and I know that if I throw it race. In head coach Walt Currie’s flexbone offense, in his area he’s going to do everything in his power senior Joe Hans steps in as the starting quarterback. to get the football,” Hans said. “He brings a lot of Hans began last season at quarterback as the energy to the practice and game fields. He’s a big Mustangs toyed with an up-tempo, pistol version of target with a big heart.” the option, but scrapped it after a few games and put

Hans back at wide receiver and put Rob Triano at quarterback. Now a senior, Hans is back under center to run the offense.

“The comfort level is a lot higher,” Hans said.

“I’m more confident and a better leader on and off the field.”

At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds with good speed, Hans is certainly a weapon as an option quarterback. What held him back as a junior was part mechanical and part mental. Traditionally, Currie’s quarterbacks as juniors have blossomed into stars as seniors, and Currie sees the same progression from Hans.

“Those guys, as juniors they played quarterback and as seniors they became quarterbacks,” Currie said. “As a junior, Joe lined up and made the reads the best he could and played as hard as he could, but his inexperience showed up at times. With his development, he’s gone from playing the position to

The area that has the Mustangs most excited has been the offensive line, which returns three starters.

Currie said it’s the most complete group of linemen on both sides of the ball he’s had in his tenure at Brick Memorial.

“Part of the reason option football is great is that even if you have just an adequate offensive line you can move the football,” Currie said. “With a great offensive line it opens the door to a new phase for our offense, which we’re excited about.”

Junior Anthony Nobile (6-0, 270) returns as the starter at right tackle while his brother, Mike (6-0, 265), returns as the starting center. Marcus Foster, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound senior, is the returning starter at left guard. Joining the line as first-year starters are 265-pound senior Jimmy Tango at left tackle and 6-foot-2, 255-pound senior Quinn Hartdorn at right guard.

“Our line is the heart and soul of our team this

Senior QB Joe Hans year,” Kumm said. “We have guys that have stepped up that people don’t know about yet that can make a difference.”

The Mustangs’ defense was among the best in a division filled with high-octane offenses, allowing 16.3 points per game. They lost Basile, inside linebacker Jake Lombardo and safety Rob Triano to graduation, but return starters along the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary in their 4-3 alignment. The defensive ends are Anthony Nobile and Hartdorn, with Foster and Mike Nobile as the defensive tackles. Mike Nobile had a breakout season as a sophomore, and was consistently in opponents’ backfields blowing up plays.

“We have the kind of kids up front that will force the double team or make the tackle,” Currie said.

“That gets linebackers free, and that’s really the idea.”

Stepping in at middle linebacker will be either junior Billy Walsh or senior Alex Clayton. Owen returns as the starting strong side linebacker and junior Zach Tighe is back as the starter on the weak side. Three starters return in the secondary with Hans and Kumm as the corners and Cathey as the strong safety. Kraft will be the starting free safety.

Kumm and Hans give Brick Memorial two very tall cornerbacks who can defend the pass, while being physical enough to be a factor in run support.

“Since we went to cover-2 we like the tall corners, and those two have played very well in those spots,” Currie said. “They’ll be in run support a lot and we’ll count on them to use their athleticism to cover over the top.”

Cuppari returns as the team’s kicker and will also handle the punting.

The schedule for the teams in A South is brutal, so Brick Memorial knows every week will be a battle. At the same time, their slate of top-notch opponents leaves the Mustangs with plenty of opportunities to climb the rankings and pick up power points. Their biggest chance at that is immediate, as they host defending Central Jersey Group IV champion and arch rival Brick to open the season.

“You lose players like Mike (Basile), Jake (Lombardo) and (Rob) Triano and teams are going to think we’re going to be down,” Currie said. “But I think the reality is that we have seven starters returning from what ended up being a quality football team, and there’s no reason why we can’t pick up where we left off and compete with the best teams around.”

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@ Jackson Liberty @ Lacey Southern Regional Brick Township Toms River North @ Brick Memorial @ Toms River South @ Toms River East Red Bank Catholic

Head Coach:

Walt Krystopik, 4 th season Career Record: 19-12 Assistant Coaches:

Jeff Brown (OL); Tony Compitello (WR); Keith Anderson (RB); Corey Lavin (off. coord./QB); Tom Bradley (DL); Chris Rash (OLB); Mike Smith (ILB); Vincent Mistretta (DB); Nicole Figaro (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 8-3 (6-1)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Vinny Lee, Jr., RB and Mike Gawlik, So., RB. Khani Glover was sixth in the Shore Conference is rushing last season with over 1,400 yards, so the Jaguars’ new running back tandem has a lot on their plate.

X-FACTOR: Running Backs Again, on a team that wants to pound the ball time after time behind a big offensive line, Jackson needs its young running backs to have success for the offense to keep up with the rest of the divisio GLUE GUY: Joe DeMaio, Sr., QB/DB As a third-year starting quarterback, DeMaio is the player who will have more responsibility on his shoulders and be counted upon to be a leader. His teammates have noticed. As linebacker Zach Tetro said, “He has a knack for leadership.”

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Dylan Smith, Jr., OL The coaches have high expectations for the 6-foot-3, 265-pound right tackle, who adds another massive body to an already strong unit. Jackson Liberty transfer Matt Castronuova is another obvious addition who will make an impact.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 4 vs. Brick Township The Jaguars won last year’s meeting, 9-7, to clinch the division title. Brick went on to win the Central Jersey Group IV title and is loaded with returners as the division favorite.

Prepared to Defend

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

n the gauntlet that is the Shore Conference’s Class A South division, it was Jackson Memorial, a team few would have picked to win the division, that came out on top in front of four other playoff teams last year. Despite graduating a 1,400-yard rusher and a pair of tackling machines at linebacker, the Jaguars see no reasons why they shouldn’t be right back in championship contention in 2014.

I

“Every year our goal is to compete for the A South title, so the expectations are set at a certain place,” said head coach Walt Krystopik.

“The burden to come out and prove themselves is there for the guys coming up.”

Gone are star running back Khani Glover and All-Shore linebacker Ken Bradley from last season’s championship squad, but the Jaguars return several starters, including three offensive linemen and quarterback Joe DeMaio, as they set out to defend their title in arguably the Shore’s toughest division. They also have several underclassmen joining the varsity squad from freshman and junior varsity teams that each went undefeated last season.

Smith. Further bolstering the blocking unit is senior tight end Brody Graham, who comes in at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds.

“It’s a very solid group of guys working together,” Krystopik said.

“They have to be able to push people around and set the tempo for the team.”

“You’re not going anywhere without driving people off the ball, and we have the guys that can do that,” Graham said.

The tailback spot will be filled by junior Vinny Lee and sophomore Mike Gawlik, while senior Zach Tetro is the fullback. Cole Collins, a 6-foot-2, 225pound senior, and 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior Adante Davis have also been working at fullback. At wide receiver, the Jags return senior Aaron Curet and junior Kyle Johnson. They will

DeMaio, who helped the Jaguars baseball team capture the NJSIAA Group IV title in the spring, returns for his third year as the team’s starting quarterback after throwing for 705 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior. He is the only player from Jackson’s standout backfield to return, and he’ll be counted on to lead its multiple-I offense.

returning starters last season.

Linebacker is where Jackson has the most work to do in replacing Bradley and Vinny Celidonio, who combined for 262 tackles last season. Tetro returns as a starter at outside linebacker after making 69 tackles and five sacks last season, while the other outside linebacker spot has senior Connor Bohringer and juniors Connor Testa and Tyler Towns competing for the starting spot. Collins saw time at linebacker last season and will be the starting strongside linebacker. The inside linebacker is sophomore Zach Lubertazzi with Davis also vying for playing time.

“Those guys (Bradley and Celidonio) paved the road for me the past two years taking me under their wing, and that’s made it easy for me as a senior,” Tetro said. “There’s big shoes to fill, but we have plenty of guys to fill those holes.”

“Last year between him and Mike Petrizzo we couldn’t get them off the field,” Krystopik said.

“When we had all four of them out there our defense really picked up. He’s one of those kids that are the leaders on our team, and he’s a tough, hard-nosed kid.”

“The quarterback is always a leader, but now as a senior and with those guys gone I have to take charge more and handle more responsibility,” DeMaio said.

“Last year it was his job Junior running back Vinny Lee to not make any mistakes and turn around and hand the ball off,” Krystopik said. “Now it’s his turn to step up and be that also have Jackson Liberty transfer Matt vocal leader and to lead by example.”

Castronuova at receiver, but whether or not he will have to sit out 30 days for transferring has In front of DeMaio is a sizable and yet to be determined. experienced offensive line that is expected to

fuel Jackson’s power running attack. Brad Greenway, a 280-pound senior, returns as the starter at left tackle with 225-pound senior Tyler Rauch back as the left guard. Senior Glenn Kipila, a 6-foot-4, 260-pounder, is the group’s other returning starter at right guard. At center is 6-foot-1, 245-pound senior Ryan Frasier and at right tackle is 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior Dylan

Senior quarterback Joe DeMaio

“He’s a quality football player and we’re going to have to see where he fits on both sides of the football for us,” Krystopik said of Castronuova.

Defensively, the Jaguars will continue to employ a 3-4 odd front. Graham and 230-pound junior Austin Ostrander will be the defensive ends with Kipila and Greenway rotating as the nose tackle. All four defensive linemen were

In the secondary, DeMaio and Curet are the cornerbacks with Johnson, who had four interceptions last season, and junior Jared Calhoun as the safeties. Castronuova, an alldivision defensive back in B-South the last two seasons, will likely start at one of the safety positions once he is eligible to play. Junior Kyle Lona and Gawlik will also see time in the defensive backfield.

Calhoun returns as the team’s kicker and punter.

The race for the A South title should once again be a battle to the bitter end, and with some production from a young backfield and a bigger year from DeMaio, the Jaguars believe they have the goods to retain the title.

“There’s a lot of competition, and just like last year we’ll be picked as an underdog,” Tetro said.

“But we’ll be there.”

“We want to play the best and that’s what we’re going to have to do,” Graham said.

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look Look around the Shore Conference, and it seems like every team has one.

“This is like the Year of the Dual Threat Quarterback in the Shore,’’ said Brick senior Carmen Sclafani, one of the Shore’s best.

The proliferation of spread offenses has meant more and more teams trying to find an athletic quarterback who puts extra pressure on defenses because of his ability to take off and run for big gains as well as make plays downfield in the passing game. The first-, second-, and thirdteam All-Shore selections at quarterback by Shore Sports Network last year all return, and they are perfect examples of dual threats who run offenses that opponents have found a hard time slowing down. Sclafani, Toms River South senior Tymere Berry and Barnegat senior Cinjun Erskine are just three of numerous talented dual threat quarterbacks in the Shore.

Those type of quarterbacks are not a new phenomenon in the area, as Ocean’s Eddie Conti was doing it more than 20 years ago, Middletown South’s Brendan Kennedy ran and passed for more than 1,000 yards in an undefeated season in 2001, and Raritan’s Andrew Mandeville was a twotime All-State selection in 2004 and 2005. However, more and more pop up with every year as more teams move to a spread scheme.

Just in Sclafani’s division in Class A South, there’s Berry, Jackson Memorial’s Joe DeMaio, Lacey’s Conor Davies, Brick Memorial’s Joe Hans and Toms River North’s Mike Husni. Look around the rest of the Shore at the returning starting quarterbacks and there’s Neptune’s Royal Moore, Monmouth’s Jimmy Green, St. John Vianney’s Anthony Brown, Freehold Township’s Jack O’Brien, Long Branch’s Jordan Rodriguez, Matawan’s Jimmy Pierce, Colts Neck’s Christian Sanchez, Point Boro’s Jack Fitzsimmons, Red Bank’s Jack Navitsky, Mater Dei Prep’s Christian Palmer – the list goes and on on. Wall even revamped its whole offense from a multiple I to the spread simply to suit the talents of junior Matt Cluley, who is a first-year starter at quarterback. Strong-armed dropback

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quarterbacks like Middletown North sophomore Donald Glenn, Manalapan senior Dan Anerella and Raritan senior Riley Sullivan used to be the norm and now are increasingly becoming the exception.

“I feel like everybody is looking for a dual threat quarterback,’’ Erskine said.

“Every college team is trying to get one, even if it's for scout team. Having one gives you so many more plays that defenses have to account for.”

“Putting your best athlete at quarterback puts a lot more pressure on the defense,’’ Berry said. “They know that if they drop back too far cover, you can take off and make plays running the ball.”

It’s no surprise that the three teams with Erskine, Sclafani and Berry also went a combined 27-8 last season. In his first season with the Green Dragons after transferring from Toms River North, Sclafani was a crucial part of a team that won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV title for its first state title since 1994. Erskine threw for 1,119 yards, ran for 652 yards and combined for 21 touchdowns to lead the Bengals to a school-record 10 wins, a Class B South title, and the program’s first berth in a state championship game in South Jersey Group III. Berry threw for 1,090 yards, ran for 815 yards and combined for 19 touchdowns to help Toms River South to eight wins and a trip to the South Jersey Group IV semifinals.

“It goes hand in hand, winning and having a quarterback who can both run and throw in an offense that’s effective,’’ Sclafani said. “It’s just the way all of football is going.”

“LAST YEAR WAS A TRANSITION YEAR BECAUSE THE OFFENSE WAS NEW (AT BRICK),’’ SCLAFANI SAID. “THIS YEAR WE HAVE ALREADY HAD FIVE DIFFERENT GUYS SCORE TOUCHDOWNS IN SCRIMMAGES.” Berry and Erskine are also three-year starters, and what has made the offenses of all three particularly lethal has been the presence of talented runners in the backfield. Sclafani has senior Ray Fattaruso, who ran for 1,095 yards and 14 touchdowns last year, Berry has explosive senior Khaleel Greene in the triple option, and Erskine had standout A.J. Opre last year before he was injured and then had a group of talented runners like Tyler McGuinness, Paul Wickwire and even wideout Manny Bowen behind him.

Defenses are forced to hesitate or take a false step in the wrong direction because they have to respect the fake on zone read and other option plays. If they sell out and go right for the quarterback, it could mean watching the running back take off for a 70-yard touchdown.

In addition to their athleticism, what makes the trio of Erskine, Sclafani and Berry difficult to stop is their decision-making. Their respective offenses put a lot of onus on the quarterback to make splitsecond decisions from what they see at the line of scrimmage.

Sclafani is now in his third year running the shotgun spread coordinated by his uncle, Chip LaBarca Jr. In 2012, he became the rare sophomore in Shore Conference history to run for more than 1,000 yards and also throw for more than 1,000. Last year, he ran for 1,194 Yards and 16 touchdowns and threw for 705 and 5 despite missing nearly two games with a knee injury.

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Continued from page 47 to the line with three plays we can choose from,’’ Sclafani said. “Back in the old days, that didn't happen.

You would go up to the line and it's ‘21 Dive’ or whatever. Now there's plays where I can give it, pull it or throw it. Communication is a lot different now. The game is quicker.”

“You’ve really got to trust what you see,’’ Berry said.

“Everything happens so fast, but I’m able to slow it down in my mind.”

Each dual threat quarterback also presents different types of challenges. Sclafani has the speed to move the chains by darting 10 or 15 yards at any time and has a strong arm and a deep group of receivers. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Erskine has the size to run over defenders and move the pile in short-yardage situations in addition to having a strong arm. Berry is an explosive runner capable of scoring from anywhere on the field in the option but throws the ball well enough that the pass has to be respected, which is often not the case with triple option teams.

Even traditional powerrunning, pro-style teams like Red Bank Catholic have added offensive wrinkles to take advantage of a dual threat quarterback.

Caseys junior Eddie Hahn has the speed to get to the outside and make big plays with his legs while also forcing teams to worry about him lofting a 40-yard strike downfield in the passing game. As Hahn takes over as the full-time starter after splitting time last year, that extra dimension could be crucial as RBC tries to close the gap with state power St. Joseph’sMontvale, which has held the Caseys to 14 total points in knocking them out of the playoffs in the Non-Public Group III semifinals the last two years.

R B C ’s E d d i e H a h n

“I feel like the zone read, even at the college level, it's been taking over football because it’s so tough for defenses to stop when it’s done right,’’ Hahn said. “Our mindset is to line up, run the ball, and be more physical than other teams, but I definitely think that adding a wrinkle could help us, especially if we see St. Joe's again.”

Players who would have been used as tailbacks 15 years ago are increasingly being moved to quarterback.

While some are groomed for the position, others like Lakewood senior Chapelle Cook, a Temple recruit, are put there because the coach wants the ball in the hand of his best athlete as often as possible. Cook was the starting tailback last year but has moved under center this season for the Piners.

“It’s just hard for the defense to cover because as soon as the linebackers drop, I can take off,’’ Cook said. “I love playing quarterback because I always have the ball in my hands, so I’ll just let my instincts take over and make a play.”

“I don't have the luxury of other places where kids grow up playing quarterback,’’ Lakewood coach L.J. Clark said. “Last year we tried a traditional quarterback kid and it didn't pan out. We said as a staff if we're going to lose, we're going to lose with a Division I kid back there.”

One of the biggest challenges in turning a great athlete into a dual threat quarterback besides working on throwing mechanics is usually getting him to be more patient on dropbacks and not just taking off and running if the first option on a play is not open.

quarterback at Bucknell, Sclafani has been offered by St. Francis (Pa.) as a quarterback, and North Carolina State offered Hahn as a quarterback.

“They've been talking to me as a quarterback because they like my athleticism and feel with the whole way college football is going that if you can run the ball and throw, you're the whole package,’’ Hahn said.

“It's really exciting as a high school player to see that I'm not going to have to change up my game that much because schools are running it,’’ Erskine said.

Another way to gauge how much dual threat quarterbacks are transforming the Shore Conference is how many defenses are changing to try to stop them.

Even staunch 4-4 teams over the years like Middletown South are going to the 4-2-5 or the 3-3-5 stack to focus on using defensive players who run well and tackle in space rather than big, physical, downhill players. The Eagles were shredded for 52 points in a Central Jersey Group IV playoff loss to Burlington Township and dual threat quarterback Khalil Trotman last year, so they have modified their scheme to account for quarterbacks who can hurt them running and passing.

“It seems like every team has one of those guys now,’’ said Middletown South coach Steve Antonucci, who has one of his own in junior Matt Mosquera. “It’s no longer just teams running power and iso at you and then throwing on third down. You have to account for a quarterback who can run.”

Versatile defenders like Red Bank Catholic senior linebacker Jamie Gordinier and Barnegat senior linebacker Manny Bowen are highly coveted by colleges trying to slow down spread offenses because of their ability to rush the passer from the edge, cover slot receivers, stuff the run and tackle quick skill players in space. That’s why Gordinier is headed to Miami and Bowen is going to Penn State.

“Coming up as a sophomore, that was a big thing for me,’’ Berry said.

“Now being a three-year starter, I’ve really grown to trust the offensive line, and now I just sit in the pocket and trust them and put us in the best position to score.”

With the proliferation of the spread game and dual threat quarterbacks starring everywhere from the FBS level, a la Johnny Manziel, to the NFL, where Russell Wilson led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl, dual threat quarterbacks are being recruited at that position. Ten years ago, those players were recruited more as running backs, wide receivers or defensive backs.

That is still the case in some instances, as Cook was recruited as a tailback and linebacker, and former Long Branch dual threat quarterback Miles Shuler is now a slot receiver at Northwestern University. However, more and more schools are looking at these types of players without the notion of changing their position at the next level. Berry said he has been offered by Monmouth and Wagner as a quarterback, Erskine will play

“If you don’t have good linebackers who can make up for when we correctly read the defensive end, you’re screwed,’’ Sclafani said.

Sclafani, Berry, Erskine and the legion of dual threat quarterbacks emerging in the Shore hope to give plenty of defenses that sinking feeling all this fall.

T R S o u t h ’ s Ty m e r e B e r r y

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Raritan

10-17-14

@ Red Bank Catholic

11-07-14

Manchester

10-24-14 10-31-14 11-27-14

Ocean Township

@ Holmdel

@ Long Branch

Head Coach: Nick Giglio, 6th season (13th overall) Career Record: 42-88 Assistant Coaches:

Cory Giddings (off. coord.);Steve Turner (TE); Shane Bigelow (OL/DL); Phil Greene (RB/LB); Jerett Sanderson (WR/DB); Jeff Mauro, Matt Norman (freshman); Brian Chamberlain (quality control); Christina Emrich (athletic trainer)

2013 Record: 1-9 (1-5)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jimmy Ferrogine, Sr., RB/TE/DE/LB Ferrogine will look to be a playmaker at defensive end to keep the production going at that spot after the graduation of Dylan DeVita, who was an All-Division selection by the coaches last season. Ferrogine will be playing all over the field for the Bucs this season, so he will be a crucial factor in Red Bank’s success.

X-FACTOR: Trevor Riley, Sr., RB/DB. Riley battled injuries all of last season, so a full season with him healthy gives Red Bank a physical, downhill runner in the Wing-T and an experienced returner in the secondary.

GLUE GUY: Jack Navitsky, Jr., QB Navitsky showed flashes of his potential as a sophomore and has become a leader as a junior. He will be counted on to boost an offense that was Red Bank’s Achilles’ heel last year, and his chemistry with Palmer in the passing game could help the Bucs make a big leap forward.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Chris Outterbridge, So., RB/DB. Outterbridge looks to be another weapon in the running attack and also should see time in the secondary.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Wall Coming off a one-win season, it’s all about the season opener, and the Bucs will be at home under the lights against the Class B North-rival Crimson Knights.

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Ready for the Challenge

By Art Gordon – Shore Sports Network contributor

or a team coming off a 1-9 season and facing a rugged Class B North schedule that includes the addition of the Shore Conference’s No. 1 team and a returning sectional finalist, Red Bank is approaching the challenge with a positive attitude and a new approach.

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“Every year up and down the Shore Conference, teams look at rebuilding or have just finished being rebuilt,” said head coach Nick Giglio. “Great seasons can happen all the time. We come off last year’s season with a little disappointment, but instead of sitting here crying about what should have or could have happened, we decided to accept last year and build off it. We were a little bit disappointed and surprised that many of our kids did not handle the adversity of last year, so that is why we made it a point of identifying the quality kids that will lead us this year.”

Red Bank lost four games last year by eight points or less and started six sophomores. The Bucs will start this season with seven juniors and one sophomore starting on both sides of the ball.

The main theme that is repeated by the staff and players is “demand more.” Everyone is focused on accountability, as their goal is to record their first winning season since 2004 and win their first division title since 1977. This was addressed at the exit meeting before summer vacation and continually repeated during practices.

“We need to expect more from each other, from teammates, coaches, parents, community and everyone,” Giglio said. “You can’t be satisfied. You can always get a little more from everyone. It’s a back-and-forth thing. They give more, and they in turn will want more back. We have to learn how to win, and we can when we find the quality kids that want to give us more, and we think we have those kids this year.”

“If you think you are doing good you can always do more, and when your teammates see that, they will also do more,” said junior lineman Ricky Wild.

The improved attitude has been preached by the team’s leaders.

“We pointed fingers last year instead of stepping up and taking responsibility,” said senior running back Jimmy Ferrogine.

“We can always get an extra rep for everything we do – on the field, in the classroom and in the weight room,” senior running back Trevor Riley said.

The Bucs, who have 50 players out for the varsity team, will operate out of a shotgun Wing-T with a little bit of spread offense included. They will try to use their athleticism to their advantage and hope to play fast in an attempt to improve a unit that averaged only 11.5 points per game last year.

Red Bank has one of the best Junior wide receiver Sadiq Palmer returning wide receivers in the Shore Conference in junior Sadiq Palmer, an left tackle.

All-Division selection as a sophomore, as a primary Defensively, they will continue to employ a 3-3-5 weapon on offense. Lining up at the other wide stack look so that they can take advantage of their receiver will be junior Matt Reardon, who also athleticism when facing a host of spread attacks. returns with experience. Dual threat junior Jack Last year they played many of their opponents Navitsky will be at quarterback after starting four tough, but could not find a way to finish, but they games as a sophomore and splitting time in four feel they have the ability to do that this season. other games.

“I will have a chance to make plays with my ability to run and throw,” Navitsky said. “We are trying to get our playmakers the ball in space so they can make plays.”

Riley, who comes into camp healthy this year after battling injuries all last season, will try to take some of the pressure off the passing game. He injured his shoulder the first day of practice last year and never fully recovered while also having to alter his running style.

“I danced too much last year instead of being the downhill runner I used to be,” Riley said.

Ferrogine will play at many positions due to his versatility and athleticism, primarily at running back and tight end, where he will share time with junior Sean Naiman, a returning starter.

“I can fill many positions and this will allow the young kids the chance to step up,” Ferrogine said.

Up front, senior Zach Carrano has moved from left tackle to center, a crucial position in an offense trying to play with a high tempo out of the shotgun.

Seniors Kevin Burke, Matt Karr and junior Colin Young will handle the guard and right tackle positions, with Wild, a returning starter, moving to

The three down linemen will be juniors Matt Cressen and Tyriik Murad along with Ferrogine, who will also step back and play linebacker in certain packages. The linebackers will be sophomore Chris Outterbridge and juniors Brian Fagan and Alim Godsey. Palmer also returns at safety and will be joined in the secondary by Riley, Reardon and and junior Teddy Mitchell.

Red Bank will open the season with a Friday night home game on Sept. 12 against Wall as part of a Class B North schedule that now includes rival Red Bank Catholic and Colts Neck, who were realigned into the division. The Bucs hope to get their first win ever under the lights on their home field and have upgraded their scrimmage schedule in hopes of matching their style of play with who they will face during the season.

“How we do in those scrimmages should give us an idea of how we will be able to handle our schedule,” Giglio said.

“We have a difficult schedule but we are looking to compete,” Ferrogine said. “We have worked real hard in the off season and know it will pay off with a ‘W’ (in the opener). We can’t wait.”

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Neptune @ Wall @ Manasquan Middletown North @ Long Branch @ Red Bank Red Bank Catholic Colts Neck Monmouth Regional

Head Coach: Don Klein, 8th season Career Record: 43-29-1

Assistant Coaches: Fred Stengel (off. coord./DL); Marc Tomo (def. coord.); Mike Salum (WR/DL); Pat O’Neill (QB/DB); Jim Simonelli (OL/LB); Joe Siciliano (OL/DL); Cip Apicelli (football operations); John Della Pesca, John Bosmans (freshman); John DeSemmi (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 10-1 (6-0)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Tyler Thompson, Jr., RB/LB Thompson will now be playing inside linebacker this year in addition to starring at tailback, and he will have to help make up for the loss of four-year starter Dan Loizos, a first-team All-Shore selection who led the Shore Conference with 159 tackles at inside linebacker.

X-FACTOR: The passing game.

If Kenny Pickett can be a quarterback who can move the chains with big third-down throws and keep teams off balance by being efficient in the passing game, this offense can be much improved because Thompson is capable of taking over games at tailback.

GLUE GUY: Frank Henry, Sr., WR/DB Henry will be the unquestioned leader of the defense at safety this year and has to have a big season to keep the Spartans among the best defensive teams in the Shore.

He also will be looked upon to make some plays at wide receiver.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Kenny Pickett, So., QB Pickett takes over now that Royal Moore has transferred, and he gives the Spartans an accurate passer with deceptive speed who they hope can take some of the pressure off Tyler Thompson. Also, keep an eye on Haydn Matarazzo on the offensive line and at linebacker, as he has shown promise in the preseason.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Neptune The season opener will be a big tone-setter against Class B North rival Neptune, which now features Ocean transfer Royal Moore at quarterback and in the secondary. It also is an important divisional game right off the bat, and the winner gets an immediate boost in the race for a playoff spot. Neptune has a talented, veteran team, so if Ocean and its cast of newcomers can pull off a win, it would be huge for this team’s confidence going forward.

Ready to Reload

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

cean was one win away from its first state final berth since 2005 last season, but will need a host of newcomers to produce immediately if the Spartans are going to come back and finish the job in Central Jersey Group III this fall.

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Their only loss in a 10-win season came at the hands of eventual champion Hopewell Valley in the sectional semifinals, and they now have to find a way to replace almost the entire lineup from one of the Shore Conference’s top defenses last season. The good news is that they still have one of the best running backs in the state, junior Tyler Thompson, who should only continue to get better after registering his second straight 1,000-yard season in racking up 1,481 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore.

“A lot of people are saying we’re not going to be as good because we lost nine starters off our defense, but in our scrimmages so far, it looks like we’re going to be fine,’’ Thompson said. “We’re not coming soft this year.”

Thompson is the centerpiece of the new spread offense installed by legendary former Bergen Catholic head coach Fred Stengel, who has come aboard as the Spartans’ new offensive

coordinator.

Stengel led the Crusaders to 192 wins, nine state titles and 21 straight

playoff appearances in his 22-year tenure. Klein met with him for five hours in the offseason, and Stengel decided he would get back into coaching by leading the Spartans’ offense.

Stengel has a great building block to start with in Thompson, who has offers from Penn State, Virginia, Boston College, Syracuse, UConn, Old Dominion and Temple as well as interest from Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Maryland and reigning national champion Florida State. He leads an offense that averaged 25.2 points per game last year.

“I think he’s going to continue to improve, which is really scary because he’s much better than what he’s been, and he’s been tremendous,’’ head coach Don Klein said. “I think we can do a better job of two things. One, using him in the pass game, because he’s a tremendous receiver, and two, doing a better job of making sure that it’s difficult for other teams to take him away.”

Sophomore Kenny Pickett, who saw a little varsity time as a freshman, takes over at quarterback with the departure of starter Royal Moore, who transferred to Class B North rival Neptune. Pickett will be counted upon to consistently make plays and keep defenses from ganging up at the line of scrimmage to stop Thompson.

“He’s probably one of the hardest workers on this team, and last year he was on the sideline every game itching to get in,’’ said senior wide receiver/safety Frank Henry. “He knows the offense, he’s been helping everyone out, and he’s acting like a leader as a young

Senior safety Frank Henry guy.”

“To me, he’s just like Royal, just a little smaller, but he can throw and run, and he’s got moves,’’ Thompson said.

Junior Ru’Quan Dean should also see some carries at tailback in relief of Thompson, and the fullback will be either sophomore Anthony Tedesco or junior Tyler Rossback. The wide receivers are all new and will feature the group of senior Marcus Blackman, junior Grayson Stoothoff, sophomore Joe Aldorelli and Henry. Blackman started in the secondary last year and looks to be a versatile weapon in the spread who can split out wide, line up in the backfield and make plays in space.

With a new offensive coordinator, I feel like I fit right in,’’ Blackman said. “It’s just fun, all around.”

“We’re going to try to make defenses defend the whole field, and if they want to try to take Tyler away, we feel like we have enough on the outside to hurt teams,’’ Klein said.

he offensive line returns senior starters Blake DeMeter and Luke Roman at center and guard, respectively. Senior newcomer Alec Floros will be at the other guard spot, and the tackles will be senior Pat Ellison, who saw time as a junior, and senior Haydn Matarazzo.

Junior T.J. Saldutti and sophomore Chris Vivian should also see time in the offensive line rotation. Junior Matt Fisher is a returning starter at kicker, while the punting job is still undecided.

Where graduation really left the Spartans with holes is on defense, where they only

Junior tailback Tyler Thompson

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14 allowed 13 points per game under coordinator Marc Tomo.

“We lost a lot of good, experienced players on that side of the ball,’’ Klein said. “We’re going to be very multiple defensively and keep teams guessing about what they are going to see. There’s still enough talented, hungry people that run well defensively.”

Their primary returner is Henry, who played in the shadow of All-Shore talents like Moore, linebacker Dan Loizos and defensive end Mike Halawani but quietly registered 111 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and 5 sacks at linebacker. He now will be moving to safety in Ocean’s multiple scheme.

“You’re talking about a kid that had well over 100 tackles and does a lot of things well,’’ Klein said. “The defense this year is built around him to really exploit his strengths as a player.”

“We have to push the younger guys because of the big graduation losses, but they have played well so far,’’ Henry said.

Ellison is a returning starter at defensive end and will be joined on the defensive line by a rotation of Roman, Tedesco, Vivian and senior Christian Wityk. Thompson will also be playing defense this year, starting at inside linebacker, and Saldutti, who saw time last season, will be at the other inside linebacker spot. Rossback and junior Marc Chernin should also see minutes at inside linebacker.

The outside linebackers will be DeMeter and Matarazzo, with junior Quad Quadiri also in the mix there. Joining Henry at safety will be Stoothoff, and the cornerbacks will be

Blackman, a returning starter, and Dean.

Pickett should also see some time in the secondary.

That group is out to prove that Ocean, which is the defending Class B North champion, will not take a step back because of graduation.

They face a tough divisional slate that now includes No. 1 Red Bank Catholic and sectional finalist Colts Neck, who were realigned into the division this year.

“We’ve talked about that, and the kids are aware of it,’’ Klein said. “It was a special team that we had last year, but there’s still a lot of talented kids here. We feel like with the coaches that we have, with the system that we’re implementing both offensively and defensively, the kids that we have even though they’re untested and inexperienced, they’ll be able to make plays.”

The Spartans have lost in the sectional semifinals three times since winning their last state title in 2005, so the aim is to finally get over the hump and finish the job.

“It definitely gives us some fuel coming into this year,’’ Henry said. “We were so close last year, and the feeling after the Hopewell Valley game stunk obviously, so to get to that next step will be huge for us and will drive us throughout the season.”

“The success we had last year was tremendous, but ultimately we didn’t achieve all of our goals, so as we continue to build this thing and get the kids up to speed, the goal is to finish the deal this year,’’ Klein said.

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@ Red Bank Catholic Carteret Wall @ Colts Neck Rumson-Fair Haven Ocean Twp. @ Matawan @ Neptune Red Bank

Head Coach: Dan George, 16th season (18th overall) Career Record: 121-61 Assistant Coaches: Nick Tranchina (def. coord.); Ben Woolley (OL/DL); Chad King (DB); John Jasio (OL/DL); Terrance King (RB); Kris Parker (WR); Frank Pannullo, Derrell Sapp, Mike Dennis (freshman); Chris Grande (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 7-3 (5-1)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Hunter Baillie, Sr., LB Baillie moves to linebacker from defensive end, where he has to help make up for the production lost by the graduation of Deon Williams and Connor Mullan while continuing to be a disruptive force who can create turnovers, drop into coverage and get after the quarterback.

X-FACTOR: Jordan Rodriguez & the passing game This was Long Branch’s Achilles’ heel last year. The passing game was nearly non-existent, and it allowed teams to gang up on Willis and Williams. They have to throw the ball better this year to keep teams honest and give themselves a chance to come back if they fall behind on the scoreboard later in games

Surviving the Game

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

hen asked about a 2014 schedule that includes a defending state champion and seven playoff teams from last year, including the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference, Long Branch senior linebacker Hunter Baillie could only smile.

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“We say it’s an SEC schedule,’’ Baillie said. “I think we can make it through it and get right back into states.”

After making a first-round playoff exit in Central Jersey Group III last year, the Green Wave return standout Dahmiere Willis in the backfield, a veteran offensive line, and some key pieces from one of the Shore’s best defenses as they prepare to run the gauntlet of one of the conference’s toughest schedules. The Green Wave will open with Red Bank Catholic, which has been realigned into Class B North and enters the season having won 33 straight games against Shore Conference competition.

Giving them confidence is the return of Willis, who ran for 640 yards and nine touchdowns on an average of 8.6 yards per carry in playing fullback in Long Branch’s multiple-I attack last year. He now slides into the tailback spot vacated by Deon Williams, who led the team with 769 yards rushing as a senior. The explosive Willis has received FCS interest and appears poised for a breakout senior season on offense after being a threeyear starter in the

GLUE GUY: Dahmiere Willis, Sr., RB/DB Willis will be crucial to this team’s success at tailback and at safety and has embraced more of a leadership role as a senior. They will go as far as he can take them.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: John Mimes, Sr., TE/DE While he did see some time last year, he didn’t show up until later in the season when he transferred from Middletown North. At a chiseled 6-4 and 215 pounds, Mimes has scholarship potential and should particularly be a force on defense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 17 vs. Ocean This looks to be an important divisional game in the middle of the season that could really affect Long Branch’s fortunes strongly in one direction or the other.

Both teams are in Central Jersey Group III, so this is a big power-point swing for the winner as well.

secondary on defense.

“It just makes me want to grind harder,’’ he said. “I know I got a big spot to fill, but I’m working hard.”

“I can’t say enough good things about

the kid,’’ veteran head coach Dan George said. “I think he’s special. I think he has the ‘it’ factor. I put him up with the best in the Shore Conference.”

Junior Jahmir Elliot-Hare should also see some carries at tailback, and senior Qu’Ran Standard will take over at fullback in an offense that averaged 19.3 points per game last year.

Senior Jordan Rodriguez returns at quarterback after starting six games as a junior, throwing for 163 yards and a pair of touchdowns and also running for 87 yards.

He tore his ACL in February and has been cleared for practice, but has

missed some early scrimmages because he has not been cleared for contact yet. Teams were able to load the box against Long Branch’s running game last season, so the improvement of Rodriguez as a dual threat will be a key factor in the Green Wave’s ultimate success.

“He’s a good mix of run-pass, and he’s a tremendous leader,’’ George said.

Rodriguez’s primary targets will be senior David Colbert, a returning starter at wide receiver, and senior Joe Sanchez.

Senior John Mimes, who transferred from Middletown North in the middle of last Senior RB Dahmiere Willis

season, is a returning starter at tight end with great potential at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds with good speed for his size.

Long Branch returns three starters up front in 275-pound senior tackle Andrew Huff, 255-pound junior tackle Cameron Hills, and 240-pound junior guard Joe Jasio. Junior Steve Kologi steps in as the new center, and junior Nick Stoia is a newcomer at the other guard spot.

“In order for (Willis) to be that good, we’ve got to do some things right,’’ George said. “We’ve got to get movement up front, we’ve got to block some people, and obviously he can’t do it alone.”

The Green Wave return one of the Shore Conference’s more underrated kickers, threeyear starter Vinny Mota, who booted four field goals last season, including a 39-yarder. He also will be the punter.

Defensively, Long Branch returns experience at all three levels of its 4-3 scheme under coordinator Nick Tranchina that limited opponents to only 10.1 points per game last year.

It has to replace its top two tacklers, but has plenty of talent, starting with Baillie, a three-year starter. He has played defensive end the past two seasons but now moves to strongside linebacker, which is the position he projects to play at the next level. He has received interest from Towson University, Monmouth University and the University of Delaware, who want to see film of him at linebacker from his first few games this fall.

“I started learning about (linebacker) at the one-day camps, but it’s really new to me,’’ Baillie said. “At D-end, you don’t have as many responsibilities as a linebacker. I’m used to sacking guys, not playing in coverage.”

“He’s got to continue to be the playmaker on defense that he’s been in the past years,’’ George said.

Mimes is a returning starter at defensive end, where he looks to be a force now that he has had a full offseason with the team.

Photo by: D o u g B o s t w i c k www.sportshotswlb.com

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14 “He’s settled in, and his upside is Division I,’’ George said. “He’s a great kid, really good student, and he’s got his head on straight. Those guys, the Mimeses and the Baillies, they’ve got to carry us, make big plays for us, and keep us in ballgames.”

Jasio will be at the other defensive end spot after seeing time there last season. The defensive tackles are both newcomers who look to be formidable obstacles to opposing running games, 360-pound junior Sean Madison and 6foot-2, 300-pound junior John Tomlinson.

safety spot.

The hope is that it all adds up to a team that can withstand the grind of one physical game after another against quality opponents to make a deeper playoff run. In addition to RBC and Central Jersey Group IV finalist Colts Neck, the Green Wave also have to deal with defending Central Jersey Group II champion RumsonFair Haven, defending Class B North champion Ocean, playoff qualifiers Neptune and Wall, a strong Matawan team coming off a sevenwin season, and the Carteret team that beat them in the Senior kicker Vinny Mota playoffs last season.

Joining Baillie in a linebacking corps that has to replace Williams and Connor Mullan will be Standard at weakside linebacker and senior Brandon Lane at middle linebacker, with sophomore Austin Cannon also in the rotation. Willis returns as one of the Shore Conference’s top safeties in a secondary that should be a strength with both cornerbacks also returning in Colbert and Elliot-Hare. Senior Darin Harmon is a newcomer at the other

If they can make it through that stretch, they will be as battle-hardened as any team in the playoffs.

“The challenge is the schedule and knowing that we can survive it,’’ George said. “I think we have a good group, and they’re looking forward to taking it on.”

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@ Wall Long Branch St. Joseph's Metuchen Neptune Colts Neck Red Bank Regional Manalapan @ Ocean Township @ Jackson Memorial

Head Coach: Jim Portela, 6th season Career Record: 44-9 Assistant Coaches: Matt Ahearn (off. coord.); Keith Hugger (spec. teams); Mike Rosenfeld (QB/DB); Nick Varanelli (RB/LB); Dom Pollifrone (OL/DL); Matt Bijas (TE/DB); Joe McAuliffe (strength & conditioning); Tony Flego, Joe Lanza, Joe Gallagher (freshman); Mike DeSocio (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 10-1 (6-0)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Mike Cordova, Sr., RB/DB Cordova has to replace Larry Redaelli, a first-team All-Shore tailback who led the Shore with 29 touchdowns and ran for 1,660 yards last year. Another candidate is junior Liam Smith, who takes over for one of the best offensive line recruits in the last 30 years in the Shore, Notre Dame freshman Quenton Nelson.

X-FACTOR: The passing game.

With the strong-armed Eddie Hahn running the show, this is an area the Caseys look to expand this year to give them more balance for when they enter the minefield in NonPublic Group III and potentially run into nemesis St. Joseph’s-Montvale.

GLUE GUY: Jamie Gordinier, Sr., TE/LB A team leader and one of New Jersey’s best linebackers, he can be used in all types of packages on defense and also is a versatile offensive weapon at tight end because of his athleticism.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Liam Smith, Jr., OL/DL Smith was not a starter last year but is expected to be a force in stepping in for Notre Dame freshman Quenton Nelson at offensive tackle and also seeing time on the defensive line. Smith, who transferred from Red Bank Regional before last season, already boasts offers from Miami, Rutgers, Syracuse and Virginia.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 24 vs. Manalapan This was the game everyone wanted to see last year, but it still involves two teams that have each won four straight division titles. RBC has plenty of challenges on its schedule, so the Caseys will have to stay sharp to keep their winning streak against Shore Conference competition intact.

Finishing the Job

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

ust like last year, the mission is the same for Red Bank Catholic – maintain its dominance in the Shore Conference and find a way to finish the job in the state playoffs against New Jersey’s best.

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For the second straight year, the Caseys won a school-record 10 games but had their season come to an end at the hands of perennial state power St. Joseph’s-Montvale in the NJSIAA NonPublic Group III semifinals for their only loss.

They have another talentpacked roster led by Miami recruit Jamie Gordinier ready to make a run in the wake of a 28-7 loss to the Green Knights last year.

I think we’ve learned that we’re just as physical as (St. Joe’s),’’ said Gordinier, a senior tight end/linebacker. “I think we can compete with the teams up north and that each year we’re getting closer. I think that this year we can win a state championship.”

“You learn the level that you need to be at – the speed of the game, how well they execute and how strong they are, and it helps us,’’ head coach Jim Portela said. “That’s what we’re striving to be.”

The Caseys, who have been one win away from their first state final appearance since 1980 the past two seasons, have won 33 straight games against Shore Conference competition and four straight division titles. The only mountain left to climb is St. Joseph’s-Montvale, which finished No. 1 in the state last year in winning its 17th state title.

“I feel that we’re right there,’’ said senior lineman Ryan Kroeger.

“We learned the speed of the game,’’ senior running back/safety Mike Cordova said.

“The first year we went up

there, it was just chaotic, and we were trying to catch up. Last year we caught up a little bit, but then we tailed off. We’re working hard to try to get back there.”

After averaging 43.5 points per game last year and racking up a school-record 479 points, the scary thing is that the Caseys’ offense has a chance to be even better. They graduated Notre Dame recruit Quenton Nelson and Lehigh recruit Tim O’Hara on the offensive line as well as firstteam All-Shore running back Larry Redaelli, but return a host of other weapons. Junior Eddie Hahn, who already has an offer from North Carolina State, will take over full time at quarterback after rotating with graduated starter Pat Toomey last year.

Hahn threw for 367 yards and 6 touchdowns on only 33 attempts last year and also ran for 245

yards and four touchdowns on an average of 10 yards per carry. His dual threat capability gives RBC an extra dimension outside of its punishing running game.

“We’re happy with the way we’re Junior QB Eddie Hahn

throwing the ball, and I think we’re throwing the ball as well as we have since 2005 with (former star Ryan) Kalish at quarterback,’’ Portela said. “We always want to be a physical football team, establish the run and play great defense, but we do feel like we have some weapons in the passing game.”

Senior Trevor Cowley is a returning starter at wide receiver, which is a deep group that also includes seniors John Portela and Nick Lubischer, who saw time last season. Senior Mike DeMonte, a standout defensive back, also will play some wide receiver this year in addition to junior Dan Lukawski and senior Joe Luff. Another weapon in the passing game is Gordinier, who returns as a starter at tight end, where he is athletic enough to line up in the slot and even split out wide. Senior Doug Zockoll also will see action at tight end.

The running game has perennially become one of the Shore Conference’s best, and that should be no different this year with Cordova and fellow senior Tommy Spernal as the tailbacks. Cordova rushed for 223 yards and 7 touchdowns last year while Spernal finished with 353 yards and 4 touchdowns on an average of 10 yards per carry. After being complementary threats to Redaelli last year, they should be one of the better tandems in the conference. Clearing the way for them in certain packages will be the rotation of junior Dylan Murphy, senior Nick LaGrippo and junior Joey Hagan at fullback.

“I think this year we have our best skill position players we’ve had in a while,’’ Gordinier said.

“Eddie is going to have a really good year, and we’re going to have a really good rotation at running back,’’ Kroeger said.

The offensive line looks to once again be one of the deepest and most talented units in the Shore, led by Kroeger, a 6-foot-3, 285pound Fordham recruit who returns at guard, tackle Liam Smith, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound

Photo by: Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

RBC

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and 6-foot-2, 315-pound senior Pat Cino. Wilen is a returning starter at defensive end after registering 34 tackles as a junior, and Zockoll will be at the other defensive spot in replacing first-team All-Shore pick Shawn McCord, with Gargiulo and senior Steve Duistrian in the rotation at that spot.

Continued from page 50 junior who has multiple FBS offers, and senior returning starter Nick Roy, a 265-pound center.

Gordinier, who had 86 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks as a junior, returns as one of New Jersey’s best at strongside linebacker after verbally committing to play for RBC graduate Al Golden and Miami. At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, he is versatile enough to rush from the edge, drop back in coverage and stuff the run between the tackles.

“I love seeing Liam Smith coming around the corner and running right behind him and Kroeger,’’ Spernal said.

Senior Neil Horenburg, who is 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, will be at the other tackle spot after starting two games as a junior. Six-foot-3, 275-pound senior Danny Wilen steps in at the other guard spot.

The group of seniors Mike Reverendo, Cole Cornacchia, and Ryan McCue, and juniors Ryan Oneidas and Charlie Gargiulo will also see time in a deep rotation up front. Senior Vinnie Gallo, who has come out from the soccer team, is auditioning to replace Toomey, one of the top kickers in the Shore Conference last year.

Hahn will handle the punting.

Senior LB Jamie Gordinier

Defensively, the Caseys should once again be right there at the top of the Shore Conference after allowing only 7.7 points per game last year, including only 5.7 against Shore Conference teams. They have six returning starters and several others who saw time last year in their 4-3 scheme. After making 53 tackles and three sacks last year, Kroeger is a returning starter at defensive tackle, which will feature a rotation that also includes Horenburg, Roy, Smith

Last year he took a big step forward and was much more physical,’’ Portela said. “He has a knack for running to the football, he can rush the quarterback, he can cover, and I think that’s what the colleges liked about him. They didn’t say he was going to play the mike or defensive end, they just plug him into their system because he’s able to play anywhere.”

“I worked on improving my reads this year and studying other teams and knowing exactly what they do, so that I feel confident going into each game,’’ Gordinier said.

Murphy will be the weakside linebacker, and LaGrippo and Reverendo are competing for minutes at middle linebacker.

Junior Mike Wilen and seniors Mike Travers and Trevon James also should see some time at linebacker.

The secondary looks to be one of the Shore’s best with Hahn and Cordova both returning as starters at safety, where Cordova earned second-team All-Shore honors last season with 69 tackles and a team-high 5 interceptions. DeMonte, who has Division II and FCS offers, returns at cornerback after registering 55 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Lubischer, who saw time last year in nickel packages, steps in as the other starter at cornerback. Spernal, Lukawski, and senior Jonathan Leach make up the rotation at cornerback, while Cowley, junior Colin Shaughnessy and senior Nick Cella will help spell Cordova and Hahn at safety.

“I think we’re a lot faster on defense,’’ Cordova said. “We try to go game speed all the time in practice, and we’ve got some guys who can move.”

Along with Manalapan, the Caseys are bidding to become the first Shore Conference team to win five straight division titles since Middletown South won seven straight from 1999-2005.

They have been realigned into the competitive Class B North this year after winning Class A Central last season, and they have nondivisional games against Manalapan, St. Joseph’sMetuchen and Jackson Memorial. Eight of the nine teams on their schedule made the playoffs last year, and Manalapan, Jackson Memorial, Ocean and St. Joseph’s-Metuchen are all defending division champions.

Add that to the 33-game winning streak against local competition, and there is plenty to keep the Caseys sharp as they make their ultimate push toward getting over the hump in Non-Public Group III.

“We don’t want to be that team to lose that streak, so it keeps us hungry,’’ Gordinier said. “Every team has us circled on their schedule.”

“I’m sure Manalapan feels the same way because I know when one of us stumbles, it’s going to be a story for weeks,’’ Portela said. “I think we’ve grown to understand that we’re marked men, and we’re going to play that way.”

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Red Bank Catholic @ Red Bank Regional Ocean Township @ Long Branch @ Brick Township Freehold Boro @ Neptune Colts Neck @ Manasquan

Head Coach: Dan Curcione, 1st season Career Record: 0-0 Assistant Coaches: Mike Cerminaro (off. coord./QB); Joe Trezza (DB); Tim Heaney (DL); Bill Pietsch (OL); Bill Carasia (LB); Matt Kukoda (DB); Bob Grace (RB); Matt Santoro (RB); Fred Sprengel (WR); Jim Rochford, Todd Schmitt (freshman); Mike Eberhardt (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 3-7 (2-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Mike Yard, Jr., DE Yard steps in at defensive end for graduated standout Geoff Horwitz, an All-Division talent who led the team in tackles while playing up front and was one of the Shore’s more underrated defensive linemen. Yard, noseguard Jim Onulak and fellow defensive end Conor Lyden will have to try to replace Horwitz’s production.

X-FACTOR: The Offense.

Wall’s defense kept it right in games into the fourth quarter against quality, playoff-caliber opponents last year, but the offense often struggled to get that crucial first down or fourth-quarter touchdown to finish the job. They are hoping that changes with Matt Cluley running the show in the new spread attack this year.

GLUE GUY: Rich Eknoian, Sr., RB/LB Eknoian returns to help anchor the linebacking group and also will be one of the primary running backs this season, so he has to have a big senior year to help add some more victories to the win column.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: R.J. Janeczek, So., WR/DB The latest in a family that has produced several top athletes in football and basketball at Wall, Janeczek has gamechanging speed at wideout and also should see time in the secondary once he gets cleared by doctors to play after having a heart ailment diagnosed.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 at Red Bank Regional After facing a juggernaut Red Bank Catholic squad in the opener, this one will be crucial for Wall’s confidence going forward to help turn the tide. The Crimson Knights will most likely have lost eight in a row dating back to last season by this point, so this is a good opportunity to get the momentum turned back in the other direction and make a push toward a second straight playoff berth.

A Bright Future

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

ith a solid group of returners and a talented sophomore class ready to contribute, Wall is eager to get started on a bright future under new head coach Dan Curcione.

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While Curcione took over as the head coach this summer, the team’s adjustment period mainly occurred last year, when Curcione arrived as the defensive coordinator. He switched the team from its longtime 4-3 scheme to the 3-4 he employed to success previously as the defensive coordinator at Toms River North, and the Crimson Knights responded by holding opponents to 14.6 points per game during a three-win season.

“It definitely helps to know all the personnel now,’’ Curcione said. “Coming in new last year was a challenge, not knowing anybody, especially because they were a 4-3 team for 100 years before I came in, so that definitely has been an easier process.”

After revamping the defense last season, Wall will now do the same with the offense under new coordinator Mike Cerminaro. After graduating their leading passer, rusher and receivers, the Crimson Knights are starting fresh by switching from the multiple-I attack they have used for years to the spread offense in order to take advantage of the athleticism of junior quarterback Matt Cluley.

He is the younger brother of former Wall star signal-caller Steve Cluley, who is now playing at William & Mary, and hopes to boost an offense that was Wall’s Achilles’ heel in big games in averaging 13.6 points per game.

“I’m excited because it suits my kind of playing style as far as a being a dual threat,’’ Cluley said.

“It puts me in a good position to make plays. This offense is a lot more on the quarterback making decisions and reading the defense.”

“There’s more emphasis on the run game and blocking downfield,’’ said senior two-way lineman Jim Onulak. “We definitely have to establish the running game because that will open up a lot of things. Last year we were more of a passing team, but now we’re looking to dominate on the ground and put up more points. (Cluley) is very versatile, and he’s going to be able to move the ball.”

The tailbacks will be senior Rich Eknoian, who started on defense last year, and senior Steven Poss. At fullback will be 230-pound senior Tim McGevna, and senior Paul Calamaras returns as a starter at tight end, where senior Cole Cadigan will also see time.

The wide receiving corps is all new but full of potential once everyone gets healthy. Six-foot-2 senior Liam Ferguson and 6-foot-2 junior Bobby

Fletcher are a pair of big targets, and sophomores R.J. Janeczek and Sean Larkin both have great speed to stretch the field vertically. Janeczek was diagnosed with a heart ailment during a physical and has to be cleared by his cardiologist to play, according to Curcione, while Larkin is out with a broken collarbone.

“There’s definitely a lot of speed in that young group, and I’m looking forward to getting those two out there,’’ Cluley said.

Janeczek and Larkin are two of several sophomores expected to see significant minutes this fall.

“The first thing we told the sophomores was that every job was open,’’ Curcione said.

“We’re really stressing competition.”

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound Onulak is the only returning starter on the offensive line, where he will be at one of the guard spots.

Junior Keegan Nesbitt, who saw time last year, steps in at center, and fellow junior Mike Yard will be the other guard after also seeing some minutes last year. Senior Conor Lyden and sophomore Darryl Valme will be the tackles, with 280-pound senior James Clayton also in the offensive line rotation. Junior Nick Maciejewski has come over from the soccer team and will handle the placekicking and punting.

“We were a possession or two from winning five or six ballgames last year, so if we can create some more offense, we should be right there,’’ Curcione said.

Defensively, the Crimson Knights are now in their second year of the 3-4 under Curcione and have to replace their top two leading tacklers.

Onulak is a returning starter at noseguard, where Valme will also see time. Yard and Lyden are the defensive ends, with sophomore Mike Andrejco also in the rotation at that spot.

“Now I can add more pass rushes to what I’m doing because I’m more comfortable,’’ Onulak said about leading the group up front.

McGevna is a returning starter at inside linebacker, and the other inside linebacker spot is being contested between sophomores Chad McClelland and Kyle Dallicardillo and junior Ryan Nickerson. Cadigan will start at outside linebacker, and Eknoian moves to the other outside linebacker spot after starting at inside linebacker last year. Calamaras also will add depth to the outside linebacker group. “(There is) a lot of blitzing (at outside linebacker), so it’s going to be fun,’’ Eknoian said.

Senior RB/LB Rich Eknoian “Our linebackers I expect to be better, and we have some young guys expected to step up,’’ Curcione said.

Ferguson will start at free safety after seeing time last year, and senior newcomer Jake VanBrunt will be at strong safety and has looked like a playmaker in the preseason, according to Curcione. Cluley will also play cornerback, and senior Nick Kakascik will be the other corner, with Poss, Janeczek and senior Nick Iezzi also expected to see time there.

The Crimson Knights started 3-0 last year before dropping seven straight, and they have to start this season with a Week Zero game against the Shore Conference’s No. 1 team, Red Bank Catholic, which has won 33 in a row against Shore competition. That begins a challenging Class B North schedule, and the overall goal is to restore Wall as one of the top 10 teams in the Shore, a spot it has enjoyed frequently in the past decade.

“That’s the goal because not too long ago we were definitely up there as one of the solid programs in the Shore, and we’ve got to get back to there,’’ Cluley said. “We had a little lull, and the ultimate goal is to start putting together some winning seasons again.”

“Wall is known for having a tough, hard-nosed team, and we want to get back on the map,’’ Onulak said.

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@ Howell Red Bank Regional Woodbridge Long Branch @ Red Bank Catholic Neptune Brick Township @ Wall @ Ocean Twp.

Head Coach: Peter Shaw, 1st season

Career Record: 0-0 Assistant Coaches:

Darian Barnes (RB/DB); Dan Golenda (OL/DL/); Kevin Gaul (def. coord./WR/DB); Matt Finucane (OL/DL); Zach Sobol (QB/LB); Vince Testi, Mike Dragonetti, Mike Verrochi, Joe Laferlita, Justin Cohen (freshman); Tyler Calvaruso (equipment); Eric Nussbaum (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 10-2 (5-1)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Abdul Quddus, Sr., RB Quddus put up gaudy numbers in limited time last season, and now that he’s the full-time starter he’ll see if he can replace some of the nearly 1,700 yards rushing Anthony Gargiulo accumulated last season.

X-FACTOR: Cohesion With so many new players and a new coaching staff it may take time for the team to gel, and in B North waiting to click is not a luxury any team will have.

GLUE GUY: Christian Sanchez, Sr., WR/LB The lone returning starter from last season’s state finalist, Sanchez has switched from quarterback to utility player. He brings with him the experience of playing in a state title game.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Max Mullaney, Jr., QB Mullaney transferred in from Rumson-Fair Haven and will be the team’s starting quarterback in Shaw’s multiple set offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 2 vs. Long Branch The Green Wave have an experienced offensive line and a potential 1,200-yard running back in Dahmiere Willis, so they look to be Colts Neck’s first major test of the season.

Not Backing Down

By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer

olts Neck may return just one senior starter from last season’s squad that reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV final, but with a transfer at quarterback and a new coach that brings with him a collegiate style, the Cougars aren’t planning on missing a beat in 2014.

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Peter Shaw, whose resume includes multiple college jobs plus stops in the Arena Football League, takes over the Cougars program after Greg LaCava resigned during the offseason after five years at the helm. He was most recently an assistant at Division III Ferrum College in Virginia. Shaw was hired in late June and hasn’t had much time to get to know his football team and install his philosophies and schemes, but that hasn’t tempered his expectations for his new team.

“It’s been a process evaluating talent, and the way I run things is different than my predecessor, who was very successful,” Shaw said. “It doesn’t mean it was the wrong before, it’s just my way. Change creates anxiety and you have to learn to adapt, and this team has done that very well.”

Abdul Quddus returning as the feature back in its multiple set offense. Quddus showed flashes of greatness last year in spelling Gargiulo, and finished with 532 yards and four touchdowns on a ridiculous 11 yards per carry.

“We saw on film last year what kind of big plays he can make,” Sanchez said. “We’ll spread the defense out and make them pick their poison.”

“Quddus could be one of the best players in the Shore Conference,” Shaw said. “He played at one gear for three years. We’re trying to take him to another level, and he’s getting there. He’s been very responsive to coaching.”

Sophomore Steven Barsky will also see time at running back. The tight end/H-back is senior Mike Maiello and the receivers are senior Alex Twynam, 6-foot-4 junior Tom O’Reilly, junior Jordan deGroot and Sanchez.

Sophomore Matt Volk, junior George Kokinakas and 6-foot-5 junior Khaled Mustafa will also see time at receiver.

Senior Christian “We have a lot of Sanchez was the team’s weapons and we have to starting quarterback last have answers for what season, but he’ll move defenses will do,” Shaw to a utility role this year said. “Quddus could run to make room for junior for 200 one game, and Rumson-Fair Haven Max can throw for 300 in transfer Max Mullaney. another. We have that kind At 6-foot-2 and 215 of balance.” pounds, Mullaney has a Senior running back Abdul Quddus The line graduated big arm and allows some key players like Sanchez to move to current Monmouth receiver, play defense and return kicks.

University freshman Ryan Wetzel, so that unit will have “It’s been a big change working at linebacker and wide to gel quickly as it tries to pick up where last year’s receiver and having some packages where I go to group left off in paving the way for Gargiulo, Quddus quarterback,” Sanchez said. “But I like it. I’m being and Sanchez to run for a combined 2,300 yards. Junior recruited as an athlete and return specialist, so it’s great Nick Gargiulo is the left tackle and 6-foot-3, 300-pound to be able to play multiple positions to help my team.” senior Jeremy Osuch is the left guard. The center is senior Joe Ferrandino with 265-pound senior Mike Blaier “Max has come in and adjusted well,” Sanchez added. at right guard and 225-pound senior Donte Dean at right “He can make throws I didn’t think were possible, and tackle. he’s picked up the offense really well. He understands reads and has been getting the ball to the playmakers.”

“I’m excited about our new offense,” Quddus said. “I think with our new quarterback and a lot of good wide Colts Neck graduated its all-time leading rusher, receivers we’re going to put points on the board.” current Navy fullback Anthony Gargiulo, but has senior

Junior quarterback Max Mullaney On defense, the Cougars will run a 4-2-5 attack style defense that puts an emphasis on pressure and forcing turnovers. The defensive tackles are Dean and senior Connor McGowan and the ends are Maiello and junior Joe Fifield.

The linebackers are Sanchez, Barsky and Gargiulo, the last of whom is the team’s leading returning tackler after making 98 stops last season.

In the secondary, the cornerbacks are senior Drew Ghigna and deGroot with senior Robert Robisky in the mix for playing time. The strong safeties are Twynam and sophomore Carmen Catena, the weakside safety is senior Robby Clays and the free safety will be either sophomore Chris Shaw or sophomore Bryce Campbell.

“The defense is looking great,” Sanchez said. “We want to run all over the field and make plays with this attack-style defense. We graduated a bunch of linemen but people worked hard in the weight room and are ready to step in.”

The kicker spot is between Clays and senior Arthur Shustorovich, while senior Vince Pollito is the punter.

In addition to having Shaw as the head coach, Colts Neck also has former Toms River North great Darian Barnes on staff. Barnes won a Super Bowl as a fullback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002.

With plenty of new starters, a new coaching staff and a switch from A North to B North, which is arguably the Shore’s toughest division, Colts Neck has a difficult path to return to where it was a season ago. The Cougars, however, are eager to show they’re the type of program that can regroup in one year and remain a title contender.

“Obviously the schedule is tougher than what it’s been, but I welcome the challenge,” Shaw said. “To be the best you have to play the best, and that’s what we want to be.”

“B North will be tough but we’re not going to let that stop us,” Sanchez said. “Ever since I’ve been at this school we’ve risen to every challenge. We’re ready for it.”

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@ Ocean Township Middletown South @ Red Bank Catholic Red Bank Regional @ Colts Neck Wall Long Branch @ Toms River North Asbury Park

Head Coach: Rodney Taylor, 1st season Career Record: 0-0 Assistant Coaches: Jeremy Balina (def. coord./LB); Vincent Iachetta (co-def. coord./DL); Frank Iachetta (OL/DL); Brian Duffy (off. coord./OL); Daivon Mora (DB); Mike Seber (off. coord./QB); Rocco Manfre, Netanis Bean (freshman); Sean Hicks (video coord.); Anais Mixson (athletic trainer)

2013 Record: 5-5 (3-3)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Royal Moore, Sr., QB/DB After transferring over from Ocean, Moore inherits the cornerback spot vacated by the graduated Michael Dove, who led the team in interceptions and earned All-Class B North honors. Moore should be up to the challenge given that he was one of the top five defensive backs in the Shore last season.

X-FACTOR: The Passing Game If Moore or McLean can take advantage of that group of trees at wide receiver in the passing game, this could be a formidable offensive team with Parrish coming out of the backfield and the quarterback also serving as a running threat.

GLUE GUY: Savior King, Sr., RB/DB A three-year starter in the secondary, King has become a team leader who patrols the back of the defense at safety. He also should see some carries out of the backfield this year.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Royal Moore, Sr., QB/DB An All-Shore defensive back, Moore also was the starter at quarterback for a 10-win Ocean team last year before transferring to Neptune. An athletic dual threat, he instantly adds another weapon offensively in addition to being one of the top cornerbacks in the Shore on defense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Ocean If the Scarlet Fliers want to make a statement right away, the season opener is the place to do it while facing the defending division champions. Besides the subplot with the transfer of Moore, this game will be crucial in the power-points department and in giving Neptune immediate confidence. Also, with tough games against Middletown South and Red Bank Catholic following in the next two weeks after Ocean, the Scarlet Fliers will want to build momentum right away and avoid an 0-3 start that would put them behind the eight-ball when it comes to qualifying for the playoffs.

be running the 3-3-5 stack they have used to great success in the last three years.

The defense will be run by new coordinator Jeremy Balina, a former Neptune star, and he inherits a unit that allowed 16 points per game last year.

Staying on Track

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

n the course of a year, Neptune has gone from a team breaking in 20 new starters to one with a veteran cast that looks to make a deep playoff run after a first-round exit last season.

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Neptune’s primary weakness last year, inexperience, led to a bumpy 5-5 season and a firstround loss in the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs, but the Scarlet Fliers have the firepower to get back to the finish line after reaching consecutive state finals in 2011 and 2012. Former assistant Rodney Taylor takes over as head coach for Mark Ciccotelli, who led them to a state title in 2011 and left the cupboard far from bare when he moved on to take the head job at St. John Vianney this past offseason.

“To be honest, the transition was easy,’’ said Taylor, a Neptune graduate who played under legendary coach John Amabile. “I’ve been here for nine years, and the kids are used to me. That was a key – to keep everything as close to what we were doing. We’re going to modify our schemes a little bit to fit our personnel, but the terminology and a lot of things will be the same because we want to go right into the season with no problems.”

“There’s been no real adjustment because (Taylor) coached us all through high school, so he knows our strengths and weaknesses,’’ said threeyear starting defensive back Savior King. “We’ve got a lot of starters back from last year, and we’ve got a lot to prove.”

Seven starters are back on offense and five return on defense along with a host of others who saw time last year, plus the Scarlet Fliers added standout quarterback/defensive back Royal Moore, a senior who transferred in after starring for Class B North rival Ocean last season.

“Royal is a tremendous athlete,’’ Taylor said.

“Coaching against him last year was a headache. It feels great to have him on our side. We want the ball in his hands. He also has been a tremendous leader.

I can’t wait to see what he does for us this year.”

The Scarlet Fliers will be running the spread option under Taylor, similar to the option attack employed during Ciccotelli’s tenure. Moore and senior Ralph McLean are in competition to start at quarterback, and they return senior Jaree Parrish in the backfield.

Parrish ran for 703 yards and three touchdowns on an average of nearly seven yards per carry, and he did the bulk of his damage toward the end of the season, including a 189-yard rushing effort in a playoff loss to Colts Neck. He has missed time with a minor knee injury in the preseason but looks to return to the lineup before the end of the

scrimmages.

“Once Parrish gets healthy and matures to where we want him to be, Parrish can be an outstanding running back,’’ Taylor said.

“Our secondary is strong, and we’re just preaching high intensity,’’ Taylor said. “Having Balina over here, who’s used to the stack, has been key.”

“We think he can be even better and be a 1,000-yard rusher,’’ senior wide receiver Diondre Dunn said.

Neptune was fairly one-dimensional in averaging 17.5 points per game last year, which allowed teams Senior QB/DB to load up against the run game, but that should change this year with either Moore or McLean under center and a group of tall wideouts as threats. Six-foot-six junior Marcque Ellington and 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior Oshane Curate are both returning starters at wide receiver, and 6-foot-6 junior Isaiah Calhoun is back out for the team after missing last season. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Dunn, who will also play some tight end in certain packages, is yet another big target.

“We expect to open up the offense,’’ Taylor said.

“We’ve got a lot of weapons to utilize.”

“The offense here is not that different (from Ocean),’’ Moore said. “We just use more weapons here. At Ocean, it was just me and Tyler (Thompson), but here we depend on more people.”

The offensive line returns three starters, led by senior captain Keysan Johnson at center. Senior Jarrone Perry is a returning starter at guard, and senior Andrew Samuels is back at tackle. Seniors Anderson Provence and Marquise Dove are competing for the other guard spot, and senior Anthony Jenkins and junior Dayvon Lawrence are in the mix at the other tackle spot.

“We grew last year,’’ Johnson said. “We know what we’ve got to do now. We’re smarter, and it helps to have that year of experience under us.”

The Scarlet Fliers also return a major special teams weapon in Hunter Daly, a senior kicker/punter who earned second-team All-Shore honors from Shore Sports Network after going 20for-22 on extra points, finishing third in the Shore with seven field goals, and averaging 41 yards per punt.

On the defensive side, the Scarlet Fliers will still

Senior Brodale McCleave will be at noseguard, and he will be flanked by Samuels, a returning starter at defensive end, and senior Nasir Perry.

Jarrone Perry is also a talented defensive lineman and will see some time up front but primarily will be used on offense. Senior Mi’Jaut Berry is a returning starter at middle linebacker, senior Marquel Green returns at strongside linebacker, and Dunn steps in at weakside linebacker, where he has become a playmaker and leader.

Royal Moore

“The defense looks strong, and we’ve just go to keep improving and keep this program moving forward,’’ Dunn said.

Curate has gone from starting at defensive end last season to moving back into the secondary, where he will be a hard-hitting, 200-pound strong safety. Senior Cameron Calderon, who saw time last season, will be at the other hybrid safety/linebacker spot. Moore, who was a second-team All-Shore selection as a defensive back last season, will be at one cornerback spot, with senior Zaire Alston, who saw time last season, manning the other cornerback position. King is a three-year starter at free safety who returns to round out a talented group.

The Scarlet Fliers face a challenging Class B North schedule that now includes No. 1 Red Bank Catholic, and they also face perennial power Middletown South outside the division. The season opens with a bang against Moore’s former team, Ocean, which is the defending division champion.

“I feel like we’re a contender too this year, so those teams have got something to worry about, too,’’ King said.

“It’s a game every week,’’ Tayor said. “I told them Day One, the stage is set, the lights are on, and now it’s just time to go out and perform.”

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Pt. Beach Metuchen @ Mater Dei Prep @ Middlesex Keyport Dunellen @ Keansburg Shore @ Neptune

Head Coach: Bill Hill, 1st season (4th overall) Career Record: 0-0 (7-23 overall) Assistant Coaches: Rob Ward (OL/DL); Tim Fosque (OL/DL); Matt Ardizzone (WR/DB); Tron Goldfarb (QB/LB); Syron Davis (RB/DB); Leroy Hayes (WR/LB); Barry Baity (RB/DB); Nancy Saphow (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 7-4 (3-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Sal Swain, Sr., QB For the past three seasons the offense was engineered by quarterback Robert Barksdale, who led the Blue Bishops to a state title as a sophomore and then a pair of consecutive playoff semifinal appearances in his last two seasons. Swain is certainly up for the challenge and has shown great leadership traits in the preseason.

X-FACTOR: Offensive Line It all starts up front with the five guys who don’t get the glory. In order for Asbury Park to regain its position atop B Central and Central Jersey Group I, the offensive line has to be able to open holes for their ground attack and protect its first-year starting quarterback.

GLUE GUY: TyQuis Davis, Sr., RB/OLB Davis has been seeing time on both sides of the ball since his sophomore year. This offseason he put on more muscle and improved his speed to become a major weapon out of the backfield. He also looks to better his mark of 15 sacks last season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Trevor Saunders, Jr., RB/CB Saunders saw action late in games last year and showed flashes of what he can do as a change-ofpace back to Davis and Sanders. Saunders also has the ability to give the Blue Bishops a threat as a return specialist.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Pt. Beach If the Blue Bishops can get a win over the defending Central Jersey Group I champion Garnet Gulls at home on opening night, they will be sending an early statement to the rest of the B Central division that they will be serious threats to regain the crown.

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Return to Glory

By John Bennett – Shore Sports Network contributor sbury Park is adjusting to its third new head coach in three years, but the players have found the transition to new coach Bill Hill to be a smooth one at a program that has won four state titles in the last seven years.

“We got the chance to get to know him during off-season workouts and in the weightroom,” said junior wide receiver Jaedon Stephens. “From day one he expected us to be discipline, work hard and always pay attention to detail.”

“It’s definitely been a great learning experience since he’s been out here,” said senior quarterback Sal Swain. “If I have any doubts with anything I just listen to him and take heed to everything he says.”

Hill was an assistant with Freehold Boro last year after previously serving as the head coach at Toms River South.

Now he returns to a familiar place where he roamed the sidelines in the 1990s. He takes over for Keith Killea, who stepped down after leading Asbury Park to a seven-win season and a trip to the Central Jersey Group I semifinals.

“I coached here in the past,” said Hill. “This is my third go-round here in Asbury Park, and I’ve always enjoyed coaching here.”

The move back to Asbury Park has been a comfortable one for Hill, and he credits that to the fact that his staff will be made up of a group of veteran coaches who’ve been working with the players over the last several years.

“All the coaches are in place so it’s been an easy transition,” Hill said. “The coaches know all the guys on the team and everyone is on the same page.”

Hill inherits an offense with five returning starters that will be led by Swain, a first-year starter at quarterback. Swain replaces three-year starter Robert Barksdale, who now plays for Delaware Valley College.

“It’s been a lot of pressure, and I have to continue putting in plenty of work to fill his shoes,” said Swain.

Up to this point, Hill has been very impressed with Swain’s development as the signal-caller.

“Sal is very smart and he’s picking up things really fast,” Hill said. “He wants to learn. He wants to get better and works hard every minute on the field.”

Swain will have some experienced offensive weapons at his disposal, which will help take some of the pressure off of him as he settles into his new role. Returning in the backfield will be senior starter TyQuis Davis, who rushed for 381 yards on 47 carries, scoring five touchdowns on the ground a year

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ago. Also returning to carry the ball will be junior fullback Charles Sanders, who saw plenty of time last season, rushing 35 times for 289 yards and three touchdowns.

On the outside, Stephens returns for his third season as a starter at wide receiver. Last year Stephens pulled down a team-high 24 catches for 396 yards and three touchdowns.

Hill believes that having those three key weapons along with more depth at the skill positions will be a team strength.

It’s in the trenches on the offensive line that Hill feels the team needs to be strong in order to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Class B Central powers Point Beach and defending division champion Shore Regional.

“I always feel that tackle-to-tackle play is the main thing you need in order to control the line of scrimmage and be successful on offense,” Hill said.

Up front, the Blue Bishops return two senior starters, left tackle Josue Williams and right tackle Imani Stephenson.

Rounding out the rest of the starting offensive line will be senior center Keshawn Samuels, sophomore left guard Calvin Simmons-Carter and junior right guard Keith White.

A standout defense was a major reason why last year’s team was able to keep games close in their two losses to Shore Regional and one loss to Point Beach. The Blue Bishops return five players from a unit that gave up an average of 9 points per game last year.

Of those five returners, Davis is the one who made the most impact. He finished the season second in the Shore Conference in sacks with 15 from his outside linebacker position.

“Our defense will continue to put pressure on teams from every angle on the field,” said Davis. “Having a new quarterback running our offense this year, it is important to get our defense off the field with stops as fast as possible so that our offense can have more opportunities to score.”

The Blue Bishops will play with multiple fronts on defense in an attempt to keep opposing teams off balance. The philosophy of playing fast and swarming to the ball will stay the same.

The linebacking corps also returns another starter in senior weakside linebacker Devon Moore, who registered 47 tackles, 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles last year. The biggest question mark will be who replaces third-team All-Shore middle linebacker William Wells. The two inside linebacker spots are still being settled. Sanders, White and promising sophomore Cishium Simmons will all see time. Simmons also has the ability to play on the outside.

Junior wideout Jaedon Stephens “The new guys have been doing a good job reading, reacting and flying to the ball,” said Moore. “We know it’s going to be hard losing Wells but these guys are gaining the team and coach’s confidence very fast.”

The defensive line only has one player, Williams, who saw significant time with the Blue Bishops a year ago. SimmonsCarter and junior Jamarri Harbison, a transfer from Ewing, have been doing an excellent job this preseason along with Stephenson and Samuels. All four are expected to rotate during the course of games to keep fresh legs throughout all four quarters.

In the secondary, two returning starters will lead the way.

Senior cornerback Karon Rigby and Stephens at strong safety have both been leading by example to help the progression of a pair of newcomers, senior cornerback Marcellus Booze and junior free safety TyQuere Davis.

Senior leadership will be a key factor as the Blue Bishops attempt to add their seventh state championship flag to Asbury Park Stadium. They have to fill the leadership void left by Daquane Bland-Bennett, who now plays slot receiver and return specialist at West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Given his talent and experience, Davis is looking to step up and take over that role.

“I will miss playing with my bro Daquane,” said Davis.

“We both started playing together as Mitey Mites, and I always knew this day was going to come when he would leave me. I look forward to embracing that same leadership role and making sure that our squad comes out on top this year.”

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Keansburg @ Dunellen Asbury Park @ Keyport @ South River Shore Regional @ Metuchen @ Highland Park Pt. Pleasant Beach

Head Coach: Steve Sciarappa, 4th season Career Record: 11-20 Assistant Coaches: Shannon Hoadley (def. coord./assoc. head coach); Drew Eldridge (RB/LB); John Washington; Keith Rescorl; Nick Scerbo; Larry Szabo; Dwight Sheehan

2013 Record: 6-5 (1-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Tyson Stamper, Sr., RB While Mater Dei returns a good deal of skill on offense, the Seraphs did lose a good portion of their rushing production with the graduation of Sam Miles and Derrick Lopez. Tysaun White and Christian Palmer bring back a good chunk of that rushing, but the offense will need Stamper and fellow senior Zach Bragg to provide a threat out of the backfield.

X-FACTOR: Shane Mastra, So., OL The offensive line has some inexperience to address, but the Seraphs staff has liked what it has seen from Mastra, who impressed as a freshman last year.

GLUE GUY: Vincenzo Mezzacappa, Sr., LB An improvement on defense is imperative for Mater Dei this year and an exclusive move to the linebacker position and away from offense will give Mezzacappa a chance to be a better player and a better leader for the defense.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Quaylil Maxwell, Sr., DT Maxwell will line up at the nose of the 3-4 front and could be a physical equalizer for the Seraphs against some of the run-heavy attacks of Class B Central.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Asbury Park A home date with Shore on Oct. 18 looms large for Mater Dei, but in order for that game to mean what the Seraphs would like for it to mean, they will have to first get by the likes of Asbury Park and Keyport in consecutive weeks, which Mater Dei could not do last year.

Digging Deeper

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

s he prepares for his final high school season, senior Christian Palmer will not be the first three-year starting quarterback at Mater Dei Prep.

In that respect, Palmer is not unique within the context of Mater Dei football history, but he is in this respect: no Seraphs signal-caller in the current millennium has ever gone into his senior season after having guided Mater Dei to a winning record during the previous year.

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It’s not just Palmer, either, and that’s what makes this season such an intriguing one for the Seraphs. Mater Dei returns a host of skill talent around Palmer, giving the offense a chance to improve even further after a breakout performance that sparked the first winning season and first NJSIAA playoff win at Mater Dei since 1999.

coach Steve Sciarappa plans on playing the bulk of the snaps on both sides of the ball.

“We like to think of our offense like a basketball team where we’re spreading the ball around to a lot of people,” Sciarappa said.

“Obviously, for us, guys like Tysaun and Eddie Lewis are dynamic playmakers and did it for us last year, but in order to make the most of their abilities and the potential of this offense, we want defenses to have to account for every option.”

Therein lies the key to Mater Dei’s pursuit of the next level, according to Sciarappa. Last season, the Seraphs employed two-way players at nearly every position, which Sciarappa believes contributed to a defense that had trouble stopping teams. This year, the plan is for only two-to-four players to play both ways and to run straight platoons on the offensive and defensive lines.

The platoon plan will also help negate the fact that the Seraphs have to replace most of their line from last season.

“The coaches made it known last year what the expectations were,” Palmer said. “We set a new standard for the program last year, and this year, the expectation is to build on it and continue to get better.”

Running the multiple spread offense, Palmer will have two of his top weapons from last year back in senior receiver Tysaun White and sophomore receiver Eddie Lewis. White led the team with 11 total touchdowns last season while also finishing second on the team in receiving yards (121) and third in rushing yards (450). White is also a dynamic return man on special teams.

“We definitely have the playmakers here,” White said. “Offensively, I feel like we could be really good.

Christian has looked good in practice, and we’ve got a lot of weapons on the field he can go to.”

Lewis, meanwhile, led the team in receptions (11) and yards (287) as a freshman last year while also hauling in two touchdown receptions. In addition to serving as dangerous targets for Palmer, White and Lewis are also the only two players that head

fresh and that’s the obvious benefit, but we’re already seeing a difference.

With guys focusing on one side of the ball, we can spend more time coaching Senior QB Christian Palmer

“It’s been night and day so far,” Sciarappa said. “Once the games start, it’s going to make a big difference in keeping guys

technique at their individual positions. It makes the players better, it makes the coaches better, and it makes us better as a team when every player on the field is fully prepared to do their job.”

With White and Lewis in the secondary, the defense will center around four-year starters Vincenzo Mezzacappa and Jason Mandile.

Mezzacappa will lead the linebackers, while Mandile plays up front on the line alongside senior newcomer and nose guard Quaylil Maxwell, a transfer from Jersey City who practiced with the team last year while awaiting eligibility.

Senior Tyson Stamper is another potential offensive threat out of the backfield and will see time in the secondary as well, according to Sciarappa. Senior Dave Osbourn, meanwhile, will anchor the offensive line as the lone four-year starter in the group while sophomore lineman Shane Mastra continues to develop after contributing as a freshman.

The Seraphs players and coaching staff are well aware of the gap they will need to close in order to advance another round in the NJSIAA tournament, just as they are aware of the gap that still remains between them and the top teams in the Class B Central division. Although Mater Dei cracked the .500 mark and made noise in the postseason, the Seraphs managed to go only 1-4 in the division with only a win over a rebuilding Keansburg squad.

“We’re fortunate to play in a very competitive division with some teams that are playing for championships every year,” Sciarappa said. “We like the challenge of trying to beat those teams and in the back of our minds, we know it’s making us better for when we go play the first round of the state tournament.

“As for taking the next step in the state tournament, we know that’s a large mountain to climb. You’re talking about some top-level programs at the top of our bracket and even with the strides we made last year, we know we’re not there yet. But that’s what we’re building toward.”

There is also an effort among the coaches and senior leaders of the team to drill home the message that they will not have the luxury of surprising opponents like they did last year. Although that could make for a more challenging schedule over the long haul, it is a welcome change in expectations at Mater Dei. “A lot of teams took us lightly last year and we were able to take advantage of that,” Palmer said.

“Now that we’ve had some success, teams aren’t going to be as quick to look past us. At the same time, we want to face the best that a team has to offer, and we know going in that there is no team that we can take lightly.”

Photo by: C l i f f L a v e l l e www.clearedge.zenfolio.com

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Spotswood Keansburg

@ Dunellen

@ Mater Dei Prep South River

Pt. Pleasant Beach @ Asbury Park

Rumson-Fair Haven

Head Coach: Mark Costantino, 23rd season Career Record: 142-84-1

Assistant Coaches: Mike Whitacre (OL/DL); John Remedios (OL/DL); Pete Vincelli (RB/DB); Bob Biasi (WR/LB); Jack Levy (QB/DB); Martin Mullarney, Joe Rankin, John Vaccarelli (freshman); Nora McCormick (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 10-2 (5-0)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Kyle Masica, Sr., RB Masica steps into a starting role to replace the graduated Brian Miller, who ran for over 1,000 yards last season

X-FACTOR: Staying healthy The one issue that Shore has, like many Group I teams, is depth. A couple injuries could derail an otherwise promising season.

GLUE GUY: James Bedell, Sr., OL/LB A returning all-division lineman and the team’s leading returning tackler, Bedell is the leader on both sides of the ball.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Pennell, So., WR/DB The 6-foot-1 sophomore will play receiver and start at safety, and is also the team’s backup quarterback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 31 vs. Point Beach Unless something unexpected happens, this is the game that will decide the Class B Central division title.

Back to Work

By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer too,” Bedell said. “Last year it was our front seven that was our strength, but I think this year it’s a little more spread out.”

hore came up a touchdown short of claiming the program’s fifth NJSIAA sectional championship and third under head coach Mark Costantino when it fell to division rival Point Beach in the Central Jersey Group I final last season, so the rallying cry is predictable heading into 2014.

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Shore will continue to run its traditional Wing-T attack on offense. Campi steps in at quarterback for the graduated Matt Muh, who is now at Bucknell. Campi is more of a running threat than Muh, so Shore has added yet another weapon in the running game.

“We talked about finishing the deal and all that kind of stuff,” Costantino said. “We were this close, so it’s time to get back and finish it off. We expect to win every time we step on the field and we really mean that.”

“He’s a Wing-T quarterback and he has a very good arm,” Costantino said. “Ryan is more of a running quarterback, where Matt was a pure passer. We’re going to run the ball to win, but we’ve been throwing the ball very well in

“After that loss we were really upset, but that next Monday we came back to work and started using it as motivation,” said senior James Bedell.

Shore’s offense averaged 26 points per game en route to claiming the Class B Central division title and reaching the sectional final, but it was its suffocating defense that overwhelmed opponents. The Blue Devils allowed a conference-low 77 points – 6.4 points per game – and return six starters from that unit.

Shore graduated all-division lineman Matt Proto, but returns two starters along the defensive line in its multiple 4-4 base. Senior Dom Liana returns as a starter at defensive tackle while senior Mitch Candido is back at defensive end. Junior Jeremy Redaelli is the other defensive end with senior Robby Fallon and 285-pound junior Steve Fiumefreddo rotating at defensive tackle.

The strength of the Blue Devils defense is at linebacker, where Bedell and junior Doug Goldsmith return as starters. Bedell was an all-division offensive lineman last season and also led the team with 97 tackles.

Goldsmith was an all-division linebacker who finished with 95 tackles and four sacks. Candido can also play inside linebacker, and junior Devin McLaughlin will also see time.

scrimmages.”

Goldsmith returns as the starting fullback after rushing for 736 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore.

“We’re always a defensive-minded team,” Costantino said. “That’s our first goal. We think with Doug and James in the middle we’ll be very effective.”

Senior Ryan Campi is a returning starter at outside linebacker, and the other spot is between junior Alex Johnson, 6-foot-4, 200-pound junior Connor Rempel and senior Jake Monteiro.

Senior Mike Moore is a returning starter at cornerback coming off a season in which he intercepted four passes. Junior Tyreek McCain, a transfer from Neptune, and senior Kyle Masica will also see playing time at cornerback. Junior Jack Britton will start opposite Moore once he returns from a knee injury. Britton had three interceptions last season as a sophomore. The safety is sophomore Matt Pennell.

“I think our strength is linebacker, but we’re pretty good in the secondary

Junior RB Doug Goldsmith

The team graduated 1,000-yard rusher Brian Miller, but returns Moore at

wingback. He’ll be joined by Masica, with McCain and Johnson expected to

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get playing time.

“The challenge for Doug is that he’s not going to surprise people,” Costantino said. “Last year people didn’t know who he was and all of the sudden he’s lighting people up.”

“I have to be more of a leader this year,” Goldsmith said. “Last year I really had to work for a spot, which was great because I developed a great work ethic.”

Rempel is the tight end with Monteiro also getting time. Senior Cole Barrale returns as a starting wide receiver with senior Chris Johnsen and Pennell in the rotation.

The offensive line has two returning starters with Bedell at left guard and 225-pound junior Erik Graham at right guard. The left tackle is Fiumefreddo, the center is junior Casey Rogers and the right tackle is senior Rob Kondracki.

Monteiro returns as one of the Shore Conference’s top kickers. Last season he went 37-for39 on extra points while kicking nine field goals. His long of 47 yards was tied for the longest field goal in the Shore last season. He will also be the team’s punter.

Mater Dei Prep is coming on strong and Asbury Park is always a threat, but the top two teams in Class B Central once again look to be Shore and Point Beach. Last season Shore defeated Point Beach 31-0 to claim the division title only to have the Garnet Gulls turn the tables on them in the state final. There’s a great chance they will have to go through one another again to claim another championship. Every game requires focus, but there’s no denying that’s the marquee game on the Blue Devils’ schedule.

“We want to take it one game at a time, but in the back of our minds we have that Halloween matchup against Point Beach,” Bedell said.

Senior kicker Jake Monteiro

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@ Asbury Park @ Middlesex Keyport Spotswood @ Dunellen Keansburg Highland Park @ Shore @ Mater Dei Prep

Head Coach:

John Wagner, 4 rd season

Career Record: 28-6 (178-98-2 overall) Assistant Coaches:

Jeff Bower (RB/DB); Rich DelDuca (OL/DL); Bill Evans (WR/DB); Brandon Neary (OL/DL/freshman); Paul Struncius (QB); Mike McGee (LB/freshman); Cali Whedon (athletic trainer); Dr. Joseph Mannion (team physician).

2013 Record: 10-2 (4-1)

Ready For More

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

fter an incredible run to the program’s first NJSIAA state sectional title last fall, Point Beach’s football team knows it will have to adjust to being on top as it sets out to make another march toward a championship. With its three star players all returning as seniors, the bull’s eye will be squarely on their backs in Central Jersey Group I.

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“Now there’s a target on our back and everyone wants to beat us,” said senior halfback and cornerback Mike Frauenheim. “It makes us work harder in practice and stay focused longer. We have something to defend now.”

Sheehan.

Point Beach received excellent line play last season, especially during the playoffs, so the onus is on the new starters to keep playing at the same pace.

The tackles are sophomore Matt Zuhowski and junior Forrest Gardner with sophomore Cody Liguori also in the rotation.

The Garnet Gulls will have to replace their entire offensive line, but have their big three back in Frauenheim, senior quarterback Jake Fioretti and senior fullback Joe Wegrzyniak, a Shore Sports Network first-team All-Shore selection who ran for 1,581 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. They will pace an offense that averaged 25 points per game last season and was clutch during its playoff run.

Sheehan steps in as a starter at split end and safety where Noah Yates, who had six receiving touchdowns and a state-best nine interceptions, played last season.

X-FACTOR: Line play The Garnet Gulls have three proven weapons in the backfield, so if a young and inexperienced offensive line can come together Point Beach shouldn’t miss a beat offensively.

GLUE GUY: Jake Fioretti, Sr., QB/CB A four-year varsity player who starts both ways, Fioretti sets the tone as the team’s offensive leader.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Connor Kells, So., TE/S Kells brings good size (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) as a first-year starter at tight end and in the secondary.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 31 at Shore Not only will it be a rematch of last season’s sectional final and division championship game, it will likely decide the division title again and also be a preview of another state final. Both teams could be undefeated entering this game.

The other halfback position will be staffed by seniors Geno Antagnoli, Drew Napoliello and Zack Schaller. Playing tight end will be junior Tanner Smith and sophomore Connor Kells.

Point Beach has to replace leading wide receiver Noah Yates, who had 398 yards and six touchdowns, and will do so with senior Kent Napoliello and 6foot-2 junior Ryan

DeLorenzo is a returning starter at inside linebacker and will be joined by Schaller.

Wegrzyniak returns to start at outside linebacker after posting a team-leading 92 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and one interception. Drew Napoliello will be the other outside linebacker.

“Noah (Yates) was a big loss because of all the interceptions and (Sean) Struncius was a big loss because he was the leader on the line, but we have most of our ‘backers back, Mike and I on the corners, and guys up front that should play well,” Fioretti said.

Fioretti is a four-year starter at quarterback in Point Beach’s Wing-T offense, and threw for 721 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Behind him in the backfield are Wegrzyniak at fullback and Frauenheim at left halfback. Frauenheim ran for 756 yards and 10 touchdowns to give the Garnet Gulls a tandem of runners who combined for over 2,000 yards. Those three, however, are the only returning starters on offense, and they understand even more will be on their shoulders this season.

“Out of all three of us we know we have to help the younger kids, and in the long run that will help us,” Wegrzyniak said.

“That’s what you have to do at a Group I school.”

The defensive linemen in Beach’s multiple front are all interchangeable, positionally, and feature Barry, Smith (65 tackles and 4 sacks) and Gardner as returning starters and Zuhowski stepping in along the line. Liguori and Watkins will also see time along the defensive line.

The secondary returns both of its starting cornerbacks with Frauenheim and Fioretti back. Frauenheim intercepted four passes last season. The safeties are Kells and Sheehan.

Tryouts are sill ongoing for the starting kicker position with Schaller and Antagnoli among those in the mix. Wegrzyniak will be the punter.

“Me, Mike and Joe, we know this is our team and we have to be the leaders,” Fioretti said.

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Ryan Sheehan, Jr., WR/S

The Gulls’ defense allowed just 11 points per game last season, and turned in a phenomenal performance in the sectional final by holding Shore Regional in check in a 12-7 victory. Seven starters return from that unit, including leading tackler Wegrzyniak.

Gardner is out until early in the season with a broken arm, so Liguori will take his place until his return.

The guards are senior Jake DeLorenzo and junior Kevin Barry, and the center is sophomore Cade Watkins.

“We have a young line, but they’re kids that work hard and want to be good, so when you have players like that stepping in it helps a lot,” Frauenheim said.

Senior QB Jake Fioretti

In the Shore Conference’s Class B Central division it will be Point Beach and Shore as the frontrunners, and those two teams will also be among the top squads in Central Jersey Group I. The teams meet for their divisional game on Halloween, and could once again see each other in the playoffs. The Blue Devils will surely be looking for revenge after last season’s defeat in the sectional final. Being the hunted team is an entirely different role for Point Beach, but one they’ve been working toward for the last four years.

“The mentality from the outside is that Beach is going to be X, Y, Z and that’s what we wanted three years ago,” said head coach John Wagner. “When people see Beach they believe every year we’ll be competitive.”

“It’s crazy, actually,” Wegrzyniak said. “My freshman year to now is such a huge difference. We were trying to build to this and now we have to maintain it. It’s a completely different role, but we’re excited for it and ready to go.”

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@ Mater Dei Prep Highland Park @ Shore Regional South River @ Metuchen @ Pt. Pleasant Beach Middlesex Asbury Park Keyport

Head Coach: Chris Damian, 2nd season Career Record: 1-9 Assistant Coaches: Jason Wombough (OL/asst. head coach); John Bird (def. coord.); Jeff Papcun (spec. teams); Jon DeLiso (DB); Uriel Morfin (DL); Jesse Herbert (video and operations); Bill Bonney; Kelli Hudson (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 1-9 (0-5)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Joe Rodriguez, Sr., RB/DB Rodriguez has already shown himself to be a versatile offensive player on the varsity field, so in that respect, he does not have too much to prove. On the flip side, the loss of senior jack-of-all-trades Kason Preston leaves a major void in production and athleticism and while it’s going to be a team effort to fill that hole, Rodriguez will be the one to handle most of the carries and fly around the secondary.

X-FACTOR: Ian Terry, Jr., QB/LB Damian had always planned to move Arkeyel Brown from under center and get him out wide, so it was just a matter and finding the right player to take over at quarterback. Terry jumped into the position at the end of last season and his commitment to improving at the position and learning the offense has convinced his coaches that the change will be a permanent one. If Terry takes to the position, the Titans have the weapons to do some damage.

GLUE GUY: Dylan Alt, Sr., LB/RB A vocal leader on both sides of the ball, Alt was a rare returning starter on last year’s team, so when it comes to setting the pace at practice and in the locker room, he has walked the walk before.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Julian Castell, Fr., DB The freshman cornerback has impressed the coaching staff enough to earn an inside track at a starting job on a team with plenty of senior presence. The defense will have to take a big step forward for the Titans to make a push toward .500 and Castell has shown enough to earn a chance to help that cause.

PIVOTAL GAME: Nov. 1 vs. Asbury Park There are going to be seven games prior to the Nov. 1 showdown with the Blue Bishops that will determine whether or not this game will matter for playoff positioning, but if the Titans are going to be a playoff team in 2014, their best bet is going to be to set themselves up to get in with a win over Asbury Park in their eighth game of the season.

Flipping the Script

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

ielding a team of players either new to a starting role or to varsity football altogether can be a challenge to the most experienced of head coaches, but for a first-year coach, it can seem completely confounding.

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Second-year Keansburg head coach Chris Damian inherited such a task during his first season at the helm in 2013, with most of his starting lineup new to the varsity football landscape. While some, more fortunate first-time coaches begin their tenure by learning their new players, Damian’s focus was helping his new players learn the game.

During his first season, Damian drilled a new 3-4 defensive scheme into his team’s collective head and moved away from his original offensive scheme late in the season. This year’s defense will look to continue the progress it made over the course of last season, while the offense will continue to move away from a pistol-heavy package toward more of a Wing-T look – a process that began at the end of last season, according to Damian.

The major fundamental change in the offense was a positional trade between two of the team’s talented underclassmen. Current junior Arkeyel Brown played quarterback during Keasnburg’s first eight games of the season before moving to wide receiver.

Junior Ian Terry moved from out wide to under center and will pick up as the quarterback this season after gaining two games of experience running the offense.

that this was the way we were going to go.”

Along with defensive lineman and offensive guardturned-fullback Dan Baumann, Brown and Terry give the Titans a formidable junior trio that will have a significant impact on both sides of the ball, but a deep group of senior returnees has Damian and his staff most optimistic about this upcoming season.

Joe Rodriguez returns as the team’s second-leading rusher from a season ago, behind standout running back and defensive back Kason Preston. Rodriguez accounted for 886 total yards, including 342 rushing, 101 receiving, 83 passing and 360 return yards last year while serving as a sort of Preston-lite. He will have a chance to carry a heavier load on his end, but the Titans would prefer for Rodriguez to account for a smaller percentage of the Keansburg offense than Preston accounted for last year.

”I like everything we run, but what we were doing last year wasn’t working enough,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like whatever offense we run, I’ll be able do my part, so I’m just for running the offense that gives us the best chance to win, and we’re liking it so far.”

Fellow seniors Dylan Alt and Pat Sullivan are also returning starters who will be tasked with carrying out leadership roles. Alt led the team with 58 tackles last year, including two sacks, from the middle linebacker spot. Sullivan is back at safety after recording 33 tackles, recovering three fumbles and intercepting one pass.

Nose tackle Tony Demir, two-way lineman Tristen Miksca and offensive At 6-foot-3 and 215 lineman John Corrigan pounds, Brown caught just round out the returning one ball during his stint as seniors with starting a receiver, but took it for experience on the Titans.

50 yards and a touchdown.

Sophomore Richie Squeo Senior RB/LB Dylan Alt He also completed nearly also returns on both the 50 percent of his passes as offensive and defensive a quarterback (34-for-70) lines after winning a starting job as a freshman. while throwing for 430 yards. Terry attempted only 15 Keansburg will not have to rely on inexperienced talent passes as a sophomore, completing four. as much as it did last season, but the Titans will count on ”We wanted to find different ways to get Arkeyel the a handful of new starters who have impressed the ball, and we made the move to go with Ian at coaching staff during camp. Seniors Joe Schadt and Tyrell quarterback,” Damian said. “We liked what we saw from Wilson have solidified key roles during camp, with the offense, and the big thing is Ian has been putting in Schadt slated for work in the offensive backfield and the work to become the quarterback. Watching the work Wilson playing alongside Alt as an inside linebacker in he’s put in and the progress he’s made, it became obvious the 3-4 scheme.

Junior receiver Arkeyel Brown The Titans will likely be without senior defensive end Tyree Sutton, a standout wrestler preparing for a promising senior season after finishing sixth in the state in the 195-pound weight class. Damian said there is still a chance Sutton could join the team, but it is unlikely as he has not practiced yet.

Although the rebuilding process appears to be ready for a definitive step forward this season, the Class B Central division schedule will continue to provide a challenge to Keansburg and any other team looking to make a move toward the top. Shore and Point Pleasant Beach have been two of the top teams in the Central Jersey Group I bracket over the past several seasons, while Asbury Park is not far removed from a state championship and Mater Dei Prep enjoyed a breakout season of sorts last year.

“This year, everything is positive,” Sullivan said. “We learned a lot as a team last year and we feel a lot more sure about what we’re doing.”

Damian is more concerned with how his team improved on the field rather than in the standings, but the seniors on the Titans have a clearly-defined goal in their final season, regardless of which teams are standing in their way.

“Our goal is to improve every single day,” Damian said. “We’ve seen that so far this preseason. Guys are improving every day, and we’re a better team than we were a year ago. I don’t know how many wins that’s going to result in, but I know that when we step out on the field, we’re going to be a better team.”

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Shore Regional @ South River @ Pt. Pleasant Beach Mater Dei Prep @ Highland Park @ Asbury Park @ Spotswood @ Metuchen @ Keansburg

Head Coach: John Paczkowski, 1st season Career Record: 0-0 Assistant Coaches:

Micah Bender (OL/DL); Dominick Amoroso (RB/DL); Steve Bower (WR/Secondary); Dean Athans (WR/Secondary); Pete Miller (QB/Secondary)

2013 Record: 5-5 (2-3)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Des Underwood, Jr., QB Underwood is not new to the starting lineup, but he will be new to the quarterback position as he looks to fill the shoes of standout quarterback Alex Thomson, who accounted for 17 touchdowns last year and set 11 school records. Underwood rushed for 310 yards on 66 carries last year and did attempt three passes so he is used to having the ball in his hands.

X-FACTOR: The Junior Class Keyport has only three seniors on its roster, so for the Red Raiders to stay competitive in Class B Central, they will need the underclassmen from last year to grow up quickly and play like seasoned veterans.

GLUE GUY: Evan Smutz, Jr., OL/LB A returning starter on the line, Smutz has stepped up as a junior leader on a team that has only three seniors on the roster.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Dan Williams, Sr., TE/LB Williams is one of the three seniors on the team and he did not play on the varsity team last year. Despite that, Williams has embraced his place as a senior on a young roster and has also showed he is ready to be a factor on both sides of the ball now that he is finally getting his shot.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 4 vs. Mater Dei Prep With games against Class B Central favorites Shore and Point Beach accounting for two of the first three games and another against a solid South River team, Keyport could be looking at a must-win game against an upstart Mater Dei Prep team in the fourth game of the season.

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Red Raider Rebirth

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

he Keyport coaching position in 2014 entails both replacing a Shore Conference legend while coaching a team that returned eight players with varsity experience and three seniors in the entire program.

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Underwood with some big shoes to fill after he rushed for 310 yards as a running back last year.

Senior wide receiver Chase Bright will be a top weapon for Underwood and the offense, as he is the New Keyport HC John Paczkowski takes over for longtime coach Mike Ciccotelli lone senior starter “This is a special program,” said Paczkowski, the back from last year. successor to 36-year Keyport head coach Mike Bright is also the “On and off the field, this team is like a family,” Ciccotelli, who retired in April after 231 wins and team’s fastest and strongest player, according to Williams said. “We’re always together and we’re six NJSIAA titles. “It’s special because Keyport and Paczkowski, and his athleticism has earned him always on the same page at practice, and I think Union Beach produces a special kind of kid. The some looks from both Temple University and that’s more important than how many seniors we kids here have a blue-collar, bring-your-lunch-pailWagner College. have.” to-work mentality and that’s a source of pride for Although he is slated to line up out wide more The line on either side of the ball will be the people here. Football is part of that.” this year, Paczkowski said they will look to get him comprised completely of players who will be back Paczkowski takes over the ball in a number of next year, led by returning two-way junior lineman after spending the different ways, Evan Smutz. Junior Devon Keegan has also previous two years especially considering emerged as one of the Red Raiders’ top linemen on coaching the defensive he rushed for 544 yards both sides of the ball and the group as a whole is line for Ciccotelli. and three touchdowns already taking on the attitude of its head coach, the During his playing days, on 94 carries last year. former defensive lineman. he was a defensive Bright also caught eight “I like coach (Paczkowski) because I’m a lineman at The College balls for 203 yards and lineman through and through and that’s the same of New Jersey before a touchdown last year. thing he is,” Keegan said. “He definitely has that spending time as a high “I was surprised to defensive mentality and that’s rubbed off on the school assistant, as well see the schools that linemen the last couple years, and I think it’ rubbing as a stint as a graduate were interested in me. off on everybody now that he’s the head coach.” assistant at the It just kind of came out University of Maryland Bright and Pryor will both be key cogs in the of nowhere,” Bright under former Terrapins defense as well, with Bright leading the secondary said. “All of a sudden, coach and current at safety and Pryor manning the middle linebacker I’d be going to camps Rutgers offensive spot. Junior Travis Alvarez, a 6-foot-7 defensive and coaches knew my coordinator Ralph end and tight end, gives the Red Raiders some name already.

Friedgen. further intrigue on either side of the ball as well.

“It’s definitely “I’ve been coaching egardless of how Keyport performs on the field, motivated me to work for a while now and this season will be a transitional one for the Red even harder, especially ultimately I wanted to Raiders. There has been one name and one voice being a senior on this get a head coaching job, associated with the Keyport program for the better team.

I have a great but I wanted to make part of three decades and Paczkowski and his opportunity and so do a sure I took the right job,” players will look to continue to pick up where Senior Chase Bright lot of these other guys Paczkowski said. “This Ciccotelli left off while providing their own out here, and I want to is the right job.” imprint. make sure I do Under its new coach, Keyport will look different “You learn a little bit from every coach and every everything in my power to make sure we get the this year in more ways than one. In addition to program you’re around, and I certainly took a lot most out of this year.” featuring a new quarterback and a roster with only from what (Ciccotelli) did,” Paczkowski said. “I The Red Raiders’ offense will also benefit from three seniors, the Red Raiders will move away from think the thing coach Ciccotelli leaves behind is a returning leading rusher and junior running back the traditional Delaware Wing-T offense to a culture and an attitude and just an overall pride for Ky’Sun Pryor, who rushed for 596 yards and five multiple offense. Paczkowski said the team will the way things are done on the field and in the touchdowns on 105 carries. operate out of a base 4-3 defense after being more classroom. We’re going to do our own thing on the of a 4-4 team in past years, but will also use With Pryor, Bright and Underwood, the Keyport field and we’re going to play a little differently, but multiple looks. offense has three skill players with experience back that pride and that culture of being hard workers to spearhead the offensive attack. Paczkowski has and good citizens in the school and in the On offense, Keyport will turn to junior Desmond also been pleased with senior Dan Williams, who community is the legacy we want to continue.”

Underwood at quarterback with standout Alex will play both tight end and linebacker in his first Thomson having graduated in the spring. Thomson varsity season while also adding some senior threw for nearly 1,000 yards, accounted for 17 leadership to a young team. touchdowns and set 11 school records, leaving New head coach John Paczkowski considers both of those conditions more side notes than obstacles as he takes on his long-awaited first head coaching job. While the wait was longer than he would have liked, it was one that landed him at a program he believes in.

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@ Lakewood @ Barnegat @ St. John Vianney @ Pinelands @Pt. Pleasant Boro @ Manchester @ Donovan Catholic @ Jackson Liberty Southern Regional

Head Coach:

Career Record: 5-5 Assistant Coaches:

Willie Jacobs, 2 nd season

Walt Ramsay (off. coord./QB); Chris Loveland (def. coord./LB); Pat Ramsay (WR); Tom Gallahue (OL/DL); Jarrett Pidgeon (LB); Tige Dillard (DB); John Sisler (OL/DL); Justin Colianni, Angelo Mazzuca (freshman); Garrett Henshaw (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 5-5 (5-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Mike Yager, Sr., RB Yager takes over in the backfield for Javon Hardy, who had 939 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns in nine games last season. Yager should get some help from sophomore Mike Bickford, who also will see some carries in the spread offense.

X-FACTOR: Jordan Hardy, Sr., WR/LB Hardy has game-changing speed at wide receiver and looks to be a crucial part of the success of the spread offense. He also should be a factor at linebacker after moving from cornerback.

GLUE GUY: Liam Christensen, Sr., OL/LB Christensen will be a key part of the spread offense as the starting center and also returns to anchor the defense at inside linebacker.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Mike Bickford, So., RB/LB Bickford should see some carries out of the backfield to complement primary running back Mike Yager and also will start at inside linebacker as a sophomore.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 19 at Barnegat The Golden Eagles face the defending Class B South champs on the road in their second game with an opportunity to make a statement that they will be a factor in the race. They will look to close the gap after losing 23-7 to the Bengals last season.

Building a Program

By Art Gordon – Shore Sports Network contributor

s Willie Jacobs approaches his second year as head coach of his alma mater, his only thought is to continue to build a program at Central Regional.

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Being a 1990 Central graduate, he has seen teams and staffs change over and over, and offenses and defenses move from one scheme to another. He is happy with the progress his program has made on the heels of a 5-5 season in his first year that included a state playoff berth.

“I know the process will take time, but we have at least started it,” Jacobs said. “All of our lower-level teams are running our schemes and using our terminology and philosophies, from Pop Warner/AYF on up.”

He returned to Central in 2011 after serving as an assistant coach at Franklin and Long Branch. His staff has been together for some time and with the addition of former Manalapan head coach Tom Gallahue, he has another experienced voice on the staff.

Another addition to the program has been a new offseason conditioning regimen installed by strength and conditioning/defensive line coach J.P. Sisler.

Most of the players recorded huge jumps in their weight room grades, especially in the bench press, with senior middle linebacker/center Liam Christensen leading the way with a jump of 30 pounds.

Christensen, a two-year starter at linebacker, entered Central as a freshman quarterback, then switched to running back two years later, and now is going to play center, where he hopes to lead the way with a much-improved running game.

“We are preaching a complete team effort,” Jacobs said. “All three aspects of the game must be successful for us to be successful.

Our goal is to outwork our opponents. We don’t have the talent level to ever just go through the motions.

“We must continue to get better every day.

We know we will struggle at times, but we will just slow it down and talk about it and refocus and get going again.”

Central will employ a spread offense this season with some wrinkles added to it after averaging 23.4 points per game last year. The Golden Eagles lost eight players to graduation, so they have to find a way to

replace their playmakers. The defense returns eight starters on a team that got better and better every week. They will continue in their 4-4 scheme and hope they will be able to find their replacements from their successful junior varsity and freshman teams, which both finished 8-2 last season.

Junior Mike Miserendino will take the snaps this year at quarterback as he tries to replace two-year starter Marquis Drumwright, who threw for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Miserendino started at middle linebacker last year, and adds the dimension of a quarterback who can make plays with his legs as he continues to refine his passing.

“I am trying to be a leader even though I’m only a junior,” Miserendino said.

Senior WR Javon Hardy The strength of the team will be on defense, where eight players return with experience from a unit that gave up 23.3 points per game last year. Solomon is a returning starter at defensive end, and Yager will be the other defensive end after playing middle linebacker last season. Marrow and sophomore Denis Corbin will be the defensive tackles.

Christensen returns at inside linebacker after making 49 tackles and two sacks last season, with Bickford manning the other inside linebacker spot. Miserendino moves to outside linebacker after making 51 tackles at inside linebacker last year, and Hardy, who had 39 tackles and three interceptions at cornerback last season, moves to the other outside linebacker spot. The corners will be junior Malcolm Vaughn and senior Jeremy Zuleta, and senior Alex Fernandez returns at safety.

The placekicking and punting will be handled by senior Michael Quick, with Arneth still battling for one of the positions.

Junior QB Mike Miserendino Senior Mike Yager returns at running back after spelling graduated standout Javon Hardy last year in running for 264 yards and two touchdowns on an impressive 9.8 yards per carry. Joining him in the backfield will be sophomore Mike Bickford.

“We will have an improved rushing attack and will get better as the season goes on,” Yager said.

Jordan Hardy, the younger brother of Javon, will line up opposite senior Anthony Arneth at wide receiver after the two combined for 24 catches, 419 yards and two touchdowns last year. Six-foot-2 sophomore Andrew Kelly will be another big target at tight end.

Christensen will be the center, and he will have senior Zach Fingerlin and sophomore Jonathan Matuska next to him at the guard spots. Senior Rudy Solomon will start at left tackle with junior Darius Marrow at right tackle. Solomon is a three-year starter who moves to tackle after playing right guard last year.

A big key will be players quickly adapting to their new assignments, as many of the returners have been moved to new positions, but they are excited about the changes.

“I’m able to do more for the team,” Solomon said.

The Golden Eagles’ seniors are also focused on leading the way to help keep the program moving forward.

“We are all trying to improve the leadership,” Yager said. “We are trying to be like an extra coach on the team that can help the younger kids at any time.”

“What we do this year can be followed for years to come,” Christensen said. “We want to pass down a respect for the game and build an athletic family.”

While a strong Barnegat team returns as the defending Class B South champion and Lakewood brings back some top talent, the Golden Eagles are looking to hold their own in the division after tying for second last year.

“We will shock some teams with our aggressive play,” Jacobs said. “Don’t take us for granted. We are working hard to get better, and we will get there.”

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Pinelands Donovan Catholic @ Bishop Ahr @ Manchester Central Regional Barnegat @ Raritan Jackson Liberty @ Lakewood

Head Coach: Sean Henry, 5th season

Career Record: 15-20 Assistant Coaches:

Matt Cilento (def. coord./RB); Ryan Canary (OL/DL); Shane O’Connor (QB/DB); Tom Orrok (WR/DB); Dan Drymkowski (OL/DL); Ty Hughes (RB/LB); Pat Brady, Dave Drew (freshman); Tim Spenard (athletic trainer).

Returning to Relevance

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

rash of injuries and a roster devoid of any experienced starters last season left Point Boro, one of the Shore Conference’s most consistent programs over the past 10 years, with a 1-9 record for its first losing campaign since 2003.

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One year later, the Panthers are banking on what is now an experienced group of returners being able to turn the corner and get the program back to its winning ways.

“Last year was the lowest we’ve been so we can only go up,” said senior John Youmans. “We have pretty much everyone coming back and we gained a lot of experience last year.”

Point Boro returns eight starters on

2013 Record: 1-9 (1-6)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Mike Falconetti, Jr., OL/DL Although he’s a returning starter on defense, Falconetti is the only non-senior offensive lineman and will be stepping into a starting role for the first time, filling a gap left by the graduated Matt Gliddon, who was a Class B South all-division selection last season.

Last season Point Boro experimented running its offense out of the pistol, but went back to the traditional triple option later in the season.

GLUE GUY: Jack Fitzsimmons, Sr., QB/LB

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Nate Husak, Jr., RB/LB. Husak jumps into the starting role as one of the outside linebackers and will also compete for time a ‘A’ back.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Pinelands Pinelands stunned Point Boro last season with a field goal in overtime to snap a long losing streak. The Panthers would love to get revenge and start the season on the right foot by taking out what should also be a much-improved Wildcats team.

“For (Fitzsimmons) to play 10 games last year and get the experience was huge,” said head coach Sean Henry. “He did a great job with his reads last year even though we weren’t successful. The kids look to him, and he leads by example. He’s an old-school player, and in this offense he’s dictating everything.”

“I feel very comfortable this year, especially getting back to running the flexbone, which I’ve done since my freshman year,” Fitzsimmons said.

X-FACTOR: An improved defense The offense should score more with a host of returners, but when Point Boro has been at its best it’s been because of a defense that was stout and created turnovers. An improvement on allowing over 27 points per game last season is a must.

As the quarterback and middle linebacker, it’s apparent Fitzsimmons is a critical player for Point Boro. After a year as the starting quarterback he’s developed more as a leader.

offense and defense, including all its skill players in its flexbone offense that looks to improve after averaging just 13 points per game in 2013. Senior Jack Fitzsimmons leads the way after starting all 10 games at quarterback last season.

As a junior, Fitzsimmons ran for 718 yards and 12 touchdowns and threw for 652 yards and 4 touchdowns. Behind him is an experienced group of running backs that includes junior ‘A’ back Gavin Hynes and junior slot backs Gene Franceschini and Devin Connelly. Junior Nate Husak is also in the mix at ‘A’ back.

J u n i o r G e n e F ra n c e s c h i n i

Both wide receivers are returning starters as junior Mike Waddleton and sophomore Hayden

S e n i o r Q B Ja c k F i t z s i m m o n s

Frey will line up outside. Point Boro is looking to be a smash-mouth, clockdraining type of offense, but its receivers have traditionally been factors in its vertical passing and as impact blockers.

The left side of the offensive line returns with senior Jack Enright at left tackle and senior Kyle Ryan at left guard. The center is senior Josh Vitale, who returns after missing last season with a torn ACL. Junior Mike Falconetti is the right guard and Youmans is the right tackle.

“Those 12-to-14-play drives that go 80 yards, to me that’s our kind of football,” Henry said. “We’re looking to grind it out.”

“We want to be a smash-mouth, shove-itdown-your-throat offense, and I think we can be that kind of team this year,” Ryan said.

“We have a lot of big, strong grinders,” Fitzsimmons said. “We’ll take four yards at a time and control the clock.”

Just as important as improving the offense will be tightening up a defensive unit that allowed 27.8 points per game last

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14 season. As with the offense, the remedy appears to be experience.

In Point Boro’s 3-3-5 base, sophomore Aidan Connelly will be the starting nose guard in between returning starters at defensive end, Hynes and Falconetti.

Youmans started last season at outside linebacker and returns in the same role.

Nate Husak is the other starting outside linebacker while Fitzsimmons is back as the starting middle linebacke.

Point Boro’s defense features two hybrid outside linebacker/strong safety positions, and those will be manned by Franceschini, a returning starter who had three interceptions last season, and junior Austin Druccuer. The rest of the secondary is comprised of returning starters with Devin Connelly and Waddleton as the cornerbacks and Noah Husak, a junior, as the free safety.

“Our defense is going to play hardnosed,” Youmans said. “We should be getting in there and making plays.”

On special teams, junior Collin Ansbach returns as the starting kicker and Aidan Connelly is the punter.

The Panthers also have several former players now on the coaching staff. Ryan Canary, Tom Orrok, Shane O’Connor and Ty Hughes were all former stars within the last 10 years, and their presence has been a major influence.

“They bring a lot to the table and the kids respond well to them,” Henry said. “These kids were in middle school watching them win championships. That pride of coming back to your school and continuing the tradition is very important to me as a head coach.”

Point Boro was 0-8 entering the final week of the regular season last year before it shocked eventual sectional semifinalist Lakewood, 19-18. That victory helped the Panthers avoid a winless season while also giving them the confidence they would be able to compete with the top teams in Class B South.

Now it’s just a matter of turning the experience they gained last year into wins.

“We’re using last year as a motivator,” Henry said. “We’ve been preaching to play with a chip on your shoulder. We were in that irrelevant spectrum last year, and it was tough. But the kids are working harder because of it. They’re on a mission to get this program back to where we usually are.”

“We’re pumped,” Fitzsimmons said. “We want to get this program back to where Point Boro should be. We need to prove ourselves and show people we can do that.”

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@ Donovan Catholic @ Pt. Pleasant Boro Lakewood Central Regional @ Monmouth Regional @ Jackson Liberty Holmdel @ Manchester Barnegat

Head Coach:

Brian Wilkinson, 2nd season (8th overall) Career Record: 1-9 (24-37 overall) Assistant Coaches:

Matt Fuller (off. coord./RB); Anthony Allocca (OL); Scott Peterka (OL); Rob Sanzari (QB); Justin Loomis (LB); Albert Rowland (DB); Dan Abbato, Rob Micheliche, Richard Pear (freshman); Stacey Ayles (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 1-9 (1-6)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Tyler Somodi, Sr., LB Somodi returns to the team after two years of not playing and takes over for the graduated Mike Yak at middle linebacker.

X-FACTOR: Improved Defense Pinelands is banking on an improved offense with an experienced offensive line in a new scheme, and if the defense can become a consistent unit the Wildcats will be in position to dramatically improve their win total.

GLUE GUY: Dave DeFeo, Sr., OL/DL The offensive linemen are the leaders of the team, and DeFeo is a returning starter on both sides of the ball.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Dave Fairl, So., RB/LB The sophomore steps into a starting role at outside linebacker and will also be in the rotation at fullback on offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 5 at Donovan Catholic The Wildcats open with a Week Zero game and an early chance to show how much they’ve improved. They can also equal their win total from last and start 1-0 for the first time since 2010.

Photos by

Attitude Adjustment

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer inelands finally got back into the win column last season when it defeated Point Boro in overtime to snap a 22-game losing streak that dated back to 2010. The Wildcats finished 1-9 in head coach Brian Wilkinson’s first year with the program, but with a good amount of returning starters and a new offense, they feel they’re ready to make a big jump into contention in Class B South.

“This has been the most intense team I’ve ever been a part of,” said senior lineman Dave DeFeo. “We’re out here busting our butts every day, and you can tell it’s different around here. It’s going to show on the field.”

Pinelands is switching its offense to the run-heavy double-tight, double-wing formation to take advantage of its strength along the offensive line. The hopeful two-fold result is a physical offense that controls the clock and keeps its defense fresh.

“Our strength coming in was our line, and we think the offense is a perfect fit for the program down the road and particularly this year,” Wilkinson said. “And it’s also an attitude offense to some degree. We want to establish the run, and it’s no secret. I thought we improved a lot on defense last year, but if we can take another step on offense it will help us shorten games and play better defense.”

Four starters return along the offensive line from a unit that feels it will be able to drastically improve on its 8.4 points-pergame average from last season. David Staton, a 6-foot-5, 270-pound senior is the right tackle, and DeFeo, who comes in at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, is the right guard. The center is 300-pound senior Joe Puggi, and the left guard is 235-pound junior Max Schnepp. The only spot without a returning starter is left tackle, where 275-pound junior Cameron Winters will start. The tight ends are a pair of juniors in Dean Disanzo and Dominick Zamora.

“Our whole offensive line is pretty big across the board, and we’ve all had varsity experience,” DeFeo said. “Our backs are strong and once they get behind us we’re hoping it’s five yards every carry.”

“The offensive linemen are our leaders,” Wilkinson said. “They’re believe they’re going to get it done and everyone on the team believes in them.”

The quarterback is 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior Jimmy Graham and the fullbacks are sophomore David Fairl, senior Gurkan Yilmaz and senior Conner Bussey. Bussey will also play at wingback with seniors Jaylin Roman, Nick D’Andrea and Sage Sysol, and junior Will Jenkins in a rotation.

“We’re going to have a lot of people with a lot of carries,” Wilkinson said. “We don’t have any one person that if you take him out

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of the game we’re in trouble. It’s all based on team.”

After allowing over 500 points in 2012, the Wildcats were improved last season in allowing 37 points per game, although there is still much work to be done on that side of the ball. The Wildcats will run a 3-3-5 with three returning starters, including Puggi, a Class B South all-division defensive lineman.

Coach Wilkinson is very defensiveminded, and it’s a defense-heavy practice most of the time,” DeFeo said. “We could score 50 points a game, but if we’re giving up 51 it’s not going to matter.”

Puggi will play nose tackle with DeFeo, another returning starter, at defensive tackle.

Schnepp will play as the other defensive tackle. The outside linebacker/strong safety hybrids are Fairl and senior Jake Stuerze, a returning starter. The strong side linebacker is Yilmaz and the weak side linebacker is Bussey. Playing middle linebacker is senior Tyler Somodi, who played varsity as a freshman but did not play the last two years.

“I had Tyler in class and he’s a great kid, and I worked on him all year to come back,” Wilkinson said. “He came in right away and his reads were really good, and he’s a physical player. I’m excited to have him in the middle of our defense.”

“We have a lot of new looks on defense, and it all starts with stopping the runs up the middle,” Somodi said. “Defense is the key to

Senior DL Dave DeFeo us winning games this year, and I hope to be the leader.”

The cornerbacks are Jenkins and senior Zach Hehre with Sysol as the free safety.

Senior Jon Kubricki, whose field goal in overtime gave Pinelands its only win last season, returns as the placekicker. Sysol is the punter.

After years of being the doormat in Class B South and an afterthought for most of its opponents, Pinelands is ready to jump back into contention with new systems and a new attitude.

“Right now I hope all we’re thinking about is Donovan on September 5, but we feel like if we do what we’re supposed to do we’ll be in games with everybody,” Wilkinson said.

“I’m sure everyone will take us lightly and think it’s good ole’ Pinelands and an easy win,” DeFeo said. “But we’re going to smack them in the mouth a little bit. We’re going to bring it.”

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@ Barnegat Jackson Liberty @ Lakewood Pt. Pleasant Boro @ St. John Vianney Central Pinelands @ Red Bank Regional Donovan Catholic

Head Coach: Bill Furlong, 1st season (18th overall) Career Record: 70-63 Assistant Coaches:

Paul Raucci (asst. head coach); Joe Serratelli (def. coord./DB/WR); Karl Schaeffer (OL); Aamir Dew (RB); L.B. Robinson (DL); Nick Bricker (LB); Zach Brebner (QB); Cathi Yayac (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 3-7 (3-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Rob Planter, Sr., WR/LB Planter looks to assume the No. 1 receiver role from the graduated KaShaun Barnes, who had 31 catches for 401 yards and 4 touchdowns.

X-FACTOR: The running game If the Hawks’ versatile set of running backs can perform on a consistent basis it will take a lot of pressure off their young quarterback while also allowing them to keep their defense fresh.

GLUE GUY: Kwaku Owusu, Sr., RB/LB A quiet but steady leader, Owusu will be a key player at running back and linebacker for Furlong.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Steven Rodriguez, So., QB Rodriguez takes over for the graduated Devin Tomei as the team’s starting quarterback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Jackson Liberty.

The Hawks open up with division favorite Barnegat and play Lakewood in Week 3, so a Week Two game versus a Jackson Liberty team that figures to be in the same competitive realm seems to be Manchester’s best shot early to give Furlong his first win.

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A Clean Slate

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer ith a new head coach and nearly all of its core players from last season having graduated, Manchester’s football team is set to begin a new era under Bill Furlong.

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quarterback, but at the same time have a chance to develop a potential threeyear starter.

The fullback is senior Dylan Ientile with sophomore Jahsir Cooper and senior Javier Holguin also slated to see time. At running back is the Sophomore quarterback Steven Rodriguez combination of senior Kwaku Owusu and junior can step in at any position as utility linemen.

Mike Rosario, with freshman Jalen Glenn and also Tamire Sutton at the position.

“We’ll try to be balanced, but when I say balance I’m not necessarily thinking run vs.

“We have a lot of depth in the running game,” pass,” Furlong said. “We want to run inside, Owusu said. “We have me and Rosario and some “It’s a little different the way he teaches, but outside, misdirection and be able to throw. We’ll freshmen that can play. We have a lot of speed as he’s been great getting us up to speed because take what teams give us and we’ll see who steps a group.” the transition happened so late,” said senior wide up early in the season.” receiver Robert Planter. “We have a lot of talent What should help Rodriguez in his first year as Manchester’s defense will also be of the coming back along with some young talent.” starting quarterback is a tall receiving unit. multiple variety. Barber, Natal, McCloud and Planter is 6-foot-3 and junior tight end Israel The Hawks finished 3-7 overall and 3-4 in Jager are the defensive tackles while Pender, Almestica is 6-foot-4. Juniors Shavar Reynolds Class B South last season, and will have to Almestica and junior Nick Briggs will play and Roy Dudley replace six alldefensive end. Wagner can slide in at either are 6-foot and 6division players tackle or end. foot-1, from that squad. respectively, and The linebackers are Ientile, Planter, Owusu, In addition to sophomore tight Cooper and Holguin, while the cornerbacks are Furlong, the rest end Chris Blaine Rosario, sophomore Tariq Ali and junior Dan of the coaching is 6-foot-1, so Hourigan. Senior Vinny Laforte, sophomore staff is also new, Rodriguez will Alex Lunn and Dudley will play safety. so the Hawks are have several almost starting “We’re not going to be this aggressive defense targets that can from scratch. that tries to force other teams into mistakes, but go up and get a to say we’d be a ‘bend but don’t break’ defense “There is a little ball in traffic or would be a little too loose,” Furlong said. “We’ll bit of freshness to along the try to play within ourselves.” it from that sideline. standpoint,” Sophomore Josh Mercado will be the kicker “Once we Furlong said. “We and Owusu will handle the punting. figured he was have some good The Hawks have some familiar Shore going to be the young players that Conference names on their staff in former Toms starter over the we’re excited River North star Aamir Dew, former Jackson summer we about and some Memorial great Joe Serratelli and Middletown started working quality seniors South’s Nick Bricker. with him so he coming back.” could get used to With a new coaching staff and a different cast The Hawks Senior wide receiver Rob Planter us,” Planter said. of starters, Manchester is a wildcard in B South. graduated their “He knows we’ll Even though the Hawks graduated a significant top passer, rusher be there for him portion of their offensive production, they could and receiver from a team that averaged a solid to make plays, and that should give him some be a sleeper team in the division if their young 23 points per game last season, so there are more confidence.” players come through. certainly some unknowns heading into the Along the offensive line is 6-foot-5, 265season.

“We lost all those guys from last year, but no pound senior David McCloud at left tackle, one is irreplaceable,” Owusu said. “We have a Manchester will run a multiple offense with junior Phillip Pender at left guard, senior Ben lot of talent, and the competition is bringing out sophomore Steven Rodriguez stepping in as the Jager at center, senior Rafael Natal at right guard the best in all of us.” starting quarterback. His backup is freshman and 290-pound senior Xavier Barber at right Jerry Blackburn, so the Hawks are very young at tackle. Seniors Dustin Wagner and Doug Leik

Furlong comes to Manchester after 11 years as the head coach at Phoenixville High School in Pennsylvania, and succeeds Gerard O’Donnell, who resigned in May after eight seasons with the Hawks. Furlong also coached at Burlington Township for six seasons before taking the job at Phoenixville, where he went 70-63 and captured a division title. Furlong is a 1983 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School and went on to play at Ursinus College.

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Jackson Memorial @ Manchester Twp. Barnegat @ Lakewood @ Donovan Catholic Pinelands @ Lacey @ Pt. Pleasant Boro Central

Head Coach: Jim Sharples, 2nd season Career Record: 4-6 Assistant Coaches: Frank Giannetti (asst. head coach/DL); Chris James (off. coord./QB); Ryan Hesnan (def. coord./OLB); Rob Brown (DB); Anthony Myers (WR); Mark Lax (RB/spec. teams); Matt Spader, Mike McCarthy (freshmen); Chris Grande (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 4-6 (3-4)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Brett Ribellino, Sr., WR/S With Matt Castronuova’s departure, Ribellino will step in at safety to replace the two-time alldivision selection.

X-FACTOR: The Offense Jackson Liberty will have to up its scoring from 14 points per game if it hopes to climb the ladder in B South while also contending for a playoff spot. The receiving corps is experienced, but there are new players at quarterback and running back.

GLUE GUY: Matt Pinto, Sr., WR/CB Sharples called Pinto a born leader and named him as the team’s only captain. “With him I don’t need another captain. He carries himself like a professional.”

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jared and Ken Pommerencke, Jr., WR/DB The juniors will step in at wide receiver and defensive back to add depth to already strong positional groups.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Barnegat The Lions will need to pick off a top team over the first four weeks of the season to give themselves a shot at a playoff spot. Barnegat is the defending division champion and a state title contender, so a win at home versus the Bengals would produce a significant power point haul.

United As One

By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer

fter a difficult offseason in which its top returning player transferred across town, Jackson Liberty is ready to move forward and chase a playoff spot with a number of returning starters.

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The Lions lost four-year varsity player Matt Castronuova, a two-time Class B South alldivision defensive back, via transfer to Jackson Memorial over the summer.

Castronuova is one of the top returning defensive backs in the Shore Conference and a versatile weapon on offense, but the Lions are eager to show they’re about more than one player.

“It was kind of a slap in the face, and it motivated us,” said junior two-way lineman Jared Dizenzo.

“After losing some key people we’ve really come together as a family,” said senior quarterback and linebacker Ryan Van Wickle. “We have some tough teams in the division, but I think we’ll also be a tough squad.”

head coach Jim Sharples. “Usually we’d only have maybe two or three, but this year we have a lot more, and we’re going to really rely on those guys.”

Junior Justin Grome and senior Jon Madera will work interchangeably as the fullback and tight end, depending on the specific formation. The running back is senior Dom Regina, who returns after missing his junior year with a knee injury.

Regina played as a sophomore and gives the Lions speed at tailback.

“I’m glad to be back on the field with these kids,” Regina said. “I see a lot of fire in this team’s eyes. The younger kids are stepping up and we have a lot to look forward to.”

The offensive line returns a pair of starters as well as a starter changing positions.

Dizenzo leads the group at center with senior Kyle Scripko, who wasn’t a starter but saw significant action last season, at right tackle.

Senior Brenden Busacca started at fullback last season and will switch to right guard. The left guard will be junior J.J. Goodman and the left tackle spot is between senior Josh Morton and junior Chris Pondish.

Van Wickle will step in as the starting quarterback in Jackson Liberty’s multiple spread offense, which will try to improve on “We just all need to its 14 points per game step up and do our jobs,” average. He will be Dizenzo said. “Last year replacing the graduated I was the guy learning John Veneziano, who everything, but I’m more threw for over 1,000 of a leader now. I know yards last season. Van Senior RB Dom Regina every position and can Wickle starts as a help everybody out.” linebacker on defense, and also saw time at On defense, the Lions will run a 3-3-5 with running back last season in addition to starting Dizenzo and Morton as the nose tackle and a three games at quarterback. While Van Wickle rotation at defensive end that includes has to adjust to a new position, he will have Busacca, Goodman, Pondish, Scripko and three experienced wide receivers to throw to. senior Rodney Griffin.

Senior Brett Ribellino returns after leading the While the defensive line will be breaking in team with 23 receptions for 251 yards and a new starters, the back eight returns six starters. pair of touchdowns, and senior captain Matt The middle linebacker is Regina, who started Pinto is also back after posting a team-best as a sophomore. The inside linebackers are 301 receiving yards. Mike Stout also returns both returning starters in seniors Ryan Barbato after starting last season. Twin brothers Jared and Brian Mathieu. The outside and Ken Pommerencke will also see time at linebackers/strong safeties are Van Wickle and receiver. senior Ryan Brennan.

“Just having kids with that Friday night Pinto returns as a starter at cornerback while experience is something we haven’t had,” said

Senior wide receiver Matt Pinto the opposite cornerback spot has been a battle between seniors Jordan Billups and Brian Smith. Jared Pommerencke will also see time at corner. Safety is the big hole to fill defensively with the departure of Castronuova, and it will be Ribellino stepping in as the starter along with Ken Pommerencke seeing some action.

“I’m trying to bring my speed all over the field, and on defense I want to be a lot more aggressive,” Pinto said. “It’s my senior year, so I’m giving everything I have.”

Junior Braden Yorke returns as the team’s kicker after going 14-for-14 on extra points and connecting on four field goals with a long of 35. Busacca will again be the team’s punter.

Last season the Lions finished 4-6 and just out of a playoff spot, even though they had one more win than the eighth-seeded team. As a Group IV school playing in a division with Group II and Group III schools, it’s an uphill battle to secure power points. They open this season with a brutal four-game stretch that includes games against Jackson Memorial, Barnegat, Lakewood and Manchester. The Lions know, however, that if they can knock off either Jackson Memorial, Barnegat or Lakewood, each of which were playoff teams last season, along with beating Manchester, it will set them up for a run to the playoffs.

“We’re going to try to win them all, but in reality if you get two of those four the schedule sets up nicely for us,” Sharples said.

“These kids aren’t afraid to play anybody, so it’s nice to get those teams early before their reputations starts to precede them.”

“It’s going to be a really big stretch of games,” Van Wickle said. “Obviously Barnegat and Memorial are going to be very good, but we have a chance if we don’t beat ourselves.”

The game against Jackson Memorial was previously a Thanksgiving game, but has been moved to the opening game. A win over the Jaguars would obviously be the perfect way to begin the season.

“Us going in and getting a win, that could really make our season,” Dizenzo said.

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Pinelands Toms River South @ Pt. Pleasant Boro Barnegat Jackson Liberty @ Lakewood @ St. John Vianney Central @ Manchester Twp.

Head Coach: Dan Duddy, 9th season Career Record: 34-46 Assistant Coaches:

Gerard O’Donnell (RB); Danny Sicala (WR); Vito Steriti (QB); Chris Wynn (OL); Adam Sacco (DL); Jimmy Papalia (co-def. coord./LB); Chad Dougherty (co-def. coord./DB); Greg Hyslop (spec. teams/strength and conditioning); Mark Deppen (strength and conditioning); Bob DiStefano (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 5-5 (5-2)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: David Calderon, Jr., QB/DB Vinny Grasso accounted for over 1,300 yards last season as the Griffin’s main offensive weapon, so Calderon will have to be the same type of go-to player for Donovan.

X-FACTOR: Progression of first-year starters As with any young team with a lot of first-year starters, how quickly they develop will determine what kind of year the Griffins have.

GLUE GUY: Nyeem Calhoun, Sr., OL/DL The veteran leader of the offensive line is also a strong locker room presence.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Taylor McShea, Jr., WR/DE A transfer from Pemberton where he started on defense last season for a playoff team, McShea brings great size (6-foot-4) and experience to a team that needs both.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 12 vs. Pinelands With so many new starters the Griffins would probably rather not play a Week Zero game, but their matchup with Pinelands will give the team a good gauge of what they need to work on.

Rebuilding Process

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

fter three straight playoff appearances and a division title, Donovan Catholic will be going back to the drawing board this year with a host of new players on each side of the ball as it tries to stay near the top of Class B South.

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senior Dale Barlet, and at right tackle will be either sophomore Jared Knoeller or sophomore David Novakowski.

“The offensive line gives us some sanity,” Duddy said.

“They know what they’re doing, and they’ve been asked to take a

The Griffins were a senior-heavy team last season when they went 55 to finish tied for second in the division. With only a few starters returning, Donovan is facing an uphill battle as it moves forward into 2014.

three returning starters. The defensive tackles are Paprota, Barlet and 290-pound senior Shane McGrath in a rotation. Calhoun and junior Kyle Schremmer return as starters at defensive end, while McShea, who was a starting 5-technique for Pemberton last season, will also play defensive end.

Koziol is a returning starter at outside linebacker with Crosio starting on the other side. The middle linebacker is Rozell. In the secondary, Calderon and Puleo are the cornerbacks, Rosario is the the strong safety and O’Donnell is the free safety.

“We are so young, and that’s the challenge,” said head coach Dan Duddy.

Among the Griffins’ losses to graduation were quarterback Vinny Grasso, running back Joey Fields and receiver Kyle Carrington, all three of whom were FCS recruits. Those three accounted for over 2,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, and helped the Griffins average 25 points per game, so there is clearly a big void when it comes to offensive production.

“The defensive line will have to be disruptive, but we also have aggressive linebackers,” Calhoun said.

leadership role.

They’re definitely our strength”

“We have a lot of young kids, so me and the rest of the captains are trying to get them to understand what we’re trying to do,” Calhoun said. “We lost so many seniors from last year, but we have to accept the challenge.

If everyone does their jobs we’ll be fine.”

Taking over at quarterback in Donovan’s Navy option is junior David Calderon, who started at slot back last season. The fullbacks are seniors Joe Rozell and Austin Koziol. Junior Alex Rosario is the starter at one slotback position with junior Dezmund Hunter and senior Andrew O’Donnell working at the other slot position. The two starting wide receivers are senior Matt Puleo and 6-foot-4 junior Taylor McShea, who transferred from Pemberton. Junior Marcus Rosario will also see time at receiver.

“David has truly come into his own by bringing strong character into the locker room,” Duddy said of his quarterback. “He’s a tremendous athlete, but what I like most at this point is that he’s taken on a leadership role.”

With three returning starters, the line should be the strength of the Griffins’ offense. Junior Zach Crosio returns as the starting left tackle and 230-pound junior Dillon Paprota is back as the center. Senior Nyeem Calhoun returns at right guard. At left guard will be 225-pound

Senior two-way lineman Nyeem Calhoun

Defensively, the Griffins will employ a 4-3 base that has

“To me, defense is all about confidence,” Duddy said. “It enables a player to fly downhill and make contact, and that is where the challenge of youth manifests itself. It’s always more challenging on the defensive side of the ball with a very young team, because they don’t have confidence yet.”

Sophomore Giancarlo Stigliano, who transferred from Christian Brothers Academy, where he played soccer, will be the kicker and punter.

Barnegat and Lakewood figure to be the top two teams in B South, but after that it could be fairly wide open. The Griffins have several holes to fill, but if their young players can come together quickly they have a chance to be competitive throughout the season.

“It’s really just a time issue. We’re kind of all strangers to each other, for lack of a better term,” Duddy said. “We’re just trying to get to the point where we need to be for kickoff versus Pinelands.”

Junior quarterback David Calderon

Photo by: Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

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Manchester Central @ Jackson Liberty @ Donovan Catholic Manasquan @ Pt. Pleasant Boro Lakewood @ Matawan @ Pinelands Regional

Head Coach: Rob Davis, 9 th season

Career Record: 45-39 Assistant Coaches:

Kevin Smith (def. coord.); Chris Clerico (run game coord.); Dave Smith (WR/DB); Mike Burke (RB/LB); Mike Leone (OL); Greg Oravets (DL); Mike D’Ambrosio (QB); Steve Fence (RB); Paul Covine, Brian Fitzpatrick (freshman); Wayne Wedderman (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 10-2 (6-1)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Tyler Podinker, Sr., FB/LB Podinker will start at least half the season on both sides of the ball while senior Kevin Hoffman mends from a hand injury sustained in the offseason.

X-FACTOR: Staying healthy The Bengals have the talent and experience to win a state championship, but injuries to their key players would be a major blow.

GLUE GUY: Xavier Young, Sr., OL/DL/P A vocal leader who plays three different positions for the Bengals.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Josh Bowen, Jr., TE Manny Bowen’s younger brother Josh comes in at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, and gives the Bengals another option in the passing game.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 31 vs. Lakewood Lakewood handed the Bengals their only divisional loss last season and should be Barnegat’s main opposition to the B South title.

Finish the Fight

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

ith three Division I recruits and a combined 14 returning starters from last season’s Shore Conference Class B South championship squad that also reached the program’s first sectional final, the expectations are pretty clear for Barnegat in 2014.

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“Our expectations are very high, it’s right in our face,” said head coach Rob Davis. “Every drill we do and every rep in the weight room we remind them of that. We’re going to force the issue with them.”

The Bengals set a program record for wins last season in going 10-2 while reaching the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III title game, where they lost to Delsea, 31-7. Even though it was the program’s first state final in just its eighth season as a varsity program, the loss stung. It bothered senior Xavier Young enough that he went onto the bus that brought student fans to the game and apologized for the loss, telling them they wouldn’t let them down next year. The time is now for Barnegat to finish the job behind a tremendous senior class.

focused and highly motivated,” Davis said.

“We’ve put a lot on his plate the last two years, and now the game is coming a little easier to him.”

Behind Erskine at running back will be senior Tyler McGuinness and junior Paul Wickwire. McGuinness became the starter after A.J. Opre was lost for the season with a knee injury after just four games, and ran for 633 yards and three touchdowns. Wickwire added 462 yards and three touchdowns. The fullback is also a returning starter in senior Kevin Hoffman, but he will be out until mid season with a hand injury. Senior Tyler Podinker will take his place.

“We have over 2,000 yards rushing coming back, so we feel pretty comfortable there,” Davis said.

Three of the four starting pass catchers are returning starters, beginning with Bowen, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound Penn State recruit. He played all over the field last season and finished with

Senior quarterback Cinjun Erskine number a bit is three-year starter Sam Madden, a 6-foot-7, 360-pound behemoth who is committed to Wisconsin. He is the starting left tackle while Young, a 6-foot-1, 270-pound senior, is a returning starter at right guard.

Junior Kyle Rodmell is the right tackle, senior Mason Schultz is the center and senior Adam Ricci is the left guard.

Barnegat returns six starters in its 4-3 multiple defense that allowed 14.8 points per game in 2013. Young returns as the lone starter along the defensive line at defensive tackle, although Madden, who started as sophomore but played sparingly on defense last season, is back as the other tackle. The defensive ends are senior John Doles and junior Danny Dugan.

The Bengals linebacking unit is its defensive strength, as it returns all three players. Hoffman will be out until the middle of the season, so Podinker will also take his spot on defense as the middle linebacker.

Bowen and McGuinness are the outside linebackers. As a junior, Bowen made 78 tackles with 18 hits for a loss, 2.5 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures.

“We’re pretty athletic and we’re going to get pressure on the quarterback,” Davis said.

The secondary has two returning starters in senior “The approach to strong safety Mike this season is just Senior WR/LB Manny Bowen Christensen and Gerena at for everyone to cornerback. Gerena had five step up a little interceptions last season, 25 receptions for more,” said senior Manny Bowen. “We need which tied for fourth best in 479 yards and 8 some players to show things they haven’t the Shore Conference. Junior touchdowns while shown before, and we have a lot of kids ready Nick Camarato is the free also running for a to do that. Everyone is playing like they have safety and Wickwire is the pair of touchdowns. a chip on their shoulder.” corner opposite Gerena.

Senior Ricky Gerena “The extra work we put in last year was the is also a returning Sophomore Connor main factor in how we got to (a sectional starter at wide Lustenberger steps in as the final),” said senior quarterback Cinjun receiver, as is 6team’s kicker while Young Erskine. “Everyone on the team saw that, and foot-4 senior tight returns as the starting punter it’s carried over.” end Kyle Morris. after averaging 36 yards per Ken Bass, who saw Erskine, who is committed to FCS program punt with eight landing inside Senior OL Sam Madden action last season, Bucknell, leads the Bengals multiple spread the 20. Gerena is the holder. will be the third offense that averaged 29 points per game last Barnegat enters the season starting wide receiver. season. As a junior, Erskine threw for 1,119 as the favorite in B South and a contender for yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for an “We have so many athletes that it’s going to the South Jersey Group II title after being additional 651 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’ll be hard for teams to key on one player,” realigned into a new bracket. The expectations enter his third year as the Bengals’ starting Erskine said. “If you want to key on Manny have never been higher for the Bengals. quarterback. we have other guys that will make plays.”

“We know no matter what we do the camera “I feel like I’m mentally much better this “We can spread you out sideline to sideline, is always on us,” Bowen said. “People are year,” Erskine said. “I’ve been reading and with the running game intact we feel like expecting a lot, and we have to step up to the defenses much easier, and I feel like I’ve we’ll be pretty tough to defend,” Davis said. plate. But it’s still just football. We’re progressed as much mentally as I have working on getting ourselves in the best Two starters return along the offensive line, physically.” position to succeed.” which averages 272 pounds. Skewing that “He’s doing what we ask him to do, and he’s

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Central @ Pinelands Manchester Twp. Jackson Liberty Donovan Catholic @ Rumson @ Barnegat Pt. Pleasant Boro @ Toms River South

Head Coach: L.J. Clark, 4th season

Career Record: 15-16 Assistant Coaches:

Jamil Jackson (def. coord.); Len Zdanowicz (off. coord./DL); Evan Baubles (spec. teams/OL/DL); Lou Peccarrelli (WR/OLB); Zac Baltz (DB/TE); Al LaMura (QB/DB); Kyle Watson, Steve Galandi (freshman); Pat Halpin (athletic trainer).

2013 Record: 6-5 (4-3)

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Elijah Gill, Jr., OL/DL Gill will look to help fill the void left by one of the Shore’s top linemen last season, 330-pound Ben Watson, as one of Lakewood’s top run blockers up front.

X-FACTOR: The Offense Lakewood’s defense looks to be one of the upperechelon units in the Shore, so if the revamped offense can increase the scoring and be more consistent, the Piners have a chance to take that next step to a state final.

GLUE GUY: Anthony Terry, Sr., RB/DL A senior leader, Terry will run the ball at fullback in the Wing-T and also play in the middle of their 3-4 alignment at noseguard. He has received some FCS and Division II interest.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Zion Tinnery, So., RB/DB The sophomore will start at safety and also be another weapon out of the backfield as a slotback in the shotgun Wing-T offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 31 at Barnegat The Piners handed the defending Class B Southchampion Bengals their only divisional loss last season, and this game on Halloween looks to go a long way toward deciding the division title.

This also should be crucial for state playoff seeding for both teams.

Steady Progress

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

n the past two years, Lakewood has registered its most wins since 2000 and won its first state playoff game since 1986, so now the mission is clear with a star-studded group of returning talent.

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“We’re looking to take that next step forward to being in the state championship,’’ said fourth-year head coach L.J. Clark.

The Piners reached the Central Jersey Group II semifinals before bowing to eventual runner-up Weequahic last season, and now they’re out to finish the job in a bracket where one of their regular-season opponents, Rumson-Fair Haven, is the defending champion. Lakewood’s only state title in program history came in 1986.

“Last year gave us a taste of what’s to come,’’ said senior quarterback/linebacker Chapelle Cook. “We know our potential, and we know how far we can get.”

The backbone of the team once again looks to be the defense under coordinator Jamil Jackson, which allowed 23 points per game last season but held Class B South champion Barnegat to 14 and limited Delran to 12 in a state playoff win. The defense returns seven starters, led by four-year starter Datrell Reed, who has an offer from Bryant University and FBS interest after registering 51 tackles, 7 sacks and a pair of interceptions last year.

Also returning is three-year starter Amir Tyler, a junior linebacker who picked up an offer from Temple this summer on the heels of a sophomore season in which he earned secondteam All-Shore honors with 91 tackles, 3 sacks and 3 interceptions.

“We’re going to be better than last year,’’ Tyler said. “We slacked off against teams like Point Boro, and that’s not happening anymore.”

Senior Anthony Terry moves to noseguard in the 3-4 scheme after starting at defensive end last year, and will be flanked by Reed and 6foot-6 junior Ryzon Barnes, a power forward on the basketball team who saw some time up front on defense last year. Freshman Josh Lezin, who is 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, will also see some time at defensive end.

Tyler and senior Devin Delaney are returning starters at inside linebacker for an opportunistic defense that scored eight touchdowns last year, and 6-foot-3, 210-pound sophomore Adi Palmer is a returning starter at outside linebacker. Cook, who is verbally committed to Temple, will also play outside linebacker after playing primarily on offense all of last season.

“Our front seven should be second to none,’’ Clark said.

Junior Hassan Diawara is a returning starter at safety, and sophomore Zion Tinnery steps in as the starter at the other safety spot. Senior Eric Segui is a returning starter at cornerback, and senior Naquese Joshua will man the other cornerback spot after seeing time last year.

Junior Jaquel Hunter should also see time at corner this year. Segui returns as the placekicker and punter.

“Our defense is knocking helmets off, flying to the ball, and doing what we have to do,’’ Cook said.

Senior quarterback Chapelle Cook

The Piners have revamped their offense this year, going from the spread to a shotgun Wing-T under new coordinator Len Zdanowicz to take advantage of their multiple weapons after averaging 22.1 points per game last year.

Cook moves to quarterback after leading the team with 853 yards rushing and eight touchdowns as the tailback last season. He played some quarterback as a sophomore and also saw some snaps last year at a position that never really was able to get settled all season.

“It’s clicking,’’ Cook said about the new offense. “This year we have a lot more skill and a lot more people to surround me and Amir.”

Tyler returns in the backfield and will be one of the slotbacks in the Wing-T after rushing for 591 yards and seven touchdowns last season. Terry and Delaney will both see carries at fullback, and Segui, Tinnery and junior Sheldon Cobbs will all be in the rotation at the other slotback spot.

“Offensively, with our Wing-T scheme, you really don’t know who’s going to get the ball between Amir, Chapelle and our other wingbacks,’’ Clark said. “We’re not going to be one-dimensional and smash people in the mouth. We have big-play capability, so you could be stopping us all game and boom, 80yard touchdown.”

Joshua, who played quarterback for much of last season, will now be at wide receiver along with Palmer. Reed and Barnes will both see minutes at tight end.

“With Chapelle at quarterback, people are going to play up in the box, but he has been looking good in the 7-on-7s and scrimmages

in throwing the ball,’’ Clark said. “He’s starting to get very comfortable. We’ve been really harping on him to be a quarterback and not just a runner.”

“Our passing game is looking a lot more fluid,’’ Cook said. “We’ll be able to throw the ball 12 or more times per game this season.

This new offense has made it easy to make my reads and progressions, and it’s been an easy transition for me this year.”

Up front, senior Keyshaun Conover will play center after starting at guard last year, and senior Jaevon Wright returns as a starter at guard. Junior Jayshon Fisher steps in at the other guard spot, and junior Elijah Gill is a returning starter at tackle. Senior Press Imyau is a newcomer at the other tackle spot, and Lezin should also see time in the offensive line rotation.

Two crucial areas for the Piners this year are staying healthy, as they don’t have much depth, and filling the leadership vacuum after struggles in that aspect last year.

“We had a big leadership void last year, but our senior leadership is in a good place now,’’ Clark said.

Consistency is another point of emphasis after a season in which the Piners handed Barnegat its only divisional loss and beat Delran, yet were stunned by a Point Boro team that finished 1-9.

“Last year coach (Clark) told us before the Barnegat game that if we win this game, we’re in the playoffs, so we came ready to play and we got the ‘W,’’’ Cook said. “If we come out with that energy every game, there’s no reason we can’t finish the season undefeated.”

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION C o nt a c t : S te v e n M e ye r 7 32 - 2 33 - 44 60

st e v e. m eye r @ t own squ ar e me d ia . c om

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

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2014 Week - by - Week Shore Conference Football Schedule FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

Howell at Freehold Twp., Pinelands at Donovan Catholic, Freehold at Middletown North, Red Bank Catholic at Wall,

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 Middletown South at Marlboro,

F R I D A Y , S E P T . 12

Pt. Beach at Asbury Park, Colts Neck at Howell, Freehold at Freehold Twp., Toms River South at Donovan Catholic, South Brunswick at Middletown South, Middletown North at Perth Amboy, Long Branch at Red Bank Catholic, Manasquan at Raritan, Matawan at St. John Vianney, Jackson Memorial at Jackson Liberty, Southern at Toms River East, Neptune at Ocean, Wall at Red Bank, Manchester at Barnegat, Pinelands at Pt. Boro,

S A T U R D A Y , S E P T . 13

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Holmdel at Monmouth, Brick at Brick Memorial, Shore at Keyport, Manalapan at Marlboro, Keansburg at Mater Dei Prep, Central at Lakewood, Lacey at Toms River North,

noon noon noon 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

F R I D A Y , S E P T . 19

Metuchen at Asbury Park, Freehold Twp. at Manalapan, Middletown South at Neptune, Marlboro at Middletown North, St. Joseph-Metuchen at Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-FH at Matawan, St. John Vianney at Holmdel, Brick at Southern, Toms River East at Toms River South, Ocean at Wall, Spotswood at Shore, Mater Dei Prep at Dunellen, Central at Barnegat, Donovan Catholic at Pt. Boro, Lakewood at Pinelands, Jackson Liberty at Manchester,

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

S A T U R D A Y , S E P T . 20

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

Red Bank at Colts Neck, Howell at Freehold, Monmouth at Manasquan, Jackson Memorial at Lacey, Brick Memorial at Toms River North, Carteret at Long Branch, Pt. Beach at Middlesex, Keyport at South River, Highland Park at Keansburg,

F R I D A Y , S E P T . 26

Neptune at Red Bank Catholic, Monmouth at Rumson-FH, Manasquan at Holmdel, Central at St. John Vianney, Matawan at Raritan, Toms River East at Brick, Toms River North at Toms River South, Lacey at Brick Memorial, Wall at Long Branch, Keyport at Pt. Beach, Pt. Boro at Bishop Ahr, Keansburg at Shore,

S A T U R D A Y , S E P T . 27

Asbury Park at Mater Dei Prep, Woodbridge at Colts Neck, Barnegat at Jackson Liberty, Manchester at Lakewood, Sayreville at Manalapan, Southern at Jackson Memorial,

THURSDAY, OCT. 2

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

Raritan at Freehold, Long Branch at Colts Neck, Ocean at Manasquan, Middletown North at Manalapan, Freehold Twp. at Middletown South, Toms River North at Marlboro, Howell at Southern, St. John Vianney at Rumson-FH, Red Bank at Neptune,

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

4 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 3

Matawan at Monmouth, Jackson Liberty at Lakewood, Barnegat at Donovan Catholic, Toms River East at Brick Memorial, Shore at Dunellen, Spotswood at Pt. Beach, Central at Pinelands, Pt. Boro at Manchester,

3 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 4 Mater Dei Prep at Keyport, Asbury Park at Middlesex, Toms River South at Lacey, South River at Keansburg, Brick at Jackson Memorial,

noon 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

F R I D A Y , O C T . 10

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Middletown South at Howell, Jackson Liberty at Donovan Catholic, Colts Neck at Red Bank Catholic, Middletown North at Ocean, Freehold Twp. at Toms River East, Rumson-FH at Long Branch, Manasquan at Barnegat, Manchester at St. John Vianney, Raritan at Red Bank, Spotswood at Holmdel, Toms River North at Jackson Memorial, Wall at Brick, Brick Memorial at Old Bridge, Colonia at Matawan, Pt. Beach at Dunellen, Keyport at Highland Park,

S A T U R D A Y , O C T . 11

Manalapan at Lacey, Pinelands at Monmouth, Mater Dei Prep at South River, Keansburg at Metuchen, Marlboro at Freehold, Central at Pt. Boro,

F R I D A Y , O C T . 17

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

Keyport at Asbury Park, Middletown South at Manalapan, Howell at Middletown North, Red Bank at Red Bank Catholic, St. John Vianney at Raritan, Monmouth at JFK-Iselin, Matawan at Holmdel, Jackson Memorial at Brick Memorial, Lacey at Brick, Toms River East at Toms River North, Ocean at Long Branch, Freehold at Wall, Keansburg at Pt. Beach, Barnegat at Pt. Boro, Manchester at Central, Pinelands at Jackson Liberty,

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

S A T U R D A Y , O C T . 18

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

Neptune at Colts Neck, Rumson-FH at Manasquan, Shore at Mater Dei Prep, Donovan Catholic at Lakewood, Freehold Twp. at Marlboro, Southern at Toms River South,

F R I D A Y , O C T . 24

Dunellen at Asbury Park, Monroe at Howell, New Brunswick at Freehold Twp., Manalapan at Red Bank Catholic, Brick Memorial at Middletown South, Lakewood at Rumson-FH, Donovan Catholic at St. John Vianney, Pt. Boro at Raritan, Holmdel at Pinelands, Jackson Memorial at Toms River South, Ocean at Red Bank, Long Branch at Matawan, South River at Shore, Highland Park at Pt. Beach,

S A T U R D A Y , O C T . 25

Brick at Colts Neck, Jackson Liberty at Lacey, Freehold at Toms River East, Toms River North at Southern, Wall at Neptune, Keyport at Spotswood, Middlesex at Keansburg, Mater Dei Prep at Metuchen, East Brunswick at Marlboro,

F R I D A Y , O C T . 31

Central at Donovan Catholic, Middletown North at North Brunswick, Freehold Twp. at Edison,

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Red Bank Catholic at Ocean, Raritan at Rumson-FH, Manasquan at Matawan, Monmouth at St. John Vianney, Red Bank at Holmdel, Brick at Toms River North, Toms River South at Brick Memorial, Pt. Beach at Shore, Mater Dei Prep at Highland Park, Lakewood at Barnegat, Jackson Liberty at Pt. Boro, Pinelands at Manchester,

SATURDAY, NOV. 1

Asbury Park at Keansburg, Manalapan at Freehold, Marlboro at Howell, Colts Neck at Wall, Jackson Memorial at Toms River East, Long Branch at Neptune, Lacey at Southern, Keyport at Metuchen,

FRIDAY, NOV. 7

Shore at Asbury Park, Middletown North at Freehold Twp., Colts Neck at Ocean, Howell at Manalapan, Freehold at Middletown South, Marlboro at J.P. Stevens, Red Bank Catholic at Jackson Memorial, Holmdel at Rumson-FH, Toms River South at Brick, Brick Memorial at Southern, Neptune at Toms River North, Barnegat at Matawan, Manchester at Red Bank, Central at Jackson Liberty,

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

___

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 8

Toms River East at Lacey, Keyport at Keansburg, Pt. Boro at Lakewood, Raritan at Monmouth, St. John Vianney at Manasquan, Pt. Beach at Mater Dei Prep,

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

F R I D A Y , N O V . 21

Donovan Catholic at Manchester,

7 p.m.

W E D N E S D A Y , N O V . 26

7 p.m.

Rumson-FH at Shore,

T H U R S D A Y , N O V . 27

Asbury Park at Neptune, Holmdel at Raritan, Southern at Central, Barnegat at Pinelands, Middletown South at Middletown North, Monmouth at Ocean, Red Bank at Long Branch, Lakewood at Toms River South, Wall at Manasquan,

10 a.m.

10 a.m.

10 a.m.

10 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11 a.m.

11 a.m.

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VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

Jackson Liberty

Field Address: 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson

Directions: From south- Route 9 north to Cox Cro Road Road

in Toms River. Make a left onto Cox Cro and follow about two

miles to 527 (Whitesville Road). Make a left onto 527 and follow for about 4-5 miles. Make a right onto South Hope Chapel

Pinelands Regional

Field Address: Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor

Directions: Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about

three miles. Turn right on Nugentown Road. School is three miles on the right.

Road/CR-547. School is just ahead on the left. From north -

Point Pleasant Beach

onto Route 527 South. Follow for 6-7 miles and turn right onto

Beach

Whitesville Road). School is about a half mile on the right.

Manasquan River, follow signs for Broadway/Beach and make U-

Make a left at the end of the exit ramp onto Bay Avenue. At

second light make a left onto Barnegat Boulevard North. Go

Jackson Memorial

Make a right onto St. Louis Avenue and follow until you see the

approximately one mile and make a left onto Bengal Boulevard.

School is on the left. From the South-Parkway to Exit 63. Follow

Directions: From south - Route 9 north to Route 571. Go

about 10-12 miles west to Route 528 intersection. Turn right on

Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to Exit 21. Bear left and turn

Barnegat

Field Address: 180 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat

Directions: From the north - Parkway to exit 67 (Barnegat).

route 72 east to route 9 north. Make a left onto Bay Avenue. Make a right onto Barnegat Boulevard North and follow above direction.

Brick

Field Address: 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick

South Hope Chapel Road (just after 527 becomes 528 at

Field Address: Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson

Route 528. Continue on Don Connor Boulevard and make a right.

School is a quarter mile on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98.

Take I-195 west to exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527

South. At second light turn right onto Route 528. Continue to Don Connor Boulevard and make a left. Follow directions above.

Field Address: St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, Pt. Pleasant Directions: From north - Route 35 south. After crossing

turn onto route 35 North. Make a quick right onto Broadway.

field. From south - Route 35 north. Make a right onto Broadway and continue with above listed directions.

Point Pleasant Boro

Field Address: Laura Herbert Drive, Point Pleasant

Directions: From north - Parkway Exit 91. Stay left off exit

and take jughandle around to light at gas station. Turn right and

follow Burnt Tavern Road to Route 70. Turn left on Route 70 and at next intersection turn right onto Herbertsville Road. Stay on

Directions: From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit.

Go straight at light, follow to Route 88. Cross Route 88, go under

Lacey

Parkway overpass and school is just ahead on right. From south-

Parkway exit 90. School is short distance on right from off-ramp.

Directions: Parkway Exit 74. Turn right on Lacey Road.

Follow less than two miles, take jughandle left turn for

Brick Memorial

Street. School is on the right.

Southern Regional

Directions: From South - Parkway exit 90. Ramp will put

you on Chambers Bridge Road. Take first jughandle U-turn and

Lakewood

Directions: Parkway exit 63. Take Route 72 east about two

go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Cross Route 88 and follow to second light, where there is a convenience store on the left and a

Directions: From south - Parkway exit 90. Take immediate

jughandle U-turn to go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Turn left

Field Address: 2001 Lanes Mill Road, Brick

gas station on the right. The right and go over the Parkway. Pass

the 7-Eleven and take the jughandle left turn for Lanes Mill Road.

Go straight across, bear right just pass Lanes Mill Elementary

School. High school is on right. From north - Parkway exit 91.

Field Address: Haines Street, Lacey

Manchester Avenue. Go to the first light, turn right on Haines

Field Address: 855 Somerset Ave, Lakewood

onto Route 88, follow to New Hampshire Avenue and turn right.

Take New Hampshire to end, turn left onto Ridge. Go about 1 ½

miles to school on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right

Herbertsville Road to intersection with Route 88. Go straight

through light to school less than a mile on the right. From south Route 88 east to Beaver Dam Road and make a right. School entrance is ahead on right.

Field Address: 600 North Main St. (Route 9), Stafford

miles and bear right onto Route 9 north. Take Route 9 about three miles and school is on the left.

Toms River East

Field Address: Raider Way, Toms River

Directions: Parkway Exit 82, Take Route 37 east to Coolidge

off exit. Go straight at light, follow road to Route 88 intersection.

Avenue jughandle. Go north on Coolidge one mile to Raider Way.

Parkway.

Manchester

Toms River North

Central Regional

Directions: Parkway to Exit 82A. Take Route 37 west about

Bear left after the toll. Follow jughandle around, turn right at light

at gas station. Follow directions above after going over the

Field Address: Forest Hills Parkway, Berkeley

Directions: From north - Parkway exit 77. Turn left off exit

onto Double Trouble Road, follow it to traffic light. Turn left

on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot. From south - Parkway exit 77. Turn right on Forest Hills Parkway.

School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot.

Turn right on Route 88 and follow rest of directions above.

Field Address: 101 Colonial Drive, Manchester

five miles to jughandle for Colonial Drive. Cross 37 and follow back to school parking lot.

Monsignor Donovan

Field Address: 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms River

Directions: Parkway to Exit 82. Take Route 37 east and turn

right on Hooper Avenue. Go south on Hooper about a half mile and turn left at the first light. School is on the right.

Turn left, school entrance is on the left.

Field Address: Old Freehold Road, Toms River

Directions: Parkway Exit 82. Take Route 37 East. At first

light take a jughandle left onto Route 166 north. Bear right at next traffic light onto Old Freehold Road. School is about three miles ahead on right.

Toms River South

Field Address: 101 Hyers Street, Toms River

Directions: Parkway exit 82. Take Route 37 east. Turn right

onto Hooper Avenue. The field is a half mile down on the right behind the Ocean County Courthouse.

VOLUME-VI / ISSUE-16 / 9/4/14

Long Branch

Field Address: Indiana Avenue, Long Branch Directions: Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36 east, bear onto route 71 past Monmouth University and turn left on Westwood Avenue. Make a right onto Bath Avenue and then a right onto Indiana Avenue. School is ahead on right.

Manalapan

Asbury Park

Field Address: 1003 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park Directions: From south - Parkway exit 100A. Take Route 66 east to traffic circle. Follow Route 35 north to Sunset Avenue.

Turn right; school is about two miles on left. From north Parkway exit 102 to Asbury Avenue east. Asbury Avenue runs into Route 66 and then same as above.

Colts Neck

Field Address: 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck Directions: Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold.

School is two to three miles ahead on the left.

Freehold Boro

Field Address: 2 Robertsville Road, Freehold Directions: Take Route 18 to Route 79 south. Turn left onto Robertsville Road. Filed is one block ahead on left.

Field Address: 30 Church Lane, Manalapan Directions: Route 9 to Route 522 west. Turn right on Tennent Road, then left on Church lane. School is a half mile on right.

Manasquan

Field Address: 159 Broad Street, Manasquan Directions: From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34 south two miles to Manasquan/Sea Girt Exit. Go under Route 34 and follow Atlantic Avenue through circle. School is about one mile ahead on left. From south - Parkway exit 98. Take route 138 west to route 34 south, follow rest of above directions.

Marlboro

Field Address: 95 Route 79, Marlboro Directions: Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a few miles ahead on left.

Matawan

89

Neptune

Field Address: Memorial Field, Summerfield School, Neptune Directions: From south - Parkway Exit 100. Take Route 33 east a few miles to Green Grove Road. Turn left onto Green Grove Road, school is just ahead on the left. From north - Parkway exit 100B. Follow rest of directions from above.

Ocean Township

Field Address: 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township Directions: Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West Park Avenue, school is a half mile on the right.

Raritan

Field Address: 419 Middle Road, Hazlet Directions: From north - Parkway exit 114. Make a left off the exit onto Red Hill Road, which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turn left, school is on the right. From south - Parkway Exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road, which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turn left, school is on the right.

Red Bank Regional

Field Address: 101 Ridge Road, Little Silver Directions: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to end to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. School is one and a half miles on right.

Field Address: 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township Directions: Take Route 9 to Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524).

Go west on Route 524. School is one mile ahead on left.

Field Address: 450 Atlantic Avenue, Aberdeen Directions: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the Parkway.

Before toll booth, turn right on Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At next light, turn right on Church Street. At next light, turn right on Atlantic. School is just ahead on the right.

Howell

Mater Dei

Field Address: Count Basie Field, Henry Street, RB Directions: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Henry Street - Red Bank Volvo is n the corner. Turn left, field entrance is just ahead on the left.

Middletown North

Field Address: 74 Ridge Road, Rumson Directions: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. After about three miles, Harding becomes Ridge Road. Pass Red Bank Regional High School and go about three more miles. Rumson-Fair Haven will be on the left.

Freehold Township

Field Address: 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell Directions: Route I-195 west to Lakewood-Farmingdale exit for Route 547 west (toward Farmingdale). Go about 200 yards to Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, turn left. School is about two miles on left.

Holmdel

Field Address: 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel Directions: Parkway exit 114. Go west on Red Hill Raod. At first intersection, turn right onto Crawfords Corner Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on the right.

Keansburg

Field Address: 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg Directions: Parkway exit 114. Turn right off ramp onto Red Hill Road. At first light, turn left onto VanShoik Road. VanSchoik becomes Laurel Avenue. Take Laurel across Route 35 to Route 36.

Turn right on Route 36 and take to jughandle left turn for Main Street. At first light, turn right onto Port Monmouth Road. School is down on the right.

Keyport

Field Address: Jackson Street, Keyport Directions: Parkway exit 117. Take Route 35 south and bear left onto Route 36 south. Take jughandle left onto Atlantic Street. Turn right on Jackson Street and go two blocks. Field is at the end of the street.

Field Address: 538 Church Street, Middletown Directions: Parkway exit 114. Turn right on Red Hill Road, follow to end. Turn left onto Kings Highway, and right on Harmony Road, Take Harmony Road across Route 35 and turn right on Cherry Tree Farm Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on left.

Field Address: 63 Tindall Road, Middletown Directions: Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road and follow to end. Turn right onto Kings Highway. Make a right and follow to Route 35 south to the jughandle for Tindall Road.

Take the jughandle and then make a right to Tindall Road. The school will be a half mile on right.

Middletown South

Field Address: 501 Nutswamp Road, Middletown Directions: Parkway exit 114. Go east on Red Hill Road to light for Dwight Road. Turn right on Dwight Road to MiddletownLincroft Road. Cross Middletown-Lincroft Road to Nutswamp.

School is a half mile on the right.

Monmouth Regional

Field Address: 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton Falls Directions: Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at first traffic light to Hope Road and go north to Tinton Avenue. Turn left on Tinton Avenue and go about half a mile to school entrance on the right, just before Parkway overpass.

Red Bank Catholic

Rumson-Fair Haven

St. John Vianney

Field Address: 540 Road, Holmdel Directions: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the parkway.

Before tollbooth, turn right onto Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At first light, turn left onto Church Street. At next light, turn right onto Line road. School is on left.

Shore Regional

Field Address: Route 36 east, West long Branch Directions: Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles, cross route 71. School is just ahead on the right.

Wall

Field Address: 18th Avenue and New Bedford Road, Wall Directions: Parkway exit 98. Take Route 138 east about two miles to second light, turn right onto New Bedford Road. Follow to school entrance on left.

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