9-6-16 Issue - 15 Volume VIII Shore Sports Networks 2016 Football Preview by Shore Sports Network Journal

Typically if one thinks of alumni from the jersey shore still involved in

featured guest at many comic book conventions, including the New York Comic Con, Big Apple Con and Wizard World.

football more than a decade plus after high school, they would think of the many successful coaches that have come out of the shore. Keansburg's Guy Dorian and Wall's Matt Malleo are both still involved in football in different and interesting ways.

An avid sports fan and great boxer, Dorian never lost his passion for sports. He recently transitioned into sports art and is open and looking for new opportunities. His art is featured on this edition's SSN Football Preview cover and another one of those opportunities may be working with the NFL this season.

Guy Dorian Sr., a Keansburg graduate, is a professional artist, who has been involved in the illustration and comic book industry for over 25 years. Working with great companies, such as Marvel, DC and the newest XMEN: APOCALYPSE, he has been a

If you are interested in hiring Guy for sports or non-sports related art, he can be contacted at doriansrart@gmail.com

Matt Malleo

o f W a l l , who was a 1st Team All Shore Safety in 2004, has another interesting football related business. Malleo owns and runs OT Football, our special cover illustration sponsor for this special football preview edition. OT Football has helped set the Shore on fire for full pads alumni football. 12 Shore teams have participated in the community events that double as charitable fundraisers including; Wall, Manasquan, Middletown North and South, Howell, Long Branch, Red Bank Regional, Lacey, Central Regional, Keyport and Keansburg. Four of the games attracted large crowds of over 1,500 fans, highlighted by Keansburg's win over Keyport, which drew 3,000 fans! The passion and trend seems to be growing with Pinelands, Southern Regional, Matawan, St John Vianney, Hightstown and South River all scheduled to play as well. If you are interested in having a full pads alumni football game with your home team against your rival, you can contact Matt Malleo and OT Football at www.otfootball.com or (732) 492-3018.

The first thing fans, players, coaches & 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 Web Site 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) & Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.

KevinWILLIAMS

S h o r e S p o r t s N e t w o r k Director k ev i n . w i l l i a m s @ t ow n s q u ar em ed i a. c om

SteveMEYER

Shore Sports Network Director High School Division

Thursday, 7-8pm on 105.7 The Hawk,

www.1057thehawk.com & www.shoresportsnetwork.com. The only weekly radio and online show that covers Ocean and Monmouth 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 each week the show features players, coaches and a preview of upcoming games.

s t ev e. m e y er @ t ow n s qu a re m ed i a. c om 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

Senior Content Providers 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

Feature Story Class B North SSN Top Ten ..................... Page 8 New Faces in New Places ...... Page 10 Class A North ............................. Pages 12 - 20 Colts Neck Freehold Freehold Township Howell Manalapan Marlboro Neptune In: Neptune, Colts Neck Out: Middletown North, Middletown South

Class A Central

......................... Pages 21 - 29

Class A South

............................ Pages 30 - 64

Brick Brick Memorial Central Jackson Memorial Southern Toms River East Toms River North Toms River South In: Central Out: Lacey

............................. Pages 46 - 64

Long Branch Manasquan Middletown North Middletown South Ocean Red Bank Catholic Wall In: Middletown North, Middletown South, Manasquan Out: Colts Neck, Neptune, Red Bank

Class B Central

......................... Pages 66- 75

Asbury Park Keansburg Keyport Mater Dei Prep Point Beach Shore

Class B South

Holmdel Matawan Monmouth Regional Raritan Red Bank Rumson-Fair Haven St. John Vianney In: Red Bank Out: Manasquan

.............................Pages 48 - 50

............................ Pages 76 - 88

Barnegat Donovan Catholic Jackson Liberty Lacey Lakewood Manchester Pinelands Point Boro In: Lacey Out: Central

Week-by-week Shore Conference Schedule ....... Page 91 Monmouth County Field Directions ................... Page 92 Ocean County Field Directions ........................ Page 94

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ith the Shore Conference football season about to get underway it’s time for a yearly staple that always incites plenty of debate and is sure to go up in smoke in about five minutes: the Shore Sports Network preseason top 10 rankings. The Shore Conference has six returning sectional champions for the second straight season and several more teams that should be in the running for championships, so the conference looks to have great depth. Middletown South went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team in the Shore last season and begins the season at No. 1 yet again. It’s the Eagles’ spot until someone proves otherwise.

Good luck to all the Shore Conference teams this season.

M iddletown S outh

The Eagles went 12-0 last season and won the North 2, Group IV state title for their 10th sectional title in program history, finishing as the No. 1 team in New Jersey. Despite the loss of standout two-way player James McCarthy to a season-ending knee injury and the graduation of several key starters, Middletown South returns a ton of talent as it looks to defend its crown. Running backs Maxx Imsho and Samson Dube and wide receivers Jeremy Joyce and Jeff Lewandowski lead an offense that also returns experienced linemen Michael Wilson, Will Gulick, Adam Markmann and Robert Burke. Their customary shutdown defense is spearheaded by senior linebacker Kevin Higgins, junior lineman Jake Krelin plus Gulick and Imsho. The Eagles move to Class B North this season and have nondivisional games against Toms River North, Rumson-Fair Haven and St. John Vianney, so the schedule is loaded. First game: The Eagles travel to Count Basie Field to take on Red Bank Catholic in a Class B North showdown on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

To m s R i v e r N o r t h

The reigning South Jersey Group V champions are loaded up again for a run at another state title as well as the top spot in the Shore Conference. The Mariners have an embarrassment of riches on offense, starting with four-year starting quarterback Mike Husni, a first-team SSN All-Shore selection last season, who is trying to become the first player in Shore Conference history to rush and pass for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. He has a pair of Division 1 wide receivers in Rutgers recruit Bryce Watts and Darrion Carrington, plus senior running back Parker Day has transferred back after spending last season at Manasquan. Junior linebacker Daryn Blackwell is a star in the making on defense and senior Pete Laquaglia leads the way at middle linebacker. This team should be incredibly fun to watch on both sides of the ball and will play in plenty of big games. Did we mention Toms River North and Middletown South play each other in Week Seven? First game: The Mariners host Southern Regional in a Class A South matchup on Friday Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

M analapan

The Braves were expected to take a bit of a step back last season after graduating a ton off the program’s first sectional championship squad, and while Manalapan finished 65 it was seconds away from taking down eventual Central Jersey Group V champion South Brunswick in the sectional semifinals. Its highly-touted sophomore class played great down the stretch and is back this year to lead what should be a dynamic offense and stingy defense. Quarterback Luke Corcione looks ready for a breakout year with plenty of playmakers surrounding him, such as Temple recruit L.J. Holder at wide receiver, fullback Chris Maksimik and tailback Naim Mayfield. Nose guard Mike Cardinale, linebacker Jonathan Pimentel and safety Cody Weiner lead what is usually a top-flight defense. First game: The Braves open the season on the road against district rival Marlboro in a Class A North contest on Saturday.

S t. J ohn V ianney

The Lancers will look much different on offense without current Boston College freshman quarterback Anthony Brown piloting a wide-open, spread offense, but the Lancers will still pack a punch. Former Colts Neck and Holmdel head coach Greg LaCava is now the offensive coordinator under head coach Derek Sininsky, so expect more of a power rushing attack. That fits their personnel well with Rutgers-bound offensive linemen Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty and Villanova recruit Chris Chukwuneke at running back. Replacing Brown at quarterback will be either senior Matt DeGennaro or Edison transfer Haaziq Daniels. First game: The Lancers host rival Matawan in a Class A Central game on Friday Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

The Lions are coming off consecutive winning seasons for the first time in 19 years and have high expectations despite playing in one of the Shore’s most stacked divisions. Senior quarterback Donald Glenn and senior wide receiver Brendan Kube, the conference’s leading receiver last year, form one of the area’s top duos. Junior running back Connor Welsh was great in filling in for injured starter Chad Freshnock, now at Bucknell, last season and should be a top back. Senior defensive back Dwight Wilkerson, senior tackle Jake Goldfarb and senior linebackers Nick Kish and Brock Zenker lead the defense. First game: The Lions open the season with a nondivisional game at Neptune, which switched spots with Middletown North going from Class B North to Class A North, on Friday Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

J a c k s o n M em o r ia l

The Blue Devils have won 20 straight games and, like No. 5 Jackson Memorial, are trying to join a select group of Shore Conference programs that have won three straight state titles. A host of major contributors graduated, but the cupboard is far from bare. Senior Matt Pennell returns at quarterback with senior running backs Josh Campi and Mark Russo, and senior lineman Mike Devine leading the offense. Senior linebacker Paul Christopher, junior lineman Mike Rosati and Pennell at safety lead a defense that has been among the best in the conference over the last few years. Several underclassmen, such as sophomore Gil Goldsmith, could made an immediate impact. First game: The Blue Devils open the defense of their titles at Asbury Park on Friday Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.

R um s o n- F a ir H a v en

The Bulldogs can become just the third Shore Conference program to win four straight NJSIAA state titles this season, joining Manasquan and Middletown South. Jerry Schulte takes over for Brian Batchler as head coach, but Rumson shouldn’t miss a beat with its longtime defensive coordinator now at the helm. Colgatebound senior quarterback Mike O’Connor, senior running back Matt Veccharelli and senior lineman Tim Leonard lead the way on offense. UMass recruit Mike Ruane, a first-team All-Shore linebacker last season, leads a defense that also features standout defensive tackle Liam Adams and three-year starting safety Mike Murdock, another first-team All-Shore player. First game: It will be a battle of returning state champs in Week One as the Bulldogs host Central Jersey Group II champs Raritan in a key Class A Central game on Friday Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.

S hore

In winning back-to-back Central Jersey Group IV titles in impressive fashion the Jaguars have earned plenty of respect from us here at Shore Sports Network. Considering the surprising run they went on last season to win another championship, they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt. That’s not to say Jackson doesn’t return key players. They bring back two-time, first-team All-Shore running back Mike Gawlik and an experienced offensive line. Senior quarterback Dan Barker also returns as the Jaguars try to become the sixth Shore Conference program to win three straight NJSIAA state titles. First game: The Jaguars start their season against crosstown rival Jackson Liberty in a nondivisional game on Friday Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.m history.

M id d l et o w n N o r t h

B rick

T o w ns h i p

The Dragons had an outstanding defense last season that led the way to an 8-2 record and a share of the Class A South division title. In a reversal of last year, Brick now comes into the season having to replace key linemen on both sides of the ball, but with several returning skill players. Senior wide receiver Ja’Sir Taylor, a Temple recruit, leads a group that includes running backs Jay Obenauer and Rashan McCall, receiver John Prato and quarterback Anthony Costanza. Seniors Jack Finelli on the line and Dean Helstowski at linebacker lead what is usually a ferocious unit. First game: One of the Shore’s most intense rivalries commences in Week One when the Dragons travel to Brick Memorial on Saturday Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.

O c ea n

Other teams to watch: Red Bank, Raritan, Freehold Township, Neptune, Mater Dei Prep, Brick Memorial & Red Bank Catholic

The Spartans have reached the Central Jersey Group III semifinals three years in a row but have failed to reach the sectional final, so they have a chip on their shoulders entering the season. Ocean also has one of New Jersey’s best quarterbacks in University of Pittsburgh recruit Kenny Pickett. He’ll team with senior wide receiver Joey Aldarelli to form a dangerous combination. Senior Anthony Tedesco steps in at running back and is also the leader of the defense at middle linebacker. Ocean will be tested weekly in Class B North, but has the goods to make a run at the division title and finish the job in the state playoffs. The Spartans began their season with a 42-7 nondivisional victory over Monmouth Regional.

very year the Shore Conference has countless football players who light it up on Friday and Saturday during the football season, bringing crowds to their feet and giving us plenty of video highlights and topics to write about. This season is no different, with several players already committed to FBS schools and several other standouts looking to cement their high school legacies. Here are some of the top players in the Shore Conference and ones you should make a point to see in person.

Q UARTERBACKS

O ffensive/ D efensive L inemen

MIKE HUSNI, Sr., QB, Toms River North

MICAH CLARK, Sr., OL/DL, St. John Vianney

A top-10 highlight waiting to happen, Husni comes off a year where he threw for over 1,400 yards and ran for 1,240 yards while accounting for 31 total touchdowns in leading the Mariners to the South Jersey Group V title. A first-team All-Shore pick last year, Husni can become the first quarterback in Shore Conference history to run and throw for over 1,000 yards each in three straight seasons. n DONALD GLENN, Sr., QB, Middletown North n MIKE O’CONNOR, Sr, QB, Rumson-Fair Haven n GEORGE PEARSON, Jr., QB, Mater Dei Prep n KENNY PICKETT, Sr., QB, Ocean

The No. 2 recruit in all of New Jersey as rated by NJ.com, Clark is a punishing lineman on both sides of the ball who is verbally committed to Rutgers University. He was a first-team SSN All-Shore player last season as well as the Class A Central Defensive Player of the Year.

R Unning B ACKS MIKE GAWLIK, Sr., RB/DB, Jackson Memorial Among the top all-around players in the Shore and one of the best to ever suit up for the Jaguars, Gawlik returns to lead Jackson Memorial in its quest for a third straight Central Jersey Group IV title. A two-time SSN All-Shore selection, Gawlik has rushed for over 2,700 yards and scored 38 touchdowns in his career. n n n n

MIKE BICKFORD, Sr., RB/DB, Central CHRIS CHUKWUNEKE, Sr., RB/LB, St. John Vianney TONY THORPE, Jr., RB/LB, Brick Memorial ASHANTE WORTHY, Jr., RB/LB, Freehold

W ide R eceivers/ T ight E nds EDDIE LEWIS, Sr., WR, Mater Dei Prep An FBS recruit who has narrowed his top three to Indiana, Rutgers and Syracuse, Lewis has blazing speed and is a terror in the open field. With former Matawan star George Pearson now at quarterback for the Seraphs, Lewis could have a monster year.

n n n n n n n

JOEY ALDARELLI, Sr., WR/DB, Ocean DARRION CARRINGTON, Sr., WR/DB, Toms River North ANTHONY LOTTI, Sr., WR/DB, Freehold Township BRENDAN KUBE, Sr., WR, Middletown North ADI PALMER, Sr., WR/DB, Lakewood JA’SIR TAYLOR, Sr., WR/DB, Brick BRYCE WATTS, Sr., WR/DB, Toms River North

n NASIR DARNELL, Sr., DL, Red Bank Catholic n WILL GULICK, Sr., DL, Middletown South n JOSH LEZIN, Jr., DL, Lakewoodh

Linebackers MIKE RUANE, Sr., LB, Rumson-Fair Haven A University of Massachusetts recruit, Ruane led the Shore in tackles last season with 153 while registering six sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown as Rumson won its third straight state title. He’ll again lead a Bulldogs defense that figures to be among the Shore’s best.

n RYAN DICKENS, Sr., LB, Raritan

n KEVIN HIGGINS, Sr., LB, Middletown South n PETE LAQUAGLIA, Sr., LB, Toms River North

n JOE MIELE, Jr., RB/LB, Southern n CHRIS OUTTERBRIDGE, Sr., LB, Red Bank n DARYN BLACKWELL, Jr., LB, Toms River North n MARVIN PIERRE, Sr., LB, Mater Dei Prep

Defensive backs

Others to Watch

n Robert Burke, Sr., OL, Middletown South n Nick Kish, Sr., LB, Middletown North

n Jake Krelin, Jr., DL, Middletown South n Cody Weiner, Jr., DB, Manalapan

n Cameron Caorsi, Sr., RB, Marlboro

n Tim Leonard, Sr., OL, Rumson-Fair Haven n Andrew Conzo, Sr., OL, Matawan n Matt Thompson, Sr., DL, Raritan n Marc Carnivale, Sr., QB, Raritan

n Casey Pachucki, Sr., QB, Monmouth

n Joe Hurle, Jr., OL, Jackson Memorial

n Zack Lubertazzi, Sr., LB, Jackson Memorial n Kahmar Rice, Sr., WR, Neptune n Mike Andrejco, Sr., OL, Wall

n Marvin Morgan, Sr., RB/DB, Neptune

n Connor Kells, Sr., WR/DB, Point Beach

n Luke Frauenheim, Jr., QB, Point Beach

n Calvin Simmons-Carter, Sr., OL, Asbury Park n Zyhier Jones, Jr., QB, Lakewood

n Brennan Richardson, Jr., RB, Pinelands n Hayden Frey, Sr., WR/DB, Point Boro n Denis Corbin, Sr., TE/LB, Central n Mike Rosati, Jr., Shore, DL,

Maxx Imsho, Sr., RB/DB, Middletown South A safety with a linebacker’s mentality, Imsho was a huge reason the Eagles had the No. 1 defense in the Shore last year and finished as the No. 1 team in the state. He led the Shore with seven interceptions last season while also making 46 tackles, four pass breakups and two defensive touchdowns. A first-team AllShore pick last season.

n SEAN LARKIN, Sr., DB, Wall n MIKE MURDOCK, Sr., DB, Rumson-Fair Haven

n MATT PENNELL, Sr., QB/DB, Shore n DWIGHT WILKERSON, Sr., DB, Middletown North

he Shore Conference welcomes nine new head coaches this fall, although four have occupied that spot before and another has had great success out of state. J er r y Sc h ult e

RFH

A Shore Conference fixture for the better part of three decades, Schulte moves from defensive coordinator to head coach as the Bulldogs go for their fourth straight NJSIAA sectional championship. Schulte has been Rumson’s defensive coordinator since 2005 where he has been a part of all four of Rumson’s state championship teams. His defenses are routinely among the best in the Shore and have an outstanding postseason resume. Schulte was the head coach at Mater Dei from 1980 through 1984, and was Wall’s head coach from 1990 - 1999. He was also an assistant at Monmouth Regional from 2000 through 2004.

J ef f Ra i nes s

Ju st in Fum a ndo

Holmdel As the fourth head coach in four seasons at Holmdel, Rainess is looking to bring stability to a program that last had a winning season in 2007. A player and graduate of Morris Knolls High School in Morris County, Rainess begins his first season as a head coach at the varsity level. He was an assistant at Mater Dei Prep last season.

J ay Gr a ha m

keyport After two seasons away, Graham returns to his roots at the high school he played at and coach at for nearly two decades. Graham played under hall of fame coach Mike Ciccotelli and was then an associate head coach and defensive coordinator for the Red Raiders for 12 seasons. He was Holmdel’s head coach in 2014 and was an assistant at Lakewood last season.

Central

Fumando takes over a Central program that has enjoyed a resurgence over the past few seasons, and brings with him a winning tradition from his days at Manalapan. Fumando was an assistant at Manalapan for seven seasons, including most recently being the Braves’ defensive coordinator when they won the 2014 NJSIAA Group V title. He is a 2000 graduate of Middletown North and played collegiately at Kean University.

Tom T ar ve r

Donovan Catholic After 12 years away from coaching, Tarver has returned to the Shore Conference to lead the Griffins. He was previously the head coach at Manalapan from 2000 through 2003, guiding the Braves to their first sectional final in 2003. Tarver was a three-year starter at quarterback for Jackson Memorial in the mid-1980s and went on to play at Rutgers where he was a two-year starter.

Dino Ma ngi er o

Mater Dei Prep

Mangiero comes to the Shore Conference from Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn where he had massive success at the small school while also sending numerous players to the FBS level. A Rutgers Football Hall of Fame member, the 57-year old Mangiero starred for the Scarlet Knights as a defensive lineman from 1976-1979. He played six seasons in the NFL with stints in Kansas City, Seattle and New England. He was Poly Prep’s head coach from 1995 through 2001 and again from 2006 through 2015. He has also coached at Indiana University and Wagner College.

F ra nk Edge r ly

RBC

Edgerly returns to his alma mater and the place he also coached for 10 seasons after spending seven years in the NFL. Edgerly was previously the Caseys head coach from 1999 through 2008, compiling a 54-43 record and winning three Shore Conference divisional titles. He set the foundation for a program that has been among the Shore’s best for over a decade. Since leaving the RBC sidelines following the 2008 season, Edgerly spent time at Rutgers, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Vanderbilt University in various positions. A 1990 graduate of RBC, he quarterbacked the Caseys to their first division title in 1989.

Ma tt Ci l ent o

Cilento was elevated from defensive coordinator to head coach following the June resignation of Sean Henry, and takes over a program that is coming off a season in which it won a Class B South cochampionship. Under Cilento’s direction, the Panthers have finished in the top 10 in the Shore Conference in scoring defense each of the past two seasons. A 1997 graduate of Colonia High School in Middlesex County, Cilento was a three-sport star and an all-county football player. He is also an assistant for Point Boro’s baseball team.

P t. B o r o

K yl e Sa ndbe rg

Toms River East

Another former defensive coordinator who has moved up in the coaching ranks, Sandberg takes over for Charlie Diskin at his alma mater. Sandberg had been the Raiders’ defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. He is a 2004 graduate of Toms River East and was a star defensive back when the Raiders went 18-3 from 2003-2004. He was a three-year starter at safety for Division II Southern Connecticut State. He takes over a program that has not had a winning season since 2009 and has won just two games over the past two seasons.

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Co n ta c t : S te v en M ey e r 7 32- 2 33- 4 4 6 0 10

s t ev e . me y e r@s h o re s po r ts n e tw or k . c om /

Fri Sept. 16

Lacey

Point Boro

(7pm)

Fri Oct. 7

T.R. East

T.R. North

Fri Sept. 23

Brick Memorial

T.R. South

(7pm)

Fri Oct. 14

T.R. North

Jackson Mem. (7pm)

Sat Sept. 24

Brick

T.R. North

(7pm)

Fri Oct. 21

Jackson Mem.

T.R. East

(7pm)

Fri Sept. 30

Saint John Vianney at

Brick

(7pm)

Fri Oct. 28

T. R. South

T.R. North

(7pm)

Fri Nov. 4

TBD

Thr Nov. 24

Wall

Manasquan (11am)

NJSIAA Playoffs

(7pm)

TBD

Schedule is subject to change

All games to be broadcast on News Talk Radio & streamed live at

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Saturday 9/17 Friday 9/23 Saturday 10/1 Friday 10/7 Saturday 10/15 Saturday 10/22 Saturday 10/29 Saturday 11/5

@Howell Freehold Twp @Long Branch Marlboro @Manalapan @Freehold boro Central Reg Monroe Neptune

coaching staff Head Coach:

Darian Barnes, 3rd season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 3-9

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Kevin Gaul (Def. Coordinator), Matt Finnucane (Special Teams/DL), Ross Dickerson (QB/WR/DB), Mike Orlando (OL), John Conaghan (TE/FB), Chris Leroy (RB), Vince Tessi (Freshman), Mike Dragonetti (Varsity Assistant)

2 0 1 5 R e c o r d : 2-8 (1-5 in B North)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Vinny Gargiulo, OL/LB Not only will Gargiulo have to help fill a void in the linebacking corps, but it is a void left by another Gargiulo – older brother Nick. On the bright side, he is an experienced varsity player and combined with Barsky, will form a standout linebacker duo.

-FA C TO R : Line Play Hayden Volk has more reps under his belt heading into the year and should work well with the other skill players on the roster. For it to work, Colts Neck will have to be a more physical team, which starts up from with more experienced offensive and defensive lines. G LU E GU Y: Steven Barsky, RB/LB Barsky likely won’t put up big numbers on offense as a fullback, but he had more than 100 tackles as a linebacker last year and when he does line up in the backfield, he can clear the way in the running game and pick up a hardearned yard when needed. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Tom Clark, C The transfer from Red Bank Catholic will slide into the starting lineup as the team’s center, boosting the Cougars front line while giving them some more comfort playing in the shotgun.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Oct. 1 vs. Marlboro Both Colts Neck and Marlboro finished at the bottom of their respective divisions last year and both have state playoff designs in 2016. As always, the games prior to this one could make or break the season as well, but it’s possible one of these teams comes out of this game in prime playoff position.

Defending the Den By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

n the first full season under the direction of head coach Darian Barnes, the Colts Neck football team began to develop an identity, although it wasn’t necessarily the identity one might expect a team to have when its head coach learned under offensive gurus like New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and former Tampa Bay Bucs coach Jon Gruden. Last year, Colts Neck showed signs of an airtight defensive unit that, according to many of the Cougars players and coaches, was slowed down only by its own offense. Not only could the Cougars not score enough to make their efforts on defense hold up – Colts Neck averaged just 5.7 points per game and was shut out in five of its 10 games – but the defense wore down from spending so much of games on the field. “We were down 2-0 to Red Bank in the third quarter last year and ended up giving up four touchdowns,” senior receiver Matt Volk said. “When your offense isn’t really moving the ball and the defense is on the field that long, there is only so much you can do.” With so much of last year’s promising defensive unit back, the Cougars have their eyes on going from decent to dominant on the defensive side and the offense is part of the plan. Barnes, who played on the Bucs’ 2002 Super Bowl Championship team and finished his career with Payton and the Saints in 2008, is an offensive-minded coach who is using much of the principles and playcalling that he learned at his final stop with Payton. Although the offense did not take off in Barnes’s first season a year ago, he expects this year to be different. This year, Barnes will be assuming play-calling duties for a team with more size and experience than last year’s group. “Playing in the NFL as long as I did, you develop a certain way of thinking about things and there is way you want everything to look,” Barnes said. “I had an idea of having somebody calling the plays while I kind of oversaw everything. Part of it was I didn’t know how much I could put on (the players’) plates and it’s always a process figuring out what they can handle and what might be a little over their head. “It’s to the point now, though, where I know the players we have, I have good idea what they can do and I think they are ready to try some things out this year. We need to start making plays and hopefully we can put them in position to do that.” As far as making plays goes, the onus will be on senior Hayden Volk, who is entering his first full season as the starting quarterback after taking over in the middle of last season. Colts Neck loses an athletic playmaker in Jordan deGroot from a year ago, but return a handful of quality receivers and an entire stable of running backs to go with Volk. Matt Volk and Bryce Campbell will be two key playmakers in the passing game, as well as the two starting safeties on defense. Senior Craig Lea is also in line for playing time and junior Jason Kauffman has the inside track at tight end. “Coach Barnes is showing a lot more trust in us this year,” Hayden Volk said. “He’s giving us more options, he’s letting us audible into plays we think will work better, he’s letting the o-line make calls. So far, I think guys on the offense are responding.” Senior Carmen Catena returns as the starter at running back and fellow senior Liam Abujawdeh will once again complement him as the other tailback. Senior Steven

( l - r ) S r ’ s . s t e v e n b a rs k y , C a r m e n C at e n a , v i n n y ga r g i u l o , H ayden V olk, M att V olk, Liam Abujawdeh & Bryce Campbell Barsky will play fullback when the formation calls for it and will man a linebacker position as well. The key to Colts Neck’s offense may lie in its offensive line, which generated the most praise from the players and coaches as the most improved part of the roster. Senior left tackle Ligouri Fankhauser, senior and junior guards Scott Wetzel and Evan Imbesi all earned starting spots last year and will return to the trenches for the Cougars. Senior center Tom Clark transferred from Red Bank Catholic and will jump on board and the final tackle spot will go to the winner of a competition between senior Danny O’Connor and juniors Chris Harrigan and James Rosciano. “Our o-line is really starting to come together,” Fankhauser said. “Last year we struggled, but everyone’s a year older and we know where our strengths and weaknesses are. I think the message from the coaches has been consistent now for a couple years and guys are finally getting confident with everything.” An offense that can at least move the chains and put an extra touchdown on the board will give the defense a chance to thrive. Barsky and senior Vinny Gargiulo will lead the group as linebackers, with junior Derek Victor filling the third linebacker spot. In the secondary, Abujawdeh and junior Shawn Scully will work the cornerback spots with Matt Volk and Campbell at the two safety spots. The defensive line will feature a rotation, with Fankhauser, Wetzel, Harrigan and Jason Kauffman also playing the defensive side of the ball as well. Senior Joe Giacalone and junior Justin Fruscione will also see time as part of the front four. While the personnel is all in place, the focus for the group is to force more turnovers to help itself get off the field and also create easier scoring opportunities. “I think the one area we can improve on is turnovers,” Barnes said. “We were a solid team when it came to getting after the ball and making the tackle, but we never

took the ball away. When you don’t force turnovers, it puts a lot of pressure on the defense to keep making stops and making plays and when the offense isn’t really doing its part, it’s only a matter of time before you break.” To a man, the Cougars all see themselves as a team with a potentially stifling defense that will look to hit the big play more often on offense while also keeping that defense on the bench for more of the game. “Last year, it felt like we were on the field for 75 percent of the game,” Gargiulo said. “If the offense moves the ball and puts some points on the board, it’s just going to make our defense that much better.” Even if Colts Neck can just become either a big-play offense or one that grinds out first downs and possession, the defense should have a much easier time reaching its potential. “I really believe that coach (Kevin) Gaul is one of the best young defensive minds I’ve been around,” Barnes said of his defensive coordinator. “He has a great understanding of both sides of the ball and how to put guys in the right position to be successful.” “We’re so much more aggressive,” Matt Volk said. “Coach Gaul is just calling everything right now because he knows we can handle any call in any situation. I know he feels like with everybody back and with the way we’re playing, there’s no reason we can’t be a top-five defense in the Shore.” Part of Colts Neck’s new outlook is a move into Class A North, which takes power programs from a year ago like Red Bank Catholic, Ocean and Red Bank Regional off the schedule. Although the schedule is different this season, Colts Neck will once again open its season against Howell, which is now a divisional match-up. The Rebels edged the Cougars, 20-13, in last year’s opener. “Our senior leadership has really stepped up more this year than the other years I’ve been here,” Matt Volk said. “I think just having the expectation to succeed has made a big difference.”

2016 Schedule Friday - 9/9 Saturday - 9/17 Friday - 9/23 Saturday - 10/1 Friday - 10/7 Saturday - 10/15 Saturday - 10/22 Friday - 10/28 Saturday - 11/5

@Freehold Twp Howell @Neptune Manalapan @Monroe Colts Neck @Marlboro @Edison Long Branch

coaching staff Head Coach:

Dave Ellis, 6th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 20-30

A s s i st a n t C o a c h es : Jason Blum (OL), John Kinzel (DL), Matt Whalen (RB/DB), Mike D’Antonio (WR/OLB), Mike Stoia (Freshman), Dallas Clem (Freshman), Mike Stehle (Athletic Trainer)

2015 Record: 6-4 (4-2 in A North)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO FIL L: Joe Krauss, QB Jake Curry was a two-year starter at quarterback and a dual offensive threat, which means not only was he a productive player but also a leader. Krauss has already demonstrated admirable resilience by returning from labrum surgery on his throwing shoulder, and the players have rallied around him.

X -FA C TO R :

Secondary

Quarterback and the secondary are the least experienced aspects of the team, so if Freehold is to have a sound defensive team, bringing along four new starters in the fiveman secondary will be vital.

G LU E GU Y: Markee Gill, WR/LB

Worthy Contenders By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

s someone who had to replace a 1,300-yard running back a year ago, junior tailback Ashanti Worthy knows the value in having another threat in the offense to take the pressure off.

As a sophomore last season, Worthy posted a 1,300-plus-yard season of his own and finished with 13 total touchdowns while replacing All-Shore running back Josh Dixon. Having senior dual-threat quarterback Jake Curry running the offense took some of the pressure off of Worthy and now that the junior tailback is the returning focal point of the offense, he knows his role this year is to do the same for new quarterback Joe Krauss that Curry did for him. “When I was breaking in, the older guys like Josh and Jake were there to help me and show me the right way to do things,” Worthy said. “Now, it’s my time to be one of the veterans and make sure all the younger guys know what to do. (Krauss) is doing a good job and I think he’s going to be able to do a lot of the things Jake did.” “It’s very hard to replace Jake,” Freehold coach Dave Ellis said. “Jake was a heck of a leader, he knew the offense inside and out and he was a good, tough player. The new quarterbacks are intelligent and they have made some really good strides, but it’s a high bar getting to where Jake took the position for us. That’s why it’s a real luxury to have a back like Ashanti because he’s going to cover a lot of those early mistakes and allow those guys to come along at their own pace.” Krauss takes over under center for the Colonials after missing all of last season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right throwing shoulder. The senior spent his junior year on the sidelines watching Curry and learning the concepts of the offense without actually getting to apply them in action. “I spent a lot of time watching Jake and talking to him just to get an idea of what he was doing and how he was thinking,” Krauss said. “It was tough not being able to play, but I just tried to take the opportunity to learn as much as I could from watching.”

Not only is Gill the team’s top receiver heading into the year, but he is also a versatile defensive player in that he can play with his hand in the ground, play a traditional outside linebacker position and also cover in the passing game.

When Krauss returned with a healthy arm this summer, the offense came a lot easier to him – certainly more so than when he was running it with an injured shoulder as a sophomore.

iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Jelan Crooms, WR/DB Harris gives Zbranak another weapon on the outside opposite Ja’Sir Taylor. His presence should relax coverage on Taylor and stretch the defense to create even more running room.

“It’s actually been a lot easier since coming back because the last time I was running this offense, I was playing with a torn labrum,” Krauss said. “I’ve played with a bad shoulder before and now I’m running it with a shoulder that works.”

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 17 at Howell Harris gives Zbranak another weapon on the outside opposite Ja’Sir Taylor. His presence should relax coverage on Taylor and stretch the defense to create even more running room.

Even though Krauss comes in with confidence in himself and from his coaches and teammates in running the offense, having Worthy and a handful of other weapons to lean on will help make the transition easier. Worthy was a significant contributor behind

Dixon as a freshman and was ready to take off as a sophomore last season. Now a junior, the expectations for the hard-nosed runner are even higher. “It’s not any different this year,” Worthy said. “I played both sides as a freshman and a sophomore, so I look at it like I want to keep doing what I’ve been doing. I’m stronger and faster this year, so I think I should rush for more yards than I did last year, but I’m not doing anything different.” “The difference in Ashanti this year is he’s prepared himself,” Ellis said. “He did a great job in the summer weight room and he’s also taken on a leadership role. He’s faster, he’s quicker, but the leadership I’m seeing is what’s encouraging to me.” Freehold also returns senior wide receiver Markee Gill to lead a promising, albeit inexperienced, receiving corps. Sophomores Quincy Davis and Matt Krauss will play out wide, senior Jelan Crooms is ticketed for time as a slot receiver, and senior Travis Sparks will also figure into the picture. Krauss is the younger brother of the quarterback, so there is inherent connection between Joe Krauss and at least one of his receivers.

J r . R B Ashanti W orthy

The line clearing the way for Worthy and protecting Krauss is undergoing a retooling of sorts, although the return of seniors Marki Gill and Nick Eccelston give the Colonials a solid foundation for an effective offensive line. Last year, Gill played one of the guard spots and Eccelston was the center, but Ellis has experimented with both in different spots while trying to find the right mix. Juniors Anthony Arciero and Tyler Bennett, and sophomores Alex Verardi and Zac Wiles are all in the mix for the three open spots. The Gill brothers will man two of the three defensive line spots, with Markee playing defensive end and Marki playing the nose tackle. Juniors Qua’jon Everett and Kenny Tomkovich, senior Reid Osolin and Verardi will all work into the defensive line rotation. Markee Gill also has the flexibility to work into the linebacker level, which will include three returnees in seniors Jared Van Duysen, Xavier Madera and Eccelston. That front six will be a steady influence on a defense that will be young in the secondary, where only Worthy returns at safety. Senior Isaiah Howard and junior Matt DaSilva – who has been competing with Krauss at quarterback – project as the starting

quarterbacks, with Matt Krauss and Crooms earning time at safety spots.

Although Freehold Boro experienced an inconsistent season in 2015 – one what ended with heartbreaking 10-7 loss to Allentown in the Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinals – the Colonials had enough bright spots in 2016 to feel optimistic about their chances to take the next step this season. Although last year’s 6-4 mark fell short of 2014’s 7-3 record, Freehold did knock off Manalapan last season and finished 4-2 in Class A North – good for second place behind unbeaten and No. 1 ranked Middletown South and tied with Middletown North.

“There were some games and some plays last year where we just didn’t execute when we needed to and that’s been a big focus going into this year,” Markee Gill said. “We have to be better at finishing off drives and protecting the ball. That cost us in the state game and if we can be a little more focused, it’s going to make a big difference.” With an already-accomplished back heading into his junior season, a strong defensive front and some potential in the passing game, Freehold has a chance to get over the first-round hump in the playoffs as long as Curry’s absence does not prove too much to overcome. “I don’t think we’re going to be different,” Worthy said. “We’re going to be able to do a lot of the same things that we did last year. We just want to get past the first game of the playoffs and hopefully get to the finals.”

Photos by: Eric Bruan www.ericbraunphotography.com

2016 Schedule Friday - 9/9 Freehold Boro Saturday - 9/17 @Colts Neck Friday - 9/23 Marlboro Friday - 9/30 @Neptune Friday - 10/7 Perth Amboy Friday - 10/14 @Jackson Liberty Friday - 10/21 Howell Friday - 10/28 @East Brunswick Friday - 11/4 @Manalapan

coaching staff Cory Davies, 2 season (23rd overall) C a r e e r R e c o r d : 94-121

Head Coach: nd

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Derek Reichenbecher (def. coord./LB); Gene Blanco (DB); Bill Dague (OL); Dan Shine (DL); Mark Migliori (WR) Andrew Jones (FB); Tom Mandese (WR); Mike Burlew, Kevin Popek (freshmen); Ed Von Nessen (def. asst.); Ryan Davies (off. quality control); Mike Verrochi (special asst.); Tom Martin (DL); Cindy Carter (athletic trainer); Adam Brusotti (S.E.C.A.)

2015 Record: 4-6 (2-4)

At A Glance B IG SHOES TO FILL: Charles Sabbagh, Sr., QB He saw some time last season, but he is now the fulltime starter taking over for Jack O’Brien, who threw for over 2,000 yards last season.

X -FA C TO R :

Defense The Patriots’ offense made a big jump last season, and if the defense can do the same this year they have a great chance of getting back to the playoffs.

G LU E GU Y: Anthony Lotti, Sr., WR/DB A four-year starter on defense and a returning starter at wide receiver, Lotti, a UPenn recruit, is an integral player on both sides of the ball. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Pat Laricy, Jr., WR/DB Laricy is a returning starter on defense, but it’s on offense where he has the potential to be a breakout receiver.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 9 vs. Freehold The Patriots open their season against the rival Colonials in a Class A North game, eager to avenge a loss from last season.

Building on Success By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

In the first season under head coach Cory Davies, Freehold Township reached the playoffs for just the second time in program history and first time in over a decade. Now the question is what can the Patriots do for an encore.

Davies and his ‘Air Raid’ pass-heavy offense brought excitement back to the program and saw the Patriots qualify for the Central Jersey Group V playoffs. Now the challenge is to build on the success of a memorable first season. Freehold Township returns six starters on offense, including quarterback Charles Sabbagh. The senior saw playing time last year when Jack O’Brien was injured, so he has a good understanding of the offense. “It was huge getting that experience last year, and Jack was also a good mentor,” Sabbagh said. “I’m excited for the season.” “The thing about Charles is he’s a student of the game,” said senior wide receiver Anthony Lotti. “He watches more film than anyone I know. He’s very accurate, poised and confident. We can do some good things with him.” Sabbagh will have a deep group of receivers to throw to, led by Lotti, a University of Pennsylvania recruit. Adrian Rybaltowski and Tyrique Hall also return as starting receivers, and Rybaltowski coming off a year where he set the program record for receptions in a season with 44. Seniors Javier Rodriguez, Ryan Zyskowski and Jordan Jones, along with juniors Pat Laricy and Artie Bader will all see time at receiver. Senior Max Nowak returns as the starting running back after leading the team in rushing last season. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder gives the Patriots an inside presence on the ground and is also a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Junior Mike Cenname will be the backup with seniors D’Andre Sanders and Nick Coluccio potentially seeing some time. Seniors Matt Cruz (6-foot-3, 265 pounds) and John Lucas (6-foot-3, 245 pounds) started at guard last season and will move out to tackle this year. Junior Jake White looks to be the starting center with senior Jon O’Brien backing up. Seniors Riley Crowley and James Latona will see time at guard with junior Zach Gonzalez and senior Andrew Higgins. Seniors Henry Gainey, Matt Simpson and Anthony Iacovino will fill in as backups. The Patriots went from scoring 17 points per game in 2014 to 23.4 last year, so the new offense clearly made a difference. With all the players having one year in the system, the expectations have grown. “Coach Davies is really known for his prolific offenses and having a Midas touch with the

(l-r) Sr’s. Max Nowak, Adrian Rybaltowski, A n t ho n y L o t t i & M a t t C r u zi n g quarterbacks, and we saw that last year,” Lotti said. “We’re looking to build off that and we have the players to do it. I think this team is capable of doing great things.” The x-factor for Davies’ teams over the years has been how well the defense plays. His offenses always put up points, and when the defense is solid his teams are usually among the best in the Shore. The Patriots were in the bottom third last season at 24.5 points per game, but they hope a better knowledge of the system along with some new tweaks will help bring that number down. Seven starters are back with 11 total that saw considerable playing time in a 4-2-5 base that will use multiple alignments. Juniors Eric Quartey and Damian Rybaltowski will lead the way from their end positions while Jones, Crowley, Latona and seniors Matt Cruz and John Lucas will be in the mix at defensive tackle and defensive end. Senior Mike Ferdinandi is a returning starter at middle linebacker with fellow senior Javier Castro. Nowak and senior Pablo Loza will also see time at inside linebacker. Cenname and Gonzalez are also in the mix. The outside linebacker/strong safety hybrids are Sanders, a returning starter, and Coluccio, who started one game before suffering a season-ending injury. Adrian Rybaltowski and senior Shawn Poole will also play plenty of snaps, while senior Gabe Goldsmith and junior Kyle Melone will battle for playing time. Lotti returns as the starting safety and is a four-year starter in the secondary. Poole and senior Mike McCormick will also see time.

Laricy and Hall also started games last year in the secondary. Junior Kevin Doherty will be one of the starting cornerbacks with Bader and junior Richie Norton battling at the other cornerback spot. “We’re going to be different defensively this year because of personnel,” Davies said. “We’re not that big up front, so we’ll go back and fourth between a three- and four-man line and use our team speed more.” On special teams, Poole, Adrian Rybaltowski and senior Tyler Schulman are competing for the kicking and punting jobs. Lotti, Hall, Rybaltowski, Laricy and Sanders are the kick and punt returners and O’Brien is the long snapper. Since last season, the Patriots have rallied around their “Seven More Yards” mantra. They were seven yards short of the end zone in a 2114 playoff loss to New Brunswick. It serves as a reminder to go the extra mile to avoid a similar disappointing feeling. “When we think of ‘Seven More Yards’ we think of how close we were,” Lotti said. “It teaches us to finish every single play and to work hard in practice and in the weight room.” “Knowing how close you were, you never want that feeling again,” Sabbagh said. “It makes us work that much harder.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday - 9/9 Colts Neck Saturday - 9/17 @Freehold Boro Friday - 9/23 @MiddleTown North Toms River North Friday - 9/30 Friday - 10/7 Neptune Friday - 10/14 Manalapan Friday - 10/21 @Freehold Twp Friday - 10/28 New Brunswick Saturday - 11/5 @Marlboro

coaching staff Head Coach:

Luke Sinkhorn, 3rd season (8th overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 31-40

A s s i st a n t C o a c h es :

Bob Mussari (OL/LB); Ryan Klusewicz (spec. teams/WR/LB); Joe Migliore (RB/DB); Joe Santopietro (off. coord./QB/DB); Zac Cooper (RB/DL); Sam Iacabone, Shane Baldwin, Matt Wingo (freshmen); Pete Meehan (SECA) Amy Ghione (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 3-7 (2-4)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO FIL L: Ryan Mazik, Jr., WR Mazik steps into a starting role at wide receiver as one of the players replacing Nic Rossi, who was the Rebels leading receiver last season with 424 yards and seven touchdowns.

-FA C TO R : Finishing Strong Howell lost four games by seven points or less with many games being decided in the fourth quarter. If the Rebels can turn that around they have a good chance at flipping their record. G LU E GU Y: Bobby Cavallero, Sr., DE Cavallero has played all over the field on both offense and defense since Sinkhorn arrived three years ago. He’ll start at defensive end this year moving down from linebacker. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Naseim Brantley, Jr. WR The 6-foot-3 target is back from Georgia and gives Morales a big, athletic target in the passing game.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 9 vs. Colts Neck The Cougars are in a similar position in that they are an improving team under a relatively new head coach. Both will be eager to start the season strong.

Ready for Results By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

ith several starters back and some new concepts on offense, Howell looks to turn the corner in its third year under head coach Luke Sinkhorn.

The Rebels finished just 3-7 last year, but a closer look at the schedule reveals a team that lost four games by seven points are less. They know they are close to breaking through and being a contender for a playoff spot and in the Class A North division. “Last year was a tough season finishing 3-7,” said junior quarterback Eddie Morales. “We lost a lot of games by seven points or less. We think this year we will see a change as a program and it will be the year to turn it around and make those losses wins.” Morales started the second half of the season at quarterback and returns to engineer Howell’s run-pass option spread offense. He threw for 560 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore and enters this season looking to refine his game and push the Rebels’ offense forward. “I like to run and be a mobile quarterback, so the spread is my thing,” Morales said. “He’s a three-sport athlete so we feel good about his athleticism and what he can do,” Sinkhorn said. “We feel like the run-pass option makes you a smarter football player because you have to find out what the defense is doing and react to it.” Senior Mekai Gandy returns as the starting running back with junior Nick Chambers also slated to see time. Gandy broke his ankle midway through the season and was a big loss for the Rebels to absorb on both sides of the ball. “We probably missed him more on defense as a good run stopper,” Sinkhorn said. “But we absolutely missed him on offense, so we’re eager for him to be back, and I’m sure he’s eager too.” “I got cleared to start running again in April and right now I feel great,” Gandy said. “I’m just excited to be back.” Senior Dan Cacciatore leads the group of wide receivers, who will be the primary playmakers in the offense. Senior Ean Craig and juniors Pat Handy, Ryan Mazik and Naseim Brantley make up the rest of the receiving corps. Sinkhorn is especially high on Brantley, who transferred back to Howell from Georgia. He is 6foot-3 and 185 pounds and also plays basketball. The offensive line has two returning starters with senior Mike Ioannides at left guard and junior Scott Prendergast at right tackle. Juniors Matt Mazauskas at left tackle, Steve Cannon at left guard and Mark Welsh at center comprise the rest of the offensive line. It will be pass-oriented offense, but not one that entirely forgoes the running game. “I can’t get away from it too much,” said Sinkhorn, a former Manasquan football player. “It’s in my blood.” Howell will run a 4-3 defense with four starters returning. Welsh and Prendergast are the defensive tackles with Ioannides and Cavallero as the defensive ends. Ioannides is a returning starter and Cavallero started at linebacker last season. Moving Cavallero down to the line helps offset the loss of all-Class A North defensive end Noah Powell to graduation.

(l-r) s r . M ekai G randy, J r. Eddie M orales, S r’ s. D an Cacciator e, B o bby Cavallero , C olin M cG rath & M ike I o annides “We’ll definitely miss Noah but I think Bobby is going to give us something special down there and be able to do multiple things,” Sinkhorn said. Senior Pat McGrath is the starting middle linebacker after starting there toward the end of the season. Cacciatore is a returning starter at outside linebacker and is joined by junior Braedon Baldwin. Gandy is the only returning starter in the secondary from his strong safety position, although Mazik played some snaps last year and will now start at free safety. The cornerbacks are Chambers senior Joe Pepe. “With defense it’s all about fundamentals,” Sinkhorn said. “These days it’s all about offenses and it can be hard

to keep up. You have to make sure you are tackling and doing the fundamentals right.” “The key defensively is all the veterans and being able to work together as one,” Cavallero said. Handy returns as the kicker and Ioannides is the punter on special teams. Now that Sinkhorn is in his third season and has been able to implement his systems and change the culture to a more physical style, he’s hoping to see a big improvement. “I think in year two we closed the gap a lot and played a lot of teams close,” Sinkhorn said. “I feel good with this group and what we’re doing.”

2016 Schedule Saturday - 9/10 @Marlboro Friday - 9/16 Southern Friday - 9/23 @Old Bridge Saturday - 10/1 @Freehold Boro Friday - 10/7 Colts Neck Friday - 10/14 @Howell Friday - 10/21 Neptune Saturday - 10/29 @Piscataway Friday - 11/4 Freehold Twp

coaching staff Ed Gurrieri, 10th season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 76-25

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Dan D’Avanzo (off. coord.); Dom Lepore (def. coord./DB); Joe Tetley (OL); Bill Smith Sr. (TE/OLB); Matt Inzirillo (WR); Jim Papcun (WR); Dom Polifron (DL/spec. teams); Billy Smith Jr., John Harrison, Corey DeCastro, Reggie Grant Sr. (freshmen); Shannon Tomasula (athletic trainer).

2015 Record: 6-5 (3-3)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: The Offensive Line A completely new group of starters takes over for arguably the best group of linemen in program history, determined not to miss a beat.

-FA C TO R : The Passing Game Manalapan can always run the ball, and on years when it has a passing game to match it is among the most dangerous and dynamic offenses in the Shore. G LU E GU Y: Cody Weiner, Sr., S A team captain and a big part of the Braves’ defense, Weiner will also handle the kicking and punting duties.

Potential for Greatness By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

analapan entered last season with an new cast of skill players when a huge senior class graduated after leading the program to its first sectional title. The expectations from the outside weren’t nearly as high as the previous four seasons when the Braves reached a sectional final each year, yet a young Braves team was seconds away from beating the eventual state champions in the semifinals. Now, behind a stacked junior class, the Braves are back and ready to reclaim their spot among the Shore Conference’s elite. “I think there’s a foundation that’s been built and ingrained in them, and they know if they do what we tell them to do they have a chance to win,” said Manalapan head coach Ed Gurrieri. The Braves have the talent to be among the best teams in the Shore and compete for a state title one year after going 6-5, a downyear by the Braves lofty standards. Entering the 2015 season, Manalapan had reached four straight sectional finals and compiled a 43-5 record. To get back to their winning ways the Braves will have six starters back in their multiple pro offense and eight in their 3-4 defense. Their are high expectations for junior quarterback Luke Corcione as he heads into his second season as a starter. He was forced to sit the first 30 days of his sophomore year since he earned a varsity letter as a freshman at Red Bank Catholic, but once he became eligible he began to flash his potential. He did that even more when Manalapan won the Shore Conference 7-on-7 championship this summer. “Those 7-on-7s don’t mean anything as far as real football, but it’s an indicator of how good he can be,” Gurrieri said. “We’re excited. The sky’s the limit. He’s a great kid, he’s smart and he’s a real hard worker.” “Luke is a kid that comes out every day to get better and looking to lead the team,” said senior offensive lineman Mike Cardinale. “He’s a great all-around quarterback.” Among Corcione’s targets at wide receiver is Temple recruit L.J. Holder, a senior. He’s joined by two more returning returning starters in juniors Scott Scherzer and Symir Blacknall. The tight end is senior Jonathan Pimentel with

senior Mike Taylor and sophomore Tommy Pearce also in the mix. One of the most important positions on Manalapan’s roster is its fullback, and they have one of the best in the Shore in junior Chris Maksimik, who had 10 touchdowns last season. He’ll look to lead the way for junior Naim Mayfield, who didn’t start last year but saw plenty of time and scored four touchdowns. “Naim can be electric, and I think (Maksimik) is one of the better players in the Shore,” Gurrieri said. “He catches everything, he runs really well and he’s a great blocker. He has a chance to be a special player.” The offensive line features five new starters, but features players that were simply stuck behind a standout unit the last two years. Senior Gage Ciorciari is at left tackle, senior Antonio Scala is the left guard, senior Joe Sicolo is the center, Cardinale is the right guard and junior Trevor Radosevich is the right tackle. “Our O-line coach, Joe Tetley, has been here forever so we’ll be fine there,” Gurrieri said. “These kids are solid players that were really victims of circumstance. They came along at a time where we had probably our best group we’ve ever had.” Manalapan is usually the most balanced team in the Shore, offensively, establishing the run and then using play-action to carve up defenses through the air. The Braves have the personnel to do exactly what they want this season. “That’s our reputation,” Corcione said. “We’ll run the ball, run the ball and then pass it over your head when you’re not ready.” “Run the ball, that’s Manalapan,” Cardinale said. On the defensive side, Cardinale is a

returning starter at nose guard in Manalapan’s 3-4 base. Sophomore Richie Peters saw some time as a freshman and will start at defensive and opposite junior Antonio Deieso. The back seven has the most experience, including a group of linebackers that could be the among the best in the Shore. Pearce started the last four games last season and will pair with junior Sal Tardogno at inside linebacker. Pimentel is a returning starter at outside linebacker and Taylor started eight games last season. The secondary has three returning starters with senior Sean Kinniburgh and Blacknall at cornerback. Senior Cody Weiner is the strong safety and the free safety position will be either junior Eli Avivi or senior Mike Sellmeyer. “When you bring this many guys back on defense it gives you a chance,” Gurrieri said. “It gives the offense a chance to gel and come along, and there won’t be a lot of pressure on them if the defense is getting off the field and getting them the ball back.” Weiner will be the kicker and punter, but the Braves also have junior David Gelb who can handle both. With so much talent and experience coming back this season the Braves know how good they can be. They are staying humble, but aren’t shying away from their ultimate goal. “We have the same expectations as every year,” Cardinale said. “We want to win a state championship and we’ll do whatever it takes to get there.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Richie Peters, So., DE After playing some snaps as a freshman, Peters gets the starting job along the defensive line.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Oct. 21 vs. Neptune The Scarlet Fliers are new to Class A North and also return an experienced group that should have them in the hunt for the division title. This could be the game that decides it.

2016 Schedule Saturday - 9/10 Manalapan Friday - 10/16 @Pinelands Friday - 10/23 @Freehold Twp @Colts Neck Saturday - 10/1 Saturday - 10/8 East Brunswick Saturday - 10/15 @Neptune Saturday - 10/22 Freehold Boro Friday - 10/28 @Toms River East Saturday - 11/5 Howell

coaching staff Head Coach:

Jason Dagato, 4th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 3-27

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Steve Vella (Off. Coordinator/QB), Justin Bloss (Assistant Head Coach/OL), Bob Wietecha (WR), Larry Nikola (RB), Alex Vasilenko (DL), Jim Papalia (Def. Coordinator/LB), Cory Varrial (Freshman), Tyler Palagonia (Freshman), Mark Bramble (Athletic Trainer)

2015 Record: 1-9 (0-6 in A North)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Justin Marcus, WR/DB The graduations of Tyler Tanen and Jake Weiner leave Marlboro without two weapons in the passing game, but the return of Spinello at one wide out and the experience of Wright at quarterback should mean that Marcus can progress at his own pace as he looks to become a complementary target for the Mustangs.

X -FA C TO R :

The Quarterbacks Wright is the starter to open the season, but he is also a capable defensive back who could move to the defensive side of the ball if Wolff is healthy and ready to take the reins on offense. No matter which signal-caller seizes the opportunity, Marlboro will need improved quarterback play to play off of what should be a quality ground attack.

G LU E GU Y: Johnny Helff, RB/LB Helff could probably be a 150-plu carry running back for a lot of teams, but his versatility makes him useful in other spots considering Marlboro has Caorsi and some overall depth at the position. Helff is also the team’s top tackler and its leader on defense. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Nick Babic, LB If Caorsi’s workload is as heavy as it was last year, the Mustangs will need depth at linebacker to allow for him to catch a breather. That will be easier for Dagato to do if Babic continues to play well, which he has done throughout camp, according to his coach.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Oct. 1 at Colts Neck The early part of Marlboro’s schedule is far more forgiving this year than it has been in past years, and the fourth game of the season at Colts Neck could establish the tone for the rest of the season. The Mustangs have every reason to believe they can come out of that week no worse than 2-2, which would be a great position for a team that has won three games over the last three years.

Making Up Ground By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

t m o s t s c h o o l s , a 4 - 6 s e a s o n i s a t h r o w a w a y, b u t t h a t was a banner year in the recent history of the Marlboro football program.

Following the 4-6 campaign of 2012, Jason Dagato took over a program that lost most of its talent from that team and the first-year coach focused his players and staff on building the roster and the players on that roster big enough to compete against the sizable opponents on the schedule. After spending his first three seasons at the helm helping the Mustangs to chip away and grind with little return with regard to wins and losses, the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to flicker after some progress at the end of last year’s 1-9 campaign and with the returning talent on board this year. “The attitude and effort is totally different this year,” junior Johnny Helff said. “It’s funny, because I do remember thinking the same thing last year, and it was better. But I think it just shows that we’re getting better and taking the steps we need to take. We took that step last year and now we’re ready to start winning games.” As much as the positives in camp – attitude, overall team strength, and a deeper roster – reflect Marlboro’s progress, the weaknesses Dagato has been able to pick out do so as well. In prior years, everything needed work and the list of soft spots on which to focus was too long to completely address in one season. Now, Dagato has seen his team’s shortcomings and he and his staff have identified them for the players and are working to correct them. “We have to work on protecting the ball while at the same time, doing a better job of taking it away by making plays on defense,” Dagato said. “Last year, we showed we could have success running the ball, but we gave the ball away too much without taking it back.” That aforementioned running game is back

(l - r) S r. R b / L B . C a m e r an C a o r s i , S r . D E / T E . N ra m d i U n a c h u k w u , S r . F B / L B . R y a n n C a s s i d y in full force for Marlboro, which boasts three experienced, capable running backs to deploy in its pro-style offense. Senior Cam Caorsi enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 by rushing for 1,029 yards and eight touchdowns and will be one of the top backs returning to the Shore Conference this season. Fellow senior Ryan Cassidy will be his lead blocker out of the backfield and will also pick up some production as well – both carrying the ball and in the passing game. “I had a pretty good year last year, but I’ve been working hard to be even better this season,” Caorsi said. “More yards, more touchdowns and trying to get a ring.” Helff is in his third year of varsity action after carving out a prominent starting role for himself as a freshman in 2014. Helff will spell Caorsi at tailback when needed and can move around to different spots in the formation. Last year, Caorsi was one of only four Shore Conference running backs to carry the ball 200 times or more, so while Dagato knows he can ride his horse, he also would like to get players like Helff more involved to

take some pressure off Caorsi. “Johnny is a very versatile kid and he is literally the strongest kid on the team,” Dagato said. “He can run the ball well, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can block for us. He can get some reps at fullback and the tailback. Cameron is a true tailback, but he hits like a Mack truck, so he can play fullback if we needed it. It’s really just finding different ways to get those guys on the field and finding ways to let them help us win ball games.” Marlboro’s 2015 season was immediately beset by chaos when projecting starting quarterback Mike Wolff suffered a seasonending knee injury late in the preseason, forcing Jared Wright into the starting role. Wright settled in over the course of the season and even with Wolff nearing full health, Wright will be the starter to open 2016 with Wolff ready if at any point he better suits Marlboro’s needs. “It’s nice having Jared back with a full season of reps under his belt,” Dagato said.

“We went from last year, having to catch him up on the fly to this year, knowing what to expect and giving him a full camp to get ready to play the position.” The Mustangs are also experienced on the offensive line, with four of the five projected starters returning with starting experience. Senior center Riley Keating is the leader of the group with fellow senior Anthony Mitchell playing guard and juniors Chris Manginelli (tackle) and Anthony Damato (guard) both back as well. Senior Kyle Dade is the new starter in the bunch, as he replaces Joe Leander. If there is one area Marlboro suffered losses, it’s in the receiving corps. The graduations of receiver Tyler Tanen and tight end Jake Weiner are the significant holes heading into the season, but Dagato has seen progress from a handful of younger players from a year ago. Chief among them are senior Ed Spinello and junior Justin Marcus – both of whom bring size to the outside. Spinello is 6-2 and will likely be the primary target in the passing game for Wright, while Marcus is 6-5 and one of the more improved players in camp, according to Dagato. On the defensive side, Marlboro will rely mostly on two-way players, but its tandem of senior defensive ends are defense-only players and promising ones at that. Nnamdi Unachukwu and Justin Cohen will bookend

the defensive line, with Sean Keenan, Damato, Keating and Manginelli working into the rotation of defensive tackles. Caorsi, Cassidy and Helff will be the primary linebackers, with sophomore Nick Babic and senior Paul Wagner also figuring into the rotation. Marcus, meanwhile, is the lone two-way player slated for the secondary, with seniors Mike DiGangi, Gio Lasciandra, Rob Simo all lined up for significant time. One more positive for Marlboro as the season begins is the Mustangs’ schedule. Marlboro squared off against Middletown South, Manalapan and Middletown North in its first three games each of the last two seasons, which buried them in a hole each time. Marlboro will host Manalapan to open this season, then will play Pinelands, Freehold Township, Colts Neck, East Brunswick and Neptune. Last year, those five teams combined for a 14-36 record and none finished better than 4-6. “It would mean everything for these guys on the team to make the playoffs and compete for a state title this year,” Cassidy said. “Coming from a program that not a lot of people expect to do much, even in our own school, it would be really satisfying. We really feel like it’s us vs. everybody.” Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/23 Friday 9/30 Saturday 10/15 Friday 10/21 Friday 10/28 Saturday 11/5 Thursday 11/24

Middletown North Freehold Boro Freehold Twp Marlboro @Manalapan @Sayreville @Colts Neck Asbury Park

coaching staff Rodney Taylor, 3rd season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 12-9

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Brian Duffy (Off. Coordinator), Jeremy Balina (Def. Coordinator), Frank Iachetta (OL), Vincent Iachetta (DL), Michael Seber (QB), Thomas D’Ambrisi (WR), Netanis Bean (Freshman), John Paczkowski (Freshman), Mysonn Ledet (Freshman), Ronald Puryear (Video)

2015 Record: 4-6 (2-4 in B North)

At A Glance B I G S HO E S T O FI L L: Mar vin Morgan & Kahmar Rice, WR/DB While already established, all-division players, Morgan and Rice have every opportunity to be All-Shore level players and will probably have to play like it for the offense to thrive and for the Fliers to re-emerge as a statechampionship contender. With a pair of big-play options, Neptune will be hard to contend with.

-FA C TO R : The Running Game The Fliers look solid at every level, and assuming Fairbanks progresses at the quarterback position, the running game may be the only question, if only because the collection of running backs is unproven. G LU E GU Y: Damien Valentine, OL/DL On top of the athletes at skill positions, Neptune has them on the line with Valentine foremost among them. At 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, he can present problems on both sides of the line. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Malik Ingram, RB Taylor said he doesn’t see himself as a coach who would start a freshman, but Ingram at least has him considering it. With good size for his 5-10 frame, Taylor expects he can handle the speed of the game right away.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 23 at vs. Freehold Boro A slow start to 2015 doomed the Scarlet Fliers, so starting fast will be a primary focus this season. The second week of a season is crucial for any team – either going 2-0 or avoiding an 0-2 start – so a game against a competitive Freehold Boro team will be a huge test for the Fliers, regardless of the week one results against Middletown North.

Re-Tuned

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

t is not likely anyone would blame a second-year head coach for enduring a four-win season with a team that returned only three starters from the previous year, but Neptune head coach Rodney Taylor was defiant in the face of the tempered expectations of 2016.

“I never think I’m going to lose,” Taylor said. “I don’t care who shows up, I always feel like we’re going to find a way to win. I thought guys were going to pick it up quick and we’d be competing for a state title and the whole nine.” Taylor had reason to be confident after an 83 campaign in his inaugural season as Neptune’s head coach, but the lack of experience indeed caught up to the Scarlet Fliers en route to a 4-6 finish. The players appeared to round into form over the course of the season, but a 0-4 start against a loaded schedule was too much to overcome. “It was frustrating and I still think we could have put ourselves in a better position to win some more games and get into the playoffs,” Taylor said. “I don’t think I realized how long it would take for the new guys to fully get what we were doing and then put it to work in the game. I think they started to get it and now that we have most of the team back, it’s like night and day this year compared to where we were at the same point last year.” A 4-2 finish to the season while laying the foundation for 2016 turned out to be the silver lining to last season’s losing record. “The past two years, as freshmen and on jayvee, we started 4-0 so to go backwards like that and start off the complete opposite way was really depressing,” senior two-way lineman Damien Valentine said. “It made you consider how much you really loved the game. “We had a lot of seniors and a lot of people quit during that stretch because they didn’t want to play, didn’t have the heart to play. Coach preaches never quitting and sticking together as a family through tough times and coming out on the other end, and we were able to do that.” The optimism at Neptune for the upcoming season begins with its playmakers on offense – led by receivers Marvin Morgan and Kahmar Rice, who will be catching passes from junior

(l-r)

S r’s. M ar vi n M org an, D am i en V alent i n e, K ahmar R i ce, G ary H o ov er, J r. Chase Fairanks & S r. N aji J orden

Chase Fairbanks. Entering his second season as a starter, Fairbanks gained valuable experience as a sophomore in 2015 and will not only have a better knowledge of the offense, but also a familiarity with Morgan and Rice.

potential is Neptune’s offensive line, which features three standout returnees and plenty of depth. Seniors Naji Jorden, Gary Hoover and Damien Valentine will lead the unit and will also be three of the team’s overall senior leaders.

“Now that I have full command of the offense and I’m the starter, I think there is just a lot more confidence and leadership on my part and the rest of the guys have a lot more confidence in me,” Fairbanks said. “They got me a lot of reps last season because they knew it was going to benefit us this year and I think it has.”

The three senior linemen will also contribute on the other side of the ball, particularly Valentine as a defensive end and Jorden as a defensive tackle. Rice and Morgan, meanwhile, will lead the secondary, with Rice on the corner and Morgan at safety as part of Neptune’s 3-35 base defense. Senior linebackers Leon Hughes, Benjamin Morales and Isaiah Harrington will also be a strength of the defense.

Taylor is also excited about adding seniors Fabrice Bambaata and Jules Calhoun to the receiving corps. Both are basketball players who are playing varsity football for the first time and will add two targets over six feet to the attack. With Fairbanks and the array of receivers in the passing game, the Neptune rushing attack is flying under the radar despite some upside. Senior Ahmad Coleman looks to be next in line but freshman Malik Ingram has opened eyes during the course of camp and has a legitimate shot to become a starter at some point this year, according to Taylor. One of the reasons the running game has

Last year’s season began with four consecutive losses to Ocean, Middletown South, Red Bank Catholic, and Red Bank Regional – including a six-point loss to Ocean on opening night. This year’s slate has a different look to it, with the Scarlet Fliers joining Class A North. Neptune opens the season Friday against Middletown North – the first of three straight home games to open the season. “When you lose 22 starters, you are going to go backwards but we went way backwards,” Valentine said. “This year we’re moving forward a lot faster, which we should.”

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com /

2016 Schedule Friday - 9/9 Friday - 9/16 Friday - 9/23 Friday - 9/30 Friday - 10/7 Friday - 10/14 Saturday - 10/22 Friday - 11/4 Thursday - 11/24

Monmouth Spotswood @Rumson @Red Bank St. John Vianney Manchester @Mater Dei @Matawan @Raritan

coaching staff Head Coach:

Jeff Rainess,1st season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 0-0

A s s i st a n t C o a c h es :

John Principe (Assistant Head Coach/Def. Coordinator/LB), Scott Cannon (DL), John Gazerwitz (DB), Brendan Quinn (WR), Mike Cantelli (RB), Jon Power (OL), Dwight Sheehan (OL).

2015 Record: 1-8 (0-6)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO FIL L: Jeff DeCicco, QB Aneesh Agrawal would have been a three-year starter had he not transferred to Middletown South, so the move to the sophomore DeCicco represents hitting the restart button. On the plus side, the entire program is beginning anew and DeCicco will have an offense that’s build to suit his ability.

-FA C TO R : The Trenches Holmdel returns some experience at the skill positions and will have the potential to make plays on both sides, but the offensive and defensive lines carry some question marks due to lack of experience. The more of those questions the Hornets can answer, the quicker the rebuild moves into the next phase. G LU E GU Y: Johnny O’Beirne A hard-nosed fullback and linebacker, O’Beirne is the kind of player who should thrive from a more physical camp and more aggressive mentality. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Jack Tedeschi, OL/DL A transfer from St. John Vianney, Tedeschi has a chance to contribute on both the offensive and defensive lines right away and will be a key piece in the young foundation of the program.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. xx Bri

In With the New By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

s a high school football player, Jeff Rainess learned the game in a stable program with a continuous message for four year. His first head coaching job will be at a program that has been anything but stable at the head coaching position. In his first season as a head football coach at the varsity level, Jeff Rainess will look to take the lessons he learned playing in Morris Knolls program that has had the same head coach for four decades and apply them to a Holmdel program that is now on its fourth coach in four years.

signal-caller, who replaces an established talent in Agrawal who may have flown under the radar as a capable quarterback on a losing team. Although only a sophomore and only in the Holmdel program for a short while thus far, DeCicco is earning the trust and respect of the coaching staff and the seniors.

Rainess coached as an assistant at Mater Dei Prep last season, but as a resident of Holmdel, he is familiar with the high school and feeder programs and is interested in serving as the coach for the long haul.

“My old coach always said the best time to play a sophomore is when he’s a junior,” Rainess said. “But it is what it is. We have a young group that is here and a lot of those guys give us the best chance, so they are going to play.”

“Coming from Morris Knolls, where they’ve have the same coach for 42 years and a rich tradition, I always had a vision for what I wanted it to look like if I got a chance to run a program,” Rainess said. “It’s definitely a moldable program to where if you come in with a plan and do things your way, you can build something for the long haul. “It drives me that people are counting on me to get this right and it’s something I definitely want to deliver. It’s going to take time and there are going to be losses and growing pains, but I want everyone on this team to know that however long it takes, they are a key part of it. I want these guys coming back after they’ve graduated high school and college and we’re still running the same stuff and talking the same language.” Seniors like Tristan Wong and Vincent Vitiello have seen three other head coaches come and go and while Rainess’s future plans will have little bearing on outgoing players, the veterans on the Hornets like what they have seen so far. “No coach is only planning to stay one year when they are trying to install a culture and a philosophy,” Wong said. “Then you see them leave, and it kind of hurts, but you move on. With Coach Rainess, I feel like he is going to stay because he’s a Holmdel guy and he cares about this town.”

settles into this season, the focus for Rainess and his staff is simply to get the program settled. The constant turnover has created a great deal of uncertainty for the players who have spent three or four seasons in the program and has made prospective players look elsewhere to spend their high school years.

Holmdel returns some experience to the skill positions on offense, as well as in its linebacking corps and secondary. Seniors Tristan Wong and Johnny O’Beirne ( b a c k r o e l - r ) S r. M a t t B ra d y , H C . J e f f R ai n e ss , S r . V i n c e n t V i t i e l l o , form a promising duo in both the S r . S e a m u s W o o d , S r. D a v i d N o o r , S r . T r i t a n W o n g offensive backfield and as inside linebackers on the defense. O’Beirne will play fullback “I like that everyone is getting more committed,” on the offensive side, while Wong handles the primary DeCicco said. “That was definitely one of the tailback duties. Senior David Noor will also be a concerns before, but knowing the coaches and seeing steady contributor at tailback, while sophomore Dean the way the players are putting the work in has made Gallo could also earn some time, according to this a place where I feel like we can have success.” Rainess.

“He know the community and he know about the school and the program and what is needed to fix it. He’s a Holmdel guy, so it’s hard for him to leave. Because we all know where he lives,” Vitiello joked.

Vitiello leads the Hornets’ group of wide receivers, with Byrne and junior Scott DuPont also in the fold. The group has been hard at work with DeCicco as Holmdel attempts to quickly build a formidable passing game.

With the loss of senior quarterback Aneesh Agrawal, who transferred to Middletown South, it may require a long haul for Holmdel to reach the ranks of contenders in a Class A Central division full of them. Fortunately for Holmdel, the Hornets are also welcoming a number of transfers into the program to complement the holdovers from a year ago.

Vitiello, Byrne, Door, DuPont and Gallo are among the players vying for time in the secondary, with Vitiello taking on a leadership role.Putting together an offensive line is among Rainess’s top priorities this season as Holmdel returns only senior tackle Matt Brady to the offensive line. Brady will also play on the defensive line with senior Giacomo Curreri.

Sophomore trio of Jeff DeCicco, Jack Tedeschi and Mack Byrne all enter the program as potential contributors this season as Holmdel looks to build toward the future. DeCicco spent time in the Red Bank Catholic program before transferring back to Holmdel this season. He will step right in and take over at quarterback, while Tedeschi plays on both lines and Byrne looks for time at wide receiver and in the defensive backfield.

Rainess was mum about which base offense and defense he sees the Hornets running this season, but if his experience at Mater Dei Prep – where he coached running backs and linebackers last season – is any indication, Holmdel will be looking to put the ball in the air with DeCicco. The sophomore quarterback himself said only that he is ready to run the plays that his coach calls – whether he is throwing the ball or giving it up.

The focus this year will be on the sophomore

Regardless of what offense and defense Holmdel

If the additions of DeCicco, Byrne and Tedeschi are any indication, Rainess may indeed be offering something of great value to the program. To this point, the young group is buying their new coaches’ plan to build a winning tradition at Holmdel and, more importantly, he will be here to see it through. “These guys have been through this before and they’ve heard it all,” Rainess said. “They’ve had three different guys come in and ask them to prove themselves. I wanted to let them know that I want to prove myself to them. They have put in the work and I know from being around the older guys here that they are going to give me the effort. I want to prove to them that this program deserves their effort.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Saturday 9/24 Saturday 9/30 Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 Friday 10/21 Saturday 10/29 Friday 11/4

@SJV Red Bank @Monmouth @Ocean RFH Raritan Wall @Manasquan @Holmdel

coaching staff Head Coach:

John Kaye, 5th season (10th overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 58-30-1

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es : Jay Bellamy (def. coord./ST); Nick Citro (DL); Ken Mandeville (RB); Scott Davis (WR); Charlie Marsh (LB); Nick Christathakis (OL); Sal Spampanato (QB); Dave Monroe, Nick Vasilenko; Matt Goetz (athletic trainer).

2015 Record: 7-4 (3-3)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO FIL L: Ray Belony, Sr., WR/CB Belony steps into starting positions occupied last season by Shawn Ramcheran, one of the most dynamic players in the conference.

Moving On

By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

n having to replace a two-year starting quarterback, a dominating linebacker and a do-it-all utility player, it will be a season full of change for Matawan just two seasons removed from winning a state championship.

Versatile defensive back Shawn Ramcheran and tackling machine Aliem Shaw have graduated and moved on to Sacred Heart University. Quarterback George Pearson now resides in Class B Central as the quarterback for Mater Dei Prep. Even longtime offensive line coach Sam Turner isn’t with the team. Yet, as much as those losses factor in, the Huskies are ready to move forward with a mix of youth and experience as the program chase its eighth sectional title. Matawan started 0-3 last season, but roared into the playoffs with seven straight wins before falling in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III semifinals to eventual champion Rumson-Fair Haven. Two of the Huskies’ losses came to Rumson, another to Central Jersey Group II champion Raritan and another to Non-Public Group III finalist St. John Vianney. Even with some new starters at key positions, the Huskies should once again be a title contender within Class A Central and in the state playoffs. A silver lining of Pearson being hurt to start last season and now no longer playing at Matawan is senior quarterback Jake Burlew comes into this season with valuable experience. Burlew was thrust into the starting role without much notice last season, and played the first three games. Now with an entire offseason to prepare he’ll be ready to command Matawan’s multiple spread offense.

-FA C TO R : Jake Burlew, Sr., QB The Huskies should have a strong running game with Derrick Wiley and an experienced offensive line, so if Burlew can be steady at quarterback, especially in the passing game, Matawan’s offense won’t miss a beat.

“The coaches have prepared me well,” Burlew said. “The past three preseason games I’ve been getting a lot of reps and I’ve got the playbook down better this season. Last year I got thrown into it and was just going off what L.C. (Pearson) did. Now they have me running what I’m comfortable with.”

G LU E G UY: Derrick Wiley, Sr., RB/LB

“He’s a different kind of quarterback so we’ll have a different personality on offense,” said Matawan head coach John Kaye. “You’ll see a little more zone read and throwing on the run.”

A senior two-way standout, Wiley’s production will be extremely important on both sides of the ball. iM PA C T N E WC O MER : Amir Coleman, Fr., DL Coleman is slated to see some time at defensive end in his first season in high school as head coach John Kaye gushed about his potential. Freshman quarterback Russell Derector could also make a huge impact.

P I V O TA L G A M E: Sept. 9 at St. John Vianney An intense rivalry that is also a crucial Class A Central game, a win here for Matawan over a top-five team in the Shore would be an excellent way to start the season.

The Huskies also have promising freshman Russell Derector, who Kaye is very high on. Burlew is also a wide receiver, so the possibility is there Derector could get some playing time. It wouldn’t be the first time Matawan started a freshman quarterback, as Pearson led the Huskies to a state championship as a ninth-grader. Sophomore Devin Williams will play

(l - r) S r ’s. A nd rew C onzo, J ake B u r lew, D erick W iley I I & M ike M cH ugh fullback in the certain sets where the Huskies use one, while senior Derrick Wiley returns at running back after starting multiple games last season. Senior Jacob Signorile is the tight end while junior returning starter Devonte Spann leads the wide receivers. Seniors Ray Belony and Joe Beukers, and junior Jaleel Gopaul round the group of targets in the passing games. The offensive line should be a major strength for the Huskies with three returning starters. All-division left guard Andrew Conzo returns as a three-year starter, and senior Jesse Haber solidifies the left side as another returning starter. Senior Mike McHugh is a returning starter at right tackle and junior Mike Karycinski saw plenty of playing time last season. He’s penciled in to start at center with senior Marc Panizzi nursing an injury. Upon Panizzi’s return Karycinski will shift to right guard. Junior Alex Calo will play guard, as well. “We only have one kid that hasn’t started yet so we all know the plays,” McHugh said. “It’s clutch to have those guys back,” Kaye said. “It’s a little different with Nick Christathakis coaching the offensive line and not Sam Turner, so we’re still evolving.” Matawan’s 4-3 defense has six returning starters off a unit that finished 15th in the Shore Conference allowing 16.7 points per game. Conzo returns as a starting defensive tackle with McHugh and Karycinski in a rotation. The defensive ends will rotate, as

well, with John Kemp and Royce Tucker, plus another highly-touted freshman, Amir Coleman, in the mix. Williams started at linebacker as a freshman and will return to that role in the middle of the defense. Flanking him at outside linebacker will be returning starters Wiley and junior Ryan Rodriguez. “With Williams there were times last year when he graded out higher than guys that were playing for three years,” Kay said. “He listens and he’s accountable. He’s going to be a really good player.” The secondary will miss the shut-down presence of Ramcheran, but does bring back two starters at safety with Spann and Burlew. Belony is one cornerback with junior David Ogungbenro as the other. Will Casagrande is back as the punter and will also take over the kicking duties. For Matawan to return to championship form it will need its quarterback position to stabilize and plenty of first-time starters to rise to the occasion. But with a combination of experienced seniors and some very promising younger players, the Huskies still have the talent to be one of the top teams in the Shore. Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/2 Friday 9/9 Saturday 9/17 Saturday 9/24 Saturday 10/1 Friday 10/7 Saturday 10/15 Saturday 10/29 Friday 11/4

@Ocean @Holmdel @Metuchen Matawan Pt. Boro @Raritan Red Bank RFH @SJV

coaching staff Head Coach:

Rich Mosca, 10th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d: 28-33

A s s is ta nt C o a c h es :

Dan Wendel (Off. Coordinator), Joe Nappi (Special Teams/WR/LB), Justin McGhee (Special Teams/RB/DL), Jeff Farrah (WR/DB), Ryan Daly (OL/LB), Jeff Sfraga (Freshman), Bill Clark (Freshman)

2015 Record: 5-5 (2-4 in A Central)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO F ILL : Brandon Mejia, OL There are plenty of Falcons players that will need to step up this year, but as the lone player back on a offensive line that performed well last season, Mejia will be asked to raise his game and be a mentor to the new wave of starting linemen.

-FA C TO R : Casey Pachucki, QB/LB If the senior quarterback can recover from a knee injury that has kept him out of Monmouth’s preseason, Monmouth could pose trouble to teams that would have to face the Falcons with their best player. If new quarterback Jay Eustace can do the job, Pachucki could even return in a different capacity to help him ease back into the fold and cover some other holes on the team. G LU E GU Y: Elijah Walker, WR/CB A two-way standout, Walker might be Monmouth’s best defensive player and is the team’s best threat on the outside. The Falcons have a more conventional thrower at the quarterback position in Eustace, so Walker could be more of a factor in the passing game. iMP A CT N EW C OME R : Tyler Rebmann, DE

Rebmann came out to play football this season after sticking to basketball in past years and at 6-foot-7, he stands out on the field. Mosca believes he is just scratching the surface and can still make an impact.

PI VO TA L G AME : Oct. 7 at Raritan Monmouth knocked off the Rockets last season before Raritan went on to win a sectional title, so the Falcons should have Raritan’s undivided attention. Monmouth hopes to have Pachucki, who carried the Falcons to last year’s 30-21 win, back by this game.

Just in Case By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

y the simplest of measures, the turnaround of the Monmouth Regional football program is making steady progress under veteran coach Rich Mosca, a former college coach who is entering his fourth season of his second stint as the coach of the Falcons.

In Mosca’s first two seasons, he led Monmouth to a 3-7 record both years after taking over a 2-8 team and last season, the Falcons went 5-5 and barely missed a NJSIAA postseason berth – the program’s first .500 season in more than a decade. Digging a little deeper, however, Monmouth’s 2016 was more of a cause for celebration than most 5-5 seasons that don’t end in trip to the playoffs. After beginning the season 1-3 with losses to Manasquan, Central Jersey Group III champion Rumson-Fair Haven and thendefending Central Jersey Group III champion Matawan, Monmouth won four of six to close out the year, including a win over Raritan. After losing to Monmouth, 30-21, the Rockets would not lose another game and claimed the Central Jersey Group II sectional championship. Of Monmouth’s five losses – Manasquan, Rumson, Matawan, St. John Vianney and Ocean – four came against teams that reached a sectional semifinal (all but Manasquan) and two of those teams (Rumson and St. John Vianney) played in sectional finals. “I don’t know how many teams played four teams that were in sectional semifinals,” Mosca said. “If any other teams did, they were probably teams that went deep in the playoffs, so we had a really challenging schedule. I loved it and I think the kids really liked the competition, but those were some really good teams we were playing week-in and week-out.” The schedule will not be any more forgiving this season, which opens Friday night at Ocean. Monmouth will play road games at Ocean, Holmdel and Metuchen to open the year before hosting Matawan and Point Pleasant Boro. The Falcons will then close out the season with Raritan, Red Bank Regional, Rumson-Fair Haven and St. John Vianney – all of which were sectional finalists last year. On top of the schedule, the Falcons will have to overcome the loss of 26 seniors off of last year’s roster and an early-season knee injury to would-be starting quarterback Casey Pachucki. Mosca is hopeful the Pachucki will be back for the majority of the season, but the week-early start to the campaign does the team few favors. “Casey did a great job for us last year,” Mosca said. “He was one of the better overall players in our division and he really got better and better

as the season went on. He’s just a tough, tough football player and he’s going to be back. Our other guys are stepping up without him and when he comes back, we’re going to be okay.”

( l - r ) S r . D E / L T . T y l e r R e b m a n n , S r . W R/ C B . E l i j ah W a l k e r , S r. R B . C as e y P a c h u d c i , S r. D T . B ra n d o n M e j i a , S r. Q B. J a y E u s t a c e

Pachucki took over the quarterbacking duties as a junior in 2015 and was primarily a runner – amassing 747 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. With Pachucki ailing in the preseason, senior Jay Eustace has taken over as the starting quarterback and has earned Mosca’s confidence. Eustace transferred from St. John Vianney last season and, due to the 30 days he was required to sit, moved to wide receiver in order to better contribute right away. Another unknown for Monmouth will be its offensive line, which returns just one starter and will have to replace an all-division performer in tackle Tyler Gallagher. Right guard Brandon Mejia is the lone returning starting lineman on the offensive side and will be flanked by a completely new group. Monmouth’s clear offensive strength during the preseason is in the backfield with a trio of talented ball-carriers. Seniors Jermiah Clarke and Asod Yarborough form a complementary duo of contrasting styles – Clark as a tall, strong back who will be hard to tackle and Yarborough as a smaller, but physical back. Sophomore Dayshawn Porter is also a potential breakout player who will be used in the offense in some capacity and could emerge as the feature back based on what Mosca has seen. “Our strength is going to be at running back,” Mosca said. “We have three guys who have looked very good and even some more guys who I think have done a nice job for us. The two senior guys are talented, strong guys who can do a lot of things for us and the sophomore, Porter, is going to be a player as long as he keeps working hard.”

Elijah Walker, Isaiah Brown and Alex Eugene will be two-way players as receivers and defensive backs, with Walker serving as a senior cornerback and outside receiver threat and Brown and Eugene both figuring into the mix at safety and receiving depth. Devon Johnson will be another receiving threat for Eustace to target, as will sophomore slot receiver Eli Rife. Senior Tyler Rebmann and juniors Marcus Hill, Ricky Voss and John Braker will anchor the defensive line, with Rebmann providing some intrigue as a 6-foot-7 defensive end. Seniors Tramel Edwards and Jayhahn Booker will carry the group of linebackers and Yarborough and Porter will also play in the secondary with Walker, Brown and Eugene. With 26 seniors gone from last year’s team and an injury to the team’s best returning player, Monmouth faces an uphill battle against a difficult schedule. Mosca, however, is staying optimistic about the state of the program and the prospects for the upcoming year, citing improving numbers, increased familiarity with the expectations, and some high-upside talent that has not yet proven itself. “I’m interested to see how we do,” Mosca said. “I wasn’t really sure what to expect coming into camp but I feel really good about what I’m seeing so far.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @RFH Friday 9/16 SJV Friday 9/23 @Wall @Donovan Catholic Friday 9/30 Friday 10/7 Monmouth Friday 10/14 @Matawan Friday 10/28 Spotswood Friday 11/4 @Red Bank Thursday 11/24 Holmdel

coaching staff Head Coach:

Anthony Petruzzi, 7 season th

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 20-32

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Chris Damian (co-off. coord.); Jeff Struble (co-off. coord); Jerome Dean (LB); Matthew Dempsey (OL); David Ernst (OL); George Gibson (DL); Michael Kinsella (DB); Michael Nunes, Joseph Schroeck, Michael Thaner (freshmen); Michael DeSocio (athletic trainer)

2 0 1 5 R e c o r d : 7-5 (3-3)

No Fluke

By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

aritan’s journey to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II title last season was one of the most memorable in recent years. The Rockets came out of nowhere and eventually stunned undefeated Lincoln on a last-second touchdown to claim the program’s second state title. The challenge now is to do it again.

“The biggest thing is we want to prove we didn’t just get lucky in the playoffs last year,” said senior linebacker Ryan Dickens. “We want to win the division this year. It’s stocked, but we can do it. We have the guys.” To accomplish their goals the Rockets will need to replace several key players like first-team All-Shore running back Derek Ernst and clutch wide receivers Nick Pasquin, Jordan Smith and Mason Sheehan. Raritan does return its starting quarterback, senior Marc Carnivale, plus an experienced group of linemen to form a solid base on offense. Carnivale threw for 1,598 yards and 16 touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown in the state final with under 30 seconds left. He is one of the few returning skill players from last year’s team and will be counted on to be a leader on and off the field. “He knows the offense better and can take control of that, but like any high school quarterback there are things he needs to improve on,” said Raritan head coach Anthony Petruzzi. “Hopefully he gives us that leadership in crunch time where guys look at him and are confident he’ll make the right decision.”

At A Glance

“I went to a lot of camps this year trying to improve my footwork and work on getting better reads and getting the ball out quicker,” Carnivale said.

B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Vito Aleo, Sr., RB/DB Aleo is a returning starter on defense, but on the offensive side he’ll start at running back and take over for two-year starter Derek Ernst, who led the Shore in rushing yards last season.

Stepping in for Ernst and his conference-leading 1,777 yards is senior Vito Aleo, who started on defense last year. There’s also sophomore P.J. Buccine, who Petruzzi said is progressing very well.

-FA C TO R : Consistency Raritan had a five-game losing streak in the middle of last season, but when the Rockets turned it on they were a state championship team. The schedule is difficult again, but if they can maintain consistency they will be competing for division and state titles. G LU E GU Y: Ryan Dickens, Sr., LB

“Vito could have been a starting tailback at a lot of places last year, so we’re pretty confident with him stepping in as the starter,” Petruzzi said. Senior Sean Agar, a returning starter, and junior Justin Goggins are the tight ends in Raritan’s multiple offense. The wide receivers are all new with junior Vinnie DiCarlo, senior Michael Wojtowicz and senior Rory Sullivan. “We’re still trying to find the best mix of guys at wide

receiver,” Petruzzi said. “We might not have game-breakers like last year but we have guys that can come in and execute our offense, make somebody miss and help us be efficient.” The offensive line is a strength with three returning starters. Senior Matt Thompson is the center, senior Paul Bavaro is the left guard and senior Alex Dalmau is the right guard. Stepping in at the starting tackle spots are brothers Ryan and Sean Greaves.

(l-r) Sr’s. Marc Carnivale, Matt Tho mpson, Ryan Dickens & Vito A leo

Raritan’s multiple 4-3 defense returns eight starters and has the look of a top unit under Petruzzi, who is one of the top defensive coaches around. Thompson and Bavaro are returning starters at defensive tackle with the Greaves brothers and Dalmau also in the mix. Agar returns at defensive end along with senior Alex Garcia and junior Patrick Cooney. Dickens, who is committed to the University of Connecticut and made 127 tackles last season, is the middle linebacker. He will be backed up by junior Brian Pasquin. The outside linebackers are sophomore Justin Acevedo and senior Nicholas Capichana. “Our defense is based around a “mike’ linebacker so we try to funnel a lot of stuff to (Dickens) and keep him free,” Petruzzi said. “He’s also one of our senior leaders so it’s not just about him making plays, but also making people better.” “It’s not just about me,” Dickens said. “We have a defensive line that is athletic and they can all make a

play. My job sometimes is to press the ball and make Agar or Bavaro make the play. We work as a unit.” The secondary has several players with Sullivan (returning starter), senior Eugene Kolibas, sophomore Tyler Bruno and sophomore Christian Joe at cornerback. Aleo is a returning starter at safety and will be joined by DiCarlo. Senior Thomas Burke and junior Vincent Hart will also see time at safety. On special teams, sophomore Gavin Toth is the placekicker and Carnivale is the punter. Winning a state title last season certainly hasn’t made Raritan complacent. If anything, the Rockets have put more pressure on themselves to raise expectations and push to deliver them on a yearly basis. “It’s actually been harder (training camp) this year,” Dickens said. “Our motto this year has been ‘One More’. We’re just trying to get better and perfect it.”

The UConn recruit is the leader of the defense and one of the top defensive players in the Shore Conference. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Sean & Ryan Greaves, Jr., OL Sean is 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds and Ryan is 6foot-2 and 225 pounds, and both will step into starting roles as the newcomers on the offensive line as well as playing some defense.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 9 at Rumson-Fair Haven Two returning state champions will meet in Week One in a monster Class A Central battle.

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 John F Kennedy Mem. Friday 9/16 @Matawan Friday 9/23 @SJV Holmdel Friday 9/30 Saturday 10/15 @Monmouth Friday 10/21 RFH Friday 10/28 @RBC Friday 11/4 Raritan Thursday 11/24 @Long Branch

coaching staff Head Coach:

Nick Giglio, 8th season (16th overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 58-94

A s s i st a n t C o a c h es :

Steve Turner (WR/JV); Phil Greene (RB/LB); Cory Giddings (DB/off. coord.); Danny Mendoza (DL/TE); Adam Bobertz (OL); Matt Norman (freshman); Christina Emrich (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 11-1 (6-0)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S TO FI LL: Chris Brannagan, Sr., QB Following in the footsteps of a quarterback (Jack Navitsky) who threw for close to a thousand yards last season won’t be easy, but Brannagan is up for the task. Brannagan’s ground game will be solid in the Bucs’ run-oriented offense, and Giglio’s looking for him to not only fill the shoes of last year’s QB, but be his own person in that role.

X -FA C TO R :

Offensive Line

The Bucs lost four of their five starting offensive linemen from last season to graduation, but Giglio says that while this year’s offensive line isn’t the biggest, it may be the brightest he’s had. If the linemen can stay healthy, their football IQ alone may help the Bucs win some games.

G LU E GU Y: Chris Outterbridge, Sr., OLB/FB Giglio didn’t need to think twice before he called Outterbridge the leader and voice of this Red Bank team. The linebacker, who was also named to the Class B North Coaches’ All-Division team last fall, will be one of the Bucs’ most versatile players, playing a major role on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Omar Steward, Sr., WR/SS A 6-foot-1 transfer from Monmouth Regional in his first season at Red Bank, Steward has shown promise on both sides of the ball in camp. It looks as though he’ll fill the holes left by last year’s first-team All-Shore and current UMass wide receiver Sadiq Palmer in both the Bucs’ offense and their secondary.

The Buc Doesn’t Stop Here By Ella Brockway - Student Contributor

s the clock ran down and Red Bank’s 2015 season ended in a shutout loss to Rumson-Fair Haven on a chilly night at Rutgers University last December, Bucs head coach Nick Giglio looked ahead. Giglio recalled the high moments of his team’s best season in recent history: the upset win over Red Bank Catholic for the first time in eleven years (which was named Shore Sports Network’s Top Shore Conference Sports Story of 2015), winning the school’s first division title since 1977, and advancing to the state championship game for the first time in thirteen years. He also knew that the 2016 season would be different, without the thirty-one seniors who had led the Bucs in 2015, but was confident that the foundation they’d built for the underclassmen was solid. “It (this season) has jump-started a whole community and a whole school,” Giglio said after the 21-0 loss to Rumson. “And you know what, we’re not done there. We’re not just going to stop and say ‘that’s all’. We hope to do this for years to come.” Eight months later and just weeks before the Bucs kick off their first season in Class A Central, Giglio and his players are still optimistic about their team’s chances for the 2016 season, even in a rebuilding year. “We’ve got young kids, new guys and new leadership, and we’re getting better every day,” said Giglio, in his eighth year at the helm of the program. “Every day, these guys come out to learn, practice hard, and make their mistakes, but then continue. If we do that all throughout the year, then we’re going to have a chance in November.” “We’ve got a lot of young guys, so it’s a lot of staying on them and making them work hard,” said captain and two-way starter Chris Outterbridge. “We’ve got a good coaching staff, and they’re getting these guys in shape and ready for the season.” Outterbridge is one of five overall returning starters for the Bucs. The 6-foot-1 senior, who had a team-high 102 tackles and was named to the Shore Sports Network All-Shore second team last season as a linebacker, will be working on both sides of the ball this fall, taking

snaps at fullback and commanding the young defense. Outterbridge is one of two remaining starters from last season returning to the Bucs’ offensive unit. Senior Connor McCarthy, a three-year starter, is the lone returner on the Bucs’ offensive line, but he is joined by a group of talented upperclassmen who make up for their smaller size with their smarts. “They may not be the biggest offensive line, but they have been extremely bright for the past three years,” said Giglio. “It’s like having five assistant coaches on the field, and because of how smart they are for us, I think it’s going to go well.” Senior Bryce Barnes joins McCarthy at the tackle position, and senior Kevin Laughlin, who started at long snapper last season, will start under center. One of the Bucs’ biggest challenges for the 2016 season will be filling the holes in the offense left by Sadiq Palmer and Jack Navitsky. Both Palmer and Navitsky are now playing college football for the University of Massachusetts and Marist, respectively. Navitsky threw for 957 yards and ran for 227 yards last fall, while Palmer caught 48 passes for 660 yards and seven touchdowns, and ran for 452 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior Chris Brannagan will vie for the starting quarterback job with junior Stephen Navitsky. Both Brannagan and the younger Navitsky took some snaps last season, and have the tools to succeed in the Bucs’ run-oriented, zone-read spread offense. The Bucs’ backfield options run deep, with five different players – sophomores Dontrell Alston and Kashaun Turner, junior Noah Mickens, and seniors Outterbridge and Tyrese Morris – all able to line up at running back. Seniors Omar Steward, Jaden Mack, Danny Wagner, and junior Nick Arnone will lead the receiving corps for the Bucs. Arnone returns

Sr. QB Chris Brannagan after making several appearances at wide receiver last fall. The Bucs return three starters, including Outterbridge, on the defensive end, where they’ll set up in a 3-4 front. The Bucs’ defense in 2015 gave up just 10.2 points per game, the fifth-best mark in the Shore. Two-year senior starter Jack Haytaian, who had 9.5 sacks last season, is joined on the defensive line by Turner, senior Matheus DeFarias and junior Quran Malloy. Senior Jalen Willis also returns at the cornerback spot, and Steward has shown promise during camp at the strong safety position. “We’re dealing with a new group, so I’m going to try to get (the defense) on the same page as last year, but do it in a different style,” said Outterbridge. Last year’s team put Red Bank football back on the map, and now, the 2016 team is looking to stay there. “Even if they weren’t full-time players last year, whether they were back-ups or just on the sidelines in practice every day, the guys learned about (having) confidence in themselves and knowing how to practice every day,” said Giglio. “The bar’s been raised, and we now have to continue that.” (Photo by Ella Brockway)

P I VO TA L G A M E: Sept. 23 vs. St. John Vianney The Bucs move into the competitive A Central division this year, which means they’ll face three 2015 state finalists – Rumson-Fair Haven, Raritan and St. John Vianney. They’ll play Rumson-Fair Haven, crosstown rival Red Bank Catholic and Raritan in consecutive weeks in October, so this earlyseason matchup with the Lancers will show if the Bucs have what it takes to play with the best in the A Central.

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Raritan Friday 9/23 Holmdel Friday 9/30 @Middletown South @Matawan Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 SJV Friday 10/21 @Red Bank Saturday 10/29 @Monmouth Friday 9/4 Carteret Wednesday 9/23 @Shore

coaching staff Jerry Schulte, 1st season (16th overall)

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 59-78-1

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Charlie Pirrello (off. coord./RB); Joe Murphy (OL); John Corneliuson (QB); Frank Papalia (TE); Chris Quinn (WR); Jeremy Schulte (DL); Bill Lagrotteria (DL); Matt Walsh (DB); Rob Orrok (strength and cond.); Joe Lagrotteria (game day op.); Jerry Gagliano, Jason Lippart, John Belevance (freshmen); Alex Stein (athletic trainer); Chris Alworth (tech. coord.)

2015 Record: 10-2 (5-1)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: The Wide Receivers Losing Elijah McAllister for the season is a tough blow to the offense given that 6-foot-6 FBS recruits don’t come along often. The Bulldogs will be fine in their run-oriented scheme, but will certainly miss McAllister’s ability to create matchup nightmares.

-FA C TO R : The Passing Game Rumson’s running game should continue to produce. If O’Connor can take his passing skills to the next level the Bulldogs will be a dangerous and dynamic offense. G LU E GU Y: Mike Ruane, Sr., LB Ruane is one of the top players in the Shore Conference and has been a starter since his sophomore year. i MP A C T N E W C O ME R : Chris Lanzalatto, So., LB & Keegan Woods, So., LB The pair of sophomores will flank Ruane at linebacker and be relied upon to contribute right away.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Oct. 14 vs. St. John Vianney The Bulldogs also have No. 1 Middletown South on their schedule, but the mid-October game with the Lancers has a good chance to be the one that decides the Class A Central division title, as it did last season.

Chasing History By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

umson-Fair Haven made history last season when it won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III title, becoming just the fifth Shore Conference team to win three straight NJSIAA state titles. Now, with a roster stocked with talent on both sides of the ball, the Bulldogs are trying to join an even more select group.

Manasquan and Middletown South are the only Shore Conference programs to have captured four straight state championships, and Rumson is in position to put its name in that hat behind a standout senior class that was instrumental in the last two titles. “We want to leave a legacy,” said senior linebacker Mike Ruane. “We want to do everything we can to win that fourth title so we can look back years later at what we accomplished.” One big change for Rumson is at head coach where longtime defensive coordinator Jerry Schulte replaces Bryan Batchler, who was controversially not re-hired by the board of education. “It was an easy transition from Batchler to Schulte,” Ruane said. “He’s a great guy and a great coach.” Rumson returns seven starters on offense and five on defense, and once again has the look of one of the Shore Conference’s top teams. In the Bulldogs’ multiple offense, Colgate-bound senior Mike O’Connor is back for his third year as the starting quarterback. Last season O’Connor ran for 1,082 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing for 567 yards and 13 touchdowns. A powerful runner who has improved his passing ability each year, O’Connor is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the conference. “We think he’s improved his throwing a lot,” Schulte said. “He’s still a great runner and that hasn’t changed, but he’s a little more accurate and patient this year throwing the ball.” “Last year I got a little better but there’s always room for improvement, O’Connor said. “I put in a lot of work in the offseason and hopefully it shows.” Starting at tailback is senior Matt Vecchiarelli, who has played significant snaps since his sophomore year but will be the full-time starter for the first time. He and Bryan Hess split carries last season, but Hess, a lacrosse standout and scholarship player, decided not to come out for football this year. “Maybe if it was last year and I had to be the starter I’d be nervous, but as a senior I feel confident going in,” Vecchiarelli said. “He’s mature and definitely ready for it,” Schulte said. Junior Peter Lucas is the fullback while senior Colin Pavluk is the tight end after seeing some

time there last season. Junior Tyler Pierson is a returning starter at wide receiver and will be joined by seniors Trevor Caruso and Jack Oberle. The Bulldogs will be without 6-foot-6 junior Elijah McAllister, who suffered a torn ACL during the offseason. McAllister, who has multiple FBS offers, was slated to play receiver and tight end.

( l - r ) S r ’ s . M i c h a el O ’ C o n n o r , M a t t V ec c h i a r e l l i , T i m L e o n a r d , M i c h a el M u r d o c k & M i c h a el R u a n e

The offensive line features three returning starters, led by secondteam All-Shore selection Tim Leonard, a senior, at right guard. Junior Justin Johnson returns as the starting left guard and 6-foot-3, 320-pound junior Nathan Raphan is the right tackle. Senior Pat Kelleher steps into the starting role at center and sophomore Ryan McCann will be the left tackle. Rumson’s defense was the third best in the Shore last season at 7.8 points per game and was again outstanding in the postseason. Runstuffing senior Liam Adams returns as a starting defensive tackle with senior James Rue as the other tackle. Both defensive ends, senior Jack Woods and junior Chase Pfrang, saw some time last season. Leading the linebacking corps is one of the Shore Conference’s best in Ruane, a three-year starter who is committed to the University of Massachusetts. Ruane led the Shore in tackles last season with 153 and was a first-team AllShore selection. “He has natural instincts and does things you can’t coach,” Schulte said. “He knows the keys and the reads, but he just has that ‘it’ that great linebackers have. His speed, instinct, drive and focus make him special.” A pair of sophomores will flank him with Chris Lanzalatto as the weak-side linebacker and Keegan Woods at strong-side linebacker. The secondary has a ton of experience led by returning first-team All-Shore safety and threeyear starter Mike Murdock. Senior Pat Russo

started at safety and will move to cornerback, pairing with senior Ryan Tuorto. The other safety will be senior James Melia, who moves back from linebacker. “We just work on a lot of fundamentals on defense,” Ruane said. “People will step up when they need to.” “We play defense very aggressive so I like linebacker types at safety,” Schulte said. “We took Murdock two years ago and now Melia and made them safeties. We do a lot of hybrid stuff where it will almost look like a 4-4 at times. We do a lot of things on defense that most teams can’t do because of the type of kids we have.” Senior Thomas Chapin, a three-year starter, will handle both the kicking and punting duties. Rumson has lofty goals for the 2016 season, but the team knows it won’t be easy with a division schedule that includes Central Jersey Group II champion Raritan, Non-Public Group III finalist St. John Vianney, an always tough Matawan team, plus two-time defending Central Jersey Group I champs Shore in a nondivisional game on Thanksgiving. “It’s really exciting what we can accomplish this year but we know we have to stay humble,” Vecchiarelli said. “We have a lot of work to do if we want that fourth title (in a row),” Ruane said. “We have to work for it every day and every game.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday

9/9 Matawan 9/16 @Raritan 9/23 Red Bank 9/30 @Brick Township 10/7 @Holmdel 10/14 @RFH 10/21 Red Bank Catholic 10/28 @MiddleTown South 11/4 Monmouth

coaching staff Head Coach:

Derek Sininsky, 2nd season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 41-61

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Jim Reid (Offensive Coordinator/WR/DB), Mike Tedeschi (Def.,Coordinator/Slot WR/Outside LB), Eddie Hernandez (Special Teams/RB/LB), Tm O’Keefe (QB/DB), Jason Wombough (OL/DL), Keith Rescorl (OL/DL), Rich Lamberson (WR/LB), Tom Dinetta

2015 Record: 11-1 (6-0 in A Central))

At A Glance B IG S HOE S TO F ILL: Matt DeGennaro/Haaziq Daniels, QB As the backup a year ago, DeGennaro is the likely starter for the Lancers, but Daniels is a transfer from Edison who is pushing for time. Whichever choice Sininsky makes between his quarterbacks on a given day, there is no expectation of them to play like Anthony Brown.

X -FA C TO R :

New Mentality

Quarterback play is a significant variable at an early stage for the Lancers, but considering the change in offensive philosophy expected this season, the overall mentality of the team might be the bigger x-factor. Sininsky wants a more aggressive, physical feel than a year ago and if the team takes a liking to it, they won’t need a quarterback to play like Anthony Brown.

G LU E G UY: Micah Clark, OL/DL One of the reasons Vianney will be a more run-oriented, smash-mouth team is because of Clark, a four-star recruit heading to Rutgers next year. On top of his physical prowess, he is the leader on both sides of the ball and has been an invaluable voice for the junior-heavy roster.

New Identity By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

he St. John Vianney team was a buzzsaw shy of capturing an NJSIAA Non-Public Group III championship in 2015, but the banner season for the Lancers got off to a tenuous start with a coaching change that shook up the returning players.

After pulling out a hardfought, 30-21 week-one win over Matawan, the Lancers took a collective sigh of relief and rolled through the rest of the schedule by an average margin of victory of 40.5 points before running into Kaseem Walker and DePaul in the Non-Public III final. The uncertainty of the first month of the season, which saw Derek Sininsky hired from outside the program following the sudden resignation of Mark Ciccotelli, quickly faded and the Lancers lived up to lofty expectations. “The first few weeks of practice and even in the first game, we were kind of looking around at each other like, ‘I don’t know if this is going to work,’” senior two-way lineman Micah Clark said. “I think getting through that first game put us at ease with ourselves and we realized that the season wasn’t about who was coaching the team or all the other stuff. We got together and said, ‘This is our year and we’re not letting anything stop us. No excuses.’” No player on last year’s team had as much pressure to perform as Sininsky did. He took over for a well-liked coach, came in with a career record of 30-60 and did not know the players. All of those factors influenced Sininsky to take a more laid-back, hands-off

Sr. Chris C hukwuneke, Jr. Zyaire Sterling, S r’s. Jamaal Beaty, Matt Degennaro & M icah C lark (l-r)

approach than he might have otherwise, instead allowing his seniors and the assistants with whom they were familiar to have a greater say. “Learning the players for what they could do on the field was one thing, but coming in like that and trying to figure out who these guys are as people is almost impossible,” Sininsky said. “It takes time to figure out what makes a young man tick and what he responds to and last season was a process for me to learn that. That’s why I kind of stepped back, let the coaches coach, let the players play and just try to be like a fatherfigure for them. I just wanted to be there to

offer support when I felt like they needed it or when they felt like they needed it.” This season, however, Sininsky plans on injecting more of his personality and philosophy into the team, especially considering how well the personnel lends itself to such a change. “This year, we’re going to be doing a lot more of the things I’ve always believed in,” Sininsky said. “That’s lining up and pushing people off the ball, controlling the running game on both sides and wearing the opponent down with a physical style.” If any player embodies the shift from a

i MPA C T NE WC O ME R: Josiah Walker, LB/FB Harris gives Zbranak another weapon on the outside opposite Ja’Sir Taylor. His presence should relax coverage on Taylor and stretch the defense to create even more running room.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Oct. 14 at Rumson-Fair Haven The trip to Rumson in mid-October begins a three-week stretch in which the Lancers play the Bulldogs, RBC and Middletown South. The first part of the schedule has some landmines as well, but that stretch will likely reveal how legitimate Vianney is this season.

leaders in rushing. Juniors Josiah Walker and Johnny Buchanan will spend time at fullback, which will be a more involved position for St. John Vianney this season.

spread, big-play oriented team that plays for turnovers on defense to a ground-and-pound team that focuses first on being physical on both sides of the ball, it is Clark. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound four-star recruit and Rutgers commit figures to be a dominant force on both sides of the ball for the Lancers, along with fellow Rutgers recruit and stepbrother Jamaal Beaty. Clark will play right tackle opposite Beatty, who will start at left guard. Senior J.P. Tarantino will play center, while junior newcomers Donovan Reiser and Alex Larsen take over the other two spots – Larsen at right guard and Reiser at left tackle. “I’m really excited about our offense,” Clark said. “Last year, it’s almost like we’d go into protection and we didn’t know where (Brown) would end up because he was so . good at improvising. As a lineman, you want to go up to the line knowing you are just going to fire off the ball and knock people over and run it down their throats.”

Clark and Beaty will also anchor the defensive line, with Beaty and senior Eddie Sheridan rotating at nose guard and Clark and Densieski at the ends. Walker and Buchanan will take over full time at the two inside linebacker spots, while Calabro and Braga man the outside. Chukwuneke will lead the secondary at safety, while Sterling and East play on the corners. “I think our defense has a chance to be even better than last year,” Clark said. “We’re a year stronger on the line, we’ve got some really tough, physical linebackers and Chris is back at safety.” The Lancers will be put to the test this season by a schedule that includes divisional games against Rumson-Fair Haven, Raritan and Red Bank Regional, as well as non-divisional games against Brick, Red Bank Catholic and Middletown South. Vianney will play RBC and Middletown South on consecutive weeks at the end of October.

“With Haaziq, there’s probably a little bit more of a scrambling ability, but there’s not a lot that one can do that the other can’t,” Sininsky said. “It’s not like we’ll have one package for one and another for the other guy. We’ll have one offense and either guy can run it.”

“It was great to get to the championship game 11-0, but I think once we got to that game, you saw that we just were not prepared to beat a team of that caliber,” Sininsky said. “With the schedule we’re playing this year, there won’t be anything we see in the playoffs that we haven’t seen during the year. We may not go into the playoffs undefeated and we might even have to scratch and claw to get there, but I think once we get there, we are going to be better suited to succeed in that type of environment.”

The receiving corps is also comprised of a group of players who played in the second string last season with a helping of playing time with the first team. Is the only senior in the group vying for starting time Pedro Braga, while the junior trio of

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

S r O L / D L Mi c a h C l a r k

With the emphasis on imposing its will on defenses, the Lancers offense will rely heavily on senior Chris Chukwuneke in the running game. As a junior last season, Chukwuneke rushed for 756 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 78 carries and with a workload more consistent with that of a run-first offense, he has a chance to be among the Shore Conference

Even with the emphasis on the running game, however, the passing game remains a major key to the Lancers, who certainly won’t abandon their passing attack overnight. Quarterbacks Matt DeGennaro and junior transfer Haaziq Daniels have competed for the starting job throughout the preseason, with DeGennaro operating on the inside track after he backed up Brown and played a vast majority of second halves last year. Daniels, a transfer from Edison, brings slightly more running ability to the position, according to Sininsky.

Zyaire Sterling, Sam East and A.J. Calabro look to break out. Junior Nick Densieski and Walker will serve as the tight ends – another position that could see more time this season.

2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 @Brick Memorial Friday 9/16 Jackson Memorial Saturday 9/24 @Toms River North Friday 9/30 St. John Vianney Friday 10/7 Toms River South Friday 10/14 @Southern Saturday 10/22 @Lakewood Friday 10/28 @Central Friday 11/4 Toms River East

coaching staff Head Coach: Len Zdanowicz, 2nd season C a r e e r R e c o r d : 8-2 A s s i st a n t C o a c h es :

Brian McNamara (def. coord.); Chris Blackburn (DL); Chad Dougherty (OL); Kevin Stockhoff (QB); Dave Christopher (RB); Jay Groschel (WR); Al Saner (off. asst.); Donovan Brown (LB); Rob Brown (DB/ST); George McNamara (quality control); Scott Lloyd (strength & cond.); Kurt Weiboldt (kickers); Jim Barber (athletic trainer)

2 0 1 5 R e c o r d : 8-2 (6-1)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO FIL L:

Surviving the Game By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

ith 26 wins over the past three seasons, Brick has re-established the winning tradition the program has known for most of its existence. To keep it going, however, the Dragons will have to replace several standouts along the line of scrimmage while navigating one of the most treacherous starts of any team in the Shore Conference. Brick’s first four games feature four state finalists, two of which are returning state champions. The earlyseason gauntlet does no favors to a team with just one returning lineman on each side of the ball, but it’s nothing the Dragons feel they can’t overcome. “Four returning finalists and two returning champs is not an easy way to start the season, but we think with the senior leaders we have we’ll be up for the challenge,” said senior Dean Helstowski. “We just have to weather the storm through those first four games. We have great respect for those teams but it’s not like we’re scared. We’re not fearing anybody.” The good news for Brick is that it returns a bevy of skill players, led by Temple recruit Ja’Sir Taylor. Quarterback Anthony Costanza, running backs Jay Obenauer and Rashan McCall, Taylor and John Prato at receiver along and newcomers Cole Groschel, Johnny Leblo and Brandon Williams have the Dragons confident they can contend for championships once again. Brick’s multiple offense features five returning starters, led by Taylor at wide receiver. The FBS recruit led the Dragons in both receiving and rushing last season en route to being a second-team All-Shore selection. A varsity player since his days as a freshman, Taylor enters his senior season bigger, faster stronger, and even a little louder.

the biggest thing we have to replace,” said Dragons head coach Len Zdanowicz. “We have some good kids, they just don’t have varsity experience. They’re eager to play and prove they can do the job.” Senior Jack Finelli steps into a starting role (l-r) r’s. at right tackle after starring on defense last o h n P r at o , season. Senior Kyle Jaggers is the left guard, senior Chris Juliano is the center and the right guard spot will be manned by either sophomore Christian Malta or junior Pat Giesler.

“So far it’s looking very good,” Finelli said. “We just have to trust each other and be aggressive.” “We have some new guys that have to step up, it’s not really if they can, they have to,” Helstowski said. “We have four big games to start off and they have good front lines. I think they’ll be ready for the challenge but they have big shoes to fill.”

All the New Starters on the Lines With Brick losing so many key offensive and defensive linemen to graduation the onus is on the entire group, not just one person, to step in and do the job efficiently.

“I feel like I’ve improved my game,” Taylor said. “I hit the weight room hard. Not only can I juke a defender, I can run through them now. I’m kind of a quiet person so I lead more by example, but I’m trying to be more of a vocal leader.”

Brick sported one of the Shore’s best defenses a season ago that fueled its 8-0 start. The Dragons allowed just 8.1 points per game and posted five shutouts. Five starters also return here, but once again the task is rebuilding what was a dominant defensive front.

Costanza returns as the starting quarterback after seizing the job a few games into last season. Prato has also been working in at quarterback while figuring to start opposite Taylor at wide receiver. Obenauer and McCall are the running backs with senior John Chelston and Groschel also in the mix. Helstowski is the tight end with junior Chris Hirtes also at the position.

Gone to graduation are second-team All-Shore players Jordan Keefe and Dan Finelli, plus starters Nick Tartaglione and Anthony Rusignuolo. Jack Finelli is the only holdover, although Poland will now start on defense and has experience as a starting offensive lineman. Both Finelli and Poland will be inside at tackle with Giesler, while the ends are Spinella and senior Ryan Anastasia.

Leblo, Groschel, Williams and senior Rob Spinella round out the corps of wide receivers.

Helstowski is the middle linebacker and a returning starter with senior Joe Woods also seeing time there. McCall returns as a starting outside linebacker with Obenauer and Chelston also there. Chelston was slated to see major playing time last year before an injury in the first game ended his season.

-FA C TO R : Surviving the Schedule Brick’s first four games can make or break its season. How the Dragons come out of it will be a big factor in how much success they have. G LU E G UY: Jack Finelli, Sr., OL/DL Finelli will look to lead a new group of starters on the defensive front while also becoming a starter on the offensive line, a position Zdanowicz said he could have held last season if the Dragons didn’t play a two-platoon system. iMP A C T N E WC O MER : Cole Groschel, So., WR/RB/DB Groschel will see time on both sides of the ball and looks to be a versatile player on offense at both receiver and running back.

P I V O TA L G A ME : Sept. 10 at Brick Memorial One of the Shore’s most intense rivalries gives the winner a big boost, something Brick could certainly use given the gauntlet it has to begin the season.

The main question surrounding Brick’s offense is how quickly its new-look offensive line can come together. Senior Liam Poland at left tackle is the only returning starter, but the situation isn’t as dire as it looks on paper. “We lost a lot of good players off the lines and that’s

The secondary has both its starting corners returning with Taylor and Prato. Tyler Giesler will

Ja’Sir T aylor, Jay Obenauer, D e an H e l s t o w s k i & J a c k F i n e l l i also see time there. The safeties are Groschel and Leblo with Williams also in the mix. Prato could also move back to safety in certain situations. “Our line is pretty solid up front with Jack and Liam, and Pat Giesler is the strongest kid on the team – just a freak in the weight room,” Zdanowicz said. “The back seven has some good linebackers and some sophomores pushing for time in the secondary. Those kids have been stepping up and doing some good things.” “We just have to keep the same culture on defense,” Helstowski said. “It’s going to be hard to shutout all those teams like last year, but we have good linebackers like Jay and Rashan and in the secondary with Ja’Sir and Prato. I think we’ll be fine, defensively.” Senior John Bruno will handle both the kicking and punting duties. The Class A South schedule is tough in general, and there’s no denying Brick has a daunting task in facing Brick Memorial, Jackson Memorial, Toms River North and St. John Vianney over its first four games. It may be cliché, but Dragons can’t look any further than their next opponent. “We have some tough ones, that’s for sure,” Zdanowicz said. “We know what those first four teams are, but the Memorial game is the only thing that matters for us right now.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

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2016 Schedule Brick Township Saturday 9/10 Friday 9/16 Toms River North Friday 9/23 @Toms River South Friday 9/30 Sayreville @Central Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 @Toms River East Friday 10/21 Southern riday 10/28 @South Brunswick Friday 11/4 @Jackson Memorial

coaching staff Head Coach: Walt Currie, 10 th season. C a r e e r R e c o r d : 59-39 A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Mike Cintron (def. coord./LB); James Bright (spec. teams/DB); Keith Farr (WR/DB); Vincenzo Diodato (RB); Bill Brunner (OL); Mike McArthur (DL); Ryan Graham, Bob Merola, Brian Hibbs (freshmen); Sue Penrod (athletic trainer)

2 0 1 5 R e c o r d : 9-3 (6-1)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Grant McKelvey, Jr., QB McKelvey steps into the most important position on Brick Memorial’s offense and has to replace a quarterback that ran for over 1,700 yards with 18 touchdowns and also set the school record for rushing yards in a game.

-FA C TO R : Line Play The biggest question mark for Brick Memorial is how quickly it can find its groove in the trenches on both sides of the ball. G LU E GU Y: Blaine Netterman, Jr., HB/DB A two-year, two-way returning starter, Netterman will be asked to do a lot for the Mustangs on both sides of the ball.

Restocking the Stable By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

n the surface Brick Memorial is very much in a transition year having to replace an All-Shore quarterback and one of the best groups of two-way linemen the program has ever produced. There will be plenty of changes for the Mustangs in 2016, but expectations are not among them.

“We do it the same way we always do: train hard in the offseason and our staff does a really good job evaluating our players and seeing what best fits their talents,” said Brick Memorial head coach Walt Currie. “It’s really business as usual.” “It’s not a rebuilding year for us,” said junior running back Tony Thorpe. “We have great players coming up, we just have to keep a strong mentality and play with the same intensity.” Lost to graduation are quarterback Tim Santiago and standout linemen Mike Nobile, Anthony Nobile, Chris Hayes and Jimmy Tango, among others, so there are plenty of question marks at those positions. Brick Memorial does return a strong junior class, however, that will hopefully lead the program one year removed from claiming a share of the Class A South division title and reaching the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV final. Under Currie, option football has been the name of the game for the Mustangs. It still will be this season, but Brick Memorial will be out of its customary flexbone look in favor of a pistol formation. “It’s still option football and is still about the quarterback making decisions, but the window dressing is a little different,” Currie said. Junior Grant McKelvey takes over as the starting quarterback and certainly has some big shoes to fill in following Santiago, who ran for 1,706 yards and 18 touchdowns for the No. 5 offense in the Shore Conference. McKelvey was in a battle with fellow junior Justin Hans, but Hans suffered an injury during a scrimmage and is likely out until the middle of the season. “Any time you lose your starting quarterback (Santiago) it’s going to hurt, but the bottom line is Grant is a very good football player and that

( l - r ) J r’ s . T o n y T h o r p e , G r an t M c K e l v e y , S r ’ s A n t h o n y G ar c i a , J u s t i n S z ub a & J r . B l a i n e N e t t e rm a n usually makes a very good quarterback,” Currie said. “He makes very good decisions.”

and we’ll move him around to try to get him the ball in space,” Currie said.

The fullback once again is Thorpe, whose emergence last season took Brick Memorial’s offense up a notch. He ran for 1,305 yard and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore.

The tight ends are senior Augustino Camacho, senior Kyle Sywanycz and junior Mike Sullivan. Senior Tay’von Ford saw some time at wide receiver last season, but the rest of the group is new with seniors Kishaun Carter, Derek Robertson and Joe Manso.

“Tony is our workhorse and we’re going to rely on him a lot,” said junior Blaine Netterman. “It’s a big year for me,” Thorpe said. “I want to be even better than last year and do what I have to do to be the best.” Netterman started both ways as a sophomore last season and will play H-back in the newlook offense. His ability to make plays in the open field and provide a perimeter threat will be a great complement to Thorpe’s punishing, downhill style. “He’ll catch the ball out of he backfield a lot

The lone returner on the offensive line is 6foot-7, 260-pound senior Justin Szuba at right guard. The Monmouth University recruit will look to lead a group that has junior Joe Castellano at left tackle, junior Willie Garner at left guard, senior Tyler Beck at center and junior Keidon Roettger at right tackle. “I like the mentality of being a mentor, but it’s definitely a shift from last year where I was the underdog,” Szuba said. Brick Memorial’s 4-3 defense was also a top-

iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Tyler Beck, Sr., OL/LB Beck isn’t a younger player, but will be stepping into a pair of starting roles at key positions.

P I VO TA L G A ME : Sept. 10 vs. Brick Township This game usually draws one of the biggest crowds all season, and for good reason. The intensity between the two teams is second to none and the impact is usually felt for at least a couple weeks.

10 unit in the Shore last season, allowing 14.7 points per game. The challenge here is once again replacing a defensive line that was disruptive and dominant. Szuba is also the only returning starter here and will line up at defensive tackle. The other defensive tackle is junior Max Campiofiori with Garner and Roettger as the defensive ends.

Thorpe on the strong side and Ford at the weak side. Ford played some defense last year, but it was in the secondary. Junior Tyler Gonzalez will also see time at linebacker.

“Our biggest question mark is how we’re going to be on the offensive and defensive lines,” Currie said. “We lost arguably the best lines in school history, and when you lose that the next group always pales in comparison. That’s not a knock on those kids, who have worked hard and prepared to have a good season. They’re ready to make those positions their own and perform at a high level.”

“Blaine will be our best defensive player, hands down,” Currie said. “The way we play defense the most important positions are the ‘mike’ linebacker and the two safeties. We need those guys to step up and have good years.”

All three linebackers are new starters with Beck in the middle,

Junior Bryce Troncone is the leading candidate to replace AllShore kicker and punter Matt Cuppari at both positions. .

Netterman is the only returning starter in the secondary, and returns at strong safety. Junior Dylan Vill and senior Anthony Garcia are the cornerbacks, and Manso is the free safety.

“I have a lot more confidence now,” Netterman said. “Last year I was a little bit nervous, but now I know I’m relied on more.”

With No. 2 Toms River North, No. 5 Jackson Memorial, No. 10 Brick, plus nonconference games against defending Central Jersey Group V champion South Brunswick and perennial power Sayreville, and the Mustangs don’t have the luxury of easing any new players in. It’s all about learning on the fly. “I feel like we’ll get better as the year goes on because we have young kids, but also a talented junior class,” Currie said. “The question is how quickly we get better. That’s the real key for us.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/2 @Southern Friday 9/9 Toms River East Friday 9/16 @Wall Friday 9/23 @Jackson Memorial Friday 10/7 Brick Memorial Friday 10/14 @Toms River South Saturday 10/22 @Colts Neck Friday 10/28 Brick Township Friday 11/4 Toms River North

coaching staff Head Coach:

Justin Fumando, 1st season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 0-0

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Chris James (off. coord./QB); Jarrett Pidgeon (def. coord./LB); Dennis Pidgeon (DL/RB); T errance Hardy (OLB/TE); Anthony Barone (DB); Alex Iachetta, Matt Kiefer (OL); Rocco Manfre, Pat Reilly (freshmen).

2015 Record: 6-4 (5-2)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO F ILL: Eli Allen/Joe Fowler, QB Replacing all-everything Michael Miserendino will not be easy, especially at quarterback where he had an outstanding season. How quickly junior Eli Allen or sophomore Joe Fowler can take charge of the offense will be a key. They will have to be able to throw with some success as defenses put eight men in the box to stop Bickford.

X -FA C TO R :

Physicality

It is a big move up from Class B South to Class A South and Central’s success will likely depend on their ability to match up with bigger and deeper teams. Coach Fumando stresses strength training but only had a couple of months to implement his off-season workout after being hired.

G LU E GU Ys: Mike Bickford, Sr., RB/LB & Denis Corbin, Sr., TE/DE Bickford has run for over 3,500 yards in two varsity seasons and clearly teams will be stacking the box to stop him in his tracks. He needs to provide a consistent ground game for the Golden Eagles and also will be counted on to the lead the defense from his outside linebacker spot. Corbin has flown under the radar, but look for him to shine as both a blocker and pass rusher.

New Direction

By Kevin Williams - Shore Sports Network Director

illie Jacobs won 19 games over three seasons at Central, so it was a surprise to many when the Golden Eagles alum stepped down as head coach in April.

Enter 34-year old Justin Fumando, who left a powerhouse program at Manalapan and is seeking to build one just off Exit 77 in Bayville. This might be Fumando’s first head coaching job, but his resume is an impressive one and in speaking with him you quickly get a sense his goals and plans are ambitious. A 2000 graduate of Middletown North, he went on to play at Kean University and shortly after graduating there he spent two seasons as an assistant at Manalapan. It was back to Kean for two years followed by one season at St. John Vianney before Fumando returned to Manalapan for a five-year stint as the Braves’ defensive coordinator. That experience has set the foundation for his arrival at Central and it did not take him long to realize the main difference between being an assistant and head coach. “It’s all the administrative stuff, dealing with paperwork and understanding that you are responsible for every player and coach in your program,” Fumando said. Fumando is a big believer in off-season strength and conditioning programs and only had a couple of months to install his, but he hopes it will pay off. “When we first started in April the turnout was not great, but as time went on more and more kids started to buy in to what we are trying to do here,” Fumando said. “You don’t win championships in the fall, but in the winter before.” As if becoming a first-time head coach is not enough of a challenge, Fumando takes over a program that is making the big leap from Class B South to Class A South. Instead of going up against programs with 40-50 players the Golden Eagles will now battle those with 50-70 players. It’s not just numbers but the physical nature of teams like Toms River North, Jackson Memorial and Brick that provides a daunting task. “It’s a physical division and you don’t get any easy weeks, so our guys have to be ready” Fumando said. Of course, it helps that Central returns one of the Shore’s top running backs in Mike Bickford, a 6-foot, 190pound senior who followed up a school-record 2,052 yard season as a sophomore with nearly 1,600 yards last

fall. While defenses set their sights on stopping him, Bickford was still the focal point of the offense although it did open things up for graduated quarterback Michael Miserendino, who accounted for 1,800 yards of total offense. Replacing him will be either 6-foot-3 junior Eli Allen or promising sophomore Joe Fowler. There is also senior Shane Black, who could see action at wide receiver in addition to handling both the kicking and punting chores. While Bickford will get most of the carries in the Pro-I set, when he does take a break (l-r) don’t be surprised to see freshman Kavon Chambers and senior Brandon Mickens get some touches. Both will be helped by fullback Ryan Emmetts, whose main job will be as a lead blocker. Nate James will also see action at fullback as last season’s starter Denis Corbin has been moved to tight end. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior will hopefully provide running lanes for Bickford while also catching passes. It was his incredible catch that helped set up the winning touchdown in overtime during last season’s opener at Southern. Corbin could become a favorite target for Allen or Fowler along with senior wide receiver Anthony Holloway, junior Jahmal Barney and sophomore Darius Martorano. Central’s offensive line was a largely inexperienced group in 2015 but they are a year bigger and stronger, as well as battle-tested. Alex Maj, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior, will anchor a group that returns four starters and includes senior John Matuska (6-foot-1, 210-pounds) and junior Brandon Voss (6-foot-1, 280-pounds) at guard along with junior tackle Blake Horgan (6-foot-3, 230 pounds). Rounding out the line is senior 6-foot-2, 215pound tackle Waylon Spear. The performance of this group will go a long way to determining the Golden Eagles’ success in A South. Defensively, Central will line up in a 3-4 and leading the way will be Corbin and Bickford from their defensive end and outside linebacker spots, respectively. Expect both to be very active and looking to make plays in the backfield. Corbin will be joined on the defensive line by

S r ’ s . A n t h o n y H o l l o w a y, D e n i s C o r b i n , M ike B ick for d, & Ale x M aj 240-pound sophomore nose guard Troy Warren, junior Vance Pelino and Matuska. The group of linebackers appears to be a solid one with Horgan teaming up with Bickford on the outside and junior Lino Delgiudice and senior Andrew Kelly handling the middle. Sophomore Javaugn Mayers will also see action. The defensive backfield will be led by Holloway and juniors Jonathan Gonzalez, Jonathan Banks and Neil Harrington along with sophomore Curtis Lively. Central will get some help from Donovan Catholic transfer Jared Giamo, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound two-way tackle who must sit out the first few games before he is eligible to play. The Golden Eagles swing into action early, visiting Southern on Friday, Sep. 2 in one of two Week Zero games, and Fumando expects his team to be ready. He also admits to being a bit nervous heading into his head coaching debut, but, like his players, that will likely be gone after the opening kickoff. What will not be gone is the intensity he hopes to instill in his team and belief that he and his young staff are building a program that will eventually make opposing teams nervous when they visit Joseph J. Boyd Memorial Field.

iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Kavon Chambers, Fr., RB Why pick a freshman running back at a spot where you have Bickford? Chambers has a lot of ability and just might provide a change of pace. Tough to play in A South as a freshman but he could be something special.

P I VO TA L G A ME : Sept. 9 vs Toms River East Central’s first home game as a member of Class A South comes against a Raiders team that is coming off a one-win season and also features a new coaching staff. Early season wins are vital for both teams but at home Central needs to get a “W” here.

2016 Schedule Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday

9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4

@Jackson Liberty @Brick Township Central @Toms River South Southern Toms River North @Toms River East Old Bridge Brick Memorial

coaching staff Head Coach:

Walt Krystopik, 6th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 38-17

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es : Tony Compitello (off. coord./WR); Jeff Brown (OL); Keith Anderson (RB); Tom Bradley (DL); Chris Rash (OLB); Vincent Mistretta (DB); Nicole Figaro (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 8-4 (4-3)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O FI LL: Devynn Lee, Jr., WR/DB Before Kyle Johnson moved to quarterback he was a big-play wide receiver. Lee looks to add that element to the offense while also starting in the secondary.

X -FA C TO R :

Dan Barker, Sr., QB

Barker played well last season before being injured. If he can regain his form and lead an inexperienced group of receivers, the Jaguars will have a necessary complement to their power running game.

G LU E GU Ys: Mike Gawlik, Sr., RB/DB Gawlik leads by example with his focus and intensity on the field, not to mention his production and clutch performances in big games.

Leaving a Legacy By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

ackson Memorial enters the 2016 season as the two-time defending NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV champion, and with an experienced offensive line and franchise running back Mike Gawlik returning, the Jaguars have a great chance to enter the Shore Conference record books.

The Jaguars will be looking to become just the sixth team in Shore history to win three straight NJSIAA state titles. It’s a motivating factor, for sure, but looking ahead isn’t something Jackson has the luxury of doing. “It’s not something we focus on because we have to focus on the A South schedule,” said Jaguars head coach Walt Krystopik. “The depth and quality in A South is second to none, and you have to be at your best.” “It motivates us because it would be the first time in school history,” said senior offensive lineman Mitch Mills. “It motivates us to come out and work hard every day.”

( l - r ) S r ’ s . D a n n y B ar k e r , M i k e G a w l i k , J r ’ s . J o e H u r l e , D e v y n n L e e , S r’ s . Z a c k L u b e r t a z zi & M i t c h M i l l s

The Jaguars made a fantastic run to the program’s fifth sectional title last season, shaking off a mid-season three-game losing streak and rallying around each other after some injuries to key players. Armed with talent and the know-how of what it takes to win a championship, the Jaguars are ready for what their grueling schedule has to offer. “We all know what it takes to be state championship-caliber team,” Mills said.

“We knew we could hang with the better teams, and our mindset going into the

playoffs was we were just going to go get it,” Gawlik said. The Jaguars multiple offense is led by Gawlik, a two-time first-team All-Shore selection who has rushed for over 2,700 yards and 38 touchdowns in his career. A three-year starter on offense and defense, he is the engine, heart and soul of the Jags. “With Mike Gawlik back there we always have a chance,” Krystopik said.

of Jackson’s offense, so returning Gawlik, four of five starting offensive linemen and fullback Tom Pellone bodes very well. Mills is the left tackle with senior Larry Richardson at left guard. Senior Sean Martin started five games last year and returns at right guard. Junior Joe Hurle, an all-Class A South pick last year, is at right tackle. The only new spot is at center where senior Magnus McCaleb and junior Devin Martinez are battling for the starting position.

The running game is the bread and butter

iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Justin Martin-Culet, Jr., FB/LB The promising junior will start at linebacker and also see time at fullback, which is an underrated position of importance in Jackson’s offense.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Oct. 14 vs. Toms River North The Mariners and Jaguars look to be the top two teams in the division heading into the season, so this could very well be the game that decides the division title.

he returns. Pellone will start in the middle for Lubertazzi with Martin-Culet as the weak-side linebacker and senior Nick Tremmell and Hirsch at strongside linebacker.

“We had a really young group last year, especially after Dylan Smith got hurt,” Krystopik said. “We had a full group of new blockers with the line, fullback and tight end. This year we just have to replace the tight end and center, so we’re in a much better position. “Being able to return four guys gave us a huge jump start,” Mills said. “When we lost (center Chris Mondello) the first day of camp last year and then Dylan got hurt we knew that instant we had to pick it up and come together quickly.” Junior Brandon Hirsch will be the tight end while junior Justin Martin-Culet will also see time at fullback with Pellone. The wide receivers are all new with junior Devynn Lee, senior trevor Louro and juniors A.J. Tolmachewich and Matt D’Amore. Rounding out the offense is senior quarterback Dan Barker, who was the starter last season until an injury cut his season short. The Jaguars inserted senior Kyle Johnson from receiver, and Johnson caught fire to help the Jaguars win another state crown. One year later, Barker has the reigns of the offense again. “He has a chip on his shoulder,” Krystopik said. “He was injured as a sophomore so last year was a big jump for him, essentially going from freshman ball to all the

sudden the varsity starter. He’s much more comfortable with what we’re doing on the field.” Barker started strong last season with nine touchdowns and only one interception, so the coaching staff is confident he can build off that. “You can’t replace Kyle Johnson’s athleticism but Dan has good leadership and good athleticism, too,” Krystopik said. “Everything will be there we did last year with Kyle.” The Jaguars were the No. 7 defense in the Shore last season allowing 11 points per game. Four starters return in their 4-3 base with Richardson at defensive end and senior Phil Jenkins at defensive tackle. The nose guard is senior Jim Zapata and the other defensive end is sophomore Chance Benjamin. Senior Zack Lubertazzi, a returning starter, will miss the beginning of the season with a leg injury, so the Jaguars will need a trio of junior linebackers to rise to the occasion until

Gawlik returns as the starting strong safety where he excels in run support. He’s basically a fourth linebacker but has the speed to cover in space. Louro is the free safety along with senior Dan Kellet. The cornerbacks are Lee and senior Jordan Caldwell. “Up front I think we’ll be okay with guys like Jenkins, Richardson and Zapata all on the field for us last year,” Krystopik said. “We need our junior linebackers to step up while Zack is recovering.” The Class A South schedule is stacked and the Jaguars also have a tough nonconference game against Old Bridge. This group, however, has learned how to weather the storm and rebound from adversity. There’s not much you can throw at them they haven’t seen yet. “We have a good amount of starters back and we should be in pretty good shape,” Gawlik said. “We’re all ready to go.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Central Friday 9/2 Friday 9/9 @Toms River North Friday 9/16 @Manalapan Saturday 9/24 Toms River East Friday 10/7 @Jackson Memorial Friday 10/14 Brick Township Friday 10/21 @Brick Memorial Friday 10/28 Lacey Friday 9/4 Toms River South

coaching staff Chuck Donohue Sr., 19 season (43rd overall).

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 240-167-4

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Matt Abbato (def. coord.); Andrew Beckett (DL); Dylan Larson (OL); Eric Fierro (QB); Eric Sharkey; C.J. Tomeldon (RB/DB); Chuck Donohue Jr. (OL), Evan Osborne (volunteers); Joe Fleck, Dan Roy (freshmen); John Kaszuba (Dir. of Football Oper.); Joe Caucino, Art Margulies (athletic trainers)

2015 Record: 4-6 (2-5)

At A Glance B IG SHOES TO FILL: Chris Citarella, Sr., WR/DB Citarella is a returning starter on defense, but on offense he will step into a starting role at wide receiver where last season Nick Simonelli was the top pass catcher..

X -FA C TO R :

Sam Cammarata, Sr., QB

If Cammarata can build of his solid second half last season and become a reliable playmaker the Rams can compete with everyone on their schedule.

G LU E GU Ys: Dane Walker, Sr., RB/LB One of the team’s senior leaders, Walker will play significant roles on both sides of the ball. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Shane Drayton, Sr., TE/OLB Why pick a freshman running back at a spot where you have Bickford? Chambers has a lot of ability and just might provide a change of pace. Tough to play in A South as a freshman but he could be something special.

P I VO TA L G A ME : Friday Sept. 2 vs. Central The Rams have had this one circled on their calendar since last season’s overtime loss.

Cashing In on Paid Dues By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

n a division as unforgiving as Class A South, being young and inexperienced usually translates into a season of struggles. That was the case for Southern in 2015 as the Rams went 4-6 playing in a division that featured two state sectional champions and another state finalist.

The good news for Southern is that most of its roster is back for the 2016 season, and the Rams hope the combination of talent and experience has them back in the playoff race. “The bottom line is we took five beatings on the line of scrimmage last year,” said Southern head coach Chuck Donohue. “We were just outmanned and outexperienced, and this division was outstanding on the line of scrimmage. But we benefitted from that and we knew what we had to do in the “We knew last year that we were inexperienced, but we were tough,” said junior linebacker/running back Joe Miele. “We’re bringing that toughness back this year but now we all have the experience.” Southern enters this season, which begins Friday Sept. 2 with a Week Zero game against rival Central, in much better shape than last season in terms of returning starters. There are 10 players that either started or played significant snaps in the Rams’ multiple offense and nine back in their 50 front defense. Offensively, senior Sam Cammarata is back at quarterback after starting the second half of last season. It was just five games, but Cammarata gave the Rams plenty to look forward to this season by throwing four touchdowns and leading a pair of game-winning drives. “He came in and played probably better than we thought he’d play,” Donohue said. “He was in games we had to come back in, and all four of our wins were in either overtime or the last minute, and he was a factor in all of those finishes. The expectations for him this year are big. We expect him to not only be a solid quarterback but for him to make plays and helps us out of situations.” The last two times Southern had two-year starters at quarterback – Dan Higgins and Todd Kaiser – the Rams made the playoffs. “We’re expecting the same,” Donohue said. “The quarterback has to be a factor in this league (A South).” “Last year I just worked really hard every day and when I got my opportunity I said to myself I don’t know if I’ll get another one, so I ran with it,” Cammarata said. “That built a lot of confidence. This preseason I think I have good command of the offense.”

At fullback is junior Joe Miele and senior Dane Walker, while juniors Vin Miele, John Dolphin, and Matt Barnett will play tailback after seeing time their last season. Seniors Chris Scucci and Will Gallagher will also see time in the backfield. Joe Miele, who is a two-year starter at linebacker, missed the first four games last season with an injury and only had 12 carries all season, but will see a much larger load this year. “Nobody has seen this kid run the ball yet, and he has an awful lot of potential as a running back,” Donohue said. “I’m really excited to play on both sides,” Miele said. “Last year even when I was back I didn’t run the ball much. I’m hungry. I want the ball. I want to help my team as much as possible.” Senior Jesse Amirr will start for the second year at tight end and is a three-year varsity player. He brings good size at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds. The Rams are deeper at tight end than they’ve been in years with seniors Dylan Lane and Shane Drayton also at the position. Lane started toward the end of last season and Drayton is a 6-foot-4 volleyball standout who brings great leaping ability and athleticism. The wide receivers are seniors Chris Citarella, Deric Vincent and Jackson Donahower. Citerella is one of the team leaders, Vincent returns to the gridiron after missing two years with knee injures and Donahower is a 6-foot-5 target who is a gifted athlete. Donahower began last season as the team’s quarterback but moved to wide receiver and started the final four games.offseason.” The offensive line features two returning starters in senior Ryan Bakker at left tackle and junior Devin VandeVelde at left guard. The center is junior Bill Rolenc, the right guard is senior Dylan Smith and the right tackle spot will be manned by juniors Mike Levine and Dave Lowman. Also working in at guard are senior Mike Conforti and junior Zach Otte. Defense has been the calling card for Southern’s most successful teams under Donohue, and if the Rams are to turn in a bounce-back season defensive coordinator Matt Abbato’s unit will have to improve on allowing 25.1 points per game last season. The horses are there to

(l-r) S r’ s. C hr is C ita rella & Dane W alker make it happen in the 50 front base with nine starters back, including the entire secondary. Otte and Amirr are back as the defensive ends while VandeVelde is a returning starter at defensive tackle. Stepping into a starting role at the other defensive tackle spot is 6-foot-3, 275-pound junior Terrick Grace, who saw some time last season. The nose guard is 6-foot-2, 290-pound sophomore Sean MacGillivray. Joe Miele and Walker are the middle linebackers and could both be on the field at the same time depending on the formation. Junior Derek Wilson and sophomore Trevor Guglielmo could also see time there. The outside linebackers are Amirr and Otte. Miele led the Rams in tackles as a freshman with 80 but managed just 29 last season due to an injury-shorted sophomore campaign. He has the ability to be a breakout player as a junior. “He has to be,” Donohue said. “He has too much talent and ability, and the defense fits him. We can keep people off him up front so he can roam back there. And Dane compliments him really well. We feel we’re as good as anybody at inside linebacker.” Amirr is also a key player on the edge for the Rams’ run defense. “He gives us a solid off-tackle player in a league that runs off tackle a lot,” Donohue said. “His range is good and he plays down the line of scrimmage very well.” Barnett and Dolphin return as the starting cornerbacks while the safety spot has Vin Miele and Citarella, who both started games last season. Vincent and Gallagher will serve as backups in the secondary. “Southern has been known for its defense and it’s preached here,” Amirr said. “Defensively, we are sound. Everyone knows their assignments and we have everything under control, and you’re going to see that Friday night.” “We take a lot of pride in our defense,” Walker said. “There are a lot of running teams in A South so we have to be good against the run.” In the kicking game, Barnett is the placekicker and Cammarata is the punter.

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @Central Friday 9/16 Toms River South Friday 9/23 @Southern Saturday 10/1 Manchester Friday 10/7 @Toms River North Friday 10/14 Brick Memorial Friday 10/21 Jackson Memorial Saturday 10/29 Marlboro Friday 11/4 @Brick Township

coaching staff Head Coach:

Kyle Sandberg, 1st season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 0-0

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Mike Nemeth (O-Coordinator), Matt Madeo (RB's), Tim Gilmartin (OL), Vinnie Arminio (WR's), Billy Byrne (WR's), Frank Giannetti (DL), Tj Tkac (DB's), Joe Arminio (Freshman Head Coach), Eddie Goodman (Freshman), Kevin Kanarkowski (Freshman), and Jake McCartney (Trainer).

2015 Record: 1-9 (0-7)

At A Glance BIG SHOES TO FILL: Nick Fairfield SR. C & LT/DT After losing 22 seniors on last years team, a lot of this years team including all the current seniors will have to fill the void of losing players like Brandon Burdge, Brendan Brush, and Kelly Conklin. One such player with big shoes to fill could be Nick Fairfield who if plays well could add a strong force on the offensive and defensive line in the loss of several key guys.

X -F AC TO R :

The Seniors

Hungry to become winners, Coach Sandberg says the seniors want to win so bad they are stepping up as leaders to the younger Raiders so they don't have to feel the sting of losing in the regular season. If the seniors step up on the field this year both in stats and shining in their leadership roles, the Raiders could earn some wins.

GLU E G U Y: Jake Gilligan SR. FB/OLB Coach Sandberg says it's really the entire senior class and it'll be up to them to keep this team focused on winning. One of those seniors Jake Gilligan, is determined to end the Raiders stay in the right column by helping pull this team together with his senior comrades to bring them the taste of victory.

Change of Atmosphere By Vin Ebenau - Shore Sports Network Contributor

ollowing a seventh consecutive losing season, Toms River East looks to steer into waters not charted since the 2009 season where the team went 10-1 and won back-to-back division titles. New head coach Kyle Sandberg looks to captain this team into relevancy and restore the winning tradition at Toms River East.

Sandberg spent the previous two season as the team’s defensive coordinator before being tapped as the new head man this season in succession of Charlie Diskin, who stepped down f o l l ow i n g last season. For Sandberg, the transition into his new role has been seamless. “I love it, this is what I’ve always wanted to do, always wanted to be a head coach, (and) always wanted to do it here,” said Sandberg. “There’s no place like East. It’s a dream come true for me.” Some adjustments are being made for the upcoming season and someone Sandberg spoke with as he took the torch was his predecessor. “He was a great

help early on, he was my coach and he’s been a mentor for me since I’ve been here,” said Sandberg. “I spoke to him before the process and really when I got the job.” Diskin’s teams compiled a 48-54 record in his 10 years as the head coach, and Sandberg credits his former coach as someone who provided tremendous insight into what it’s like being a head coach. But there are some changes being made, and above all, it’s about maintaining a consistent presence in the win column. “The biggest me is these winning, togetherness,

thing for kids lost toughness, and pride,”

said Sandberg. “Being a graduate here, I take all that to my heart, so I kind of implement that to them, and show them how to be a Raider.” Sandberg adds many of these seniors aren’t used to winning and he believes it’s his job to change that. So far it’s been an explosive effort by a team willing to do what it takes to win. “My biggest thing is to change this entire culture and that’s something that I wanted to do as soon as I got the job,” said Sandberg. “To change the culture on the field, off the field, in the building and pretty much on this whole side of town.” Winning is near the top of the list of goals for this season but, there are some other aspects of the game in need of being met head on in order for them to get where he thinks they can go. “It’s hard because these kids have never tasted victory before, they have never felt what it’s like to win a game,” said Sandberg. “To me that is just unacceptable. My job here is to get them Ws.” His players are also seeking to end the losing streak and get back on track. “I feel like we’re just going to progress from what we came off (of) last year,” said senior Jake Gilligan. “We have the

i MPA C T NE WC O ME R: Liam Meakem SO. C There is an increasing amount of talent coming up through the ranks of players now in their sophomore or junior seasons Coach Sandberg adds. Among them include Liam Meakem, Josh Kovalik, and Steven Carr who have had a taste of the varsity level and could become vital to the Raiders success especially Meakem on the offensive line.

P IV O TA L G A ME: Sept. 16 vs. Toms River South The Raiders will take on the rival Indians in Week Two where they will look for their first divisional win in two years.

Dobridge, and Kyle Blue are fighting for playing time.

mindset that we have nothing to lose. We’re just looking to get as many wins as we can.”

Battles on the offensive line are a daily thing according to Sandberg, and this year has voids to be filled as well. Nick Fairfield, Trevor Melnyk, Liam Meakem, Dave Cummings, and Anthony Cresho, among others, are fighting for positions on that side of the ball.

“We give 100 percent everyday,” said senior Jordan Lewis. “That’s all I can ask from this team, and if we do that for the rest of the seson we’ll be pretty good”

The atmosphere is changing at Toms River East and the players are liking the way Sandberg is approaching his promotion to head coach.

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Toms River East, but the one certainty is the group is motivated to turn the program around.

“It’s a different atmosphere, “I feel like I’ve taken this (l-r) Sr. F B. Jake Gilligan, Sr. Te . Landon Zagacki everybody’s excited to have a leadership role for this team, I different coaching staff, a Jr. FB. Tommy Ferrante, Sr. T . Nick Fairfield just look to push kids as far as I different set of plays,“ said can and push myself as far as I Gilligan “There’s a total Landon Zagacki, Jake Gilligan and Tommy Ferrante are can,” said Gilligan. “All I have is this record that’s been in different mindset in everybody, I feel like we’re going to the returning starters from last years team. my head this whole time as we’ve been training. I just have a successful year.” want to change that around.” Jack Goodall, who was the quarterback last year along “Attitude’s changed, mentality’s better, (and) everyone’s with Louie Gallo, could see snaps under center, but excited to be here,” said junior Tommy Ferrante. heading into the season they are battling with Dom Cadamatre, Ryan Gilmartin and Tyler Toth. After losing a good amount of seniors off last year’s team, there is open competition for a lot of positions in both the Raiders Wing-T offense and multiple set defense.

In the secondary, there are plenty of holes to fill. Gallo along with other senior defensive backs Evan Otten, Joe

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Southern Friday 9/16 @ Brick Memorial Saturday 9/24 Brick Township Friday 9/30 @ Howell Friday 10/7 Toms River East Friday 10/14 @ Jackson Memorial Friday 10/21 @ Middletown South Friday 10/28 Toms River South Friday 11/4 @ Central

coaching staff Head Coach:

Dave Oizerowitz, 4th season (sixth overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 29-24

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es : Mike Oizerowitz (off. coord./WR); Rich Malek (def. coord./DB); Billy Dowd (OL); Gabe Roonan (ILB/ST); Anthony Penna (QB); Nick Zaza (OLB); Bob Cassidy (DL); Charlie Monanian (DL); Bill Wilbert, Chris Gold (freshmen); Kendall Hostnick (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 11-1 (6-1)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O FI LL: Billy Dowd, Jr., DL There is no replacing graduated senior Da’Shon Copes, who was one of the best defensive linemen in New Jersey last season. Dowd will step into a starting role at defensive end, however, and look to give the Mariners another reliable player on a loaded defense.

X -F AC TO R :

Staying Healthy

Toms River North doesn’t really have any glaring holes or question marks. The one thing that can always derail a promising season is injuries to prominent players, but the Mariners are certainly not the only team in that situation.

G LU E G U Y: Pete Laquaglia, Sr., LB A two-year starter and the leader of the Mariners’ defense, Laquaglia sets the tone for what Toms River North does on that side of the ball. i MPA C T NE WC O ME R: Dan Madsen, Sr., TE/FB To casually add a 6-foot-6, 245-pound player to the lineup says a lot about Toms River North’s stable of talent. Madsen steps into a starting role as an H-back where he’ll be moved around from fullback to tight end.

P IV O TA L G A ME: Oct. 21 at Middletown South This one won’t have any bearing on the Class A South race, but with the Eagles and Mariners starting No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the SSN Top 10, this is shaping up to be the marquee game of the entire season.

Gifted and Talented By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

alking onto the practice field at Toms River North and catching just a few moments of the reigning NJSIAA South Jersey Group V champs is all one needs to realize the Mariners are an absolute juggernaut.

The Mariners have a boatload of returning starters that include some of the best players in the Shore Conference on both sides of the ball, and they figure to be among the elite teams in the state this season. They are talented, experienced and well-coached, and still hungry to gather more championship hardware. “We’ve all been playing together since Pop Warner so we know it’s the last time together for the seniors,” said senior quarterback Mike Husni. “We’re just trying to take advantage of it and have as much fun as we can.” “The pieces are in place,” said Toms River North head coach Dave Oizerowitz. “It’s a veteran team and not too many underclassmen are going to be able to crack the starting lineup, and in our division that’s a good thing. It’s about being consistent in each period and focusing on the small parts of what we do on both sides of the ball and special teams.” Fun is what people will have watching the Mariners operate, unless you’re on the opposing sideline. With several returning All-Shore honorees and Division I recruits, Toms River North is stacked. It’s offense, quite frankly, has an embarrassment of riches, even more so than last year when the Mariners were fourth in the Shore in scoring at 33 points per game. The leader of the high-flying attack is Husni, a fouryear starter and a dynamic dual-threat player in the backfield. A first-team All-Shore pick last season, Husni threw for 1,368 yard and 13 touchdowns and also ran for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has a chance this season to become the first quarterback in Shore Conference history to run and pass for over 1,000 yard each in three straight seasons. “He’s the best quarterback in high school football I’ve seen in a very long time in this area,” Oizerowitz said. “He’s stronger, faster and more explosive this year. The biggest difference is his understanding of progressions and reads. He’s hitting his third and fourth options now, and that’s big.” The talent level around Husni is remarkable. At wide receiver he has a pair of standout seniors in Bryce Watts and Darrion Carrington. Watts is committed to Rutgers and has blazing speed in the 4.4 range. Carrington was a second-team All-Shore selection last season and has several FCS and FBS offers. There’s also 6-foot-2 senior Kenny Cook, a returning starter, 6-foot-3 senior Jaden Rhoden, and juniors Andrew Daniluk and Anthony Urso. Tight ends Dan Madsen (6foot-6, 245 pounds) and Cole LaBatch (6-foot-3, 270pounds) are monsters. In the backfield the Mariners welcome back senior Parker Day, who as at Toms River North his first two years before playing at Manasquan last season. He’ll

(l-r) Sr’s. P ete LaQuaglia, Mike Husni, B ryce Watts, Parker Day & Darrion Carrington be the starting tailback with standout junior Daryn Blackwell also seeing time. Junior Mickey Maldonado will also work in at running back. “It’s a lot of fun because defenses have to prepare for the run and the pass,” Husni said. “We can run at you, run around you, throw it over you or throw a hitch and take it 80 yards. Defenses are going to have a tough time defending us this year.” “The nature of the offense is to spread the ball around, so it’s a good thing,” Oizerowitz said. “You worry in the spread when you don’t have enough. It’s a numbers game. For us it’s all about being physical out of every set and having threats at every skill position.” To top it all off, Toms River North returns four of five starters on the offensive line. At left tackle is 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior Matt Melamed and at right guard is Esiah Santamaria, a 270-pound three-year starter. Senior Will Sagarese, also a three-year starter, brings good size at 270 pounds. Senior Daniel Benishti (6-foot-1, 275 pounds) returns as the starter at left tackle. The only newcomer is sophomore Nick Renda at right guard. While the Toms River North offense will steal the show the majority of the time, its defense, which was so good in the playoffs last year, returns eight starters. Standout nose guard Joe Nardoza returns to the line with LaBatch, a three-year starter back from injury, at defensive end. The other defensive end spot will be 6-foot-3, 295-pound junior Billy Dowd with junior Bryan Schlesinger and sophomore Stevon Drew also in the mix. Senior Pete Laquaglia returns as a starter at inside linebacker after posting a team-high 110 tackles last season. He’ll call the Mariners’ 3-4 defense on the field next to sophomore Jordan Johnson. Blackwell has the chance to be a special player and returns as a starter at outside linebacker. The other outside

linebacker spot will be held down by either senior Joe Bisogno, junior Erik Kelly or junior Ian Briggs. “Pete emerging last year was huge for us,” Oizerowitz said. “I thought by the end of the year he was playing as well as anybody in the Shore. To bring him back this year we feel really strong at inside linebacker.” “We have a couple things to fix, but if we do that we can be just as good as last year on defense,” Laquaglia said. The Mariners have almost nobody playing both ways except for Carrington and Watts as returning starters at cornerback. They’ll rotate with senior Janaire Bradley, who also started last year, along with senior Dante Shenkin. Maldonado started at free safety last year and will shift to strong safety. Daniluk started the last four games and will begin the season as free safety. Junior Bishop Curry will also see some time at free safety. The Marines’ kicking game is also in good hands with three-year starter Kyle Bayha handling both the placekicking and punting duties. All in all, it’s hard not to have very high expectations for the Mariners. From the inside, however, the goals are simple. “We’re still hungry,” Oizerowitz said “We’re blue collar and we don’t really look at ourselves as the hunted. All we talk about is getting better every day. Our kids know how tough our division is and the reality is we have to survive it just to make the playoffs. It’s a war every week and that’s what we have to prepare for.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 Lacey Friday 9/16 @Toms River East Friday 9/23 Brick Memorial Friday 9/30 Jackson Memorial Friday 10/7 @Brick Township Friday 10/14 Central Friday 10/28 @Toms River North Friday 11/4 @Southern Thursday 11/24 Lakewood

coaching staff Head Coach:

Ron Signorino Jr., 6th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 25-26

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es : Matt Martin (off. coord./DB); Bill Rankin (QB/ST); Bill McDonnell (def. coord./LB); Kyle Austin (OL); Joe Kelly (WR/LB); Ray Guzzi (WR); Jimmy Drackowitz (DL); Bill Malast (OL/DL); Dan Cicala (DB); Joe Zaccone (RB/strength and cond.); Brett Hardie, Dave Fanslau, Trevor Signorino (freshman).

2015 Record: 5-5 (3-4)

At A Glance B I G S HOE S T O FIL L: Sam Akinlolu, So., RB & Zack Applegate, Sr., RB The main two candidates to fill the key ‘A Back’ spot and replace the graduated Dashaun Alexander, who rushed for well over 1,000 yards last season.

X -FA C TO R :

Quarterback Play

With Drew Laing, TJ Rockhill and Dominic O’Brien vying for playing time and leadership of the offense, the quarterback position is a big question mark heading into the season.

G LU E GU Y: Todd Stueber, Sr., OL/LB A captain who is without question the team leader on and off the field, Stueber will be counted on to provide guidance to an inexperienced group of players. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Teddy Suarez, Jr., DT Has caused havoc during the preseason and spends a lot of time in the backfield. One of the quicker players on the Indians roster, he will lead what should be a staunch defense.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 10 vs. Lacey. The season opener on a Saturday night could set the tone. While Lacey is now in Class B South, this battle with the Lions figures to be a toss-up and a big one if South hopes to return to the state playoffs.

Plenty of New Faces By Kevin Williams - Shore Sports Network Director

asual fans of Toms River South football will clearly need a program to find out who is wearing the maroon and white this fall as the Indians replace most of the key contributors from a team that went 5-5 and earned a spot in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV playoffs.

Gone are leading rusher Dashaun Alexander, offensive lineman Kyle Hebrew and two-way standouts Jaden Kosh and Tyler Sosa. To make things even more challenging for head coach Ron Signorino Jr., the two leading candidates for the starting quarterback position did not come out for football and are instead playing baseball in the fall. Signorino is not asking for pity but will need fans to be a little patient as he and his coaching staff put together the pieces of a team that can hopefully hold their own in the rugged Class A South division. While the names might be unfamiliar now, the sixth year head coach has a good feeling about the current group of 60-plus players. “When we started six years ago I was asked about expectations but I really never had them,” Signorino said. “What I had was a vision of where I wanted to the program to go and we are almost at the point.” Signorino said this year’s squad is one he likes working with very much and they have done what has been asked of them heading into their September 10 opener against Lacey at Detweiler Stadium. Senior leadership will be a key factor for a team with so little experience, and Signorino was lavish in his praise of senior captain Todd Stueber, a standout on the offensive line and at linebacker. “He is as good a leader as we’ve had and is like having another coach on the field and in the locker room,” Signorino said. The 6-foot, 225-pound Stueber will help mentor younger players, as will the other captains in Nick Page, a 6-foot, 210-pound linebacker and offensive lineman, and Cooper Guzzi, a slot back and safety.

staff feels like he can make the adjustment to being a featured ball carrier. Senior King Ruiz and sophomore Jalen Hibbert could also see action in the backfield, while Guzzi and senior Tim Velazquez get the bulk on playing time at slot back. Don’t expect the Indians to air it out often but when (l-r) S r ’s. Dr ew Laing, T odd S tueber, N ic k Pa ge, they do the top targets Trevor R ockhill & C oope r G uzzi figure to be junior Hunter Roberts, senior Nykie Lofton and sophomore The defensive backfield will include Jorien Harris. The starting tight end will be Guzzi, Velazquez, Rockhill, Lofton, Roberts 6’4, 215 pound senior Mike Faone who will and Hibbert. As it stands now, Lofton will be counted on heavily as a blocker. Joining handle both the kicking and punting duties. Stueber and Page on the offensive line will For Toms River South to return to the be junior center Justin Minniti along with playoffs it will likely need to win its first juniors Andre Knowles, Nick Florio and two games against Lacey and Toms River Isaiah Guthridge and senior AJ Alvarez. East, because the in the following five With so many new faces on offense it will games they will face the Class A South be up to the defense to carry the load, gauntlet in Brick Memorial, Jackson especially in the first few games. Leading Memorial, Brick and Toms River North. the charge is junior defensive tackle Teddy The task is a challenging one, but Suarez, a 5-foot-9, 195-pound fireplug who Signorino is confident that his group will has dominated preseason action. He comes come together and give Indians fans plenty off the ball with a lightning quick burst that to cheer about at one of the Shore’s top is tough for interior offensive lineman to best home fields, Detweiler Stadium. handle, and will be counted on to cause havoc in the backfield. Joining him upfront will be a solid corps including Knowles, Guthridge, Faone and junior Corey Conner. Heading up the group of linebackers will be Page, Applegate, Stueber, Alvarez and Minniti as many Indians will be two-way players.

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

Three seniors are vying for the starting quarterback position in South’s flexbone option attack with Drew Laing the favorite over T.J. Rockhill and Dominic O’Brien, but all three could see action. There is little experience at running back where the “A Back” will get the bulk of the carries. The group of candidates is headed up by sophomore Sam Akinlolu and senior Zack Applegate, a transfer from Florida. Applegate played as a blocking fullback before arriving at South but the coaching

2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 @Manasquan Friday 9/23 Colts Neck Friday 9/30 Wall Friday 10/7 @MiddleTown South Friday 10/14 Red Bank Catholic Friday 10/21 @Ocean Friday 10/28 MiddleTown North Saturday 11/5 @Freehold Boro Thursday 11/24 Red Bank

coaching staff Head Coach:

Dan George, 20 season th

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 132-71

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es : John Jasio (DL), Chad King (DB), Terry King (RB), Kris Parker (WR), Nick Tranchina (Def. Coordinator/LB), Ben Woolley (OL), Sean Brown (Freshman), Greg Penta (Freshman), James Reilly (Freshman)

2 0 1 5 R e c o r d : 3-7 (1-5 in B North)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O FI LL: The Line Long Branch will have to replace four players on the offensive line, with only junior center Peter Wersinger returning to the group. Sophomores Hunter Metzler and Kevin Cerruti, junior Brian Santiago and senior Desmond Blackmon will look to jump in and pave the way for the offense.

X -F AC TO R :

Quarterback

George did not shy away from citing quarterback play as the key to the season, mostly because the Green Wave did not get enough playmaking from the position last year. Junior Juwan Wilkins and sophomore Marc Dennis have both taken first-team reps during the preseason and while Wilkins has had the inside track most of the preseason, George is looking for the best playmaker.

The Next Wave By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

eplacing the all-time single-season rushing leader in Shore Conference history would seem to have been the most glaring challenge for coach Dan George and the Long Branch football team heading into 2015, but finding the heir to Dahmiere Willis was not George’s major concern, nor is it his this season.

More than finding someone to rush for 2,000-plus yards, he wanted to find a quarterback to manage the offense. After mixed results last season, he’s refined his want ad: he wants a quarterback who can make plays. Long Branch returns an array of skill talent this season and more experience on the defensive side as compared to a year ago, but there remains one variable that George keeps coming back to when considering the prospects for the Green Wave in 2015. “We’ve got to make more plays on offense this year and we have to get more plays out of the quarterback,” George said. “With the schedule we play, it’s not enough to just do your assignment every play and think you’re going to beat some of those teams. Guys have to step up and make the play when they have the chance, and you’ve got to have a quarterback who can make a lot of plays.” Likely starter Juwan Wilkins was only a sophomore last season and his primary competition, Marc Dennis, was just a freshman. The youth of the two players competing for time is one of the reasons George is optimistic that Long Branch can improve at the position with the same personnel as last year.

things help with that chemistry.”

“We’ve got some great competition there right now, which we haven’t had,” George said. “They’re making plays. I don’t care what level you’re talking about, if you don’t have a quarterback, you can’t play. We’re starting a whole step higher there.” Another reason a . eith developing quarterback can have success playing at Long Branch this season is the weapons he will have at his disposal. Juniors Kaymarr Mimes and T.J. Fosque are big, athletic targets, with Fosque playing on the outside at 6-foot-4, 170 pounds, and Mimes standing 6-5 and 220 pounds at tight end. Mimes is a legitimate Division I prospect at the position and can essentially play the role of No. 1 receiver while technically remaining a tight end.

Sr R B . K

“Juwan has matured and he has really locked into the game a lot more,” Mimes said of Wilkins. “He understands where everybody goes and how everything fits together. We’ve been working on building that chemistry by throwing with each other all the time. Even outside of practice – maybe we’ll go to the park and just run routes and those little

GLU E G U Y: Kaymarr Mimes, TE/DE

Cooper .. .

“Kaymarr Mimes is having a phenomenal preseason – offensively as well as defensively,” George said. “He’s a big target and we can move him around.”

Juniors Kevin Porch and Pasa Fields will also play key roles as receivers in the passing game, giving the Green Wave an entire stable of receivers who have two more years in the program along with two quarterbacks who also will be back next season. Senior Keith Cooper returns as the feature back after taking the place of Willis last season. He starts the season in better health this season after nagging injuries hampered him in preseason last year and he is carrying more weight, according to George. Junior Eli Sherin will join him in the backfield as a fullback and sophomore Qua’zahun Dennis Long Branch

Continued page 51

Long Branch Continued page 54

The top receiving option on the Green Wave is the 6-foot-5 tight end and he can also wreck an offense on the end. Mimes is also a leader on the team as a junior. i MPA C T NE WC O ME R: Shawn Gonzaga, LB The Green Wave have had to restock their group of linebackers, with Gonzaga and Leo Morabito looking like immediate contributors.

P IV O TA L G A ME: Sept. 30 vs. Wall Long Branch’s final six regular season games are all against teams with winning records from a year ago, so the first three weeks will be crucial. If Long Branch is to have a bounceback year, it will likely have to go 3-0 and a home game against a senior-laden Wall team will be the final hurdle before the gauntlet begins.

HE SHORE CONFERENCE IS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE STOCKED WITH TALENTED ATHLETES ACROSS EVERY SPORT, AND WHEN IT COMES TO FOOTBALL, MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES HAVE PRODUCED SOME INCREDIBLE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS THAT HAVE REACHED LEGENDARY STATUS LOCALLY AND ALSO GONE ON TO DO BIG THINGS AT THE NEXT LEVEL.

One of the joys of watching high school football is seeing the local kid do big things, whether it be earning a scholarship to a big-time college program or morphing into a superstar before he’s even old enough to drive a car. And they come in all shapes and sizes. Some are 6-foot-5 monsters who strike fear into their opponents, and others are 5-foot-6 spark plugs that play the game with enough heart and desire to inspire fellow players and adults alike. Many purists of the game love defense and the primal toughness and physicality that goes into shutting down an opposing team. Hardcore and casual fans can all agree, however, that the game is much more exciting when teams are putting points on the board. There’s a reason quarterbacks are stars. People love offense and action, and the ones who can deliver quickly become fan favorites. The Shore Conference has several of those players, all with their own unique skill sets. You should go see as many as you can before they move on with their careers and leave the Shore Conference for good, but if you could only see a handful, who should they be? There are five offensive players you should absolutely make a point to see this season. Why? We’ll tell you.

T HE P ROTOTYPE When Kenny Pickett walks onto a football field he passes what scouts call ‘the look test’. When Hollywood casts actors to play quarterbacks on the big screen, they search for people who look like Kenny Pickett. The Ocean Township senior stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds, like he was pulled from central casting and placed inside a Spartans jersey. These traits have certainly helped Pickett along the way, but the University of Pittsburgh didn’t offer him a scholarship because they’re making sports movies. Pickett can flat-out play. Pickett grabbed

the starting spot as a promising sophomore and hasn’t turned back. Over that time he has improved in every facet of the game to where he is now one of the top quarterbacks in New Jersey. Ocean head coach Don Klein has had a front-row seat for Pickett’s development, and even though he knew the quarterback had a ton of potential, he still marvels at the kind of player he’s become. “Kenny is a kid that came into the program as a great youth player with tremendous natural leadership ability,” Klein said “When you walk into the position of quarterback at this school there’s a lot of expectations that come with it. Kenny has handled that very, very well and has done a great job throughout his career of leading by example.” You need your quarterback to be a leader in some aspect, so Pickett checks that box. His array of tools is what has made him so attractive to FBS programs. His size is ideal, and with that comes great arm strength. He looks like a pocket passer, but is deceptively quick for a tall player, enabling him to get out of the pocket and make things happen with his legs. You wouldn’t call him a running quarterback, but it’s an element of his game that is constantly improving. “I feel like I can do what coaches ask me to do, and that’s a big thing that helps me,” Pickett said. “I’m not pigeonholed into any one thing.” For Klein, this boils down to raw athleticism and Pickett’s dedication to improve it. “His overall physical ability has improved greatly,” Klein said. He’s a kid that’s always been very skilled and very talented, but when you combine that with the frame of a 6-foot-3, 210-pound explosive athlete you have a player that can go to an FBS school and play quarterback. His overall strength, power and explosiveness have all really increased, and that translates into his ability to make plays with his feet. It also translates well to his ability to drive the football. There’s no throw Kenny can’t make and from different angles.” “I like my leadership skills and my accuracy, but my ability to get out of the pocket and make plays is something I feel like people don’t notice yet,” Pickett said. “This year I’ll be able to show it.” In the Spartans’ opening game, a 42-7 win over Monmouth Regional in Week Zero, Pickett flashed his diverse skills with two passing touchdowns, a rushing touchdown and over 225 total yards in less than three quarters of action. Anyone can see what makes Pickett great between the lines, but Klein sees what he feels is his very best trait: Not arm strength or accuracy, not 40 time, height or bench press reps. “He’s the hardest working kid I’ve ever been around, as an athlete growing up and as a coach,” Klein said. “Kenny is obsessed with being great and reaching his potential. He’s a guy that leads by example and works his tail off every second of every day, 365 days a year. What he’s grown into now is being more of a vocal leader. Not only is he a kid that will get on his teammates if he has to, but he’ll also be the first guy to encourage everybody.” “Kenny’s done a really good job of becoming the full package.”

Husni’s preparation for this season included joining the Mariners’ track team. “He went out for spring track at our urging and he got stronger, faster and more explosive,” Oizerowitz said. Husni has incredible numbers and has posted them against great competition, but when it comes to being recruited at the college level he fights a battle many high school players face. At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, Husni won’t get the attention of a player five inches taller and 40 pounds heavier. “It’s frustrating because I give it my all and I think I deserve a chance at a D1 or D1AA school,” Husni said. “My dad always tells me schools are digging for gold and their going to hit the jackpot when they get me. It’s stressful, but there’s a team that’s going to take me.” Husni said he is being heavily recruited by Army, William and Mary and Marist. “There’s nobody better than him, and it will all work out for him,” Oizerowitz said. “He’ll be playing college football next year, it’s just a matter of where.”

By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

M IKEY FOOTBALL It’s third-and-seven from just shy of midfield when Mike Husni drops back to pass. He looks to his left. Nothing. Back to his right. All covered. There’s a linebacker over the middle trying to bait him into forcing the ball to his tight end, but he’s not biting. Just as Husni looks to his check down a defensive lineman finds a seem and heads straight for him. Husni spins away from trouble and rolls to his right.

For now, Husni has business to attend to in Ocean County. He has a legacy to cement and a team to lead on a quest for another state championship.

THE FRANCHISE His playmaking ability was evident even as a freshman when Jackson Memorial brought him up late in the season. He intercepted a pass and returned it all the way for a touchdown, and even though the play was called back it marked the beginning of a tremendous high school career.

Now the fun begins. “When you run any offense at any level, but especially the spread, you need the quarterback to make the right decisions,” said Toms River North head coach Dave Oizerowitz. “He’s like a point guard where we entrust him to make the decision. But to be perfectly honest, he’s at his most dangerous when things break down.” Husni is basically the Johnny Manziel of the Shore Conference, and we’re talking strictly about what happens on the field. Husni is a true dual-threat quarterback that can beat a defense so many different ways he’s almost impossible to prepare for. You can force him one way or another, but when he starts to freelance, gameplans get thrown in the blender. He’s been doing it ever since his freshman year when he was inserted into the starting lineup on a rebuilding team. Three years later he’s a state-championship winning quarterback that is on the verge of Shore Conference history. As a sophomore, Husni completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns, and also ran for 1,387 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season he duplicated that feat while leading the Mariners to an 11-1 record and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group V title. He threw for 1,425 yards and 13 touchdowns and ran for 1,240 yards and 18 touchdowns. This season Husni can become the first quarterback in Shore Conference history to run and throw for over 1,000 yards each in three straight seasons. “We knew he was very talented coming into high school, but to say he’d b as good as he is now, I’d be fibbing a little bit,” Oizerowitz said. “He’s exceeded all our expectations. He’s the best high school football quarterback I’ve seen in a very long time in this area. There’s not a guy I’d want leading our team more than him.” Ask Husni about the potential for setting statistical records and his response isn’t what you may expect. “I think about it sometimes but at the end of the day I would rather have a win that stats,” Husni said. “When it’s all over and done - yeah, that’s a great accomplishment and I would love to do it - but I’m going to remember all the wins and not the numbers.” “I look at all these articles about me that saw I have the feet and the arm, but I wouldn’t be the player I am without my teammates,” Husni said. “He doesn’t get caught up on stats,” Oizerowitz said. “He’s a winner first and foremost.”

M ike Ga wl ik ha s n’t st o pped m a kin g pla y s s inc e. The Jaguars senior standout running back burst onto the Shore Conference scene as a sophomore when he rushed for 1,165 yards and 21 touchdowns, helping the Jaguars capture the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV title. Last season he ran for 1,562 yards and 17 touchdowns to deliver the Jags a seconds straight state title. This season he’ll try to lead the Jaguars to a third straight state championship as the sixth Shore Conference team to accomplish such a feat. Gawlik has been an incredibly productive player on offense and as a defensive back. He’s also been clutch with monster performances in the Jaguars’ biggest games. He is characterized by his aggressive style of play, which is even more impressive considering he is usually one of the smallest players on the field. Gawlik is listed at 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, but plays both his positions like he’s the size of an NFL linebacker. “His focus and level of intensity is what sets him apart,” said Jackson Memorial head coach Walt Krystopik. “He’s a very physical kid. Even as a sophomore when he was maybe 140 pounds he was out there going toe-to-toe with 220-pound linebackers. He has the ability to break away with his speed, but he runs with a physical, violent style.” “I would say I’m a very tough runner, but I’m also elusive and have great vision,” Gawlik said. If you c o u l d watch only one game to get an understanding of how good a football player Gawlik is, just put on tape of last year’s

See

Marvels

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Marvels

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Central Jersey Group IV final against Brick Memorial. It was an all-time performance by Gawlik at Rutgers University as he accounted for 365 all-purpose yards and four total touchdowns in a 42-14 win. He ran for 210 yards and three touchdowns, threw a 49-yard touchdown pass, had a 58-yard catch that set up a touchdown and also returned a kickoff 50 yards. Rumors of sold concessions and repairs to the team bus could not be immediately confirmed. His play is inspiring to those around him. He is the ultimate lead-by-example player, whether it be to a senior-laden offensive line that guided him as a sophomore or to Pop Warner players watching the smallest guy on the field play with tenacity and determination they had never seen before. “When he’s on the field for us the focus and intensity is10 times greater,” Krystopik said. Like Husni but even more so, Gawlik battles the stigma against smaller players. His game tape shows the production of an elite football player. His measurables, however, don’t match up with what most college recruiters went to see. “There’s nothing I can do about it,” Gawlik said. “I wish I was 6-foot-4 but that’s not going to happen. Whatever team gives me a shot will be happy. I definitely have a chip on my shoulder. I definitely like seeing the college and NFL players that are shorter. It keeps my dream alive.” “Whoever wants to take a chance on him will be very happy with the decision,” Krystopik said. “Wherever he ends up he’s not going to get the same look that a kid who’s taller of a step faster, but he’s going to out-compete everyone. With a fair chance to compete he’ll win the spot every time.” Gawlik will worry about all that after the season. His main goal right now is bringing another championship trophy to the school on Don Connor Blvd. “It would definitely be great for us to win a third in a row, but it would be even better for the town of Jackson to know we’re still the best.”

Clark is a rare prospect because of his frame. He doesn’t look like a prototypical lineman. He’s lean and long with quick feet and sharp burst off the line of scrimmage. Clark plays on the offensive and defensive lines for the Lancers, but Sininsky knows the Rutgers coaching staff could be tempted to move him around. “To me he’s like Rob Gronkowski, he’s just that good,” Sininsky said. “Who knows what he’ll do at Rutgers. He could be a tackle, a guard, a defensive end, a defensive tackle, a tight end. He can play multiple positions, and you just don’t really get that from players his size.” In an age of increased sports specialization, Clark is a dying breed: the three-sport athlete. In addition to football, Clark is also a two-time state qualifier at heavyweight for the NJSIAA Wrestling Tournament, considered among the most prestigious high school state tournaments in the nation. He is also a standout on the Lancers’ volleyball team. “Because of all that, to me, he’s not a lineman, he’s an athlete playing the lineman position,” Sininsky said. “He only wrestles during the season. It’s scary. If he every worked at wrestling year round he could be a big-time scholarship kid there, too. It’s that athleticism that a lot of kids his size just do not have.” On the field, Clark is a game-altering player where he lines up. As an offensive lineman he’s a one-man double team with an enormous wing span. On the defensive side he dictates which direction opposing teams decide to run. Last season Clark was selected as the Class A Central Defensive Player of the Year despite having modest stats in a division with two FBS recruits at linebacker. Another coach in the division explained the reason why. “He doesn’t have stats because teams won’t run to his side,” the coach said. “He alters the game plan. You’re just better off going the other way.”

The beast Derek Sininsky knew who Micah Clark was, but he had no idea just how special of a player he was until he was hired as St. John Vianney head coach last July. What he found he could barely believe. “I never ever had a kid like that,” Sininsky said. “He’s just so dominant.” Clark is one of New Jersey’s marquee players, and is ranked as the state’s No. 2 recruit by NJ.com. He boasted over 30 FBS offers before deciding to stay home and verbally commit to Rutgers as an offensive lineman. Clark is 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, but the reason for his greatness goes beyond that. “You’ll go out before practice and Micah is going out and catching passes and throwing the ball with the quarterbacks,” Sininsky said. “He could be a tight end right now. He runs well and has great hands. When Rutgers and all their coaches came in they were all talking about how much of an athlete he is on both sides of the ball.

Fast eddie When Eddie Lewis was a sophomore at Mater Dei Prep, the coaching staff took any and all opportunities to get the ball into his hands. In addition to his standard position at wide receiver, Lewis would also take several hand offs on jet sweeps, go back for punt and kick returns and play defensive back. No matter where he lined up one thing was certain: he was going to find the end zone. That year he was the top target for recordsetting quarterback Christian Palmer and was near the top of the Shore Conference leaderboard with 47 catches for 873 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year Lewis missed three games due to injury but still finished with 31 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns while the Seraphs were breaking in a new quarterback. This year Lewis could be in line for a monster season with former Matawan quarterback George Pearson now Mater Dei’s quarterback.They figure to be among the top duos in the Shore Conference. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior holds 10 FBS offers and has narrowed his top three to Indiana, Rutgers and Syracuse.

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Long Branch

a complete rebuild last year, while this year’s group of linebackers is new. Porch, Cooper and Sheridan all return to the defensive backfield – Porch and Cooper at cornerback and Sheridan at safety.

Continued from page 46

at most other positions. The Green Wave will also have some youth and inexperience at the defensive tackle position with Blackmon, Metzler and Santiago. Mimes will occupy a defensive end spot with senior Hunter Marhan.

will spell Cooper as the No. 2 tailback.

Long Branch’s gauntlet portion of the schedule begins in their fourth game, when a showdown at Middletown South begins a fiveweek stretch that follows with Red Bank Catholic, Ocean, Middletown North and Freehold Borough – all winning teams a year ago. Long Branch’s first three games are against teams coming off losing seasons – Manasquan, Colts Neck and Wall. For Long Branch to make a move to the postseason this season, the Green Wave will likely have to get off to a fast start against three other teams that bent on bounceback seasons.

“I’m really confident in myself,” Cooper said. “I don’t think I was confident enough in myself last year and I think that’s what I had to work on. This year, I’ll have experience so I’ll know what I’m doing more.” While developing Wilkins and Marc Dennis at quarterback is a primary goal of the program this year, piecing together the offensive line may be an equally important undertaking for the coaching staff. Long Branch graduated four starters, with only junior Peter Wersinger back at center. Senior Desmond Blackmon, junior Brian Santiago and sophomores Hunter Metzler and Kevin Cerruti are lined up to start – Blackmon and Metzler at the guards and Santiago and Cerruti at the two tackles. “Last year, pretty much all of the skill guys were new and we had a senior oline,” Mimes said. “This year, it’s the reverse of that. You have us being the experienced guys who are trying to be the leaders and the line is in the same position we were in last year.”

“I think like a lot of guys, I feel bigger, stronger, more focused,” Cooper said. “Guys want it more. We’re not worried about last season. We put it behind us and we’re ready to go out this year and see what we can do.”

(l-r) Jr’s. Shawn Gonzaga, Timothy “T J” Fosque, Sr . Keith Cooper, Jr’s. K aymar m imes & K evin P orch

Long Branch’s defense will look different than last year’s unit in that the secondary will be far more experienced after

Action Photo by:

BooFace Photography w w w. b o o f a c e p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m

Senior Leon Morabito and juniors Shawn Gonzaga and Darien Cleveland all move into starting linebacker spots and will be an early-season key for a defense that is experienced

Photo by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Saturday Saturday Friday Saturday Friday Saturday Friday Thursday

9/10 9/24 9/30 10/15 10/21 10/29 11/4 11/24

Long Branch MiddleTown South @Barnaget Ocean Township @MiddleTown North Matawan @Red Bank Wall

coaching staff Jay Price, 6th season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 28-24

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es : Lou Certo (off. coord.); Brian Lee (QB); Billy Bersche (OL); Darrell Falkenberg (RB); Matt Voskian (DL); Jay Price (DB); Eric Howland (LB); Larry Kelly (LB); Rich Griffith, Andy Cefalo, Dave Hallion (freshmen) Kevin Hyland (athletic trainer)

2 0 1 5 R e c o r d : 3-7 (2-4)

At A Glance B IG S HO E S T O F IL L: Ben Barry, Sr., DL & Nick Pierro, Sr., DL Barry and Pierro are first-year starters on the defensive line and will help replace Rob Hart, who was an all-Class A Central lineman last year as a senior. Both are 6-foot-3 and over 260 pounds.

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Defense The Warriors allowed a very un-Manasquan-like 31.6 points per game last season. The offense put up points, but the defense yielded too much. A big improvement there would probably translate to a winning record.

G LU E GU Y: Jack Mallett, Sr., FB/LB An emotional leader who has ratcheted up the intensity during training camp, Mallett will start on both sides of the ball. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Francis Marshall, So., FB/DB

Marshall took a break from football last season but is back in the program as a member of a standout sophomore class.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 10 vs. Long Branch The game Warriors have circled Week One on their calendars as they are eager to get back on the field and restore the program’s winning ways.

The Way We Were By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

L osing

and Manasquan usually don’t appear in the same sentence, so it’s pretty striking to see the Warriors go 3-7 in back to back seasons. That doesn’t sit well with anybody in the program, starting with the players who grew up learning about the great tradition of the Big Blue Warriors. “Going 3-7 two years in a row, that’s been burning us up quite a bit,” said senior Jack Mallett. “We met as a team after the season and said we’re not doing this again.” To return to glory, Manasquan is getting back to basics in a sense. Practice is physical, it’s demanding and it’s focused. It’s also been fun. “Last year it was hard to motivate them after a 3-7 season because it hung like a cloud,” said Manasquan head coach Jay Price. “But this year, with this senior class, they know they’re not bound by past record. If I told you after going 6-14 the last two years that practice is fun you’d think I’m crazy, but practice has been fun again.” The Warriors are banking on a better mindset and commitment to pinpoint execution leading them back into contention in the rugged Class B North division and Central Jersey Group II bracket. “Everybody is looking at us a little different, and we need to change that,” said senior Tommy Meyer. “All offseason we’ve busted our butts trying to get back to the way we were.” The Warriors return five starters in their Iformation offense that is aiming at consistency above all else. “We have some explosive players, we just have to be more consistent and fundamental,” Price said. “We need mistake-free drives.” The quarterback competition is between senior Jerry Maher and junior Tommy Antonucci. Both bring vastly different skill sets to the table. “They’re pretty opposite when it comes to personality,” Price said. “Tommy is an intense competitor and Jerry is a more laid back, cerebral type of competitor. Everyone is moving toward the zone read and RPO, and that’s more Tommy’s forte, where Jerry is more of a pocket passer, game manager guy.”

Junior Evan Hilla is the center, senior Dan Fiske is the right guard and the right tackle will be either senior Nick Pierro or sophomore Ben Barry. Manasquan’s 4-3 defense features five returning starters. Pacetti and Schreck are returning starters at defensive end while Barry and Pierro are the new starting tackles. Senior Dimitrius Morgan is also at tackle with senior Tom Pollock and sophomore Anders Scala backing up.

( l - r ) S r ’ s . K y le l e B la n c, D a ma s o j a i m e , J a ck M a l le t t ,

Thomas Mallett is the returning starter at middle linebacker with Fabean pushing for playing time. The strong-side linebacker is Hill and the weak-side linebacker is Meyer, but sophomores Mike LaPoint and Birch are give the incumbents a run for their money.

In the secondary, Jaime is a returning starter at cornerback and Antonucci will start after playing some last year. Pendergist and James Mele will also be at cornerback, although Mele has to sit out 30 days after transferring from Red Bank Catholic. LeBlanc is a returning starter at safety and will be joined by Marshall. Senior Joe Ostberg will also play safety. “Last year we had a lot of brand new starters and now that experience is showing,” Price said. “The younger kids who are coming up are not your typical sophomores. When they come in there’s no drop off. Coach Kubu used to say for every sophomore you start you lose a game, but not with

M e y er , D y la n P a ce t t i & A d a m S ch r ec k these kids. They have already started to overtake the guys in front of them.” On special teams, Schreck is the kicker and Antonucci is the punter. Pendergist could also see time kicking. The schedule in Class B North is very tough with No. 1 Middletown South, No. 7 Ocean and No. 8 Middletown North, plus Red Bank Catholic. It doesn’t matter to the Warriors, however. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to return to glory. “Going 3-7 the last two years has made us work even harder,” Schreck said. “We need to carry ourselves with more confidence and continue to push forward.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

Meyer is the fullback with Mallett and sophomore Jack Fabean also slated to see time. Junior Connor Morgan returns as the starting running back and could be in line for a breakout season. Sophomores Francis Marshall and Canyon Birch will also see time in the backfield. Senior Adam Schreck returns as the starting tight end with Mallett also seeing time when the Warriors use an H-back look. One of the explosive players Price spoke of is senior wide receiver Damaso Jaime, who had some huge games last season. Senior Kyle LeBlanc also returns as a starter with sophomore James Pendergist and senior Pete Mills also at the position. The Warriors return just one player up front, so there is the challenge of getting the new linemen up to speed. Senior Dylan Pacetti returns at left tackle next to senior Matt Hanlon at left guard.

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @Neptune Friday 9/16 Red Bank Catholic Friday 9/23 Howell @New Brunswick Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 @Wall Friday 10/21 Manasquan Friday 10/28 @Long Branch Friday 11/4 @Ocean Thursday 11/24 Middletown South

coaching staff Head Coach:

Steve Bush, 4th season (10th overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 56-43-1

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

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 (freshmen); Danielle Kariski (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 7-4 (4-2)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Austin Bazuk, Sr., OL Last year was Bazuk’s first year playing football and he now steps into a starting role occupied last season by all-division lineman Pat McGowan.

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Consistency There are no weeks off in the new-look Class B North division, so Middletown North will need to be at its best every single game.

G LU E GU Y: Dwight Wilkerson, Sr., WR/RB/DB A four-year starter on defense and a two-year starter on offense, Wilkerson is one of the Lions’ captains and a go-to player for the coaching staff. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Ryan Stark, Sr., LB

Injured all of last season, Stark is healthy and set to start at inside linebacker.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 16 vs. Red Bank Catholic Brick has won the last two meetings in this intense rivalry, which still had fans lined up to get in at halftime last year. The winner starts 10 in the division and gets a boost of momentum that could carry them through the season.

Their Time to Shine By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

oming off a banner season that saw the program capture its first state playoff victory in 15 years, Middletown North is ready to take its game to the next level behind a talented and experienced class led by one of the Shore Conference’s best quarterbacks.

The Lions have high expectations this year coming off a 7-4 season that included a run to the NJSIAA sectional semifinals in North 2, Group IV. Standing in their way last season was crosstown rival and the No. 1 team in the state, Middletown South, but Lions are ready to come back strong and go for both division and state titles in 2016. “We feel like we’ve made strides and we want to keep taking steps to win a division championship and win the states,” said Lions head coach Steve Bush. “The kids are going to go after that.” Middletown North has five returning starters in its spread offense, which was one of the most productive in the Shore Conference last season in averaging 25.3 points per game, and returns most of its key components. It starts at quarterback with senior Donald Glenn, a four-year starter who is committed to Wagner College. Glenn threw for just under 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, and figures to be among the Shore’s very best. “He has done a great job and handled everything very well,” Bush said. “The whole thing has slowed down for him and he sees the field very well. He is an accurate thrower and has not just a good understanding of our offense, but of opposing defenses and coverages and fronts. We’re expecting big things from him.” “I think playing freshman year helped me out a lot,” Glenn said. “At the same time, coach Bush has really helped me out all four years. The players around me, we have chemistry from playing together since Pop Warner.” Also returning is Glenn’s favorite target, senior wide receiver Brendan Kube. Kube burst onto the scene last season to lead the Shore in receptions (63) and yards (1,066,) and was a first-team All-Shore selection. He leads a group that also includes seniors Dwight Wilkerson, Marc Cerbo and Sam Santiago, and junior Paul Dunleavy. “It’s awesome having a receiver like (Brendan), that helps me out and helps the

(l-r)

sr’s N ick K ish, D wight W ilke rson & Jake Goldfarb

offense out a lot,” Glenn said. “This year we’re going to spread it out and get the ball into other people’s hands so teams can’t just key on Brendan.”

intact. Now a junior, Welsh returns after rushing for 746 yards and nine touchdowns. “Connor did a great job last year and we’re expecting that again,” Bush said. “He’s a little bit older and a little bit stronger, and he has very good vision and very good feet. He’ll have a good year for us.”

“Brendan did a terrific job last season,” Bush said. “He runs good routes and can make the tough catches. He started as a sophomore but had just a handful of catches. He just got better and better, and he and Donald established a big connection. I think we have a little more weapons in the wide receiver category where we can spread the ball out a little more so teams can’t focus on one player.”

The tight end/H-back position has 6-foot-3 senior Brock Zenker, who started on defense, plus 230-pound junior Austin Dewise, who saw some time there last season.

The Lions were dealt a blow early last season when starting running back Chad Freshnock injured his knee and missed several games, but in stepped Connor Welsh to keep Middletown North’s running game

Senior right guard Jake Goldfarb is the only returning starter on the offensive line, so there are some question marks there. Junior Anthony Canova was scheduled to start at left tackle last season, but missed the rest of the

Wilkerson will also see time in the backfield in addition to starting at receiver.

season after playing only one game. He is back to start on the left side. Senior Austin Bazuk is the left guard, junior Tim McCann is the center and senior Justin Muller is the right tackle.

safety hybrids are Zenker, Kube and also junior Daylon Wilkerson. Anderson will also play linebacker. Zenker is a returning starter as he stepped in when Freshnock was hurt, and Kube started a few games, as well.

“At a Group IV school it’s often the case you have to replace linemen,” Bush said. “The bigger guys are the older guys and the younger guys need a chance to develop. Every year there’s going to be some turnover just because you need some bigger, stronger kids in there. It’s just a matter of getting comfortable in there with blocking schemes and things.”

Santiago and Cerbo return as starting cornerbacks with Dwight Wilkerson now a four-year starter at free safety. Wilkerson and Kish are the leaders of the defense and give Middletown North two experienced players on the field who are extensions of the coaching staff.

The Lions were in the top third, defensively, last season in allowing 16.7 points per game in their 4-2-5 base scheme, and return six starters. The starting defensive tackles are Goldfarb, who played a little bit on defense last season, and senior Kyle Ewington. Junior Nicko Cofone is also in the mix to see plenty of playing time. The defensive ends are both returning starters as Dewise is back next to senior Thomas Anderson, who slides down after starting at linebacker last year. Muller is also slated to play at defensive end. The inside linebackers are three-year returning starter Nick Kish, a senior, and senior Ryan Stark, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Kish has led the Lions in tackles each of the last two seasons. The outside linebacker/strong

“They are both really smart players who have a good understanding of what we want done,” Bush said. “They can be coaches on the field, and both have been very productive for us.” “I definitely try to be a field general out there,” said Wilkerson, who was a secondteam All-Shore selection last year. Sophomore Joey Cavanagh returns as the starting kicker while Dewise will be the punter. The ingredients are in place for Middletown North to have its best season in a very long time. The only thing left to do is get it done between the lines.

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @Red Bank Catholic Friday 9/16 Ocean Saturday 9/24 @Manasquan Rumson Fair-Haven Friday 9/30 Friday 10/7 Long Branch Friday 10/21 Toms River North Friday 10/28 St. John Vianney Friday 11/4 @Wall Thursday 11/24 @MiddleTown North

coaching staff Steve Antonucci, 19th season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 170-37

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Al Bigos (def. coord.); Joe O’Connor (off. coord.); Steve Roberts (spec. teams/LB); R.J. Read (QB); Nick Trezza (OL); Rich Read (off. asst.); Joe Passo (DB); Joe Mirault (DL); Rod Murchie, Tom Nicholes, Brian Klein (freshmen); Stacy White (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 12-0 (7-0)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO F ILL: Brendan Donlon, Sr., QB & Aneesh Agrawal, Sr., QB Both players are still battling for the starting position, and the Eagles may eventually rotate both. Whoever wins the starting job will be following two-year starter Matt Mosquera.

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The Schedule

Plain and simple, Middletown South’s schedule is absolutely brutal. Aside from playing in Class B North with the likes of Red Bank Catholic, Ocean, Middletown North, Wall, Manasquan and Long Branch, the Eagles have nondivisional games against returning state champs Rumson-Fair Haven and Toms River North, plus a nondivisional game against NonPublic Group III finalist St. John Vianney.

G LU E GU Y: Maxx Imsho, Sr., RB/DB A three-year starter on defense who knows the schemes as well as the coaching staff, Imsho is a returning first-team AllShore player. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Anthony Summey, So. RB Summey transferred from Red Bank Catholic weeks before the season opener and is eligible to play right away. He adds to an already deep group of running backs.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 16 vs. Ocean You could close your eyes and point at a game on the schedule and wouldn’t be wrong, but we’ll go with a Week Two divisional battle against an Ocean team that features Pitt recruit Kenny Pickett at quarterback.

Tunnel Vision By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

very high school football team's ultimate goal is to win a state title and do so without a blemish on their schedule. There are a select few public schools in New Jersey that can realistically set that goal year after year, and one of those juggernauts is Middletown South. The Eagles captured the program’s 10th sectional title last season by going 12-0 and claiming the NJSIAA North Jersey 2, Group IV state title. With a loaded senior class and plenty of standout underclassmen ready to make an impact, Middletown South is ready to do it all over again in 2016. “Our goal is to get back there, and we’ll find a way,” said Eagles head coach Steve Antonucci. Even with the loss of first-team All-Shore linebacker James McCarthy, a University of Pennsylvania recruit, to an ACL injury, Middletown South returns a ton of talent at multiple positions. Kevin Higgins, Jake Krelin, Maxx Imsho, Will Gulick and Robert Burke were All-Shore players last season, and several more played key roles on the No. 1 team in the state. “We have a really strong senior class this year with a lot of us playing since sophomore year,” said senior Samson Dube. “It stinks not having James but we have a lot of good players to try and fill that spot.” Middletown South is a program uniquely equipped to deal with significant losses. In addition to losing McCarthy to injury, quarterback Matt Mosquera, running back Cole Rogers and SSN Defensive Player of the Year Dylan Rogers have graduated. “It’s next man up, and we try to preach that,” Antonucci said. “We don’t want guys standing around at practice. The only way to get on the field for us is to work hard in practice. We hammer that home, to be involved and work for an opportunity to play for us.” The Eagles pistol spread offense that operates at warp speed will have a new quarterback. Senior Brendan Donlon has been in the program and knows the offense, and the Eagles also have Holmdel transfer Aneesh Agrawal, who was a two-year starter for the Hornets. Agrawal goes to High Technology High School in Lincroft, but played for the Hornets since he lived in Holmdel. He remains at High Tech, but since his family moved to Middletown he has a new home for athletics. So far it’s been an even competition for the starting job. “I think it’s great, and they’ve become good friends,” Antonucci said. “Aneesh is very sharp and picked up the offense really well. His edge is his game experience. Brendan knows the nuances of our offense and getting us into the right checks and right plays. The question for Brendan is how he handles game situations. I don’t know if we’ll be a twoheaded quarterback system or not. You might see both guys on the field at the same time. It’s been a good battle and we’ll try to make a decision.”

sophomore Matt Tardy in the mix. There was going to be a deep rotation at running back even with M c C a r t h y healthy, but with him out it’s down to Imsho, Dube and junior Chaz Alessi. Providing an unexpected boost is sophomore Members of the A n t h o n y Summey, who transferred from Red Bank Catholic two weeks ago. He is eligible to play right away, according to Antonucci. The good news for whoever wins the quarterback job is the Eagles return an experienced group of wide receivers. Seniors Jeremy Joyce and Jeff Lewandowski are returning starters and Dube has played there in the past. Sophomore Rob Zega and Imsho could also see time at receiver. “The great thing about them is they know the system,” Antonucci said. “They’re in the right places all the time so it’s just a matter of the quarterbacks getting the ball to them.” The offensive line has four returning starters with 6-foot-4, 285-pound senior three-year starter Mike Wilson at left tackle. Senior Will Gulick is the left guard, senior Adam Markmann is the right guard and senior Robert Burke is the right tackle. Senior Mike Walsh is the center and has some experience playing last season. Even though the Eagles have had some explosive offense over the years, including averaging over 40 points per game last year, their identity has always been on defense. Five starters return from the Shore’s No. 1 unit as Middletown South looks to have another ferocious defensive presence. Gulick at tackle and Krelin at end are returning starters in the 4-2-5 base called by veteran coordinator Al Bigos, while junior Jake Bancala at tackle and Tardy at end will step into starting roles. Higgins is back at inside linebacker and will be joined by junior Chris Patterson in place of McCarthy. The outside linebacker/strong safety hybrids are Imsho, a three-year starter, and senior Ian Porter.

Middl etown South Varsity team In the secondary, Dube is a returning starter at free safety. Senior Ryan Ruzieki will start at one cornerback spot, while the other will be staffed by either Joyce or senior Connor O’Gurk. “Replacing James is tough but we’ll be alright,” Imsho said. “Fly to the ball and win all the reps is our philosophy.” Higgins was a third-team All-Shore selection and underrated simply because he played next to McCarthy and Dylan Rogers, both of whom were first-team All-Shore picks. Imsho was also a firstteam All-Shore selection, and the two combine to lead the defense. “Kevin is a guy who knows the system, and between him and Maxx the communication is there,” Antonucci said. “Maxx knows the defense like he wrote it, and Kevin is the same way.” Replacing Mosquera at kicker and punter is perhaps the biggest challenge of all for Middletown South. A two-time first-team All-Shore selection, Mosquera is one of the best kickers in Shore Conference history. Sophomore Chris Kaldrovics has been working in at kicker, but the Eagles were also trying out some former soccer players. Dube will be the punter. On paper the Eagles have everything it takes to finish the season as state champs and No. 1 in the Shore. That’s where they’ll start, but staying there won’t be easy. In addition for a challenging Class B North schedule, Middletown South has nondivisional games against returning state champs Rumson-Fair Haven and Toms River North, and returning finalist St. John Vianney.

“It’s hard to replace Matt Mosquera, but Brendan Donlon is doing a great job handling the offense and Aneesh, even though he just came in, is very smart and picking it up quickly,” Imsho said. “We’ll see Week One who’s going to win it.” The H-back spot is Higgins with Krelin and

2016 Schedule Friday 9/2 Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Friday 9/23 Friday 9/30 Saturday 10/15 Friday 10/21 Friday 10/28 Friday 11/4

Monmouth Regional Wall @MiddleTown South @Red Bank Catholic Matawan @Manasquan Long Branch @Pt Pleasant Boro Middletown North

coaching staff Head Coach:

Don Klein, 10th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 57-37-1

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Fred Stengel (off. coord/DL); Marc Tomo (def. coord.); Pat O’Neill (QB/DB); Mike Salum (WR/DL); Brian Kmak (DL/RB); Jim Simonelli (LB); Mike Lambusta (OL); Hank Limardo (WR/DB); John Bosman, Dean Athen (freshman); Katelyn Zimmerman (athletic trainer).

2015 Record: 9-2 (5-1)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO F ILL : Running Backs Anthony Tedesco, Jasher Pena & Billy Levy The trio hopes to combine to give the Spartans a solid rushing attack to offset the graduation of Tyler Thompson, the program’s all-time leading rusher and a first-team All-Shore selection last season.

-FA C TO R : The Offensive Line Ocean has one of the state’s best quarterbacks and a good group of playmakers around him. If the offensive line, with three new starters, can come together it will elevate the Spartans’ offense to an elite level. G LU E GU Y: Kenny Pickett, Sr., QB: Quarterback is a natural position of leadership and Pickett, an FBS recruit who is committed to Pitt, has embraced the role ahead of his senior season. iMP A CT N EW C OME R : Mike Krug, Sr., WR/DB

Krug decided to come back to the football team and will be a starter on both sides of the ball. As a member of the track team he brings great speed to the positions.

P IV O TA L G A ME : Sept. 16 at Middletown South The Spartans will travel to “The Swamp” in Week Three to take on the top-ranked team in the Shore Conference in a pivotal game in the rugged Class B North division.

Unfinished Business By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

or the past three seasons Ocean has been on the cusp of reaching a state sectional final, and even though several key players and their production from a season ago need to be replaced, the Spartans have no doubt they remain a championship contender.

“We want to break through this year,” said senior running back and middle linebacker Anthony Tedesco. “It’s been three years in a row losing in the semifinals and we’ve had enough of it. We worked our butts off in the offseason and we want to get it done this year.” The Spartans will bring back just four starters on offense and four on defense, but have several players they feel will seize the opportunity in their first year as a starter. It certainly helps that one of those key returners is senior quarterback Kenny Pickett, a University of Pittsburgh recruit, who is one of New Jersey’s top signal callers and looks primed for a huge year. “Kenny’s done a really good job of becoming the full package,” said Ocean head coach Don Klein. Pickett is the unquestioned leader of Ocean’s spread offense that is coming off a year where it averaged 29.3 points per game, the seventh-best mark in the Shore Conference. A third-team Shore Sports Network All-Shore selection as a junior, Pickett threw for 1,797 yards and 19 touchdowns while also rushing for 336 yards and five touchdowns. He made huge strides this offseason while also committing to an FBS program. “His overall physical ability has greatly improved,” Klein said. “He’s a kid that has always been very skilled and very talented, and when you combine that with the 6-foot3, 210-pound frame of an explosive athlete that’s why you have a player that is going to an FBS school to play quarterback.” Pickett is a three-year starter, as is his top target, senior Joey Aldarelli. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound target was a third-team All-Shore pick last year with 33 catches for 440 yards and seven touchdowns. Pickett and Aldarelli figure to be among the top quarterback-wide receiver duos in the conference. “They’ve had a special relationship since they’ve entered high school and they grew up together,” Klein said. “Joey has always had

( l - r ) S r ’ s . A n t h o n y M a z z a , K e n n e y P i c ke tt , Chris Vivian, Anthony Tedesco & J oey Aldarelli natural talent, but I think the light bulb went off for him also in regards to the way he prepares himself, and he had a monster offseason. We anticipate him being a premier receiver in the Shore Conference this year.” Pickett has several talented options at the wide receiver position aside from Aldarelli with senior Mike Krug, a member of the track team who decided to rejoin the football program, and sophomore Kam Thompson and freshman Sean Rossback in the slot. Sophomore Alex Bryant will also see time on the outside and in the slot. Thompson is the younger brother of Tyler Thompson, who graduated this past June after a four-year varsity career where he became Ocean’s alltime leading rusher. “We have different guys rotating in and out to say fresh, and we just have to do a good job of getting our weapons the ball in space and letting them do what they do,” Pickett said. “We have a lot of playmakers and we spread the ball out,” Aldarelli said. “The bottom line is we’re going to put up points.” Replacing Tyler Thompson’s production and

presence in the backfield is no easy task, but the Spartans feel they have a stable of backs that will compliment Pickett and the passing game. Tedesco, junior Jasher Pena and sophomore Billy Levy will rotate at tailback with Tedesco and sophomore Ryan Moran also playing H-back. Tedesco is making the rare move from offensive lineman to running back, but it’s a position he grew up playing before being moved to the trenches out of necessity. “Looks are deceiving, that’s all I’m going to say,” Tedesco said. “I came up being a tailback so it’s nothing new. In camp I was working in and I’ve sort of ran with it. There’s no doubt big shoes to fill, but me, Jasher Pena and Billy Levy by committee should be able to do it.” “Anthony is a 215-, 220-pound kid and he has nifty feet for a big kid,” Klein said. “He’s a good athlete and what he really does well is he’s decisive. When the ball is in his hands he’s going to make one cut and get northsouth.” The offensive line has two returning starters with three-year starer Chris Vivian, a

senior, at left tackle and junior Andrew Worthington at center. Junior Christian Wilson is the left guard, senior Anthony Mazza is the right guard and junior Lawrence Betton is the right tackle. “The O-line has grown tremendously,” Klein said. “We know what we have in Viv’ and that’s a three-year starter who is like another coach on the field. He picks things up quickly and there’s not much he hasn’t seen, and he communicates those things well. Andrew Worthington is the same way. He’s a smart kid, he’s gritty, he’s tough, and those two are good building blocks to start with.” Ocean’s multiple four-man front defense was No. 11 in the Shore last season with 15.3 points allowed per game, but has to replace seven starters, including its entire unit of linebackers. Vivian is a returning starter at defensive end and Mazza returns as a starting defensive tackle. The new starters are Worthington at tackle and Wilson at end. Senior Keith Stedman at tackle and junior Anthony Russomanno at end will also see time along the line. Just like on offense, Tedesco will be switching positions as he moves from defensive end to middle linebacker. He had 18 tackles for loss playing on the line last season. The outside linebackers will be Levy and junior Ryan Jenks. Moran will flex between linebacker and defensive back.

“I came up as a middle linebacker but we were stacked with linebackers last year so I moved to defensive end,” Tedesco said. “I’m very comfortable there. We still have strides to make with some of the young guys playing but I think we’re looking good.” Aldarelli is the lone returning starter in the secondary at safety. The cornerbacks are Krug and Bryant with Moran and sometimes Rossback also playing safety. Sophomore Will Sacco will also see time in the defensive backfield. On special teams, senior Simon Lee is the kicker and Pickett returns as the starting punter. Ocean is one of four Shore Conference teams playing in Week Zero on Friday Sept. 1, and will open its season against old Thanksgiving rival Monmouth Regional. Having to play the first week of September accelerates the offseason program by a week and doesn’t allow for as many training camp practices, but for a team that has been eager to begin another quest for a championship, that’s not a bad thing. “We’re really looking forward to it,” Aldarelli said. “We want it to set the tempo for the rest of the season.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday

9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28 11/4

MiddleTown South @MiddleTown North Ocean Colonia @Wall @Long Branch @St. John Vianney Red Bank Manasquan

coaching staff Frank Edgerly, 1st season (11th overall)

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 54-43

(2 nd stint at RBC, first coached from 1999-2008)

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Matt Ahern (OL/def. Coord.); Mike Lang (LB/OL); Jason Cadet (FB/DL); Mike Rosenfeld (RB/LB); Joe Gallagher (DB/WR); Keith Hugger (DB/WR); Matt Bijas (TE/S); Tony Flego, Nick Varanelli, Joe Lanza (freshman), Amanda Ballarini (athletic trainer).

2015 Record: 8-3 (4-2)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO F ILL : Tommy Lang, Jr., QB & Steve Lubischer, So., QB It’ll be hard to replace a quarterback like Hahn, who threw for more than 1,700 yards in his senior season and guided the program to its first state championship in 38 years in 2014. That said, the future at the quarterback position still looks bright, and Lang and Lubischer will look to step outside of Hahn’s shadow and forge their own identities as leaders of the RBC offense.

X -FA C TO R :

Staying Healthy

Few teams in the Shore face as grueling of a schedule as the Caseys will this season: four scrimmages, nine straight games without a bye week, and then the playoffs. If the Caseys’ core lineup can stay healthy, then they’ll be a likely contender come late November.

G L U E G U Y : C o l i n O ’ H a r a , S r. , O L / D L & Connor Moore, Sr., OL/DL O’Hara and Moore are both senior linemen who are back for their final high school season after battling injuries over the past two years – O’Hara in 2015, and Moore in 2014. Both have the motivation and focus to lead both the senior class and the underclassmen just by keeping people together and focused.

Regaining Their ‘Edge' By Ella Brockway - Student Contributor

t’s been a long time since Frank Edgerly stood on a sideline and called the shots for the Red Bank Catholic Caseys. His first stint at his alma mater lasted from 1999 to 2008, and ended with a 28-0 win against rival Rumson-Fair Haven in November of 2008.

Eight years later, Edgerly is back as the head of the RBC program. The 1990 RBC graduate spent those years away working on some of the biggest football stages in the country: initially as the Director of Recruiting Operations at Rutgers University, then as a personnel scout for the New England Patriots from 2009 to 2013, and later as an offensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns from 2013 until 2016. “This was just one of those unique opportunities,” said Edgerly, who accepted the job after the Caseys’ previous coach, Jim Portela (63-13 career r e c o r d ) resigned this spring. “The timing was right, the f a m i l y situation was right, combined with the fact that it’s home. Everyone asks me, ‘why would you come back, why would you HEAD COACH

leave the NFL?’, and I say, ‘why not?’” With years of professional experience under his belt, Edgerly is ready to take command of a young Red Bank Catholic team that he believes has the potential to go far into the postseason. “We are a very young team, but what we lack in experience we certainly have in talent,” Edgerly said. “This is a team that is certainly going to improve week to week, and I’m really excited (about) where I see this going.”

Fr a n k E d g e r l y

A main priority this preseason for the Caseys has b e e n reconstructing the offense that

S r . W R . Ma x H a z a r d . . . was built around former quarterback and current University of Connecticut safety Eddie Hahn. Hahn directed the Caseys’ offense for three seasons, and led a unit that averaged 350 yards per game. Junior Tommy Lang and sophomore Steve Lubischer are still battling for the starting position, but Edgerly has confidence that whoever starts will get the job done and lead the Caseys’ pro-style offense.

RBC

Continued page 62

iMP A CT N EW C OME R : Tommy Smith, So., OL/DL Red Bank Catholic has a long tradition of producing talented two-way linemen: Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame), Ryan Kroeger (Fordham), Liam Smith (Duke) and Ryan Oneidas (Lehigh). Smith has the strength, the talent and the size to be the next in the line of great Casey linemen.

P IV O T A L G A M E : Sept. 9 vs. Middletown South The Caseys’ competitive schedule opens up with a Class B North matchup with top-ranked Middletown South. Edgerly’s first game back in town will give a good impression of how the Caseys will handle the high-level talent of the Shore.

RBC

Continued from page 60 “When you talk about successful high school offenses, most of them run through the quarterback position,” said Edgerly. “Whether i t ’s b o t h g u y s p l a y i n g, o r o n e q u a r t e r b a ck separates from the other, whoever we put o u t t h e re i s g o i n g t o b e t h e b e s t t h i n g f o r t h i s o f f e n s e, a n d i t s t a r t s a t t h a t position.” T h e C a s e y s d o re t u r n a d e e p re c e i v i n g c o r p s a n d o n e o f t h e s t r o n g e r b a ck f i e l d s i n t h e S h o re, d e s p i t e g ra d u a t i n g wide re c e i v e r M i ke B a l z o f i o re ( B u ck n e l l ) a n d r u n n i n g b a ck s D y l a n M u r p hy (East S t r o u d s b u rg ) and M i ke Wilen (Sacred Heart). Junior running b a ck Z a ck B a i r is the Caseys’ leading re t u r n i n g rusher from last season, albeit with just 2 8 c a r r i e s f o r 1 1 0 y a rd s a n d o n e t o u ch d ow n . J u n i o r s M a t t A n s e l l a n d Brandon Lombana and senior Max Hazard return after making appearances during the Caseys’ 2015 campaign. “This is definitely a wide re c e i v e r- f r i e n d l y o f f e n s e,” s a i d H a z a rd , w h o c o l l e c t e d 2 6 2 yards and two touchdowns on 16 catches last fall. “There’s a lot of spacing and a lot of r o u t e s t o r u n . I t ’s a n offense that can get you open and find you the ball, so we’re all pretty excited about that.”

The Caseys lost the main staples of their offensive line when Liam Smith and Ryan Oneidas m ov e d o n t o t h e level, college w h e re they n ow p l a y a t D u ke and L e h i g h , r e s p e c t i v e l y, but the 2016 offensive line s h ow s s i z e a n d p r o m i s e. A l ex S a rg i s s , a 6 - f o o t - 3 s e n i o r, a n d M i ch a e l G r i g g s , a 6 - f o o t - 4 j u n i o r, are both returning starters. C o l i n O ’ H a ra , a 6 - f o o t - 4 s e n i o r w h o wa s i n j u re d last season, and Conor S m i t h , a 6 - f o o t - 5 j u n i o r, will each play a key role on t h e l i n e. E d g e r l y h a s h i g h hopes for s o p h o m o re To m m y S m i t h , a 6 - f o o t - 2 two-way lineman who has shown his potential in the preseason.

On the other side of the ball, the sheer athleticism of the Caseys’ 4-3 defense might be enough to make them one of the best teams in t h e S h o re. S e n i o r d e f e n s i v e e n d N a s i r D a r n e l l made a name for himself as one of the c o n f e re n c e ’s p re m i e r p a s s r u s h e r s l a s t f a l l w h e n h e c o l l e c t e d 7 4 t a ck l e s a n d s i x s a ck s . Both Edgerly and Dar nell are excited about the potential of the 2016 defense. “ I ’ v e s e e n f l a s h e s o f t r u e p o t e n t i a l , a n d i t ’s s o m e t h i n g t h a t p e o p l e a re re a l l y g o i n g t o b e afraid of once we click,” said Darnell, a Har vard recruit. “I’m looking to lead the defense, and be one of the most physical defenses that RBC has seen in the last couple of years.” “ O u r a b i l i t y t o r u n i s re a l l y p r o b a b l y o u r g re a t e s t s t re n g t h d e f e n s i v e l y,” s a i d E d g e r l y. “ We ’ v e g o t y o u n g g u y s b a ck t h e re, s o y o u u n d e r s t a n d t h e re ’s g o i n g t o b e s o m e h i c c u p s along the way. But we have a pretty good idea of where we’re going, and we’re excited about where we’re going.” Edgerly’s first game back at the helm of the C a s e y s p r o g ra m w i l l b e o n S e p t e m b e r 9 a t h o m e a g a i n s t M i d d l e t ow n S o u t h , a t e a m t h a t wo n t h e N o r t h J e r s e y 2 , G r o u p I V s t a t e ch a m p i o n s h i p l a s t s e a s o n a n d w i l l b e o n e o f t h e s t r o n g e s t re t u r n i n g t e a m s i n t h e S h o re C o n f e re n c e. F o r E d g e r l y a n d h i s p l a ye r s , t h e mentality is set, and the goal is a championship.

“ R i g h t n ow, To m m y i s starting both offensively and defensively as a s o p h o m o re, and t h a t ’s s a y i n g a l o t ,” E d g e r l y s a i d . “ ( A s ) a s o p h o m o re w h o i s s t a r t i n g t wo wa y s a n d i s playing an intricate p a r t o f w h a t w e ’re doing, I think he’s in a p o s i t i o n t o h av e t h e biggest impact.”

“We’ve got to take it one game at a time, and i t a l l s t a r t s w i t h M i d d l e t ow n S o u t h ,” s a i d D a r n e l l . “ E v e r y g a m e, w e j u s t h av e t o l o o k t o be 1-0, and then as that builds up, we’ve got to look for the state championship.”

S r . D E . N asir D arnell

Photo by: M a r k B r o w n w w w. b 5 1 p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Friday 9/23 Friday 9/30 Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 Friday 10/21 Friday 11/4 Thursday 11/24

@Ocean Central Raritan @Long Branch Red Bank Catholic Middletown North @Matawan Middletown South @Manasquan

coaching staff Head Coach:

Dan Curcione, 3rd season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 6-13

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Chip LaBarca, Mike Ceminaro, Tony Grandinetti, Bob Grace, Derek Gardner, Fred Sprengel, Tim Heaney, Joe Trezza, Bill Carasia, James Cadigan, Joe LaFerlita, Jim Rochford, Bill Pietsch, Cody Smith, Mike Galos, Cody Smith, Matt McDonough, Mike Eberhardt (Athletic Trainer)

2015 Record: 4-6 (2-4)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Eddie Scott, Jr., QB This is a bit of a stretch because Scott had to fill the shoes of Matt Cluley a year early. Now that he knows he is the quarterback, Scott will look to elevate his game and take his team along with him.

-FA C TO R : Chevesse Covin, Jr., WR Covin scored three touchdowns in a win over Manasquan to close out the year, flashing his potential and making Wall a potential headache for defenses trying to stop both him and R.J. Janeczek. G LU E GU Y: Sean Larkin, Sr., RB/DB A senior-heavy team like Wall has boasts plenty of indispensable leaders like Larkin, Andrejco, Janeczek and the Valme twins, but Larkin stands out as a player who will carry the ball frequently and also play almost every down at safety. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Kamaal Cofer, So., RB Wall will live and die with its seniors and experienced returnees, but Cofer has earned some consideration as a sophomore running back who can spell Larkin, even when the game is still in the balance.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 9 at Ocean The Crimson Knights open their season on the road against the No. 7 Spartans, who figured to compete for the division title. How Wall looks here should be a good indicator for the season.

Now is the Time By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

o injury to a teammate is too grave to compel an athlete to give up on the rest of his team over the remainder of the season, and the returning members of the Wall football team are no exception. When projected senior starting quarterback Matt Cluley was injured in the season-opener, the Crimson Knights lost a dual-threat quarterback around whom the new offense was designed, but the rest of the team had no intention of mailing in the rest of the season. In retrospect, the Crimson Knights players and coaches acknowledged that Cluley’s injury was likely a knockout blow to their season, even if they were not willing to concede it when it first happened. Wall had the look of a team primed for a big two-year stretch with a strong group of juniors and a standout senior quarterback, but that was put on hold the moment Cluley went down. “It was tough losing (Cluley) at first but after a while it just felt like business as usual,” senior wide receiver R.J. Janeczek said. “We prepared to play every week with the expectation we were going to win. There’s no doubt it threw us off but we just tried to keep going.” While last year turned out to be a lost, 3-7 campaign, the Crimson Knights will pick up where they expected to this season and will do so with a junior starting quarterback in Eddie Scott who is far more experienced and polished than he would have been had Cluley played an entire, healthy season. He will be surrounded by a senior-heavy core and a roster with 18 seniors in all. “As a coach, you always look to prepare for the week ahead and try to figure out a way to help your team win,” Wall coach Dan Curcione said. “It never feels good when you see a player like Matt go down and I think it kind of shocked us from the beginning to lose him. If there is a positive, it forced Eddie to play a year earlier than he would have and even though I didn’t look at last year as a chance to build for this year, that’s kind of what it became and I think we’re farther along now than we would have been.” Wall returns playmakers all around the offense and a strong offensive line to pave the way. Senior wide receiver R.J. Janeczek will be Scott’s top target, while junior Chevesse Covin will be equally dangerous as a receiving threat. Senior Shane Richey and senior tight end Gene Scott are also experienced all-around players and will add to the arsenal of options for Eddie Scott. “The biggest difference with Eddie is he is stepping up as a leader,” Janeczek said. “He did some good things throwing the ball last year, but he was young and just trying to learn. He’s a more confident player this year and he’s helping guys more this year now that he’s more comfortable doing his job.” Senior Sean Larkin is back as the feature back running behind senior fullback Colton Murdza. With a more refined passing game for his team, Curcione hopes Larkin and fellow backs sophomore Kamaal Cofer and junior Brady McNally will find more running room. In charge of creating that running room will be an experienced offensive line that boasts five returnees.

(l-r)

S r’ s . R B . S e a n L a r k i n , T E . G e n n S c o t t , O L , M i k e A n d r e j c o , O L . D arryl V alme & W R, R J J aneczek

Senior Mike Andrejco anchors the line with senior twins Darryl and Darryin Valme, with Darryl and Andrejco playing guard on opposite sides. Darryin Valme is the right tackle opposite fellow senior tackle Sean Ferguson, while senior Ryan Venice lines up at center. With a rare all-senior line that boasts a number of potential all-division lineman, Wall should be able to protect Scott and pave the way for Larkin to have a stellar season. “The line is definitely a big strength on the team,” Andrejco said. “We are all seniors, we’ve all been building toward this year and we’re all hungry and it’s been showing every day in practice.” “It’s just a great feeling seeing everybody back,” Valme said. “I think we did some good things last year but losing the games we did just motivated us to work harder in the offseason and now, it’s the same group but even better.” The offense will also hope to benefit from the second season running the system of coordinator Chip LaBarca, Jr. After running the offense of a state championship Brick team and also having success at Toms River North before that, LaBarca joined the Wall staff last year with an eye on helping Cluley and the Crimson Knights reach the next level. With another year to learn LaBarca’s offense and a healthy quarterback running it, Wall’s expectations are higher. “It’s good being in the second year of the offense, because there is a lot of stuff to learn, but it did change a little bit when Matt got hurt,” Larkin said. “I definitely think we’ll be throwing the ball this year and that should give us a little more balance.” “We put in an offense designed around when Matt can do so when he got hurt, it obviously threw things off,” Curcione said. “This year, we came in knowing it

was going to be different, so I think the comfort level is going to help.” On the defensive side, Wall will run out most of its offensive personnel to make up its 3-4 base defense. Andrejco, Ferguson and Darryin Valme will rotate at the two defensive end spots, while senior Matt Biegert will start at nose tackle with Darryl Valme also working in. Senior Kyle Dallicardillo, junior Tim McKernan and senior Andrew Chapman will man the linebacker spots, with Gene Scott rounding out the starting corps. Larkin and Richey, meanwhile, will give the Knights a steady duo at safety with Janeczek and senior Mike Capra on either corner and sophomore Dylan Richey spelling them. Dylan Richey is also working in as the second quarterback and Curcione indicated he would feel comfortable if he ended up playing in live action. “I really think our defense is going to be our strength,” Larkin said. “We have 10 guys who have started so the expectations are high. We also have Tim McKernan, who is a young linebacker who has been stepping up and really surprising us so far. It’s pretty hard to find a weakness right now.” The current seniors might have wanted to make a legitimate run at a state title as juniors last year and put together a two-year run, but even with last year’s effort never getting off the ground, Wall can still make up for lost time with its senior-heavy bunch this season. “We’ve been saying all offseason, ‘Now is the time,’” Andrejco said. “Last year was last year. Now most of us are seniors and it’s time to win.” Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Saturday 9/17 Friday 9/23 Friday 9/30 Friday 10/14 Friday 10/21 Saturday 10/29 Saturday 11/05 Thurday 11/24

Shore @Keyport Pt Pleasant Beach Metuchen Mater Dei @Dunellen @Bishop George @Keansburg @Neptune

coaching staff Head Coach:

Tim Fosque, 2nd season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 6-4

A s s i st a nt C o a c h es :

Rob Ward, Matt Ardizzone, Nick Ciambrone, Keith Killea, Lamar Davenport, Syron Davis, Paul Zarella, Nancy Saphow (Athletic Trainer)

2015 Record: 6-4 (3-2 in B Central)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO FIL L: Donta Abrams, WR/DB Jaedon Stephens was Asbury Park’s big play guy last year, but Donta Abrams was another on a team of playmakers. Abrams does not have to do anything he is not capable of to step into the open spot as the No. 1 option on the offense, but with a new quarterback and one less beast in the offense, he will need to elevate his game.

-FA C TO R : Offensive Line Last year, the offensive line was the young part of a team with experienced skill talent and this year the role has reversed. The Blue Bishops should have enough fire power to make the necessary plays, but the line will need to be in top form throughout the season. G LU E GU Y: Calvin Simmons-Carter, OL/DL Simmons-Carter is a lunch-pail player on both sides – a two-way lineman who both impacts the game and provides leadership. He’s been a big part of the program during his four seasons. iMP A C T N E WC OM ER : Jaking Agostini, QB Agostini saw time last year as a sophomore, but was not on the radar as a potential quarterback until the summer. In that sense, he is a newcomer to the team and a very important one, but once Fosque saw him go to work at the position, he knew he found his man.

P IVO T AL G A ME: Sept. 17 at Keyport Keyport also lost some key skill players, so this game will be a test to see which program can best replace those players early in the season. It’s also a major revenge game for Asbury Park, which fell to Keyport a home in the opening round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I playoffs.

Back in Business By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

osing seasons have been few and far between for Asbury Park over the past decade, but last year’s Blue Bishops team sought to distance itself from a forgettable 2014 campaign and in that regard, 2015 was a smashing success.

Ultimately, though, Asbury Park has become a place where players and coaches expect to compete for state championships, so any season that ends without one is a disappointment to some degree. The returnees to the Blue Bishops program this season have the satisfaction of knowing they helped turn the ship back in the right direction last season, when they went 6-4, finished tied for second place in Class B Central and qualified for the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I playoffs as a No. 2 seed. They also return with a chip on their shoulder having lost their final three games of the season, including a 21-18 loss to Keyport in the first round of the playoffs. “These guys definitely brought a pride and swagger back to the program that just wasn’t here the year before,” said second-year head coach Tim Fosque. “We just weren’t where we needed to be and these guys came in last year wanting to change that and they definitely did. We didn’t finish the way we wanted to but we put ourselves in a good position so that this year, we can correct some things and get to where we want to go.” Keeping the momentum going will be the primary focus of this year’s returning group, led by a more experienced offensive line and a handful of returning skill players who will figure into more prominent roles. Junior Donta Abrams is among the top players back for the Bishops and will take over the role as No. 1 receiver and playmaker from graduated wide out Jaedon Stephens. According to Fosque, Abrams is getting early looks from FBS programs as a potential defensive player in the secondary. “I like the challenge,” Abrams said of being the focus of opposing defenses. “I know I’m going to see two or three defenders sometimes because teams are starting to know who I am. Last year, (team) were double-teaming Jaedon at first but I started to see an extra guy by the end, so I feel like I can handle it.” Javon Higgs is another junior who will excel in the passing game for Asbury Park and can also be used in the running game in order to get him the ball. Getting the ball to both Abrams and Higgs will be the focus of the offense, which is now led by junior Jaking Agostini at quarterback. Agostini was not in the mix at the position last season, but the graduation of Davon Thompson left a void that Fosque needed to fill. “We were looking for somebody to step up and he answered the call,” Fosque said. “He’s got a

l i n e b a c k e r ’s mentality, but he’s also very good at reading the play and m a k i n g decisions. He w a s n ’ t somebody who we thought was going to be at the top of the list to play quarterback, but once we saw the work he was putting in, we knew.”

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“I knew I wanted to play quarterback because I knew we were going to need one this year,” Agostini said. “Coach needed someone to step up so I made sure I volunteered and worked hard to get ready.”

The offensive line that will be protecting Agostini and paving the way for running backs Nymere Agostini, Chisiume Simmons and Paul Reed is one of the strengths of the team after it was the youngest part of the team last year. Senior guard Calvin Simmons-Carter leads the group and is still the only senior in the starting unit. Sophomore center Lazarus Chathaunt, junior guard Kyrie Moore and junior tackles Jaylen Paige and Xavier Banks are among the primary contributors up front on offense. “Last year, we were the young guys on the team that had to step up to support the rest of the offense,” Simmons-Carter said of the offensive line. “Now, we’re more experience and we’re going to be the ones that have to step up. I think the younger guys did a good job last year and this year, they are even more experienced and that much better knowing what we accomplished last year.” The Asbury Park defense will have a similar makeup to the offense in that the front seven of its 4-3 formation will be peppered with experience while the secondary hopes to overcome some key losses. Abrams and Higgs will be the leaders of the secondary, with Reed and seniors Najor Ridout and Josmere Taylor all seeing action. Jaking Agostini will also see the field on defense in some situations and could end up playing a lot if Fosque gets

comfortable with his starting quarterback on the field most of the game. The offensive line will make up most of the defensive line, with Simmons filling up one of the defensive end spots. Senior Namir Argilagos returns as a linebacker and will play in the middle this year, with senior Dyquan Young at one of the outside spots. Taylor is in line to play the other outside linebacker spot. The difference between wins and losses in those final three games for Asbury Park came down to a few plays, with the Blue Bishops within a couple of scores of both Shore Regional and Neptune – Asbury Park’s Thanksgiving opponent. Closing the gap with a new quarterback and without a talent like Stephens will be a challenge, but the attitude at Asbury Park appears to be back and the current group has its sights set on making that leap. “I’m not going to say we don’t have big goals, but when you open up the season with Shore, that’s all you worry about,” Fosque said, referencing a week one game against the defending state champs on Friday. “It’s going to be a good test for our guys right from the jump. We’ll definitely see where we’re at.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule aturday 9/10 Saturday 9/17 Saturday 9/24 Friday 9/30 Friday 10/7 Saturday 10/15 Saturday 10/22 Saturday 10/29 Saturday 11/5

@Mater Dei HighLand Park Shore @Pinelands @Pt Pleasant Beach Sussex County Tech. @South River Keyport Asbury Par

coaching staff Head Coach:

John Bird, 2nd season

C a r e e r R e c o r d: 1-9

A s s is ta n t C o a c h es : Jim Reid (Off. Coordinator/QB/LB), Jon Deliso (Def. Coordinator/DB/WR), Sam Kiningham (OL/DL), Shane Bigelow (OL/DL), Uriel Morfin (RB/LB), Jesse Herbert (Media)

2015 Record: 1-9 (0-5 in B Central)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES TO F ILL : Joe Osterbye, RB/LB Osterbye is up to the task as it pertains to be being a top player on the team, as he has demonstrated in his first two high school seasons. Now, the junior tailback will be the primary ball-carrier as the Titans seek to replace Arkeyel Brown.

X -FA C TO R :

Danny Vital, QB Keansburg is now a spread team, so they will be asking their quarterbacks to play a different kind of game. If it works out in year one, it is because Vital catches on quickly and shows a knack for making plays.

G LU E GU Y: Richie Squeo, OL/DL Squeo is Keansburg’s best player, according to Bird, and embodies the toughness that the Titans teams of the past have exhibited and would like to exhibit again very soon..

Spread the Wealth By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

econd-year Keansburg coach John Bird believes he has a potential playmaker on his roster for this upcoming season and not only did Bird want to turn his up-and-coming sophomore Danny Vital into a full-time, multi-dimensional quarterback, but he also overhauled his offense to make the most of his talent.

A major part of Keansburg’s move from the flex bone offense to the spread this season – the third offense in as many years for the Titans – is the addition Bird made to his coaching staff. Bird’s choice of offensive coordinator to implement the spread and groom Vital is Jim Reid, who was the offensive coordinator last season for a St. John Vianney team that went 11-1 behind All-State quarterback and current Boston College freshman Anthony Brown. While Bird and Reid would not be so bold as to compare Vital to Brown as a prospect, Bird – who also came to Keansburg from the Vianney coaching staff – believes Vital has the makings of a legitimate playmaker at the quarterback position, particularly at a Group I school that plays in a division with other small schools. “We’re looking to run the offense that Vianney did with a little more power running because, truthfully, we don’t have Anthony Brown,” Bird said. “Truthfully, though, that Danny Vital is pretty good. I coached Anthony Brown and I’ve coached Danny and he’s getting there. I don’t know if he’ll get to that level but he’s on the right track.” After an offseason working on his throwing mechanics, Vital is ready to air it out in the new offense after picking up a helping of playing time last year as a sophomore. While the coaching staff is ready to put more on the quarterback’s plate, the offense will be geared more toward a balanced attack this season than it was last year. Keansburg leaned heavily on running back Arkeyel Brown for its offensive production last season and with Brown gone, the message has been for many to fill the void left by one. “I’ve had some experience in the spread and I like it,” Vital said. “Coach Reid has me working on my footwork and it’s making a difference. I thought I was pretty good throwing the ball before but I’ve gotten a lot better.” While replacing Brown’s production at the same time a new quarterback learns a new offense might seem like a daunting task for a team coming off a 19 season, Keansburg graduated just three senior starters from the 2014 and, according to Bird, has its strongest program numbers in years. Even with the loss of Brown, Keansburg will be

experienced at tailback with junior returnee Joe Osterbye, who will maintain a central role in the offense, even as the Titans move to a more pass-heavy attack. Justin Alessi, Steven McCoy, Julian Castell and Miguel Crespo make up a seasoned group of receivers for Vital to target, and Isaac Monteiro is a potential option at tight end when he is not in the backfield as a lead blocker for Osterbye or the rest of the running back corps. The experience on the offensive line is a strong point for Keansburg as well, with four starters back in the fold. Senior center Richie Squeo is one of the top linemen in Class B Central and Bird estimates that he will end up a Division III lineman, at the very least. He is joined up front by seniors Jarred Bell and Dylan Ryan, as well as sophomore Paul Liseno – all of whom started last season. The newcomer to the group is senior Vaughn Fitzgerald, who will play right tackle. “I think the new offense is actually a little easier for the line, at least for me,” Squeo said. “Having that experience definitely helps. We only had three seniors last year so we’ve got a bunch of guys who came back stronger and more confident, plus a few new guys who are going to help. We should be pretty good.”

Jr . Q B . D anny V ita... to worry about and you know what you’re doing, you can go a thousand percent.” Liam Reeks (outside linebacker), Nick Rizzi (defensive end), Zion Jackson (cornerback) and Jashawn Martin (safety) are all in line for starting spots on defense and will be depth pieces on offense. Martin is a transfer from Red Bank Regional, which lost just one game last season and reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III final.

“Everything we do is geared toward pursuing the ball,” Osterbye said. “That’s how defense works. I think with the way we’ve been preparing, we’re going to be better at getting to the ball.”

Class B Central proved to be a difficult trek for a rebuilding program like Keansburg, with Shore Regional maintaining its powerhouse status and Asbury Park, Keyport and Point Pleasant Beach all fielding quality Group I programs. Even though Mater Dei Prep looks poised for a climb up the standings, this year might provide more of a chance to Keansburg with Asbury Park and Keyport losing some key skill talent. If the conditions are not quite right for Keansburg to open some eyes this year, the Titans have the kind of junior class that could potentially do so some time in the next two seasons.

“When you know what you’re doing, you go a lot faster,” Squeo said. “You should always go a hundred percent, but when you’re questioning what you’re doing, there is always some hesitation. If you have less

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

Like the offense, the defense is full of returning talent. Despite that, Bird is taking the approach of scaling back the playbook in order to allow his players to play faster and freer. Osterbye figures to benefit from that freedom as one of the two middle linebackers, along with Crespo.

iMP A CT N EW C OME R : Vaughn Fitzgerald, OL A basketball player with size and some athleticism, Fitzgerald can bring a new dynamic to the offensive line to go with the experience that the other four returnees provide.

PI VO TA L G AME : XXXXX xxxxxxx

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @Pt Pleasant Beach Saturday 9/17 Asbury Park Saturday 9/24 Mater Dei Saturday 10/1 @South River Saturday 10/8 Middlesex Saturday 10/15 Dunellen Saturday 10/22 @Metuchen Saturday 10/29 @Keansburg Friday 11/4 @Shore

coaching staff Jay Graham, 1st season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 2-8

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s : Dominick Amoroso (RB/DL), Jayson Gletzman (DB), Pete Miller (QB/LB), Jerry Hourihan (OL/DL), Steve Bower (WR/DB), Jimmy McGuire (QB/DB)

2015 Record: 6-5 (3-2 in B Central)

At A Glance B IG S HOE S T O F ILL: Devin Wallner & Shykim Treadwell Keyport lost a vast majority of its production with the graduation of Desmond Underwood and Ky’Sun Pryor, who combined for more than 1,900 rushing yards. The sophomore tandem of Wallner and Treadwell will handle the primary tailback duties for the Red Raiders and while the same production might be a pipe dream for this season, the tandem could get to that level down the road.

X -F A CT O R:

Chris Hogrefe, QB

One way to help overcome the loss to two standout rushers is to lean more on the returning quarterback. Hogrefe took the job and ran with it last year and will look to expand upon his role now that he has a full year of experience. Hogrefe developed the makings of a good rapport with senior wide out Cody Young.

GL UE G U Y: Jay Hansen, FB/LB Another way to help the running game stay on course is to make use of Hansen as a runner and lead blocker. On top of contributing on offense, Hansen will play an integral role in leading the defense. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Greg Robinson, LB/FBB In addition to Wallner and Treadwell, Robinson will earn time as a sophomore and will figure in more prominently on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. He will also see some time in the backfield at fullback.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Sept. 17 vs. Asbury Park Both the Red Raiders and the Blue Bishops have a host of skill talent to replace, so the week two Central Jersey Group I quarterfinal rematch will be a test to see which program can bounce back the quickest.

Red Revenge By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

f anyone understands the football culture at Keyport High School, it is new head coach Jay Graham. He grew up in Keyport, played for the high school and served as defensive coordinator and associate head coach under longtime coach Mike Ciccotelli for 12 years. Graham, however, does not return to the program with any urgency to restore that culture but rather to continue its resurgence. Last year, the Red Raiders were 16 minutes away from advancing to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I title game as a No. 7 seed, only to squander a 20-point halftime lead en route to a 35-34 loss to Palmyra. This year’s team must replace six key seniors, including two running backs who combined for nearly 2,000 rushing yards a year ago, but the motivation stemming from that sectional semifinal loss, as well as a majority of this year’s starters returning from last year’s team is reason for Graham to be optimistic in his first year as the head coach of his alma mater. “Other than the first few weeks of the weight room, everything has been pretty much the same,” senior Jay Hansen said. “All the assistants are the same as they were last year and we’re running the same offense. We had a pretty good year and with the guys we have back, we’re going to try to keep doing what we’re doing.” The Red Raiders have a fair helping of experience back, but losing the tandem of Desmond Underwood and Ky’Sun Pryor will test the offense. Underwood rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns and Pryor ran for 873 and nine scores, which leaves the Red Raiders 1,900-plus yards to make up. Sophomores Devin Wallner and Shykim Treadwell will take on the tailback duties this season, while Hansen leads the way at fullback. “We lost some key guys, but we have a lot of young guys stepping up and making plays,” Hansen said. “It’s going to be a good year.” “Most of the guys here got some burn at some point last year, so we all know what we’re doing,” senior quarterback Chris Hogrefe said. “Everybody has been putting a lot of time in.” Senior Chris Hogrefe won the quarterback job last season, a competition that was opened up in order to allow Underwood to shift to a running back position. After managing the offense last year, Hogrefe will have more of a leadership role as a senior and more of a chance to create plays on his own with the Red Raiders looking for weapons to emerge on offense.

( l - r ) J r. J oseph K ay F lagg, S r. C hris H ogrefe, J r. J ay H ansen, S r’s. E rick N ellis & C ody Y oung “It’s just been a lot of offseason work,” Hogrefe said. “A lot of weights, a lot of footwork, working on my throwing mechanics. I wanted to make sure I was as prepared as possible.” Senior Cody Young accounted for 10 of Hogrefe’s 28 completions last year and averaged more than 23 yards per reception. He will be the primary target in the passing game, with junior Joey Kay-Flagg and senior tight end Eric Frick joining the mix as well. Eric Nellis, David Parks and Jarrett Hourihan make up a returning senior trio to the offensive line, while sophomore Kyle Roberts and freshman Devon Meza join the group. Nellis and Frick also anchor the defensive line, with Nellis at one defensive tackle spot and Frick on the end. Junior Brandon Tate will be the other tackle, while Antonio Collila will play the end opposite Frick. Hansen will lead the group of linebackers that also includes sophomore Greg Robinson and seniors Dejour Cockeran and Skye Blanks. Robinson is also in the picture for time at fullback and Cockeran and Blanks will split time at one of the outside linebacker spots. Young and Kay-Flagg will be the safeties, while senior Christian Smith and junior Zach Walker man the corners. Walker will also play some tight end on the offensive end as well. The Red Raiders players are aware of the

task at hand when it comes to working in new players at key spots on offense, but the bitter taste left behind by last year’s narrow playoff loss has them driven to find a way. A win would have set Keyport up for a championship showdown with Shore Regional, the team that beat Keyport in week one. “It’s tough playing a team like that in week one and with some of the injuries we had and with the way we got better as the season went on, it would have been interesting to play them in the final,” Nellis said. This year, the Red Raiders do not play Shore until the final weekend of the regular season and the Red Raiders wouldn’t mind getting another shot at the defending Central Jersey Group I champion Blue Devils a few weeks late in a playoff game. “It’s definitely a motivating factor to get back there,” Hansen said of falling just short last year. We didn’t finish last year and if we did, we would have been playing Shore for the championship. It gives us motivation to finish every game this year to try to get back.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 Keansburg Friday 9/16 @Dunellen Saturday 9/24 @Keyport Friday 9/30 @Highland Park Saturday 10/8 Shore Friday 10/14 @Asbury Park Saturday 10/22 Holmdel Saturday 10/29 South River Friday 11/4 @Pt Pleasant Beach

coaching staff Head Coach:

Dino Mangiero, 1st season (13th overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 0-0

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s : Not provided

2015 Record: 3-7 (1-4 in B Central)

At A Glance B IG SHOE S TO F ILL: Isaiah Henderson, TE/LB It’s hard to find too many spots where Mater Dei either lost someone irreplaceable or does not have someone to fill in. Last year, Cole Hardy was a key cog in the passing game, so if Henderson can step in and make an impact along with Lewis, Pierre, Devenney and Mandelbaum, the Seraphs should not miss a beat.

-F A CT OR : Kyle Devaney, WR/DB While adding George Pearson as the quarterback changes the dynamic of the Mater Dei offense, it’s not as though the position was a weakness last year. Devaney is still on the team for another two years and will look to make an impact as a slot receiver. If the Seraphs get a significant contribution from Devaney as a receiver, that makes the addition of Pearson an even bigger upgrade. GL UE G U Y: Jonathan Lubintus, DB/RB Lubintus played linebacker and fullback this season and now will shift to safety with the addition of Ferrisi as a linebacker. With the depth Mater Dei has in the backfield and at linebacker, Lubintus could end up switching positions and thriving. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : George Pearson, QB Pearson burst onto the scene as a freshman for Matawan and after an early-season injury as a sophomore and a brief transfer to St. Joseph Regional in Montvale, he ended up at Mater Dei. With most of last year’s roster back and a potentially dominant receiver in Eddie Lewis still on board, Pearson should continue to be one of the Shore’s best.

Big Game Hunting By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

ver since staring over the edge of the cliff that was the school’s impending closing in 2015, Mater Dei Prep has not rested on its laurels when it comes to athletics.

Right after it was announced the school was remaining open, the baseball team won its first outright division title in 12 years. The following season, behind a complete overhaul of the program, the basketball team won its first ever Shore Conference Tournament championship and finished ranked No. 1 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. Although the renaissance had not quite reached the gridiron to that level, the football team appeared on its way. After a 3-7 season, the Seraphs were set to return nearly the whole team in a Shore Conference Class B Central division that could be more up-for-grabs this year than in past years. With an opportunity to take the next step, once again, the Mater Dei board of trustees and the athletic department pounced this past spring by hiring Dino Mangiero as the new head coach. Mangiero is a former standout at Rutgers, spent six years in the NFL and turned Poly Prep in Brooklyn into a powerhouse program during his 15 years at the helm. Since Mangiero’s hire, the Seraphs have added new talent to go along with all the returning players and are primed for a big season in Class B Central. “Everything’s new: new offense, new defense everything,” said Mangiero, who also spent time as an assistant at Indiana University and Wagner College. “We’re using a lot of spread on offense, a lot of stuff I’ve taken from some of the places I’ve been and some of the people I’ve come across, like Urban Meyer. The kids are working hard at it and it’s coming along.” Although Mater Dei’s returning roster is the foundation of this year’s team, the arrival of junior quarterback George Pearson has increased the buzz around the program that followed Mangiero from Brooklyn. Pearson led Matawan to a Central Jersey Group III championship as a freshman in 2014 and settled into his sophomore season with the Huskies despite missing the start of the season due to injury. He briefly transferred to St. Joseph Regional in Montvale ahead of his junior year before heading back to the Shore Conference and Mater Dei in late July. “It was a strain on my family going to school all the way up there,” Pearson said. “It was a great

NFL defensive tackle.

opportunity to go play up north where there is so much great competition, but I ultimately decided it was better for me and my family to be closer to home. This program is really upand-coming and I’m excited I get to be a part of it.”

“We have a lot of young guys competing,” Mangiero said. “Guys are out here earning it, which has been good to watch.”

Pearson’s arrival at Mater Dei supplants incumbent Kyle Devaney, who performed admirably as a sophomore while trying to replace Christian Palmer – who enjoyed a recordsetting career as the Seraphs quarterback. Devaney will remain the backup quarterback but will also contribute as a slot receiver after throwing for nearly 1,500 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.

Three players followed Mangiero from Poly Prep to Mater Dei, led by junior linebacker Russell Ferrisi, who joins Pierre and Henderson in the group of linebackers. The addition of Ferrisi shifts Lubintus – a versatile athlete who played linebacker last season – to safety, which could have a significant positive impact in the Seraphs’ ability to stop the pass without giving ground in the run game.

Sr. Eddie Lewis

Devaney joins a receiving corps that should thrive with Pearson on board, led by highly-sought-after recruit Eddie Lewis. Last season, Lewis caught 31 passes for 419 yards and four touchdowns and enters his senior year with 12 offers, including FBS schools Syracuse, Indiana, Duke, North Carolina, Rutgers, Iowa and Boston College. Senior Marvin Pierre also returns after transferring from Rahway last year and catching 16 passes for 357 yards despite sitting out 30 days due to the transfer rule. Tight end Isaiah Henderson is another addition to the list of weapons Pearson will be targeting in his first year as a Seraph. The Mater Dei backfield will have a new look this season with the spread offense in full effect around Pearson. Sincere Sanders is slated to be the feature back, with a number of players like Pierre, Jonathan Lubintus and Syncere Richardson providing depth. Mater Dei’s offensive line will also be a key to the offense as returnees Shane Mastro, Kevin Olausen, Mario Rodriguez and Alex Mercado adjust to a new quarterback and offense.

Lewis, Sanders, junior Ryan Mandelbaum and junior Jon Leverock are also in the mix for time in the secondary. Mandelbaum was also a contributor at receiver last year and will figure into the mix on offense with Lewis, Devenney and Pierre. The 2016 season was slated to be a significant one for Mater Dei with all of its talent returning from the 2015 season, which ended with an NJSIAA Non-Public Group II state playoff loss on a Hail Mary pass to top-seeded Montclair Kimberly. With Mangiero and Pearson now in the fold, the expectations have been ratcheted up even further. “This was a great opportunity for me because this is an institution that believes in the same things I believe in,” Mangiero said. “There is an emphasis on education, which is what I like. You teach the kids in the classroom and get them ready for life. When they are out on the field, we’ll teach them the football.”

That stable of offensive lineman will also handle the work in the trenches on defense, where Mater Dei is looking to improve the most under the former

PIV O TA L GA ME : Oct. 8 vs. Shore Regional Although the Seraphs are coming off a 3-7 season, the expectations this season are to compete for division and state titles. Shore is the team to beat in B Central, so the earlyOctober showdown between the Blue Devils and the Seraphs could ultimately decide the B Central crown.

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Friday 9/23 Saturday 10/1 Friday 10/7 Saturday 10/15 Friday 10/21 Friday 10/28 Friday 11/4

Keyport @Bishop Ahr @Asbury Park @Middlesex Keansburg @Spotswood @Shore Highland Park Mater Dei

coaching staff Head Coach: John Wagner, 6h season (31st overall)

Career Record: 38-16 (188-108-2 overall)

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s :

Jeff Bower (RB/DB); Rich DelDuca (OL/DL); Mike Pellicane (WR/DB), Brenden Neary (OL/DE/Freshman), Paul Struncius (QB), Mike McGee (WR/LB/Freshman), John Seip (team manager), Cali Whedon (athletic trainer).

2015 Record: 5-5 (3-2)

At A Glance B IG SHO ES TO FIL L: Jimmy Sherlock, Jr., DL: Sherlock steps into a defensive line rotation as a firstyear starter as the group looks to replace the production of All-Class B Central defensive end Tanner Smith.

-F A CT OR : Connor Kells, Sr., WR/DB/KR Kells is a major weapon on the outside for a team that primarily runs the ball, and his ability to make big plays all over the field makes him a key, gamechanging player for the Gulls. GL UE G U Y: Cade Watkins, Sr., OL/DL & Cody Liguori, Sr., OL/DL Both are veterans along the offensive and defensive lines and will be key factors in Point Beach winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.

Over the Hump By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

fter consecutive 5-5 seasons that were the byproduct of fielding a mostly young and inexperienced team, Point Beach is banking on relative depth and seasoned veterans to lead it back to championship contender status.

A roster that, over the past two years, was filled with several freshman and sophomores playing key roles is now a team with experience and confidence all over the field. Factor in a vast improvement in leadership and a focus on team speed, and the Garnet Gulls believe they should be back over .500 and in the thick of the playoff race. “Experience is everything and age is a big part of this game,” said senior wide receiver and defensive back Connor Kells. “When you have a senior team like we have this year, everyone is pushing each other to get better and the leadership starts coming through.” “It’s so different where we’re at compared to last year,” said head coach John Wagner. “Things I really preached in the offseason were leadership and team speed, and we’re better all over the place on both sides of the ball.”

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s r ’s.

Nista & L uke Frauenheim, C ade W atkins, C ody L iguori & C onnor Kells

The Garnet Gulls return nine players that were either starters or saw significant playing time in their Delaware Wing-T offense. Juniors Luke Frauenheim and John Nista split time at quarterback last season, but it will be Frauenheim taking the reigns of the offense full-time this year. As a sophomore, Frauenheim ran for 766 yards and seven touchdowns and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. Nista could also see time there along with sophomore Jake Madden working in.

The backfield features three returning starters with junior speedster Chris Webber back from injury at halfback and senior Jason Bowers back in the mix at fullback, plus sophomore Brad Parry at halfback also adding a speed dimension after starting several games as freshman. Also at fullback are seniors Miles Shea and Jack Baker. Joining Webber in the halfback rotation are seniors Declan Conway, Roddy Rupp and Jacob Clement, along with junior Sean Gould. Seniors Ryan Craig, Dom Waldman and Dom Castronovo will also see time in the backfield.

“Having these past two years learning the ropes, coming into my junior year I’m looking to be more of a leader and take charge on offense and defense,” Frauenheim said.

Nista will move to tight end as the starter with junior Jean Verrier, senior John Lynch and junior Nick Melito also at the position. Point Beach will undoubtedly run the ball the

vast majority of the time, but the Gulls will have weapons on the outside to attack opposing teams with. With Kells, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound senior and 6-foot-2 senior Ryan Sloan at wide receiver Point Beach can make teams pay if they stack the box or decide to leave either one in single coverage. Kells averaged an absurd 25.9 yards per catch last season with 493 yards and seven touchdowns on just 19 receptions. “Our offense is a lot more loaded this year,” Frauenheim said. “We’ve been a ground-andpound, shove-it-down-your-throat team the last couple years, but this year we can get on the edge and go up top on you. We have a lot of weapons we’re ready to use.” Versatility is a major theme on Wagner’s teams, so Point Beach’s offensive skill

iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Jack Baker, Sr., FB/DL A standout wrestler for the Garnet Gulls, Baker will get a chance to play meaningful snaps on both sides of the ball. He brings good size and athleticism to the team.

PI V O T A L G A ME : Oct. 21 at Shore Regional The Blue Devils are two-time defending Central Jersey Group I champions and have won the Class B Central title three years in a row. If Point Beach is to win either this season it will have to get past Shore.

players could find themselves all over the field. “It’s huge because you can start moving kids around and giving the defense a different look,” Kells said. “I play receiver, but can also play tight end. Same thing with the running backs or even quarterbacks.” The biggest factor in improving an offense that was 26th in the Shore Conference at 18.6 points per game may be an experienced and versatile offensive line. The group has three starters returning and depth with eight players that will see time. Wagner has all his linemen learn each position so they can be rotated in and out to stay fresh, since most will also be playing defense. Seniors Matt Zuhowski, Cade Watkins and Cody Liguori are the returning starters with senior Jon Ricciardi and junior Sean Gross joining them as the likely starting five. Junior Tony Lipari, senior Chris Benhur and sophomore Nick Kenmure, who started the final three games last season, will all see playing time. On defense, Point Beach will run a 4-3 base and try to improve on last season’s mark of allowing 20.5 points per game, which was 20th in the Shore Conference. Just like the offensive line, the defensive lineman will rotate from tackle

to end as necessary. Liguori, Watkins and Zuhowski are also returning starters here with Baker, Benhur, junior Jimmy Sherlock and senior John Lynch completing the rotating. Four players who played enough to be considered starters return at linebacker with Frauenheim, Nista, Webber and Conway leading the way. Rupp, Shea and Parry will also see time at linebacker. The secondary returns both of its starting cornerbacks with Kells and Gould. Clement is the safety with Conway also playing safety depending on how the front seven lines up. Kells made 35 tackles with four interceptions last season, including one returned for a touchdown. “On defense we need to be solid and we can’t allow big plays,” Frauenheim said. “That killed us last year.” On special teams Gould is back as the kicker and Sloan returns as the punter. Watkins is the long snapper and Kells is the primary return specialist. He had a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown last season. Depth is always a concern at a small school like Point Beach and an injury or two to the wrong player can derail the

season. The Garnet Gulls do have better depth than they’ve had in recent seasons, and most of those payers have plenty of game experience. They hope it all adds up to a bounce-back season and a return to chasing division and state titles. “This year the expectations are really the same in that we want to be a playoff team,” Wagner said. “But you have to really play it week-by-week. The big question marks are what Bishop Ahr is and what Mater Dei has become. I think we’re going to be pretty competitive every week, and that’s what we try to be. I tell our kids, we have some very good players but they’re only as good as the surrounding players make them. I’m excited about where we’re at.” “Everyone has been working hard and we’ve known since freshman year that this group of kids could have a pretty good team,” Kells. “We know what we can accomplish.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

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2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Saturday 9/24 Friday 9/30 Saturday 10/8 Saturday 10/15 Friday 10/21 Friday 9/4 Wednesday 9/23

@Asbury Park Barnegat @Keansburg Bishop Ahr @Mater Dei @Middlesex Pt Pleasant Beach Keyport Rumson Fair-Haven

coaching staff Mark Costantino, 25th season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 165-85-1

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s : Mike Whitacre (OL/DL); Jon Remedio (OL/DL); Pete Vincelli (RB/DB); Bob Biasi (WR/LB); Jack Levy (vol., QB/DB); Chris Riley (vol., QB/WR/DB); Joe Rankin, Marty Mullarney, John Vaccarelli; Joe Amuicci (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 165-85-1

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O F ILL: Josh Campi, Sr., RB/LB Campi will start at fullback and middle linebacker where first-team All-Shore player Doug Goldsmith played last season.

-F A CT OR : Inexperience The Blue Devils have a reputation for reloading, but until the first-time starters get it done on the field there are some question marks. GL UE G U Y: Matt Pennell, Sr., QB/DB A three-year starter on defense and a two-year starter at quarterback, Pennell is the Blue Devils’ most experienced player.

Business as Usual By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

mall schools aren’t supposed to be able to withstand massive graduation losses. Rebuilding years happen at Group I and Group II schools more than anywhere else. At some point there’s going to be a gap in talent an experience. Right? Well, Shore is not your average Group I program.

“If you look at paper and see we graduated 19 starters you’d think we’re done.” said Blue Devils head coach Mark Costantino. “But we fully expect to win every game and defend our titles.” The two-time defending NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I and three-time defending Class B Central champs have to replace almost their entire starting roster from last season’s group that went 12-0 and finished ranked in the top five in both offensive and defensive scoring in the conference. The reason Shore’s expectations haven’t diminished is a group of talented players that have been waiting their turn are now set to be starters, plus a talented sophomore class that will make an immediate impact. “It’s kind of corny but the saying ‘tradition never graduates’ is true here,” said senior Matt Pennell. “We are instilled with that mentality since freshman year. We play every game like it’s our last.” Pennell is a returning starter on both sides of the ball and returns to quarterback Shore’s Delaware Wing-T offense. Pennell was the third option behind standout running backs Doug Goldsmith and Jack Britton last year, but was still able to account for 461 passing yards on just 44 attempts while scoring 12 total touchdowns. He’ll be relied upon much more as a senior.

(l-r) Sr’ s Josh Campi, M att P ennell & Mike D evine “He forces me to do things we normally don’t do,” Costantino said. “His level of play has gone up so much on offense, and on defense he sees everything. We’re scoring more throwing than running in the preseason. He can score on every play.” Senior Josh Campi will start at fullback after playing a lot last season, and will also see time at halfback. Sophomore

Quadir Lawson, junior John Salerno and senior Lucas Jackey will also see time in the backfield. Senior Mark Russo returns at halfback after getting a lot of playing time last season, and junior Bailey Crochet is also in the mix at halfback. Sophomore Jack McCrae, who is currently injured but expected back soon, will also be at running back.

iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Gil Goldsmith, So., RB/WR/DB The promising sophomore with a winning pedigree will start on both sides of the ball.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Oct. 8 at Mater Dei Prep The Seraphs have some impact transfers and a new head coach who is a proven winner, so Mater Dei looks to be Shore’s primary challenger in B Central.

At wide receiver are sophomore Gil Goldsmith and senior Jared Carroll. Goldsmith will also see time in the backfield. The tight ends are senior Paul Christopher and junior Matt O’Donnell. Senior Mike Devine is the lone returning starter on the offensive line and will be at left tackle. Junior Mike Rosati, a defensive standout, will also play along the offensive line at left guard. The center is senior Alex Clifton, the right guard is senior Tim O’Brien and the right tackle will be either junior Dan Mendillo or sophomore Sam Aromando. Shore’s defense has been among the best in the conference over the past few years and will look to keep that streak going in its 3-4, 4-4 base. Devine and sophomore Vinny DeMaio, a Long Branch transfer, are the defensive tackles with Mendillo, Aromando and senior Kofi Awa also in the mix. The defensive ends are Rosati and junior Jason Van Brundt, who played at Red Bank Catholic last year. Clifton and O’Donnell will also see time at defensive end. “Rosati dominates,” Costantino said. “As the year went on he was tremendous. His motor is never off. He’s a scholarship

kid, and we’re very fortunate to have him on the team.” Campi is the middle linebacker with O’Brien, Salerno and junior Matt Altomare also working in. Christopher started the last three games of the season at outside linebacker and will be a full-time starter this year. Lawson is the other outside linebacker with Jackey and juniors Jake Altomare and A.J. Shirley also in the mix. The secondary has Goldsmith, Russo, Crochet and junior Ryan Morris working in at cornerback. Pennell is back as the safety for the third straight year. McCrae will also see time at safety when healthy. On special teams, Goldsmith is the kicker and Christopher is the punter. The Blue Devils will be challenged by a radically different Mater Dei Prep program and an improved Point Beach squad, but until some other team finds a way to take them down, the Class B Central and Central Jersey Group I titles run through the little school in West Long Branch.

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @Donovan Catholic Friday 9/16 @Shore Friday 9/23 Manchester Friday 9/30 Manasquan Friday 10/7 Jackson Liberty Friday 10/14 Lacey Saturday 10/29 @Lakewood Friday 11/4 Pt Boro Wednesday 11/23 @Pinelands

coaching staff Head Coach:

Rob Davis, 11th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 55-49

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s : Kevin Smith (def. coord.); Greg Oravets (DL); Mike Burke (RB); Paul Covine (LB); Mike D’Ambrosio (QB); Mike DeTroia (OL); Vinny Casale; Lauren Tribley (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 3-7 (2-5)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O F ILL: Dennis Sullivan, Sr., LB Sullivan steps in as a starting linebacker and replaces all-Class B South selection Josh Bowen.

-F A CT OR : Inexperience The Bengals are still a a very young team so it remains to be seen how the new starters will develop. GL UE G U Y: Connor Lustenberger, Sr., QB Lustenberger returns at quarterback and has also played safety. He’ll also be the kicker and punter. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Steve Pitiak, Jr., OL/DL The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Allentown transfer will start on the offensive line and serve as a backup at defensive tackle.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Sept. 9 at Donovan Catholic The Griffins came from behind in the fourth quarter last season to eventually win in overtime, and the Bengals have been waiting for revenge ever since.

Learning Curve By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

arnegat’s football program may be just 11 years old, but the Bengals have become accustomed to winning year after year. Last year’s 3-7 record marked the fewest wins in program history, which was due in large part to the graduation of an outstanding senior class that included two FBS recruits and another to an FCS school. “As a freshman we saw the team go to the state championship, and I think all of us want to experience that again,” said senior linebacker Eric Becker. “We got our feet wet last year so we have more experience.” “We’re putting all the pieces together and getting back to that tradition of getting to the playoffs every year,” said senior Connor Lustenberger. The Bengals return four starters in their spread offense, starting with both Lustenberger and fellow senior Joe Monaco at quarterback. The two split time last season with Monaco throwing for a team-high 560 yards and five touchdowns. The only player on the roster who found the end zone other than the quarterbacks is backup running back Jake Schmitz, so there is still plenty of inexperience at the skill positions. Junior Juan Abraham is the starting tailback with Schmitz, senior Shemar Jarrett, senior Alioun Diagne and sophomore Charlie Cotton backing up. The H-back is Becker and the wide receivers are senior Jacques Picault, senior Hunter Mauro and sophomore Dupreme Holland. Mauro is a returning starter but had just one reception last season. The tight end is 6-foot-3 sophomore Sean Morris, who is part of a promising 23player 10th-grade class.

linebacker with senior D e n n i s Sullivan also getting the nod as a s t a r t e r. Sophomore Brian Ewan returns after starting at m i d d l e linebacker as a freshman.

(l-r) Sr ’s J ake Schmitz, A ndrew Meany,

Schmitz is C o n n o r L u s t e n b e r g er , K y l e k e s s i n g er & E r i c B ec k er the only returning starter in last year,” said Barnegat head coach Rob the secondary at strong safety. The corners Davis. “The best thing for this season was are Mauro and Cotton and the free safety is last year. We open with Donovan Catholic and sophomore Sean Madej. we lost to them here last year. We had the lead with three minutes left and ended up On special teams, Lustenberger will be losing in overtime. If you can’t get excited for both the kicker and punter again. Senior that rematch…it has to come from within.” Kirston Beaucicault and junior Nico Adorno are the return specialists. The Bengals have an uphill climb this year, but they feel they can compete in what looks Last season the Bengals lost two fourthto be a wide-open Class B South race. quarter leads to Donovan Catholic and Jackson Liberty, which is something that still sticks with them. “We really let a couple get away from us,” Becker said. “We don’t want to have the same feeling as

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

Senior Andrew Meaney is one of two returning starters on the offensive line and will play guard. Alongside him is senior Bryan Madej. The other starter is the center, senior Kyle Kessinger. The tackles are senior Mike Baker and 6-foot-3, 260-pound Allentown transfer Steve Pitiak. Barnegat returns four starters in its 4-3 defense. Junior Levin Musawa is a returning starter at defensive end and leads the defensive linemen. Madej is the other defensive end while sophomores John Pannone and Anthony Grimes will start at defensive tackle. Morris and Meany will work in at end, and Pitiak and junior Julian Schoenberger will also see time at tackle. Becker returns as a starting outside

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Saturday 9/17 Friday 9/23 Friday 9/30 Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 Saturday 10/22 Friday 11/4 Friday 11/18

Barnegat @Lakewood Pt Pleasant Boro Raritan @Pinelands St. Joes Metuchan @Lacey @Jackson Liberty @Manchester

coaching staff Head Coach:

Tom Tarver, 1 season, (4 overall) st

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 21-21

R. Fullen (def. coord/LB/TE/S); S. Turner (OL/DL); V. Steriti (WR/RB); G. Hyslop (Special Teams/FB); P. Dowling (DL/head freshmen coach); E. Bruno (QB/freshmen), N. Scerbo (Videographer/Hudl Admin, freshmen).

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s :

2 01 5 R e c or d : 4-6 (4-3)

Balance of Chemistry By Vin Ebenau - Shore Sports Network Contributor

inding 4 more tallies in the win column last season (4-6) than they did in the one prior (0-10), the Donovan Catholic Griffins seeks next level status and the fight for a Class B-South Championship under new head coach Tom Tarver. The former Manalapan head coach from 2000-2003 compiling a record of 21-21 (according to shoreconferencefootballnj.com) while also spending 7 years as an assistant there comes to Donovan Catholic to take the realms from Dan Duddy, who resigned after last season. It was with Duddy who was the first coach Tarver spoke with to become more familiar with the program. "I'm humbled that I had a chance to take over a program that he had for 10 years and I just wanted his insight," said Tarver. "Once I got his insight it was just tremendous, he was helpful, and he was encouraging and very supportive of some of the things that I was doing." Tarver's transition back into a head coaching spot has been "like riding a bicycle", in the matter of talking to fellow coaches, reverting back to all the stored football knowledge, making adjustments, and ensuring the offense and defensive makeup suits the players. Manalapan has been a team steady in success for a number of years under Ed Gurrieri, and Tarver now heads from the Class ANorth to the Class B-South inside the confines of the Shore Conference and seeks to bestow some winning wisdom on these Griffins.

"The kids here are good football players but sometimes they need a different way of doing things to figure out what works," said Tarver. The team will look to to instill a 3-4 look primarily on defense depending on the look across the line where we could then see a 4-4 coverage. On offense they are still looking for their identity but will look to line up in a multiple front. In becoming more familiar with his new team, Tarver has a . better understanding of how to have this team elevate it's talent to the next level.

S r Q B . Pe t e S c h l e n d o r f

At A Glance B IG SHOES TO FILL: Pete Schlendorf SR. QB/CB Schlendorf is a senior, however filling in for the versatile Teddy Golubowski of last year's senior class which also featured running back David Calderon, will be critical in the success of the offense. If the line continues it's success Schlendorf will have the time he needs to run the offensive attack.

X -FACTOR:

Line Play

Tarver says this part of the team has been the most consistent so far, and if they continue that trend the Griffins will be in good shape in Class B South.

G L U E G U Y : Donny Rappoccio SR. LG/DT A senior up front Rappoccio may be tasked with steering the efforts boys up front iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Jack Hadley JR. C/LSB Hadley has earned rave reviews not just as center, but as a standout long snapper who already has FBS interest.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Sept. 17 at Lakewood The Piners are the defending Class B South co-champs and return a talented roster, so the Griffins can make a big statement with a win on the road in Week Two.

"We have great kids, great families, great people here," said Tarver. "It was just a natural fit and I'm very fortunate that it worked out that I could be here coaching, but we have a tremendous amount of players that are just nice kids to coach, so coachable."

marks, and their hard working efforts are on full display for the coaching staff. "Once they've earned those reps, it's their position to not necessarily lose but you have to have some sort of starting point where you have your guys in there," said Tarver. "The possibilities are endless with this team," said Hadley. "We have a lot of talent coming up so that'll be a huge factor for this year."

Some of the Griffins say for them the transition from one coach to another has them humbled to be taught by Duddy but they love the energy Tarver brings as well. "Coach Duddy was an amazing coach, I mean there's no-one like him," said senior Donny Rappoccio. "Coach Tarver is bringing a great new energy, with a great new coaching staff."

While the coaches continue to evaluate to determine who will fill out the depth chart from top to bottom, nothing is written in stone because through the course of camp anything can happen.

(l-r) J r . Jake H ardley, S râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. J ared K noeller, Matt Baltus & Donald rappoccio

"The transition's been real smooth," said junior Jack Hadley. "Coach Duddy's been there with us, even in the offseason with the transition, helping us with schoolwork. Coach Tarver's taken over the program and we're really excited to see what happens with the season." "I love Coach Duddy to death and obviously we miss him here but, Coach Tarver's a great guy and I'm really excited for the season," said senior Jared Knoeller. They have a chance to be better and this team is

certainly hungry to succeed to a higher level, especially with Tarver's impressions of how they played in the preseason which could lead them to meet expectations. "At the end of the day we need to establish an identity, we need to be able to run the ball and stop the run, and once we do those things we got to be able to be consistent, and just keep working," said Tarver. Right now Tarver says there is an open competition for players battling it out for starts and reps between the hash

"Our running back Matt Baltus has done a nice job, Pete Schlendorf has done a real nice job playing quarterback. Our offensive line has been phenomenal," said Tarver. "We've expected something from those guys and they've been real consistent at showing that they're going to be starters and contributors to this football team."

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Friday 9/23 Saturday 10/1 Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 Friday 10/21 Friday 10/28 Friday 11/4

Jackson Memorial @Manchester Lakewood @Lacey @Barnegat Freehold Township @Pt Pleasant Boro Pinelands Donovan Catholic

coaching staff Head Coach:

Jim Sharples, 4th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 13-17

As s i s t an t C o ac h es:

Ryan Hesnan (OLB); Arin West (DB); Ronald Brown (DL/ST); Vin Spaddevecchia, (QB/OC) Gerard O’Donnell (OL); Charlie Diskin Jr. (RB); Anthony Meyers (WR); Matt Spader, Len Albline (freshmen); Chris Grande (athletic trainer).

2015 Record: 4-6

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O F ILL: Justin Mayes, Sr., QB Mayes takes over for three-year starter Ryan Van Wickle. If he can get the ball to the Lions’ big playmakers, good things are in their future.

X -F A CT OR :

Hitting Big Plays The staple of the team will be the big play ability of Downer, Locklear and Spears. They will also rely on a very experienced defense with eight returning starters.

Focused on Success By Eric Braun - Shore Sports Network Contributor

here is something to be said of a coach’s confidence in his team during the preseason and how far positive thinking can carry them throughout the season. That seems to be the sentiment at Jackson Liberty this season from head coach Jim Sharples.

“I like our kids,” Sharples said. “They all put in the offseason work necessary to be successful. They are all hardworking kids who give great effort.” The latest version of the Jackson Liberty football program will look to further its success from a year ago after losing to Brick Memorial in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs. The Lions had an up and downs season trying to string wins together, and finished 4-6. Offensively, the Lions are poised for a breakout season with another year running a multiple pro set out of the pistol formation. The offense will rely on returning receiver Ryan Downer, a gamebreaking type of player who can score anytime he touches the ball. Returning left guard Xavier Roman will add experience and leadership to the line. At quarterback, senior Justin Mayes will get his first snaps as starter after sitting his first three years behind Ryan Van Wickle. Also looking to make big impacts will be Nick Patla, Jake Stillwell and Javier Duran, all of whom saw valuable playing time last season. “I am excited about the speed and explosiveness that Downer, Spears and Locklear bring,” Sharples said. “We have weapons that need to be contained by opposing teams.”

(l-r) Sr’s. X avier R oman, Steven Schuster, Javier Duran & R yan D owner Jackson Liberty will run a 3-3-5 stack on the defensive side with Steven Schuster leading the unit at middle linebacker and also safety. Jake Stevens, Derek Catron and Patla will solidify a physical and fast linebacker corps. Stillwell at nose guard brings leadership to a much-improved defensive line and Duran will also play a

valuable role on the line. Downer at cornerback and Locklear at outside linebacker add veteran leadership and physicality to the defense.

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

GL UE G U Y: Steven Schuster, Sr., MLB The Lions’ leading tackler last year is the heart and soul of the Jackson Liberty defense. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Malcolm Locklear, WR Head coach Jim Sharples is high on the athletic first year starter to make an immediate contribution.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Oct. 1 at Lacey: Longtime Class B South stalwart Lacey is now back in the division after a couple years in Class A South, and should be in the running for the division title.

2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 Monday 9/19 Saturday 9/24 Satuday 10/1 Saturday 10/8 Friday 10/14 Saturday 10/22 Friday 10/28 Friday 11/4

@Toms River South @Pt Pleasant Boro Pinelands Jackson Liberty Lakewood @Barnegat Donovan Catholic @Southern @Manchester

coaching staff Head Coach:

Lou Vircillo 36th season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 269-132-3

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s :

Lou Vircillo (Offensive Coordinator/Defensive Coordinator), Shane Allen (DL), Warren Smith (QB/WR), Mike Stuppielo (LB), Chris Dimicco (RB/part time Frosh), Jack Bush (Scout), Watson Heilala (Frosh), John Tierney (OL), and Joe Tobin (DB).

2015 Record: 3-7 (1-6)

At A Glance B I G SHO ES T O FIL L: Jason Giresi, JR. RB/LB Connor Wilson is returning to the Lions backfield but if Giresi can continue to learn and grow in the Multiple-I set, the running game could prove as a vital asset. On the defensive side the loss of Jacob Post to graduation puts a hole in the defense that if Giresi can help fill, the PPG from the other end should be capped.

X -F A CT OR :

Team Effort

In order for this team to be successful Vircillo says it's not about one guy, but the entire team working hard every day in order for them to get where they need to be. The team has bonded since the end of last season and feel tighter as a group so far heading into the upcoming campaign.

GL UE G U Y: Chase Stephensen SR. S/WR/QB Stephensen is a guy Coach Vircillo expects "to lead us by example", and to be 'the guy' this season. Stephensen will play Safety where he is being recruited to play in college but also makes a return to wide receiver and has the agility to make the Lions more versatile.

Working to Win the day By Vin Ebenaun - Shore Sports Network Contributor

he quest for another run at the postseason is in the hearts and minds of players and coaches across the Shore Conference, and perhaps a change of division is what Lacey Township High School needs to end their drought.

On the cusp of following another 3-7 season inside the seemingly top-heavy Class A-South division Lacey moves into B-South along with their Multiple-I offensive set and 3-4 defensive look hoping for better success. “An expectation is that we can have a better season than last year,” said junior Jason Giresi. “Last year was pretty rough, we came out 3-7 but this year’s a lot different. We have a better morale as a team and I think we’re going to come out a lot better than last year.” Some of his teammates are echoing similar sentiments on last year but have hope for the upcoming season.

( l - r ) M a t t M i l d e n S r . O L / D L , J o h n G r o s j e an S r . W R , J a s o n G i r e s i J r. RB, C h a s e S t e p h e n s e n Sr. QB, C o n n o r W i l s o n Sr. RB

“Last year we lost a little bit of focus,” said senior Matthew Milden. “Towards the end of the season after losing a few games, it was kind of hard. This year though, we have a lot of team chemistry. If you have the want and desire, you can go as far as you can.” “I think we’ll be even better because lately we’ve had a very tight brotherhood,” said senior John Grosjean. “Ever since winter weight room throughout the whole process to get to where we are now, we’ve been (as) tight as ever.”

This is a team that Coach Lou Vircillo, who enters his 36th season at the helm of the program, felt could have been at least .500 last year and his expectations for the 2016 season are to continue developing the team. "The athletes are working hard, they have very good chemistry," said Vircillo. "We're still trying to find what players are going to play in what positions. They're challenging each other each and every day." The similar athletic ability adds another component to the challenge of winning those jobs Vircillo adds, and it's because of that

competition that position battles may go down to the wire. They have a handful of starters returning on both sides of the ball despite the departure of some players to graduation, but this is creating some intriguing position battles at camp starting with the line. "We do have 5 people up front offensively that has solidified the offensive line right at this particular time," said Vircillo. "But there are about four other players that are new to the program that I predict will challenge that. If nothing else it'll add depth."

iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Anthony Tobia SO. WR/CB With the Lions versatility on offense and Stephensen sliding back into a receiver role, their offense could be a pivotal part of deciding games especially if sophomore Anthony Tobia can take some of the defensive attention of his counterpart at receiver.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Oct. 8 vs. Lakewood The Piners look to be a challenger for the Class B South title, so this game could be crucial for Lacey in their quest for a division championship.

Players on the team could expect to see more time on one side of the ball than the other, although Vircillo acknowledges the roster size may prevent that from happening at certain times on game day. With Lacey moving into a new division that features the likes of Central, Lakewood, and Point Pleasant Boro. a change in the way they approach the game looks to remain status quo. "I really try not to predict anything...It's hard enough just getting these guys to become a team," said Vircillo. "But until we start evaluating this year's B-South by watching them on tape, it'll be a hard determination as to how we're going to fit in there." While at first succeeding in the Class A-South Division, Vircillo adds they became decreasingly smaller as a school while other teams became bigger in roster size. He expects a lot of competition from teams in B-South but believes it may not be the same as they faced in A-South. "I don't think anybody in the B(South) is going to be to the level of those teams (A-South) that we had played," said Vircillo. "But certainly they're going to have skill athletes and be competitive teams." Still many of the teams and expectations aren't necessarily lofty ones heading into the upcoming season, as they look to take it a day at a time. "My own personal goal is always that we work for each and every day...we challenge ourselves each and every day," said Vircillo. "We don't have a yearly goal, or a lofty goal of any sort except let's look at the next opponent and I stress that with the kids."

If this happens and they come to practice very day willing to work and accomplish some of these goals, they perhaps they will indeed win the day with a sharp focus. In order to fill the void of the seniors on last season's group such as Tarique Smith, Joe McAvoy, and Jacob Post, a number of players on this team will have to step up in order for the Lions to roar towards the playoffs. For Vircillo it's about size as well. "We had a couple of kids last year that were thicker and bigger and stronger overall," said Vircillo. "I'd say our kids this year are as competitive, just not as big." The 315 lb lineman in McAvoy and Post who Vircillo adds were strong athletes along with others matched the description of the aforementioned size difference from last years team to this team. With all these shoes to fill, it'll be up to a lot of the returning juniors who've become seniors and have the exposure of the varsity experience to make big plays. "The kid who wants to play competitively even in collegiate football is Chase Stephensen," said Vircillo. "He played out of necessity a quarterback position last year but he's really more of a receiver so we're asking him to go to receiver and continue to play quarterback when we're in the wildcat." “We have a good solid quarterback, (but) I could always come over and take some reps," said senior Chase Stephensen. “Right now we have Coleton Klaus and he’s pretty steady.” Stephensen is also a highly touted Safety who Vircillo expects to lead this team.

“I don’t have too many personal goals, I really just want to help take this team as far as we can, “said Stephensen. “We’re really tight this year so I know we can as a brotherhood take us as far as we want to go. It’s just a matter of putting it together on the field.” One position battle with a couple of guys eyeing the job is quarterback where Klaus looks like the favorite to win the job according to Vircillo, but Dylan Gudzak is one of the challengers for the position as well Some of the other key players Vircillo says are competing for time to help the team this season are senior John Grosjean who will play cornerback and a little flanker, junior Anthony Tobia and sophomore Eric Green on defense, and Christian Morales who is coming off of injury and will play receiver and defensive back. At running back Connor Wilson is returning to take some carries but Jason Giresi may also see some reps out of the backfield in addition to linebacker. “The biggest goal in my eyes personally is to rush for 1,000 yards,” said Giresi. “Coach V and the other coaches have been pushing me and pushing me to achieve that goal.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 Saturday 9/17 Friday 9/23 Saturday 10/8 Friday 10/14 Saturday 10/22 Saturday 10/29 Friday 11/4 Thursday 11/24

Manchester Donovan Catholic @Jackson Liberty @Lacey @PT Boro Brick Township Barnaget @Pinelands @TR South

coaching staff L.J. Clark, 6th season

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 25-26

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s :

Evan Baubles (Off. Coordinator/Asst. Head Coach/OL/DL), Noel Kavanaugh (Def. Coordinator/WR/DB), Lew Peccarelli (Special teams/RB/LB), Gary Salerno (OL/DL), Al Lamura (QB), Tim Brown, Kyle Watson, Mike Muth, Steve Plancey, Tim Redding

2015 Record: 6-4 (6-1 in B South)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O F ILL: Tamir Sutton, OL The Piners are taking a committee approach to filling the big shoes of Amir Tyler, but replacing Elijah Gill will fall on Sutton, a new starter. At 5-8, 240 pounds, he is hard to move and Clark has praised his own ability to move. Returning starters Tye Pierce and Jon Paul Rodiriguez will also pick up some slack with Josh Lezin moving to defense full-time.

X -F A CT OR :

Zyheir Jones, QB

With Tyler gone, Jones will be the center of the offense. He showed an ability to thrown the ball last year and the playbook will be geared more toward keeping the ball in his hands and letting him make plays.

GL UE G U Y: Josh Lezin, DL/FB Taking Lezin off the offensive line is a hit to the offense, but he will still work in at fullback when the Piners need to go big. The bottom line for the coaching staff when deciding how to employ Lezin was that his ability to disrupt on the defensive end is so great that they don’t want to take away from it by expending him too much on offense. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Kyrie Jenkins, RB/LBB A transfer from Manchester, Jenkins will play both sides of the ball right away after earning his place by competing in camp. He profiles as a running back and a linebacker, but given Lakewood’s preponderance of skill talent, the coaches have sampled him in several roles.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Oct. 14 at Point Boro Outside of a state tournament loss, last year’s 14-13 home loss at Point Boro was probably the one Lakewood would like to have back considering it cost the Piners an outright B South division title and was the first of three straight losses to end the year.

Heir to the Throwing By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

s a sophomore starting at quarterback last year, Zyheir Jones had the luxury of learning the position at a deliberate pace because his Lakewood team had a two-way leader in Amir Tyler to take the pressure off.

Not only will Jones and his teammates not have Tyler to turn to this year, but now a junior, it will be Jones himself who is expected to be the leader that his Piners teammates follow. Lakewood returns a deep list of experienced starters to its 2016 team, one of the primary reasons coach L.J. Clark does not expect the loss of Tyler – now at Temple University – to be too debilitating. On top of that, the team has a quarterback that Clark is ready to turn loose, both as a playmaker and as a leader. “I’m the starting quarterback so this is basically my team,” Jones said. “I have to be the leader now and make sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing. I knew it was coming with Amir Tyler leaving. I had to be ready to step up and lead the team.” As a sophomore in 2015, Jones threw for 1,005 yards and completed a shade more than 50 percent of his passes (58-for-115). Clark has seen significant improvement in Jones’s ability to throw the ball and see the field, but the junior will still have to adjust to life without a dominant running back to draw in defenses. “I think coach believes in me a little more and I definitely think I’m ready to throw the ball more,” Jones said. “We have two really good wing backs and two big receivers over six feet. It’s going to be hard to stop them.” Instead of searching for a replacement for Tyler to impact opposing defenses, the Piners will be spreading the offense out this season and giving Jones lots of options on each play. On top of the confidence the coaching staff has in the quarterback, Lakewood’s balance and depth at receiver is a motivating factor for the change in look on offense. “We have a lot of skills this year so we don’t necessarily need someone to shoulder the load,” Clark said. “The ball is going to be spread around a lot. Zyheir started as a sophomore last year, so we kind of kept the training wheels on him.

This year, they’ll be off.” Jones’s twin brother, Jyheir, will be one of the receivers, as will 6foot-3, 225pound A d i P a l m e r. Palmer fits more of a tight end profile on most teams, but he has the athleticism and hands to work out of Lakewood’s spread, which typically won’t employ a tight end. Honore Richardson, Drayton Bonaparte and Johnny Webb will also be key cogs in the passing game. Although Jones will be airing the ball out more this season, the Piners will still look to keep defenses honest with the running game and as the season approaches, Clark is still figuring out which of his skill players – including the players slated for wide receiver spots – will emerge as the primary ball-carriers. Manchester transfers Kyrie Jenkins and Jasir Cooper are two frontrunners, with Cooper best fitting the conventional tailback profile.

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“We’re going to open it up a little this year,” Clark said. “Last year, we had Secretariat and we fed him the ball. This year, we want to get everybody the ball and I think it will help us because we don’t have one superstar, per se.” Sophomore Tye Pierce and junior Jon Paul Rodriguez will anchor the offensive line, with Pierce returning at center and Rodriguez at left tackle. Rodriguez, according to Clark, is drawing interest from Patriot and Ivy League schools and is primed to a big year leading the group of Piners up front. Junior Josh Lezin, a standout two-way lineman a year ago, will spend more of his time on the defensive

line this season, but will work at Photoinby: Bill fullback inNormile some bigger packages. While Tyler’s absence will be more noteworthy, Lakewood also has to replace imposing guard Elijah Gill – a responsibility that will fall on senior left guard Tamir Sutton. Tackle Javy Rangel and guard Isaiah Francis will make up the right side of the offensive line. Lezin’s move to full-time defensive end is one of the main stories on the Lakewood defense heading into the season, although not the only one. Lezin had 11 sacks as a junior last year and will pair with Palmer as a fierce pass-rushing tandem against

Despite losing arguably the Shore’s best athlete in Tyler, Lakewood is looking to build on a 2015 season that began with five straight wins, but ended 6-4 following a first-round loss to Seneca in the South Jersey Group III playoffs.

more pass-heavy opponents. Opposite end Dante Morris will also be part of the front and Clark expects to rotate the nose guard. “If Josh is an overall 90 out of 100, then we felt like playing him on both sides of the ball was making him a 65 by the fourth quarter,” Clark said. “By playing him in small doses on offense, it’s going to get more out of his ability on the defensive side and it’s going to better help us finish games.” Lakewood will employ a 3-5-3 defense this season thanks to a set of athletic linebackers and defensive backs. Senior Raekwon Butler, Bonaparte, Jenkins and Cooper make up the linebackers, while Palmer will play on the edge. The Jones brothers and junior Elijah Miller will play (l-r) r. di almer, r. onure ichardson, cornerback, while Richardson will be the primary safety. Zyheir r. yheir ones, r. yheir ones Jones’s venture to the defensive side might be a slow acclimation Clark. given his responsibilities as quarterback, but Clark sees the experiment worthwhile given Jones’s talent. “Wherever coach needs me to play, I can play,” Palmer said. “I’m comfortable everywhere. I can catch the ball on Palmer is also a key cog in the defense because of his offense and I feel like my best position is linebacker. I size and versatility. He can play on the line, rush off the have gotten a lot better at linebacker.” edge, play a traditional linebacker position and cover. The package of skills has FBS schools inquiring, according to

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“A lot of people say we’re not going to be as good without Amir Tyler, but we’ve got a lot more good players than we we’ve had,” Palmer said. “A lot of young guys are stepping up and our quarterback has gotten a lot better and he’s a leader now.” “The message this year is ‘finish,’” Clark said. “The games we lost last year, it wasn’t because we got blown out from the start. It was because we failed to finish the game. Other teams made plays in key situations that we didn’t and by focusing on doing the little things and doing them for a whole game, I think that will show up in crunch time.” Photos by: Melba Losiewicz/ASAP Photograph

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2016 Schedule Saturday 9/10 @Lakewood Friday 9/16 Jackson Liberty Friday 9/23 @Barnaget Saturday 10/1 @Toms River East Friday 10/7 Pt Pleasant Borough Friday 10/14 @Holmdel Friday 10/21 Pinelands Friday 11/4 Lacey Friday 11/18 Donovan Catholic

coaching staff Head Coach:

Bill Furlong, 3rd season (20th overall)

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 72-81

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s :

Karl Schaeffer (OL/DE); Joe Serratelli (WR/LB); Mark Mernone (DL); Berkeley Hutchinson (OLB/QB); Bill Hill (RB/DB); Brian Elias, Paul Findlow (freshman); Cathi Yayac (athletic trainer)

2015 Record: 1-9 (1-6)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O F ILL: The Offensive Line Manchester’s standout last season was all-division offensive lineman Phil Pender, so the Hawks need someone to step up and become the leader of that unit.

-F A CT OR : Offensive Consistency The Hawks finished near the bottom of the Shore Conference in scoring last year and will have to improve their if they are to climb out of the Class B South basement. GL UE G U Y: Jerry Ward, Jr., QB As a three-year starter, Ward has command of the offense and the trust of his teammates in the huddle.

Moving Forward By Eric Braun - Shore Sports Network Contributor

fter a tough first two seasons in his coaching career at Manchester, head coach Bill Furlong and the rest of the Hawks coaching staff are looking toward a promising 2016 campaign. Offensively, the Hawks will run a multiple system anchored by three-year starting quarterback Jerry Ward. The senior brings veteran leadership along with athleticism and a firm grasp of the offense. Along with Ward, the Hawks will rely heavily on the legs of running back Jalen Glenn, a two-year starter. Glenn, according to Furlong, is a versatile back that brings speed, vision and great hands out of the backfield as another receiving option. Receivers Tariq Ali and (l-r) r. erry ard, r ake loyd Alex Lunn will be the downfield threats that are r alen lenn r hris laine years in the system, his veteran explosive for yards after catch. group is ready to take that step Both senior wide receivers will Santos and Blaise Lawson with Dan forward and get back to winning football at look to open the middle of the field for Morales and Jake Lloyd returning as Manchester for the first time since 2010. third year starter and fellow senior, Chris defensive tackles. Blaine. “We have a good group of backs and The Hawks will have a couple of receivers along with a returning Defensively, the Hawks will be a hardnewcomers playing key roles this season, quarterback that is smart with the ball,” hitting and quick-to-the-ball group that including senior first-year player Matt Furlong said. “Hopefully we will have a will look to force turnovers and limit big Miggliaccio, a former soccer player, who balanced attack on offense spreading the plays that hurt them a year ago. Glenn is will take over the kicking duties. Along ball around while on defense our defensive one of the leaders of this physical group with Miggliaccio, Nick Nuccio and Eric backs are much improved.” that will start for the second year at Cowan will be called upon for offensive corner. Along with Glenn, other defensive production at wide receivers while Quint backs that will look to make a name for Kearns will compliment Glenn at running themselves this season are Bobby Hart and back. Photos by: Lunn. Applying pressure from the Ray Rich Photography Coach Furlong believes after a couple of defensive end positions will be Jsan

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iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Matt Miggliaccio, Sr., KB A converted soccer player, Miggliaccio will step in as the Hawk’s starting kicker.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Sept. 9 at Lakewood The Hawks have won just one game against Shore Conference opponents over the last two years, so season-opener against a talented Lakewood team will be a good barometer for Manchester.

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 @Pt Pleasant Boro Friday 9/16 Marlboro Saturday 9/24 @Lacey Friday 9/30 Keansburg Friday 10/7 Donovan Catholic Friday 10/21 @Manchester Friday 10/28 @Jackson Liberty Friday 11/4 Lakewood Wednesday 11/23 Barnegat

coaching staff Brian Wilkinson, 4th season (10th overall)

Head Coach:

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 42-61

A s si s ta n t C o a c he s :

Charlie Diskin (off. coord.); Anthony Allocca (OL); Matt Fuller (WB); Dave Dempsey (FB); Mike Keller (OLB); Rob Micheliche (DB); Rob Barrett (DL); Albert Rowland, Todd Kaiser (freshmen); Stacey Childs (athletic trainer).

2 01 5 R e c or d : 2-8 (1-6)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S TO FIL L: Brandon Weedo, Sr., OL Weedo steps into a starting spot on the offensive line where Max Schnepp was an all-division player last year.

X -F A CT O R:

Limiting Turnovers Pinelands had many drives that stalled inside the opponents 20-yard line because of turnovers. If the Wildcats are to make a significant jump this season that can’t happen.

GL UE G U Y: Dave Fairl, Sr., FB/LB A two-way starter that has seen the program take steps forward, Fairl can help bring along many of the younger players that are the future of the program. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Evan Burton, So., WB/LB Burton’s speed can be a factor on offense where the Wildcats have a deep group of running backs.

PIV O TA L GA ME : 9 at Point Boro The Wildca ts are ea ger to sho w ho w much they’ve improved and will get a chance We e k O n e a g a i n s t t h e r e t u r n i n g C l a s s B South co-champs.

Plenty to Prove By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer

ith slow and steady progress over the last three years under head coach Brian Wilkinson, Pinelands feels like it’s ready to have a breakout season.

The Wildcats’ 2-8 record last year may not seem like a step in the right direction, but with the current offensive and defensive systems now commonplace to all and offseason strength and conditioning programs in place, the Wildcats are confident this is the year they become a contender in Class B South. “We have the size, we have the speed and we’re a much more aggressive team this year,” said senior offensive lineman Ryan McAndrew. “We’re going to turn some heads this year.” The Wildcats will continue to employ their run-heavy double-wing, double-tight offense that made significant progress last season. The Wildcats went from one of the lowest scoring teams in the conference to a team that had offensive consistency. They’ll look to do that again with some returning starters along with some promising underclassmen. Brennan Richardson ran for 912 yards and five touchdown last season and returns as one of the starting wing backs. He’ll be joined by sophomore Evan Burton, who brings good speed to the position. There’s also junior J.D. Harrison and senior Glenn Brown. Senior Dave Fairl is a returning stater at fullback along with senior Kyle Herra, who didn’t start but played a significant number of snaps. Taking over as the starting quarterback will be sophomore Garrett Brown, who is part of a class that had much success at the freshman level. Senior Tommy Madge could also see time at quarterback. The tight ends are junior Chris Lewis and senior Gennaro Balletta, both of whom are returning starters. The offensive line looks to be the biggest strength with three returning starters. McAndrew returns as the right tackle and senior Rob Hart is the right guard. Senior Mike Frezza returns as the center. David Kohler started two games last year and is back at left tackle. The true newcomer is senior Brandon Weedo, who missed last season with an injury. “On offense it’s mainly the same players as last year, so we’re more experienced,” McAndrew said.

( l - r ) S r ’s . R o b e rt H a rt , R y a n M c A n d r e w , B r an d o n W e e d o ,

D a v i d F ai r l & J r. B r e n n an R i c h a rd s o n “We have Brennan, who was only a sophomore last year, J.D. is really fast and Burton runs like a 4.7 and is only a sophomore,” Fairl said. “I think we have even more potential with our running backs this year.”

“The concepts are similar in the 3-4 and it allows us to be more creative,” Wilkinson said.

On defense, the Wildcats will shift from running a 3-3-5 stack to a 3-4. McAndrew is the nose guard, senior Rob Reeves is a returning starter at defensive end and junior Dylan Bastion is the other defensive end.

Class B South looks wide open again, so the Wildcats are optimistic they can not only pick up more wins, but compete with every team in the division. A big key will be limiting turnovers, which doomed the offense in may games last season. At the end of the day it comes down to execution.

Three of the four linebackers are returning starters with Herra and junior Rob Eagle at inside linebacker, and Fairl at outside linebacker. Burton will step into a starting role at the other outside linebacker spot. The secondary has three returning starters with Glenn Brown and Harrison at cornerback and senior John George at safety. The other safety position will be manned by Lewis.

Junior Jason Jeannotte returns as the kicker and Richardson returns as the punter on special teams.

“Our kids and coaches know how far we’ve come and how close we’ve been,” Wilkinson said. “It’s a good start, but we have to execute on the field and we haven’t yet, which is why we haven’t gotten the wins. I think we’re ready to do that this year.”

Pinelands allowed 31.4 points per game last season, so defense is an area that must improve.

“I’m excited about what we have,” Fairl said. “We have a lot of kids with experience and some changes people will be surprised about.”

“We need to stay physical, and that will be big in the first game (against Point Boro),” Fairl said. “If we can do that it will set the tone for the rest of the year.”

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

2016 Schedule Friday 9/9 Friday 9/16 Friday 9/23 Saturday 10/1 Friday 10/7 Friday 10/14 Friday 10/21 Friday 10/28 Friday 11/4

Pinelands Lacey @Donovan Catholic @Monmouth @Manchester Lakewood Jackson Liberty Ocean @Barnegat

coaching staff Head Coach:

Matt Cilento, 1st season

C a r e e r R e c o r d : 0-0

As s i s t an t C o ac h es: Tom Orrok (co-off. coord./WR); Brian Staub (co-off. coord./QB); Ryan Canary (OL/DL); Shane O’Connor (RB/DB); Dave Johnson, Dan Drzymkowski, Ty Hughes (volunteers); Pat Brady, Dave Drew (freshmen)

2015 Record: 8-2 (6-1)

At A Glance B IG SHO E S T O F ILL: James Fara, Jr., QB The starting quarterback position is particularly crucial in an option offense, and Fara steps in for two-year starter Noah Husak.

X -F A CT OR :

Offensive Line Play When the Panthers have had a good offensive line their offense has performed well. With just one starter returning it’s still a big question mark.

GL UE G U Y: Hayden Frey, Sr., WR/DB A key two-way starter that can turn the tide with a big play in the passing game, Frey is one of the few experienced holdovers from last season. iMPA C T NE W CO ME R : Tanner Gordon, Jr., RB/LB

There are several potential newcomers that can play critical roles, and Gordon could be one of the biggest with his starting spots at fullback and outside linebacker.

PIV O TA L GA ME : Sept. 16 vs. Lacey The Lions are back in Class B South from Class A South and are expected to be a division title contender. If the Panthers can get a win here early in the season it will say a lot about their title hopes.

New Cast, Same Goals By Bob Badders - Senior Managing Editor

oint Boro returned to its winning ways last season after shaking off a pair of down years, but to keep the momentum going the Panthers will have to replace nearly all their starters under first-year head coach Matt Cilento.

Cilento was elevated from assistant to head coach following the resignation of Sean Henry in June. Cilento has been the Panthers defensive coordinator for the past few seasons. “It’s been good, consistency-wise,” Cilento said. “I coach kids in football and baseball and as the defensive coordinator know the kids, so it has made the transition a lot easier. These are good, hard-working kids who will play hard no matter what. I’m lucky enough they are letting me take over this program and help keep it going in the right direction.” Point Boro won eight games last season and claimed a share of the Class B South division title thanks to a standout senior class that helped turn the program back around. Those players have come and gone, leaving just a handful of experienced players on the Panthers’ roster. “We lost a lot of seniors, but all the new guys are stepping up,” said junior quarterback James Fara. “We definitely have the skill players to back up what we lost last year, and the linemen are doing their best to get ready.” Rebuilding years are part of the process at smaller schools, but the Panthers are hoping the 2016 season will be more of a reloading campaign that will allow them to compete for the division title. Offensively, the Panthers remain in their flexbone option attack they’ve been running for over a decade. Fara steps into the starting role at quarterback that was occupied by Noah Husak, who expertly piloted the offense a season ago. Fara has good size and looked like a seasoned veteran during the preseason. “James is a downhill runner and fits our philosophy very well,” Cilento said. “He is a gamer and has a lot of confidence, and that comes in big. With him and Tanner (Gordon) in the backfield we’re going to compete.” “He’s a real intelligent kid when it comes to football,” said senior Hayden Frey. “He knows the offense well and makes the right reads. He’s been playing like he’s been on varsity for a couple years. He’s really taking charge of the offense and showing what he has.” Gordon, a junior, will be the starting fullback while senior Kyler Rossi and junior Nate Chiarello are the slot backs. “Tanner is also a downhill runner, but has a quick burst,” Cilento said. “He’s a kid that can break one and open up the field for us.”

Frey, a returning starter, leads the receiving corps and gives Point Boro a legitimate vertical threat to keep opposing defenses honest. He’ll be joined by senior Josiah Gliddon and junior Brandon Cipriano. “Hayden is definitely a kid (l-r) r’s. that extends the ayden rey, field for us, and you have to prepare for him,” Cilento said. “He opens the door for us to have some type of passing game to compliment our running game.”

Kyler Rossi, Joe Hynes, Aidan C onnolly & Justin Rafi

Senior Aidan Connolly is the only returning starter on the offensive line and will start at right guard. Junior Anthony Bonavito is the left tackle, the left guard is either senior Liam McCarthy or junior Conor Landis and the center is junior Gabe Fattizzi. Senior Justin Rafi will line up at right tackle. Joe Hynes, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound senior, has been battling an injury, but will start at left guard once healthy. “We’re lacking experience but we have talented kids to keep the winning tradition going,” Connolly said. “I just try to hype the team up and teach the younger kids how to act on and off the field.” Defense has been the calling card for Point Boro under Cilento’s direction. The Panthers were a top-five defense two years ago and were a ranked No. 8 in the Shore last season allowing just 12.2 points per game. Three starters return, starting wth Connolly, a three-year starter, at nose guard. Gliddon is the right defensive end and sophomore Trent Livolsi is the left end.

cornerback and Frey will take over as a starter at the other corner spot. The safety is junior Trevor McNamara. “(Cilento) is a defensive guy and he dummyproofs our defense, so we all know what we’re doing,” Frey said. “It really shows. He’s on top of everything and everybody buys in.” “As long as our kids stick to their assignments and show that intensity we’ll be fine,” Cilento said. “The young kids have bought into taking ownership of the defense and they’re starting to find their identity.” Sulzer will handle both the kicking and punting duties, taking over for three-year starter Collin Ansbach. Replacing so many key starters and seniors is certainly a challenge for Point Boro, and leaves the team with numerous question marks. Class B South looks to be wide open again this year, which means the Panthers can go into the season knowing they can compete to win it all. “With B South you never know what you’re going to get, and it’s always very competitive,” Cilento said. “If we fly around and compete on both sides of the ball, anything can happen.”

Rafi started at strong-side linebacker last season and shifts to the middle this year. The strong-side linebacker will be either Jarrett Howey or Tyler Sanchez, both juniors, or senior Matt Sulzer. The outside linebacker/strong safety hybrids, called ‘snakes’ in Point Boro’s defense, are Gordon and sophomore Garrett Romer.

“I think we have what it takes to win the division, and I’m sure every other team does too,” Frey said. “It’s just a matter of fighting each game and seeing what the season holds.”

In the secondary, Rossi returns as a starting

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Photos by: Ray Rich Photography

2016 Week-by-Week Shore Conference Football Schedule FRIDAY, SEPT. 2 Monmouth at Ocean, Central at Southern,

FRIDAY, SEPT. 9 Colts Neck at Howell, Freehold at Freehold Township, Middletown North at Neptune, Monmouth at Holmdel, Matawan at St. John Vianney, Raritan at Rumson-Fair Haven, JFK-Iselin at Red Bank, Toms River East at Central, Jackson Memorial at Jackson Liberty, Southern at Toms River North, Middletown South at Red Bank Catholic, Wall at Ocean, Shore at Asbury Park, Keyport at Point Beach, Barnegat at Donovan Catholic, Pinelands at Point Boro,

7 p.m. 7 p.m.

6:30 6:30 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 6:30 7

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SATURDAY, SEPT. 10 Manalapan at Marlboro, Brick at Brick Memorial, Lacey at Toms River South, Long Branch at Manasquan, Keansburg at Mater Dei Prep, Manchester at Lakewood,

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 16 Southern at Manalapan, Marlboro at Pinelands, Spotswood at Holmdel, Red Bank at Matawan, St. John Vianney at Raritan, Jackson Memorial at Brick, Toms River North at Brick Memorial, Toms River South at Toms River East, Central at Wall, Manasquan at Woodbridge, Red Bank Catholic at Middletown North, Ocean at Middletown South, Mater Dei Prep at Dunellen, Point Beach at Bishop Ahr, Barnegat at Shore, Jackson Liberty at Manchester, Lacey at Point Boro,

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p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17 Freehold Township at Colts Neck, Howell at Freehold, Monmouth at Metuchen, Asbury Park at Keyport, Highland Park at Keansburg, Donovan Catholic at Lakewood,

noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m. noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 23 Marlboro at Freehold Township, Freehold at Neptune, Howell at Middletown North, Colts Neck at Long Branch, Manalapan at Old Bridge, Holmdel at Rumson-Fair Haven, Raritan at Wall, Red Bank at St. John Vianney, Brick Memorial at Toms River South, Central at Jackson Memorial, Ocean at Red Bank Catholic, Point Beach at Asbury Park, Point Boro at Donovan Catholic, Manchester at Barnegat, Lakewood at Jackson Liberty,

6:30 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6:30 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 Matawan at Monmouth, Toms River East at Southern, Brick at Toms River North, Middletown South at Manasquan, Mater Dei Prep at Keyport, Shore at Keansburg, Pinelands at Lacey,

1 1 7 1

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 Freehold Township at Neptune, Toms River North at Howell, Holmdel at Red Bank, Matawan at Ocean, Raritan at Donovan Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven at Middletown South,

7 6:30 7 7 6:30 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Jackson Memorial at Toms River South, St. John Vianney at Brick, Sayreville at Brick Memorial, Wall at Long Branch, Manasquan at Barnegat, Colonia at Red Bank Catholic, Keansburg at Pinelands, Metuchen at Asbury Park, Mater Dei Prep at Highland Park, Bishop Ahr at Shore,

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 7 Neptune at Howell, Colts Neck at Manalapan, Perth Amboy at Freehold Township, Freehold at Monroe, St. John Vianney at Holmdel, Rumson-Fair Haven at Matawan, Monmouth at Raritan, Toms River South at Brick, Brick Memorial at Central, Southern at Jackson Memorial, Toms River East at Toms River North, Long Branch at Middletown South, Red Bank Catholic at Wall, Middletown North at New Brunswick, Keansburg at Point Beach, Jackson Liberty at Barnegat, Donovan Catholic at Pinelands, Point Boro at Manchester,

noon 1 p.m. noon noon 2 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m.

6:30 7 6:30 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m .

SATURDAY, OCT. 8 East Brunswick at Marlboro, Middlesex at Keyport, Shore at Mater Dei Prep, Lakewood at Lacey,

FRIDAY, OCT. 14 Manalapan at Howell, Freehold Township at Jackson Liberty, Raritan at Matawan, St. John Vianney at Rumson-Fair Haven, Manchester at Holmdel, Brick at Southern, Brick Memorial at Toms River East, Central at Toms River South, Toms River North at Jackson Memorial, Red Bank Catholic at Long Branch, Middletown North at Wall, Mater Dei Prep at Asbury Park, Lacey at Barnegat, Lakewood at Point Boro, St. Joseph (Metuchen) at Donovan Catholic,

Freehold at Marlboro, Central at Colts Neck, Holmdel at Mater Dei Prep, Brick at Lakewood, Keansburg at South River, Keyport at Metuchen, Donovan Catholic at Lacey,

1 p.m. noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

6:30 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 6:30

1 p.m. noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 28 Marl boro at Toms River East,

SATURDAY, OCT. 1 Marlboro at Colts Neck, Manalapan at Freehold, Point Boro at Monmouth, Manchester at Toms River East, Keyport at South River, Point Beach at Middlesex, Jackson Liberty at Lacey,

SATURDAY, OCT. 22

North Brunswick at Howell, Freehold at Edison, Freehold Township at East Brunswick, Neptune at Sayreville, Red Bank at Red Bank Catholic, St. John Vianney at Middletown South, Spotswood at Raritan, Brick at Central, Toms River South at Toms River North, Lacey at Southern, Brick Memorial at South Brunswick, Old Bridge at Jackson Memorial, Middletown North at Long Branch, Ocean at Point Boro, Highland Park at Point Beach, Pinelands at Jackson Liberty,

7 6:30 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 29 Manalapan vs. Piscataway at Rutgers University, Monroe at Colts Neck, Rumson-Fair Haven at Monmouth, Matawan at Manasquan, Keyport at Keansburg, Asbury Park at Bishop Ahr, South River at Mater Dei Prep, Barnegat at Lakewood,

11 a.m. noon noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m. noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, NOV. 4 Freehold Township at Manalapan, Matawan at Holmdel, Monmouth at St. John Vianney, Raritan at Red Bank, Carteret at Rumson-Fair Haven,

7 7 7 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

Toms River East at Brick, Toms River North at Central, Brick Memorial at Jackson Memorial, Toms River South at Southern, Manasquan at Red Bank Catholic, Middletown North at Ocean, Middletown South at Wall, Keyport at Shore, Mater Dei Prep at Point Beach, Point Boro at Barnegat, Donovan Catholic at Jackson Liberty, Lacey at Manchester, Lakewood at Pinelands,

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 5 Neptune at Colts Neck, Howell at Marlboro, Long Branch at Freehold, Keansburg at Asbury Park,

noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

WEEK 10 NJSIAA Regional Crossover games, NJSIAA Playoffs, first round, FRIDAY, NOV. 18 NJSIAA Playoffs, semifinals, Donovan Catholic at Manchester, WEDNESDAY, NOV. Rumson-Fair Haven at Shore, Barnegat at Pinelands,

THURSDAY, NOV. 24 Asbury Park at Neptune, Holmdel at Raritan, Red Bank at Long Branch, Midd. South at Midd. North, Lakewood at Toms River South, Wall at Manasquan, WEEK 13 NJSIAA Playoffs, sectional finals,

TBA TBA

TBA 7 p.m.

(THANKSGIVING) 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

10:30 10 10:30 10:30 11 11

a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m. a.m.

TBA

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.M. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15 Colts Neck at Freehold, Marlboro at Neptune, Red Bank at Monmouth, Ocean at Manasquan, Dunellen at Keyport, Shore at Middlesex, Point Beach at Spotswood, Sussex Tech at Keansburg,

FRIDAY, OCT. 21 Howell at Freehold Township, Neptune at Manalapan, Rumson-Fair Haven at Red Bank, Wall at Matawan, Red Bank Catholic at St. John Vianney, Southern at Brick Memorial, Jackson Memorial at Toms River East, Toms River North at Middletown South, Long Branch at Ocean, Manasquan at Middletown North, Point Beach at Shore, Asbury Park at Dunellen, Jackson Liberty at Point Boro, Pinelands at Manchester,

1 p.m. 1 p.m. noon 1 p.m. noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

6:30 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7

p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC

PINELANDS REGIONAL

right on Hooper Avenue. Go south on Hooper about a half mile

three miles. Turn right on Nugentown Road. School is three

JACKSON LIBERTY

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms River D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway to Exit 82. Take Route 37 east and turn

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about

and turn left at the first light. School is on the right.

BARNEGAT

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson D I R E C T I O N S : From south- Route 9 north to Cox Cro Road Road

F I E L D A D D R E S S : St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, Pt. Pleasant

Beach

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 180 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat D I R E C T I O N S : From the north - Parkway to exit 67 (Barnegat).

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

Manasquan River, follow signs for Broadway/Beach and make U-

second light make a left onto Barnegat Boulevard North. Go

Road/CR-547. School is just ahead on the left. From north -

Make a right onto St. Louis Avenue and follow until you see the

Make a left at the end of the exit ramp onto Bay Avenue. At

approximately one mile and make a left onto Bengal Boulevard.

School is on the left. From the South-Parkway to Exit 63. Follow

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

on Chambers Bridge Road. Take first jughandle U-turn and go

west on Chambers Bridge Road. Cross Route 88 and follow to

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson D I R E C T I O N S : From south - Route 9 north to Route 571. Go about

and take jughandle around to light at gas station. Turn right and

528. Continue on Don Connor Boulevard and make a right.

Herbertsville Road to intersection with Route 88. Go straight

at gas station. Follow directions above after going over the

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.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 600 North Main St. (Route 9), Stafford D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 63. Take Route 72 east about two

miles and bear right onto Route 9 north. Take Route 9 about three miles and school is on the left.

Manchester Avenue. Go to the first light, turn right on Haines

TOMS RIVER EAST

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Raider Way, Toms River D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway Exit 82, Take Route 37 east to Coolidge

LAKEWOOD

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 855 Somerset Ave, Lakewood D I R E C T I O N S : From south - Parkway exit 90. Take immediate

Avenue jughandle. Go north on Coolidge one mile to Raider Way.

onto Route 88, follow to New Hampshire Avenue and turn right.

TOMS RIVER NORTH

CENTRAL REGIONAL

entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot. From

entrance is ahead on right.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Haines Street, Lacey D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway Exit 74. Turn right on Lacey Road.

Take New Hampshire to end, turn left onto Ridge. Go about 1 Â˝

on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking

Route 88 east to Beaver Dam Road and make a right. School

L ACEY

Parkway.

onto Double Trouble Road, follow it to traffic light. Turn left

through light to school less than a mile on the right. From south -

Connor Boulevard and make a left. Follow directions above.

jughandle U-turn to go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Turn left

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Forest Hills Parkway, Berkeley D I R E C T I O N S : From north - Parkway exit 77. Turn left off exit

at next intersection turn right onto Herbertsville Road. Stay on

South. At second light turn right onto Route 528. Continue to Don

Street. School is on the right.

Bear left after the toll. Follow jughandle around, turn right at light

follow Burnt Tavern Road to Route 70. Turn left on Route 70 and

Take I-195 west to exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527

the 7-Eleven and take the jughandle left turn for Lanes Mill Road. School. High school is on right. From north - Parkway exit 91.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Laura Herbert Drive, Point Pleasant D I R E C T I O N S : From north - Parkway Exit 91. Stay left off exit

JACKSON MEMORIAL

second light, where there is a convenience store on the left and a Go straight across, bear right just pass Lanes Mill Elementary

POINT PLEASANT BORO

Whitesville Road). School is about a half mile on the right.

Follow less than two miles, take jughandle left turn for

gas station on the right. The right and go over the Parkway. Pass

and continue with above listed directions.

South Hope Chapel Road (just after 527 becomes 528 at

Parkway overpass and school is just ahead on right. From south-

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 2001 Lanes Mill Road, Brick D I R E C T I O N S : From South - Parkway exit 90. Ramp will put you

field. From south - Route 35 north. Make a right onto Broadway

onto Route 527 South. Follow for 6-7 miles and turn left onto

School is a quarter mile on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98.

BRICK MEMORIAL

turn onto route 35 North. Make a quick right onto Broadway.

Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to Exit 21. Bear left and turn

10-12 miles west to Route 528 intersection. Turn right on Route

Parkway exit 90. School is short distance on right from off-ramp.

D I R E C T I O N S : From north - Route 35 south. After crossing

for about 4-5 miles. Make a right onto South Hope Chapel

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick D I R E C T I O N S : From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit.

Go straight at light, follow to Route 88. Cross Route 88, go under

miles on the right.

Turn left, school entrance is on the left.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Old Freehold Road, Toms River D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway Exit 82. Take Route 37 East. At first

miles to school on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right

light take a jughandle left onto Route 166 north. Bear right at

off exit. Go straight at light, follow road to Route 88 intersection.

next traffic light onto Old Freehold Road. School is about

Turn right on Route 88 and follow rest of directions above.

three miles ahead on right.

MANCHESTER

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 101 Colonial Drive, Manchester D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway to Exit 82A. Take Route 37 west about

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

back to school parking lot.

onto Hooper Avenue. The field is a half mile down on the right

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 101 Hyers Street, Toms River D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 82. Take Route 37 east. Turn right

five miles to jughandle for Colonial Drive. Cross 37 and follow

behind the Ocean County Courthouse.

LONG BRANCH

NEPTUNE

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.

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.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Indiana Avenue, Long Branch D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36 east, bear onto

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Memorial Field, Summerfield School, Neptune D I R E C T I O N S : From south - Parkway Exit 100. Take Route 33 east

MANALAPAN

ASBURY PARK

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 1003 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park D I R E C T I O N S : 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

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck D I R E C T I O N S : Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold.

School is two to three miles ahead on the left.

FREEHOLD BORO

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 2 Robertsville Road, Freehold D I R E C T I O N S : Take Route 18 to Route 79 south. Turn left onto

Robertsville Road. Filed is one block ahead on left.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township D I R E C T I O N S : Take Route 9 to Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524).

Go west on Route 524. School is one mile ahead on left.

HOWELL

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell D I R E C T I O N S : 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

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel D I R E C T I O N S : 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

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg D I R E C T I O N S : 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

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Jackson Street, Keyport D I R E C T I O N S : 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.

OCEAN TOWNSHIP

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 30 Church Lane, Manalapan D I R E C T I O N S : Route 9 to Route 522 west. Turn right on Tennent

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township D I R E C T I O N S : Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West

Road, then left on Church lane. School is a half mile on right.

Park Avenue, school is a half mile on the right.

MANASQUAN

RARITAN

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 159 Broad Street, Manasquan D I R E C T I O N S : From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34 south

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 419 Middle Road, Hazlet D I R E C T I O N S : From north - Parkway exit 114. Make a left off the

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.

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.

MARLBORO

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 95 Route 79, Marlboro D I R E C T I O N S : Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a few

RED BANK REGIONAL

miles ahead on left.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 101 Ridge Road, Little Silver D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east

MATAWAN

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.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 450 Atlantic Avenue, Aberdeen D I R E C T I O N S : 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.

RED BANK CATHOLIC

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Count Basie Field, Henry Street, RB D I R E C T I O N S : 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.

MATER DEI

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 538 Church Street, Middletown D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 114. Turn right on Red Hill Road,

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 74 Ridge Road, Rumson D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east

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.

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.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 63 Tindall Road, Middletown D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 540 Road, Holmdel D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing

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.

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.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 501 Nutswamp Road, Middletown D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 114. Go east on Red Hill Road to

SHORE REGIONAL

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.

route 71. School is just ahead on the right.

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton Falls D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at first traffic

F I E L D A D D R E S S : 18th Avenue and New Bedford Road, Wall D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 98. Take Route 138 east about two

F I E L D A D D R E S S : Route 36 east, West long Branch D I R E C T I O N S : Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles, cross

MONMOUTH REGIONAL

WALL

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.

miles to second light, turn right onto New Bedford Road. Follow to school entrance on left.