9/4/18 Volume-X Issue-16 2018 Shore Sports Network Shore Conference Football Preview Program by Shore Sports Network Journal

F eature S tory.................................... Pages 50-54 Freedom Division ........................ ages 48-64 SSN Top Ten ......................................................Page 6 SSN Players to watch ..........................Page 8 New Faces in New Places .......................Page I0 American Division ..................... ages 12-23 Central Howell Freehold Township Manalapan Middletown South Toms River North

Colonial Division ..................... ages 24-35 Brick Brick Memorial Freehold Middletown North Rumson-Fair Haven St. John Vianney

Constitution Division ......... ages 36-47 Lacey Lakewood Jackson Memorial Marlboro Southern Wall

Long Branch Ocean Red Bank Catholic Red Bank Regional Toms River East Toms River South

Liberty Division ......................... ages 66-73 Colts Neck Manasquan Monmouth Neptune Point Boro Raritan

Patriot Division ........................ ages 74-83 Barnegat Jackson Liberty Matawan Mater Dei Pinelands Shore

National Division ..................... ages 84-94 Asbury Park Donovan Catholic Holmdel Keansburg Keyport Manchester Point Beach

F ield D irections O cean C ounty.......... ................................. Page 96 M onmouth C ounty................................... Page 97 W eek- b y- w eek S hore C onference S chedule .............. Page 98

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ith the season set to kickoff, there are plenty of questions which will be answered over the next three months: Who are the top players? Who are the best teams? Who has a shot to go all the way? Right here we’ll dive into our picks as to who are the top teams in the Shore to start the season as we debut the Shore Sports Network Top 10 for 2018. Three of the Shore’s football-playing non-public schools begin the season with championship aspirations and look to be at the top of the conference. Red Bank Catholic brings back several starters on both sides of the ball, including Boston Collegebound senior quarterback Steve Lubischer and Notre Dame-bound junior tight end Kevin Bauman. St. John Vianney rides a 38game Shore Conference winning streak into 2018 with former Matawan head coach Joe Martucci now leading the Lancers. Mater Dei has been to two straight state finals and has reloaded its roster after losing some top players to graduation. While the Catholic schools have the early distinction of holding down the top spots, the Shore Conference has a deep array of talented public-school squads who are capable of pushing their way to the top of the rankings. Brick brings back nine starters on each side of the ball and its loaded senior class is out to claim another state championship for the legendary program. Long Branch’s cupboard is far from bare even after graduating several starters off its Central Jersey Group 4 championship team. Manasquan has veterans back at important positions and has the look of a vintage Warriors’ squad, while Manalapan is eager to show the depth of its program after a large and impactful senior class exited in June. Rumson-Fair Haven should have a ferocious defense as it looks to win a fifth sectional title in six seasons and Middletown North is out to make a playoff run with its offensive core returning. Jackson Memorial brings back its top four tacklers on defense and looks to build on a playoff year in 2017. It all gets underway in Week 0 with a handful of games. The mega matchup features St. John Vianney hosting Red Bank Catholic in the “Holy War”, so the No. 1 spot in the Shore could change before the calendar turns to September. The season kicks off for the rest of the Shore on Friday, Sept. 7 with the traditional Week 1 games. Without further ado, we present the Shore Sports Network Preseason Football Top 10.

Red Bank Catholic The Caseys return a loaded squad that features Boston College-bound senior quarterback Steve Lubischer, Notre Dame-bound junior tight end Kevin Bauman, senior wide receiver/defensive back Jaden Key and many more as they look to make a run at the Non-Public Group 3 state championship. RBC opened the season with a 41-14 victory over rival St. John Vianney to snap a three-game losing streak vs. the Lancers and also end SJV’s 38-game Shore Conference winning streak..

St. John Vianney There has been plenty of turnover at the Holmdel school over the past nine months with Hall of Fame head coach Joe Martucci taking over for Derek Sininsky and most of last year’s starters moving on via graduation. A pair of transfers – junior quarterback C.J. Duell and junior running back Kavon Chambers – bolster the Lancers’ offense, however, along with Rutgers-bound offensive tackle C.J. Hanson and All-Shore guard Paul Liseno. The names will be unfamiliar at the start, but the talent is certainly there for the Lancers to have another successful season. SJV had its 38game Shore Conference winning streak snapped in a 41-14 loss to Red Bank Catholic in Week 0 and will try to bounce back against another tough opponent when it faces Rumson-Fair Haven in Week 1.

Manalapan Brick The Dragons had an up and down 2017 campaign thanks to a bevy of injuries that ravaged the team in the middle of the season. They finally got healthy toward the end of the year and gave a glimpse of what the future may hold with a spirited playoff run. A senior class that has been earmarked for success since coming in as freshmen leads the way, including First Team AllShore utility man Cole Groschel, quarterback/safety Jimmy Leblo, linebacker Richie Tallmadge and defensive end Cory Englehardt. The schedule is difficult inside the new-look Colonial Division, but the Dragons have the ingredients to bring home state championship No. 8.

Long Branch The Green Wave went from unranked at the beginning of 2017 to the lone Shore Conference team to claim a state championship, defeating Freehold, 43-42 in overtime, to win the Central Jersey Group 4 championship. Despite graduating quarterback Juwan Wilkins, wide receivers T.J. Fosque and Pasa Fields, defensive end Kaymar Mimes and defensive backs Kevin Porch and Eli Sherin, the Green Wave return a very talented roster that has its eyes set on a repeat performance. Senior Marc Dennis takes over at quarterback with junior Jermaine Corbett (1,422 yards, 14 TDs) running behind an offensive line led by standout senior Kevin Cerruti. Defensively, linebackers Luke Arnold and Jah’Kwan Gordon lead a physical unit.

Mater Dei Prep The Boston College-bound duo of defensive lineman Izaiah Henderson and linebacker Shittah Sillah will lead a defense that also features senior linebacker Russell Ferrisi and Matawan transfer Amir Coleman, and should be among the best in the Shore. The offense is filled with playmakers like running backs Malik Ingram and Sincere Saunders and wide receivers Isaiah Noguera, Clarence Lewis and Gunny Bloodgood. Star quarterback George Pearson is now a freshman at Central Michigan, but the Seraphs picked up a key transfer with the addition of former Camden Catholic quarterback Rob McCoy Jr. Mater Dei has reached consecutive state finals for the first time in program history, but to make it three in a row they’ll have to contend in Non-Public Group 3 with the likes of DePaul, Red Bank Catholic and St. John Vianney. It’s a challenge they welcome with open arms.

Rumson-Fair Haven The Bulldogs’ streak of state championships came to an end at four last season, but Rumson enters 2018 with a stout defense leading the way for a group that is out to win its fifth championship in six years. Senior linebackers Keegan Woods and Christian Lanzalotto along with senior defensive lineman Henry Sullivan form the core of the defense, while fullback Alex Maldjian and tight end Ian O’Connor are the linchpins of an offense that will break in new starters at quarterback and running back. No matter who graduates, Rumson finds a way to be among the Shore’s best, and this year should be no different.

The Braves absorbed heavy losses to graduation, including record-setting running back Naim Mayfield, plus lost AllShore linebacker Tommy Pearce to a season-ending injury during the preseason. Even so, Manalapan brings back senior defensive standouts Dale Sieczkowski, Dashon Taylor, Alex Claro and Alan Pressler to make another postseason run. Junior Sean Kehley takes over at quarterback with Sieczkowski at tailback, and the Braves should again have a solid offensive line led by center Nick Cavallaro.

Manasquan An outstanding senior class leads the way for the Warriors, who enter the season as the favorite in the new-look Liberty Division. Running backs Canyon Birch and Rashid Tuddles, wide receiver James Pendergist and offensive linemen Art Foreman, Mike LaPoint, Alec Wells and Anders Scala all return as starters to lead Squan’s classic, downhill offense. Defensively, standouts Dylan D’Anton and Jack Fabean anchor a unit that recorded four shutouts last season.

Middletown North The Lions narrowly missed out on a postseason berth a year ago and will seek redemption with a cast led by senior quarterback Sean Glenn, senior wide receiver/defensive back Aidan Campbell and senior running back/linebacker Connor Robbins. Like a year ago when they competed in the rugged Class B North division, Middletown North once again has a tough schedule in the Colonial Division with the likes of St. John Vianney, Rumson, Brick, Brick Memorial and Freehold. The opportunity is there, however, to make some noise and have a big year.

Jackson Memorial The Jaguars had inconsistent stretches last season but were able to reach the Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals. Several defensive standouts are back, including safety John Ghigna, defensive end Collin McCarthy and linebackers Chance Benjamin and Nic Ford. Ghigna will also take over at quarterback to engineer the Jags’ multiple-I offense that has running backs Leo Shimonovich and Steven Rodriguez carrying the load.

Wednesday, 7-8pm on 105.7 The Hawk,

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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, Ed Sarluca and Bob Badders cover the entire Shore Conference from Matawan to Pinelands. Broadcast live each week the show features players, coaches and a preview of upcoming games.

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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 endless video highlights and topics to write about.

This season is no different, with several players already committed to FBS schools and other standouts looking to cement their high school legacies. Here are some of the top players in the Shore Conference who you should make a point to see in person.

qUarterBACKS

defensivelinemen

STEVE LUBISCHER, Sr., Red Bank Catholic

IZAIAH HENDERSON, Sr., Mater Dei

The Boston College-bound Lubischer threw for 1,810 yards and 18 touchdowns and also rushed for 496 yards and seven touchdowns on an average of 9.9 yards per carry last season, and returns to pilot a loaded RBC team that begins the season No. 1 in the Shore. n RYAN CLARK, JR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC n NICK REARDON, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP n C.J. DUELL, JR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY n ROB MCCOY JR., SR., MATER DEI n MARC DENNIS, SR., LONG BRANCH

Bound for Boston College in 2019, Henderson returns as a top-end defensive end after recording 56 tackles and recording six sacks for a Mater Dei defense that was No. 9 in the Shore allowing 15.9 points per game.

runningBACKS JERMAINE CORBETT, Jr., St. John Vianney Corbett emerged as a top back last season by rushing for 1,422 yards and 14 touchdowns to help the Green Wave capture the Central Jersey Group 4 state championship. n KAVON CHAMBERS, JR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY n MALIK INGRAM, JR., MATER DEI n DEAN GALLO, SR., HOLMDEL n BILLY GUIDETTI, JR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

widereceivers Tight ends KEVIN BAUMAN, Jr., TE, Red Bank Catholic A 6-foot-5, 230-pound monster who is committed to Notre Dame, Bauman caught 19 passes for 380 yards and five touchdowns for an RBC offense that averaged 39.8 points per game. He is a matchup nightmare for every team on the Caseys’ schedule

n n n n n n

COLE GROSCHEL, SR., WR, BRICK ANDRE LANEY, JR., WR, DONOVAN CATHOLIC MATT KRAUSS, SR., WR, FREEHOLD SEAN MORRIS, SR., TE, BARNEGAT AIDAN CAMPBELL, SR., WR, MIDDLETOWN NORTH IAN O’CONNOR, SR., TE, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

offensivelinemen C.J. HANSON, Sr., St. John Vianney

A 6-foot-5, 285-pound Rutgers recruit, Hanson was a key component of the Lancers’ top-ranked offense last season. He helped pave the way for SJV to average 43.7 points and 411 yards per game while rushing for a season total of 3,354 yards on an average of 8.3 yards per attempt.

n PAUL LISENO, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY n KEVIN CERRUTI, SR., LONG BRANCH n ALEX VERARDI, SR., FREEHOLD n RYAN MCCANN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n TOMMY SMITH, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

n HENRY SULLIVAN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n DASHON TAYLOR, SR., MANALAPAN n CORY ENGLEHARDT, SR., BRICK

others watch to

n Dontrell Alston, Sr., RB, Marlboro

n Chance Benjamin, Sr., LB, Jackson Memorial n P.J. Buccine, Sr., RB, Raritan n Evan Burton, Sr., RB, Pinelands n Mack Byrne, Sr., WR/DB, Holmdel n Malik Carey, Sr., DB, Marlboro n Greg Chadwick, Sr., LB, Lacey

linebackers

n Steve Cmielewski, Sr., FB/LB, Red Bank Catholic

KEEGAN WOODS, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven

n Amir Coleman, Jr., DL, Mater Dei

Woods led a Rumson defense that was No. 5 in the Shore (13.8 ppg) by making a school-record 155 tackles with four sacks an interception, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery to help the Bulldogs go 10-2 and reach their fifth straight sectional final.

n John Columbia, Sr., FB/LB, Red Bank Catholic

n SHITTAH SILLAH, SR., MATER DEI

n Quincy Davis, Sr., WR/TE, Freehold

n LUKE ARNOLD, SR., LONG BRANCH n RICHIE TALLMADGE, SR., BRICK n DALE SIECZKOWSKI, SR., MANALAPAN

n Alex Claro, Sr., TE/LB, Manalapan

n Charlie Cotton, Sr., RB, Barnegat n Evan Davis, Sr., LS, Rumson-Fair Haven n Vin DiMaio, Sr., OL/DL, Shore n Brian Ewan, Sr., LB, Barnegat n Russell Ferrisi, Sr., LB, Mater Dei

n MATT TARDY, SR., LB, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

n Austin Fischer, Sr., OL, Holmdel

defensivebacks

n Gil Goldsmith, Sr., QB/LB, Shore

DEVIN WILLIAMS, Sr., Matawan

n Anthony Grimes, Sr., DL, Barnegat

Williams made 109 tackles with 10 hits for loss, one sack and two forced fumbles and also ran for 426 yards and five touchdowns on just 68 carries. He was a Class A Central All-Division selection by the coaches.

n Art Foreman, Sr., OL/DL, Manasquan n Charlie Gordinier, Jr., TE/LB, Red Bank Catholic n Anthony Krueger, Sr., DL, Lacey n Christian Lanzalotto, Sr., LB, Rumson-Fair Haven n Trent LiVolsi, Sr., FB/DL, Point Boro

n JADEN KEY, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

n Hunter MacDonald, Sr., DB, Keansburg

n JOHN GHIGNA, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL

n Darius Martorano, Sr., WR, Central

n JIMMY LEBLO, SR., BRICK

n Collin McCarthy, Jr., DL, Jackson Memorial n Jack McCrae, Sr., RB/LB, Shore

Kickers

n Devon Meza, Jr., OL, Keyport

n Ryan O’Hara, Sr., Red Bank Catholic

n Ryan Moran, Sr., LB, Ocean

n Joey Cavanagh, Sr., Middletown North

n Kevin Pennell, Sr., DB, Shore

n Gavin Toth, Sr., Mater Dei n Jake Hurler, Sr., Freehold

n Nigel Mitchel, Sr., RB/WR, Red Bank

n Tye Pierce, Sr., OL, Lakewood n Zach Piscope, Sr., OL, Brick n Alan Pressler, Sr., TE/DL, Manalapan

n Justin Burkert, Sr., Jackson Memorial

n Tanner Powers, Sr., TE/LB, Wall

n Colin Taptich, Sr., Freehold Township

n Tyler Sindel, Sr., QB, Brick Memorial n Joe Shimko, Sr., LS, Wall n Connor Robbins, Sr., RB/LB, Middletown North n Garrett Romer, Sr., QB/LB, Point Boro n Gavin Toth, Sr., K, Mater Dei n I’Justice Tucker, Sr., OL, Keansburg n Kashaun Turner, Sr., DL, Red Bank

20I8 Shore Conference Preseason All-Shore Football Team

hore Sports Network presents its second annual Shore Conference Preseason All-Shore Football team, featuring our compilation of the top returning players in the Shore.

Of f ense

n QB – STEVE LUBISCHER, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC n RB – JERMAINE CORBETT, JR., LONG BRANCH n RB – KAVON CHAMBERS, JR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY n RB – MALIK INGRAM, JR., MATER DEI PREP n WR – AIDAN CAMPBELL, SR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH n WR – ANDRE LANEY, JR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC n WR – MATT KRAUSS, SR., FREEHOLD n TE – KEVIN BAUMAN, JR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

he Jersey Mike’s Game of the Week returns to the Shore Sports Network this fall with the regular season broadcast schedule to begin on Friday, September 7 when Jackson Memorial takes on Southern Regional, 7:00pm at Southern Regional High School.

Jersey Mike’s Subs returns as the title sponsor of the game broadcasts and will also sponsor the popular Team of the Week program throughout the season.

n OL – C.J. HANSON, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY n OL – PAUL LISENO, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY n OL – KEVIN CERRUTI, SR., LONG BRANCH n OL – ALEX VERARDI, SR., FREEHOLD n OL – RYAN M C CANN, SR. RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n UT – COLE GROSCHEL, SR., BRICK n UT – SEAN MORRIS, SR., BARNEGAT n K - RYAN O’HARA, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

The schedule includes a weekly Friday night broadcast, and the annual Thanksgiving Day meeting between rivals Manasquan and Wall. As in the past, coverage will include NJSIAA Playoff games right through to championship weekend in early December. All games can be heard on 92.7 WOBM and will be streamed live on shoresportsnetwork.com and through the new Shore Sports Network app. Matt Harmon is back as the play-by-play voice of the game broadcasts and will be joined by longtime partners Kevin Williams and Ed Sarluca. The trio have been together for nearly 20 years calling Shore Conference football games in Ocean and Monmouth County.

Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday *Thr

DEFENSE

n DL –HENRY SULLIVAN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n DL – IZAIAH HENDERSON, SR., MATER DEI PREP n DL – DASHON TAYLOR, SR., MANALAPAN n DL – CORY ENGLEHARDT, SR., BRICK n LB – KEEGAN WOODS, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n LB – LUKE ARNOLD, SR., LONG BRANCH n LB – RICHIE TALLMADGE, SR., BRICK n LB – SHITTAH SILLAH, SR., MATER DEI PREP

8/31 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/2 11/22

*Game to be broadcast on 1160/1310AM)

Brick Memorial Jackson Mem. Wall T.R. East Middletown South Rumson-Fair Haven T.R. South T.R North Point Boro NJSIAA Playoffs Wall NJSIAA Playoffs

n LB – DALE SIECZKOWSKI, SR., MANALAPAN n DB – JIMMY LEBLO, SR., BRICK n DB – JOHN GHIGNA, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL n DB – JADEN KEY, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC n DB – DEVIN WILLIAMS, SR., MATAWAN n UT – ISAIAH NOGUERA, JR., MATER DEI PREP

at at at at at at at at at (TBD) at

Central Southern Jackson Mem. T.R. South Central Brick T.R. North T.R. East Donovan Cath. Manasquan TBD

(11am)

Schedule is subject to change ngineer/Producer: Brad Burascano

All games broadcast on 92.7 wobm and streamed live at shoresportsnetwork.com and on the FREE Shore Sports Network App

the Shore Conference welcomes five NEW head coaches this fall

fter nearly two decades as an assistant at Red Bank Catholic, Ahearn has his first head coaching job in leading the Cougars. He takes over for Darian Barnes, who resigned after three seasons. Ahearn was hired as a freshman coach at Red Bank Catholic in 2001 and had been on staff since, most recently as the Caseys' defensive coordinator. Coaching under Frank Edgerly and Jim Portela, Ahearn helped the Caseys become one of the Shore Conference's elite programs. Since 2005, RBC is 107-29 with nine Shore Conference division championships, and in 2014 the Caseys won the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 title by defeating St. Joseph (Montvale), 44-14, in the semifinals and Delbarton, 45-20, in the championship game at MetLife Stadium. Ahearn played at Red Bank Catholic and collegiately at Siena.

taub was elevated from offensive coordinator to head coach following the resignation of Matt Cilento, who was the 2017 Shore Sports Network Coach of the Year. Last season, Staub helped guide Point Boro's triple-option offense to an average of 32.5 points per game, which was No. 7 in the Shore Conference, as the Panthers went 11-1, reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 2 championship game and also captured its third straight Class B South division. Prior to coming to Point Boro, Staub was an assistant at his alma mater, Brick Memorial. During high school, Staub led the Mustangs to the 2008 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 state championship. He played collegiately at Springfield College.

apalia takes over for Hall of Fame coach John Wagner, who stepped down after seven seasons of unprecedented success at Point Beach. Papalia had been an assistant at Rumson-Fair Haven for the past four seasons where he was part of a staff that guided the Bulldogs to three NJSIAA sectional titles and four trips to the championship game. Papalia played high school football at Central Regional under Dan Duddy and got his first coaching job at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md. under current Keyport head coach Andy Carlstrom. Papalia then came back to New Jersey and was an assistant under Duddy at Central for three seasons. He then moved on to Holmdel where he was the defensive coordinator under Carlstrom for three seasons, including the 2007 season when the Hornets went 10-1 to set the program record for wins in a season. Papalia succeeded Carlstrom in 2009 and was Holmdel’s head coach for five seasons before going to Rumson.

Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Famer, Martucci is back in the high school ranks after coaching at Kean University since 2012. He takes over for Derek Sininsky, who resigned after three seasons. Martucci was Matawan’s head coach for 28 years from 1984-2011 and led the Huskies to five NJSIAA sectional titles with a 197-91-1 record. He began his 40-year high school coaching career as an assistant at St. John Vianney for one season before serving as an assistant and then the head coach at Matawan for the remainder of his tenure. He is the all-time wins leader at Matawan and his teams were 5-1 overall in NJSIAA championship games and reached the state playoffs in 18 of his 27 seasons. He also coached several Shore Conference greats, including former NFL players Jay Bellamy and Charlie Rogers. Martucci is a 1968 Matawan graduate who was an all-state linebacker under Rizzo and went on to play linebacker at the University of Connecticut, where he graduated in 1972. He then served as an assistant under Rizzo for 11 seasons before taking over as head coach in 1984. He also is a member of the New Jersey Football Coaches Hall of Fame.

arlstrom is Keyport’s third head coach in five years and takes over for Jay Graham, who resigned after two seasons. Carlstrom owns a 31-30 career record in seven seasons at Holmdel and St. John Vianney. He resigned from St. John Vianney following the 2013 season to pursue a master’s degree in school administration. In 2007 Holmdel set the program single-season record for wins by going 10-1 while also capturing the Shore Conference National Division title for its first division title since 1999. Carlstrom resigned from Holmdel following the 2008 season with a 16-15 record. He was hired as St. John Vianney’s head coach for the 2011 season and went 15-15 in four seasons with the Lancers. Coming to Keyport is a homecoming for Carlstrom, who graduated from Henry Hudson High School in 1987. Henry Hudson and Keyport have cooperative athletic programs in several sports, including football.

Keep it Rolling

By:

Kevin Williams

Ssn director

ith back-to-back seven-win seasons under his belt, Central Regional head coach Justin Fumando believes the Golden Eagles have laid the foundation for a program that can be among the Shore Conference’s elite on an annual basis. While he does not believe in rebuilding, Fumando and his staff know this season will be a challenge as they try to replace 13 starters who graduated coupled with the transfer of one of the Shore’s top running backs.

Fri 8/31 Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/26

Brick Mem. 7pm @Howell 6:30pm Freehold Twp. 7pm @TR North noon Midd. South 7pm @Manalapan 7pm Southern 7pm @SJV 7pm

Offense: Multiple I D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Isaiah Johnston, Sr., RB/S Chambers and 2017 graduate Mike Bickford combined for 3,200 yards the last two seasons and Central coaches are confident Johnston can fill the tailback spot with little loss in production. The Monroe transfer will also help in the defensive backfield.

X -FACTOR:

Defense

Defensive coordinator Jarrett Pidgeon has the difficult task of replacing eight starters from a unit that gave up just 14 points per game last season. Plenty of sophomores could see considerable action and how quickly they find their place could go a long way to determining whether the Golden Eagles are a contender or pretender in the new American Division. iMPACT NEWCOMER: Gavin Whalen, Jr., QB Yes, he saw action last year but this is now a different situation as he takes over the starting spot at quarterback. The passing game has been inconsistent in recent years so Whalen’s ability to be successful and take pressure off the running game will be a key.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 at Howell Central’s first game in the new American Division is a road test with a Rebels team that was hit even harder by graduation. A win here would be a big boost to a team loaded with first-time starters.

Head Coach: Justin Fumando, 3rd season Career Record: 14-5 Assist ant Coaches:

T R O Y W A R R E N (51), D E R R I C E S P O R R I N (55), C O D Y A N D E R S O N (17), D A R I U S M A R T O R A N O (3) & I S A I A H J O H N S T O N (7) Central finished 7-3 in 2017 and tied Brick Memorial for the Class A South division championship. They now find themselves in the American Division where they will battle perennial powers like Manalapan and Middletown South with their only familiar opponent being Toms River North. Fumando believes it’s a credit to his program that the Golden Eagles have been placed in a division filled with Group 5 schools that have been successful in recent years and he expects his players to embrace the challenge. Considerable talent has left the school in Bayville as eight of those who graduated were selected to play in the Shore Sports Network All-Shore Gridiron

Classic in July. On top of that, running back Kavon Chambers has transferred to St. John Vianney following a sophomore season in which he ran for over 1,400 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. The good news for Central is it believes strongly in its new tailback, senior Isaiah Johnston, who is a transfer from Monroe. Johnston ran for over 500 yards last season, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and should fit perfectly in the Golden Eagles’ Multiple-I offense. Junior Jamar Lively will also see action in the backfield with both he and Johnston running behind rugged sophomore fullback Danny Taris, a converted tight end.

Chris James (off. coord./QB); Jarrett Pidgeon (def. coord./ILB); Matt Kiefer (OL); Tom Koenig (WR); Terrance Hardy (DB/special teams); Joe Tenpenny (OLB); James Plummer (RB); Pat Reilly (Dir. of Football Operations); Walter Karasiewicz, Shawn Darling (freshman); Devin Solvik (athletic trainer).

2017 Record: 7-3 (6-1) It appears junior Gavin Whalen will start at quarterback with two-year starter Joe Fowler being moved to tight end to fill a need. The 6-foot-1 Fowler is a superb athlete and the Golden Eagles will take advantage of that with the knowledge they can move him around to help where needed. Whalen saw some action last year and it won’t take long for him to develop a relationship with senior Darius Martorano, who caught 21 passes for 260 yards and four touchdowns last fall. The other wide receiver spot will be filled by a pair of promising sophomores in Brandon Montgomery and Michael Prasad. The offensive line is a work in progress

but does return two senior starters in right guard Nick Provenzano (6-foot-3, 290 pounds) and left guard Derric Esporrin (5-foot-11, 265 pounds), the latter of whom is dealing with an injury and early on will be replaced by senior Robert Murphy and sophomore Ryan Bassett. Junior Pete Rahtjen (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) will start at center with juniors Hunter Dasti and Elijah Copes getting the nod at the tackle positions. Central’s defense allowed only 14 points a game last season but only three starters return in senior lineman Troy Warren (60 tackles, four sacks) and senior linebackers Jadyn Harris and Austin MacClemmy. Senior Anthony Rivera will join Harris as the inside linebackers in the 3-4 alignment while senior Cody Anderson and junior Gunnar Nemeth battle for the other outside starting spot opposite MacClemmy. Warren is part of a large group that will get time up front including sophomore Sayquan Mosley and Dasti along with junior Kyzion Collins-Andrews and sophomore Imeer Johnson.

of the few players to go both ways) likely to start at one cornerback spot with junior Tyrese Campbell-Mack and sophomore Marvin Goodwine also to see plenty of action at that position. Goodwine is best known for his basketball talents but his quickness has translated well onto the football field. Three players are in the mix at safety with seniors Johnston and Chris Rizzo and sophomore Nick Sura to rotate between the two spots. Junior Cody Blocker is expected to handle both the punting and place-kicking chores as the replacement for Shane Black, who was among the Shore’s best last season. The Golden Eagles swing into action early, hosting Brick Memorial in Week 0 on August 31 before facing new division foes Howell and Freehold Township. The schedule includes a visit to Manalapan in Week 6 where Fumando, a former assistant for the Braves, will go up against one of his mentors in Ed Gurrieri. Don’t bother asking him about that game…. right now, he’s focused only on winning game No. 1.

There will be all new faces in the defensive backfield with Martorano (one

New Goals

By: Bob Badders managing editor

rom four wins in 2015 to a 7-3 mark in 2016 and finally a school-record eight wins and the program’s first-ever playoff victory last season, Freehold Township has hit a new milestone each year since Cory Davies took over as head coach.

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Fri

9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/20 10/26

@Midd. South @Central Manalapan TR North Howell Freehold @Marlboro @Jackson Mem.

7pm 7pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm noon 7pm

Offense: Air Raid D efense: 4-2-5 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Max Pirozzi, Sr., C/ILB Pirozzi is a returning starter on the offensive line but is stepping into a starting role on defense for the first time. The Patriots lost several standouts from that side of the ball, including leading tackler Artie Bader and top pass rusher Damian Rybaltowski.

X -FACTOR: Defense The Patriots defense has played well over the past two years, including finishing No. 13 in the Shore in scoring defense last season. Just three starters return, however, so it’s up to the new crew to get up to speed and give the team a reliable unit.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: David Jolly, Sr., WR Jolly joins the fray as one of the many wide receivers the Patriots will deploy in their Air Raid offense. He will also handle the punting duties

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 at Middletown South The Eagles are a legendary Shore Conference program coming off a lopsided loss to Pennsylvania power Coatesville in their seasonopener. They’ll be fired up to get back home to ‘The Swamp’ and if the Patriots can pull off a win on the road it will be a milestone victory that could set the tone for another big season.

Head Coach: Cory Davies, 5th season (25th overall) Career Record: 109-127 Assist ant Coaches: Derek Reichenbecher (def. coordinator, LB/RB); Bill Dague (OL/LB); Ryan Davies (QB/WR); Matt Hardison (OL/DL); Todd Bitsko (WR/DB); Ed Von Nessen (defensive asst.); Kevin Popek (HD Fr. coach); Jesse Heubel, Mike Verrochi (freshmen asst.); Cindy Carter (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 8-3 (4-2 in A North)

M A N F R E (1), A N T H O N Y S I M O N E L L I (13), (7), N I C K R E A R D O N (14) A N D M A X P I R O Z Z I (74)

(L-R) JOHN

GAVIN FERRARO

Last year began with uncertainty but ended as the best year in program history. Now the Patriots are hoping that cornerstone season leads to them setting the bar even higher in 2018. “The ultimate plan is to get better from last year,” said senior quarterback Nick Reardon. “We just have to build on that. Nine wins is what we have to work for and go from there. Hopefully we can go deep into the playoffs.” “The last two years have got us going in the right direction, so hopefully, from a mental standpoint, we have the confidence and swagger that we know we can win games,” Davies said. “The funny thing is these kids don’t know any different.” Indeed, the fact that Freehold Township has had just five winning seasons in 45 years doesn’t even enter the minds of the current players. The Patriots made the playoffs during their freshman year for the first time in over a decade, and since then have gone 15-6. “My freshman year we made the playoffs and every single year since that our team has advanced in some way,” Reardon said. “It’s just great how our program is getting bigger and better every year that goes by.” Freehold Township returns six starters in its Air Raid offense, led by Reardon. As a junior, Reardon was fifth in the Shore in passing with 1,802 yards and a school-record 21 touchdowns. In Davies’ history running the Air Raid offense going back to his days at Howell, his quarterbacks that started as juniors have gone on to have huge senior years. He’s hoping a similar fate awaits Reardon. “During the summer in 7-on-7s and such he did very well and looked much better than last year,” Davies said. “The mental part has come along and he’s throwing the ball better. We’re excited about him taking the next step.” “Everything looks slower, it’s just easier to make reads now,” Reardon said. “I feel comfortable in the pocket. I can let my receivers do the work and put them in the best position to make

plays.” The Patriots did lose their top two receivers – Pat Laricy and Kevin Doherty – to graduation but return a solid corps led by senior starters John Manfre and Anthony Simonelli. Freehold Township has a deep cast at wideout with seniors David Jolly, Kyle Von Nessen and Ryan Tanner in line to getting starting snaps. Seniors Mike Woods and Matt Kondrup should also see action along with juniors Jacob Cancela and Brendan Doel. Both of the Pats running backs return with senior Gavin Ferraro and junior Nic Nasso set to split time and also lineup simultaneously in two-back sets. Nasso led the Patriots with 404 yards rushing and three touchdowns last season. Both are adept pass-catchers out of the backﬁeld, as well. Junior Matt Levine should also get some carries. “I really like the two running backs we have coming back so we may be in a little more two-back sets than we even were last year,” Davies said. “Gavin Ferraro is a pretty good receiver and could easily be one of the wideouts.” Senior center Max Pirozzi (6-1, 215) is the only returning starter on the offensive line, so that will be a unit which needs to gel quickly to round out the offense. The guards will be senior Lorenzo Pantano (5-11, 240) and junior Jarrid Markowitz (6-1, 220) and the tackles will be senior John Ferguson (6-3, 245) along with juniors Jake Mollica (6-3, 210) and Joe Tortorici (6-1, 230). Seniors Andrew Douyon, Connor Bolton and juniors Billy George, Logan Leitgeb, Matt Rubin and Zach Rodriguez could also see time along the offensive line. “I think our offense is going to be a real powerhouse this year,” Pirozzi said. “We’re an Air Raid offense so if our O-line can give us time Nick is really going to turn up this year.” Freehold Township’s defense has made huge strides over the past three years under defensive coordinator Derek Reichenbecher,

finishing No. 13 in the Shore in scoring defense last season. That is the one question mark at the moment, however, with just three starters back in its 4-2-5 alignment. Markowitz leads the defensive line as a returning starter while Pantano, Douyon, Bolton, Mollica, Tortorici and senior Rob Walickly are all battling for playing time. Sophomore Brian Silva is also in the mix. The Patriots have depth at the inside linebacker position with five players competing for playing time: Pirozzi, seniors Mike Rugger, Sean Fiolek and Matt Krieg, and junior Connor Petrula. Ferrara is a returning starter at outside linebacker and in the secondary. Von Nessen, Rodriguez and seniors Zach Barilika, Ryan Tanner and Rob DelSordi are also battling for playing time. Seniors Mike Woods returns as a starting safety. Simonelli, Manfre, Kondrup, Doel, senior Ryjhir Taylor and juniors Rob LaGuerre, Nick Rizzo and Pat Borromeo are all competing for starting spots at cornerback and strong safety. “We don’t have a lot of guys coming back on defense but we have to continue to be able to play well,” Davies said. “That’s the biggest thing we have right now, to be able to get the defense ready to roll and slow people down.” Senior Colin Taptich returns as the Patriots’ kicker after a flawless season where he went 19-for-19 on extra points and 4for-4 on field goals with a long of 32 yards. Jolly is the returning punter with sophomore Lorenzo Chirichella pushing him for the starting job. Woods is the punt returner and Doel and Jolly are the kick returners. George, Fiolek, Rodriguez and Frank Almeida are battling for the starting long snapper position. After competing in the Class A North division last season, Freehold Township moves to the American Division with district rivals Manalapan and Howell plus Middletown South, Central Regional and Toms River North. “e have a good amount of returners back, the offense is clicking well and our coaches are putting us in the best position to win,” Reardon said. “All we have to do is execute.”

Big Shoes to Fill

By: Bob Badders managing editor

ver the past two seasons, the vision head coach Luke Sinkhorn had for building his version of Howell’s football program finally came to fruition. The Rebels reached consecutive NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 semifinals and last season had one of the Shore’s most explosive offenses to finish as a top 10 team in the Shore Conference.

Head Coach: Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Sat 10/27

Central TR North @Midd. South Manalapan @Freehold Twp. Midd. North @Southern @Freehold

6:30pm 6:30pm 7pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7pm 1pm

Luke Sinkhorn, 5th season (10th overall) Career Record: 46-47 Assist ant Coaches:

(L-R)

PETER

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Jason Caston, Jr., QB

Caston takes over for one of Howell’s all-time greats, Eddie Morales, who led the Shore in passing and accounted for nearly 3,000 total yards and 36 touchdowns.

X -FACTOR:

Running Game

Considering the Rebels lost their quarterback and top four wide receivers to graduation, it’s unrealistic to expect the same level of production from the passing game. Senior running back Gerard Urso has experience, and if he and the offensive line and get it going the Rebels will be in good shape.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Vaughn Meehan, Jr., RB/LB Meehan played some defense last year but will take on a much bigger role as a junior, starting at middle linebacker and getting carries in the backfield.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 vs. Central Regional Both Howell and Central are in similar positions in that they have to replace several key players off successful teams. If the Rebels can get a win on opening day it can build some momentum and confidence for their inexperienced squad.

S E A N M U R P H Y (28), J A S O N C A S T O N (20), G E R A R D U R S O (7), C A N T I L L O (15), J U S T I N W R I G H T (72) A N D M A T T J A C O B S (76)

The success of those seasons was made possible mostly by an outstanding 2018 graduating class that featured stars like quarterback Eddie Morales III and wide receiver Naseim Brantley. The challenge now for the Rebels is to thrust a host of new starters into the lineup and remain a high-level team.

worked hard to get to that point,” Sinkhorn said. “These guys have to realize that doesn’t just happen, we have to work ourselves up to that, and that’s a constant reminder to the kids. There’s a lot of enthusiasm and energy among them, but they have to realize it takes work to get there.”

“We lost our key guys – Eddie Morales, Naseim Brantley and all those guys – so we need guys to step up,” said senior running back/linebacker Gerard Urso. “We have a lot of talented juniors and sophomores who need to come to play. We don’t want this to be an off year.”

Howell will continue to run its spread offense with junior Jason Caston taking over at quarterback. He follows one of the best quarterbacks in Howell history in Morales, who led the Shore in passing last season with 2,156 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for a teamleading 725 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to First Team All-Shore honors. One major key for Caston in following Morales is to play within himself and not try to duplicate what Morales did.

The Rebels will have an entirely new cast of starters on the offensive side and only one returning starter on defense. Some of the first-year starters do have playing experience from a season ago, but there will nonetheless be a lot of new faces steering the ship this season. “There’s expectations from what we’ve done the last two years, but those guys

“He has to realize he’s different,” Sinkhorn said. “He has to realize who he is and what his skills are and what he can do. Eddie was also a phenomenal leader and

Joe Santopietro (off. coordinator, QB/DB); Bob Mussari (OL/LB); Ryan Klusewicz (special teams, OL/DB); Shane Baldwin (WR/DL); Chris Provow (RB/DL/LB); Sam Iacobone, Matt Wingo (freshmen); Amy Ghione (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 9-2 (5-1 in A North) Jason will take on that role. Being able to see how to be that consummate professional behind Eddie was crucial for Jason. The offense will be different with him but he’s learning on the run.” “I know I’m not going to be able to be fast and run all over the field and throw it deep to Naz on every play,” Caston said. “I’m going to have to drop back and make the right reads and fire it in there. As long as I’m able to make the right reads and throws, we’ll be successful.” Urso saw significant action in the backfield last season and will take over as the starting running back. Juniors Vaughn Meehan and Elias Guzman will also see time at running back. Seniors Brandon Van Bergen and Xavier Kelly are scheduled to start at wide receiver with senior Pete

Howell Continued page 18

howell

After spending years in the Class A North division, Howell will now play in the American Division with district rivals Manalapan and Freehold Township, plus Central Regional, Middletown South and Toms River North.

Continued from page 16 Cantillo starting as the slot receiver. Junior Sean Murphy will also play when Howell goes to four-wide receiver sets.

After graduating a large and impactful senior class it’s certainly a transition year for Howell. The obvious questions center around how well the new group can get up to speed and if they’ll translate their skills into winning football games. They’re eager to give the answer.

The receivers, collectively, have massive amounts of production to replace. Brantley caught 48 passes for 785 yards and tied for the conference led with 13 touchdown catches. Ryan Mazik added 710 yards receiving and five touchdowns and Brandon Wilson and Pat Handy combined had 500 yard and five touchdowns. The offensive line has five new starters but two players who saw action last season in junior guard Brandon Regins and senior right tackle Matt Jacobs. Junior Justin Wright is the center, senior Jameson Curto is the left guard and senior Quinn Nelms is the left tackle. Junior Joe Berenger (6-3, 235) will also see time along the offensive line.

S R . RB G E R A R D U R S O

“Most of us have been together since Pop Warner so we definitely have chemistry,” Caston said. “We’ve all put in the work and the seniors last year did a great job of being role models. We’ve waited for our shot, and now that we’ve got it we’re going to go out there and make the most of it.”

Urso is the Rebels’ lone returning starter in their 4-3 defense, returning as an outside linebacker. Meehan played a lot toward the end of the season and steps in as the middle linebacker while Murphy is the other outside linebacker. Jacobs and Regins each saw time on the defensive line last season and are back as starters at defensive tackle and defensive end, respectively. Wright will be the other defensive tackle and senior Ernie Onesti will play defensive end. The secondary has Kelly and Van Bergen as the cornerbacks with Guzman and junior Dominick Cavallero as the safeties. Mike Cincotta and Johnny Vuoso are also in the mix at safety and Jake Hutnik will see time at cornerback. On special teams, Kelly and sophomore Jake Davis are competing to be the kicker while Berenger will likely handle the punting duties.

J R . QB J A S O N C A S T O N

Turn the Page

By: Bob Badders managing editor

analapan graduated one of the top running backs in Shore Conference history, a three-year starter at quarterback, two standout receivers, standout offensive and defensive linemen, an All-Shore linebacker and then lost one of the best defensive players in the Shore to a season-ending knee injury. For most programs it would be an obvious rebuilding year. At Manalapan, they don’t operate like that.

Head Coach:

Ed Gurrieri, 12th season

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri

9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26

TR North 7pm Midd. South 7pm @Freehold Twp. 6:30pm @Howell 6:30pm Central 7pm @Brick Mem. 7pm @Long Branch 7pm Lacey 7pm

Offense: Multiple-I D efense: 3-4 _________________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Dale Sieczkowski, Sr., RB Sieczkowski is a returning All-Shore linebacker, but on the offensive side he will now be the starting tailback. He takes over for the best running back in school history, Naim Mayfield, who ran for 2,681 yards, scored a state-record 46 rushing touchdowns (48 total) and set the state single-season scoring record with 282 points.

X -FACTOR:

Running Game

This is Manalapan’s bread and butter, but the Braves do have several new players at key positions. If they’re back to their old self on the ground they’ll remain one of the Shore’s best teams.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Sean Kehley, Jr., QB Kehley takes over as the starting quarterback and follows three-year starter Luke Corcione as the pilot of Manalapan’s offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 vs. Middletown South The on-again, off-again rivals are back in the same division and meet in Week 2 in a game that will certainly have division title implications in the new-look American Division.

Career Record: 98-27 Assist ant Coaches: Dan D’Avanzo (off. coord./QB); Dom LePore (def. coord./DB); Joe Tetley (assoc. head coach/OL); Dom Pollifrone (special teams/DL); Jim Papcun (WR) Bill Smith Sr., Cody High; Shannon Tomasula (athletic trainer) ( L - R ) A L A N P R E S S L E R (44), T O M M Y P E A R C E (49), D A L E S I E C Z K O W S K I (13), A L E X C L A R O (4) A N D D A S H O N T A Y L O R (2) “It’s hard to replace that group (last year’s seniors) but these guys are hungry and their goal is the same as everybody else’s,” said Manalapan head coach Ed Gurrieri. “They don’t want to take a back seat to anybody. They feel they’ve worked as hard as the ones before them and now it’s their time.”

Demato and Nick Cusumano also in the mix at wideout.

Manalapan is one of the programs in the Shore which has shown the ability to contend for championships on a yearly basis no matter who graduates. The Braves are 8115 since 2010 with six trips to a state final, including winning the Central Jersey Group 5 crown in 2014.

“It’s a great group of tight ends, probably the best we’ve had in a long time,” Gurrieri said. “All three bring attributes to where they can run, catch and block. They can do all three. We’ll be fine with them at the point of attack.”

Four starters will return in the Braves’ multiple-I offense and the remaining seven will do their best to replace a tremendous cast from last season. The shoes to fill don’t get much bigger than the ones left behind by running back Naim Mayfield. Now a freshman at Fordham University, Mayfield had the greatest statistical season ever by a Shore Conference running back with 2,681 yards rushing and a state-record 48 touchdowns, setting the state single-season scoring record at 282 points. You don’t just replace that kind of record-setting production, but the Braves will move forward with senior running back Dale Sieczkowski. Senior Nico Santorelli and junior Ron White will also see time in the backfield “Sieczkowski is going to be a downhill, hard-nosed runner and wear a defense out,” Gurrieri said. “Nico Santorelli and Ronny White are a different look back there, more foot in the ground and cut, but all three are very good. Dale has always been a running back but he had to sit behind Naim. Now’s his chance.” Taking over for three-year starting quarterback Luke Corcione will be left-handed junior Sean Kehley. He saw limited action last season and now takes the reigns of the Braves’ offense, which averaged 42.4 points per game last season.

The tight end group is very strong for the Braves with seniors Alex Claro and Alan Pressler both returning as starters and senior Dashon Taylor figuring to rotate in regularly. All three can do everything asked of the tight end position in Manalapan’s offense.

The ever-important fullback role in Manalapan’s offense will be filled by seniors Tyler Ciemniecki and Tyler Bottone, replacing the multi-talented Chris Maksimik.= Manalapan has been a factory for All-Shore offensive linemen over the years and returns two starters to a perennially strong group. It’s a junior-heavy line this season with returning starters Nick Cavallaro and Matt Kovacs at center and right guard, respectively. The left tackle is 6-foot-5 junior Mateusz Zielinski and the left guard will be junior Charlie Paulucci. At right tackle is the lone senior of the group, 6-foot-5 Nick Holowach. “We had an amazing offense last year, but that was last year,” Claro said. “We have a whole new offense except for a few guys who are returning, and it’s about us now. We’re going to get it done.” Manalapan had the Shore’s No. 1 defense last year, which allowed just 11.5 points per game and posted four shutouts. Several top players graduated, however, including First Team All-Shore linebacker Sal Tardogno, First Team All-Shore defensive back Symir Blacknall and Second Team All-Shore defensive lineman Antonio Deieso. The Braves also lost returning All-Shore linebacker Tommy Pearce to a season-ending knee injury during the preseason.

“He can throw the ball well and is a good-sized kid,” Gurrieri said. “He has great knowledge of our offense and makes the right reads.”

Despite those losses, the Braves don’t expect to take a step back.

Stepping in as the starting wide receivers will be seniors Kyle Spilsbury and Lou Marzo with seniors Lucas

In the Braves’ 3-4 front, Taylor is a three-year returning starter at defensive end and Pressler is also a returning

“We have enough guys to get it done,” Claro said.

2017 Record: 11-1 (6-0 in A North) starter at defensive end. Taylor recorded 76 tackles and five sacks last season. There will be a three-man rotation at nose tackle between Kovacs, Cavallaro and junior Joe Berry. Claro is a returning starter at inside linebacker and the other inside linebacker position is between Ciemniecki and Bottone. Sieczkowski was a Second Team All-Shore linebacker last season and returns at outside linebacker. He had 97 tackles, two sacks and one interception last season. Junior Matt Benedetti will start as the other outside linebacker with junior Hayden Hess also pushing for time. In the secondary, junior Justin Reilly returns as the strong safety and senior Josh Schoenhaus takes over full time at cornerback after starting four games last season. Senior John Scharaldi is the other cornerback and senior Nick Marzo is the free safety. “We have two real good ones on the first level with Dashon and Pressler, at the second level we have two good ones with Sieczkowski and Claro and we have Reilly in the secondary, so I think we’ll be okay,” Gurrieri said of his defense. “Everybody on this team has talent and has been working hard,” Taylor said. “Now it’s their time and they’re ready.” The kicking and punting duties will be handled by senior Jack Dematteo, who takes over for All-Shore selection David Gelb. Divisional realignment has the Braves in the American Division with district rivals Howell and Freehold Township plus Middletown South, Central Regional and Toms River North. Manalapan has won seven division titles in the last eight seasons and will try to make it three in a row and eight of nine. The Braves also plan on being back in position to win another state title after a heartbreaking 1814 loss to South Brunswick in last season’s Central Jersey Group V final. “At the end of the day, the main goal is a state championship,” Taylor said. We got that taken away from us last year, but we’ll be back.”

New Faces, Same Standards

By:

Gregg Lerner

SSN Contributor

ircumstances never dictate the terms at Middletown South. It doesn’t matter if the roster is stocked with established performers boasting decorated resumes or heavily comprised of unproven newcomers. The harsh reality is, due to the combination of rich tradition and accountability to high standards, the Eagles are annually weighted with lofty expectations. Overlooking if they are even justifiable never factors into the equation.

Head Coach: Thur Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Thur

8/30 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/19 10/26 11/22

Steve Antonucci, 21st season Career Record: 182-46 Assist ant Coaches:

@Coatesville (Pa.) 7pm Freehold Twp. 7pm @Manalapan 7pm Howell 7pm @Central 7pm @TR North 7pm SJV 7pm RFH 7pm @Midd North 10:30Am

Al Bigos (def. coord/asst. head coach); Nick Trezza (OL/DL), Steve Roberts (special teams/LB/WR); Jeff Martin (RB); Joe Trezza (DB); Rod Murchie, Tom Nichols; Tom Sherwood. John Kline (freshmen); Stacy White (athletic trainer).

2017 Record: 5-5 (4-2) e n o u g h t o b e a re s o u rc e ex p l o re d a s a fullback or H-back when necessar y.

Offense: Multiple D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Matt Tardy, Sr. ILB/TE

Tardy has been meticulously groomed to be the heir apparent to Jake Krellin, a playmaker on both sides of the ball with a ceaseless engine and physical prowess. Beyond what kind of impact he makes in his dual roles, Tardy’s foremost assignment will be to abide by his exemplary work ethic, one to emulate.

X -FACTOR:

Matt Krellin, Jr. OLB/WR

This dude could qualify for Big Shoes to Fill as well considering the burden of comparisons made to his older brother Jake, a 2018 graduate now at Rowan University. But, make no mistake, Matt is his own man, carving a niche for himself as a guy with a nose for the ball on defense and reliable hands who can burn a secondary within the Eagles’ passing game. iMPACT NEWCOMER: Quarterback Let’s face it, the position is extremely vital to the offensive operation. South has a pair of qualified candidates competing for the spot in senior Trevor Brey, who shares a number of qualities with his older brothers Kyle and Howie, both former Eagle QBs, and junior Tyler Cuccia, (6-1, 170) is athletic and built for making plays.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 at Manalapan The two sides haven’t met since they were Class A North residents in 2015. While Middletown South claimed the last encounter, 42-7, en route to a 12-0 mark and the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 title in ‘15, that win snapped a string of ﬁve consecutive losses against the Braves. Intensity is generally off the charts when these two collide. This year should be no different.

(L-R) DYLAN WALLING, TREVOR BREY & MATT TARDY P r i d e i s n o t s o m e t h i n g t a ke n l i g h t l y a r o u n d T h e S wa m p. I n f a c t , i t ’s t h e p r i n c i p l e u p o n w h i ch t h e re s p e c t e d p r o g ra m h a s b e e n b u i l t u p o n . W h i l e t h e 2018 c re w may seem short on re c o g n i z a b l e c o m m o d i t i e s , i t w i l l b e longing to uphold ever ything that’s made Middletown South one of the most revered g r i d i r o n g a n g s i n t h e G a rd e n S t a t e, a n d , maybe – just maybe – spring a few surprises along the way. The Eagles are in unfamiliar territor y by most accounts, somewhat of a mystery d u e t o a l a ck o f m a rq u e e n a m e s . Ye t , t o y a w n a t t h e p r o s p e c t s o f a re s u rg e n c e from last year’s 5-5 performance would be exactly the trap they’d like to set as they p r i m e f o r t h e i r m a rch t owa rd a re t u r n t o prominence. “There are a lot of unknowns,” conceded h e a d c o a ch S t e v e A n t o n u c c i , s e t t o embark on his 21st season piloting the Eagles. “We are in an area where I think we’re going to be pretty good, I just don’t k n ow h ow g o o d ? We d o n ’ t n e c e s s a r i l y have one kid that, when you look at him, y o u ’re g o i n g t o s a y ‘ Wow ’ , b u t w e h av e seven or eight kids that can do some t h i n g s . T h e y ’re a t h l e t i c e n o u g h t o m a ke p l a y s . We c a n b e t h a t p a i n t o a l o t o f p e o p l e t h a t i f y o u a l l ow u s t o s t a y i n

games and get momentum, we can pose trouble.” T h u s , o p p o n e n t s h av e b e e n p r o p e r l y a l e r t e d . E x p e c t t h e u n ex p e c t e d f r o m M i d d l e t ow n S o u t h , e s p e c i a l l y o n t h e offensive side, where redesigns are being implemented to suit personnel with a hint toward the distant past. South, which had recently employed the pistol spread out of the no-huddle, will be going under center more frequently, with m u l t i p l e s ch e m e s , i n c l u d i n g t h e t r i p l e option. Although the skills components include a couple of new faces, those e n t r u s t e d t o o p e n l a n e s a n d c re a t e a p o cke t a c r o s s t h e o f f e n s i v e l i n e a re f o r t i f i e d by g a m e - d a y w i s d o m a n d cemented chemistr y. J u n i o r l e f t t a ck l e To m M i e l n i k i e w i c z , senior right guard Brady Smith, senior left g u a rd J o e D e l l ava l l e, j u n i o r c e n t e r T. J. L a t o re a n d j u n i o r r i g h t t a ck l e N i ck Bonafiglio were all in the rotation last fall with sophomores Joe Stanzione, Brendan Bigos and Ian Rahill challenging for snaps while adding depth to the unit along the line of scrimmage. M u l t i - t a l e n t e d M a t t Ta rdy, a 6 - f o o t - 2 , 225-pound senior, will reside at tight end b u t i s a t h l e t i c, i m p a c t f u l a n d f l ex i b l e

T h e E a g l e s h av e t h e u t m o s t f a i t h i n senior James Petrillo to set the tone of t h e r u n n i n g g a m e. H i s h a u l s m a y h av e been limited as a junior (19 carries for 1 3 2 y a rd s , o n e T D ) wo r k i n g b e h i n d C h a z Alessi and Jake Krellin but his confidence is immeasurable. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder,” noted Antonucci of the elusive 5-7, 155pounder. “He loves the game, runs around and has a good time. With the ball in his hands, he can be dangerous.” Classmates Chris Fleming and Kenny M c C a r t hy, t h e y o u n g e r b r o t h e r o f f o r m e r South standout James McCarthy, will also c o m p e t e f o r c a r r i e s a t t a i l b a ck w h i l e s e n i o r s G av i n G o l d b a u m a n d D y l a n Wa l l i n g, a l o n g w i t h j u n i o r V i n n y C o n d i t o, a i m t o b l a z e p a t h s i n t e rch a n g i n g a t fullback. Who engineers the offense could boil down to either senior Trevor Brey or junior Tyler Cuccia. Brey has the upper hand in o n e re g a rd , g e t t i n g a c o u p l e o f a p p e a ra n c e s a t q u a r t e r b a ck l a s t s e a s o n , He’s fully acquainted with nuances of the p o s i t i o n h av i n g wa t ch e d o l d e r b r o t h e r s Howie and Kyle run the Middletown South offense. “I don’t know if you can go wrong either wa y,” A n t o n u c c i s a i d o f h i s s e l e c t i o n s a t q u a r t e r b a ck . “ E a ch o n e o f t h e m d o e s something a little bit better than the o t h e r. We ’ l l s e e h ow t h e y re a c t i n t h e

scrimmages and go from there.” When the Eagles seek to look downfield, the receiving corps of juniors Connor Ard, Matt Krellin and Oscar Cruz, along with sophomore Luke Albrecht, figure to be among those targeted at wide receiver. The kicking game falls upon the reliable foot of senior C h r i s K a l d r ov i c s , w h o h a s h a n d l e d t h e ch o re s i n c e h e was a sophomore. M i d d l e t ow n S o u t h p l a n s t o s t i ck w i t h i t s 3 - 4 l o o k o n d e f e n s e a n d w i t h g o o d re a s o n . I t m u s t c o m p e n s a t e f o r the graduation of game-changing edge force Jake Krellin ( 8 4 t a ck l e s , 2 6 t a ck l e s f o r l o s s , 1 1 s a ck s ) a n d w i l l g o about addressing the issue with Condito, Goldbaum and Rahill bonding within the odd-man front. Condito has the m o s t ex t e n s i v e p o r t f o l i o, a r u g g e d r u n s t u f f e r o n t h e nose while Rahill and Goldbaum will bring explosiveness from the peripher y. How well they engage and occupy blockers will be the key that opens lanes for a quick and hard-hitting g roup of linebackers, inspired by Tardy. The instincts he honed working the outside should make a seamless transition inside, teamed with Walling, while McCarthy and Krellin man the outside posts. K re l l i n , w h o l o o k s t o e m e rg e f r o m t h e s h a d ow o f h i s older brother, Jake, a First-Team Shore Sports Network All-Shore selection, supplies versatility within the role. H e ' l l s h i f t f r o m c o r n e r b a ck w h e re h e d i s p l a ye d h i s adhesive coverage technique on Thanksgiving with three interceptions during a 21-7 victor y over crosstown rival Middletown North. “ M a t t m ov i n g f r o m c o r n e r g i v e s u s t h e b e s t ch a n c e against the spread teams,” said Antonucci. “He gives us an athlete in space who can run and cover people.”

J u n i o r C h r i s L o t i t o, w h o a c c u m u l a t e d t h re e interceptions as a sophomore, and Cuccia are ticketed t o h a n d l e re s p o n s i b i l i t i e s a t c o r n e r b a ck w i t h Petrillo, Albrecht and senior Dennis Brown looming in the safety spots. T h e S h o re C o n f e re n c e re a l i g n m e n t p l a c e d M i d d l e t ow n S o u t h i n t h e A m e r i c a n D i v i s i o n , w h e re i t w i l l g e t re a c q u a i n t e d w i t h Manalapan, Freehold Township and H ow e l l , o l d a d v e r s a r i e s from its Class A North days. It will also face C e n t ra l a n d To m s River North within the American, the latter a familiar foe i t ’s seen as a nondivisional opponent f o r t h e p a s t t wo ye a r s , ear ning a split of the series. A p r o m i s i n g s o p h o m o re c l a s s c o u l d s u g g e s t S o u t h i s a ye a r a wa y f r o m b e i n g a m o n g t h e conference’s elite, ye t A n t o n u c c i doesn’t see any re a s o n w hy the Eagles don’t h av e t h e c a p a b i l i t y t o a r r i v e ahead of schedule. “By no means is this a team that I can put a n u m b e r o f w i n s o n ,” A n t o n u c c i s a i d . “ I t ’s different than other years when we knew we’d be a top-tier team. Right now, I don’t know if we are

t o p - t i e r t e a m . D o w e h av e t h e potential to be one? Sure. We’re not one, two or three in the Shore but w e c o u l d c ra ck t h e To p 1 0 a n d stay in there. We have to be a t e a m t h a t ’s c o n s i s t e n t e v e r y week. “There’s a lot of kids that, when you look at them, they bring little pieces of the game and when they put them all together, then we’re going to be pretty good. I fully ex p e c t t o b e b e t t e r t h a n 5 - 5 . T h a t ’s n o t g o o d e n o u g h f o r t h i s t e a m . A re w e t wo games better? Three games better? I don’t k n ow. W e ’ r e definitely an all-around better team t h a n w e w e re a ye a r a g o. I l i ke our s o p h o m o r e class. I think w e ’re a ye a r a wa y f r o m b e i n g pretty significant.” Time will tell.

S R QB T R E V O R B R E Y

Ready to Eat

By:

Gregg Lerner

SSN Contributor

he Toms River North roster reads like the menu at a buffet. There’s an assortment of appetizers to satisfy every palate. Experience, size, skill, speed, depth. You can find it all. What’s the entrée, you ask? Let’s just say the Mariners will dine on a plate piled with a juicy serving of well-prepared incentive to address a starving appetite ready to feast its way back to prominence.

Head Coach: Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Sat 10/27

@Manalapan @Howell Central @Freehold Twp. Midd. South TR South @TR East Southern

7pm 6:30pm noon 6:30pm 7pm 7pm 7pm noon

Offense: Power Spread D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Stavon Drew, Sr., OL/DL The biggest responsibility for Drew doesn’t involve play, which has already been decorated for its technique and dominance, but his presence. Deemed team captain, he was annointed to the position for his character and leadership that his teammates will be asked to emulate.

X -FACTOR:

C.J. Niedzielski, Jr., TE/DE

Ticketed for two-way assignment, the junior was entrusted with a dual role because of his athleticism and promise. If he can establish a strong edge on defense to complement bringing some pressure in the backfield, the defense could thrive while his contributions as an H-back or tight end will include blocking to open running lanes.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jake Kazanowsky, So., QB There is a quiet buzz brewing about what the sophomore can deliver with his arm. Kazanowsky can spin it and his sturdy 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame stands firm in the pocket. He can see above a defense, maintain poise under duress and should have plenty of options to utilize running the power spread.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 at Howell The Mariners open with back-to-back road games against foes in the newly-constructed American Division. After tangling with Manalapan in Week 1, North heads to Howell, which pinned it with a 30-7 loss last season. How well it fares in those ﬁrst two encounters will be a telling window into how the rest of the season may unfold.

Dave Oizerowitz, 6th season (8th overall) Career Record: 41-34 Assist ant Coaches: Mike Oizerowitz (off. coordinator.); Bob Cassidy (DL); Bill Dowd (OL); G abe Roonan (LB/special teams); Nick Zaza (QB); Anthony Penna (RB); Charlie Monanian (DL); Chris Gold, Bill Wilbert (freshmen); Kendall Culver (athletic trainer).

(L-R)

W I L L M A R S H (11), J O R D A N J O H N S O N (15), T O M M Y M O N I C A (50), S T A V O N D R E W (59) A N D D A S H A W N W I L D E R (14)

Two years ago, Toms River North was widely regarded as the premier public-school program in New Jersey on the basis of a memorable 11-0 run that ended in shattered heartbreak with a 22-16 loss to Millville in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 final. The encore was a bitter 19 showing last fall, hindered by an offense that averaged less than 10 points per contest - a stark contrast to the 44.3 average of 2016 - and a defense that conceded 24.4 to opponents. It would not have been fair to expect last year’s installment to match its predecessor’s accomplishments based on the significant turnover in talent. But, this year’s edition strives to be the bridge some of the gap and steer the Mariners back to respectability…and, maybe beyond. “It was brutal for the senior class last year,” admitted head coach Dave Oizerowitz, reflecting on the 2017 season. “You never want to use the word rebuilding, but it was pretty apparent as we got into the schedule, we were outmanned. We tried to grind through it, to tweak it and compete. By the time we got to Toms River South (in Week 8), we got some of the younger guys on the field to get a head start on this season.” Don’t underestimate how much stock those subtle introductions to the varsity level meant to underclassmen auditioning for meatier roles. The Mariners have seen a good deal of those understudies develop into the integral parts they’ll be counting on as the bedrock for an uptick. If an improvement in the scoring department materializes, a good deal of the credit will be heaped upon an offensive line which is sizable, linked and imposing. Senior Stavon Drew (6-2,

260) is back at right tackle and towering 6-7, 300-pound junior Najae Hallenbeck, who’s already been offered by Rutgers, is a powerful athlete primed to dominate. Senior Danny Crow (6-1, 260) slides from left tackle to center while classmate Nick Renda (62, 260) will be at left guard for a second straight year and promising junior Cross Conlin (6-0, 250), a transfer from Florida, is the frontrunner at right guard. Junior John Muller (6-0, 205) headlines a list of reserves ready for action. “We have just enough experience on the line, which you always need, especially against the big schools we play,” said Oizerowitz. “I feel good about that. They’ve got the size and knowledge of what we try to do schematically, but we’ll have to be more physical than a year ago.” The front five will serve a maturing collection of running backs and protect a new quarterback. Senior Dashawn Wilder, junior Jared Pruitt and sophomore Jordan Grey, who, as a freshman, anchored North’s 4x400 track team in the spring that won the Meet of Champions, form a threepronged stable in charge of moving the chains on the ground. How well they instill their will could determine how often 6-foot-2, 185-pound sophomore quarterback Jake Kazanowsky goes to the air. Kazanowsky has impressed with his ability to deliver strikes and has an arsenal of weapons to utilize on the perimeter to strike offensive balance and rhythm. Junior Dominick Jacob and senior Aaron Craig are a gifted pair of 6-foot-2 wideouts who will invite opportunities to soar above coverage while Wilder’s versatility allows

2017 Record: 1-9 (1-6 in A South)

him to slip into the slot to exploit his quickness in space. A pair of 5-foot-11 sophomores, Zach Goodale and Zach Browne, have shined in the preseason, providing reliability to encourage stretching a defense to its limits if the Mariners go empty out of the spread. Underrated senior H-back Will Marsh (6-3, 205) is another handful to contain in the passing game and offers a noticeable option underneath. “On the perimeter, we feel like we have a quarterback that can take advantage of our length at wideout with Jacob and Craig,” Oizerowitz noted. “We have speed in the slot with Wilder. Goodale runs sharp routes and has good hands and Brown is another talented kid. We can hurt people out there on an island with the pass game.” The Mariners also have the potential to inflict pain through their kicking game. Junior Sergio Borda will kick extra points and be the probable option on short field goal attempts while senior Joe Romeo packs the power to drive a kickoff through the end zone as well as the range to bury field goals from long distance. While the offense is undergoing a modest overhaul, the defense will remain in a 3-4 look that’s energized by a seasoned front seven. Despite missing a good deal of the preseason due to injury, senior Tommy Monica (6-0, 270) is expected to be ready to resume work on the nose, flanked by junior C.J. Niedzielski (5-11, 245) charging off the weak side. The Mariners can pick from Hallenbeck, Drew, junior Myron Ford or senior Alex Pedre to lock down the strong side. Sophomore Jake Szigeti (6-1, 280) has gotten quality reps during Monica’s recovery and

bolsters the depth on the nose. The linebacking group is equally long and productive, led by three-year starter Jordan Johnson on the inside. His instincts and engine set the standard high for expected activity and are traits shared by inside partner Vinny Palmieri as well as Colin Bennett. North will also be rigid on the exterior with 6-foot-2 sophomore John O’Donnell, Romeo and 6-foot-3 senior Ryan Holland, who earned a starting spot as a junior only to suffer a season-ending knee injury in Week 1 against Southern. Junior Matt Spalletta and Borda are expected to work the safeties, along with Jared Pruitt, whose older brother, Bryce, will team with junior Ray Carlson and Grey on the corners. “I think we’re going to be really strong right down the middle,” said Oizerowitz of his defensive unit. “From the nose, through our inside linebackers to the safeties, we have tough tacklers who know how to put people on the ground.” The table has been set. All that remains is determining how often the Mariners eat. A resident of the newly-formed American Division, they will have divisional encounters with Manalapan and Howell on the road in the first two weeks as well as Freehold Township, Central and Middletown South down the line. The Civil War remains intact with North hosting Toms River South on Oct. 12 and it maintains its other crosstown rivalry, visiting Toms River East a week later before wrapping up the regular season against another old A South foe, Southern. Photos by :

Paula Lopez www.palimages.com

S R . OL/DL S T A V O N D R E W

Remaining Stable

By: Bob Badders managing editor

n the surface, Brick Memorial is a team tasked with replacing its all-time leading rusher, an all-star safety and a standout linebacker while transitioning to a division that has the early distinction of being the toughest in the Shore Conference. Add in nondivisional games against two of the top teams in the Shore and it certainly seems like it will be an uphill climb back to contending for a division title.

Fri 8/31 Sat 9/8 Sat 9/15 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/26

Head Coach: Walt Currie, 12 th season Career Record: 68-50

@Central 7pm Brick noon @Freehold 1pm RFH 7pm @SJV 7pm @Midd. North 7pm Manalapan 7pm Long Branch 7pm

Assist ant Coaches: Mike Cintron (def. coord.); Bill Brunner (OL); Mike McArthur (OL); Keith Farr (QB/RB); Micah Bender (WR); Pete Brennan (LB); Rob Brown (DB); Rob Merola (DL); Ryan Cole (DL); Jimmy Bright, Ryan Graham, Mike Kiley (freshmen); Sue Penrod (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 7-3 (6-1 in A South) (L-R)

Offense: Flexbone D efense: 4-2-5 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Ja Billingsley, Sr., RB/DB Billingsley is a returning starter on defense, but on the offensive side he’ll step in at ‘A’ back and fill the void left by Tony Thorpe, who was a three-year starter and the program’s all-time leading rusher.

X -FACTOR: Tyler Sindel, Sr., QB Brick Memorial has arguably the toughest schedule in the entire Shore Conference and wins will not by easy to come by. Sindel had a solid junior season, and if he can take his game to the next level Brick Memorial will be in great shape. iMPACT NEWCOMER:

T.J. McArthur, So., RB/LB McArthur figures to play a pivotal role on both sides of the ball as part of a deep rotation of running backs and as a backup inside linebacker.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 8 vs. Brick Was there really another game to pick? It will be a packed house at DiFabio Field when the Mustangs and Dragons square off in Week 1. Brick Memorial will already have a game under its belt, so that could be an advantage, especially if the Mustangs enter 1-0. Brick has won the last ﬁve games in the series.

K Y L E M C B R I D E (50), L O G A N B A X T E R (51), J A B I L L I N G S L E Y (3), T Y L E R S I N D E L (2) & J A M I S O N W H A L E Y (63)

Within the confines of the program, however, the Mustangs have a different view. They return key players at critical positions, have a wealth of skill players and are experienced in the trenches. It’s a combination that serves teams well, and the Mustangs are eager to remind their opponents they are among the programs that reload rather than rebuild. “We feel really confident,” said senior center Logan Baxter. “We know with the new schedule it’s going to be tough and every team can be a playoff team. We know we’re going to have to compete every day.” Brick Memorial returns just four starters in its flexbone offense, which was 12th best in the Shore at 25.8 points per game last season, but with Baxter and quarterback Tyler Sindel back as the linchpins, the Mustangs are ahead of the curve more than it would appear by just glancing at the roster.

“You always feel good when you have a center and a quarterback coming back in any offensive scheme because your center is making all your calls and your quarterback is making all your checks,” said Brick Memorial head coach Walt Currie, who enters his 12th season leading the Mustangs, the longest tenure in program history. “And the fact that it’s those two guys – who are high-character players and have become positive leaders for our football team – is even better.” Sindel took the reigns of Brick Memorial’s triple-option attack last season and finished with 618 yards rushing and seven touchdowns plus 390 yards passing and six touchdowns. From Brian Staub to Mike DiGuilmi to Tim Santiago, Brick Memorial quarterbacks have a history of having great senior years after taking the starting job as juniors, and the Mustangs hope Sindel is on a similar trajectory.

“It’s a good feeling,” Sindel said. “I remember last year coming in being a little nervous and uptight but this year I’ve been able to relax and have more fun. I already know most of the stuff so it’s just been a refresher. I’m more comfortable with everything.” “We put a lot more in a lot faster this year and put a lot more on his shoulders,” Currie said. “He’s also throwing the ball a lot better. I’m not going to stand here and try to fool anybody and say we’re going to have a dropback passing game or be a spread team, but at the same time when we do want to throw it he’s much better than he was last year.” In the backfield, the Mustangs will have to replace nearly 2,000 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns due to the graduation of fullback Tony Thorpe and slotback Blaine Netterman. Thorpe, a three-year starter, ran for 1,372 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, finished as the Mustangs’ all-time leading rusher and scorer and was the Class A South Offensive Player of the Year. Netterman

added 602 yards rushing and eight touchdowns as a dangerous option on the perimeter. Brick Memorial also lost slotback/linebacker Najiere Hutchinson, who transferred to Neptune. What the team lacks in experience it makes up for with depth. Senior Ja Billingsley is slated to start at ‘A’ back with senior Alex Vonderlinden and sophomore T.J. McArthur also in the mix. The slotbacks are seniors Jeff Lavarin and Dave Baez and juniors C.J. Lavarin and Sal Lepore, who should all see significant time in a rotation. “I think we legitimately have seven guys who can play those three spots, and all seven of those guys are also defensive starters,” Currie said. “We have a lot of skill guys getting a lot of first-team reps, so I think we’re in a good spot where we can get some guys rest and not have to play the same 11, 12 guys on both sides of the ball. The fact that we can be able to rotate guys through on offense and still have them play fulltime on defense will be a real help to our football team.” Senior Ryan McCombs returns as a starting wide receiver and will be joined by senior Graham Harrigan. The Mustangs don’t throw the ball often, but at 6-foot-3 McCombs gives Sindel a big target down the field. Two starters return on the offensive line with Baxter at center and senior Kyle McBride at left tackle. Hulking senior Jamison Whaley (6-4, 330), who started on defense as a junior, will move to the offensive line at right guard and could have a huge impact. Junior Mike Spanola at left guard and 6foot-5, 250-pound senior Kris Boyington round

out the starting five up front. “J-Mo did a great job with his nutrition in the offseason dropping 50 pounds and he looks phenomenal,” Currie said. “As good as he was on defense last year, he might actually be better on offense. He’s really come along, and even though he’s a new starter on the O-line he’s still a returning starter at the varsity level, so he’s ready. We’re expecting a lot of good things from him.” “We’re communicating really well and with me and Sindel coming back we know the offense very well,” Baxter said. “With the guys coming up on the offensive line and in the backfield, I think we’ll be fine.”

S R . QB T Y L E R S I N D E L The Mustangs defense was solid last year, finishing in the top third in the Shore in scoring defense at 18.8 points per game. Four starters return on that unit, as well, with experience at all three levels. The Mustangs are changing from a 3-4 front to a 4-2-5, however, to maximize their depth in the secondary. On the defensive line, Whaley is back as a starting defensive tackle and Spanola will be the other starting tackle. Junior Jeremy Campbell will also see time there. McCombs and Baxter are the defensive ends with

sophomore David Szuba also in the mix. Vonderlinden (74 tackles in 2017) returns as a starting inside linebacker and will be flanked by McBride. McArthur and junior Larry Fonville can also see time at linebacker. The strong safeties, Billingsley (62 tackles) and Baez, are both returning starters. Jeff Lavarin and C.J. Lavarin are the cornerbacks and Lepore is the free safety. “I think we’re coming along really well,” Currie said. “We tried to cater things to our personnel and we’re secondaryheavy as far as that goes, so that’s why we went to a fiveman secondary. Coach (Rob) Brown and coach (Mike) Cintron have done a great job to design that and keep it consistent with our language so they’re not learning something brand new. The entire coaching staff on the defensive side has done a great job this offseason. We’re playing faster than we were this time last year. Are we going to miss a kid like Grant McKelvey on the inside and Blaine Netterman on the outside? Absolutely. But at the same time, it’s a new season and the kids are willing to do whatever we ask them to do in order to get better.” McCombs returns as the kicker and punter on special teams. The difficult schedule now includes Colonial Division foes St. John Vianney, Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown North, Freehold and crosstown rival Brick. The Mustangs also have nondivisional games with Manalapan and Long Branch to close out the regular season. They’ll open the season in Week 0 on the road against old Class A South rival Central Regional. The Mustangs and Golden Eagles tied for the A South division title last year. “I know all my brother are working hard out there and we’re going to get it done,” Sindel said. “If we execute and do the simple things and just do our job no matter who is on the field I know we can be successful.”

Photo by :

Paula Lopez www.palimages.com Action Photos by : Ray Rich Photography rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

Last Ride

By: Bob Badders managing editor

ince coming together as elementary-school kids and finding success at the youth level, Brick’s current senior class has been eagerly waiting to add to the high school’s championship legacy. Last year, when they were juniors, could have very well been a championship season, but injuries played a part in derailing what began as a promising campaign.

Sat 9/8 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26

@Brick Mem. noon @SJV 7pm Freehold 7pm @Midd. North 7pm RFH 7pm Lacey 7pm @Jackson Mem. 7pm Lakewood 7pm

Offense: Multiple D efense: Multiple 40 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jake Weatherspool, Sr., TE/DT Brick returns basically all its impact players from last season, but one key loss is Chris Hirtes, who played tight end and defensive tackle and was selected to play in the Shore Sports Network All-Shore Gridiron Classic this summer. Weatherspool will step into a starting spot on defense and should also see time at tight end.

X -FACTOR:

Staying Healthy

Brick had 31 players miss games due to injury between varsity and JV last season, according to Zdanowicz. No team can sustain those kinds of losses and come through unscathed, although the Dragons were able to regroup late in the season. If they can avoid a similar situation in 2018 they’ll be in the mix for division and state championships. iMPACT NEWCOMER: John Costanza, Jr., OL/DL At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Costanza can make an impact on both sides of the ball as a new starter at offensive and defensive tackle.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 8th at Brick Memorial Brick’s scheduled is ﬁlled with quality opponents and any game could serve as the tipping point of the season, but the season-opening game against arch rival Brick Memorial will always be the one that sticks out. It should be a capacity crowd at DiFabio Field where the Dragons will try to win their sixth straight game in the series.

Head Coach: Len Zdanowicz, 4 th season Career Record: 22-11 Assist ant Coaches:

B R I C K S R ’ S J O E Y C A R C H I O (1), R I C H I E T A L L M A D G E (48), C H R I S T I A N M A LT A (44), C O L E G R O S C H E L (7), Z A C H P I S C O P E (59) A N D C O R Y E N G L E H A R D T (54) he 2018 season represents the final chance for a large and talented Green Dragons senior class to finish the job, a last ride of sorts for a group with only one thing on their minds. “It’s very exciting,” said senior linebacker Richie Tallmadge. “Most of us have been playing together since we were five years old looking up to all the high schoolers. It’s crazy that it’s our last year so we’ve been working as hard as we can to make sure it’s our best.” “This is something I’ve been looking forward to since I was seven years old playing with the same group of kids,” said senior quarterback/safety Jimmy Leblo. “This is our senior year and we have the power to make it special. These guys are all my brothers and I can’t wait to take the field for one last season with them.” The Dragons bring back seven starters in their multiple set offense, which averaged 17.5 points per game last season. That number is a bit deceiving since Leblo missed five games in the middle of the season. When Brick’s offense was whole the Dragons averaged 24 points per game. Leblo is back as the starting quarterback after throwing for 522 yards and six touchdowns last season, but he isn’t the only player the Dragons can deploy at QB. Do-itall senior Cole Groschel, a Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore selection, saw time at quarterback, as did junior Anthony Prato. Leblo will be the primary signal-caller, but Brick has plenty of options with Groschel and Prato also available. “The versatility is huge,” said Brick head coach Len Zdanowicz. “We can line up in our regular personnel and put one of three kids at quarterback.” Groschel is the definition of a utility player and can legitimately be considered a returning starter at either quarterback, running back or wide receiver, and is also a returning starter in the secondary on defense. He ran for 746 yards and eight touchdowns on an average of 6.8 yards per carry, caught 34 passes for 451 yards and five touchdowns and also threw for 106 yards and a touchdown. “It’s awesome because no matter what you’re always in the game,” Groschel said. “Having him back as the special player he is with the ability to throw the ball, run the ball and catch the ball, we’re

going to do it all with the kid,” Zdanowicz said. In addition to seeing time at quarterback, Prato will line up at wide receiver where he made several starts last season. Junior Val Grigorian and senior Anton Svirskyi will also see time at wide receiver. The tight ends are seniors Cory Englehardt and Jake Weatherspool. Senior Joey Carchio is back as the starting running back while Tallmadge and senior Christian Malta each made starts at fullback last season and return in the same roles. Senior Jacob Wynkoop saw significant time at running back last season and brings an element of speed to the position. Two starters return on the offensive line with senior Zach Piscope (6-0, 270), a Class A South All-Division selection last year, at center and junior John Beveridge (6-0, 245) at right guard. Junior John Costanza (6-3, 220) steps in at left tackle and senior Andre Edgerton (6-2, 250) is the right tackle. The left guard spot is being contested between juniors Max Zdanowicz and Tyler DeTata and freshman Darian Newcomb. Brick’s defense was one of the Shore Conference’s best last season, finishing eighth in scoring defense at 15.3 points per game while recording three shutouts. Nine starters return in the Dragons’ multiple 40 front, which figures to be among the best in the conference once again. Englehardt, a Class A South All-Division pick as a junior, returns at defensive end after recording 110 tackles last season. Malta is a returning starter at defensive tackle. Costanza starts at the other defensive end spot while the other defensive tackle spot will be manned by Weatherspool and senior Dana Andrews. Every player in the back seven is either a returning starter or saw significant time last season. Tallmadge, a returning All-Division player, was tied for third in the Shore with 131 tackles last season and returns at middle linebacker. Carchio is back at outside linebacker after recording 66 tackles and four sacks last season. Senior Dylan DeAlmeida started in the second half of last season and returns at the other outside linebacker position. Prato and senior Mike McGuigan Jr. are the cornerbacks with senior Damian Bonafide also slated to see playing time. McGuigan had 50 tackles and four interceptions last season. The safeties are Groschel and Leblo with senior John Strich, who started five games when Leblo was out, ready to step

Brian McNamara (def. cord.); Kevin Stockhoff (off. cord/QB); Jared Kight (OL); Andrew Cruz (TE); Jay Groschel (WR); Dave Christopher (RB); Al Saner (offensive asst.); Chris Blackburn (DL); Bill McDonnell (LB); George McNamara (defensive asst.); Kurt Wieboldt (special teams); Don Marino (head freshmen coach); Chad Dougherty (freshmen def. cord); Scott Karos, Dan Dornacker, Wayne Neidermier (fr. assts); Jim Barber (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 6-5 (5-2 in A South) in when either Groschel or Leblo need a breather. Senior Sean Kalp will also see time in the defensive backfield. Groschel made 55 tackles and tied for second in the Shore with five interceptions last season. “This group, we pride ourselves on defense,” Tallmadge said. “We want to be like the (Baltimore) Ravens in 2000, to dominate like that, where if we score first we win the game. We know we have the talent, we just have to execute.” ‘Our defense, hopefully, is going to be stellar,” Leblo said. ‘Since we were little we always said ‘you’ve never been hit until you’ve been hit by Brick’ and that’s always something I keep in my mind.” On special teams, Wynkoop returns as the kicker and Carchio will be the punter. The new Shore Conference division alignment has Brick in the Colonial Division with Brick Memorial, St. John Vianney, Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown North and Freehold. On paper, it’s the best division in the Shore. The Dragons also have nondivisional games with Jackson Memorial, Lacey and Lakewood. As usual, they’ll open their season against rival Brick Memorial. From the time they began to understand what it means to play football for one of the Shore’s most storied programs, Brick’s seniors have dreamed of winning a state championship while wearing the program’s iconic green and white uniforms. Now it’s just a matter of going out and getting it done. “I think back to when they were freshmen and we brought them up toward the end of the season,” Zdanowicz said. “We were 8-1 and heading to the playoffs and we had a good group of seniors, and these kids were playing scout and sticking our guys. Every coach was like, ‘wow’. From that point on these kids took the field like they belonged. It’s been a pleasure to coach them. It’s a special group of kids and I can’t wait to see how far they can go.” “Our goal every year is to get the final stage,” Tallmadge said. “We’ve been close and it’s the one hump we have to get over. Two years ago, we were there and couldn’t finish the job. This year we plan on finishing it.”

Upping the Ante

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

fter former teammate Ashante Worthy set New Jersey records on the way to leading the Freehold Boro football team within one play of an NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV title, returning seniors Quincy Davis, Matt Krauss and Alex Verardi would like to remind everyone of one thing that was often easy to forget while watching Worthy weave his way through defenses.

Head Coach: Dave Ellis, 8 th season Sat Sat Fri Fri Sat Fri Sat Sat

9/8 9/15 9/21 9/28 10/6 10/12 10/20 10/28

Midd.North 1pm Brick Mem. 1pm @Brick 7pm @RFH 7pm SJV 2pm @Freehold Twp. 6:30pm @Lacey 1pm Howell 1pm

Offense: Spread D efense: 3-3 Stack _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Sha’kim Shuler, So., QB/RB/WR Ashante Worthy did so much for Freehold last year that you could say the whole team has big shoes to fill. Shuler is going to play either wide receiver, running back and perhaps even some quarterback and considering the Colonials are looking to spread the field as often as possible again, there is a good chance it is as a receiver or taking the snap directly. Either way, Freehold needs a newcomer to step up and Shuler is a prime candidate, even if he is only a sophomore.

X -FACTOR:

Matt Krauss, Sr., QB/WR/DB

Krauss was the top Colonials receiver as a junior (53 receptions, 713 yards, six touchdowns) for Freehold but might be better suited to be Worthy’s replacement at quarterback. If coach Dave Ellis likes what he sees out of his young receivers, Krauss would be the logical choice to take over the offense. iMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Grady, So., RB/LB The sophomore is high on the depth chart as both a tailback and a linebacker and is one of many newcomers that will need to make an impact for Freehold to thrive again in 2018.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 12 at Freehold Twp. Not only is the battle for "The Duke" a rivalry game, but after some tough matchups in the ﬁrst month of the season this game could very well be a must-win for both teams as they pursue a spot in the state playoffs.

Career Record: 34-39 Assist ant Coaches: (L-R)

Z A C W I L F S (53), A L E X V E R A R D I (50), M A T T K R A U S S (13), J A K E H U R L E R (14) & Q U I N C Y D A V I S (1)

Believe it or not, there were 10 other players on the field too. Davis, Krauss and Verardi were among that group and will be among that group again in 2018 when the Colonials will move into the Post-Worthy Era with the same expectations they had during Worthy's illustrious career. “To be honest, we played every game last year with a chip on our shoulder,” Krauss said. “Everybody called us a one-man team and that made us go out and play even harder. It doesn’t matter how good somebody is, you can’t get to a state championship with one guy.” “We already have that chip on our shoulder from last year, so this year is nothing different,” Verardi said. “Not many people expect us to be good without Ashante but they also thought they could just focus on him last year and we wouldn’t be able to adjust.” Despite losing Worthy, Freehold will set out to run a similar spread offense this season under eighth-year head coach Dave Ellis with a couple of options at quarterback. Krauss is the senior option and he has experience playing the position at other levels, while sophomore Ska’kim Shuler might be the long-term solution to filling the spot. “You’re never going to just replace an Ashante Worthy,” Ellis said. “Those guys don’t just come through every year. What you hope for is that everybody comes in and does a little bit more than they did last year and that some new guys can help us out right away. Ashante covered for a lot of mistakes and a lot of bad plays, so one of our focuses is making sure we clean up those mistakes and get guys into the right play.” Freehold rarely employed a running back with Worthy taking the snap and Ellis expects his team won’t use a traditional running back that often this year either. That was not initially his plan, but promising sophomore Ahmad Dixon – the younger brother of former standout tailback Josh Dixon – transferred to the Hun School after contributing as a freshman last season. According to Ellis, Dixon is drawing early FBS interest. “This is the first year where I haven’t really known who our top rusher is going to be heading into the season,” Ellis said. “We have been fortunate to go from Josh Dixon to Ashante Worthy and having Josh’s brother last year as a freshman, it looked like we were going to be able to make that transition again. It is what it is, though.” Without Worthy and his presumed replacement, Dixon, the Colonials will move around their skill players depending on the formation. Sophomore Matt Grady, junior Marzhon Brinson and Shuler are candidates to play a traditional tailback role should the

Colonials go with that look, and all three would be options as receivers with Krauss at quarterback. “I really feel like whoever we play there, we can be dangerous,” Krauss said. “Sha’kim has done a good job so far and if he’s the quarterback, that gives us one more dangerous receiver. With me in there, I think I can make plays and being a senior, I know the offense and the guys we have. Either way, I think we’re going to put up some points.” Freehold is best situated at wide receiver – a big reason Ellis wants to stay in the spread, even with Krauss at quarterback. Senior Quincy Davis caught 23 passes for 465 yards and a teamhigh seven receiving touchdowns last season and will be the team’s primary pass-catching threat. Davis also put on a significant amount of muscle, as well, and at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, could profile as a tight end at some point, even at the next level, according to Ellis. “He’s added a lot more strength and he’s going to be able to do a lot more for us,” Ellis said. “He blocks, he can run routes well, he’ll go up over a defender – he’s a real weapon and he is probably going to get even more attention this year, but I think he’s ready for it.” “I feel like I can be a little bit more of a consistent threat,” Davis said. “I always feel like if the ball is anywhere near me, I have the advantage. Without Ashante, I want Matt or whoever is playing quarterback to have the confidence to know that if they give me a chance, I’m going to make the play for them.” Seniors Jake Hurler, Savion Macon, Makhi Theosmy and Steve Cirillo are also part of the receiver corps. Hurler solely handled kicking and punting duties last year but will see an expanded role as a receiver as well as a cornerback on defense. “It’s definitely different for me this year,” Hurler said of his increased role. “It’s more work but I like getting more involved in the offense and the defense.” Verardi, a Second Team All-Shore selection last season, leads a solid core returning to the offensive line, one that also includes senior Knox Stokes, senior Zac Wiles and junior Jake Larsen, as well as senior Vinny Manning.

Mike D’Antonio (WR/OLB), Jason Blum (OL/DL), Matt Whelan (QB/DB), Zac Cooper (DL/OL), John Kinzel (DL/OL), Chris Barbieri (WR/DB), Mike Stoia (Freshman), Nike Rice (Freshman), Jim Lee (Freshman), Mike Stehle (Athletic Trainer) 2017 Record: 8-4 (3-3 in Class A North) Verardi, Manning and senior Nelson Mejia will be the three down lineman in Freehold’s 3-3 stack defense, which performed admirably last year considering the breakneck pace with which Freehold’s offense played and forced its opponents to play. “A lot of times, we wouldn’t know how the play was going to go because Ashante was always just kind of going with what he saw,” Verardi said. “Now it’s more like we know the play, we know what we’re supposed to do and we have to execute it. If guys don’t execute their job, the play probably isn’t going to work.” Freehold’s group of linebackers is the strength of its defense, with Stokes, Larsen, Grady, junior Zach Neely, and junior Jaylin Canada all in the mix, with Grady and Canada profiling as rovers in the Colonials' stack defense. Krauss will also be a leader on defense from the safety position, with Hurler, Shuler and Brinson serving as the primary corners. Despite realignment shifting the Colonials away from a tough field of Class A North teams, Freehold’s schedule doesn’t offer many breaks now that it is playing in the Colonial Division. The division includes three of the better returning public-school rosters in the conference in Rumson-Fair Haven, Brick and Middletown North, as well as a quality Brick Memorial program. To make matters worse, powerhouse St. John Vianney and its 38-game winning streak against Shore competition is also in the division. Navigating through the division schedule will be a harrowing task for a Freehold team trying to replace one of the best performers in the history of the conference, but the Colonials are confident they are much more than a one-trick pony. “There is talent here,” Davis said. “We’re all going to have to do more but we’re all capable of stepping up and doing more. When you get that close to winning a championship, you don’t want to stop.”

Roar of Redemption

By: Bob Badders managing editor

issing the playoffs was a tough pill to swallow for Middletown North last season, and seeing how the postseason ended was even more difficult. Head Coach: Steve Bush, 6th season (12th overall) Career Record: 70-51-1 Assist ant Coaches:

Sat Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Thur

9/8 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/26 11/22

@Freehold 1pm @RFH 7pm SJV 7pm Brick 7pm Brick Mem. 7pm @Howell 6:30pm @RBC 7pm Midd. South 10:30am

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-2-5 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: The New Defensive Linemen There will be several players in a rotation so it won’t be on any one player, but the line as a whole has to replace the production of standouts Austin DeWise and Nicko Cofone, who combined for 124 tackles and 15 sacks.

X -FACTOR:

The Schedule

Middletown North is one of the Shore Conference’s best teams on paper, but a division as tough as the Colonial ensures that nothing is guaranteed.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jacob Anderson, Sr., LB Anderson isn’t a newcomer in the true sense of the word, but having him healthy and playing in the middle of the defense is a major plus for the Lions.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 28 vs. Brick With nondivisional games against Howell and Red Bank Catholic during the regular season, every week will be a test for the Lions. Their Week 4 home game vs. a seniorheavy Brick team could provide a turning point – or serve as a playoff preview.

Geoff Massimini (def. coordinator); Randy Kalman, Justin McGhee, Justin Blosi, Larry McKnight; Danielle Kanski (athletic trainer).

2017 Record: 5-5 (2-4 in B North)

(L-R)

D O M I N I C P I A N O F O R T E (64), A I D A N C A M P B E L L (13), S E A N G L E N N (10) A N D C O N N O R R O B B I N S (34)

The Lions needed a Week 7 win over Long Branch to qualify for the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 playoffs but lost to the Green Wave, 28-21 in overtime. Long Branch then went on to claim the CJ-4 championship with an overtime win over Freehold. “Last year was heartbreaking with us losing to Long Branch on a short-yardage situation and them going on to win a state championship,” said senior running back/linebacker Connor Robbins. “That really stuck in our gut during the offseason.” The good news is that many of the players that ended the season with a pit in their stomach are back to earn redemption. The Lions have one of the top quarterback-wide receiver duos in the Shore, a bruising running back and experience in the trenches as they look to contend for the title in the rugged Colonial Division and make up for lost time in the postseason.

just knew where he was going to be.” “I’ll be running a route and won’t even see him and the ball will just come out and be right there,” Campbell said. “It deﬁnitely helps.” “Sean is pretty calm and he understands where the ball should go and what the defenses are, and he’s been an accurate thrower,” said Middletown North head coach Steve Bush. “Aidan has very good speed and does a very good job getting off the press. He surprised me how well he did as a runner last year. He has the ability after he catches it to break it and make a big play.” Also returning as starters in the wide receiver corps are junior Anthony Soto and senior Nick DeWise. Matt Spencer and Rob Higgins are competing for time and sophomore Quentin Soler is also in the mix. Senior Stephen Barry is the tight end.

“Coming in last year we lost over 11 seniors so it was a lot of young guys having to ﬁll shoes, and this year it’s more of an experienced team,” said senior quarterback Sean Glenn. “

Robbins split time with Connor Welsh last season, and the two formed a solid 1-2 punch in the backﬁeld. Robbins excelled in short-yardage situations and scored 12 touchdowns.

Middletown North had one of the Shore Conference’s best offenses last year in averaging 28.7 points per game, and there’s every reason to think the Lions can be even better in 2018. Eight starters return in Middletown North’s spread offense, led by Glenn, Robbins, senior wide receiver Aidan Campbell and senior offensive lineman Dominic Pianoforte.

“He’s a physical, downhill runner and also has decent speed,” Bush said. “He can make plays and also get the tough yards for us. He’s really been playing since he was a sophomore when Connor Welsh got hurt, so we expect big thigs from him.”

Glenn ﬁnished seventh in the Shore in passing last season by throwing for 1,650 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Campbell also enjoyed a breakout season with 697 yards and seven touchdowns on an average of 24 yards per reception. The two have been teammates for many years and consider their chemistry together their greatest asset. “With me and Aidan, what separates us is our timing,” Glenn said. “Obviously he’s faster than almost everyone else, but there were times last year where he was running a post and I couldn’t even see him but I

“You know when Robbins gets the ball he’s going to get 2-3 yards after contact and 4-5 yards every carry,” Glenn said. “ Pianoforte leads the offensive line at left tackle while junior Rob Kelly is a returning starter at left guard and senior David Rodriguez is a returning starter at right guard. Senior Steven Holler and junior Andrew Kanski are competing for the starting center position and junior Kaden Letual is the right tackle.

Vanderhoof, Ryan Daunoras (6-3, 300) and Christian Bracken. Robbins had ﬁve sacks last year and Holler had four sacks. The inside linebackers are senior Jacob Anderson, who was a starter before an injury derailed his season, and senior Patrick Connelly, who saw time last season. Barry is a returning starter at outside linebacker and had 79 tackles last season. Senior Joey Cavanagh started a few games and will see an increased role this year along with junior Travis Thompson. Cavanagh made 53 tackles last season. The secondary has a pair of starters back with Campbell at free safety and senor Alec Zenker at cornerback. Soto and senior Brian Tanglao will see time at the other cornerback position while Spencer, junior Nick Ferreira and senior Mike Ancona could also see time at safety. Campbell made 60 tackles last season and Zenker had 58 stops. On special teams, Cavanagh will be a four-year starter at kicker and will also handle punting duties for the ﬁrst time. He converted 33 of 34 extra points as a junior. Middletown North is no stranger to a tough schedule after playing in Class B North over the past two years with Manasquan, Wall, Middletown South, Long Branch, Red Bank Catholic and Ocean. This year, the Lions are in the Colonial Division with St. John Vianney, RumsonFair Haven, Brick, Brick Memorial and Freehold. “There’s no one team you can say, ‘that’s a win’,” Bush said. “We’ll have to earn it every week. It’s going to be interesting but I think these guys are ready to step up and meet the challenge.” “There’s no easy team on our schedule,” Campbell said. “We’re going to go out and play hard, and if we can beat the teams on our schedule we can beat the teams in the playoffs.”

Middletown North’s 4-2-5 defense will feature a deep rotation along the defensive line. Robbins and Holler are returning starters and will be joined by Rodriguez, Kelly, Pianoforte and seniors Aaron

Championship Mentality

By: Bob Badders managing editor

hen you’re used to walking off the field as a winner in the final game of the year, it’s pretty easy to get motivated when the feeling of euphoria is replaced by disappointment.

Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Sat 10/13 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26

SJV Midd. North @Brick Mem. Freehold @Brick @Lakewood RBC @Midd. South

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 1pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Multiple Pro D efense: 4-2-5 _____________________________

Rumson-Fair Haven was attempting to join Manasquan as the only Shore Conference programs to win five consecutive NJSIAA sectional championships last season, but their quest for history was derailed by Somerville in the Central Jersey Group 3 final. It was a different feeling for the Bulldogs and one they would rather not experience again. “That was a tough loss last year and I definitely haven’t forgotten about it,” said senior fullback Alex Maldjian. “It’s definitely motivated me. It’s my senior season and talking to the guys who left last year, you don’t want to go out on a loss.” A 10-2 record and a trip to a state final would qualify as an excellent season for many schools. For the Bulldogs, it’s championship or bust, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s always on our mind,” Maldjian said. “I know I come into

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Pete Crowley, Jr., RB & Tommy Solano, Sr., RB Crowley and Solano will work in concert to take over as the starting running back following the graduation of Peter Lucas, who set a school record with 2,196 yards and 31 touchdowns last season.

work every day thinking I’m here for a state championship. We don’t want to be just good or great. We want to be the best.” “Our expectation level here is just so high, and there’s a lot of pride in it,” said head coach Jerry Schulte. Spearheading the Bulldogs in 2018 will be a defense that once again looks to be among the best in the Shore. Last season, Rumson was fifth in the Shore in scoring defense at 13.8 points per game and returns six starters in its 4-2-5 look. The defensive line is stacked with senior Henry Sullivan, a Second Team All-Shore selection last season, at defensive tackle along with senior Joe Afflitto, another returning starter. Sophomore Von Factor could also see playing time at tackle. Sullivan recorded 95 tackles and seven sacks and Afflitto made 58 tackles with four sacks. Junior Gordon Forsyth returns as a starting defensive end and senior Isaac Vernon takes over as a starter after seeing significant playing time last season. Senior Kenny Rainey will also rotate in at defensive end. Forsyth had 78 tackles last season and

Head Coach: Jerry Schulte, 3rd season (18th overall) Career Record: 78-83-1 Assist ant Coaches: John Corneliusen (off. coordinator/QB); Jeremy Schulte (def. coordinator); Joe Murphy (OL); Chris Quinn (WR); Bill Logrotteria (DL); John Wagner, Jason Lippart, John Belivance, Jerry Gagliano, John Andl, Matt Walsh, Andrew Lamcel; Alex Stein (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 10-2 (5-1 in A Central)

Vernon posted three sacks. “Those guys are beasts,” said senior linebacker Keegan Woods. They just eat up O-linemen.”

X -FACTOR: The Offense Rumson’s offense returns just four starters and will be breaking in new starters at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. The defense should be strong again, but the offense needs to be at a high level if Rumson is to remain in championship contention.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Ryan Ruane, So., DB Ruane is the younger brother of former SSN Defensive Player of the Year and current UMass linebacker Mike Ruane, and steps into a starting role at safety as a sophomore.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 vs. St. John Vianney The two teams played a classic at Rutgers last season with SJV coming out on top to extend its Shore Conference winning streak. The Lancers play RBC in Week 0, so they’ll either be coming in with a 39-game winning streak or eager to rebound after a defeat.

RYAN MCCANN (73), CHRISTIAN LANZALOTTO (9), ALEX MALDJIAN (6), IAN O'CONNOR (4), HENRY SULLIVAN (7) AND MICHAEL LIZOTTE (16)

(L-R)

Rumson

Continued page 54

Rumson Continued from page 30 “They take on double teams and it frees us up,” added senior linebacker Christian Lanzalotto. Woods and Lanzalotto are both entering their third year as starting linebackers, and together with a fearsome front make up a formidable unit. Woods was a First Team All-Shore selection last season with a conference-best 155 tackles plus four sacks. Lanzalotto added 95 tackles. Senior Michael Lizotte is a returning starter at strong safety/outside linebacker and will be joined by senior Ryan Dupree. The cornerbacks are senior Brooks Brennan and junior Drew Frankel and the safety is promising sophomore Ryan Ruane. “The motivation is there for the defense because giving up that game-winning drive in the last minute of the game in the state championship, we feel like that was on us, the returning starters,” Lanzalotto said. “There’s a lot of motivation to improve.” Rumson is senior-laden but less experienced on offense where it returns four starters in its multiple pro set. Peter Lucas had a monster senior year last season, rushing for a school-record 2,196 yards and 31 touchdowns, so replacing his production is a herculean task. Junior Pete Crowley saw time last year and will step into a bigger role along with senior Tommy Solano. Maldjian is the team’s leading rusher after running for 605 yards and 10 touchdowns on an average of 8.3 yards per carry. He’s a three-year starter at fullback and does a little bit of everything. “We’re one of the few teams that use fullbacks and tight ends, and Alex isn’t there just to be a blocker,” Schulte

said. “He’s not a glorified guard. He’s faster than people think, he can catch and he likes to run people over.”

line is comprised of five seniors, including returning starter Ryan McCann at left tackle and returning starter Evan Davis at left guard. The center will be senior Tim Kelly, the right guard is Ethan Ardolino and the right tackle is Spencer Short.

“I take pride in it,” Maldjian said. “I have a feel for different positions, too. I feel I understand my O-line more when I’m blocking for them. I also lost 20 pounds this offseason so I definitely got my speed up. I think I’ll be more effective blocking and running the ball.”

Davis is also a standout long snapper who is committed to Buffalo and leads the special teams unit. Senior Quinn Doherty will be the kicker and the punter will be either senior Jimmy Hempstead or sophomore Nick Ferrara. Hempstead was the kicker and punter last year so the Bulldogs do have depth in the kicking game.

Junior Collin Coles is set to take over as the starting quarterback with sophomore Josh Harmon also working in. Coles takes over for Dan Harby, who was efficient in throwing for 1,148 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Seniors Andrew Lawless and Matt Caldwell will start at wide receiver, and they’ll be joined by 6-foot-5d basketball standout Jackson McCarthy, who decided to come out for the football team as a senior. The main weapon in the passing game is 6-foot-4, 215pound senior tight end Ian O’Connor, a returning Third Team All-Shore selection, who caught 34 passes for 484 yards and four touchdowns last season. “If it’s in the air, Ian will catch it somehow,” Schulte said. “He makes some amazing catches and we have the ability to move him around.” The

offensive

Rumson will play in what now looks to be the most difficult of the Shore Conference’s new divisions. The Colonial Division features Rumson, St. John Vianney, Brick, Brick Memorial, Middletown North and Freehold. The Bulldogs also have nondivisional games with Red Bank Catholic, Middletown South and Lakewood, giving them a schedule with seven playoff teams from a year ago. While Rumson’s ultimate goal is to bring home another state championship, they understand the road to get there won’t be easy. “We always say we want to be 1-0 in September and 10 in December, and there’s obviously things that go with that,” Maldjian said. “You have to get everything done in between.”

SR. RB ALEX MALDJIAN

Lancer Legacy

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

ver the past four seasons, St. John Vianney has been the Shore Conference’s most dominant program and the only thing missing from the Lancers’ resume is a win in the final game of the season.

Head Coach: Joe Martucci, 1 st season (29th overall) Fri 8/31 Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Sat 10/6 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26

RBC @RFH Brick @Midd. North Brick Mem. @Freehold @Midd. South Central

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 7pm

Career Record: 197-91-1 Assist ant Coaches: Charlie Rogers (off. coord./WR); Jay Bellamy (def. coord.), Sam Turner (OL/DL); Mike Albreque (QB); Ed Hernandez (LB); Jason Wambough (OL/TE); Bill Hill (DB); Brian Lucas, Lou Libitore (freshmen); Matt Luzio, Dan Fiero, Joe Galamb, Pete Peerzillo (volunteers); Ruth Rutledge and Maya Kantor (athletic trainers).

2017 Record: 10-1 (6-0 in A Central)

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Mike Noble, Sr., RB/LB

Noble will be part of a running back picture that should be able to keep churning out production, but his biggest challenge will be handling the middle of the defense at linebacker, which Johnny Buchanan did masterfully.

X -FACTOR:

Line Depth

An injury to Gage Moellmann puts the Lancers in the hole, but they have a dominant right side of the line on offense and interior on defense. The depth will come into play not only in filling the open spots but giving returnees C.J. Hanson and Paul Liseno a chance to rest now and again and keep both fresh for the playoff push.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Kavon Chambers, Jr., RB After racking up more than 1,400 yards in his varsity debut as a sophomore at Central, Chambers brings his talent north to face an even tougher schedule on a team with expectations as high as any in the conference. Chambers moved to Monmouth County, according to Martucci, so he will be ready to roll against RBC on Aug. 31.

PIVOTAL GAME: Aug. 31 vs. RBC

Speaking of RBC, the Caseys will march over to St. John Vianney on the ﬁnal day of August in what could be the biggest clash of the Shore Conference regular season. It’s an odd set of circumstances for an inexperienced (but still loaded) Vianney team: the players have their sights set on the long haul, but the program’s 38-game-winning streak will be on the line right from the get-go against an RBC team frothing at the mouth to beat SJV. The opener is part of a brutal start to the season that includes games against Rumson-Fair Haven, Brick and Middletown North in the subsequent three weeks.

C.J. DUELL (9), ANDREW MCGIMPSEY (84), C.J. HANSON (50), PAUL LISENO (55), DAMON WASHINGTON (1), JACK DEBOLD (7), KAVON CHAMBERS (25) & ZARRIN STEPHENS (13) While winning that last game – a massive undertaking in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 bracket – remains a focus of the returning Lancers, it is the first game of the season that could mean the most to the legacy of this era in St. John Vianney football. One day before the 2018 calendar even shifts to September, the Lancers will put a 38-game winning streak against Shore Conference opponents on the line when they host Red Bank Catholic in a game that pits two of the Shore's powerhouse programs. If returning talent is any indicator, this game represents the greatest threat that St. John Vianney has faced since losing to Matawan in the final game of 2013. While the Caseys return a wealth of skill-position players, St. John Vianney graduated three-fifths of its offensive line, its

starting quarterback, starting tailback, its entire starting receiving corps and all but one starter on defense. On top of the loss of talent on the field, head coach Derek Sininsky also stepped down at the end of the season. “Everybody knows about the 18 seniors we graduated and all the talent those guys brought to the table,” senior right tackle and Rutgers commit C.J. Hanson said. “It’s never easy to replace that many guys but we have a lot of talent on this team and everyone is out to prove themselves. Everyone wants to win a spot and that’s made for great competition in practice.” Although the names are different, St. John Vianney – now under the direction of longtime Matawan coach Joe Martucci – is still likely to be one of the Shore’s top teams. Martucci brings with him some key members of his former

Matawan staff, including two former players Jay Bellamy and Charlie Rogers – both of whom played in the NFL. With three more wins, Martucci will hit the 200-win milestone and the talent on hand suggests it won’t take long for the Lancers to get Martucci his benchmark victory. Only three starters return to the SJV offense, but two of them are on the right side of what has been a dominant offensive line. Hanson and senior classmate Paul Liseno will clear the way on the right side, with Hanson at tackle and Liseno at guard. Martucci expects the entire unit to be a strength again, despite losing projected starting left guard Gage Moellmann to a seasonending knee injury. Sophomore Dave Glass has made an impression at the left guard position, while juniors John DeFelice (center) and Jack MacCutcheon (tackle) man the other two spots. “(Hanson) is obviously our leader in practice right now,” Martucci said. “He’s been here, he knows what’s expected of everyone and he’s making sure guys are in the right place and doing

what they are supposed to do. He’s going to be a big part of what we do and one of our focuses has been getting everyone set around him to try to take some of the pressure off, but we know he can handle whatever we need him to do.” Senior tight end Andrew McGimpsey is the only returning starter among the skill spots, with an entirely new backfield and group of receivers on board. Two of the newcomers are junior transfers from Ocean County, with quarterback and Toms River native C.J. Duell transferring in from St. Joseph Prep in Philadelphia and running back Kavon Chambers transferring from Central Regional. As a sophomore in 2017, Chambers finished fifth in the Shore Conference with 1,438 yards.

depending on what the defense is doing. It’s a big step to be able to get out of a bad play and into a good one.” Senior George Trimarche will handle the fullback duties and senior Mike Noble will also get some carries at tailback. Out wide, Zarren Stephens will be one of Duell’s main targets while juniors Evan Purty and Warren Griffith add to the inexperienced but promising crop of receivers. The wild card in the receiving corps and in the secondary is freshman Jayden Bellamy, the son of Jay Bellamy. Jayden has the inside track to start at cornerback in his first high school season and is already polished enough to be one of Duell’s top targets on offense as well.

“Kavon is a quality back who can do a lot of good things, but we have three or four guys we comfortable putting in there,” Martucci said.

“Right now, he is playing above his years,” Martucci said of the younger Bellamy, whose father Martucci coached at Matawan before Jay went on to play at Rutgers and for the Saints and Seahawks in the NFL. “He’s had a lot of experience with his dad and his dad has taught him all the right things in bringing him along slowly. He’s in position to come in as a freshman and play on this level.”

Duell, meanwhile, is a pro-style quarterback with enough athleticism to remain a threat to run the ball. He and Chambers have played youth football together and Duell is quickly getting acclimated with his group of receivers, as he showed in leading St. John Vianney to the Shore Conference 7-on-7 title over the summer. “He’s starting to take control of the offense,” Martucci said of Duell. “He is making the right reads and getting us in and out of different plays

Senior Damon Washington will play opposite Bellamy at the other corner while Stephens and senior Jack DeBold man the two safety positions. Purdy and Griffith with also figure into the secondary rotation.

S R . OL P A U L L I S E N O

Hanson and Liseno will be the two key cogs in Vianney’s four-man front, with Danny Fiorella and Trimarche jumping in to spell

them at the two tackle spots. McGimpsey, DeFelice, Matt Mandarino and Nasiyah Nix are battling for time at defensive and, according to Martucci, will be part of a designed rotation on a line that will have to replace two-time First Team SSN All-Shore selection Nick Densieski. Johnny Buchanan is arguably St. John Vianney’s biggest loss to graduation after the senior captain carried the load at tailback and handled the inside linebacker duties in 2017. While Chambers gives St. John Vianney a worthy replacement for Buchanan on offense, Noble will be tasked with taking over the middle linebacker job. He will be flanked by a combination of sophomore Julian Young, senior Jaden Duncan, junior Anthony Brett, junior Naron Alston and sophomore Blake Clayton. Young will play one of the two outside spots, with Duncan – a transfer from Colonia – looking like a possibility at strongside linebacker. St. John Vianney’s talent is still eye-catching, but with a new coaching staff and an influx of new players – many of whom are juniors – there are more questions in camp heading into this season than there have been since the start of the streak in 2014. That doesn’t change the end goal for Vianney and it is quite possible that the Lancers have a team that is capable of learning from an early loss and turning it into a positive later. The Lancers, however, have no desire to give their local rival a reason to celebrate over Labor Day weekend after ending the 38game winning streak. “We’re excited to start and grow as a team,” Hanson said. “We’ve had great competition so far – more than we’ve had since I’ve been here – and that’s going to help us in the playoffs. For now, we’re just trying to get better every day and be ready for RBC. It’s a big rivalry and we’re definitely looking forward to it.”

Action Photos by: Paula Lopez Photography www.palimages.com

Depth– charged

By:

Gregg Lerner

SSN Contributor

edged inside the school gym for an August practice due to inclement weather, Jackson Memorial looked like an infantry stuffed into a broom closet.

Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Sat 9/29 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26

@Southern Wall @Lakewood @Lacey Marlboro @Jackson Lib. Brick Freehold Twp

7pm 7pm 1pm 2pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Multiple I D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Collin McCarthy, Jr., OL/DL While coach Vin Mistretta wants to avoid implementing two-way players as much as possible, it will be tough to keep the 6-foot-6, 220-pounder from seeing extensive actions on both sides of scrimmage. The heir apparent to Shore Sports Network First-Team All-Shore selection Joe Hurle, McCarthy is primed to be a dominant force up front.

X -FACTOR:

Chris Richardson, Sr., RB/FS

The undersized Richardson (5-foot-8, 145 pounds) could serve multiple needs in the offense, interchanging as a running back and slot receiver in an effort to find various ways to discover open space that allows him to shift into fifth gear. A quick closer on the ball, Richardson is a disruptive secondary presence breaking up passes. iMPACT NEWCOMER: Will Towns, So., RB/S The younger brother of former Jaguar standout Tyler Towns, this promising sophomore – along with classmate Wally Doman – offers game-breaking potential as a tailback. The slightest degree of daylight will be an invitation to accelerate through a hole and reveal speed in the open field. Let either bounce a run to the perimeter and a defense will find out quickly it’s in big trouble.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 at Southern The two former Class A South residents renew their rivalry by opening Constitution Division play in Week 1. Last year, the combination of a one-yard TD run by Steven Rodriguez and a 25-yard ﬁeld goal from Justin Burkert lifted Jackson to a 10-8 victory. The Jaguars have won four of the last ﬁve meetings with Southern.

Head Coach: Vin Mistretta, 2 nd season Career Record: 6-5 Assist ant Coaches:

(L-R)

LEO SHIMONOVICH, HUNTER ROSE, JOHN GHIGNA, JOE MAFFEI AND COLLIN MCCARTHY

Cozy confines might be one of the few things that cramp the Jaguars’ style. And, it’s not just the volume of players competing for roster spots that has second-year head coach Vin Mistretta brimming with enthusiasm, but the layers of talent that will be keeping he and his staff busy juggling a stockpiled depth chart bursting with gifts of versatility. “The amount of kids we have back and the competition at nearly every position is really allowing us to go back to the way things were when I played here,” said Mistretta, a wide receiver and defensive back for the Jags and a key figure in the 2005 squad’s 120 showing that culminated with a Central Jersey Group IV championship in his senior year. “Every single day, if you don’t show up ready to go, there are three guys behind you who are varsity-level players that can step up. It’s pushing our kids. We’ve talked about competition… compete, compete, compete. You’re being evaluated every single day.”

Jackson Memorial means business this fall and will conduct it in a manner steep with brute force, grit and deceptive speed. With seven returning starters on each side of the ball, it’s clear this group will be formidable in its designs for a Constitution Division crown and a deep run in the postseason. A defense that pitched two shutouts and surrendered 14.2 points per game last fall will play fast and fierce. The unit’s top four tacklers from a year ago – senior safety John Ghigna (108 tackles, four interceptions), 6foot-6, 220-pound junior defensive end Collin McCarthy (82 tackles, five sacks), senior linebacker Chance Benjamin (82 tackles, seven sacks) and junior linebacker Nic Ford (78 tackles, two sacks) – are back to form a bonded nucleus within a 4-3 scheme and each embraces the responsibility of establishing a punishing, physical tone through action. Sophomore Jaden Perischilli and senior Kole Kalinauskas will be greeting runners

Keith Anderson (off. coord.); Chris Rash (DL); Mike McCarthy (DL); Arnell Cozart (LB); T.J. Tkac (DB); Ken Bradley Jr. (LB); Jeff Brown (OL); Pat Kilmurray (TE); Eric Rado (WR); Brandon Vega (WR); Khani Glover (RB); Corey Lavin (QB); Nicole Figaro (athletic trainer) 2017 Record: 6-5 (4-3)

inside at the defensive tackles with seniors Hunter Rose and Jack Ford, along with junior Sean Laverty, strengthening the pool opposite McCarthy on the edge. Benjamin and Nic Ford possess keen instincts, clear vision and the passion for pursuit at linebacker. Whether flying off the corners in pass rush, holding their ground against the run or covering the field tracking the football, each delivers a message with stinging contact that warns neither is to be tested. Senior Joe Maffei looks to embody those traits on the outside while junior Christian Pellone adds length to the linebacking corps and a flexibility to drop into coverage as a nickel. The secondary is filled with playmakers. Seniors Chris Richardson, Leo Shimonovich, Tyler Brito, Steven Vigliarolo and Ghigna team with multi-talented sophomores Wally Doman and Will Towns to marshal the passing lanes and lend support against the run. Considering

how

many

assets

are

available, Mistretta is trying to limit the necessity for twoway players but harbors the knowledge that, when a game is hanging in the balance, he can lean on proven commodities to be the difference. The Jaguars will impose their offensive will behind a bruising run game paced by the rugged tandem of Shimonovich (170 carries for 838 yards, seven TDs) and Rodriguez (97 carries for 381 yards, four TDs). Powering through the gaps blasted by senior center Sean Sharo (5-9, 215 pounds), tackles McCarthy (6-6, 220) and Laverty (6-4, 250), guards Jerry Russell (5-10, 195), Eric Vilacoba (5-10, 220) and Antonio Farias (5-8, 255) along with Maffei (6-3, 195) at tight end, Shimonovich, Rodriguez and Towns anxiously await to unveil their prowess out of the multiple-I. Nic Ford, Rose and junior Mike Fiore will be their lead

escorts, rotating at fullback, always an underappreciated yet vital role for the Jags.

decision maker with a unique outlook, he reacts to situations with heady choices summoned from the gut.

“It’s Jackson Memorial…we have to run the football,” Shimonovich said of upholding the program’s tradition. “Our offensive line is unified and we’re all looking forward to running behind them.”

Ghigna has developed a rapport with a gifted assembly of wide receivers. Pellone, Vigliarolo, Richardson, Doman, juniors Jake McKown and Zack Novak and senior Nick Tolmachewich exemplify the wealth of options he can seek when he looks to air it out.

How well the Jaguars move the ball on the ground should make the transition to quarterback a bit easier for Ghigna, who assumes the void left by A.J. Tolmachewich. Ghigna will handle the role with a unique perspective, a former signal caller whose acumen has only been enhanced by the vast knowledge of the passing game acquired while defending against it as one of the Shore’s top coverage safeties. While the Jags plan to be run-oriented, don’t overlook Ghigna’s ability to put the ball in the air. An instinctual

“Having two beasts in the backfield, a big offensive line and skill on the perimeters is going to help me out,” said Ghigna. “I’ve been working a lot with the wide receivers. We have a lot of kids who can get the job done.” Junior Justin Burkert returns at kicker where he converted 21 of 22 extra points and booted three field goals and McKown is back to handle punts, which he unloaded on an average of 35.6 yards.

Filling The Void L

acey football is one of the most tradition-rich programs inside the Shore Conference coached by a legend with 38 years worth of reasons why. His name is Lou Vircillo, and he's 18 wins shy of 300 for his career.

By: Vin Ebenau SSN Contributor

Head Coach: Lou Vircillo 38th season Career Record: 282-139-3 Assist ant Coaches:

Fri 8/31 Sat 9/8 Sat 9/15 Fri 9/21 Sat 9/29 Sat 10/6 Fri 10/12 Sat10/20 Fri 10/26

@Ocean 7pm Marlboro 2:30pm Southern 1pm @Wall 7pm Jackson Mem. 2pm @Lakewood 2pm @Brick 7pm Freehold 1pm @Manalapan 7pm

Offense: Multiple-I D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Justin Gorski, Sr., RB After the loss of Jason Giresi to graduation and running back Cory Gudzak to injury this preseason, it'll be up to Gorski as the next man up to provide a jolt to the running game for an offense that lost eight of its 11 starters.

X -FACTOR: The Running Game Lacey is a program known for having a good running game and in order for them to be successful this season they'll need a healthy push from their backs. While the defense returns a lot of starters, the offense lost a lot to graduation and it'll be up to the younger running backs to move the ball this year. iMPACT NEWCOMER:

Chase Granit, So., RB/LB Granit is a player expected to make an impact early and often throughout the season as one of the running backs replacing Jason Giresi, who graduated last season. The sophomore has impressed coaches in training camp and has a bright future.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 29 vs. Jackson Memorial While the Lions are replacing eight of 11 players on offense, their defense returns most of its starters who have been ﬂying to the ball in training camp. If the Lions are to contend again in 2018 they'll need to win some tough games in the second half of the season, starting with the Jaguars..

Shane Allen (DL); Warren Smith (QB); Mike Stuppielo (LB); Chris Dimicco (RB); Jack Bush (scouting); John Tierney (TE); Joe Tobin (DB); Bob Nani (OL); Watson Heilala & Keith Tyhannic (freshmen); Lee Emery (athletic trainer).

RAY AGOSTO (54), QUINT KEARNS (30), ANTHONY KRUEGER (55), CORY GUDZAK (5), GREG CHADWICK (32), SHANE RICHARDSON (50) AND BOBBY EVANS (3) He has the second most wins ever in the Shore Conference behind another legend, Brick's Warren Wolf. One of the questions is when will he get there and the answer may be soon, certainly not this year but maybe next? The Lions are competitive year in and year out and always make it interesting towards the end of the season, especially when they're on the cusp of clinching a playoff berth. The approach has not changed and that's the case again heading into this season. "This season is no different than any of my other seasons, we start very early (in preparation) in December/January with the idea of getting to be as strong as we can possibly be by doing some extra things in the weight room and things that aren't comfortable," Vircillo said. "If we can push through that and develop a mindset that's blue-collar and tough, I think that's what's helped Lacey be successful most of the time." He said he was surprised to learn recently that, "we're the winningest program in Ocean County since 1981 (his first as Lions head coach and the first year of the program) and third in the Shore. That says something. We're not the greatest team ever, we're not the worst team ever but we fight all the time and we're competitive all the time." The offseason and preseason conditioning have been paying dividends so far as the Lions prepare for stiffer competition. "We've been lifting a lot in the offseason and preparing our bodies to be able to take hits to get better and stronger," junior linebacker Mike Kudlacik said. "It's going to help us out a lot because only the fastest and the strongest can win," senior safety and wide receiver Eric Green said. "We want to be the fastest and the strongest and have worked hard all summer, and this conditioning is going to help us out a lot." In order to get to the playoffs this season, they'll need to fill the void of eight players on the offense who graduated last season. They lose four big pieces of their team they'll need to replace, all

whom played in the Shore Sports Network All-Shore Gridiron Classic this summer: quarterback Coleton Klaus, guard John Carr, wide receiver Tanner Miick and running back Jason Giresi. "It's not very easy to do (to replace these players); we've lost kids that have played for us for two years and eight kids are not easy to replace," Vircillo said. "However, we do have a young man who played wide receiver and backed up as a quarterback (Dylan Gudzak) and who has all the capability of being a very good quarterback and we're replacing the receivers and they're young, but pretty good. They're learning on the fly and I expect them to be solid." The biggest hurdle they're trying to overcome is replacing players like John Carr and others on the offensive line. "We have our center returning, Shane Richardson, and guard Anthony Krueger, but the others are new," Vircillo said. "It's (players such as) Ray Agosto (senior tackle) and Luke Kern (senior tight end) who played some last year and now come back to the offensive line." "We're really looking for the younger kids to step up and show what they're made of," Krueger said. "We're (the seniors) just trying to show them what Lacey football is all about, going out there and having a good time and doing what we have to do." The Lions will need to rely on their depth this year after the running back Vircillo anticipated being the starter to replace Giresi, Cory Gudzak, is now done for the season after suffering an injury during the first scrimmage. There are a couple younger players Vircillo is looking at to take some snaps in the backfield. While Dylan Gudzak will take the starting quarterback position replacing Klaus, at running back will be junior Justin Gorski, who Vircillo says has "all the speed in the world" and is a breakaway threat. The other running back getting another share of the carries will be sophomore Chase Granit, who is more of a power back. They'll build up the receiving corp again after losing players like Miick with players like junior Donovan Bacchetta.

2017 Record: 7-3 (5-2) While building the offense back up is their tallest task Vircillo, and the coaches can breathe easier knowing they have some key defensive players coming back this season, and so far in training camp, they're ﬂying to the ball. "We have more experience (on defense) and we're going to rely on that to try and reduce the scoring of the opponent," Vircillo said. "We feel the mobility and speed of our defense has improved over the last ﬁve years." "I think defense is probably the number one part of the game," senior linebacker Quint Kearns said. "I think that'll be key to our success this year." Whether it's a returning starter or a player competing for a starting job, there's plenty of talent on this year's Lions roster. "We think that our one safety, Eric Green, has been playing very solid football, we feel our linebackers have been playing solid and we have a couple very young people on the defensive line, but they're strong and they move well," Vircillo said. "We have two sophomore defensive lineman, Vinny Ceglie and Gerard O'Connor, who have shown a great deal of potential and capability at that position." Vircillo says they also have junior basketball player Jordan Cohen joining the team this year to play some tight end and defensive line. While the Lions are coming off a 7-3 season in 2017, they're taking nothing for granted this season as they make the transition from the B South to the Constitution Division playing teams like Ocean, who they open up against in Week 0 on the road, and Manalapan, who they close out the season against on the road. Vircillo isn't looking too far ahead in terms of a playoff push right now. "It's lofty to talk about all this because we're in a very tough league," Vircillo said. "We hope to be competitive in our league. What we're going to shoot for right now is to be as tight a competitive team as we can be in our opener against Ocean Township."

Piner Pride Runs Deep

By:

Gregg Lerner

SSN Contributor

ante Morris is a byproduct of Piner Pride. Yes, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior looks like he’s been chiseled from granite, a physical specimen who Lakewood will hang a good deal of its hopes on as the most recent two-way star pumped from its prosperous pipeline. But, to measure Morris solely on qualities related to sports is to applaud a small piece of a far greater picture.

Head Coach: Fri 9/7 Sat 9/15 Sat 9/22 sat 9/29 Sat 10/6 Sat 0/13 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26 Thur 11/22

@Wall 7pm @Marlboro noon Jackson Mem. 1pm Southern 1pm Lacey 2pm RFH 1pm @Manchester 7pm @Brick 7pm @TR South 11am

Offense: Shotgun Wing-T D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: T.J Paturzo, Jr., QB

Not only is Paturzo the new kid in town – a transfer from Toms River North – he has the unenviable task of filling a void left by Zyheir Jones. Head coach L.J. Clark has defused the burden by asking the junior not to shoot for his predecessor’s gaudy numbers, but to carve a niche for himself. A stable of talented runners will deflect some of the pressure off Paturzo, but beware of his live arm. Stack the box and he’s gonna make someone pay.

X -FACTOR:

Haaziq Barksdale, So., RB/LB

With the Piners leaning on their running backs to fuel the offense, such a request is music to the ears of the elusive sophomore. The younger brother of former Lakewood star Amir Tyler, Barksdale’s 5-foot-7, 160-pound frame conveniently ducks behind his offensive line in a coy version of hide-and-go-seek. If defenders can’t initially find him, chances are they’ll be turning around just in time to watch him spring into daylight. iMPACT NEWCOMER: Antonio Cummings, Sr., WR/CB Clark sees a lot to get excited about regarding the 6-foot-2, 180-pound first-year player. Besides intriguing physical attributes, Cummings is versatile, one of many three-sport participants on the roster. But, it’s his high competitive threshold that Lakewood will bank on in terms of locking down receivers on the perimeter.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 22 vs. Jackson Mem.

Few things elicit the best from Lakewood more so than when it’s considered an underdog. The Piners, who, along with Point Boro, were the measuring stick in B South over the last ﬁve years, bear the weight of a loaded schedule against squads that may outnumber them in manpower. But don't be surprised what this crew is able to accomplish through talent, sheer pride and a steely resolve to create artistry with what is at its disposal. The Piners are anxious to see how they stack up against perennial heavyweights. A strong performance against the Jaguars could go a long way toward deﬁning Lakewood.

L.J. Clark, 8 th season Career Record: 38-34 Assist ant Coaches: Evan Baubles (off. coord./OL/DL); Lewis Peccarelli (def. coord./RB/LB); Devron Clark (WR/DB/special teams); Tim Brown (asst. coach); Bob Terrigno, Zeke Suhbban (freshmen); Tim Reddan, Mike Muth, John Frye (asst. coaches.;

2017 Record: 6-5 (3-4 in B South)

(L-R)

KEVIN RODRIGUEZ, HAAZIQ BARKSDALE, DANTE MORRIS, TYE PIERCE, ERIC RICE AND SINCERE MOORE

Morris is much deeper, intellectual as a model classroom ambassador and involved in extracurricular activities outside competitive arenas that epitomize the essence of what an ideal student-athlete resembles. A strong representative of what head coach L,J, Clark has spent his tenure trying to build; not just a program respected for accomplishments but admired for the character within it that continues to lay the groundwork of success.“I take being a leader very serious,” noted Morris. “I see myself as a good role model for all the athletes here. I want to work hard, have a positive attitude

and hope for the best. I’d like to be remembered as an important part of Lakewood. That’s all I want.” By all accounts, Morris is ahead of the curve. His exemplary work rate, studious profile and values for being diverse are all traits embedded within Lakewood, the cornerstones that best describe an integral part of what Piner Pride is all about and how it will determine the path taken by an eager ensemble set to embark. “Dante Morris is a genetic freak,” said Clark, entering his eighth season with the intentions of steering Lakewood to a

seventh straight playoff appearance. “He’s also one of the best kids in the world. He comes from a great family. His mom and dad have done a great job raising him. He was a District 23 wrestling champion at 220 (pounds), ran the 100 meters in track and is just an overall good person. He does everything you can ask from a kid.” One request for Morris will be to serve as the beacon for a team primed for a progressive jump in competition. The Piners, who will challenge for a berth in South Jersey Group 4, are members of the Constitution Division, which includes Jackson Memorial, Southern, Marlboro, Lacey and Wall. It’s a safe bet all five will outsize Lakewood – whose numbers are on an upswing - in terms of roster size - but will have to offset a group that’s never wasted time taking a head count because it’s too consumed with compensating through hustle and heart.

Oh yeah, add in muscle to the equation. The Piners are going to be strong across the offensive front, which returns all five starters, making it by far the most experienced unit of the team. Tye Pierce (5-8, 255), a senior and four-year starter, will anchor the line at center, flanked by classmates Eric Rice (6-0, 300) and Kevin Rodriguez (5-10, 255) at the guards and juniors Francisco Santillan (6-1, 210) and Kevin Rybakowski (6-3, 295) manning the tackles. “They all started every game for us last year and we did a pretty good job running,” noted Clark. “At any level, it all starts up front and our kids got a lot bigger and stronger. If you can control the line of scrimmage, you have a good shot.” Morris and sophomore Haaziq Barksdale, the younger brother of former Lakewood star Amir Tyler, who is currently at Temple, will be entrusted to move the chains as the key cogs of the running attack. Their styles may vary, but their output could be similar. Although quick, Morris will give just as good as he gets when administering contact charging through a hole while the 5-foot-7, 160-pound Barksdale is more reliant on an array of slick cuts and sudden bursts to complete a thunderand-lightning combination. Also, pay close attention to juniors Josh Gonzalez (5-8, 170) and Ja’mar McLeod (6-0, 210), who will anxiously await to spell either in the backfield. One of the most glaring voids Lakewood must fill is

at quarterback. Zyheir Jones, who starred as both a signal caller and defensive back, has moved on and junior T.J. Paturzo, a transfer from Toms River North, has moved in. Protected by a cohesive offensive line and dangerous running game, Paturzo’s transition to the role is somewhat eased by the components around him but he will be asked to make the right reads in the Shotgun Wing-T. Two elements Paturzo will need to incorporate are wide receivers Sincere Moore (6-2, 175) and Ty’mir Bergstrom (6-3, 170), the latter of whom grew two inches in the offseason, perfectly timed for his return to the mix after missing his sophomore year with a broken collarbone.

aggressive play calls on fourth downs and two-point conversions, Lakewood can rest easy on Mendoza’s big foot. Where Clark hopes to see a marked improvement is on the defensive side. The Piners conceded 22.5 points per game in 2017, a subtle increase when compared to the previous five years. One adjustment to rectify the issue is a move from a 3-3-5 to a 3-4. “Last year, our defense looked good on paper, but it wasn’t characteristic of Lakewood,” Clark admitted. “We have a lot more linebackers than defensive linemen so personnel has to play to the scheme. We’ll get after it on defense.” Juniors Camilo Renteria (6-1, 290) and Jaylin Overton (510, 305) will work the three techniques, bookending sophomore Angel Gonzalez (6-1, 190) on the nose as the defensive line adjust following the departure of Josh Lezin to the University of Maine. Morris and juniors Francisco Santillan (6-1, 210), Gonzalez, McLeod and Erik Torres (58, 170) form a punishing linebacking corps that will be the epicenter of the defense. Moore and junior Rodney Wall (6-1, 175) will orchestrate secondary coverage at the safeties with seniors Antonio Cummings (6-2, 180) and Naseem Brown (6-1, 170) operating on the corners.

S R . RB D A N T E M O R R I S Opponents will also have to respect an improved kicking game, keyed by sophomore Miguel Mendoza. Once handcuffed to

Photos by: Paula Lopez Photography www.palimages.com

Leap Year

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

ason Dagato’s five seasons as Marlboro head coach have marked a precipitous climb toward a .500 mark and a postseason berth. Where there was no foundation before – Marlboro graduated the vast majority of a 4-6 team right before Dagato took over – there now is one, and the Mustangs will once again attempt to jump to the next level in 2018.

Sat 9/8 Sat 9/15 Sat 9/22 Sat 9/29 Fri 10/5 Sat 10/13 Sat10/20 Sat 10/27

@Lacey 2:30pm Lakewood noon @Southern 1pm Wall noon @Jackson Mem. 7pm @Colts Neck noon Freehold Twp. noon Matawan noon

Offense: Pro Style D efense: 3-4 ___________________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Paul Damato, So., OL/DL

The Mustangs will ﬁll the open left guard spot left by Anthony Damato by calling on his younger brother, Paul, to hold down that spot. Like his brother, Paul Damato will also play on the defensive line as part of a rotation at nose guard

X -FACTOR: Passing Attack The Mustangs like working out of two-tight-end sets and Palumbo is a big-play option at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds with speed. With Justin Marcus graduated and now at Monmouth University, Palumbo will be among the top targets in the passing game while also contributing at defensive end.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Dom Palumbo, Jr., TE/DE The Mustangs like working out of two-tight-end sets and Palumbo is a big-play option at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds with speed. With Justin Marcus graduated and now at Monmouth University, Palumbo will be among the top targets in the passing game while also contributing at defensive end.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 22 at Southern At Week 3 trip to Southern marks Marlboro’s first test against a Group V school and it will come against an opponent that, like the Mustangs, finished 3-7 last year. Marlboro probably has to win at least one of its first two games (against Lacey or Lakewood) to position itself for a playoff run and if the Mustangs do get one, the trip to southern Ocean County will be a big one.

To this point, Marlboro has shown it can keep trending in the right direction despite losses to graduation, and 2018 looks to be its toughest test under Dagato based on some of the talent that graduated. That the Mustangs have plenty of reason for optimism is a good early sign. “We’re replacing some key guys, but I think we’ve seen some good things from the guys who are returning and stepping into some of those key roles,” Dagato said. “Replacing a quarterback and two very good linemen isn’t always easy but I feel we’ve had some guys step up and take advantage of the opportunity.” Marlboro’s quarterback, top running back, top receiver and top two linemen heading into last season were all seniors, but the Mustangs found a standout running back due to an injury to senior Johnny Helff. Dontrell Alston, now a senior, took over duties as the primary ball-carrier and racked up 1,233 yards on 213 attempts as a junior.

“I feel like my individual expectations should go up a lot,” Alston said. “Now that I’m a leader on the team with a lot of young guys, I feel like I’m a role model for a lot of them. Without me working hard, it’s not going to work, so I need to step up my game, do what’s best for the team and hopefully get us where we need to be.” Junior Vinny Spitalieri and sophomore Andrew Spinella will back up Alston as ball-carriers and junior Steven Cassidy is in line to play fullback, giving the Mustangs three players who will all be back in 2019 a chance to work in and contribute right now alongside their feature back. Accounting for the loss of senior wide receiver Justin Marcus – who is a freshman at Monmouth University – and quarterback Kyle Moore will determine how much Marlboro gets out of its passing game this, and to this point, the Mustangs have shown promise in that pursuit. Senior

Head Coach:

Jason Dagato, 6th season Career Record: 9-41 Assist ant Coaches:

Reid Stapp (Def. Coordinator), Jim Papalia (RB/LB/Special Teams), Tom Caporale (WR/DB), Mike Seber (QB/DB), Bill Cook (OL/DL), Cory Varrial (Freshman), Bill Opplinger (Freshman), Mark Bramble (Athletic Trainer) 2017 Record: 3-7 (2-4 in A North) Alex Schutzer has made the conversion to quarterback from receiver and is looking to hold off a challenge from sophomore Caden Lawless. “We don’t have to change the offense depending on the quarterback, but there

are some differences,” Dagato said. “Alex has a strong arm, he’s a senior and he is doing a nice job learning to put touch on his throws. Caden has a lot of touch on his throws and he’s got a really good feel for a sophomore. They are both smart players and we feel good playing either one of them.”

linebacker spots in Marlboro’s 3-4 look, which will rely on a pool of players to cover the four spots. Cassidy is a clear candidate at one outside linebacker, while senior Josh Larys, senior Andrew Frydman, senior Jake Feiss, senior Jake Leonard and junior Anthony Carcaldi all vie for time at the three other spots.

“We feel really good about the guys on the line and at linebacker," Dagato said. "We don’t really know who is going to come out on top of those position battles, but the competition has been really good and whoever we end up going with is going to be somebody we’re comfortable with.”

Schutzer had success with his group of receivers over the summer in the 7-on-7 circuit, namely returning senior starter Malik Carey. After Carey, senior Matt Budveit is settling in as the No. 2 receiver with sophomore Nick Wright, junior Christian Puleo and junior Christian Trombetta providing depth. Senior Billy Delaney and junior Dom Palumbo will be the tight ends, with Palumbo showing some athleticism and big-play ability so far, according to Dagato.

Carey and Alston bring plenty of experience and ability back to the secondary as the two safeties, while Budveit also returns at cornerback. Spitalieri has distinguished himself as the other cornerback opposite Budveit, but Wright and Lawless figure to see the field in some packages as well.

“There are about eight to 10 guys we can throw on the field at linebacker at any time,” Cassidy said. “It just makes everyone work harder in camp. It makes you want to step up and take one of those spots.”

“The skill guys looked strong in 7-on-7’s, the line is getting better every day so everything looks like it’s coming together pretty good,” Delaney said. Anthony Damato and Chris Manginelli were All-Shore Gridiron Classic selections as seniors last year and were the core of a strong offensive line. Although replacing both will be a tall order, the Mustangs otherwise return three starters up front in senior right tackle Charlie Marinello, junior center Alan Volant and senior left guard Jordan Hanley. Damato’s younger brother, Paul, will take over the left guard post for his brother as a sophomore while the battle to replace Manginelli at left tackle is ongoing between senior Gabe Goykhman, junior Adam Mirza and sophomore Angelo Tropeano.

Marlboro’s move away from some of the Class A North goliaths of recent years could also contribute to the team’s first winning season since the early 2000’s, but there are still some challenges on the schedule. Wall appears primed for a rebound season, Jackson Memorial and Southern are two more big schools with which to contend and Lacey and Lakewood have been tough opponents year-to-year, as well. The nondivisional schedule makes up the final four weeks of the season, with matchups against Colts Neck, Freehold Township, Matawan and Barnegat. “We’re coming along quicker than I expected in a few areas, so I’m cautiously optimistic,” Dagato said. “Our schedule is still tough, but not having to play Manalapan in Week 1 will be nice. I know the idea behind the new divisions is to make it more competitive, so after competing in A North I expect us to be competitive every week.”

“The guys who we lost were better players than the guys replacing them, so we’re going to have to figure out how to make that up,” Hanley said. “The line is where it all starts for us so the guys who are back, we have to be better than we were last year so we’re not asking the new guys to take on more than they are ready to handle.” Palumbo and Delaney will be the defensive ends alongside a rotation at nose guard that includes Damato, Hanley and Marinello. The defensive line is more settled than the

(L-R)

STEVEN CASSIDY (22), MALIK CAREY (2), DOM PALUMBO (27), ALLEN VOLANT (58) & DONTRELL ALSTON (6)

Regaining Their Identity I

By: Bob Badders managing editor

n Chuck Donohue Sr.’s 44 years as a high school football head coach, few have been as frustrating as the 2017 season. Injuries and inconsistency were the main culprits that produced a 3-7 season, the Rams’ worst finish in over a decade.

Head Coach: C huck Donohue Sr., 21st season (44 overall) Career Record: 109-96 th

Fri 9/7 Sat 9/15 Sat 9/22 Sat 9/29 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Sat 10/27

Jackson Mem. 7pm @Lacey 1pm Marlboro 1pm @Lakewood 1pm Wall 7pm @Central 7pm Howell 7pm @TR North noon

Assist ant Coaches:

(L-R) LUKE GALAN (13), JOE GUGLIELMO (32) AND

Offense: Pro Style D efense: 4-4 ___________________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Joe Guglielmo, Sr., RB/LB Guglielmo played on both sides of the ball last year in spelling Joe Miele at both running back and inside linebacker, and this year his roles will increase exponentially as a two-way starter. Miele was a four-year starter and a Class A South All-Division selection last year.

X -FACTOR:

Quarterback Play Head coach Chuck Donohue Sr. likes Southern’s collection of running backs and is bullish on the group of offensive linemen to deliver a power rushing attack. Whether it’s Carmen Deo or Cole Robinson at quarterback, the Rams will beneﬁt greatly from a passer who can manage the offense, move the chains, take care of the ball and play within the system.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Josh Echandia, Sr., OL/DL Echandia will start at left guard and is also part of a deep rotation along the defensive line.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 vs. Jackson Mem. After playing in Week 0 the last two years the Rams got their wish and were moved off playing opening weekend. They desperately want to start the season with a win, and to do so will have to take down a Jackson team that looks to be the division favorite.

LIAM ANDERSON (70)

“We were ﬁlling holes all season, and the game where we were the healthiest we ended up losing two kids for the year,” Donohue said. “Against Atlantic City we played four defensive backs that had maybe one or two starts between the four of them because everybody was hurt. We had some kids who didn’t play how we thought they would and we were just never the same team week by week. It was just one of those years.” This year’s seniors also admitted last year’s team wasn’t as cohesive as it needed to be. A big focus this offseason was getting everybody on the same page and working toward a common goal. “Last year I think we had a bunch of individuals who just wanted to make big plays, so just playing as a team was the main thing we’ve worked on in the offseason,” said senior running back/linebacker Joe Guglielmo. “If we play as a team, play hard, play fast, we’ll be alright.”

yards and three touchdowns. Guglielmo will start the season at fullback until senior Pat Scully is fully recovered from a shoulder injury suffered last season. Guglielmo will then shift to tailback where last season he ran for 432 yards and six touchdowns on just 56 carries. Seniors Rob Gunnell, Thomas Barnett and Galan will also see time in the backﬁeld. The Rams will frequently use double tight end sets with a four-man rotation of seniors Kevin Lanahan, J.T. Cornelius (6-4, 215), Connor Dombecki and 6-foot-4, 220-pound sophomore Jay Silva. Senior Zach Hem returns as a starting wide receiver and will be joined by seniors Schneider Juste, Matt Caporrino and Nick Sinatra.

From an X and O standpoint, Southern will be turning back the clock with both its offensive and defensive schemes to regain its identity of physical play. Offensively, Southern will ditch the Delaware Wing-T it used last season and go with a multiple offense that will feature spread, I-formation and pro-style sets.

The offensive line returns only one starter but is a unit Donohue envisions being a strength of the team. Senior Liam Anderson (6-4, 260) returns as the left tackle with senior Josh Echandia at left guard and junior Colby Saxton at right tackle. The center will be either senior Noah Westpy or junior Sebastian Cervetto. The right guard spot is between Cervetto and junior Nick Velardi. Junior Jayden Smith is also in the mix for playing time at tackle.

“Using more spread this year and moving back to the 'I' we used to run, I feel like it gives the running backs more of a chance to see the play develop,” Guglielmo said.

“I think we’re taking advantage of a faster line,” Anderson said. “We don’t have many big guys – I’m probably the biggest one – so we’re taking advantage of having athleticism.”

“Freshman year we didn’t run the Wing-T so we’re still pretty familiar with the 'I' and split formations,” said senior running back/linebacker Luke Galan. “I think it will make it harder to game plan against us.”

“I really think our strength is going to be both lines, as crazy as that sounds,” Donohue said. “Their mental state is very good and the fact we can go double tight (ends) will give us a really good advantage and help stop pressure from the edge.”

Senior Carmen Deo, who started toward the end of last season, and junior Cole Robinson have both been working at quarterback and battling for the starting position. In ﬁve games last season, Deo threw for 306

Southern ran a 50 front defense last season and will move to a 4-4 this year. The Rams will use a deep

Matt Abbato (def. coordinator); Dylan Larson (OL/DL); C.J. Tomelden (RB/OLB); Eric Sharkey (WR/DB); Eric Fierro (QB); Chuck Donohue Jr. (OL); Andrew Beckett, Joe Fleck, Dan Roy (freshmen); Nick Scaramazza (athletic trainer); John Kaszuba (Dir. of Football Operations); Jason Lister, Dan Abbato, Rob Barrett (middle school); Evan Osborne, Zack Mantesanna (volunteers). 2017 Record: 3-7 (3-4)

rotation along the defensive line with Anderson, Saxton, Echandia, Smith and senior Matt Flores (6-2, 245) at defensive tackle. Juste, Lanahan, Dombecki and Silva will rotate at defensive end. Guglielmo played signiﬁcant snaps at inside linebacker last season and will start there this year. Cervetto moves from the defensive line to inside linebacker while senior Trevor Gouveia has also been working in. Barnett and sophomore Hank Gallacher also in the mix. Galan started at safety last season and slides down to outside linebacker along with Gunnell and junior Christian Torres. Senior Dupreme Holland is a returning starter at cornerback with Sinatra and Caporrino working at the other cornerback spot. Hem returns as the safety with Robinson backing him up. “The 4-4 helps us play man against teams in the spread,” Galan said. “I like the 4-4 better. I’m in the alley this year not at safety and everything just feels more natural. I think it’s a good look for us.” “Hem and Galan can get people lined up and handle adjustments, and they communicate well,” Donohue said. “They’re very smart and are guys who take a lot of pressure off other players. They’re comfortable doing it and it doesn’t affect their play.” Hem will handle both the kicking and punting duties on special teams. Southern will play in the Constitution Division this year with Jackson Memorial, Wall, Marlboro, Lakewood and Lacey. They’ll open the season against the longtime Class A South rival Jaguars. “We’ve been playing Jackson our whole lives going back to AYF, so we know the kids we’re playing against,” Galan said. “They’re tough, but we’ll be ready. Obviously we’ll be amped up for the game and hopefully we can pull through.”

All On the Line J

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

oe Fardella was part of an inexperienced offensive line in 2017 that had some very big shoes – both literally and figuratively – to fill after the Wall football team rode its powerful front to an NJSIAA South Jersey Group 3 championship in 2016.

Head Coach: Fri Fri Fri Sat Fri Fri Fri Thur

9/7 9/14 9/21 9/29 10/5 10/12 10/26 11/22

Tony Grandinetti, 2nd season Career Record: 5-6

Lakewood 7pm @Jackson Mem. 7pm Lacey 7pm @Marlboro noon @Southern 7pm Long Branch 7pm Neptune 7pm @Manasquan 11am

Assist ant Coaches: Jeremy Balina (Def. Coordinator); Mike Cerminero (QB); Bob Grace (RB); Freddie Sprengal Jr. (WR); Derek Gardner (TE); Brian Duffy (OL); Timmy Heaney (DL); James Cadigan (DL); Kyle Watson (LB); Joe Laferlita (DB); Victor Rivera, Mike Galos, Matt McDonough, Dan Shine (freshmen); Brendan McDermott (athletic trainer).

( L - R ) T A N N E R P O W E R S (83), D Y L A N R I C H E Y (7),

2017 Record: 5-6 (1-5 in B North)

M A T T D E S A R N O (24) & C A S E Y L A R K I N (23)

Offense: Pro Style D efense: 4-4 ___________________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Tommy Schneider, Sr., LB Tim McKernan was among the leading tacklers in the Shore last season and Schneider will step in to ﬁll the void left at his middle linebacker spot. Not only was McKernan an impact performer last year, he was also an integral part of Wall’s 2016 South Jersey Group 3 championship team. It is a spot that comes with leadership responsibility and Grandinetti expects Schneider to be up to the task.

X -FACTOR:

Dylan Richey, Sr., QB/CB Richey moves from receiver to quarterback and will give the Crimson Knights a different dynamic than they have had in each of the past two seasons. He will also be a key part of a secondary that’s a little shorter on experience as compared with the front seven.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Casey Larkin, So., RB/DB Wall projects to ride a two-headed running back monster and Larkin is the burner of the duo. He is also the younger brother of Sean Larkin, who carried the rushing load in 2016 for the South Jersey Group 3 championship team.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 vs. Jackson Mem. A trip to the jungle in Jackson will provide an early look at what might be possible this year for the Crimson Knights. The Jaguars always boast a strong team, and if Wall is up to the challenge against a Group 5 opponent there are a lot of power points to be had.

The benefit of a young offensive line is it won’t be young for long, and Wall will once again have an experienced offensive line that has the confidence of head coach Tony Grandinetti. Although he was not the head coach in 2016, Grandinetti was the offensive line coach on that state championship team and this year’s team will look to absorb the personality of its line like it did during its title run. “You look back at last year and we had some skill guys coming back from that championship team but our line was brand new,” Grandinetti said. “To expect those guys to pick up where the group before them left off was not a reasonable expectation, so we knew we were going to have to be a little patient with them. “This year is totally different. Those guys learned a lot and got better during the course of the year and now it’s a very

experienced group. Last year it was kind of a question mark and this year, it’s probably our greatest strength, which is the kind of team we want to be.” Fardella returns to left tackle this year and senior teammates Ian Ackerman and Brady Scott are back with him. Ackerman will again play right guard while Scott is making the move from center to right tackle. Wall does have two new starters on the line in sophomore left guard Grant Puharic and senior center “It’s the same feel as when we won a state championship,” Fardella said. “Those guys never went down and came at us hard in practice, and it showed us what it takes to be a champion. Although we never got to step on the field because our offensive line was so strong it taught us everything we needed to know. This year we have a really good sense of what we

need to do.” Returning senior tight end Tanner Powers will add to both the power up front and the prowess in the passing game. Of all the returning skill-position players, Powers is the most entrenched in his role. “If you watch all of our games last year, it was a one-or-two-score game at halftime and we just didn’t make the plays toward the end of the game that the other team was making,” Powers said. “I think that was largely due to the inexperience we had: five new starters on the line. Now we’re returning those guys and we know what plays have to be made.” Wall has a handful of other experienced players who will touch the ball, many of whom will be playing more prominent roles this year. The most notable adjustment is the move of senior Dylan Richey from wide receiver to quarterback, which will come

with a change to the offensive approach. Richey’s athleticism will make Wall a more run-oriented a team, as it was in 2016. “Dylan’s going to add a new dimension to our offense with his athleticism and his ability to run the ball,” Grandinetti said. “He’s not afraid of contact and while we don’t necessarily want him taking too many hits, running the ball is one of his many strengths, so that’s one more thing to defend.” “I played quarterback coming up, but with Eddie Scott here I played receiver because that’s what the team needed and that’s what got me on the field,” Richey said. “I’m a different quarterback than Eddie but I still feel really comfortable in the offense because I was running it in practice and studying it last year.” Senior Matt DeSarno and sophomore Casey Larkin will be the running back tandem, one Grandinetti sees more as having two interchangeable backs rather than complimentary runners. “Both guys are very fast and tough,” Grandinetti said. “They run inside, they both can get to the outside. Larkin is probably more of the speed back, by DeSarno is fast too so we don’t have to change what we do depending on who is on the field.” Junior Teddy Sharkey and senior Mike Galos are the top returning receivers and will be Richey’s top targets now that he is not a target himself. The defensive line is not quite as settled as the offensive line only because the nose guard will be a rotation. Ackerman and senior Connor Molloy will be the two defensive ends in Wall’s three-man front. Senior Tommy Schneider is one of the middle linebackers and will be tasked with leading the corps

now that standout Tim McKernan has graduated. Kamaal Cofer and Powers are two more seniors who will figure prominently into the picture at linebacker. While the offensive line is Wall’s likely strength on offense, the secondary might win that distinction on defense. Richey and Sharkey will be the top two cornerbacks while the backfield duo of DeSarno and Larkin will be the safeties. “Last year we had some guys in the front seven, like Tim, who made a lot of plays for us,” Richey said. “There’s probably a little less experience up there this year but I feel like we’ll be able to make even more plays. As a secondary, we’re just trying to push everybody and e n c o u r a g e everybody.” Like every other team in the Shore Conference, Wall’s new schedule is likely to alter its outlook to some degree. Considering the Crimson Knights are leaving a relentless Class B North division to join the new Constitution division, that outlook could benefit the Crimson Knights. There is no

easy game among the new field – which includes Jackson Memorial, Lakewood, Lacey, Marlboro, and Southern – but Wall no longer has to overcome the likes of Red Bank Catholic, Middletown South, Middletown North, Long Branch and Manasquan. “We have Lakewood coming in on September 7 and we’re going to have to do our studying,” Gradinetti said. “It’s new teams, it’s new styles, different matchups, so that’s definitely going to be a different dynamic over the course of the year, but it’s different for just about every team in the Shore. Before we worry about who we’re playing, we have to get Wall ready to play.”

S R . QB D Y L A N R I C H E Y

Reloaded to Repeat N

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

ot only did Long Branch win its first NJSIAA title in nearly two decades on the final play of overtime in the NJSIAA Group 4 final – the Green Wave did so after winning just two games the previous year.

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Thur

8/31 9/7 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26 11/22

@Hammonton TR East @Ocean TR South @RBC @Wall Manalapan @Brick Mem. Red Bank

Head Coach: Dan George, 22 nd season Career Record: 143-82

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 10Am

Assist ant Coaches: Chad King (Def. coordinator/DB); Ben Woolley (co-off. coordinator/OL); Greg Penta (co-off. coordinator/QB); Kris Parker (special teams/WR); Terry King (RB); John Jasio (DL); Shawn Brown (LB); Eric Peters, Jamil Pitts (freshmen), Kim Small (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 9-3 (5-1 in B North) (L-R)

Offense: Pro/I-Formation D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

D E V Y N B L O U N T (4), H U N T E R M E T Z L E R (58), J E R M A I N E C O R B E T T (3), L U K E A R N O L D (2), M A R C D E N N I S (10) A N D K E V I N C E R R U T I (53),

fter capping a feel-good, storybook season in 2017, Long Branch returns enough talent to make a serious run at the program’s first successful state title defense, but the chip on its collective shoulder has been replaced by a bullseye on its back.

Marc Dennis, Sr., QB/DB Juwan Wilkins was one of three Shore Conference quarterbacks to pass for more than 2,000 yards last year and Dennis is not likely to match that number. He can, however, add an element of creativity and speed to the position while also leading a secondary that lost two key starters.

While Long Branch does return a good deal of impact talent from last year’s team, it will have to replace a senior class that set the tone from day one of camp in 2017 as a hungry group eager to prove that the lumps they took in 2016 (3-7 record) and 2017 (2-8) were not in vain. This year’s senior group, on the other hand, is out to prove that last year was just the beginning of a Long Branch resurgence.

X -FACTOR:

Front Seven With a deep group of defensive linemen and a strong set of returning linebackers, Long Branch has a chance to boast a dominant defense. Even if the secondary needs some time to gel, the front seven could be the anchor to one of the Shore’s top defense if it performs to its potential.

“Everybody wants a shot at Long Branch now,” senior tackle Kevin Cerruti said. “We have a lot of important guys coming back and the guys we’re missing from last year, we have some talented guys to replace them. We look really good, we have a really good shot to repeat, but we’re the seniors now. We want to know what it’s like to go out winners.”

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jayon Ferrara, So., WR/DB Coaches and players alike have been singing the praises of Ferrara, who might be the answer to ﬁlling the hole left by All-Shore receiver and current Monmouth freshman T.J. Fosque. If nothing else, Ferrara will help plug some holes this year as he develops into one of the Shore’s top players in the years to come.

One of the seniors to lead Long Branch last year was quarterback Juwan Wilkins, who split time at

quarterback in 2016 before winning the job outright ahead of last season and repaying coach Dan George’s confidence by leading the Green Wave to a state title. The man with whom he split time in 2016 was Marc Dennis, who is now prepared to step in and take over the position full time. While Wilkins did win the job on his performance and senior leadership, another advantage to handing over the offense to Wilkins was Dennis’s ability as a slot receiver and a cornerback. He made a major impact on both sides of the ball as a junior and is set to do the same in 2018, this time as a quarterback and a safety. “I like the pressure,” Dennis said. “Big shoes to fill because of everything that Juwan did when he was here, but he is still in contact with me and encouraging me. I think we’ll be able to make the transition.” Wilkins and Dennis split time two years ago, in part, because of the contrast in their respective styles. Wilkins turned himself into an adept pocket passer with an ability to scramble while Dennis has

been more of a run-first threat with an ability to spread the ball around as well. With that in mind, George expects the offense to look different with Dennis under center but doesn’t expect to miss a beat. “I kind of like the differences (between Juwan and me),” Dennis said. “I bring more of a running aspect to the offense and I can throw too. Juwan could run too, but he was more of a passer. I think it will give the defense another thing to watch out for, so I like bringing that extra dimension to the offense.” “We have been careful with him in the preseason, making sure he’s not running too much, so he is eager to lose the harness and start making plays,” George said. “He brings so much to the table that we have to build the offense around what he can do. I’ve said it the last two years: he is ready and now it’s finally his opportunity.” Dennis and the offense have plenty going for them beyond the quarterback position. Three starters return to the offensive line in Cerruti (a Second Team SSN All-Shore selection), guard Hunter Metzler and

Long Branch

Continued page 54

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 5 at Red Bank Catholic Long Branch came up short against the Caseys last year and that was the difference in the B North title chase, which RBC won by a game over Long Branch. The Caseys figure to be among the Shore’s top teams, but Long Branch will have some good matchups in the game as long as the Green Wave can get to October relatively healthy.

THE SHORE CONFERENCE IS ALWAYS FULL OF SUPERSTAR FOOTBALL PLAYERS, AND THE 2017 SEASON SHOWCASED THAT IN A WAY NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES. Last season saw Freehold quarterback Ashante Worthy set conference and state records for rushing yards, total touchdowns and combined yards. Manalapan quarterback Naim Mayfield set a conference record for rushing touchdowns and the state record for points in a single season. Howell quarterback Eddie Morales accounted for nearly 3,000 yards between rushing and passing to go along with 36 touchdowns. Rumson-Fair Haven’s Peter Lucas set a school record with over 2,100 yards rushing and 31 touchdowns. St. John Vianney’s Johnny Buchanan had an incredible two-way season as a running back and linebacker for the No. 1 team in the Shore. It was, without question, the greatest statistical season in the history of Shore Conference football. The aforementioned players have graduated, along with many more who monster seasons. Those were superstars of last year, which begs question: who’s next?

all had the the

Even with those legends of the fall moving on to college, the Shore Conference is still stocked with standout players ready to ball out in 2018. There are dynamic dualthreat quarterbacks, mountain-like offensive linemen, dominating defensive linemen, tackling machine linebackers and do-it-all players the likes of which their teams would be lost without. Those are the players who will define the 2018 Shore Conference football season.

By:

Bob Badders managing

editor

They are the game changers.

St. John Vianney finished the 2017 season as the No. 1 team in the Shore, and a main reason was an explosive offense that averaged a conference-best 43.7 points per game. The engine behind that high-octane output was a running game that bulldozed its way to 3,354 yards on an average of 8.3 yards per carry. The Lancers’ offensive line was dominant, and one of its leaders was the 6foot-5, 285-pound monster at right tackle. Hanson’s physical stature and impressive game tape netted him an offer from Rutgers, and he committed to the Scarlet Knights in June. Hanson is a cornerstone player for the Lancers this season as they were hit very hard by graduation. He is one of only a handful of returning starters and is a leader on both sides of the ball for a team that rides a 38-game Shore Conference winning streak into the season. Hanson isn’t just big, he’s also very athletic. He’s a standout goalie for the Lancers’ lacrosse team, as well, but he can run the field like a midfielder. As a sophomore he had a memorable sequence where he made a save and took off down the field, plowing through helpless defenders and juking others before getting off a shot on goal. Hanson’s presence, as well as that of guard Paul Liseno, will be the key cogs of St. John Vianney’s offensive line that will look to pave the way for Kavon Chambers to have big year.

From his first stint as Red Bank Catholic head coach where he had future NFL running back Donald Brown to his time spent as a personell man and scout with NCAA and NFL teams, Frank Edgerly has seen his fare share of talented players. Last season and this year, his starting quarterback will be Steve Lubischer, a Boston College recruit who can do everything Edgerly would ask from a signal-caller in his pro-style offense. A refined passer with the outsidethe-pocket ability of a running back or wide receiver, Lubischer burst onto the scene in his first year as a starter with 1,810 yards passing and 18 touchdowns plus 496 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on an average of 9.9 yards per carry. He piloted an RBC offense that averaged 39.8 points and 427 yards per game. “This kid can legitimately make plays from anywhere on the field,” Edgerly said. “But what separates him from the masses that I’ve had an been around at multiple levels is his ability to work off schedule. He has the ability when something’s not there or when something falls apart to create and generate. That’s not something we can take credit for. God gave him that ability and it shows.” Lubischer’s ability to do whatever was necessary was a major part of Red Bank Catholic’s success last year and one of the main reasons the Caseys start the year as the No. 1 team in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. He was 8-for10 for 184 yards and two touchdowns in the Caseys’ emphatic 47-10 win over Middletown South in last season’s opening-game that announced their return as an elite team in the Shore. The next week he completed 8 of 12 passes for 118 yards and two scores and also ran for 134 yards and a touchdown as RBC dropped 60 on Middletown North. He was 8 of 11 for

174 yards and three TDs in a 49-12 destruction of Colonia, threw for 257 yards in a win over Red Bank and was 8 of 10 for 247 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Manasquan. In a win over eventual Central Jersey Group 4 champion Long Branch he accounted for 227 yards and four touchdowns. Lubischer has some very good players around him, including 6-foot-5 Notre Damebound junior tight end Kevin Bauman. But just as those players help him be the best quarterback he can be, he also elevates the play of his teammates. His ability to beat a defense in a variety of ways is what has made him a great high school quarterback and an FBS recruit. “He can stress a defense because he can throw the ball from multiple launch points, in the pocket and on the move, and has the ability to extend the play,” Edgerly said. “His ability now when running lanes open up to really do something beyond the line of scrimmage puts stress on your defense in terms of how you’re scheming and on your players. You can’t drop coverage, because if you do that he’s going to find you. If you play back, he’s going to run. Having that dual threat after the snap is a tremendous weapon to have.” Lubischer worked on his overall game during the offseason, most notably his footwork and moving in the pocket while still maintaining concentration down the field for his secondary reads to open up. From a physical standpoint, he packed on some muscle, and his athleticism is striking. He wowed teammates during a training session by landing a 69-inch box jump. “His overall game has elevated,” Edgerly said. “He’s bigger and stronger than last year. He grew an inch and a half and put on 25 pounds, and he’s gotten faster. Then, in terms of his comfort level and outright command of the offense it allows everything to speed up for us. When you couple that with guys like Bauman and (senior wide receiver) Jaden Key, guys who have been in the system now for three years, it really does accelerate the process of everyone around him.” Lubischer and the Caseys have lofty goals for 2018. They want to reign supreme in the Shore Conference again and raise another state championship. RBC has plenty of talent all over the field, but if the team is to reach the top of the mountain it will certainly be with Lubischer leading the way.

Does Brick’s Cole Groschel have a favorite position on the football field? Of course. “Wherever the ball’s going,” he said. “I’ll play anywhere.” Play anywhere and do everything is precisely what Groschel has done throughout his career in the green and white. No player in the Shore embodies what it means to be a utility player quite like Groschel, who starred at multiple positions last season to lead the Green Dragons to the Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals. His first position is listed as wide receiver, and as a wideout last season he caught 34 passes for 451 yards and five touchdowns. Groschel ran the ball, too, whether it be out of the slot or directly in the backfield. He was Brick’s leading rusher with 746 yards and eight touchdowns on an average of nearly seven yards per carry. When Jimmy Leblo and Anthony Prato went down with injuries he took the reigns of the Dragons’ offense as their quarterback. Groschel was also a standout defensive back and finished with 55 tackles and tied for second in the Shore with five interceptions.

See

Game Cahngers page 52 51

Game Cahngers from page 51 Groschel was one of the few linchpins for Brick who didn’t miss time with an injury last season. With Leblo, Prato and others out with injuries during the middle of the season, Groschel helped keep the Dragons afloat as they clung to a playoff spot. His signature game came in the first round of the playoffs when Brick beat defending champion Allentown, 28-0, and Groschel accounted for all four touchdowns. He caught a touchdown pass from Leblo, threw two touchdown passes and also ran for a touchdown in an effort that showed exactly how valuable of a player he is. “That kind of versatility is huge,” said Brick head coach Len Zdanowicz. “Cole did some amazing things in the playoffs and held the team together with some of the injuries we had to key players. He was always there. Having him back as the special player he is with the ability to throw the ball, run the ball and catch the ball, we’re going to do it all with the kid. It’s great to have a kid that versatile who is willing to do whatever it takes.” Brick has nearly its entire team back on both sides of the ball, so the goals are predictably high for the Dragons. If one of the Shore’s most storied programs is to bring home another state championship this season, you can be sure Groschel will be right in the middle doing a little bit of everything.

The Holy Cross recruit was a First Team All-Shore tight end after posting 38 receptions for 671 yards and e i g h t touchdowns for an average of 17.7 yards per catch. He had two 100-yard games, including a season-high 155 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Manchester. Morris was also an impact player at defensive end where he recorded 41 tackles, 15 of which came for a loss, along with 3.5 sacks, 14 hurries, two interceptions, one pick-six, three forced fumbles and two safeties. For a veteran Bengals team that is eying a return to the postseason, Morris’s presence means everything.

“He has that instinct,” said Schulte of Bulldogs senior linebacker Keegan Woods. “You can drill it all you want and some don’t get it. Keegan just gets it. He does things so naturally where others may hesitate. Linebacker is just a natural position for him.” had

A starter since his sophomore year along with classmate Christian Lanzalotto, Woods is one half of the best linebacking duo in the Shore Conference. Rumson is hellbent on getting back to a state final and delivering Rumson it’s fifth championship in six years, and if they can do so, Woods will literally be right in the middle of the act

Barnegat senior Sean Morris had a breakout season in 2017, and it came on both sides of the ball.

Rumson-Fair Haven head coach Jerry Schulte knows defense, and he also knows the traits that define a great linebacker are present in a player well before they get to him.

Woods

season as a junior in the middle of one of the Shore Conference’s best defenses, setting a school record with 155 tackles and adding four sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception to help Rumson reach a fifth consecutive NJSIAA sectional championship game. He led the Shore in tackles and was fourth in the state in stops, earning him SSN First Team All-Shore honors.

“He’s a game-changer,” said Barnegat head coach Rob Davis. “The team looks up to

breakout

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him because he’s a hard worker who leads by example and also a vocal leader. He’s a playmaker on both sides of the ball.” At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Morris is a matchup problem for defenses, and one that Barnegat quarterback Brian Finucan took full advantage of last season. Finucan threw for 1,010 yards and eight touchdowns and almost all of that was to Morris. Sixty percent of Finucan’s completions and yards went to Morris, plus all eight of his touchdown passes. It’s rare that a tight end be the engine of an offense, but that is certainly the case with Morris and Barnegat. “He can control his body very well on his cuts and on adjusting to the ball from different angles,” Davis said. “He can separate and he knows how to get into the right voids on the field. He’s very smart and has the stuff you can’t teach. I’m glad he’s on our side.”

know one of the most dominant defenders in the area. A starter since his sophomore year, Henderson has quietly become one of the state’s best defensive linemen while the Seraphs have simultaneously become one of the top teams in the Shore. He played an integral role in 2016 when Mater Dei made history by going 12-0 and claiming the Non-Public Group 2 championship for the first time in program history. Last season he made 56 tackles and recorded six sacks for a Seraphs defense that was No. 9 in the Shore allowing 15.9 points per game. Collegiate offers started pouring in for the 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive end during his junior year. First came Boston College, then Rutgers, Buffalo, UMass and Maryland. In June, Henderson committed to Boston College. This season, he and the Seraphs will try to bring another state championship to the Middletown school and continue their impressive run. Last season the Seraphs reached the Non-Public Group 2 final before falling to St. Joseph (Hammonton). Mater Dei has been realigned to Non-Public Group 3 with the likes of DePaul and Shore powers Red Bank Catholic and St. John Vianney. The Seraphs have been looking to play bigger competition since Mangiero became the head coach in 2016, and they should get their wish in the playoffs.

The average fan of Shore Conference football may not have heard of Mater Dei Prep’s Izaiah Henderson. It’s time to get to

Long Branch Continued from page 49 center Tracy Taylor and they will pave the way for junior running back Jermaine Corbett – one of the breakout underclassmen on last year’s championship team. Seniors Victor Torres and Jaheir Smith-Taylor will occupy the other guard and tackle spots, respectively, to complete the offensive line. “Returning three starters on the line is huge,” Cerruti said. “Every single guy who is playing on the offensive line this year played snaps last year, so there really isn’t any adjustment there. We had big-play guys on offense last year and I think that probably overshadowed what we could do on the line. I think that’s going to be a big part of who we are on offense.” As a sophomore last season, Corbett finished sixth in the Shore Conference with 1,422 yards and led all Shore running backs with 265 carries, which trailed only Freehold quarterback Ashante Worthy (345). On top of a proven workhorse in Corbett, Long Branch has a punishing fullback in senior La’Qym Morris and two potential game-breakers in junior Jah’kwan Gordon and sophomore newcomer Quzhaun Dennis. “He is a special talent,” George said of Corbett. “He was one of the best backs in the Shore as a sophomore and he was really just scratching the surface of his potential. He’s coming in this year bigger, faster, stronger, more confident, more poised – he looks ready for a big year.” “I’m coming in with a lot more experience this year,” Corbett said. “I know how to read the hole faster and get their faster too. Now that all of those seniors left, I have to grow up and be an upperclassman that guys can look to.” Speaking of gamebreakers, Long Branch will have to replace current Monmouth University freshman T.J. Fosque at wide receiver, as well as fellow wideout Pasa Fields. Senior Matt Clark returns with experience at the position and will likely be Dennis’s top target in the passing game. Senior Zahdierr Blueford will also be in the mix and sophomore

Jayon Ferrar has been among the most impressive young players in camp, according to both George and Dennis. “He has Division 1 talent,” George said of Ferrar. “He’s an explosive player who is probably going to play that Pasa Fields role for us where we can line him up wide or in the slot.” Seniors Lucas Telles and Niles Montgomery will be the tight ends and will also both double as defensive ends in a deep rotation of defensive linemen. The two ends will look to replace standout Kaymar Mimes, who is currently a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh. All five offensive linemen are likely to see snaps on the defensive side as well, as will senior Imir Durant and junior Beyon Jennings. The linebackers will be the strength of the Long Branch defense, with all three starters back in the Green Wave’s 4-3

JR. RB JERMAINE CORBETT l o o k . Senior Luke Arnold will once again man the middle with Morris and Gordon on either side of him. “Our front seven is really deep,” Arnold said. “Everybody played last year and we have great chemistry. Everyone is connected and we know how to play together.”

In the secondary, senior returning starter Billy Levy will join Dennis at safety while Corbett is back at cornerback. Dennis is moving to safety to replace Eli Sherin while Ferrara, sophomore Jarell Sherin and senior Ja’Que Coleman are competing to replace Kevin Porch at the other corner. George and new defensive coordinator Chad King will likely find a steady mix on the defensive line and there could be some growing pains in the secondary, but the linebacking corps plus the overall depth and athleticism on the defensive side all combine to give Long Branch a potentially dominant defense. “The linebackers look great and the secondary has some guys who can really play,” Cerruti said. “I think our defense is going to be one of the best in the Shore again.” The latest Shore Conference realignment should mostly benefit Long Branch, which battled in arguably the Shore’s toughest division over the past two seasons in Class B North. The Green Wave will still have to overcome Red Bank Catholic to win an outright division title and will also maintain a division rivalry with Ocean, but Middletown South, Middletown North and Manasquan have been replaced by Red Bank, Toms River East and Toms River South in the new Freedom Division. “One of the nice things about the new schedule is we have already been playing in a really tough division so nothing was going to phase us,” George said. “We still have RBC and Ocean and you have a couple of new teams we’re going to have to prepare for and they are going to want to beat us.” With an impact senior class gone, a new look on offense and more teams gunning for Long Branch, the overall personality of this year’s team is sure to change. The results, however, may not be so different. “We have to do our best to forget about last year,” Dennis said. “Everything we do, we’re going to be compared to last year and we can’t let ourselves get caught up in it. We want to win another championship and we all think we can get there, but we have to stay in the moment.”

Action Photos by: Paula Lopez Photography www.palimages.com

Big Red Return

By: Bob Badders managing editor

or a variety of reasons, the 2017 season was one to forget for Ocean Township. The Spartans went 2-8 – the program’s worst finish in 35 years – and finished 34th out of 43 teams in scoring offense and 39th in scoring defense. It was just one of those years, and there are plenty of reasons why.

Head Coach: Don Klein, 12 th season Fri 8/31 Lacey Fri 9/7 @RBC Sat 9/14 @TR East Fri 9/21 Long Branch Fri 9/28 @Red Bank Fri 10/5 TR South Fri 10/12 Point Boro Fri 10/19 Neptune Sat 10/27 @Manasquan

Career Record: 64-50-1

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 1pm

Assist ant Coaches: R.J. Read (off. coordinator/WR/DB); Marc Tomo (def. coordinator); Mike Lambusta (OL); Mike Murphy (WR/DB); Jim Nottingham (OL/DL); Jim Simonelli (LB); Dean Athens, Tim Patterson (freshmen); Katelyn Zimmerman (athletic trainer).

2017 Record: 2-8 (0-6 in B North) (L-R)

Offense: Spread D efense: Multiple 40 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Mike Gavakis, Jr., WR/LB

Gavakis is a returning starter at wide receiver, but on defense he will step into a starting role at weakside linebacker to replace Ryan Jenks, who led the Spartans with 89 tackles last season.

X -FACTOR: Robbie Nungesser, Jr., QB Ocean’s offense will be centered around its passing game and is banking on Nungesser taking a step forward in his evolution as a quarterback. If he can have a big year the Spartans could make a playoff run.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Joe Teresi, So., OL/DL Teresi had a solid debut on the wrestling team as a freshman last year and will try to duplicate that success on the gridiron. He’ll be a two-way starter on the line and also serve as Ocean’s punter.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 at Toms River East The Spartans will either be 1-1 or 0-2 heading into their Week 2 road game with the Raiders (a 2-0 start would mean a shocking upset win over Red Bank Catholic). Their third game of the season will be to either avoid an 0-3 start or give them momentum heading into another tough game against Long Branch in Week 3.

D I N O P O N I R O S (52), A L E X B R Y A N T (5), R O B B I E N U N G E S S E R (4), T R E B O R P E N A (2) A N D R Y A N M O R A N (8)

The schedule was difficult with seven playoff teams, including state sectional champion Long Branch and sectional finalist Point Boro. Ocean also had to move on from star quarterback Kenny Pickett, a three-year starter, who is now the starting quarterback for the University of Pittsburgh. They were young and inexperienced, and it showed. The silver lining for head coach Don Klein was that his young team was learning valuable lessons. Now they’re back - many of them still juniors – with an eye on returning to the form that saw the Spartans reach the state sectional semifinals in 2013, 2014 and 2015. “We played a competitive schedule and we were competitive within some of those games, but at the end of the day you are what your record says you are, and we weren’t very good last year,” Klein said. “We did win our consolation game and that gave us some momentum to have a productive offseason. We have a new (weight room) facility so our participation was very good and now we can rely on the experience we have. The kids are a year older, they’re bigger, they’re faster and they’re stronger. We’re a motivated group coming off a poor season and it’s a group that really paid the price in the offseason to put themselves in position to improve.”

Ocean returns six starters in its spread offense, led by junior quarterback Robbie Nungesser. Stepping in for Pickett last season was the definition of ‘big shoes to fill’, and Nungesser was predictably up and down as a rookie. He finished his sophomore season with 891 yards passing, eight touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 46 percent of passes. A dedicated offseason workout regiment, including quarterback instruction from former Red Bank star Tony Racioppi, has Nungesser eager to show off his improvements. “We lifted four nights a week and every Sunday I went to Tony,” Nungesser said. “I can’t wait. I feel great.” “We like his toughness and we like his arm, and he’s a good enough athlete to make plays with his feet,” Klein said. “His mechanics are really strong right now; the arm strength is there and the accuracy is there. His biggest improvement is in understanding what we’re trying to do and understanding the scheme. We feel we have a system in place that he can take advantage of.” Nungesser isn’t the only reason Ocean is optimistic for an offensive turnaround. The Spartans bring back four experienced wide receivers,

including three returning starters. Junior Trebor Pena leads the way after posting a team-best 26 receptions for 420 yards and five touchdowns a season ago. Seniors Alex Bryant and Mike Kircher are also returning starters while junior Mike Gavakis saw significant snaps as a sophomore. Adding depth to the group is senior Will Sacco, who played quarterback last year and tossed four touchdown passes in just 56 attempts. Junior Tye Brookins (6foot-3) and sophomore Chris Carasia round out the receiving corps. “Trebor Pena is a phenomenal talent and did a lot of great things for us last year,” Klein said. “The rapport Robbie has with Trebor, with Alex Bryant, with Mike Gavakis, with Mike Kircher is very, very strong. They spent a lot of time in the offseason working together so a lot of that stuff, as far as cohesiveness, is on point.” Senior Ryan Moran became the starting running back late last season and will now take over as the full-time starter. Also a linebacker, Moran’s physical style will serve as a good compliment to the Spartans’ aerial attack. “We want to be able to get the ball to our skill kids who can run very well,” Klein said. “Ryan is a sneaky good athlete. He’s a downhill, physical runner but he has nifty feet so we can keep people honest with him in the backﬁeld.” Junior Nasir Thompson will also see time in the

backﬁeld while senior Joe DiDario and junior Steve Hagerman will play the versatile H-back role, shifting between fullback and tight end as needed. The question mark on the offensive side is the line where only one player – senior right guard Dino Poniros – is a returning starter. Senior Brian Lynch is the right tackle, junior Brian Fisher is the center, junior Ray Nguyen is the left guard and senior Hugo DelCarpio is the left tackle. “There’s going to be some growing pains but I like the effort they’re giving and the improvements I’m seeing,” Klein said. “They’re a group that doesn’t have a lot of experience outside of Dino but they work really hard together. If they can continue to grow as a unit we can have a lot of success on offense.” Ocean’s multiple 40 defense also features six returning starters. The secondary is the strength of the unit with all four players back as returning starters. Bryant and Pena are the cornerbacks while seniors Holden Lowe and Ahmad Moore are the safeties. Moore is moving to safety after playing cornerback last season, while Lowe is the Spartans’ second-leading returning tackler after making 50 stops last season. “A lot of teams are spreading people out more,” Klein said. “The passing games of teams throughout the Shore have really evolved so when you have a secondary back that has physical talent and experience you have a chance to be creative.” Up front, Thompson slides inside to defensive tackle after playing end last season and will be joined by sophomore Joe Teresi. Sophomore Alex Gavakis is the strongside defensive end while junior I’Shyne Woodard moves from defensive tackle to defensive end.

returning starter at strongside linebacker and is coming off a year where he was second on the team with 86 tackles. Junior Javier Highland steps in as the middle linebacker and Mike Gavakis will be the weakside linebacker. DiDario and Hagerman will also be in the mix at linebacker. “(Moran) was an All-Division player last year and made All-Group 3 so he has some accolades attached to his name, plus he’s a three-year starter,” Klein said. “He’s a kid who has produced a lot and a kid who understand the tempo and the tenacity we have to play with, and the kids feed of off that.” On special teams, Kircher will be the kicker and Teresi is the punter. DiDario is the long-snapper, Sacco is the holder and Pena and Bryant will be the kick and punt returners. Ocean will play in the Freedom Division this year with Red Bank Catholic, Long Branch, Red Bank, Toms River East and Toms River South. The Spartans have two very tough opponents in RBC and Long Branch, both of which Ocean faced the past two years as a member of Class B North, but the division schedule is a net victory thanks to trading games with Wall, Middletown North and Middletown South for games with Red Bank, Toms River East and Toms River South. The Spartans will open the season in Week 0 against Lacey. They face RBC in Week 1, so they know starting the season 1-0 is crucial. “We’ve been fortunate to have success in that ﬁrst game during my time as head coach, and when you do it gives you validation from all the things you’ve asked of the kids in the preseason,” Klein said. “We’re hoping to play well and go out and show everyone the improvements we’ve made as a program.”

Moran is the leader of the defense as a three-year

The Cusp of Greatness

By: Bob Badders managing editor

ven for a team which prefers to focus on the present day and remind itself that it has yet to accomplish anything in 2018, for Red Bank Catholic to deny its own talent and promise would be sandbagging on an offensive level. The Caseys know they are a team loaded with talent and potential, possessing all the necessary pieces to forge a special season.

Fri 8/31 @SJV Fri 9/7 Ocean Fri 9/14 TR South Fri 9/21 @Red Bank Fri 9/28 @TR East Fri 10/5 Long Branch Fri 10/19 @RFH Fri 10/26 Midd. North

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Multiple Pro D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Kevin Degnan, Jr., SS/Anthony Borriello, So., SS Whoever emerges as the Caseys’ starting strong safety will be the lone newcomer in the secondary and also be stepping in for Matt Ansell, who was an SSN First Team All-Shore defensive back last season with 104 tackles and ﬁve interceptions.

X -FACTOR: Offensive line The Caseys are chockfull of proven veterans at the skill positions but return just one starter up front. If that unit can come together the RBC offense will be that much more dangerous.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jake Louro, So., OL This could really be any of the new players on the offensive line, but we’ll go with Louro, who will start at left guard after seeing time as a freshman.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 5 vs. Long Branch RBC’s Week 0 meeting with St. John Vianney is undoubtedly a huge game, but since that game will have been played by the time the print version of our preview is out, we’ll highlight the regular-season tilt against the Green Wave. It will be the ﬁnal division game for the Caseys and will likely decide the Freedom Division championship.

Head Coach: Frank Edgerly, 3 rd season (13th overall) Career Record: 67-50 Assist ant Coaches:

Mike Lange (def. coordinator); Matt Bijas (TE/DB); Joe Gallagher (WR/DB); Kevin Gaul (OL/DL); Keith Hugger (special teams coord.); Joe O’Connor (OL/run game coord.); Mike Rosenfeld (RB/LB); Rich Curran, Anthony LaGuardia Flego (freshmen); Matt Finucane (Director of Football Technology); Amanda Balarinni (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 8-2 (6-0 in B North)

(L-R)

J A D E N K E Y (13), T O M M Y S M I T H (58), S T E V E L U B I S C H E R (8), M.J. W R I G H T (11) A N D K E V I N B A U M A N (18)

“It’s just really exciting having a lot of people back,” said senior quarterback Steve Lubischer. “We’ve been working hard all summer and we’re ready and anxious for the first game. We’ve got a great group.” Simultaneously, the Caseys know preseason accolades and media attention won’t mean anything if they don’t deliver between the lines. Their focus is on maximizing their collective abilities in order to turn 2018 into one of the best in program history. “It’s fun seeing stuff online about us being really good but we want to manage our expectations within our own room,” said senior wide receiver/defensive back Jaden Key. “We want to come out and practice hard and play to the best of our abilities, and we know if we do that then Friday nights will take care of themselves.” “Obviously we’re excited but this time of year there’s room for optimism for everyone, as there should be,” said Caseys head coach Frank Edgerly. “Fortunately for us we have some experienced and talented players coming back, but how it all comes together remains to be seen. If you’re looking at it strictly on paper right now you feel encouraged by the possibilities.” One year after finishing 8-2 and flirting with the top spot in the Shore Conference, Red Bank Catholic returns eight starters on offense and eight starters on defense, including multiple FBS

and FCS recruits, as it looks to reign supreme in the Shore and contend for the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 state championship. Leading RBC’s multiple pro offense at quarterback is Lubischer, a Boston College recruit, who had a breakout year as a junior to emerge as one of the Shore’s top players. He threw for 1,810 yards and 18 touchdowns with six interceptions while also rushing for 496 yards and seven touchdowns on an average of 9.9 yards per carry, helping the Caseys average 39.8 points per game in 2017. His presence gives the Caseys a dual-threat quarterback who can break the game open with his arm or his legs. “His overall game has elevated,” Edgerly said. “He grew an inch and a half and put on 25 pounds and he’s gotten faster, so obviously from the physical part, he’s evolved. And then in terms of his comfort level and outright command of the offense it allows everything to speed up. The one thing that separates him is – and to me, the most overused term is ‘playmaker’ – but this kid legitimately can make plays from anywhere on the field.” Surrounding Lubischer is a tremendous group of skill players that will give opposing defensive coordinators headaches all season. At tight end, the Caseys have one of the top juniors in the state regardless of position with 6-foot-5, 230pound beast Kevin Bauman, who verbally committed to Notre Dame in June. Also at tight end is 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior Charlie

Gordinier, giving RBC a pair of bookends who present the type of physical mismatches most teams don’t remotely have an answer for. “It’s a matchup issue for any defense because you have kids of that size with great athleticism,” Edgerly said. “I was fortunate enough to spend the time I did in New England when we brought in (All-Pro tight end Rob) Gronkowski and had (Aaron) Hernandez, and although they were different kinds of tight ends you saw the flexibility that having two tight ends gives you in both the run and the pass game. It really does create some questions for a defense to answer, and to have that at this level with kids you can move all throughout the formation really does allow the playbook to get thick.” “It’s great having those two big bodies,” Lubischer said. “Defenses don’t know how to defend it and it’s definitely going to be a great thing having them out there.” Key returns as a starting wide receiver after posting 501 yards receiving and six touchdowns on just 19 receptions for an average of 26.4 yards per catch. Senior M.J. Wright is also back as a returning starter while 6-foot-2 senior Anthony Romano, who saw significant time last season, will be in the same role. “As a unit, I think we’re going to be really dangerous,” Key said. “Some teams may want to focus on one player and double one player but you can’t do that. “I’m not just saying that to boost ourselves up, I’m saying it because of the confidence I have in our players.”

RBC

Continued page 60

RBC

Continued from page 58 The Caseys backfield lost a great player to graduation in Zack Bair, who rushed for 1,087 yards and 15 touchdowns on a ridiculous average of 13.8 yards per carry in just seven games. However, the Caseys winning comfortably in several games and Bair missing the last three-plus games with an injury meant plenty of carries for Billy Guidetti. After rushing for 579 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore, Guidetti will take over as the Caseys starting tailback and is primed for a big year. RBC will have two veteran fullbacks leading the way for Guidetti in seniors Steve Cmielewski and John Columbia. Cmielewski was slated to be the starter last year before a broken ankle in Week 1 knocked him out for the season. Senior Tommy Smith (6-2, 285), a three-year starter, anchors the offensive line from his center position. He is RBC’s only returning starter up front, but two of the new starters did get on the field last year. Sophomore Jake Louro, the left guard, saw a lot of action as a freshman while sophomore right guard Luke Guidetti was called up to the varsity squad at the end of the season. The left tackle will be senior Ambrose Richards and the right tackle spot is between senior Nate Mansfield and freshman Matt Cody. If there’s one area the Caseys would like to see a statistical improvement it’s on defense, where they allowed 21.3 points per game and finished in the middle of the pack in the Shore. RBC’s 4-3 alignment has Smith as a three-year returning starter at defensive tackle and senior Gino Tartamella moving from starting outside linebacker to defensive end. Bauman will also play

defense this year and will be the other defensive end. Sophomore J.J. Lodato will spell Bauman and should see ample playing time.

hopefully the amount of guys we have back who’ve played in big games will allow us to take another step forward.”

The back seven looks to be very strong with six total returning starters. Columbia returns as the middle linebacker with Cmielewski as the weakside linebacker and Gordinier as the strongside linebacker. Columbia registered 91 tackles and five sacks last season en route to a Class A Central All-Division selection while Gordinier made 69 stops as a sophomore.

The weapons at RBC’s disposal aren’t limited to the offense or the defense. The Caseys return one of the Shore’s top kickers/punters in senior Ryan O’Hara, who will be a three-year starter. He connected on 49 of 57 extra points and converted three field goals with a long of 34 yards last season. O’Hara had never played football prior to high school but now owns a scholarship offer from Lafayette College.

The cornerbacks are Key and Wright with Romano, who had 66 tackles and three interceptions last year, as the free safety. The strong safety position will feature a new starter, which will be either junior Kevin Degnan or sophomore Anthony Borriello. “We really like where we’re at right now,” Edgerly said. “To have the amount of depth we have in the back seven creates some versatility with what we can do, schematically. We’re encouraged by what we’ve done so far this summer. Last year we made strides but didn’t get to where we wanted to, but

SR. C. TOMMY SMITH

“He definitely impacts us and my ability as a play-caller because when you’re generating a drive and situational football presents itself you have a guy you know allows you to play for the field goal, and it doesn’t have to be from extra-point depth,” Edgerly said. “When you have one guy who can handle all your duties on that level it’s a tremendous weapon.” The Shore Conference divisional realignment has the Caseys in the Freedom Division with Long Branch, Ocean, Red Bank, Toms River East and Toms River South. They also have nondivisional games against former Thanksgiving rival Rumson-Fair Haven and Middletown North. The one opponent that jumps out, though, is St. John Vianney, which will host the Caseys in Week 0. The Lancers scored a 35-17 victory in last season’s marquee matchup and will enter the season riding a 38-game Shore Conference winning streak. When the Caseys practice at Count Basie Field the scoreboard is illuminated with that final score to serve as a reminder of what they’re working toward. “We were all really pumped when the schedule came out,” Lubischer said. “We want another shot at them and it’s going to be a great time on August 31.”

Photos by: Paula Lopez Photography www.palimages.com

Winning Feeling

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

a’Shaun Turner and Evin Lawlor were just freshman on the Red Bank Regional football team that won 11 straight games to reach the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III championship game and while the senior presence on that team kept the two wide-eyed rookies off the field, the impact of witnessing that run up close has had a lasting effect on them.

Head Coach: Nick Giglio, 10th season (17th overall) Career Record: 64-108 Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Thur

9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 11/22

@TR South @Holmdel RBc Ocean TR East @Raritan Monmouth @Long Branch

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 10Am

Offense: Multiple-I D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Colin Chatto, Sr., LB The Bucs lost two standout defenders in Kevin Weisman and Quran Molloy, so there will be a heavy onus on a number of Red Bank’s more experienced defenders, including Chatto. The senior will man middle linebacker as Red Bank switches from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front.

X -FACTOR: Offensive Line

As a team trying to build on a strong ﬁnish, forging a strong line with some inexperienced pieces will be a major factor for Red Bank. The Bucs have two proven offensive threats in Mackai Mickens and Nigel Mitchell and if some lineman step up around returnee Evin Lawlor, the Bucs will have a more-than-competent offense.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Nick Ferrogine, So., RB/LB Just a sophomore, Ferrogine has made an impression during camp both as a running back who can spell and complement Mickens and as one of the several candidates to take snaps at outside linebacker.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 at TR South Red Bank’s schedule ramps up quickly after Week One against Toms River South, so securing a win in the opener could make or break the Bucs’ push for a spot in the NJSIAA Playoffs. After opening in Toms River, Red Bank will have to play senior-laden Holmdel, No. 1 Red Bank Catholic and an improved Ocean squad. Beating the Indians on Sept. 7 would mean a win in any of those three subsequent games could light the fuse for said playoff push.

Assist ant Coaches: K A S H A U N T U R N E R (7), E V I N L A W L O R (55), M A K A I M I C K E N S (1), D O N O V A N T U R N E R (2), C O L I N C H A T T O (54) & N I G U M I T C H E L L (4)

(L-R)

Now seniors at Red Bank, Turner and Lawlor are the two leaders on a team that wants nothing more than to get back to that 12th game of the season. “Us being up on that championship team our freshman year and seeing how they ran practice, I wanted to bring back what they used to do,” Lawlor said. Everybody was on the same page, everybody wanted to work hard at whatever they were doing and I wanted to bring that back as much as possible.” “Everything we were doing with that team when we were freshmen, that’s how we’re running it right now,” Turner said. “You can see the difference.” In order to reach the postseason and set up a potential playoff run, Red Bank must bounce back from a 2-8 season in 2017 and stop a precipitous slide that began with the 21-0 loss to Rumson-Fair Haven in the 2015 final. Since that loss, the Bucs have posted a 46 record in 2016 before losing eight straight to open the 2017. The silver lining of last year’s struggles is that the season ended not only with two wins but with one of the upsets of the Shore Conference season. After finally winning its first game of the season by beating Neptune, Red Bank knocked Long Branch, 21-20, 10 days before the Green Wave beat Freehold Boro to win the Central Jersey Group IV title. “Once we beat Long Branch, I think for the guys coming back, we were all motivated to build on it,” Turner said. “Beating them was probably the best thing that could happen to this year’s team.” According to 10th-year coach Nick Giglio, the win changed the entire tenor of the offseason and has his players thinking bigger in 2018. “We definitely noticed a difference in the maturity and the attitude late in the year and that really carried over into the offseason,” Giglio said. “Guys were in the weight room in December getting themselves prepared for this year and there’s no doubt winning that game

against Long Branch and getting that taste of success fueled our guys to want to make that commitment.” Lawlor and junior Zachary Peterson both return at the two tackle positions on the offensive line, which will start three new players on the interior, with senior Colin Chatto, sophomore Brian Navitsky and junior Sam Wasserfall leading the collective effort to fill those three spots. “We’re not the Monsters of the Midway on the offensive line, but we have guys who play to the whistle and they will battle you,” Giglio said. Piecing the offensive line together will be crucial in freeing up Red Bank’s talented group of skill players that includes returning junior Makai Mickens and senior Nigel Mitchell. Mickens has stepped up as the leading candidate for carries at running back, while Mitchell returns at receiver after leading the Bucs in rushing and receiving as a junior. “Everything is still the same, we just have to have the mindset that we’re going to dominate,” Mitchell said. Mitchell is part of a group of wide receivers that has impressed Giglio and his staff this summer. Senior Luke Jurek, senior Jack Niesz and junior A.J. Abarno are three more promising players in that group that will be working with a new quarterback. Senior Donovan Turner and junior Jack Chamberlain have battled throughout the summer and Giglio could see both getting time. “The good thing is we have two guys who we are very comfortable with,” Giglio said. “Both have done a really nice job competing for the spot and both have shown they can run the offense.” Sophomore Nick Ferrogine and junior David Hicks will also factor into the offense as running backs. Turner will anchor Red Bank’s base 4-3 defense as one of the defensive tackles – which marks his third year as a starter on the defensive line. Lawlor will be part of the defensive end rotation for the first time

Dan Mendoza (Off. Coordinator), Steve Turner, Phil Greene, Shane Bigelow, Matt Norman, Jeff Mass, Adam Bobertz, Chris LeRoy, Christina Emrich (Athletic Trainer)

2017 Record: 2-8 (0-6 in A Central) since his sophomore year. Junior Vincent DiLorenzi and senior Justin Gooding, meanwhile, will work in at defensive tackle. “I’m really looking forward to getting to hit some people again,” Lawlor said. “I definitely missed it last year.” Chatto will take over at middle linebacker in the absence of Kevin Weisman, who led the team in tackles last season with Bucs in a 3-4 base. The loss of Weisman and Quran Molloy makes the linebacker group more of a question heading into this season, but Chatto has helped solidify the middle while senior Gavin Mahoney is in line to play an outside backer spot if he is not playing defensive end. Ferrogine, and juniors Tyquan Crawford, Will Dal Pra and Kyle Weisman are all in the mix for snaps at linebacker as well. Mickens, Mitchell and Chamberlain will all factor prominently into the secondary, with Mickens and Chamberlain playing safety and Mitchell playing one of the cornerback positions opposite senior Robbie DeMarco. Abarno and Niesz are also in the cornerback rotation. The Bucs will no longer have to contend with St. John Vianney and Rumson-Fair Haven during the regular season, but Red Bank Catholic and Long Branch are back on the schedule this year, now as a member of the Freedom Division instead of as nondivisional games. Red Bank will still play three old Class A Central foes – Holmdel, Raritan and Monmouth Regional – from a year ago in its three non-divisional games, which means for the most part, the Bucs know exactly what they are up against this season as they try to get back into the state playoff picture. “I really feel like those first eight games last year weren’t a reflection of who we are,” Mitchell said. “I feel like we showed who we are at the end of the year against Long Branch and we’ve been working hard all offseason to make sure we come out and show people that’s the team we are week-in and week-out.”

Taking The Next Step

By: Vin Ebenau SSN Contributor

n any rebuilding process the journey to return to winning ways takes time, and as long as progress is being made you know things are working. This year things are looking up for Toms River East under third-year head coach Kyle Sandberg.

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri

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@Long Branch Ocean @TR South RBC @Red Bank Pinelands TR North Colts Neck

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Two-Back Pistol D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Liam Meakem, Sr., C/DE

Toms River East lost 25 players to graduation in 2017, including four-year varsity player Tommy Ferrante who was one of their most dynamic players on both sides of the ball. One of the players Sandberg is turning toward to be that leader the team can rely on is senior Liam Meakem.

X -FACTOR:

The Offensive & Defensive Lines

In order to have an effective running game, especially in a twoback pistol set, you need to have a good line in front of you. In order to win games you also need a good defensive line to rush the passer and limit the gains from the line of scrimmage. Sandberg says the X-Factor for this team to do well falls on the senior-led line group. "We will go as far as our line takes us," Sandberg said.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Mike Madera, So., RB/CB The Raiders lost two of their big running backs to graduation in Tommy Ferrante and Evan Otten and Sandberg is looking to his younger players to ďŹ ll that void. Among those players is sophomore Mike Madera, a running back who Sandberg says has really impressed the coaches in training camp.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 21 at Toms River South If the Raiders are to contend for a playoff bid they'll need to take care of business in rival territory against the Indians, who are also looking to improve in 2018. Opening up at Long Branch and then playing Ocean in Week 2 sets up a scenario for the Raiders to swipe a win in week three no matter their record before hosting Red Bank Catholic the following week.

Head Coach: Kyle Sandberg, 3 rd season Career Record: 2-17 Assist ant Coaches: Matt Madeo (RB); Tim Gilmartin (OL); Vinnie Arminio (WR); Frank Giannetti (DL); Kevin Kanarkowski; Joe Arminio Jr. (freshmen head coach); Eddie Goodman, Jake McCartney (athletic trainer) (L-R)

M O H A M A D A H M E O (42), J O E G O N N E L L O (75), L I A M M E A K E M (65), S T E V E N C A R R (54) & R A Y D E N I S C O (18)

This Raiders team had endured over a year plus of losing, including not winning a division game in four years, before conquering the demons on Friday, September 22, 2017 when they took advantage of some turnovers and good field position in a 16-8 win over Southern Regional at Vincent J. Dvorak Field, the first victory under Sandberg as coach. "It was a cool moment," Sandberg said. "It was a nice feeling for the seniors that had been through those struggles the whole time, for the East community, for our coaching staff. It was a really amazing moment and I'm glad it finally happened." A win over Manchester the following week capped the total for the season, but they were a team that could have won four to five games last year that turned the other way with two overtime losses, (Central and Marlboro) and a crushing loss to Toms River South in week two. "My goal last year was to tell these guys to be competitive, if we're competitive in every single game, anything could happen," Sandberg said. "We had a lot of close games (in 2017) and we were in a lot of them." Sandberg is now looking to use the positives from 2017, those games they were close in, to boost the Raiders to the next level this season and make some noise in the Shore Conference.

He says it's up to the seniors to be the workhorses and show the younger players what that winning felt like in 2017. "I think those two wins last year changed the culture around here," said senior twoway lineman Liam Meakem. "The returning guys know what it's like to win and are teaching the younger guys what it's like. That older class last year really helped us out and taught us how to do it and now we're passing it down." Much of the team this season is made up of sophomore's and junior's after 25 seniors graduated last year. "It's rough losing all those seniors, we lost a lot of players last year," said junior fullback/linebacker Frank Giannetti. "A lot of the younger kids though are really picking it up this year and filling up the roles. I think the team is pretty intense this year and we have a pretty good chance of getting some wins." A coaching staff comprised mainly of people with Toms River ties will also be crucial. "A lot of the people that I have here are either East graduates or they've been in town for years," Sandberg said. "I also think a lot of things we do in the building, what (principal) Pat Thomas is doing in the building and what we're doing here on the

2017 Record: 2-8 (1-6)

field is trying to build a community and a football family." As a result he says they're starting to see students come out for the team who didn't play football last year or years before that, including two players who were on the basketball team last school year, Matt Santos (Jr. WR/LB) and Riley Engelhard (Jr. WR), and Joey Ussery (So. WR/CB), who played baseball at East. "I'm trying to get the most out of the athletes at Toms River East, and the threesport athletes to play football," Sandberg said. There is a message he is relaying to both the newcomers and the returning players that expands on what was expressed to them in training camp heading into last season: be competitive. "This year, it's now, finish it, finish the deal, finish the games, win the games," Sandberg said. "We've got to build off of what we did last year. As cool as it was to be in those games, the ultimate goal is to win them. We're not satisfied unless we win." To better help the Raiders prepare for Friday night's in the fall, Sandberg says they're creating that game atmosphere in practice. "Our practices are set up where it feels like a game atmosphere with the chains out and

the crowd and the music going. We're trying to do things in practice that make the kids feel comfortable when it comes to the game," Sandberg said. "Practices should be hard, the games should be easy." As they head towards the regular season Sandberg is impressed with the youth movement on this Raiders team with much of them comprised of sophomores and juniors you'll see routinely on the field this year. "Mike Madera has had a hell of a training camp, he's a sophomore who's been doing well at cornerback and running back," Sandberg said. "In our junior class, it's players like Frankie Giannetti (FB/LB) and Anthony Kontogiannis (FB/LB). At quarterback, we're having a battle between Mike Goodall (Jr.) and Nick Totten (So.)." "That sophomore class that's coming in is really strong," said senior offensive lineman and linebacker Steven Carr. "They're fighting everyday for their positions just like we are." Carr is one of the seniors who will need to help lead this young Raiders team to become a mainstay in win column. The division realignments in the offseason take a couple familiar teams off the 2018 Raiders schedule and replace them with a couple Monmouth County powerhouses in Long Branch and Red Bank Catholic to name just two teams inside the Freedom Division. Sandberg's approach to the 2018 season isn't changing because of the new teams they'll be playing. "When the schedule came out everyone was like 'oh my God what are you going to do'? and my attitude was 'we're going to play and try to win'," Sandberg said. "You can't be scared, they're going to give it their best effort. I'm not worried about who we play." R

S . C/DE L I A M M E A K E M

As for his goals and expectations for the 2018 Raiders, it relies on how well they play. "This team can go pretty far I think," Sandberg said. "The senior class is going to be a big part as are the O-line and D-line but looking at our schedule, there's a lot of games we could win and a lot of games we should be in and win. This team is capable of a lot of things and I think a lot of people are going to be shocked to see what we can do." There's also plenty of young depth on this team that could make the Raiders a sleeper team in 2018. "Alex Smith is a kid who's been having a great camp at the running back position and he's doing fantastic," Sandberg said. "Tommy Grande is coming back and is someone I want to see do well and Vinnie Farullo is a safety who didn't play a lot last year but he's hungry." The depth chart is still being worked on and Sandberg's philosophy of earning it still holds as none of the returning starters are guaranteed that position in 2018, so there may be new starters as the Raiders make a push towards the postseason. It's a philosophy echoed by his seniors and relayed to their younger teammates. "The message I try and give to everyone is 'leave it all out on the field, try your hardest 120 percent every single day and fight for your job because at any moment in time you could lose that job," Carr said.

Photos by: Paula Lopez Photography www.palimages.com

Time To Rise Up

By:

Kevin Williams

SSN Director

oms River South is one of the shore’s landmark programs so you can be sure nobody associated with the Indians is happy with back-to-back 2-8 seasons. However, a talented sophomore class has eighth-year head coach Ron Signorino Jr. feeling better days are ahead, and if that group bonds with returning upperclassmen there could be some magic this fall at Detweiler Stadium.

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Fri Thur

9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/20 10/26 11/22

Offense: Defense:

Red Bank 7Pm @RBC 7Pm TR East 7Pm @Long Branch 7Pm @Ocean 7Pm @TR North 7Pm Jackson Lib. 7Pm Barnegat 7Pm Lakewood 11Am

Flexbone

4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: The Offensive Line

Center Nick Florio anchored last year's senior-laden group, who have all moved on. How quickly this new group of ﬁve comes together might be the key to the season.

X -FACTOR: Jack Huber, Fr., QB & Sam Akinlolu, Sr., RB It’s easy to pick the quarterback for this but how Huber goes will pretty much determine the success of an offense that only averaged 11.3 points per game last season. Akinlolu could be a 1,000 yard-rusher and if so will take some of the pressure off Huber.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jalen Hibbert, Sr., WR Yes, he’s a senior but injuries have not allowed him to get on the ﬁeld. If healthy he could provide a boost to the offense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 21 vs. Toms River East With all these sophomores, playing the likes of Red Bank, Red Bank Catholic and Long Branch in the ﬁrst four weeks is a challenge. Week 3 at home against the Raiders is one South needs to get in the victory column.

Head Coach: Ron Signorino Jr., 8 th season Career Record: 29-42 Assist ant Coaches:

(L-R)

S A M C O N O V E R (17), K E N N E Y J O H N S O N (30), J A C K H U B E R (7), J O R I E N H A R R I S (1) & S A M A K I N L O I U (4)

As many as 10 sophomores could start or see significant action when South opens their season on September 7 at home against Red Bank, including quarterback Jack Huber, who took over the starting spot as a 13-year old freshman. Huber is a 6-foot-3, 160-pounder who took his licks last season when he was forced into action early because of injuries, but he improved greatly as the season went on and returns as a much more confident leader. He possesses a strong right arm but also will be a featured runner in the Indians' flexbone attack which, also includes senior A-Back Sam Akinlolu, who rushed for 675 yards and five touchdowns last season. Senior Sam Conover, a one-time quarterback, will now line up as a slot back and will be counted on to do just about everything. South is planning to become more of a two-platoon team with Conover and senior wide receiver Jorien Harris the only players likely to start on both sides of the ball. As for the other offensive skill players, senior slot back Jalen Hibbert is one to watch if he can stay healthy. He has yet to step onto the field in a varsity game after suffering season-ending injuries during scrimmages as both a sophomore and junior but he has big-play ability. Also expected to get a chance to line up in the slot are junior Vinny Albanese and sophomores Louie Madama and Ryan Tobin. Harris will likely be Huber’s favorite target with the rest of the

receiving corps made up of senior Dominic Samones and sophomores Tyler Madeo and A.J. Rutledge. It’s up front that remains a big question mark as all five starters from last year were lost to graduation. The group expected to compete for starting positions includes senior Shane Coffee, juniors Mark Monochio, Ben Scrudato and Brandon Markle and promising sophomores Shane Watkins and Tyler Papiamitis. It’s pretty much a rebuild with the defensive line as well with the exception of senior Kenney Johnson, who moves from starting linebacker to defensive end, and senior Keith Calloway, who will start at the other defensive end spot. Joining them up front will be seniors Jordan Jeffers, Anthony Townsend and Justin Bonilla and junior Joey Capriglione. The Indians are hoping that sophomore Chris Tine returns from an ACL injury by mid-September to add some depth to the defensive line. The linebacking corps features returning senior starter Dominic Spedaliere in the middle while senior Darius Moses, junior Carlos Dominguez and sophomore Gerry Ferrigno battle for the two starting spots on the outside. The defensive backfield should be one of the strengths of the team with Conover (safety), and Harris (cornerback) leading the way. Sophomore Travis Squire is the other starting safety with seniors

Matt Martin (def. coord.); Kyle Austin (OL); Joe Kelly (LB); Bill Malast (DL); Jim Drackowitz (DL); RJ D’Anton (DB); Brian Elias (WR); Ron Signorino Sr. (RB); Ricky Maldonado (RB/strength & conditioning); Dennis Tobin (special teams/SB), Tim Jones (LB); Brett Hardie, Dave Fanslau, Trevor Signorino, Joey Meyers, Joe Rozelle (freshmen); Dan Crashewsky (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 2-8 (2-5) Damola Fasakin and Nayshawn Small and sophomore Dominic Cats vying for a starting spot opposite Harris at corner. Junior Josh Odebode and sophomore Anthony Jonin are also in the mix for time in the defensive backfield. Spedaliere with be the punter while the do-itall Conover will handle the placekicking duties and also serve as the long snapper. Signorino said this has been one of the best training camps he has had in his tenure at South and loves the attitude and work ethic this team brings each day. He added, “They have been all-in from day one and show up each day trying to get better. It’s a very coachable group and guys are really stepping up to become leaders.” South opens the season at home on September 7 against new Freedom Division rival Red Bank Regional and in Week 2 visits powerhouse Red Bank Catholic. Gone from the schedule are longtime rivals Brick, Brick Memorial, Jackson Memorial and Southern but they do maintain games with both Toms River North and Toms River East as well as longtime Thanksgiving Day opponent Lakewood.

New Direction M

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

att Ahearn has been around a lot of winning during the last 17 years of his coaching career, which he spent as an assistant coach at Red Bank Catholic in several capacities.

Head Coach: Matt Ahearn, 1 st season Career Record: 0-0 Assist ant Coaches: Sat 9/8 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Fri 9/28 Sat 10/6 Sat 10/13 Sat10/20 Fri 10/26

Monmouth @Pt. Boro Neptune @Raritan @Manasquan Marlboro Pinelands @Tr East

noon 7pm noon 7pm 2pm noon noon 7pm

Offense: Multiple-I/Pistol D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Luciano Pabon & Karim Khalil, RB Joey Mauriello ﬁnished just shy of 1,000 yards last year and the Cougars will try to replace that production by committee with the likes of Pabon and Khalil, as well as sophomore Joe Barsky.

X -FACTOR: The Lines From what Ahearn and his staff have seen early on, Colts Neck’s offensive line is the farthest along of all the position groups and the Cougars are going to lean on some of the varsity experience they have up front to help the offense move the ball and the defense get in the way of the opposing offense.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Tom Lindondici, OL/DL Lindondici was a varsity player last year and will have an increased role as a starting tackle on the offensive line and as part of Colts Neck’s defensive line rotation.

PIVOTAL GAME: Saturday, Oct. 13 vs. Marlboro For Colts Neck to have a chance to make the playoffs, they will almost certainly have to beat Neptune in Week Three. If the Cougars can do that, they will set up a big game against Marlboro in mid-October after the Mustangs edged them last season. Colts Neck then closes with games against Pinelands and Toms River East, which is a more winnable stretch than the earlyseason slate that includes Point Boro and Manasquan.

Jim Portela (Def. Coordinator), Scott Messler (OL/DL), Mike Negron (QB/DB), Jeff Papcun (RB/LB/Special Teams), Ryan Byrne (TE/LB), Bill Hill Jr. (WR/DB), Tom Bonman (Freshman), Joe Cognhan (Freshman), Ryan Kroeger (Freshman), Eric Nussbaum (Athletic Trainer) 2017 Record: 2-8 (1-5 in A North) (L-R)

M A R K S A L I B (64), J O H N N U G I A C A L O N E (56), G I A P I E R O B R I O L O (4), C O L I N C A M P B E L L (7) & T R I S T A N M C M E R T Y (35)

Ahearn was most recently the defensive coordinator for a Caseys program that has won at the highest levels of high school football in N.J. and now is his time to lead a program of his own, which he will do at Colts Neck this upcoming season. Ahearn takes over a program still searching for an identity since reaching the Central Jersey Group IV final in 2013. From 2014 to 2018, the Cougars have posted a 9-31 record and have not gone better than 4-6 in any of the four seasons, a trend that Ahearn and his staff hope to reverse in short order. “On the field, it’s not much different, but there is a lot of off-the-field stuff to deal with as a head coach,” Ahearn said. “A lot of paperwork, talking to the press, things like that. Once you get past all that, it’s just trying to bring a group of young men into a winning team and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to make that happen here.” Getting the ship turned around this season following a 2-8 campaign in 2017 will depend on a number of players delivering in new, more expanded roles. The Cougars will boast new starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and on the majority of the offensive line, with the defensive depth chart looking similar. “All of those tough losses last year and the losses over the past several year, they just fuel us to get better every day,” senior lineman Dom Velardo said. “We know how to practice and we know what our energy has to

be every practice.” Colin Campbell, Connor Butz and Matt Scully have battled for the No. 1 quarterback spot throughout the preseason, with Campbell and Butz owning the senior edge and Scully looking to impress enough to both play now and begin looking to the future. “The coaches are pushing us harder than any coaches I’ve ever had,” said Campbell, who will also play in the defensive secondary. “They are all over us and it’s making us better. They want to win just like we do.” The Cougars will have to replace a near-1,000-yard back in Joey Mauriello and will rely on a committee to pick up the slack. Luciano Pabon and senior Karim Khalil are the seniors in the mix, while sophomore Joe Barsky has established himself as a potential running back of the future for Colts Neck. Sophomore Mark Beclarle, meanwhile, has gained the inside edge as the starting fullback. Last year’s starting fullback, senior Tristan McMurty, will play tight end this season and will be part of a retooled-but-promising offensive line, as well as a deep receiving corps. Junior Tom Lindondici, senior John Giacalone, Velardo, senior Mark Salib and junior Jackson Sparacio will line up across the line while senior G.P. Oriolo, senior Justin Dibsie, senior Brendan Wei, junior Gabe Lugo and junior Aidan Horan give the Cougars a mix of

experience and new blood at receiver as well. “We may not be a huge team, but we’re strong,” Ahearn said. “We got a lot stronger in the offseason. Our two guards are the strongest guys on the team and that’s a good thing to have.” The offensive lineman will double as the defensive line rotation in Colts Neck’s 4-3 defense, which will be directed by former Red Bank Catholic head coach Jim Portela, who is flip-flopping roles with his former defensive coordinator. “This is a very professional coaching staff, more so than what we were used to,” Giacalone said. “We’re learning a lot of new techniques and concepts and it’s been exciting to go to practice everyday.” Pabon, Butz, McMurty and sophomore Jake Lupo back up the linemen at linebacker and Wei, Campbell, Oriolo and Scully will make up the defensive backfield, with Chase Masterson and Gabe Lugo also vying for time in the secondary. As part of the Shore Conference realignment, Colts Neck’s schedule should be a little more forgiving without Manalapan and Howell on the slate, even if challenging games against Manasquan, Point Pleasant Boro, Monmouth Regional and Raritan are part of the Liberty Division. Perhaps that opens up the window enough for the Cougars to surprise some teams over the course of the season and make a late-season run at the playoffs. “Win states,” Giacalone said. “Win it all. That’s the goal.”

The Long Blue Line T

o get a sense of the confidence Manasquan enters the 2018 season with, savor this line from senior linebacker Jack Fabean.

By: Bob Badders managing editor

Head Coach: Jay Price, 8 th season Career Record: 45-30 Assist ant Coaches:

Fri Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat Sat Thur

9/7 9/14 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/27 11/22

@Point Boro 7pm @Neptune 7pm Raritan 1pm @Monmouth noon Colts Neck 2pm @Mater Dei 1pm Ocean 1pm Wall 11am

Offense: Pro-I D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Joe McKiever and Garrett Terlizzi, Sr., OL Terlizzi will start at right tackle and McKiever could see time at right guard as the offensive line looks to replace standout Evan Hilla, who was a Class B North All-Division selection last season.

X -FACTOR:

Quarterback play

Manasquan doesn’t need first-year starter Ryan O’Leary to win games by himself, but he does need to manage the game and play within the system. If he emerges as a stable and consistent player the Warriors will be a championship contender.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Lyons, Sr., WR/DB Lyons will be a starter on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and in the secondary as a cornerback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 at Point Boro The Warriors have been eager for a rematch against the Panthers since losing in last year’s Central Jersey Group 2 semiﬁnals. It’s also a division game and one that could very well decide the Liberty Division championship.

Lou Certo (def. coordinator); Brian Lee (QB); Bill Bertscha (OL); Darrell Falkinburg (RB); Jay Price Sr. (DB); Bryan Price (DB); Matt Voskian (DL); Eric Howland (LB); Rich Grifﬁth, Ed Kapalko (freshmen); Kevin Hyland (athletic trainer) (L-R)

A RT F OREMAN (77), C ANYON B IRCH (33)

“I think eight shutouts is the school record, so we want nine,” Fabean said. “Anything short of that – I don’t think we’re going to be mad, but that’s what we want.” With a large and experienced senior class and a burning desire to get back to the top of the mountain, Manasquan is out to bring another championship to one of the most storied programs in the Shore Conference. The Warriors have lofty goals and the pieces in place to attain every one of them. “This senior class, we really want to leave our mark and put another football up on the board,” said senior running back/linebacker Canyon Birch.” “I feel like we can be great as long as we keep working,” said senior defensive end Dylan D’Anton. Coming off a 7-4 season in which they reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals, the Warriors would rather have a repeat of the 2016 season when they secured the program’s 12th sectional championship. This year’s seniors were sophomores then, and some of them saw enough time to get a grasp on what it will take to win another championship. “It was awesome for us to be sophomores and experience that,” Birch said. “It really gave us a feeling for what it’s like and what it’s all about. It puts us in a mode to work harder because there’s nothing like winning a state championship.” Manasquan returns seven starters in its multiple-I offense, which averaged 22.3 points per game last season. At the core of the program is a downhill, power rushing attack, and the Warriors have the personnel to excel at it. Birch and senior fullback Rashid Tuddles return after each saw time at fullback last season. Birch was the main fullback behind tailback Connor Morgan, who posted consecutive 1,300-yard seasons. Birch ran for 457 yards and six touchdowns last season. “Last year we had Connor Morgan at tailback and he had a very successful season, so to replace him and have this position, to try to continue the legacy of running backs and the power offense we have, is a tremendous honor.”

AND

D YLAN D'A NTON (50)

Up front, Manasquan brings back four of five starters with senior Art Foreman at left tackle, senior Mike LaPoint at left guard, senior Alec Wells at center and senior Anders Scala at right guard. Junior Charlie Sawitsky is battling for the starting job at right guard, however, and senior Joe McKiever could also see time. Senior Garrett Terlizzi is poised to take the starting job at right tackle. Senior James Pendergist returns as a starting wide receiver after hauling in 17 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns last season. He’ll be joined by fellow seniors Matt Lyons and Riley Callahan. Senior Mike Page is at tight end with Fabean and junior John Foreman also slated to see time there. Senior Ryan O’Leary is set to take over at quarterback with junior Cam Teza and sophomore Jack Collins also at the position. O’Leary will be tasked with managing the game, taking care of the football and keeping defenses honest by complimenting Manasquan’s rushing attack. If he can do those with consistency he’ll be everything the Warriors need. “One thing I told him was he’s not going to lose a game throwing it out of bounds,” said Manasquan head coach Jay Price. “We have to take care of the football.” Manasquan’s defense was one of the Shore’s best last season in posting four shutouts and finishing No. 2 in scoring defense at 12.2 points per game. Seven starters return in the Warriors’ 3-4 alignment along with a few more players who saw significant action. Price is excited about the defensive line where D’Anton is at defensive end, Foreman is at defensive tackle and Wells is at nose tackle. All three are returning starters while Scala split time last season and now steps in as a starting defensive end. D’Anton and Foreman each registered 4.5 sacks last season. “When you have guys who have seen things in the trenches they can only make everybody behind them better,” Price said. “Having a kid like Foreman and having a kid like D’Anton – the good thing is they’re back and experienced but nobody knows the work they put in since last year. They are totally different

2017 Record: 7-4 (3-3 in B North)

human beings than they were in December and it shows in everything they do.” Fabean returns as middle linebacker after making a teamhigh 78 tackles and recording three sacks last season. LaPoint will be the strongside linebacker and Birch will be the weakside linebacker with sophomore Shayne Leddy ready to step in should he need a breather. Junior Tyler Callahan is the backup middle linebacker. With his combination of physical skills and mental aptitude, Fabean is an indispensable player for the Warriors’ defense. “He’s always had great spatial awareness and an understanding of, not just Xs and Ox, but Xs and Os in movement,” Price said. “It’s one thing to look at it on the board but it’s another thing to know where that X is going, and he’s always been a savant like that. It’s like having a coach on the field.” In the secondary, Pendergist is a returning starter at cornerback where he had four interceptions last year, and Tuddles is a three-year starter at strong safety. Lyons is the other corner opposite Pendergist and Page will step in at free safety after seeing time at strong safety last season. Pendergist was the kicker last season and converted 21 of 26 extra points and also booted a 24-yard field goal. He will also assume the punting duties this fall. After competing in the rough and tumble Class B North division the last two seasons, Manasquan will now contend in the Liberty Division with Point Boro, Raritan, Colts Neck, Neptune and Monmouth Regional. When the divisions were announced one team immediately caught the attention of Manasquan’s players: Point Boro. Then, when the schedule was released and they saw the would play the Panthers first, it was like being granted a wish. The former Thanksgiving rivals met last season with Point Boro taking a 27-6 victory in the Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals. “The Point Boro game is definitely going to have more to it,” Birch said. “Last year getting knocked out by them in the semifinals really took away from our season. We thought we had a good chance of making it back to a state championship and we didn’t play our best. This year we need to come out and show everybody what Manasquan football is about.” “I was so happy to see Point Boro as the first game,” D’Anton said. “I feel like this game can really set the tone for the season. You win this game and you get the confidence rolling forward.”

New Standard

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

n his first year as head coach at Monmouth Regional, Larry Nikola helped turn the Falcons fortunes by guiding them to their first winning season since 2008 and a trip to the sectional semifinals.

Sat Fri Sat Sat Sat Sat Fri Fri

9/8 9/14 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/19 10/26

@Colts Neck @Raritan Pt. Boro Manasquan Matawan Neptune @Red Bank @Asbury Park

noon 7pm noon noon 2pm noon 7pm 6pm

Offense: Spread D efense: 3-3 Stack _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Cam Taylor, Sr., RB Last year’s addition of senior Ian Fitzgerlad was a game-changer for Monmouth and the Falcons will try to replace that production (ninth at the Shore with 1,346 rushing yards) in order to continue the program turnaround that began last year.

X -FACTOR:

Dayshawn Porter, Sr., QB/DB

Monmouth is retooling their offense to better cater to the ability of its projected starter at quarterback. Porter is the best all-around athlete and player on the team, and if the Falcons can successfully implement the spread offense and get Porter pitching the ball around the field to go with a dangerous run game, Monmouth will be a handful again this year.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Raysun Banks, Fr., DE Only a freshman, Banks won a defensive end spot early on in camp thanks to his advanced size and strength. Monmouth will be fairly inexperienced on the defensive line, so Banks will have plenty of responsibility early on.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 22 at Point Boro Monmouth’s ﬁrst loss of the season last year came at the hands of Point Boro in a close, low-scoring affair. This year, both teams are in the Liberty Division, so their lateSeptember meeting carries some extra weight. With Colts Neck and Raritan on tap for the ﬁrst two weeks, Monmouth will have a chance to start 3-0 in it can knock off the Panthers heading into a tough Week 4 test against Manasquan.

Head Coach:

Larry Nikola, 2nd season Career Record: 7-4 Assist ant Coaches:

Mike Tedeschi (Off. Coordinator), Frank Monello (Def. Coordinator), Mike Dragonetti (OL/DL), Tye Coleman (RB/LB), Vince Tesi (OL/DL), Andrew Faccone (RB/LB), Ross Dickerson (WR/DB) 2017 Record: 7-4 (4-2 in A Central)

(L-R)

P A T R I C K B E L L I E C C I (33), J E V A U H N G A R C I A (7), E L I R I F E (1), T Y L E R C O L L I N S (68) & N A Y S O N B R O W N (5)

The more lasting accomplishment of last year’s turnaround, however, was the rest of the student body at Monmouth is taking football seriously again, and Nikola has used that as a recruiting pitch. “I was in school three days a week for weightlifting at 5:30 in the morning, so afterward, I just walk around the halls looking for football players,” Nikola said. “I’ve had a lot of nos and some sideways looks, but a lot of the kids are starting to come around to the idea. I picked up about six new players walking through the hallways.” Last year’s Falcons were heavy on senior talent, including Ian Fitzgerald, who returned to the football field for the first time since his sophomore year at Red Bank Regional and ran for more than 1,300 yards for his new school. Replacing Fitzgerald and the rest of last year’s senior class that included five Class A Central All-Division selections will be the most pressing matter for Nikola and his new-look coaching staff, which has been made a little easier thanks to a handful of players who decided to try football this year. For all of the players in the fold this year, the bar is raised after the Falcons were just minutes away from reaching the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 final a year ago before falling to eventual champion, Somerville. “We looked at it as a positive but it’s still wasn’t enough for us,” senior Eli Rife said of last season’s success. The first order of business for this season was to turn the offense over to senior quarterback Dayshawn Porter, who battled an ankle injury last season. After Fitzgerald and the running backs were the main focus of Monmouth’s offense last year, Porter is now the player around whom Nikola and his staff will tailor this year’s spread offense. “Dayshawn is a dynamic player and he is the kind of kid you want to have a chance to make as many plays as possible and that’s what we’re going to try to do with him in this offense,” Nikola said. “He is

obviously a tremendous athlete and he can really throw the ball so we’re going to try to turn him loose.” Monmouth also graduated an all-division wide receiver in Devon Johnson but return two accomplished senior receivers in Rife and Jevauhn Garcia. Sophomore Sheldon Larivierne is one of the ﬁrstyear players and along with senior Drew Faccone will add depth to the receiving corps. “Dayshawn has a great arm, so he’s a super athlete out there,” Rife said. “It’s hard for a defense to play him and he’s been here for a couple years now, so he’s really got it down.” “I feel we’re even stronger at receiver than we were last year, which is another reason we decided to go in the direction that we’re headed on offense,” Nikola said. “Those two guys – Garcia and Rife – didn’t catch a lot of passes last year because of the style of offense we played, but they understand their responsibilities and they are big-time players.” The running back responsibilities will fall primarily to senior Cam Taylor, who is in line to take over the spot occupied by Fitzgerald. Porter will do his share of running as well, but Taylor will help take the pressure off. Freshmen Mikal Braithwaite and Nayson Brown will also push for touches out of the backﬁeld. The offensive line will also need an overhaul due to graduation and Nikola is shifting a pair of his returnees around in order to patch the holes. Senior Tyler Collins will move to left guard after playing center last year and classmate J.T. Plasteras shifts from tight end to tackle now that the spread will reduce the need for a tight end. Senior left guard Robert Witkowski is the one returning lineman who will play the same position that he did last year. “It’s a lot different as a senior now that we are in charge of keeping guys in line and leading the team,” Collins said. “The biggest difference is there is a lot more focus this year now that guys know what’s expected of them. Practices are a lot more intense and the

new coaches on the staff are really pushing us.” Monmouth is also changing up the defense, switching from a 4-3 base to a 3-3 stack look. The defensive line will be made up almost entirely of players new to the program, according to Nikola. Freshman Raysun Banks will be a starting defensive end with senior newcomers Jake Hollander and David Bettencourt battling for time at defensive end, as well. Hollander is one of the school’s top wrestlers and Bettencourt has been solely a basketball player until this season. Senior Chris Derkson is a 6-foot-3, 300-plus-pound nose tackle who is playing football for the first time this year. The native of Netherlands was one of the players Nikola spotted in the hallway at school and invited him to give football a try. “I told him he is bigger than 98 percent of the players in the NFL so imagine what he can do on a high school field,” Nikola said. “The good thing about him is he listens. He wants to learn and that’s what has been good about a lot of these kids coming out for the first time is they genuinely want to pay attention, work at it and get better.” Monmouth’s experienced starts to kick in at linebacker and in the secondary. Senior Patrick Bellucci played middle linebacker with Anthony Guarino last season and is back as the lone middle linebacker in this year’s formation. He will be flanked by Brown on the weak side and senior Anthony Vega on the strong side. Porter, Garcia and Rife will play in the secondary, with Porter and Garcia lining up at corner and Rife playing the safety spot. Nikola figures the two rover spots in the defense will be a rotation. The latest Shore Conference realignment should benefit Monmouth in giving the Falcons a more manageable schedule that no longer includes St. John Vianney and Rumson-Fair Haven. They will still have to play Point Pleasant Boro and now take on a strong Manasquan team, but the overall collection of teams should provide the Falcons a chance to compete. More than the schedule, the Monmouth players and coaches are focusing on maintaining the cultural transformation that defined last season. “State championship: that’s the goal,” Collins said. “Coach always talks about getting to the 12th game and that’s what we want. Twelve games and a ring.”

New Motivation

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

n each of the past two years, the Neptune football team’s season never really got off the ground after rough starts in both campaigns. Head Coach:

Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Sat 9/29 Sat 10/13 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26 Thur 11/22

Raritan 7pm Manasquan 7pm @Colts Neck noon Pt. Boro 1pm @Monmouth noon @Ocean 7pm @Wall 7pm Asbury Park 10:30am

“You get off to a tough start and sometimes it can be hard to keep guys motivated,” senior two-way lineman Javon Roe said. “We can’t let that happen. We have to keep fighting every week, every play.” This year, the Scarlet Fliers have a source of motivation and it’s one they wish never presented itself. Neptune graduate Braeden Bradforth – a defensive tackle on last year’s team – died suddenly after his first day of practice at Garden City Community College in Kansas. The news hit the team hard just a little more than a week before camp began and the returning players, particularly those like Roe who played with Bradforth on the defensive line, would

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-3 _____________________________

like to honor their fallen teammate with their play this season. “It was definitely a shock,” senior two-way lineman Sajjad Stathum said. “He was just a really good dude, always helping us younger guys out.” “We said we want to dedicate this season to him,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Hassan Worthy said. “We want to go out and play the way he would want us to play and make him proud.” For second-year coach Tarig Holman, it was a subject he never expected to have to address and for the most part, he has tried to let his players process the news how they see fit.

Tarig Holman, 2nd season Career Record: 0-10 Assist ant Coaches: Derrick Eatman (Co-Off. Coordinator), Dan Wendel (Co-Off. Coord./Special Teams), Rich Mosca (Assistant Head Coach/OL/DL), Kevin Coleman (Def. Coordinator), Jay McQuay (Assistant), Mysonn Ledet (Assistant), Netanis Beane (Assistant), Dennis Hubbard (Assistant)

2017 Record: 0-10 (0-6 in A North)

“It doesn’t matter the circumstances, when you

BIG SHOES TO FILL: Sajjad Stathum & Devon Roe, OL/DL Every team loses players to graduation and the Neptune players can only wish that was the only manner in which they lost their former teammate Braeden Bradforth, who died suddenly following a practice at a junior college in Kansas. Stathum and Roe learned from Bradforth last year and they want to play this season in his memory by leading a strong line on both sides of the ball.

X -FACTOR:

The Lines

Speaking of the lines, Neptune’s line has been inconsistent at times but Holman and his staff have been pleased with the progress the team is making on both sides of the ball up front. If the offensive line continues to progress, Neptune has enough speed to cause problems on offense and create some chaos on defense as well.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jayden McKinnon, Sr., QB McKinnon will be asked to play quarterback, running back and in the secondary, so while he has varsity experienced, he will be asked to cover the Scarlet Fliers at a lot of positions depending on the matchup and which players are delivering at other positions.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 vs. Raritan Slow starts have doomed Neptune in recent years and if the Fliers are ﬁxing for a turnaround this year, it will have to start on Week 1 against a Raritan team coming off a 4-6 season. Week 2 will be a meeting with a strong Manasquan team and if Neptune can ﬁnd a way to get to 1-1, there is a winnable game against Colts Neck in Week 3 that could set the Fliers up for an ideal start, but only if they get off on the right foot in the season-opener.

( L - R ) S AJJAD S TATHUM

(55), T YMIR O WENS (1), D AVON R OE (50), N AJIERE H UTCHINSON (9), T YRESE T URNA (5) & H ASSAN W ORTHY

lose one of your brothers like that, there is going to be pain and hurt,” Holman said. “Everybody deals with it different and I think the administration does a good job of being there for the kids. From a coach’s standpoint, you just want your players to know that you have their best interest in mind. “Our focus has been on football and it’s not something we want to bring up because I’m just not sure what the appropriate time or place is. At the same time, if the kids want to play for Braeden, I think it’s a great way to pay tribute to him if that’s what helps lift their spirit.”

With some experience on the offensive line, Holman hopes to free up Neptune’s stable of skill players, which will offer plenty of speed to the offense. Senior Jayden McKinnon has played multiple roles in camp and has taken the majority of snaps at quarterback, although he also profiles as a slot back or receiver. “He has been wearing a lot of hats for us,” Holman said of McKinnon. “We can play him wherever we need him, whether it’s quarterback, slot back, receiver, on defense. He’s been doing a good job and setting a good example for everybody else.”

Neptune’s players also want to put to rest the bad memories from a 0-9 2017 season. Holman took over the program late in the summer and has taken advantage of a full offseason with his players. He also brought in a retooled coaching staff that includes former Monmouth Regional coach Rich Mosca as assistant head coach and coach of the offensive and defensive lines. Roe and Stathum are among the key pieces on both the offensive and defensive lines, as is returning junior center Justin Bennett.

S R . J AVON R OE

As it is, McKinnon will direct Neptune’s run-heavy spread offense that will feature plenty of carries by senior running back Tyrese Turner, who has made a strong impression as a senior, both in the backfield and at linebacker. The Scarlet Fliers also bring back sophomore Isaiah Leaks, who got some time in the backfield as a freshman last season. Seniors Hassan Worthy and Tymir Owens will play wide receiver and also lead the way in the defensive secondary, with Worthy playing

cornerback and Owens captaining the defense from his safety position. “As seniors, we’re trying to get that same sense of urgency out of the younger guys,” Owens said. “When you are a senior, all of a sudden it’s like, ‘Wow, this is my last shot.’ It goes fast so we’re trying to get through to the younger guys that you have to make the most of your opportunity right now.” Senior Elijah Barnes and junior Nyron Mitchell are two other potential contributors on the defensive line and junior John Gannon and senior Nyjier Hutchinson will join Turner in the linebacker unit in Neptune’s 4-3 base look. Gannon earned a starting job as a sophomore last year and Hutchinson has been one of the varsity newcomers who has impressed the coaches. Neptune no longer has to contend with Manalapan and Howell now that the Scarlet Fliers are in the Shore Conference’s new Liberty Division, but they still have to overcome some big-name programs like Manasquan, Point Pleasant Boro and Raritan during the divisional schedule. Of course, it was not long ago that Neptune was, in its own right, a big name in the Shore Conference and the Fliers hope to be headed in that direction again. “We want to get back to that tradition of fast, physical, winning football,” Owens said. “We have the seniors, we have the talent and we have the heart. We just have to go prove it.”

Action Photos by: Paula Lopez Photography www.palimages.com

Next in Line

By: Bob Badders managing editor

ne year after a large and impactful senior class led Point Boro to an 11-1 record, a third straight division title and a trip to a state sectional final, the Panthers are back with another talented senior class that will look to keep the good times rolling.

Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Sat 9/29 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26

Manasquan 7pm Colts Neck 7pm @Monmouth noon @Neptune 1pm Raritan 7pm @Ocean 7pm Barnegat 7pm @Donovan Cath. 7pm

Offense: Flexbone D efense: 3-3 Stack _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Garrett Romer, Sr., QB Romer was a Third Team All-Shore linebacker last season, but on offense he takes over at quarterback where James Fara was a First Team All-Shore selection. Fara was fourth in the Shore with 1,628 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns and also threw for 611 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The quarterback has a lot on its plate in the triple-option offense, so the Panthers’ offensive success largely depends on how well Romer plays.

X -FACTOR:

Offensive Line Play Point Boro has just one returning starter on the offensive line, and while the men up front play a crucial role for every team, they are even more important for a team that runs the ball on almost every play.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Billy Borowsky, Sr., DL A wrestling standout for the Panthers, Borowsky came out for the football team this year and earned the starting job as the nose tackle in Point Boro’s 3-3 stack defense.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 vs. Manasquan Monmouth’s ﬁrst loss of the season last year came at the hands of Point Boro in a close, low-scoring affair. This year, both teams are in the Liberty Division, so their late-September meeting carries some extra weight. With Colts Neck and Raritan on tap for the ﬁrst two weeks, Monmouth will have a chance to start 3-0 in it can knock off the Panthers heading into a tough Week 4 test against Manasquan.

(L-R) DYLAN KLEINFELDT (34), SCOTT FRANCESCHINI (59), GARRETT ROMER (9), TRENT LIVOLSI (7) AND KYLE KOMANITSKY (1) Gone are standout players like quarterback James Fara, running backs Brandon Cipriano and Tanner Gordon, linemen Gabe Fattizzi and Anthony Bonavito and safety Trevor McNamara, but even though the names on this season’s roster aren’t as noteworthy, the Panthers are confident it will not be that way for very long. “We had a really good senior class last year but all our juniors were ready to play,” said senior quarterback/linebacker Garrett Romer. “A lot of them could have stepped right in and played but had such a good senior group in front of them.” “Last year we had a senior-heavy group with a lot of talented kids, but so was the junior class, and that made our depth very good,” said senior Trent LiVolsi. “Those juniors that are now seniors are definitely ready.” Romer, LiVolsi, Kyle Komanitsky and Scott Franceschini all started as juniors and return to lead a group that features eight new starters on offense and eight new starters on defense. The Panthers also have a new head coach as Brian Staub takes over for Matt Cilento. The adjustment to having a new head coach has been seamless, however, considering Staub was the team’s offensive coordinator. Him stepping into his first head-coaching job and Dave Drew ascending from the freshmen level are the only changes. “It’s been no change at all,” Romer said. “He brings the same energy so there’s no step back.” “It allows us to be comfortable and continue to build off what we did last year,” LiVolsi said. Staub played quarterback at Brick Memorial where he ran the triple-option offense and led the Mustangs to the 2008 Central Jersey Group 4 championship. He then played collegiately at Springfield College. He was an assistant at Brick Memorial before coming to Point Boro. “When you get to coach the type of kids we have – high-character, higheffort kids – and you get to coach with some of your best friends on a great coaching staff it’s a great time,” Staub said. “The administration has our back, the community is great, so it’s an honor to come out here and coach.” Point Boro’s flexbone offense was No. 7 in the Shore last season averaging 32.5 points per game, so the task is to keep the machine running with a host of new starters. Romer takes over at quarterback for Fara, who was a Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore selection after rushing for 1,628 yards and 24 touchdowns while also throwing for 611 yards and seven touchdowns. Romer has been a quarterback throughout his career but was stuck behind Fara. Now he gets his chance to engineer what has been a high-octane offense. “He’s such a tough kid and he’s a great leader,” Staub said. “And as good as Fara was the last two years I think Romer reads it (the option) better. He’s

not as athletic but he’s going to get the ball to the right guy at the right time, and when our quarterback has that point-guard mentality we’re a pretty good offense. That’s what he brings.” ‘I’m just really excited and ready to do the best for my team,” Romer said. Taking over at fullback (‘A’ back) for Gordon will be LiVolsi, who moves to a skill position after playing guard last year. Senior Bobby Cooper will also see time in the backfield. The slot backs are Komanitsky, who started at wide receiver last year, along with senior Christian Aurin, who saw limited action. There’s also Izzy Wilson, a transfer from Neptune, who is in line to get carries as a slot back. Last season, Cipriano was a major weapon out of the slot with 825 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns on an average of 11.9 yards per carry plus 25 catches for 451 yards and five touchdowns. Gordon added over 700 yards rushing, so there’s a lot of production to replace. “We’re excited to see Trent run the ball and we think we have a good 1-2 punch with Garrett and Trent touching the football almost every single play,” Staub said. “Last year it was speed at those positions where this year it’s more of a physical mentality – get north, get 4-to-5 yards a clip. We’re excited to have Garrett and Trent back there and we think they’re going to be pretty good.” Seniors Dylan Kleinfeldt and Ryan Visco will be the wide receivers. Point Boro’s passing game is mostly about catching a defense off guard for big plays, so that pair should have a few opportunities each game to make a major impact. Franceschini is the lone returning starter on the offensive line and will be at right tackle. Junior Dan Meccia steps into the all-important center position, and to his right at guard will be junior Chris Boud. The left tackle will be senior Ryan Stencel and the left guard position has seniors Austin Ormsby and Michael Mayfield working in. Point Boro’s defense has been stout over the last couple years and last season finished fourth in the Shore in scoring defense, yielding just 12.9 points per game with one shutout. The Panthers’ 3-3 stack alignment has three returning starters with one veteran at every level. Along the line, LiVolsi is back as a defensive end after recording 65 tackles last year and being selected to the Class B South All-Division team. Scott Franceschini is the other defensive end while senior Billy Borowsky is the nose guard. Borowsky is a standout wrestler who helped the Panthers capture a state sectional championship last season, and his decision to come out for the football team is a major plus. Romer is a returning starter at middle linebacker and is coming off a season where he made 107 tackles and was an SSN Third Team All-Shore selection. The outside linebackers are Kleinfeldt and Paul Franceschini. The five-man secondary features strong safety/outside linebacker hybrids,

Head Coach:

Brian Staub,1st season Career Record: 0-0 Assist ant Coaches:

Shane O’Connor (def. coordinator); Tom Orrok (special teams, RB/LB); Ryan Canary (OL/DL); Dave Drew (WR/LB); Dave Johnson (WR/DB); Ty Hughes (FB/LB); Eddie Kendall (OL/DL); Pat Brady, Dan Drzymkowski, William Pirall (freshmen); John Madden (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 11-1 (7-0 in B South) who will be Cooper and Aurin with Wilson also in the mix. Komanitsky is a returning starter at cornerback with junior Jake Magley joining him on the outside. Senior Jonathan Nguyen, who was with the program as a freshman before moving to Florida, is back and steps in as the starting free safety. Cilento was also the architect of Point Boro’s defense, so taking the reigns as defensive coordinator will be Shane O’Connor. “We have had a good, solid defense year-in and year-out so we’re certainly trying to keep that going,” Staub said. “Coach Matt Cilento did a great job with the 3-3 stack and his right-hand man for several years was Shane O’Connor. We do have some key guys back in that three-level scheme where LiVolsi has the line, Romer has the middle and Komanitsky has the third level, so we’re excited about that.” “Just like the last couple years we have a group of fast and scrappy kids that can hit and like to get in other people’s faces,” LiVolsi said. “That’s our type of defense. We’re not just going to sit back, we’re going to meet you at the line of scrimmage.” On special teams, Joe Picoli will be the kicker and Komanitsky will be the punter. The Shore Conference’s new divisions have Point Boro in the Liberty Division with Colts Neck, Manasquan, Monmouth Regional, Neptune and Raritan. It’s a stark departure from the days in B South, but the Panthers do have a history playing both Monmouth and Raritan, and their former long-standing rivalry with Manasquan was renewed last season during the playoffs. Point Boro scored a 27-6 victory over Manasquan in last season’s Central Jersey Group 2 semifinals, propelling the team to a sectional final for the first time since 2008. This year they’ll open up the season by welcoming the Warriors back to Al Saner Field. “It definitely gives you a boost knowing you’re playing a rival,” LiVolsi said. “You have to be ready and prepared, and it pushes you.” Point Boro is trying to get to a place where it contends for championships every season, and 2018 will be an important part of that process considering the number of new starters. This season will offer a glimpse of the depth and sustainability of the entire program. “We know we lost a lot but the seniors are really stepping up and we again have a lot of seniors this year,” Staub said. “We’re trying to get to the point where Point Boro doesn’t rebuild, we just reload. We can’t say that yet, but that’s certainly the goal. The kids are hungry to prove themselves. Point Boro football is at a good point right now and we’re just trying to keep it going.”

Ready to Launch

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

ack in 2015, the Raritan football team proved that if a team can just get into the NJSIAA playoffs, just about anything is possible. The Rockets went from a 3-5 team on a five-game losing streak at the start of the postseason to a sectional champion.

Head Coach: Anthony Petruzzi, 9 th season Career Record: 30-42 Assist ant Coaches: Fri Fri Sat Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri

9/7 9/14 9/22 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26

@Neptune Monmouth @Manasquan Colts Neck @Pt. Boro Red Bank @Matawan Holmdel

7pm 7pm 1pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Spread-Pistol D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Joe Sidisin, Sr., OL/DL & Hunter Neville, Sr., OL/DL Sean Greaves was an All-Division offensive lineman last season and, along with his brother Ryan, set the tone for the offensive line throughout the year. Sidisin and Neville will be tackles this year and Sidisin will also help out on the defensive line, where both Greaves brothers made an impact, as well.

X -FACTOR:

Quarterbacks

Raritan is looking to employ a more run-heavy look on offense this season, which will include moving receivers Dan Fiore and Nick Kenneally into slot back roles. It also includes a new quarterback, a position that will be filled by the winner of a competition between juniors Dan Caponi and D.J. Dekis.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Luke O’Hea, So., RB/DB

(L-R)

N I C K K E N N E A L L Y (10), PJ B U C C I N E (34), J O H N C A R T O N (31), T O M M Y D U R S E Y (31) & J U S T I N A C E V E D O (52)

The last two seasons, however, were a sobering reminder that those types of postseason runs by teams hovering around .500 are the exception rather than the rule and this year, the Rockets have a renewed appreciation for the process required to put themselves in position to win a championship. “Whether we wind up being in Group 2 or Group 3, we show our guys every year that our record vs. Group 2 schools is pretty impressive," said Raritan head coach Anthony Petruzzi. "When we lose in Group 2, it’s usually to a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the playoffs and we don’t play those schools until we get to the playoffs. Our guys understand that our regular-season schedule helps us in the playoffs and if they get after it against some of these bigger schools, they are going to be ready for anything.” Last year, Raritan did qualify for the playoffs at 4-4 but fell to Point Boro in a lopsided ﬁrst-round game. The Rockets then lost their regular-season ﬁnale to Holmdel to end in disappointing fashion. Among the highlights last year was the performance of running back P.J. Buccine, who is entering his senior season after leading the team in rushing both as a sophomore and as a junior. “On the offensive side of the ball, we’re looking good,” Buccine said. “We don’t have the biggest guys, but we’ve got a lot of heart and a lot of hard-working guys, which is what this program has been all about.” This year’s offense will be more tailored to Buccine and the running game, with the Rockets returning to the spread offense but working in more veer concepts, as Petruzzi explained. A major reason for the change in offense is that Raritan will

be turning to a new quarterback, which will come down to either Dan Caponi or D.J. Dekis, both of whom are juniors. “We don’t have to be a team that just plays one quarterback,” Petruzzi said. “They both do things well and they both do things differently. There is a different ﬂavor to both of them and as long as they are both doing when they are coached to do, we’re going to give everybody an opportunity to make their mark.” Raritan’s new offense also means that two of its wide receivers from a year ago – junior Dan Fiore and senior Nick Kenneally – will be featured more as slot backs than traditional wideouts. Kenneally was the leading receiver on the team last season. Junior Mike Fiore and sophomore Luke O’Hea will also be part of the backﬁeld picture. The offensive line will lose two key pieces in brothers Sean and Ryan Greaves, but there is some experience returning up front. Seniors Hunter Neville and Joe Sidisin will play tackle, with senior defensive standout Justin Acevedo possibly playing some, as well. Junior Kevin Lind is back at center and Justin Trotta and Kyle Mulvey will take over at guard. Raritan is inexperienced at wide receiver and likely won’t rely on the position as a whole to pick up a high percentage of yards in the new offense. Junior Kevin Haug, senior Chris Carton and senior Rob Bologna are three potential wide receivers while Dan Fiore and Kenneally are also proven at the position in certain formations. Neville, Lind and Sidisen will be the three primary down lineman in Raritan’s 3-4 front, but will get help from senior Jared Reick, junior Tom Casiano and senior George Mazur as

Chris Damian (Off. Coordinator); Jeff Struble (Off. Coordinator/QB), Matt Dempsey (OL); Dave Ernst (OL); Jerome Dean (LB); Joe Schroeck (DB); Joe Schillaci (Strength and Conditioning); Mike Nunes, Nick Buzzo, Nick Sparacello (Freshman); Mike DeSocio (Athletic Trainer) 2017 Record: 4-6 (2-4 in A Central) part of a rotation. Acevedo and senior Tom Dorsey will lead an experienced group of linebackers that also includes juniors Dan McCormack and Mike Fiore. The linebackers are the most settled of the three levels of the defense, according to Petruzzi. “We have a senior group with a lot of team chemistry,” Acevedo said. “Looking back at last year, we probably didn’t give 100 percent all the time and this year has just been a lot different.” Raritan will go with a full-on rotation rooted in competition in the secondary. Dan Fiore and Jon Carton will be the starters at safety and Kinneally at cornerback, but Petruzzi is adamant that all three get a chance to rest when possible. That means Haug, O’Hea, senior Kenny Smith, senior Danny Lugli and junior Jaylen Smith will all be asked to step in and play meaningful snaps at different spots around the secondary. The Rockets have been grounded by 0-3 starts in each of the past two seasons after starting their 2015 championship campaign 3-0. Each of the 0-3 starts came against St. John Vianney, Rumson-Fair Haven and Wall and the schedule – while challenging – will be signiﬁcantly more manageable this year at the onset. Raritan starts the season with Neptune, Monmouth Regional, Manasquan and Colts Neck before playing a Point Boro team that knocked the Rockets out of the Central Jersey Group 2 playoffs. “We took too many shortcuts last year and that probably hurt us,” Buccine said. “We needed leaders to step up and not just captains who are talking. We needed guys who lead and guys who work hard to do their job and we have that going for us heading into the season.”

O’Hea comes into the season as a sophomore with a chance to make a difference with the ball in his hands on offense, as well as on defense. He will work in with a deep mix of ball carriers on offense and is among the contenders for playing time at cornerback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 vs. Monmouth Last year, Monmouth made a jump in the standings at the expense of Raritan, and for the Rockets to recover this season and reclaim their territory in the new Liberty Division and later in the Central Jersey Group 2 playoffs, beating the Falcons will be the ﬁrst sign they are ready to do it.

Playoff Push

By: bob badders managing editor

ast year at this time, Barnegat was heading into the season with a handful of returning starters but was generally defined by a promising, yet inexperienced, junior class. The coaching staff was optimistic, but uncertainty surrounded their debuts.

Head Coach:

Rob Davis, 13rd season Career Record: 65-59 Assist ant Coaches:

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri

9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26

Jackson Lib. @Shore Pinelands @Matawan Mater Dei Keyport @Pt. Boro @Tr South

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Robert Armstrong Jr., So., DE Armstrong steps into a starting defensive end spot where last season Levin Musawa recorded 50 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

X -FACTOR:

Consistency

The Bengals started 3-1 last season but then lost three straight games to miss out on a playoff berth. Avoiding similar pitfalls will be crucial if they are to return to the postseason.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Eric Feroldi, Sr., OL Feroldi is the only new starter along the offensive line and will look to gel with the returning veterans to give Barnegat a strong presence up front.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 at Shore Regional The Bengals knocked off the Blue Devils, 23-14, last season, so Shore will be out for revenge when Barnegat heads to Feeney Field in Week 2. Both teams bring back a lot of starters so this ﬁgures to be one of the better divisional matchups of the season.

( L - R ) A N T H O N Y G R I M E S (56), C H A R L I E C O T T O N (26),

B R I A N E W A N (32), S E A N M O R R I S (89) & P H I L G O G A R T Y (74)

whether it be on offense, defense or special teams.”

The Bengals ﬁnished 5-5 in 2017 and just missed out on a South Jersey Group 2 playoff spot, however several players emerged as standouts, including All-Shore tight end Sean Morris, linebacker Brian Ewan and running back Charlie Cotton. Now the Bengals will return nine starters on both sides of the ball as they look to end a three-year postseason drought.

of ﬁve starters up front with 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior Phil Gogarty at right tackle and 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior Grifﬁn Jackstadt as the left tackle. The center is 6foot-1, 270-pound senior Tim Lauterbach and the right guard is senior Joseph Lauer (6-0, 245). The lone newcomer on the offensive line is senior Eric Feroldi (60, 220) at left guard.

All three linebackers return, led by Ewan (5-11, 220) at middle linebacker. Ewan made 83 tackles with 11 coming behind the line of scrimmage and added one sack, one interception and one forced fumble.

“Since our eighth-grade year when we won the division and were undefeated we’ve been coming up with high expectations,” Morris said. “This is the season we’ve been waiting for.”

“We’re RPO and it’s the system we’ve been running for years, but people have this thing where they don’t think we don’t run the ball,” Davis said. “We’ve run for over 1,000 yards every single year and one year we ran for 2,800 yards with six different running backs. Our philosophy is rotating a lot of guys but Charlie is a workhorse. He gets a lot of carries and he gets better as the game goes on.”

Cotton returns as the starting strong-side linebacker and senior Mike Godfrey, who started three games last season, is the weak-side linebacker.

“We’ve all been playing together since we were young and dreamed of this year,” Ewan said. “I remember watching the high school guys and waiting for our moment, and it’s ﬁnally here. We’re looking to make a big impact this year.” The Bengals’ multiple spread offense will have returning starters at all but two positions as they look to improve on their 17.7 points per game average from a season ago. Leading the way will be Morris, a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder who was a Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore selection and is committed to Holy Cross. He had a breakout 2017 campaign with 38 receptions for 671 yards and eight touchdowns. “He’s a game-changer,” said Barnegat head coach Rob Davis. “He’s a playmaker on both sides of the ball and the team looks up to him. He’s a hard worker, he’s a vocal leader and also leads by example.” Cotton (5-10, 205) returns as the tailback after rushing for 1,015 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Ewan helped open holes for Cotton as the fullback and will do the same this season. Senior quarterback Brian Finucan (6-3, 195) threw for 1,010 yards and eight touchdowns and gives the Bengals an experienced signal-caller. Often overlooked are the guys in the trenches, but as they go so do most teams. The Bengals bring back four

Junior Devyn DeFilipo (6-2, 175) returns as the starting ‘X’ receiver while fellow juniors Dominique Dorphin (6foot-3) and Caleb Schafer step into starting roles. “We have a couple of receivers who can be threats down the field and we haven’t had that in a while,” Davis said. The Bengals finished in the middle of the pack in scoring defense last season (21.6 ppg) but bring back nine starters in what they feel can be a shutdown unit. Morris had 41 tackles, including 15 hits for loss, along with 3.5 sacks, 14 hurries, two interceptions (one for a touchdown), three forced fumbles and two safeties, and returns as a starting defensive end. Seniors Anthony Grimes (6-0, 280) and John Pannone return as the starting defensive tackles while sophomore Robert Armstrong Jr. will start at the other defensive end position. Grimes was a Class B South All-Division selection last season. “Defense is definitely a big part of my game,” said Morris, who was recruited as a tight end. “I love to bring the intensity on the defensive side as well as the offensive side. I want to help out the team any way I can

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 74

Paul Covine (co-def. coordinator); Kevin Smith (co-def. coordinator); Mike Burke (RB); Mike DeTroia (OL); Andrew Villiez (WR); Andrew Petruzzi (QB); Brenden McCarthy (DL); Wayne Jackson (gameday assistant); Rob Cordasco (freshmen head coach); Zac Brebner (freshmen assistant); Lauren Tribley (athletic trainer) 2017 Record: 5-5 (4-3 in B South)

“He’s going to be a four-year starter and I’ve seen him grow, mentally, and step up every year,” Davis said. “He’s as physical as anybody and he’s very underrated.”

Senior Sean Madej made 64 tackles last season and returns to anchor the secondary from his position at free safety. Junior Matt Scott will get the starting nod at strong safety after starting three games last season. Senior Tristan Porcelli is a returning starter at cornerback while DeFilipo will start at the other cornerback position. “Our school is known for our defense and I think we’re going to live up to the name,” Ewan said. “We have some great kids coming back and some great kids coming up. We’re looking forward to cracking people.” Barnegat’s special teams unit has junior Aaron Osborn as the kicker and Finucan as the punter. Juniors Livi Bowen and Tyzon Jackson are the punt returners while Schafer and senior DeWight Smith are the kick returners. Morris is the long snapper and Madej is the holder. The Bengals will compete in the National Division this season with Mater Dei Prep, Jackson Liberty, Shore, Pinelands and Matawan. The Bengals also have nondivisional games against Keyport, Point Boro and Toms River South. “It’s deﬁnitely a different look for us, but we’re looking forward to it,” Ewan said. “We’re never going to overlook a team. We’ll go week by week, and right now our focus is on Jackson Liberty. Hopefully we go 1-0 and then move on to the next opponent.” If all goes well, the Bengals will ﬁnd themselves back in the playoffs. “We have to get back to the playoffs,” Davis said. “We’ve missed the playoffs three years in a row and it’s been bothering our program big time. That’s my big goal and that’s the chip on our shoulders.”

Following The Defense I

By: Vin Ebenau SSN Contributor

t's year two of a new defensive scheme for Jackson Liberty installed by second-year defensive coordinator Jeff Schmidt under head coach Jim Sharples, who enters year number six at the helm of the Lions.

Head Coach:

Jim Sharples, 6th season Career Record: 17-33 Assist ant Coaches:

Fri 9/7 @Barnegat Fri 9/14 Mater Dei Fri 9/21 @Matawan Fri 9/28 @Shore Fri 10/5 Pinelands Fri 10/12 Jackson Mem. Sat 10/20 @TR South Fri 10/26 Manchester

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

Offense: Pro-Style D efense: 4-3/Multiple _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Yaron Moore, Sr., OL/DL

While Johnson was the biggest team loss, Joe Crouchman graduating also leaves a big void on the offensive line for the Lions. Moore will have to make the adjustments and provide a boost to an offense who struggled at times to score points in 2017.

X -FACTOR: Toughness and Conditioning

Sharples said one of the main things they're preaching to the players is being tough, mentally and physically. "I think it's going to carry us through," Sharples said.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Andrew Gallaway, Sr., TE/DE Gallaway jumps into a starting role after playing as a backup to Johnson last season. "He's 6-2, 220-pounds, he's one of our stronger kids and he's been waiting and working," Sharples said.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 7 at Barnegat The Lions open their season with a familiar rival from their days in Class B South before facing Mater Dei, Matawan and Shore in consecutive weeks.

YARON MOORE (75), SHANE SIMONSON (31), MIKE CHMURA (62) AND JIMMY CELENTANO (24)

(L-R)

The Lions allowed 289 points in 2016 and that lowered last season to 232, a solid improvement towards a goal to tighten their defense even more this season. "I think our defense was much improved last year with Jeff running his new defense and I think that's only going to get better," Sharples said. "The kids already know so much more than they did at this time last year." Schmidt's multiple 4-3 defense mirrors what he used to help Allentown win a state sectional title in 2016 and is similar to the one Toms River East ran (where he coached the linebackers) that helped it reach the semiﬁnals in 2009. "It's a tough defense to learn but once you get it, it's not that hard," said senior Shane Simonson. "The defense works if you know what you're doing." One of the reasons the Lions improved on defense last season is gone, and that's defensive end Nick Johnson, who graduated before appearing in the Shore Sports Network All-Shore Gridiron Classic this summer. The Lions also lost two key offensive players in running back Jacquel Spears and lineman Joe Crouchman. They face a challenge but one Sharples and his team are not backing away from as they enter the 2018 season with a host of returning players who will be tasked with helping the Lions take a step

forward from a 3-7 season last year. "Jimmy Celentano (junior), Jake Bosco (junior) and Garrett Blasi (junior) are all coming back with experience and that's a good thing," Sharples said. "Then there are the kids that sat back and watched the Nick Johnson's and Joe Crouchman's and they're ready to go." There's likely to be multiple players that'll get the opportunity to fill in for some of the vacancies of players like Crouchman and Johnson. "They were very good players and they're very hard to replace," said senior Yaron Moore. "I feel like the players who make the least amount of mistakes and know what they're doing are the players who are going to get those spots." One of the players who may get the bulk of the carries filling the vacancy Spears left behind is Celentano, who will look to boost the offense. "Jacquel was a good running back and I learned a lot behind him," Celentano said. "This year we have a couple returning starters on our O-Line that I think can really help the running game. I think we'll have a pretty good running game this year." The Lions have some returning players who will be vying for spots all over the field. "Jimmy Celentano started both ways last year and is one of our better players. He's going to get the brunt of the workload in the backfield," Sharples said. "Jake Bosco played slot receiver for us last

Vin Spaddevecchia (off. coord./QB); Jeff Schmidt (def. coord./LB); Matt Schmidt (OL); Ryan Hesnan (DB); Ron Brown (WR); Gerard O’Donnell (RB); Matt Spader (OL/special teams); Chris Grande (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 3-7 (2-5) year and he's back and in his second year playing varsity. Up front, Andrew Gallaway is a senior was pretty much behind Nick (Johnson) at tight end and also at defensive end. He's prepared himself and stepped up. Aidan Alverson is another senior lineman who is coming back. Evan Catron is our starting quarterback, he was a sophomore starter last year and is returning as a junior and things are a lot smoother for him. Joe Devito is a wideout/defensive back who gives us a lot and Shane Simonson is a three-year starter at middle linebacker." While the defense improved last season, the Lions will need to address some offensive woes that led to them averaging just 13.3 points per game. "We just really need to execute everything," Devito said. "Everyone needs to do their jobs and execute the plays coach Vin (offensive coordinator Vin Spaddevecchia) calls for us." Throughout the offseason and into training camp the players have continued to work hard from the moment last season was ﬁnished. "In November we started getting stronger, we knew we were going to switch our offense to a little more of a 'three-yards cloud of dust' offense where we had to be big and strong up front," Sharples said. "With a four-man front on defense, we knew that we would have to get big and strong. The kids did a great job, we got stronger across the board." That will prove vital for a Lions team looking to compete in 2018 with an even smaller roster, so conditioning is among the most important parts of their preparation heading into Week 1. "I think if you look around the Shore Conference, probably the state or even the country, football numbers are down and we're certainly no different," Sharples said. "Our school population has dropped a bit and now it's ﬁltered down to the football team. We have about 40 varsity players and I told the kids it's going to be about being in phenomenal shape because we're probably going to have a lot of guys playing both ways."

I- nvesting in Run

By:

Gregg Lerner

SSN Contributor

o reason that there is no “i” in Matawan is to ignore creative license. The vowel is actually quite prevalent around the Huskies, not in spelling but in defining perhaps how they'll conduct their offensive business this fall. Span through the program’s deep history, find some of its most powerful versions and, chances are, they featured dependable running backs dashing through gaps out of the I-formation, a scheme that will once again be en vogue along Atlantic Avenue.

Head Coach:

John Kaye, 7th season (12th overall)

Sat 9/8 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Sat 10/6 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Sat 10/27

@Mater Dei Pinelands Jackson Lib. Barnegat @Monmouth Shore Raritan @Marlboro

Career Record: 62-43-1 Assist ant Coaches:

1pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 7pm noon

Charlie Marsh (co-def. coord./DB/asst. HC); Nick Citro (co-def. coord.); Ken Mandeville (RB); Jamiel Sims (LB); Nick Christathakis (OL/DL); Scott Davis (WR); Matt O’Brien, Bob Wietecha (freshmen); Buddy Scott, Sonny Jackson (volunteers); Matt Goetz (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 2-8 (1-5) (L-R )

Offense: I-Formation D efense: Multiple _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL:

Devin Williams, Sr., RB/S

A lot is expected from the versatile Williams. He will be the centerpiece of a run-oriented I-formation and be a lurking disruptor in the secondary at safety. Matawan anticipates his playmaking on both sides to be a tone setter.

X -FACTOR:

Air Game

First-year quarterback Trevor Garland can ease into his role by feeding Williams out of the backﬁeld. But, with 6-foot-4 senior Noah Colleton, 6-foot-2 jZaire Ziare Williams and 6-foot-2 junior Mark Kawka having potential size advantages against coverage, spinning deep balls to encourage his receivers to elevate for possession is too inviting to ignore.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Rocko Brzezniak, Fr., ILB & Sam Onuha, Jr., OL/DL Brzezniak (6-foot, 205), a promising baseball prospect, impressed in the weight room with his effortless muscle, which Matawan hopes transcends into a force at inside linebacker. Onuha, who played within the system as a freshman before moving to Georgia, is back for his junior year and to supply depth on the offensive and defensive lines.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 8 at Mater Dei It’s no secret that Mater Dei is the team to beat in the Patriot Division and Matawan gets to measure itself against the frontrunner to kick off its 2018 campaign. The Huskies will gain an immediate appreciation for playing fast and smart, principles to apply in subsequent matchups with Pinelands, Jackson Liberty and Barnegat that will give them a sense of their standing within the division by the end of September.

BRUNO CIAGLIA, YUBIR ROJAS, DEVIN WILLIAMS, NOAH COLLETON & LUCAS CASTANEDA

The timing is perfect, coinciding with a veteran offensive line cohesive in execution and a feature back in Devin Williams, a senior eager to heighten his profile through a more extensive workload. “We’re going to pound the rock,” stated Matawan head coach John Kaye. “We’ll feed Devin 20 to 25 times a game. He’s going to be an old-fashion Matawan I back in the image of Craig Mitter and Greg Rice.” Just to be mentioned in the same breath as Huskie icons says a lot about Williams. As a junior, he worked alongside 2018 grad Devonte Spann, who led Matawan with 917 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 162 carries. Yet, Williams modestly showed flashes of his own brilliance, averaging a team-best 6.3 yards per haul en route to collecting 426 yards and five scores on just 68 attempts, numbers that are inclined to increase dramatically. His quick reads, slick cuts, immunity to initial contact and acceleration through holes are all attractive features prepared to be detonated. But, as any back knows, the work is a collaborative effort, reliant on opportunities being available to exploit. Such chances will be carved by those up front, a collection of beef, brawn and experience poised to power the Huskies within their new digs in the Patriot Division. Left tackle Bruno Ciaglia (6-0, 225), left guard

Lucas Castaneda (6-0, 225), center Zack Dukes (5-10, 220) and right guard Nick Wyman (6-1, 225) are a mature quartet of polished seniors who will be joined by sophomore right tackle Nick Glende (6-3, 240). Sam Onuha, who played within the Huskies’ system as a freshman before moving to Georgia, has returned to provide depth with his shadowing 6-4, 250-pound frame. The idea to establish the run should take pressure off first-year quarterback Trevor Garland. The 6-foot-1 senior will have the luxury of Williams and senior E-Unique Gittens-Russell, a 5-foot-8 scatback, darting from the backfield while consuming a defense's attention. As numbers inside the box increase to neutralize the ground attack, Garland can make the most of a sizable group of wide receivers that includes 6foot-4 senior Noah Colleton, 6-foot-2 junior Zaire Williams and 6-foot-2 junior Mark Kawka, who could fluctuate between fullback and a slot receiver. “We’ll ask Trevor to make the simple throws but we also want him to be able to put the ball up and let our big targets go and get it,” said Kaye. “Noah and Ziare can make plays on each side of the ball.” Instrumental to Matawan’s passing game, Colleton and Ziare Williams will be just as essential in shutting down opponent’s aerial pursuits. Williams and Gittens-Russell are the frontrunners to nail down the corner spots in the secondary. Colleton and Devin Williams split time

at one safety while working with heady junior Marcandrew Gagneron, a fierce presence down the middle of the field. The defensive box will be stocked with assertive heat seekers programmed to apply maximum pressure in various blitz packages. Castaneda, Ciaglia, Dukes, Onuha, junior Nikeson Lovinsky and sophomore Baldemar Rojas are in the mix across the defensive line with seniors Yubir Rojas and Nick Hartigan, junior Brandon Rodriguez and intriguing freshman Rocko Brzezniak comprising a stout linebacking crew. Brzezniak, is a powerful ray of promise for Matawan whose reputation is more noted in baseball circles, where he is already a distinguished first baseman who wields an imposing bat and has Division 1 interest. The kicking game has been perennially strong for the Huskies, who have produced Adam Elliott and Mike Creamer in recent years. Sophomore Andrew Myerson hopes to follow in their prolific footsteps and give Matawan dependability on PATs and field goals. Senior Lawrence Wilson will handling punts and Devin Williams and GittensRussell offer play-making potential on returns, making for a formidable special-teams ensemble. The schedule has undergone an overhaul with Matawan picking up five brand new divisional foes in Jackson Liberty, Barnegat, Pinelands, Shore and Mater Dei Prep competing in the Patriot. The new confines signaling a step in the right direction by the conference, according to Kaye. “The schedule is good for football. You’re going to have a competitive game every weekend,” he noted. “It’s encouraging”.

Big– Stage Crew

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

ater Dei’s championship season in 2016 was an obvious sign that the program had reached new heights under new coach Dino Mangiero, but the team’s disappointment after a two-loss 2017 season that ended in another state final appearance might be even more telling about the degree to which the team’s expectations have shifted.

Head Coach:

Thur Sat Fri Sat Sat Fri Sat Sat Sat

8/30 9/8 9/14 9/22 9/29 10/5 10/13 10/20 10/27

Pinelands Matawan @Jackson Lib. Shore Canada Prep @Barnegat @Manasquan Donovan Cath. Cheshire Acad.

Dino Mangiero, 3rd season Career Record: 20-2 (In N.J.) Assist ant Coaches:

3pm 1pm 7pm 1pm 1pm 7pm 1pm 1pm 1pm

Lance Bennett (Off. coordinator); Jake Pew (def. Coordinator); Greg Gigantino; Shannon Hoadley; Chris Parker; John Ferreanci; Christian Sparachio; Jesse Ascolese; Dan DeShong (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 8-2 (5-0 in B Central) school year and Sillah joined him over the summer.

( L - R ) I S A I A H A L S T O N (19), C A L O G E H O A M O R E L L I (8),

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Rob McCoy, Sr., QB McCoy is a two-year varsity starter with a winning track record at a highlevel program, so the pressure of replacing Mater Dei’s offensive leader from a year ago should not phase him. With turnover to Camden Catholic’s coaching staff, McCoy was among the players to leave and Mater Dei will be the beneﬁciary this season.

X -FACTOR:

Receivers

With a new quarterback in place, Mater Dei’s group of receivers will look to get on the same page with McCoy in a system that otherwise remains the same. The loss of leading receiver Kyle Devaney to graduation leaves a void, but Isaiah Noguera and Clarence Lewis return with experience and Isaiah Alston and Gunny Bloodgood look to be impact players.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Amir Coleman, Jr., OL/DL Coleman was an All-Division defensive lineman in Class A Central as a sophomore at Matawan last year and will make an immediate impact in his ﬁrst year as a part of Mater Dei’s imposing front four.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 20 vs. Donovan Catholic In a lot of ways, Donovan Catholic is trying to accomplish what Mater Dei has over the past ﬁve-plus years and the Grifﬁns will get a chance to measure themselves against the Seraphs late in the year. From Mater Dei’s perspective, most of the games during the season once again look like mismatches on paper, so the Seraphs’ chance to make a statement will come outside the division against Manasquan and up-and-coming Donovan Catholic.

R U S S E L L F E R R I S I (5), G U N N Y B L O O D G O O D (16) & I S A I A H The Seraphs were plugging along at 5-0 last season before a self-imposed penalty took two coaches off the sidelines – reportedly Mangiero and offensive coordinator Lance Bennett – for the remainder of the year. Mater Dei used six ineligible players during a Sept. 30 game against international opponent Canada Prep – one week before they were due to become eligible. Mater Dei then lost to Delbarton to snap a 17-game winning streak that started at the beginning of the 2017 season and fell to St. Joseph of Hammonton in the NonPublic Group II final, 30-14. “One hundred percent (it was a distraction),” senior Calogero Amorelli. “We need everyone together at practice and in the game because that’s what makes our team great. We have great coaches so not having them made things different.”

HENDERSON

(7)

“I don’t think it was a distraction,” senior Russell Ferrisi countered. “They were with us at practice and once game day comes, we know what we’re supposed to do. It’s not an excuse.” Not all, however, was lost last season. Mater Dei went on the road and knocked off a talent Holy Spirit team, 35-34, in the sectional semifinals. The Seraphs now head into this season with a host of quality returnees and a handful of impact newcomers that will fill a number of the open spots. “We look good,” senior Izaiah Henderson said. “We have the chemistry throughout the summer and I think we have more talent than we have ever had.” The Seraphs defense will be among the Shore’s best thanks the return of a pair of Boston College commits in Henderson (defensive line) and outside linebacker Shittah Sillah. Henderson committed last

“We’re good friends, so he obviously had some questions about the process since I was already committed,” Henderson said. “I tried to answer whatever questions he had but for the most part, I tried to stay out of the process and let him make his own decision. I’m really happy with the choice I made and I’m excited that I’m going to be playing with one of my teammates.” Ferissi will be equally important as a returning two-year starter on the defense. Mater Dei also has an abundance of defensive line talent to complement Henderson, including senior Kajell Whyte and junior Malachi Treadwell. Two of Mater Dei’s top imports via transfer this season will play on the defensive line, as well. Junior Amir Coleman was a Class A Central All-Division defensive lineman at Matawan last season while fellow junior Khurram Simpson left Montclair Immaculate to join the Seraphs. Juniors Clarence Lewis and Isaiah Noguera return at both cornerback spots

and Amorelli is back at the strong safety spot in Mater Dei’s base 4-4 look. Senior Sincere Saunders is also a valuable returning piece who can help in the secondary. The offense will look different as far as the personnel goes, but Mangiero and Bennett will not have to overhaul the system thanks to the arrival of senior quarterback Rob McCoy Jr. For the past two seasons, George Pearson gave Mater Dei one of the Shore’s top quarterbacks before heading to Central Michigan. With McCoy transferring in after starting the past two years at Camden Catholic, the transition should be a relatively smooth one. In his two seasons with the Irish, McCoy posted a record of 17-3, with both seasons ending at the hands of St. John Vianney in the Non-Public Group III playoffs. He threw for 1,630 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. “We’ve got a guy who’s an experienced guy,” Mangiero said of McCoy. “He has already been a starter for a couple of years. He’s very, very smart – he’s picking up our system very quickly. We love him, we think he’s going to be a very good player for us.” McCoy’s receiving corps features a number of capable options, although it will be without last year’s leading

sophomore Rakim Cooper Coleman and Whyte are all in the offensive line mix, as well. The offensive line will work in front of a deep collection of running backs, led by Saunders and junior Malik Ingram. Ingram transferred from Neptune last season and led the Seraphs with 1,251 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Sophomore Jaqual Talmadge has also carved out a role on the offense during the preseason. “We have a lot of quality backs on the team, which is always nice,” Mangiero said. “Malik Ingram came in last year and did a real nice job as our leading rusher, so he’s going to be a key guy for us again. We lost a couple good football players on the line but we’ve got some guys who have impressed us so far so I think we’ll be pretty solid there.” McCoy’s season-ending losses to St. John Vianney in each of the past two seasons could be significant, even in a new program. Mater Dei has been bumped up from NonPublic Group II to Non-Public Group III, which means the Seraphs will be in the same section as fellow Shore Conference powers Vianney and Red Bank Catholic. During Mater Dei’s resurgence under Mangiero, the Seraphs have yet to face either team. Not only has Mater Dei not faced Vianney or RBC – the Seraphs have yet to face a Shore Conference team ranked in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 under Mangiero. That could change this year with games scheduled against Manasquan and up-and-coming Ocean County non-public Donovan Catholic. “We don’t worry about (the schedule) because we want to play those teams,” Alston said. “We want to play the hardest teams. That’s what makes us better and gets us ready for the next level. A lot of teams doubt us and we just want to show them what Mater Dei football is.”

receiving K y l e Devanney, who moved on via graduation. Noguera and Lewis were second and third on the team, respectively, in receiving yards, while 6-foot-4 senior Isaiah Alston will also be a top target for McCoy.

Shore Conference realignment bumped Mater Dei into the Patriot Division, which keeps the rivalry with Shore Regional intact while adding Matawan, Barnegat, Pinelands and Jackson Liberty to the schedule. Throw in another game vs. Canada Prep and a regularseason finale against Connecticut power Cheshire Academy and the Seraphs will have a regular season mix they hope will prepare them for a step up in competition once the postseason rolls around. “I don’t think it matters who we play,” Ferissi said. “Regardless of who the opponent is, we prepare the same way. We take it week-to-week, step-by-step and just try to keep getting better. If we keep doing that, we’ll be ready to play whoever we have to play.”

“We got (McCoy) adjusted early and we’ve got that chemistry going right now,” Alston said. “He’s good. He has studied the plays, we are ready to go catch the ball for him and he’ll be ready when it’s time to play.” Senior Gunny Bloodgood, meanwhile, will play in the slot – a role similar to the one Devaney played in each of the past two seasons. “I learned a lot playing with (Devaney) but I think we’re different,” Bloodgood said. “He had his way of doing things, I have mine and I’m just going to try to go hard and help us win.” One of the more intriguing players on the Mater Dei roster is 6-foot-7 senior tight end Chris Autino, who has made a name for himself as a center on the Ranney School’s Shore Conference Tournament championship basketball team. Ranney does not have a football team and entered a co-op with Mater Dei in football, so Autino will play his first season of high school football at the school that has served as Ranney’s most bitter rival on the basketball court over the past three seasons. Alston has also been part of the rivalry, coming off the bench for the Seraphs as a junior last year. “He’s a good athlete, he’s very smart and he really hasn’t played a down of football yet,” Mangiero said of Autino. “So we’ll see. I think he’s a great athlete, he’s a great kid, he has a very high work ethic. I’ve only known him four or five weeks, but I love him and I’m rooting for him.” Autino is still refining all of his responsibilities as a receiver and blocker and will be an extension of an offensive line that has some key horses to replace. Henderson will also play on the offensive line while senior tackle Nolan Aloia also returns as an imposing figure at 6foot-5 and 390 pounds. Senior Joe Cerrato, R

S . WR I S A I A H

ALSTON 79

The Task at Hand

By: Bob Badders managing editor

eams talk all the time about facing adversity, about battling a hardship in their way in order to achieve success. Most times, it’s just rhetoric, but for Pinelands to forge ahead this season the team will have to block out a multitude of distractions surrounding them.

Head Coach:

Matt Fuller, 2nd season Career Record: 2-8 Assist ant Coaches:

Thur Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Sat

8/30 9/7 9/14 9/21 10/5 10/12 0/20 10/27

@Mater Dei 3pm @Shore 7pm @Matawan 7pm @Barnegat 7pm @Jackson Lib. 7pm @Tr East 7pm @Colts Neck noon @Keansburg 1pm

Offense: Pistol efense: 3-3 stack D _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Nik DiLeo, So., RB/DE DiLeo was a starter on both sides of the ball but was the third option in the running game behind Evan Burton and Brennan Richardson. He’ll be the secondary back in taking over for Richardson and will also shift from linebacker to defensive end.

X -FACTOR:

Staying Healthy

The Wildcats have low numbers and can’t afford an injury. Nearly the entire team is playing both ways, so a player missing an extended amount of time would be crushing.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Tristin Pharo, Sr., WR The Wildcats haven’t had wide receivers since 2013. Pharo, a track and field athlete, brings an element of speed to the passing game.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 5 at Jackson Liberty Pinelands has two games on its schedule against old Class B South rivals. Pinelands and Jackson Liberty have a split the last two meetings and the games between the programs have generally been competitive.

Anthony Allocca (off. coordinator); Joe Adelizzi (def. coordinator); Scott Peterka (OL); Albert Rowland (DB); Dom LaFragola (DL); Todd Kaiser (WR); Justin Loomis, Howard Berry (freshmen); Mike Keller, George Martian, Mike Cestare (seventh/eighth grade team); Stacey Childs (athletic trainer).

(L-R) GARRETT BROWN (18), EVAN BURTON (40) AND

2017 Record: 2-8

(1-6 in B South)

BRYAN MENDEZ (51)

Pinelands Regional High School is one big construction zone as crews work on a $53 rehabilitation project that will have the school closed for the 2018-2019 school year. Grades 10 through 12 will move across the street to the junior high school, cramming the building to its limits. The football team has a very limited weight room. The football field is also being renovated, meaning the Wildcats are not scheduled to play a home game in 2018. On top of that, program participation numbers are low. If the Wildcats are to rebound from a 2-8 season and contend in the new-look Patriot Division they’ll have to focus only on what they can control and push what’s surrounding them out of the picture. “We have the motto of ‘no bull’,” said Pinelands head coach Matt Fuller. “We’re not going to worry about anything that’s out there. Last year when I took over I stole (University of Minnesota head coach) P.J. Fleck’s ‘Row the Boat’ (motto) and we’ve used it to show we’ll put blinders on and do what we have to do. We’re not going to let not having a field or not having a locker room or weight room and having to travel to Monmouth County for six out of eight games bother us. It’s kind of helped them focus, and with how many guys we have they can only worry about what’s going on (on the field). They can’t let anything else get in the way.” “What’s going on with the school is (the district’s) problem, not ours, so we just have to put that out of our minds and keep working hard,” said senior quarterback Garrett Brown. “It’s our season, not theirs.” While the drastic changes to the school itself are obvious once you step foot on campus, another major restructuring is occurring within the Wildcats’ offense. After employing the runheavy double wing offense for the last four seasons, Pinelands is switching to a spread look out of the pistol for 2018. Wide receivers are back for the first time since 2013 and although the Wildcats will still be a run-first team, they’ll try to take advantage of their athleticism on the outside. “We have more athletes in the program than we have had in past years, so that’s awesome,” Fuller said. “We have Evan (Burton) as a three-year player, Garrett is a three-year player, three of the five linemen are two-year starters, and that’s great for us.” Burton gives Pinelands a proven performer in the backfield as he returns for his third year as a starting running back. A Class B South All-Division selection last season, Burton ran for 1,061 yards and 14 touchdowns last season on an average of 6.1 yards per carry. Sophomore, Nik DiLeo, who is also a returning starter, gives the Wildcats a solid combination in the

backfield. “It’s great to be able to rely on (Evan) and even though we’re in the pistol we’re still going to be a 60/40 run team,” Fuller said. “We’re going to put the ball in his hands when it matters but we do have the ability with Nik DiLeo to be able to spell Evan. We’ll have a 1-2 punch back there and try to grind it out as much as possible.” “We’re still going to be run-oriented but with the spread look it can open up more opportunities to run because teams will have to cover the outside and deep,” Burton said. The player who will have to make the biggest adjustment offensively is Brown, who will also be entering his third year as a starter. Pinelands averaged about 10 pass attempts per game last season, a decent amount for a team in the double wing. Brown threw for 578 yards and three touchdowns last season and will certainly have more opportunities through the air this season. “I have to take a lot more responsibility now,” Brown said. “I’m not just handing it off, now I’m reading coverages and looking at all the passing options.” “Garrett offers confidence,” Fuller said. “He likes to throw the ball and wants to throw the ball. We haven’t thrown much the past two years but he’s been working on his mechanics and how to read a defense on his own so he’s stepped right in and picked up what we’ve asked him to do. We expect him to manage the game, move the ball down the field and don’t turn it over. He knows the right decisions to make and we’re confident in him doing it.” The tight ends are sophomore Andrew Jenkins and junior Ed Wilkinson, the latter of whom saw time toward the end of the last season. Junior Andrew Bartlett will serve as the H-back. The all-new wide receiver corps features seniors Tristin Pharo, Bobby LeFevre, and Kevin Cameron along with sophomore Jack Lawrie. Pharo runs the 400 meter for the Wildcats’ track and field team and brings an element of breakaway speed. “He’s close to being a sub-50 second guy in the 400 so he’s one of the fastest kids on the school,” Fuller said. “You get him into open space and he can fly.” Three starters are back on the offensive line, led by senior Bryan Mendez. A returning starter, Mendez played every single position on the offensive line last season. He will be the left tackle this season but his versatility gives the team flexibility. Senior Zach Michot is the center and a returning starter and senior Jacob Lucas is a returning starter at right tackle. The left

guard will be either senior Brian McNeil or sophomore Andrew Staub and the right guard will be junior John Morrin. The double wing won’t completely disappear from Pinelands’ offense, however. In short-yardage situations – at least – the Wildcats can bring out their heavy set and be confident they can get the job done. It also gives opposing coaches something else to think about. “When we go goal line we can run the wedge and it’s an easy one or two yards,” Brown said. “That option should always be there.” Pinelands hopes the offensive changes will help them improve upon their 19.3 points per game from a season ago, which ranked No. 23 in the Shore Conference. The Wildcats defense was at the bottom of the Shore last season in allowing 33.1 points per game, however, so tightening up on that side of the ball is crucial. The good news is that the Wildcats’ 3-3 stack defense has been in place for a few seasons and the players – especially the freshmen and sophomores – are familiar with the concepts. “In our first scrimmage the defense held their own,” Fuller said. “We’re young and we have a lot of sophomores playing, but that bodes well for us because these guys have run the same defense and been in the same positions since seventh grade. We’re not teaching new stuff so these kids can pick it up and go, and you can tell on the field. They’re not thinking, they’re just playing.” Morrin, who saw time last year, will be the nose tackle while DiLeo and Mendez are the defensive ends. Mendez saw time last season while DiLeo was a starter at linebacker last season. Sophomore Shane Michot will start at middle linebacker with Burton at strongside linebacker and McNeil at weakside linebacker. Burton is a returning starter and made 54 tackles last season while McNeil started one game. LeFevre is a returning starter at cornerback while Brown rotated in at corner. Bartlett is a returning starter at free safety and also saw time at middle linebacker last season. The two strong safeties are sophomore brothers Aaron and Connor Harris. On special teams, Burton will be both the kicker and punter. Aside from the obvious goals of scoring more points and allowing fewer, Pinelands is focusing on being able to close games out. “The last two years we haven’t had the best record but I feel like we were in the game in the fourth quarter a lot,” Burton said. “This year I’m hoping we can (finish). “I believe we have a solid chance against everyone on the schedule.”

Eyes on the Prize

By: Bob Badders managing editor

ven though they were a mostly young and inexperienced team and also had to deal with a plethora of injuries, going 4-6 last season was not acceptable to Shore Regional’s players. Head Coach:

Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Sat10/20 Sat 10/27

Pinelands Barnegat @Mater Dei Jackson Lib. Pt. Beach @Matawan @Keansburg @Keyport

7pm 7pm 1pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 1pm noon

Offense: Delaware Wing-T D efense: 4-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Noah Carroll, Sr., DE Carroll will start at defensive end and take over for Mike Rosati, who was a three-year starter and made 4.5 sacks last year.

X -FACTOR:

Staying Healthy

Shore has several key starters back, but depth, as was evident last year, can be an issue for a small school. The Blue Devils need everyone on the field if they are going to contend for a championship.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Shane McLaughlin, So., RB/DB McLaughlin will see plenty of playing time among Shore’s stable of running backs and will also start in the secondary at cornerback.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 vs. Barnegat Shore and Barnegat have met as nondivisional opponents the last two years with the teams splitting the two games. Now they’re in the same division and both have large senior classes hoping to lead the way and forge a special season.

Mark Costantino, 27th season Career Record: 176-95-1 Assist ant Coaches: Jon Remedios, Mike Whitacre, Pete Vincelli, Joe Rankin, Marty Mullarney, John Vaccarelli, Mark Costantino Jr., Chris Reilly, Joe Amicucci (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 4-6 (L-R)

S A M A R O M A N D O (72), J A C K M C C R A E (22), G I L G O L D S M I T H (2), K E V I N P E N N E L L (28) A N D V I N N Y D I M A I O (75)

“It’s been eating at us all offseason,” said senior quarterback/defensive back Gil Goldsmith. “Going 4-6 is not what we want at all. Last year definitely wasn’t the year we hoped for.” For a program that is usually among the best small schools in the Shore Conference and a state power at the Group 1 level, the only logical response is to come back in 2018 with the goal of winning it all. “Being back out here, we’re rejuvenated,” Goldsmith said. “We have a statechampionship-or-bust mentality and I really feel like we can achieve that goal with who we have out here.” The Blue Devils will bring back eight starters in their Delaware Wing-T offense with plans on reigniting a multi-pronged rushing attack that batters teams behind an imposing offensive line. The one twist this year is having Goldsmith at quarterback. A superb athlete who is also a lacrosse standout, Goldsmith’s ability to make

plays outside of the pocket and create big plays has Shore exploring new looks. “So far it’s been very encouraging,” said Shore head coach Mark Costantino. “Gil can score on any play whether it’s a drop-back pass, a rollout, a QB sweep; he can score at any time. Because of that, we’ve added some new schemes in addition to our base Wing T, which have been tremendous.” “I’m definitely excited to utilize the skill sets we all have and what makes us our best as players,” Goldsmith said. “We’re going to use it all to our advantage.” Seniors Jack McCrae and Kevin Pennell return as fullbacks with juniors Terry Carlstrom and Dan Kelly and sophomore Shane McLaughlin at wing back. McCrae led the Blue Devils in rushing last year with 653 yards and six touchdowns. Senior Michael Deusch returns as the starting tight end, and the Blue Devils will also use 6-foot-3 senior Liam Rempel. Carlstrom

(3-2 in B Central)

will also play wide receiver where he gives Shore a big-play weapon in the passing game. Senior Brett Young is a returning starter at receiver and 6-foot-4 sophomore Chris Kessler and seniors Justin Murphy and Ty Peterson will also be in the mix on the perimeter. Senior Sam Aromando (6-0, 235) is a threeyear starter and will slide inside to guard after playing tackle last season. The right side of the line has returning starters Frank Illiano (5-10, 290) at tackle and Gunnar Schuelzky at guard. The center will be either senior Noah Carroll or senior Matt VanBrunt. The big addition to the offensive line – literally – is 6-foot-4, 300pound senior Vin DiMaio, who is a three-year starter on defense and now joins the offensive group. “Surprisingly, I like it way more than defense,” DiMaio said. “It’s fun moving people around. Our group now is pretty much all returning guys and they made the transition so easy for me.” Shore’s defense was in the middle of the pack last year and is eager to return to its usual shut-down ways. DiMaio, who had a

team-high five sacks last season, and senior Joe Aria are the tackles in the Blue Devils’ 4-4 front with Illiano also set to see snaps. Aromando is a returning starter at defensive end while Carroll and senior Tom Maloney will also see playing time at end. The strength of the defense is at linebacker where all four players are returning starters. Deusch and Schuelzky are the inside linebackers and McCrae and Pennell are the outside linebackers. Rempel, Kelly and senior Jake Shirly could all see time at linebacker, as well. Goldsmith and Carlstrom are both returning starters in the secondary at free safety and cornerback, respectively. Young and McLaughlin will also play cornerback and senior Tom Bocco will also play in the defensive backfield. “I feel good about our season, in general, this year,” DiMaio said. “I feel confident we can give any team we face a hard time on both sides of the ball.” On special teams, junior Richie Pekmezian returns as the kicker. Goldsmith is the punter with sophomore Cade Torres also a possibility there. Divisional realignment has Shore in the Patriot Division with Mater Dei Prep, Pinelands, Matawan, Barnegat and Jackson Liberty. The Blue Devils are also classified as a Group 2 team this season. “It’s great having all the guys coming back and everyone’s on the same page,” Goldsmith said. “Like I said, we have a state-championship-orbust mentality and we really believe we can fulfill that goal.”

S R . QB G I L G O L D S M I T H

Young and Hungry

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

hore Conference realignment has shifted a number of rivalries and for the Shore’s four Group 1 programs, the benefit is clear: no more Mater Dei Prep. Head Coach:

Tim Fosque, 4th season Career Record: 19-12 Assist ant Coaches:

Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Fri Thur

9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/20 10/26 11/22

Keansburg 6pm Pt. Beach 6pm @Donovan Cath. 6:30pm Manchester 6pm @Holmdel 6pm @Keyport noon Monmouth 6pm @Neptune 10:30Am

Offense: Spread D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Kharod Young, Sr., WR/DB Asbury Park lost a number of key playmakers from a year ago, none more so than Donte Abrams – who inﬂicted damage as a receiver, ball carrier, defensive back and in the return game. Young is one of several players who have come into camp improved and he's ready to use his own standout athletic tools to help the Blue Bishops on both sides of the ball.

Lamar Davenport (Off. Coordinator/WR), Matt Ardizzone, Rob Ward, Nick Chiarmbrone, Keith Killea, Barry Baity, Paul Zurella, Kyle Weedon, Gary Salerno, Nancy Saphow (athletic trainer)

2017 Record: 5-4

( L - R ) K HAROD

Y OUNG (6), J UNIOR H AUGHTON (21) & A LEXANDER P EAVY (5)

Mater Dei has built a burgeoning powerhouse under coach Dino Mangiero and the prospect of Group 1 schools competing with that is borderline ludicrous. Don’t tell that to the players on Asbury Park. They welcome the challenge of playing the Shore’s best and they are hoping that attitude and a wave of young talent will earn them a distinction as a team nobody wants to play.

X -FACTOR:

“I’m actually kind of disappointed we’re not playing Mater Dei this year,” senior running back Quadir Lawson said. “I feel like we’ve matched up well against them and we always get hyped to play them. We still got to play some good teams so we need to bring that same intensity.”

Fosque is excited about the potential of the current class of sophomores based on the success it had while going undefeated as eighth graders. That certainly bodes well for Asbury Park’s prospects in 2019 and 2020 but this year, the class remains the wild card. The Blue Bishops do have their share of senior leaders so if the young guns catch up quickly, the window opens this year.

Last year, Asbury Park fell just short of a stunning upset in a 14-13 loss to Mater Dei Prep, which came after the Seraphs added their six transfers to the active roster. Mater Dei’s next closest game against a division foe was a 22-point win over Point Pleasant Beach.

iMPACT NEWCOMER:

That loss to Mater Dei was an eye-opener for anyone not aware of Asbury Park’s potential, but it was not an effort the Bishops consistently replicated over the course of the season. They finished the year 6-4 with narrow divisional losses to Shore and Point

Youth

Steven Stephens, Sr., OL Stephens did not play football last season and his return to the program helps the Blue Bishops plug an opening on the offensive line. Some inexperience up front last year might have hampered Asbury Park but that should not be as much of an issue, especially if Stephens can pick everything up quickly.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 28 at Donovan Cath. To a man, the Asbury Park players are disappointed they won’t play two-time defending Class B Central champion Mater Dei after the Blue Bishops gave the Seraphs all they could handle in a 14-13 Mater Dei win last year. Instead, up-and-coming Donovan Catholic will be Asbury Park’s opportunity to make a statement, especially considering both teams will be relying on a lot of young players this season.

Beach and fell to Burlington City in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I playoffs after winning the section one year earlier. “We had an up-and-down season last year, especially coming off the state championship the year before,” fourth-year coach Tim Fosque said. “All our losses were close games and I think the younger guys got to learn from some of the mistakes we made as a team. They saw what happens when you have a let down in any part of the game.” “Finish,” Alexander Peavy said, referring to the emphasis in camp. “Whatever we do, whether it’s in practice, in a scrimmage, a game: we got to finish.” While the Blue Bishops hope to build off last year’s high points, they will have to do it with plenty of new players. Donte Abrams, Ja’King Agostini, Javon Higgs and Jaylen Paige were impact players and just four of many Asbury Park is looking to replace. A talented sophomore class – one that went undefeated as an eighth-grade team and mostly played up with the varsity squad last year – will account for a good deal of the open spots, including at quarterback. Najier Massey takes over for Agostini as the signal-caller in Asbury Park’s spread offense, and the early reviews from his coaches and teammates are positive.

(2-3 in B Central)

“Najier has shown a lot of leadership for a young guy,” Fosque said. “He has been in that role with other guys his age and now he’s learning how to do it at a higher level. He’s doing a nice job grasping what we’re giving him and the older guys are responding to him and helping him when he needs help.” Asbury Park’s running game should remain potent thanks to the return of Lawson, who led the team in rushing last season. Senior Alexander Peavy is also back and is trimmed down to a more explosive 190 pounds, making him a legitimate threat as a slot back. Senior Kharod Young and sophomores Knajee Alston and Kaliq Walker will also be threats with the ball, mixing in at slot back and receiver. Lawson played his first two seasons at Shore Regional before transferring to Asbury Park ahead of last season. The Asbury Park vs.Shore rivalry was a casualty of realignment and Lawson will not get another shot at his former team after the Blue Devils beat Asbury Park, 12-6, in last year’s opener. “I’m disappointed I won’t get to play those guys but, hey, now that we don’t have to play each other, I wish them the best,” Lawson said. “That was my team when I was a sophomore but this (Asbury Park) has always been my team. I played Pop Warner here and these are my guys. I’m happy to be home.” Sophomore Mikai Brown-Jones is the top returning receiver for the Blue Bishops after opening some eyes during a season that was cut short by injury. He made a highlight-reel, one-handed catch

in an overtime win over Keyport to establish himself as a freshman and Fosque thinks he can develop into one of the Shore’s top receivers over the next three years. “He has a chance to be really special when you think of some of the best receivers in the Shore Conference,” Fosque said. “He came in as a freshman and did some really impressive things, and we’re only expecting him to get even better.” Asbury Park has some pieces to replace on the line, but the prospects to do so are promising. Senior Lazarus Chathauant returns at center and junior Haleem Stephens is back at left guard after getting some time on the line last year. “He’s like a coach on the field,” Fosque said of Haleem Stephens. “He is playing with a lot of confidence right now. He is going to be the anchor of that line for us.” Sophomores Jarred Chathuant and Dante Moore will make for a young left side of the line, with Chathuant at guard and Moore at tackle. The lone senior on the line is Steven Stephens, who did not play football last year but will be a significant addition, according to Fosque. Like most Group 1 teams, Asbury Park won’t have the luxury of platoons at most positions, but the Blue Bishops have enough depth to get most of their guys a breather when needed. Moore and Haleem Stephens will be part of the defensive end rotation in Asbury Park’s four-man front along with sophomore Anthony Swerine, while the other three starting linemen work in at defensive tackle.

Houghton could also get some time on offense at fullback. “It was definitely a challenge to come in and start as a freshman,” Houghton said. “This year has been a lot easier so far. I got a lot stronger and now I know what I’m doing. We have a lot of younger guys so I’m just trying to help them the way the seniors helped me last year.” The secondary will be the least experienced unit on the team, led by Young at safety. Alston will play the other safety while Walker and Besean Frazier will form a sophomore duo at the starting cornerback spots. “As the senior, I’m just trying to be the example for the young guys like the guys last year were an example for me,” Young said. “So far, I think we’ve been very good defensively.” The talent of the sophomore class should pay dividends at some point for Asbury Park, and the Bishops players and coaches are hopeful that point will be by the end of this season. The Blue Bishops don’t open the season until Sept. 14 against Keansburg so they will have some extra time to prepare their young-but-promising squad. One thing is clear: the Bishops don’t plan on this being a rebuilding year. They returned to the top of Central Jersey Group 1 two years ago and they don’t plan on falling out of the championship picture, even with a young roster. “We’re aggressive, we hit hard and we’re fast,” Lawson said. “That’s Asbury Park. That’s what we always are here.”

Peavy and Lawson will be the outside linebackers alongside sophomore middle linebacker Junior Houghton, who started as a freshman last season.

On the Rise M

By: Bob Badders managing editor

ost teams around the Shore Conference are chockfull of seniors, but not Donovan Catholic. You can count on one hand the number of 12th-graders on the Griffins roster.

Head Coach:

Sat Fri Fri Fri Fri Sat Fri Fri

9/8 9/14 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/20 10/26 11/16

@Keansburg Keyport Asbury Park Holmdel @Point Beach @Mater Dei Point Boro @Manchester

1pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7pm 1pm 6:30pm 7pm

Dan Curcione, 2nd season (5th overall) Career Record: 20-21 Assist ant Coaches: Chip LaBarca Jr. (off. coordinator); Jack Nascimento (QB); Dean Helstowski (RB); Sean McPherson (WR/DB); Jon Power (OL/DL); Ryan Wells (OLB); Pat Dowling, Eric Bruno (freshmen); Bob DiStefano (athletic trainer). (L-R)

N I C K K E N M U R E (66), Q U A M I R E G R E E N (4), R Y A N C L A R K (2), A N D R E W L A N E Y (1) A N D B O B O A L U K O (73)

2017 Record: 4-6 (4-3 in B South) tandems in the Shore.

Offense: Multiple spread D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Xavier Ellis, Jr., LB & Devin Porsch, Jr., LB The tandem will be stepping in at outside linebacker where last season Sal DiSalvo made a team-high seven sacks and was one of the Griffins’ top allaround players.

X -FACTOR:

Defense

The Griffins scored 21 points per game last season and that number figures to get even better. The defense, however, allowed nearly 30 points per game and has to get better if Donovan is going to continue its progression.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Nasir Calhoun, Jr., RB/LB A transfer from Toms River North, Calhoun will start at outside linebacker and also see time in the backfield amongst a deep group of running backs.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 5 vs. Holmdel The Griffins and the Hornets, along with Asbury Park, look to be the top contenders for the National Division championship. A fellow Group 3 school, Holmdel also has several returning starters and is eyeing its best season in a decade. It should be a fun night under the lights on the Griffins’ brand-new turf field.

To assume that means Donovan is in for a long season would be dead wrong, however. The Griffins may be young, but they are by no means inexperienced. After playing mostly freshmen and sophomores last season and going from 0-10 to 4-6 in the first year under head coach Dan Curcione, they’re ready to take the next step in 2018. “It’s been a huge difference since last year where everybody was either a senior or a lowerclassman,” said junior quarterback Ryan Clark. “This year I believe we’re making long strides.” The Griffins return eight starters on offense and six on defense, and appear poised to contend for the National Division title in what would be a breakout season. Clark, junior wide receiver Andre Laney, senior linemen Nick Kenmure and Bobo Aluko, sophomore running back/linebacker Quamire Green, junior running back Damian Johnson and more return to form the nucleus of one of the more intriguing – and polarizing – teams in the Shore. “Last year, 4-6 was not the record we wanted,” Clark said. “We’re really trying to go out this year and make a statement that Donovan Catholic is going to be a powerhouse

program.” Clark and Laney headline Donovan’s multiple spread offense, which averaged 21 points per game last season. Clark will be entering his third year as a starter and is coming off a sophomore year where he threw for 1,011 yards and seven touchdowns and ran for 950 yards and 15 touchdowns. He has the physical talent and the size (6-1, 215) to be one of the best in the Shore, and his grasp of the offense heading into this season is miles ahead of last year. “I really like what he’s doing in camp, attitude-wise, consistency-wise,” Curcione said. “He’s using his head to understand the offense more. Everything is more comfortable to him and he seems more relaxed with us as coaches. Those things go a long way.” “The offense has really opened up for me in ways it hasn’t before,” Clark said. “Last year we couldn’t really utilize all the plays and I think that’s really going to make a difference.” One of the Shore’s breakout stars of last season was Laney, who finished fourth in the Shore in receiving with 36 receptions for 745 yards and six touchdowns. He and Clark form one of the top quarterback-wide receiver

“We’ve had a connection ever since eighth grade and it transferred over to high school,” Laney said. “ “They understand each other and get along with each other, so it’s definitely something defenses have to look for when defending us,” Curcione said. Johnson returns as a starting running back after rushing for 492 yards and four touchdowns on an average of six yards per carry. Green, juniors Nasir Calhoun (a Toms River North transfer) and Devin Porsch and sophomores Jahdir Loftland and Dominick Nocero will also see time in the backfield. Laney and sophomore James Bivins are both returning starters at wide receiver, and the Griffins have several others players who should see time at the third receiver spot: sophomores Yassin Moore and Evyn Menta, junior Elijah Taylor and senior Andrew Schlendorf. Donovan has a pair of returning starters at tight end in 6-foot-4 junior Chris Aldrich and 6-foot-3 sophomore Ethan Capone. Freshman Levi Watkins (6-3, 200) will also see time at tight end. Kenmore (6-1, 235) and Aluko (6-2, 275) return to anchor the offensive line at center and

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

right guard, respectively. Junior Thomas Buxton (6-4, 290) started a few games last season and will now step into a full-time role at right tackle. At left tackle is 6-foot-5, 300pound sophomore Cam McNair and at left guard is 6-foot-2, 215-pound freshman Dominick Brogna. The Griffins had one of the worst defenses in the Shore, statistically, last season in allowing 29.1 points per game, so that is an area of focus to improve in 2018. Donovan’s 3-4 alignment has Kenmure as a returning starter at defensive end and Aldrich, who started a handful of games last season, also at defensive end. Aluko saw some action on defense last season and will start at defensive tackle alongside McNair. Also in the mix on the defensive line are Capone, Brogna and junior Elio Siragusa. Green and Nocera were the Griffins’ top two tacklers last season and return as starters at inside linebacker. Calhoun is at one of the outside linebacker spots with Porsch and junior Xavier Ellis working at the other spot. Green made 82 tackles last season as a freshman and is an emerging leader of the defense. “As the middle linebacker, he’s the quarterback of the defense,” Curcione said. “He makes our checks, he makes our calls, and he did that as a freshman. He’s really grasped the defense and I think he can be a very good defender for us.”

Laney is a returning starter at cornerback after pulling down three interceptions last season. Bivins, Menta and sophomore John Schlendorf are the other cornerbacks while juniors Keaon Torres and Jared Helstowski return as the starting safeties. Moore and Andrew Schlendorf could also see time in the secondary. On special teams, Torres will be the kicker and Clark returns as the punter. Siragusa is the long snapper. Divisional realignment has the Griffins in the National Division with Holmdel, Asbury Park, Keansburg, Keyport, Manchester and Point Beach. It is there they hope to continue the program’s turnaround. “I want to get better every day,” Curcione said. “I didn’t sit down and say ‘three years from now this is where we want to be’. We just want to run a really good program and one kids enjoy playing in, and coach them up as best we can. We’re ultra-competitive as coaches, we want to win, we want to work and the kids see that. Hopefully it rubs off on them.” “I want to watch the first practice and first game and then watch the last game and see we are much better as a team. As long as that happens the wins will take care of themselves.”

Great Expectations F

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

or 10 years, the Holmdel football team was an ultimate underdog. The Hornets went nine seasons without a winning campaign and on the 10th try, they turned the proverbial ship all the way around with a winning season in 2017. Head Coach:

Jeff Rainess, 3 rd season Career Record: 8-12 Assist ant Coaches:

Fri Fri Sat Fri Fri Fri Fri Fri

9/7 9/14 9/22 9/28 10/5 10/12 10/19 10/26

@Manchester 7pm Red Bank 7pm @Keansburg 1pm Keyport 7pm @Donovan Cath. 6:30pm Asbury Park 6pm Pt. Beach 7pm @Raritan 7pm

Of f ense : Triple Option D efense : 4-3/Multiple _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Dean Gallo, RB/DB Gallo plays in two of the position groups affected by graduation, so his experience and leadership will be a major factor in helping the Hornets overcome the likes of Johnny O’Beirne at running back and Johnny Christian and Scott DuPont in the secondary. Gallo ran for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

X -FACTOR:

Schedule

Holmdel is one of the Shore’s greatest beneficiaries in the new realignment, losing St. John Vianney and Rumson-Fair Haven on the schedule while joining a division with four Group I schools and two more that have not done a lot of winning recently. That could, of course, backfire if Holmdel doesn’t rack up a big win total because the power points won’t come as easy playing against smaller schools. There is also the question of whether or not the Hornets will be properly-tested come playoff time, but the lessons of the past two seasons should help with that.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Evan Jennings & Ryan Jennings, DB Rainess believes his group of juniors has a chance to open some eyes on a senior-heavy team this year and the Jennings boys will be a duo to watch in a relatively young Hornets secondary.

PIVOTAL GAME: Oct. 5 at Donovan Catholic The two supposed favorites in the National Division are Holmdel and Donovan Catholic and they will not meet until Week Five in Toms River. Donovan Catholic is loaded with juniors and is attempting to build a non-public power in Ocean County, somewhat similar to the way Mater Dei Prep has overhauled its program over the past ﬁveto-seven years. The Grifﬁns have their sights set on the top of the Shore Conference in years to come, but Holmdel has a chance to stall their rise to the top this year.

Joe Principe (Def. Coordinator/LB), John Gazerwitz (DB), Michael Dorsi (DL), Anthony Dorsi (RB), Tom Hennessey (QB), Drew Piscatelli (WR), Steve Barry (Freshman), Colin Hart (Freshman), Shannon Davis (Athletic Trainer) 2017 Record: 6-4 (3-3 in Class A Central)

D A N T E M P O N E (1), M A R K B Y R N E (2), D E A N G A L L O (21), B R A N D O N S A G H A F I (44), A L E X S T A R R (50) & J E F F D E C I C C O (15) (L-R)

Now, not only is Holmdel returning the vast majority of its starters from a 6-4 team, but the Hornets are also moving out of a division that included the likes of St. John Vianney, Rumson-Fair Haven, Monmouth Regional, Raritan, Matawan and Red Bank and into one with four Group I schools and two larger programs that have had mixed results in recent years. All that makes for some lofty expectations. “We’re more experienced, it’s our senior year and we want to go out with a championship,” senior tackle Austin Fischer said. “That’s what we’re going to do.” “We’re a real tight group of kids,” senior defensive end Alex Starr said. “We believe in our coaching and we believe we can do special things here, and that wasn’t always the case in past years.” All signs point to a banner year at Holmdel and that is exactly why third-year coach Jeff Rainess is imploring his senior-laden squad to forget all of the outside noise and maintain the same edge that won them six games against a trying schedule last year. “There can be no letdowns,” Rainess said. “If you want to go do something special, if you want to go deeper into the playoffs or whatever the case might be, those things have to happen now. So no letdowns in the weight room, no letdowns in the classroom, no letdowns on the practice ﬁeld or when we’re in meetings. They need to give 100 percent 100 percent of the time. If you have the kind of goals we want to have, you have to prepare for that goal today.” Holmdel will have an advantage in experience relative to the rest of its division thanks to a group of seniors that have been a major part of the team in each of the past two seasons. Four senior linemen return and senior Chris Muldoon is the early favorite to take over at center. Tackle Sean McCann and guard Jack Tedeschi make up the left side of the line while guard Mike Iulo and Fischer anchor the right side. Seniors Brandon Saghafi and Dan Tempone return at tight end and will be an extension of the

offensive line when either is on the field. “It’s extremely important to have pretty much all the same guys back (on the offensive line),” said Fischer, who was an All-Class A Central selection by the coaches last year. “We’re bigger, stronger, tougher and we’re ready to get after people.” Fischer and Tedeschi have been mainstays on the line and McCann has turned himself from an undersized underclassman looking for a position into one of the team’s most reliable players. “I was 160 pounds and I didn’t really know what I was doing and coach (Rainess) really helped me learn how to put the work in in the weight room and in practice,” McCann said. “That’s how it’s been for a lot of guys out here. We were always one of the smaller teams and we’re still probably not the biggest, but we’ve all worked hard to get stronger and learned how to play with what we have.” The skill positions are also overrun with experience, led by senior quarterback Jeff DeCicco, who will run Holmdel’s triple-option attack for the third straight year. The Hornets lost bruising back Johnny O’Beirne to graduation but return junior Cameron Lamountain and senior Dean Gallo. Junior Tommy Ammirati will offer a change of pace with his speed out of the backfield, as well. Senior Mack Byrne will be the deep threat for DeCicco, lining up out wide on the offensive side of the ball. Byrne caught four touchdowns a year ago despite playing in a run-heavy offense. “We have a pretty difficult split-back veer offense that we like to run,” Byrne said. “We have a smaller group of kids and we’ve been practicing it for a couple of years, so it’s kind of hard to stop and it’s definitely hard to figure out how to defend. That also opens up the passing game and it’s hard to figure out when it’s coming.” Holmdel will work out of multiple fronts on defense

with the personnel slightly favoring a 4-3 look. Fischer and Tedeschi will play tackle while Tempone and Starr are the defensive ends. Saghafi takes over the middle linebacker spot for O’Beirne and will be flanked by juniors Joe D’Acunto and Nick Bauman, with DeCicco also playing some outside linebacker in certain schemes. “DeCicco has been pushing to play defense for the last two years and we’re going to give him a shot this year,” Rainess said. “He’s ready to hit somebody.” Holmdel’s biggest graduation hit came in the secondary with the loss of Scott DuPont and Johnny Christian. Byrne will work in at safety with juniors Ryan Jennings and John Tomasulo while Gallo and junior Evan Jennings lead the field of cornerbacks. Although Holmdel’s schedule is far more manageable than it has been in recent years, there is no guarantee it will actually help the Hornets in light of the new, more opaque power points system. While no team on the schedule represents the kind of competition that St. John Vianney or Rumson offered, there will be a host of solid teams who view Holmdel as a team to beat. Factor that in with the reduced powerpoint impact of Holmdel’s schedule and the Hornets might not have much margin for error when it comes to carving out a favorable seed in the Central Jersey Group III section. Whatever the outcome, Rainess and his players can at least take some form of consolation in the fact that not only are expectations high within in the program but also among those outside the nest who saw firsthand the progress the team made last year. That might not feel like sufficient consolation if the Hornets can’t win the National Division title or advance deep into the state playoffs, but it certainly marks a change in culture for the once-downtrodden Holmdel program. “We’ve been preparing these guys for this for two years,” Rainess said. “We told them as sophomores that before they know, senior year is going to be here and now it’s here. It’s hard to explain the sense of urgency that comes with being a senior on a high school football team, but those guys have that now. As coaches, we just want them to make the most of the opportunity.”

Return of the Titans T

he Keansburg football program has made significant strides in three seasons under head coach John Bird, most notably when it comes to laying the foundation for future success and changing the culture.

Sat 9/8 Donovan Cath. Fri 9/14 @Asbury Park Sat 9/22 Holmdel Fri 9/28 @Pt. Beach Sat 10/6 Keyport Fri 10/12 @Manchester Sat 10/20 Shore Sat 10/27 Pinelands

1pm 6pm 1pm 7pm 2pm 7pm 1pm 1pm

Offense: Spread efense: Multiple D _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Liam Riecks, Sr., QB Danny Vital was an All-Division quarterback in B Central and an All-Shore Gridiron Classic selection as a senior, so Riecks will be taking over for an accomplished, three-year starter. It also leaves a hole at tailback since Riecks has to move off the position, so coach John Bird is banking his best playmaker will make the positional shuffle worth it.

X -FACTOR:

Offensive Line

After starting just one senior on last year’s line, this year’s front five is an all-senior group that has a chance to control the point of attack. If they can do just that, it will take a lot of pressure off of some of the less experienced players who will be getting touches this year.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Patrick Beltran, So., RB/LB As a sophomore on a senior-laden team, Beltran had some catching up to do in camp but has demonstrated to the coaches on several occasions that his time is coming, both in the backﬁeld and at linebacker.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 14 at Asbury Park Without games against the GMC, Keansburg is going to have to take advantage of every chance to win a game this season. Between a Week 1 game against Donovan Catholic and a Week 3 game vs. Holmdel, the Titans take on rival Asbury Park in a rematch of a game won last year by the Blue Bishops, 26-12. If they can’t beat Asbury Park, a 0-3 start is a distinct possibility.

When it comes to winning games, the stars have not yet aligned for the Titans, and in many ways, it doesn’t appear as though they are aligned this year either. After boasting a talented group of skill players with a young line last year, this year’s team will have a strong line with an unproven set of players who will carry and catch the ball. The result of last year’s skill-line dichotomy was a 5-5 season in which the Titans lost two crucial games by one touchdown and another close game to Asbury Park by two scores. “It’s weird because when I was a sophomore starting at running back, we had young skill guys and an experienced line,” senior Liam Riecks said. “Then last year, we had the opposite and now we’re going back to an experienced line and some young skill guys. It’s funny how that has worked out, but you just have to roll with it.” Riecks and Co. are banking on the very thing that cost the Titans a postseason berth by mere power points last year serving as the reason they make it this year. By learning from those bitter defeats, Bird is hopeful his players can come through in crunch time now that the team is on more solid ground on both the offensive and defensive lines. “I’m happy with where we are,” Bird said. “The culture has been established, which to us, was the biggest thing in taking the program over. It’s year four, we’re getting kids out, they're practicing personal accountability on a level they never have and we’re doing a lot less in behavior and a lot more on the football side of things, which shows in the way we play.” The lone impact skill player back this season is Riecks, and after he played tailback last year alongside All-Division quarterback Danny Vital, it will now be Riecks running the offense at quarterback. Riecks has some experience at the position and is confident he can handle the offense and make the throws when needed. “I definitely have big shoes to fill with Danny at quarterback,” Riecks said. “I worked with him a lot during the offseason and he taught me everything he knows. I’m pretty comfortable taking charge of everything and I feel like that’s my position now.” Riecks will operate behind an all-senior offensive line that returns four of five starters from a year ago. Right tackle IJustice Tucker is the standout of the bunch after an All-Division season in B Central last year, and Bird believes he is playing at an even higher level heading into this season. “He has been tremendous this preseason,” Bird said of Tucker.

“He looks like a possible All-Shore kid.” Bernie Comey and Ronnie Rotondella will play the two guard spots and Derek Levendusky will handle the center duties again. The lone opening is at left tackle, where Frank Sautner and Gerardo Palaez are battling into the season and could split time. With an all-senior line, there is a sense of urgency for Keansburg to make the most of its opportunity this year, and whether or not the Titans can do so likely comes down to who steps up at running back and in the receiving game. Riecks is going to be a threat running the ball and senior Isaiah Stanton, sophomore Patrick Beltran and senior Caz Beneﬁeld will complement him at running back, with Beltran especially showing some potential if he quickly acclimates himself to the varsity game. Junior Matt Gillen will also make an impact as the starting fullback. “Finding a running back was one of our goals coming into camp and we’ve been pretty happy with the group we have,” Bird said. “We feel like, within that group, anybody can emerge as the guy.” Junior Nasir Williams returns with experience at wide receiver and returning senior defensive back Hunter MacDonald will play on the offensive side of the ball as a receiver, as well. Seniors Patrick Edwards, James White, and Ivan Sanchez are also in line for snaps at receiver, as is sophomore Rian Rivera. Senior Chris Jankowski, senior Greg Tutt and junior Wyatt Riecks will work in at tight end. “All the receivers have been working,” MacDonald said. “As soon as last season ended, we knew we were going to be inexperienced this year so we just went to work right away. I truly think we’re all prepared.” Senior Gabe Torres returns to the defensive line at one end of Keansburg’s multiple front, which will likely involve more four-man fronts than in year’s past given the Titans’ depth on the defensive line. The rest of the line will be a rotation of the four returning offensive linemen plus Sautner and Palaez. “We’re playing with a lot more conﬁdence on the line,” Torres said. “Last year was a learning process for a lot of guys and this year we know what we have to do and we’re the ones the younger guys are looking up to as leaders.” Gillen, junior Elijah Moore and Beltran battled at middle linebacker to replace graduated three-year starters Joe Osterbye and Miguel Crespo. Bird acknowledged that the middle linebacker spot will likely be the key to the defense this season. Tutt and Riecks, meanwhile, have distinguished themselves at the two

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

Head Coach:

John Bird, 4th season Career Record: 8-22 Assist ant Coaches: Jim Reid (Off. Coordinator), Brian Kmak (Def. Coordinator), Nick Varanelli (LB), Garry Bedoe (RB), Ryan Burgess (OL), Uriel Morﬁn (DL), Jon DeLiso (QB), Jesse Herbert (Media/Stats), Kelli Hudson (Athletic Trainer).

2017 Record: 5-5 (2-3 in Class B Central) outside linebacker spots, with Riecks also serving as a possible defensive end option. MacDonald and Edwards will provide some stability at safety while Williams, Stanton and Benefield make up the cornerback rotation. “Me and Pat definitely have a better understanding of what has to get done because we had a pretty good defense last year,” MacDonald said. “We know what the whole defense needs to do and we have been holding everyone accountable.” One roadblock in Keansburg’s pursuit of that elusive postseason berth is the Titans’ new schedule that is the result of Shore Conference realignment. Keansburg still resides in a division with fellow Group 1 schools Asbury Park, Keyport and Point Beach, but will now have to play two Group 3 schools in Holmdel and Manchester and an up-and-coming non-public program in Donovan Catholic. To make things even more difficult, the Titans lose an opportunity to crossover against other Group 1 and 2 teams from the Great Middlesex Conference and must now play their nondivisional games against Shore Regional and Pinelands. The payoff to Keansburg’s schedule has always been that if the Titans get into the playoffs, they will be a battle-tested team that will be tough to beat, just as the Shore Conference teams from Class B Central have been for years in Central Jersey Group 1. With its senior offensive line and Riecks leading the way on offense, this could very well be the year Keansburg makes that move. “The schedule is tougher than it was last year, but I think we are as good or better than we were last year,” Bird said. “With the exception of a couple positions here and there, we’re in a really good spot heading into the season.”

(L-R) IJUSTICE TUCKER (77), RONALD ROTONDELLA (55), DERK LEVENDUSKY (65), BERNIE COMEY (52), GERARDO PELAEZ (64) & FRANK SAUTNERN (53)

Reversal of Fortune

By: Matt Manley Senior Staff Writer

t first glance, Keyport’s 1-9 record in 2017 tells the story of a team overmatched in the Shore Conference Class B Central division – the smallest of the conference’s divisions by school size but still plenty competitive.

Head Coach:

Andy Carlstrom, 1st season Career Record: 31-30 Assist ant Coaches:

Sat Fri Sat Fri Sat Fri Sat Sat

9/8 9/14 9/22 9/28 10/6 10/12 10/20 10/27

Pt. Beach noon @Donovan Cath. 6:30pm Manchester noon @Holmdel 7pm @Keansburg 2pm @Barneget 7pm Asbury Park noon Shore noon

Jason Glezman (Def. Coordinator/LB), Pete Miller (QB/RB), Steve Bower (WR/RB), Jim Maguire (DB), Tyler Alvarez (DL), Jerry Hourihan (OL/DL), Marlene Perez (Athletic Trainer)

2017 Record: 1-9 (0-5 in B Central) (L-R)

K Y L E R O B E R T S (23), S H Y K I M T R E A D W E L L (8), G R E G R O B I N S O N (2) & D E V I N W O L L N E R

Andy Carlstrom, however, knew the whole story in taking the vacant head coaching job in the offseason, just as the nine returning starters (eight on defense) remember the whole story.

Offense: Spread-Pistol D efense: 3-4 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Anthony Gonzalez, Jr., OL/LB While Keyport returns a lot of key players, one they will miss is Jay Hanson, who was a force in the front seven last season. Gonzalez ﬁnds himself in the middle of the defense with Craig Robinson this season and he will be asked to impact both sides of the ball.

X -FACTOR:

Shykim Treadwell, Sr., QB Keyport is going all-in on the triple option under new coach Andy Carlstrom and that means switching Treadwell from receiver to quarterback and last year’s quarterback Matt Twigg to receiver. The goal is to get Treadwell touches and allow him to make plays with his legs, so if the senior can deliver, Keyport’s new offense should purr.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Roan Maxwell, Sr., DL Maxwell will take on nose guard responsibilities and at 6-foot-2, 310 pounds, he will be a load for most Group 1 teams – and most teams, in general.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 21 vs. Manchester Manchester is looking to get healthy this season against a schedule heavy on Group 1 opponents and Keyport will have a chance to put that notion to rest in Week 3. It’s also a chance to, presumably, score some power points because if Manchester is going to pick up some wins, then a win over a Group 3 school would be pretty signiﬁcant for a Group 1 team like Keyport.

“These guys had some tough losses last year,” said Carlstrom, a former Keyport football player and graduate of Henry Hudson. “This is a hungry bunch.” Of Keyport’s nine losses last season, six were by a one-score margin and all six came in the Red Raiders’ ﬁrst eight games of the season. That was a painful reality for the Keyport players last year but a major motivating factor for the many who are back for redemption this season. “Last year was last year and we want to worry about this year,” senior Matthew Twigg said. “It wasn’t the year we wanted to have and we spent all offseason focused on this year and making sure we are ready. We want to prove that even though we have a lot of the same guys, this isn’t the same team.” Carlstrom brings with him a successful resume as head coach at both Holmdel and St. John Vianney and a new offensive philosophy, which he said will be the only noteworthy change to Keyport’s approach this year given that he is absorbing last year’s coaching staff. The Red Raiders will now be an option-heavy offense, which precluded Carlstrom to move senior Shykim Treadwell from wide receiver to quarterback and Twigg the other way from quarterback to the slot. “This is the offense I know,” Carlstrom said. “I have always been a triple-option guy and my philosophy is to do what you’re good at and I know how to teach this offense. It’s usually not too hard to ﬁt your personnel into it and teams like Shore have shown you can be really successful with it in Group 1.” “We’re trying to run this new offense and we have a faster quarterback back there, no offense,” Treadwell said, joking with Twigg. “We’ve got some good backs and I think it’s going to be good for us.” Treadwell will run an offense with a renewed commitment to the running game, which was its breadand-butter in 2016 when the Red Raiders went 10-2

and reached the Central Jersey Group 1 championship game. A big part of that attack was running back Devin Wallner, who had a breakout season as a sophomore for that 2016 team and again led the team in rushing through the struggle that was 2017. “Not a lot changes for me in this offense,” Wallner said. “There are some different concepts but once I have the ball in my hands, it’s still find the hole, trust my line and run hard.” Twigg will be a slot back in Keyport’s offense and thirdyear starter Craig Robinson returns at fullback. Ray Robinson is back as the primary wide receiver and Kaushal Sallam will also get snaps at receiver as one of Treadwell’s targets when the Red Raiders do throw the ball. “I feel like I’m adjusting well to playing in the slot,” Twigg said. “Playing quarterback last year gave me an understanding of everyone’s roles and if something happens and they need me back there again, I know I can handle it.” Keyport returns four of five starters on the offensive line with the returnees occupying the spots at guard and tackle. Senior Kyle Roberts and junior Michael Abbatte will be the tackles and juniors Anthony Gonzalez and Devon Meza return at guard. With senior Mike Handler in the mix at center, Keyport’s five linemen average out to 270 pounds. “As a lineman, I definitely like the idea of running the ball a lot,” Meza said. “I think every lineman likes the idea of lining up and trying to push teams five yards, 10 yards down the field every play.” “We have some good size and athleticism up front,” Carlstrom said. “That’s one of the things I like about running this offense so far is it gives our line a chance to line up and get a push. It’s still kind of a young group with some juniors on it so they are still getting better, too.” The size up front will also translate on defense, which will remain a 3-4 base under coordinator Jason Glezman. At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, senior Roan Maxwell is in line to start at nose guard with Roberts and Meza starting at defensive end and the other

lineman rotating in. Robinson and Gonzalez will play on the second level of the front seven with Gonzalez proﬁling well at both offensive guard and linebacker with his 6-foot-1, 230pound frame. Senior Josh James will also play in the middle alongside Robinson while sophomore Sean Lachky has put himself in the mix for one of the outside linebacker spots. Twigg will be the leader in the secondary at safety with Robinson also providing experience at cornerback. Sophomore Troy Alvarez heads into the season as the other safety and freshman D.J. Thomson – whose older brother, Alex, was a standout quarterback at Keyport earlier in the decade and now plays at Marshall – will play at the other cornerback spot with Treadwell potentially working in, as well. “I think everybody’s comfortable sticking with our scheme on defense,” Carlstrom said. “They were one win away from a state championship two years ago with this scheme. Last year, they were 1-9 but with younger players. I think this staff has shown it can work and I think we have the players to make it work.” Shore Conference realignment has hurt Keyport and other Group 1 schools in that the Greater Middlesex Conference crossover games have been cut out and instead, the Red Raiders and the other Group 1 teams in the new National Division will play other Shore Conference teams outside of divisional play. Keyport will still get to play fellow Group 1 teams Asbury Park, Keansburg and Point Beach within the division, but the rest of the slate includes larger schools like Holmdel, Barnegat and Donovan Catholic, as well as a Shore Regional program that will compete in Group 2 this season after being a perennial contender in Central Jersey Group 1. Carlstrom knows the challenge, but he welcomes it because he gets to put his stamp on a program that is part of his early football story. “The best part about this is that this is home for me,” Carlstrom said. “I grew up on this ﬁeld. I’ve been fortunate to have some success at other places, but there’s nothing like coming back to where you played and doing it for the hometown team.”

Turning The Page

By: Vin Ebenau SSN Contributor

t hasn't been the four years Manchester head coach Bill Furlong - now entering year number five at the helm of the Hawks imagined it would be, especially with back-to-back 3-7 seasons in 2016 and 2017. This, however, could be the year where they are able to move forward as a program.

Head Coach:

Fri 9/7 Fri 9/14 Sat 9/22 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26 Fri 11/16

Holmdel 7pm @Pt Beach 7pm @Keyport noon @Asbury Park 6pm Keansburg 7pm Lakewood 7pm @Jackson Lib. 7pm Donovan Cath. 7pm

Offense: Multiple D efense: Multiple _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Devin Zamot, Jr., RB/MLB The Hawks suffered a big loss in standout running back Jalen Glenn to graduation and heading into 2018 it'll be several of his former teammates looking to ﬁll the void. Zamot is one of the leading candidates to get most of the carries out of the backﬁeld and needs to perform well on the inside and outside to help the Hawks score this season.

X -FACTOR:

The Offensive Line An offense that scored 220 points last season will need to rely on the offensive line this season to create holes for the host of running backs the Hawks will be giving the ball to in 2018. They'll likely be a team that relies on the run so they will need plenty of protection up front.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Jimmy Johns, Jr., QB While competing for the starting quarterback position heading into the season, Johns could be the one who ﬁlls a void left behind by the graduation of Jerry Ward. If he performs well under center, the Hawks will be able to put some points on the board.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 22 at Keyport With a new schedule and an improved unit, Manchester feels it will be able to make some noise in 2018. The Keyport game comes in the middle of three straight games on the road bookended by Point Beach and Asbury Park.

Bill Furlong, 5 th season (22 nd overall) Career Record: 78-95 Assist ant Coaches: Karl Schaeffer (OL); Joe Serratelli (LB); Bill Hill (def. coord./DB); Paul Findlow (DL); Bill Hill Jr. (OLB/WR); Brian Wilkinson (RB); Mark Mernone (freshmen); Tiffani Helen (athletic trainer). (L-R)

J A L E N D O U G L A S (74), E R I C C O W A N (81), D E V I N Z A M O T (23), M A R K E L H O U R I G A N -H U T T O N (21) & A N D R E W D O D D (67)

The road to a winning season with playoff aspirations comes after losing their two biggest stars in quarterback Jerry Ward and Shore Sports Network All-Shore Gridiron Classic running back Jalen Glenn to graduation. With them patrolling the offense, the Hawks scored 220 points in 2017 while surrendering 354 on defense. "Jerry and Jalen were both, in my opinion, outstanding players," Furlong said. "I"m hoping now that what's been in place for four years means that we've been developing guys that are maybe not on anyone's radar yet but we are happy with their progress and they have to step up." Facing adversity heading into the season, they'll need to ﬁnd a way to replace the leadership and ability Glenn and Ward possessed during their time at Manchester. "I think that it's going to have to be more of an offense-by-committee type of a concept than just Jalen or Jerry," Furlong said. "The thing about Jalen is that he was good on the outside, he was good on the inside, he could block and catch passes." Furlong is optimistic that with the group of running backs on the roster, they'll be able to collectively ﬁll the void. "I think we have some good inside runners like Markel Hourigan (Sr., FB) and Devin Zamot (Jr., RB/MLB) who have shown that. We have a transfer, Travell Nickey (from Toms River North), that I think has shown signs of that as well," Furlong said. "On the outside we have Jalen's brother Josh, who's been very effective so far in scrimmages and some other guys coming onto the scene like Julius

Barotow, who will be a sophomore, and Zykeem Jenkins (senior), who didn't play last year but is showing he could be an outside threat. Each of those guys can catch a little bit, too." There's an interesting battle at the quarterback position determining who will succeed Ward. "We've got Jimmy Johns (junior) and Joey Carchietta (junior) battling it out and we have two freshmen, Anthony Perelli and Savon Myers, who are really developing quickly," Furlong said. The wide receivers are Will Sohl, Trevor Pruitt and Mikey Conger. Furlong expects some of his other returning players to make an impact this season, as well. "The guys I feel most comfortable with (starting) are Eric Cowan (senior) who will probably start both ways as a D-lineman and a tight end, Andrew Dodd (senior), who played linebacker last year, we're looking at him potentially on the offensive and defensive line, John Mayer (junior) who is a two-way starter, Markel Hourigan is a two-way starter, Devin Zamot is a two-way starter," Furlong said. "Then we have Jalen Douglas (Sr., OT/DT) who was a one-way starter last year but most likely we're going to need him both ways. There are improvements that the whole team will need to make in order for Manchester to succeed this season. "We just need to work together more and not be self-centered," Zamot said. "Right now, I feel like we're a family. Last year we relied on a couple guys, this year we're relying on each other." "I think we're looking to move forward from last year and not look back at our losses," Hourigan said. "Our mindset is totally different, we look at

2017 Record: 3-7 (2-5)

our first game (vs. Holmdel) as a playoff game. "I feel like we have a lot more talent," Cowan said. "A lot of kids who are playing this year didn't play last year and there are a lot more competitivetype kids this year. We're going to do well this year." With the division realignment that took place in the offseason, Manchester says goodbye to a couple teams and welcomes in some fresh ones to their schedule in 2018, but it doesn't change the approach for Furlong. "We're still putting in our stuff right now and even looking at them, those few new teams, some of them have a new head coach so it's not like you can look at what Point Beach did or what Keyport did because now it's new," Furlong said. "We're just going to have to be sound with what we do." However, there is some confidence soaring through Hawks training camp with the schedule they have this season. "I think the realignment works for us, it was probably designed for teams like us that have not had success where we were and so this is a look at maybe seeing if we could level that playing field," Furlong said. "Can we make the playoffs? I think we have the ability as far as the talent goes. Can we put the consistency on the field? That would be the thing." "If we don't work together none of us are going to get anywhere," Dodd said. "If it's just a bunch of guys trying to make a tackle, they're (the opposition) basically just going to run all over us like they did last year and none of us are trying to do that so we're focusing on doing our jobs. We have to work together and all of us have to play our part."

A New Era

By: Bob Badders managing editor

t. Beach has been a model of consistency over the last seven seasons as a program that rose from the ashes of mediocrity to become an annual state championship contender. Hall of Fame head coach John Wagner took over the program in 2010 and promptly led the Garnet Gulls to more wins than in their previous four seasons combined. The Point Beach that used to labor through 2-8 and 3-7 seasons is a distant memory.

Head Coach:

Sat 9/8 Fri 9/14 Fri 9/21 Fri 9/28 Fri 10/5 Fri 10/12 Fri 10/19 Fri 10/26

@Keyport noon Manchester 7pm @Asbury Park 6pm Keansburg 7pm @Shore 7pm Donovan Cath. 7pm @Holmdel 7pm Pennington School 6pm

Frank Papalia, 1 st season (sixth overall) Career Record: 14-36-1 Assist ant Coaches:

(L-R)

T R I S T A N W H I T E (53), C O N N O R S M I T H (51), J A S O N S H E R L O C K (2), L I A M B U D A Y (7) A N D M A T T V A N S C H O I C K (56)

Paul Barna (off. coordinator); Jeff Bower (special teams, RB/DB); Joe Zaccone (RB/DL, strength & conditioning); Mike Pellicane (WR/DB, JV head coach); Tyler Walsh (volunteer); Kevin Lutz (video coordinator); Cali Whedon (athletic trainer). 2017 Record: 7-5 (3-2 in B Central) left tackle spot.

Offense: Flexbone D efense: 4-3 _____________________________ BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jeff Wall, So., QB/LB & Jason Sherlock, Jr., QB/DB Whether it be Wall or Sherlock who gets the start at quarterback, they will be taking over for Luke Frauenheim, who was a four-year starter and an All-Shore player during his career. Frauenheim was also the Class B Central Defensive Player of the Year as a linebacker, which is where Wall will play.

X -FACTOR:

Staying Healthy

It’s cliché to say a small school needs to avoid injuries but Point Beach is already breaking in a bunch of new starters and can not afford to lose any player who steps forward and emerges as a key contributor.

iMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Vinsko, Jr., RB/DE This could be any number of players but given the offense Point Beach will run, Vinsko should be right in the thick of the action as a fullback. As a defensive end he’ll step into a role previously held by four-year starter John Nista, who led the Shore Conference in sacks last season.

PIVOTAL GAME: Sept. 8 at Keyport The ﬁrst game of the season is one that will give a decent indication as to which way each team is trending. Keyport is coming off a 1-9 season and has a new head coach, Andy Carlstrom, whom Papalia has coached with in Maryland and at Holmdel.

The program underwent an overhaul in the offseason, however, as Wagner stepped down and a large and impactful senior class moved on via graduation. New head coach Frank Papalia and the Gulls’ host of firstyear starters are out to keep the train moving while beginning to forge their own legacy. “It’s definitely important to us,” said senior two-way lineman Tristan White. “Everyone wants it this year and has put in a lot of work. We definitely want to keep that winning culture.” Papalia jumps back into the head-coaching ranks after four seasons as an assistant at Rumson-Fair Haven where he helped the Bulldogs win three NJSIAA sectional championships and make four finals appearances. Papalia played high school football at Central Regional under Dan Duddy and got his first coaching job at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md. under current Keyport head coach Andy Carlstrom. Papalia then came back to New Jersey and was an assistant under Duddy at Central for three seasons. He then moved on to Holmdel where he was the defensive coordinator under Carlstrom for three years, including the 2007 season when the Hornets went 10-1 to set the program record for wins in a season. Papalia succeeded Carlstrom in 2009 and was Holmdel’s head coach for five seasons before going to Rumson. “I wanted to be a head coach again but I didn’t want to do it just anywhere,” Papalia said. “The academics here are phenomenal, the culture is phenomenal, the administration is strong and the kids are great kids, so it has been such an easy transition. You come here with these kids and they shake your hand, they look you in the eye; it’s all the old school things that you want out of a football team. I’m having a really good time here.” While the foundation is strong at Point Beach, the immediate task for Papalia is a big one considering the

circumstances. He is taking over for Wagner, a New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer, who won state championships at Roselle Park before coming to Point Beach. He guided the Gulls to immediate success and led the program to the 2013 NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 1 championship, Point Beach’s ﬁrst state title since the playoff system was implemented in 1974.

Working in at quarterback to take over for four-year starter Luke Frauenheim will be either sophomore Jeff Wall or junior Jason Sherlock, who have both been running the offense in training camp. Juniors Liam Buday and Matt Vinsko will play fullback while junior Aidan Conway, who saw time last season, and sophomore Mike Grauso are slated to be the slot backs.

Following a legend is never easy, and on top of that, the Garnet Gulls have only one returning starter on each side of the ball.

Working in at wide receiver will be a trio of juniors: Lance White, Matt Van Brunt and Kieran Nagle.

“The good thing is the kids themselves have said it’s a new year and it has nothing to do with last year,” Papalia said. “The kids have pushed each other. Everybody says it’s a process and we’re big on that. You have to worry about one play at a time and not worry about the outside stuff, and the kids have really bought into that.” Even though basically the entire team will be firstyear starters, many of them have on-field experience whether it be in mop-up duty or on special teams. Getting sophomores and freshman on the field as much as possible was one of Wagner’s core principles to make sure they can be as ready as possible when their time comes. “Some of the kids were able to get in here or there or on special teams, and that helps a bit,” Papalia said. “That experience with what coach Wagner did, you can see it has worked over time. We have to continue that with the younger kids and coach them up really hard.” Point Beach will run the flexbone triple option this season, using the same offense as the United States Naval Academy. White (6-4, 250) is the only returning starter and will be at left guard. Sophomore Jack Shamy is the center while senior Matt VanSchoick, who saw time last season, is at right guard. Senior Connor Smith (6-2, 230) is the right tackle while junior Noah Ramos and sophomore Josh Ramos are battling for the starting

“A lot of people are stepping up and it’s become more of a competition since the spots are more open,” Sherlock said. The Garnet Gulls 4-3 defense features Smith, the unit’s lone returning starter, at middle linebacker. He’ll be ﬂanked by Buday at one outside linebacker spot while Wall, junior George Kaifas and sophomore Brandon Castronovo are in the mix for the other starting outside linebacker position. The secondary has Lance White and Nagle as the cornerbacks, Sherlock as the strong safety and Conway at free safety. Up front, VanSchoick and Vinsko are the defensive ends with Tristan White at one defensive tackle spot. The other defensive tackle position will be manned by either Noah or Josh Ramos, Shamy or junior Anthony Luongo. On special teams, Kaifas will be the kicker and either he or Wall will handle the punting duties. Divisional realignment has Point Beach in the National Division with old Class B Central rivals Asbury Park, Keansburg and Keyport. They also play Shore in a nondivisional game while also facing a pair of Group 3 schools – Holmdel and Manchester – while also taking on Donovan Catholic. “Right now, our goal is to work toward our end goal, and that’s the playoffs,” Vinsko said. “But it’s not about that right now. It’s about putting in the work we have to in order to achieve it.”

A SBURY PARK

MANALAPAN

NEPTUNE

FIELD ADDRESS: 1003 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park DIRECTIONS: From south - Parkway exit 100A. Take Route 66 east to

FIELD ADDRESS: 30 Church Lane, Manalapan DIRECTIONS: Route 9 to Route 522 west. Turn right on Tennent Road,

FIELD ADDRESS: Memorial Field, Summerﬁeld School, Neptune DIRECTIONS: From south - Parkway Exit 100. Take Route 33 east a few

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.

then left on Church lane. School is a half mile on right.

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.

COLTS NECK

FIELD ADDRESS: 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck DIRECTIONS: Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold. School is two to three miles ahead on the left.

FREEHOLD BORO

FIELD ADDRESS: 2 Robertsville Road, Freehold DIRECTIONS: Take Route 18 to Route 79 south. Turn left onto Robertsville Road. Filed is one block ahead on left.

FREEHOLD T OWNSHIP

FIELD ADDRESS: 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township DIRECTIONS: From south - Parkway exit 100A. Take Route 66 east to trafﬁc circle. Follow Route 35 north to Sunset Avenue. Turn right; school is about two miles on left. From north - Parkway exit 102 to Asbury Avenue east. Asbury Avenue runs into Route 66 and then same as above.

HOWELL

FIELD ADDRESS: 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell DIRECTIONS: Route I-195 west to Lakewood-Farmingdale exit for Route 547 west (toward Farmingdale). Go about 200 yards to SquankumYellowbrook Road, turn left. School is about two miles on left.

HOLMDEL

FIELD ADDRESS: 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Go west on Red Hill Raod. At ﬁrst intersection, turn right onto Crawfords Corner Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on the right.

KEANSBURG

FIELD ADDRESS: 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right off ramp onto Red Hill Road. At ﬁrst light, turn left onto VanShoik Road. VanSchoik becomes Laurel Avenue. Take Laurel across Route 35 to Route 36. Turn right on Route 36 and take to jughandle left turn for Main Street. At ﬁrst light, turn right onto Port Monmouth Road. School is down on the right.

KEYPORT

FIELD ADDRESS: Jackson Street, Keyport DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 117. Take Route 35 south and bear left onto Route 36 south. Take jughandle left onto Atlantic Street. Turn right on Jackson Street and go two blocks. Field is at the end of the street.

L ONG BRANCH

FIELD ADDRESS: Indiana Avenue, Long Branch DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36 east, bear onto route 71 past Monmouth University and turn left on Westwood Avenue. Make a right onto Bath Avenue and then a right onto Indiana Avenue. School is ahead on right.

MANASQUAN

FIELD ADDRESS: 159 Broad Street, Manasquan DIRECTIONS: From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34 south two miles to Manasquan/Sea Girt Exit. Go under Route 34 and follow Atlantic Avenue through circle. School is about one mile ahead on left. From south - Parkway exit 98. Take route 138 west to route 34 south, follow rest of above directions.

OCEAN T OWNSHIP

FIELD ADDRESS: 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township DIRECTIONS: Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West Park Avenue, school is a half mile on the right.

RARITAN

MARLBORO

FIELD ADDRESS: 419 Middle Road, Hazlet DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Make a left off the exit onto Red Hill Road,

ahead on left.

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.

FIELD ADDRESS: 95 Route 79, Marlboro DIRECTIONS: Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a few miles

MATAWAN

FIELD ADDRESS: 450 Atlantic Avenue, Aberdeen DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the Parkway. Before toll booth, turn right on Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At next light, turn right on Church Street. At next light, turn right on Atlantic. School is just ahead on the right.

MATER DEI PREP

FIELD ADDRESS: 538 Church Street, Middletown DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right on Red Hill Road, follow to end. Turn left onto Kings Highway, and right on Harmony Road, Take Harmony Road across Route 35 and turn right on Cherry Tree Farm Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on left.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

FIELD ADDRESS: 63 Tindall Road, Middletown DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road and follow to end. Turn right onto Kings Highway. Make a right and follow to Route 35 south to the jughandle for Tindall Road. Take the jughandle and then make a right to Tindall Road. The school will be a half mile on right.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

FIELD ADDRESS: 501 Nutswamp Road, Middletown DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Go east on Red Hill Road to light for Dwight Road. Turn right on Dwight Road to Middletown-Lincroft Road. Cross Middletown-Lincroft Road to Nutswamp. School is a half mile on the right.

MONMOUTH REGIONAL

FIELD ADDRESS: 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton Falls DIRECTIONS: Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at ﬁrst trafﬁc light to Hope Road and go north to Tinton Avenue. Turn left on Tinton Avenue and go about half a mile to school entrance on the right, just before Parkway overpass.

RED BANK REGIONAL

FIELD ADDRESS: 101 Ridge Road, Little Silver DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to end to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. School is one and a half miles on right.

RED BANK CATHOLIC

FIELD ADDRESS: Count Basie Field, Henry Street, RB DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Henry Street - Red Bank Volvo is n the corner. Turn left, ﬁeld entrance is just ahead on the left.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

FIELD ADDRESS: 74 Ridge Road, Rumson DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. After about three miles, Harding becomes Ridge Road. Pass Red Bank Regional High School and go about three more miles. Rumson-Fair Haven will be on the left.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

FIELD ADDRESS: 540 Road, Holmdel DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the parkway. Before tollbooth, turn right onto Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At ﬁrst light, turn left onto Church Street. At next light, turn right onto Line road. School is on left.

SHORE REGIONAL

FIELD ADDRESS: Route 36 east, West long Branch DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles, cross route 71. School is just ahead on the right.

WALL

FIELD ADDRESS: 18th Avenue and New Bedford Road, Wall DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 98. Take Route 138 east about two miles to second light, turn right onto New Bedford Road. Follow to school entrance on left.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO PROVIDED THE PHOTOS USED THROUGHTOUT THIS PROGRAM

BARNEGAT

JACKSON LIBERTY

FIELD ADDRESS: 180 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat

FIELD ADDRESS: 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson

DIRECTIONS: From the north - Parkway to exit 67 (Barnegat). Make a

DIRECTIONS: From south- Route 9 north to Cox Cro Road Road in

left at the end of the exit ramp onto Bay Avenue. At second light make a left onto Barnegat Boulevard North. Go approximately one mile and make a left onto Bengal Boulevard. School is on the left. From the SouthParkway 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.

Toms River. Make a left onto Cox Cro and follow about two miles to 527 (Whitesville Road). Make a left onto 527 and follow for about 4-5 miles. Make a right onto South Hope Chapel Road/CR-547. School is just ahead on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to Exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527 South. Follow for 6-7 miles and turn left onto South Hope Chapel Road (just after 527 becomes 528 at Whitesville Road). School is about a half mile on the right.

BRICK

FIELD ADDRESS: 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick

J ACKSON MEMORIAL

DIRECTIONS: From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go

FIELD ADDRESS: Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson

straight at light, follow to Route 88. Cross Route 88, go under Parkway overpass and school is just ahead on right. From south- Parkway exit 90. School is short distance on right from off-ramp.

DIRECTIONS: From south - Route 9 north to Route 571. Go about 10-

BRICK MEMORIAL

FIELD ADDRESS: 2001 Lanes Mill Road, Brick DIRECTIONS: From South - Parkway exit 90. Ramp will put you on Chambers Bridge Road. Take ﬁrst jughandle U-turn and go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Cross Route 88 and follow to second light, where there is a convenience store on the left and a gas station on the right. The right and go over the Parkway. Pass the 7-Eleven and take the jughandle left turn for Lanes Mill Road. Go straight across, bear right just pass Lanes Mill Elementary School. High school is on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Bear left after the toll. Follow jughandle around, turn right at light at gas station. Follow directions above after going over the Parkway.

CENTRAL REGIONAL FIELD ADDRESS: Forest Hills Parkway, Berkeley DIRECTIONS: From north - Parkway exit 77. Turn left off exit onto Double Trouble Road, follow it to trafﬁc light. Turn left on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot. From south - Parkway exit 77. Turn right on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC FIELD ADDRESS: 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms River DIRECTIONS: Parkway to Exit 82. Take Route 37 east and turn right on Hooper Avenue. Go south on Hooper about a half mile and turn left at the ﬁrst light. School is on the right.

12 miles west to Route 528 intersection. Turn right on Route 528. Continue on Don Connor Boulevard and make a right. School is a quarter mile on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527 South. At second light turn right onto Route 528. Continue to Don Connor Boulevard and make a left. Follow directions above.

L ACEY FIELD ADDRESS: Haines Street, Lacey DIRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 74. Turn right on Lacey Road. Follow less than two miles, take jughandle left turn for Manchester Avenue. Go to the ﬁrst light, turn right on Haines Street. School is on the right.

L AKEWOOD FIELD ADDRESS: 855 Somerset Ave, Lakewood DIRECTIONS: From south - Parkway exit 90. Take immediate jughandle U-turn to go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Turn left onto Route 88, follow to New Hampshire Avenue and turn right. Take New Hampshire to end, turn left onto Ridge. Go about 1 ½ miles to school on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go straight at light, follow road to Route 88 intersection. Turn right on Route 88 and follow rest of directions above.

MANCHESTER FIELD ADDRESS: 101 Colonial Drive, Manchester DIRECTIONS: Parkway to Exit 82A. Take Route 37 west about ﬁve miles to jughandle for Colonial Drive. Cross 37 and follow back to school parking lot.

PINELANDS REGIONAL

FIELD ADDRESS: Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor DIRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about three miles. Turn right on Nugentown Road. School is three miles on the right.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

FIELD ADDRESS: St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, Pt. Pleasant Beach DIRECTIONS: From north - Route 35 south. After crossing Manasquan River, follow signs for Broadway/Beach and make U-turn onto route 35 North. Make a quick right onto Broadway. Make a right onto St. Louis Avenue and follow until you see the ﬁeld. From south - Route 35 north. Make a right onto Broadway and continue with above listed directions.

POINT PLEASANT BORO

FIELD ADDRESS: Laura Herbert Drive, Point Pleasant DIRECTIONS: From north - Parkway Exit 91. Stay left off exit and take jughandle around to light at gas station. Turn right and follow Burnt Tavern Road to Route 70. Turn left on Route 70 and at next intersection turn right onto Herbertsville Road. Stay on Herbertsville Road to intersection with Route 88. Go straight through light to school less than a mile on the right. From south - Route 88 east to Beaver Dam Road and make a right. School entrance is ahead on right.

SOUTHERN REGIONAL

FIELD ADDRESS: 600 North Main St. (Route 9), Stafford DIRECTIONS: 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.

TOMS RIVER EAST

FIELD ADDRESS: Raider Way, Toms River DIRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 82, Take Route 37 east to Coolidge Avenue jughandle. Go north on Coolidge one mile to Raider Way. Turn left, school entrance is on the left.

TOMS RIVER NORTH

FIELD ADDRESS: Old Freehold Road, Toms River DIRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 82. Take Route 37 East. At ﬁrst light take a jughandle left onto Route 166 north. Bear right at next trafﬁc light onto Old Freehold Road. School is about three miles ahead on right.

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

FIELD ADDRESS: 101 Hyers Street, Toms River DIRECTIONS: Directions: Parkway exit 82. Take Route 37 east. Turn right onto Hooper Avenue. The ﬁeld is a half mile down on the right behind the Ocean County Courthouse

2018 Week by Week Shore Conference Football Schedule S ATURDAY , S EPT . 15

WEEK O T HURSDAY , A UGUST 30 Patriot Division Pinelands @ Mater Dei

3 p.m.

Nonconference Middletown South @ Coatesville (Pa)

7 p.m.

Nonconference Long Branch @ Hammonton

1 p.m. noon 1 p.m.

F RIDAY , S EPT , 21

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

WEEK 1

F RIDAY , S EPT , 7

American Division Manalapan @ Freehold Township Howell @ Middletown South

6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

Colonial Division St. John Vianney @ Middletown North

7 p.m.

Rumson-Fair Haven @ Brick Memorial

7 p.m.

Freehold @ Brick

7 p.m.

Constitution Division

American Division Central @ Howell

WEEK 5

WEEK 3

F RIDAY , A UGUST 31 Nondivisional Red Bank Catholic @ St. John Vianney Brick Memorial @ Central Lacey @ Ocean

Colonial Division Brick Memorial @ Freehold Constitution Division Lakewood @ Marlboro Southern @ Lacey

6:30 p.m.

Lacey @ Wall

7 p.m.

Freedom Division

Toms River North @ Manalapan

7 p.m.

Freehold Twp. @ Middletown South

7 p.m.

Long Branch @ Ocean

7 p.m.

Red Bank Catholic @ Red Bank

7 p.m.

Toms River East @ Toms River South

7 p.m.

Colonial Division St. John Vianney @ Rumson-Fair Haven Constitution Division Jackson Memorial @ Southern

7 p.m.

Lakewood @ Wall

7 p.m.

Freedom Division Toms River East @ Long Branch

7 p.m.

Red Bank @ Toms River South

7 p.m.

Ocean @ Red Bank Catholic

7 p.m.

Liberty Division Manasquan @ Point Boro

7 p.m.

Raritan @ Neptune

7 p.m.

Patriot Division Pinelands @ Shore

7 p.m.

Jackson Liberty @ Barnegat

7 p.m.

National Division Holmdel @ Manchester, 7 p.m.

noon

Middletown North @ Freehold

noon

Constitution Division 2:30 p.m.

Liberty Division noon

Patriot Division 1 p.m.

National Division Point Beach @ Keyport

noon

Donovan Catholic @ Keansburg

1 p.m.

WEEK 2

F RIDAY , S EPT , 14 6:30 p.m.

Middletown South @ Manalapan

7 p.m.

Freehold Township @ Central

7 p.m.

National Division Point Beach @ Asbury Park

6 p.m.

S ATURDAY , S EPT . 22 Colonial Division Central @ Toms River North

noon

Marlboro @ Southern

1 p.m.

Jackson Memorial @ Lakewood

1 p.m.

Liberty Division Neptune @ Colts Neck

noon

Point Boro @ Monmouth

noon

Raritan @ Manasquan

1 p.m.

Manchester @ Keyport Holmdel @ Keansburg

1 p.m. noon p.m.

WEEK 4

F RIDAY , S EPT , 28 American Division Manalapan @ Howell

6:30 p.m.

Toms River North@ Freehold Twp.

6:30 p.m.

Middletown South @ Central

7 p.m.

Colonial Division Brick @ Middletown North

7 p.m.

Brick Memorial @ St. John Vianney

7 p.m.

Freehold @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Toms River South @ Long Branch

7 p.m.

Ocean @ Red Bank

7 p.m.

Red Bank Catholic @ Toms River East

7 p.m.

Liberty Division Colts Neck @ Raritan

Colonial Division Middletown North @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Brick @ St. John Vianney

7 p.m.

Constitution Division Wall @ Jackson Memorial

7 p.m.

Freedom Division

American Division Toms River North @ Howell

Pinelands @ Barnegat

Shore @ Mater Dei

Brick @ Brick Memorial

Matawan @ Mater Dei

7 p.m.

National Division

Colonial Division

Monmouth @ Colts Neck

Jackson Liberty @ Matawan

Patriot Division

S ATURDAY , S EPT . 8

Marlboro @ Lacey

Patriot Division

7 p.m.

Patriot Division Jackson Liberty @ Shore

7 p.m.

Barnegat @ Matawan

7 p.m.

National Division Asbury Park @ Donovan Catholic

Freedom Division

7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Ocean @ Toms River East

7 p.m.

Keyport @ Holmdel

7 p.m.

Toms River South @ Red Bank Catholic

7 p.m.

Keansburg @ Point Beach

7 p.m.

Colts Neck @ Point Boro

7 p.m.

S ATURDAY , S EPT . 29

Manasquan @ Neptune

7 p.m.

Constitution Division

Monmouth @ Raritan

7 p.m.

Liberty Division

Patriot Division Barnegat @ Shore

7 p.m.

Pinelands @ Matawan

7 p.m.

Mater Dei @ Jackson Liberty

7 p.m.

National Division Keansburg @ Asbury Park Keyport @ Donovan Catholic Manchester @ Point Beach

6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

Nondivisional Red Bank @ Holmdel

7 p.m.

S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 20

F RIDAY , O CTOBER 5 American Division Howell @ Freehold Township Central @ Manalapan Middletown South @ Toms River North Colonial Division Brick Memorial @ Middletown North Rumson-Fair Haven @ Brick Constitution Division Wall @ Southern Marlboro @ Jackson Memorial Freedom Division Long Branch @ Red Bank Catholic Toms River East @ Red Bank Toms River South @ Ocean Liberty Division Raritan @ Point Boro Patriot Division Pinelands @ Jackson Liberty Mater Dei @ Barnegat National Division Manchester @ Asbury Park Holmdel @ Donovan Catholic Nondivisional Point Beach at Shore

National Division 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 6 Colonial Division St. John Vianney @ Freehold Constitution Division Lacey @ Lakewood Liberty Division Colts Neck @ Manasquan National Division Keyport @ Keansburg Nondivisional Matawan @ Monmouth

2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m.

Pinelands @ Colts Neck

noon

Freehold Township @ Marlboro

noon

Freehold @ Lacey

1 p.m.

Shore @ Keansburg

1 p.m.

Donovan Catholic @ Mater Dei

1 p.m.

Jackson Liberty @ Toms River South

7 p.m.

WEEK 8

(NJSIAA

PLAYOFFS CUTOFF )

F RIDAY , O CTOBER 26 Nondivisional Monmouth @ Asbury Park

6 p.m.

Point Boro @ Donovan Catholic

7 p.m.

Neptune @ Wall

7 p.m.

Long Branch @ Brick Memorial

7 p.m.

Middletown North @ Red Bank Catholic

7 p.m.

Colts Neck @ Toms River East

7 p.m.

Lacey @ Manalapan

7 p.m.

Lakewood @ Brick

7 p.m.

Manchester @ Jackson Liberty

7 p.m.

Rumson-Fair Haven @ Middletown South

7 p.m.

Freehold Township @ Jackson Memorial

7 p.m.

Central @ St. John Vianney

7 p.m.

Barnegat @ Toms River South

7 p.m.

Holmdel v Raritan

7 p.m.

Nonconference Pennington School @ Point Beach

6 p.m.

S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 27 Nondivisional Shore @ Keyport

noon

Southern @ Toms River North

noon

F RIDAY , O CTOBER 12

Matawan @ Marlboro

noon

American Division Middletown North @ Howell Patriot Division Shore @ Matawan National Division Asbury Park @ Holmdel Keansburg @ Manchester Donovan Catholic @ Point Beach Nondivisional Freehold @ Freehold Township Long Branch @ Wall Point Boro @ Ocean Manalapan @ Brick Memorial Lacey @ Brick Red Bank @ Raritan Southern @ Central Keyport @ Barnegat Toms River South @ Toms River North Jackson Memorial @ Jackson Liberty Pinelands @ Toms River East

Ocean @ Manasquan

1 p.m.

Pinelands @ Keansburg

1 p.m.

Howell @ Freehold

1 p.m.

6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 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.

S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 13 Liberty Division Neptune @ Monmouth Nondivisional Marlboro @ Colts Neck Rumson-Fair Haven @ Lakewood Manasquan @ Mater Dei

Cheshire Academy @ Mater Dei

1 p.m.

WEEK 9 R O U N D P L A Y O F F G A M E S & R E G IO N A L C R O S S O V E R G A M E S )

Thursday, Nov. 1

(regional crossover games)

Friday, Nov. 2

(NJSIAA playoff games)

Saturday, Nov. 3

(NJSIAA playoff & regional crossover games)

WEEK 10

(2 ND

ROUND PLAYOFF GAMES & REGIONAL CROSSOVER GAMES )

Thursday, Nov. 8

(regional crossover games)

Friday, Nov. 9

(NJSIAA playoff games)

Saturday, Nov. 10

(NJSIAA playoff & regional crossover games)

WEEK 11

noon noon 1 p.m. 1 p.m.

(P UBLIC

SECTIONAL FINALS )

Friday, Nov. 16 Donovan Catholic @ Manchester

7 p.m. (regular season)

WEEK 12

WEEK 13

(T HANKSGIVING , N ON -P UBLIC SECTIONAL FINALS , N ORTH 1 N ORTH 2 BOWL GAMES , C ENTRAL VS . S OUTH BOWL GAMES )

WEEK 7

Point Beach @ Holmdel

Nonconference

(1S T

VS .

T HURSDAY , N OV . 22

National Division noon

noon

WEEK 6

F RIDAY , O CTOBER 19

Wall @ Marlboro

Asbury Park @ Keyport Nondivisional

Freedom Division 7 p.m.

Nondivisional

Red Bank @ Long Branch

10 a.m.

Nondivisional

Southern @ Lakewood

1 p.m.

Red Bank Catholic @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Jackson Memorial @ Lacey

2 p.m.

Neptune @ Ocean

Middletown South @ Middletown North

10:30 a.m.

7 p.m.

Manalapan @ Long Branch

Asbury Park @ Neptune

10:30 a.m.

7 p.m.

Wall @ Manasquan

11 a.m.

Lakewood @ Toms River South

11 a.m.

Liberty Division Manasquan @ Monmouth

noon

Point Boro @ Neptune

Brick @ Jackson Memorial

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

Howell @ Southern

7 p.m.

Lakewood @ Manchester

7 p.m.

Monmouth @ Red Bank

7 p.m.

Barnegat @ Point Boro

7 p.m.

Raritan @ Matawan

7 p.m.

St. John Vianney @ Middletown South

7 p.m.

Toms River North @ Toms River East

7 p.m.

Nonconference Canada Prep @ Mater Dei

1 p.m.

NJSIAA S ECTIONAL C HAMPIONSHIPS Friday, Nov. 23 - Saturday, Dec. 1

TBD

100