2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview by Shore Sports Network Journal

Cover Designed by Steve Meyer

KevinWILLIAMS

Managing Editor

Shore Sports Network Director

Bob Badders

kevin.williams@townsquaremedia.com

bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com

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

Senior Content Provider Matt Manley Mmanley21@gmail.com

Shore Sports Network Journal is published by: T o w n s q u a r e M e d i a 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753 Copyright 2021 © Townsquare Media All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Shore Sports Network is prohibited

SSN Top Ten .............................................. Page

SSN Players To Watch.............................. Page

New Faces in New Places ...................... Page I1

American Division.............................................. Pages 12-25 Colts N eck Don ovan Catholic Rumson-Fair Have n Toms R iver N or th Wall

Colonial Division................................................. Pages 26-35 Holmd el Jack son Memorial Manalapan Middletow n South South ern

Constitution Division.................................... Pages 36-47 Manas quan Oc ean Raritan Re d Ban k Catholic Re d Ban k Regi onal

Feature Story........................................................... Pages 56-59 Freedom Division................................................ Pages 49-62 Fre e hold Boro Lon g Branc h St. John Viann e y Toms R iver East Toms R iver South

Patriot Division.................................................... Pages 86-97 As bur y Par k Barn egat Jack son Li b er ty Manc h ester Point Boro Shore

National Division............................................. Pages 98-107

Independence Division......................... Pages 64-75 Brick Memorial Brick Tow n ship How ell Lac e y Middletow n N or t h

Liberty Division................................................... Pages 76-85

Kean s bur g Ke yp or t La k e w ood Monmouth Pin elan ds Point Beac h

Field Directions Monmouth County & Ocean County................................. Page 108-109

Ce ntral Regi onal Fre e hold Tow n ship Marlb oro Mata wan N ep tun e

Week-by-Week Shore Conference Schedule......................................................... Page 110

The Shore Sports Network in partnership with The Butcher’s Block presents THE BLOCK GAMEDAY COUNTDOWN every Friday night during the Shore Conference football season. W E ’ LL PICK A TOP MATCHUP AND BEFORE THE GAME K EVIN W ILLIAMS WILL PROVIDE INSIGHT ON OUR F ACEBOOK PAGE , TALK WITH COACHES AND OTHERS , AND ALSO PROVIDE UPDATES DURING THE GAME . T HOSE AT THE GAME WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN UP FOR A SEASON - ENDING DRAWING IN WHICH ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE DINNER FOR SIX WITH LIMOUSINE SERVICE AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED B UTCHER ’ S B LOCK B UTCHER & T ABLE IN L ONG B RANCH , WHICH HAS QUICKLY BECOME ONE OF N EW J ERSEY ’ S MOST POPULAR EATERIES . J UST LOOK FOR THE S HORE S PORTS N ETWORK SUV AND STOP BY TO SIGN UP . A T THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME WE WILL PRESENT T HE B LOCK G AME D AY C OUNTDOWN MVP AWARD TO THE TOP PERFORMER , WHICH WILL BE SHOWN LIVE ON F ACEBOOK PAGE .

OUR

B LOCK OWNER T OMMY D’A MBRISI IS A FORMER A LL -S HORE QUARTERBACK AT M ONMOUTH R EGIONAL WHO LATER PLAYED AT M ONMOUTH U NIVERSITY AND THEN AT K EAN U NIVERSITY WHERE HE IS AMONG THE LEADERS IN SEVERAL CAREER CATEGORIES . T HE THE

PREMIERE OF T HE B LOCK G AME D AY C OUNTDOWN IS SET FOR F RIDAY , S EPTEMBER 3 WHEN B RICK “G REEN D RAGONS ” TRAVEL TO DOWNTOWN T OMS R IVER TO TAKE ON THE S OUTH “I NDIANS ” IN WHAT HAS BEEN A LONG - RUNNING AND INTENSE RIVALRY .

hat would a new high school football season be without a preseason top 10 to get the conversation started?

The Shore Sports Network/Jeep Store Top 10 is back and with the 2021 season set to get underway it’s time to present our initial Shore Conference rankings. These are, of course, projections largely based on returning starters and recent history. Rankings are earned on the field and in the coming weeks and months it will all (hopefully) work itself out between the lines. Last season, five teams who were unranked in the preseason finished the season inside the SSN Top 10. And it took only one week for our No. 2 team to go down. Maybe it’s better to not be ranked right now? Hey, at least we got the No. 1 team right. The Shore Conference has some true juggernauts this season, then a handful of teams that could be classified Middletown South as being in the second tier and several more who could take turns bouncing each other in and out of the rankings throughout the season. (2-4). Final 2020 Ranking: unranked

Here is our look at the top teams in the Shore in the SSN Preseason Top 10

WALL (7-0). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 1 The Crimson Knights finished No. 1 in 2019, went wire-to-wire as the No. 1 team last season and begin 2021 as the team to beat in the Shore. The throne is theirs until somebody takes it. Wall returns 17 starters, including reigning SSN Defensive Player of the Year Charlie Sasso, senior linebacker Colin Riley, senior tight end/defensive end Blake Rezk, senior two-way linemen Brian Byrne and Max Oakley, senior wide receiver/defensive back Matt Dollive, senior linebacker Lou Pilla, senior quarterback/safety Jake Davis, junior running back/linebacker Mike Fumarola and several other standouts. The Knights will be tested early and often, including a brutal two-game, five-day stretch against Rumson-Fair Haven and Red Bank Catholic to open the season.

Rumson-Fair Haven (6-2). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 5 First-team All-Shore linebacker and University of Pennsylvania commit John Lista leads a cast of eight returning starters that will look to lead Rumson to the program’s seventh sectional title. Lista anchors the defense alongside fellow senior linebacker Ryan McKay and All-Shore defensive end Aiden Moriarty. The Bulldogs’ offensive line should be a strength with four returning starters: seniors Charlie Pearson, Patrick Malpass, George Clough and Christian Smith. Senior Geoff Schroeder takes over as the starting running back after sharing the backfield the last two seasons and Colin Kennedy steps in as the starting quarterback.

Colts Neck Red Bank Catholic (4-2). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 3 The Caseys were already bringing back multiple highoctane players before they added three transfers from Mater Dei as result of the school folding its varsity team. They have state championship potential with players like senior tight end/defensive end Alex Bauman, wide receiver Najih Rahman, running backs/linebackers Sabino Portella and Rajahn Cooper, linemen Vince Carpenter, Michael Conneely, Lorenzo Portella, Tyler Burnham and Ashton Mejias, edge rusher Ryan McPherson and cornerback Joe Diorio. It shouldn’t shock anybody if the Caseys are the ones holding the belt quite soon.

(7-1). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 6 The Cougars are coming off a breakout season under head coach Matt Ahearn and have the talent and experience to run it back. Senior Tommy Fallon, a fouryear starter at quarterback, spearheads the offense behind a wall of humanity that includes hulking tackles Dan Volpe and Ryan Whalen and guard Matt Jannucci. Senior John Manos looks to be the bell cow in their power rushing offense while John Runfolo and Cade Chrebet lead a solid group of receivers. All-Shore linebacker Anthony Bonanno anchors the defense along with junior linebacker Will Surdez plus Jannucci, Volpe, Manos and Runfolo. The Cougars will face major tests each week while competing in the American Division with Wall, Donovan Catholic, Rumson and Toms River North.

Donovan Catholic (7-1). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 2 The Griffins continue to rise up the ranks of the Shore Conference and were inches away from dethroning Wall in the Shore Conference championship game last season. Several All-Shore players graduated but the Griffins are certainly not lacking for talent. Jalin Butler and Nunes Bukula take over as the starting quarterback and running back, respectively, in DC’s power spread offense and will work behind a roadgrading offensive line that features Caron McNair, Aaron Crooms, Rob Madison, Nico Ippolito and EJ Smith. Senior wide receiver Kyree Drake comes over as a transfer from Mater Dei Prep and Levi Wilkins returns as a four-year starter at tight end. Defensively, Wilkins, Ippolito, linebackers Connor Farrell and Nat Ianello and safety Myson Rush-Esdaile lead a unit that surrendered just 8.4 points per game last season.

A veteran team led by Steve Antonucci and his longtime assistants is a pretty good bet be a top-10 team. A total of 14 starters return off a 2-4 season that had more to do with the schedule and circumstance than a lack of talent. Senior quarterback/safety Tom Schork, senior running back Dan Primiano, senior wide receiver/defensive back Matt Grab, senior tight end/defensive end Jack Latore, senior linemen Jake Williamson and Dante Miranda, senior linebacker Jack Willi and junior wide receiver/defensive back Logan Colleran comprise a strong core that will look to lead the Eagles back into championship contention.

Freehold (6-2). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 7 With Kamore Gill and Yahsin Calhoun leading the way, the Colonials should once again have an explosive offense. Quarterback Sha’Kim Shuler accounted for over 2,300 yards and 20 touchdowns last season and now Gil will move to quarterback after posting over 800 yards and five touchdowns last season between running back and wide receiver. Calhoun had an incredible season on both sides of the ball as an All-Shore defensive back, leading the conference in tackles (113) and interceptions (6) while combining for over 900 yards and nine touchdowns from scrimmage. Senior Tyler Ochojski moves from defensive end to inside linebacker after recording 10 sacks last season and also starts at tight end. If Freehold can play solid defense it will be a threat all season.

Raritan (6-1). Final 2020 Ranking: No. 10 The Rockets lost their first game of the season before ripping off six straight wins to finish the season 6-1 and earn the 10th and final spot in the SSN Top 10. Versatile AllShore talent Luke O’Hea graduated and will be missed but Raritan has several important pieces back including junior running back Kieran Falzon, senior linebacker Alex Dekis and senior quarterback Ben Hutchins.

Southern (5-4). Final 2020 Ranking: unranked The Rams finished just outside of the final top 10 last season but begin this season at No. 6 thanks to a running game that should be formidable. Senior Jaiden Brown, the program’s all-time leading rusher and a first-team All-Shore selection, is primed for a big year running behind versatile fullback Nate Committee and an offensive line that averages 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. Committee and Brown are also standouts on defense along with linemen Donovan Drew, David Casas, Logan Doherty and Sean Rowland.

Manasquan (5-3). Final 2020 Ranking: unranked The Warriors have tremendous potential and thus get the nod for the final spot in our initial rankings. After going 5-3 last season with losses to Jackson Memorial, Wall and Holmdel, Manasquan returns 16 starters and is led by a large senior class. Cole Kozlowski is the team’s jack-of-all-trades and leads the way along with running back/defensive back Pat Woodford, receiver/defensive back Robert Pendergist, linemen Joe Franklin, Bob Marks and JJ Cavanagh, defensive end Jack Burns, and linebackers Ryan Burns and Dylan LeBlanc. A pair of standout juniors, quarterback Brett Patten and running back Jhamier Howard, give the team a multitude of weapons on offense.

Dear Shore Conference Football Fans, I’d like to say that things are back to normal after a tumultuous 2020 season that featured COVID postponements, no divisions, no championships and few fans. The good news was that kids got the chance to play and while unofficial, we had an epic Shore Conference “championship” game that saw Wall beat Donovan Catholic thanks to a stop just short of the goal line on the final play. A few months ago we assumed this fall would be smooth sailing but as we start the season there are many concerns due to the coronavirus. We can only hope and pray that football and all other fall sports will proceed as scheduled so let’s put a positive spin on things. Our Shore Sports Network team has put in countless hours to prepare and present this football preview. Heading up the content effort were Bob Badders and Matt Manley with contributions from Vin Ebenau and yours truly, as well. Of course we could not have done this without Steve Meyer who put it all together and special thanks to photographers Rich O’Donnell and Ray Richardson. We also appreciate both Asylum Sports Center in Wall and Adrenaline Sports Academy in South Toms River for hosting our photo shoots I would also be remiss if I did not thank the many advertisers whose ads you will see on the forthcoming pages. Without them, we could not present this FREE preview and I encourage all of you to support them when possible. Special thanks to the Jersey Mike’s family for their tremendous support of the SSN since our inception. Peter Cancro grew up in Point Pleasant Beach and has never forgotten his roots, and for that I am extremely grateful. We hope you will enjoy this football preview and keep it with you throughout the season. It is a labor of love to put it all together and I can say with confidence that I doubt anyone in the state can match our product which previews all 42 Shore Conference football teams. Just a reminder that shoresportsnetwork.com is your place to follow football all season long with features including a daily scoreboard, Player of the Week, Top 10 Tuesday, Football Picks and much more. Here’s hoping for a full schedule and the chance to crown champions at the end.

Let’s be smart and stay healthy and safe. Happy Football Season! Kevin Williams, Director Shore Sports Network

2020 SHORE CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS MONMOUTH COUNTY Team

Overall

Dif

Team

Wall Colts Neck Holmdel Raritan Rumson-Fair Haven Freehold Mater Dei Prep Shore Asbury Park

7-0 7-1 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-2 4-2 4-2

233 213 192 199 234 246 128 187 175

38 105 79 119 86 182 121 63 115

+195 108 +113 +80 +148 +64 +7 +124 +60

Red Bank Catholic Manasquan Keansburg St. John Vianney Ocean Manalapan Freehold Township Howell Red Bank

OCEAN COUNTY Team

Overall

Dif

Donovan Catholic Toms River South Manchester Barnegat Southern Lacey

7-1 6-2 5-3 5-3 5-4 5-4

270 178 193 143 248 213

65 +205 149 +29 160 +33 124 +19 153 +95 159 +54

Team Jackson Memorial Central Toms River North Toms River East Brick Memorial Point Boro

Overall

4-2 5-3 4-3 5-4 3-3 2-4 2-3 2-4 2-4

119 183 168 196 120 133 59 109 118

97 +22 124 +59 158 +10 105 +91 152 -32 81 +52 165 -106 96 +13 126 -8

Dif

Team Middletown South Matawan Keyport Neptune Monmouth Middletown North Long Branch Marlboro

Overall

Dif

Team

4-4 3-4 3-4 3-5 3-5 2-4

205 99 158 132 117 130

147 103 227 162 195 195

+58 -4 -69 -30 -78 -92

Brick Lakewood Pinelands Jackson Liberty Point Beach

Overall

2-4 2-4 2-4 2-5 2-6 1-5 1-6 1-6

89 94 89 93 125 98 74 86

131 -42 147 -53 159 -56 189 -96 237 -112 172 -74 147 -73 232 -146

Dif

Overall

2-5 2-5 2-6 1-4 0-7

73 126 128 41 82

144 -71 223 -97 237 -109 163 -122 211 -129

Dif

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.

quar terBACKS

DefensiveLINEMEN

TOMMY FALLON, SR., COLTS NECK

BLAKE REZK, SR., WALL

Fallon served as a steady and experienced presence under center for the Cougars, completing 67 percent of his passes for 720 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 475 yards and two touchdowns on an average of 8.3 yards per carry to help the team go 7-1.

Rezk made 41 tackles with 4 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and 1 fumble recovery on a defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game and recorded four shutouts. As a tight end he had a touchdown catch and was a standout blocker for an offense that rushed for 1,678 yards and 26 touchdowns and averaged 33.3 points per game.

n ALEX BROWN, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC n SAVON MYERS, SR., MANCHESTER

n AIDEN MORIARTY, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

n KAMORE GILL, SR., FREEHOLD

n ERIC IBE, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL

n JALIN BUTLER, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC

n NATE COMMITTEE, SR., SOUTHERN

n CHARLIE VITALE, SR., POINT BORO

n JACK LATORE, SR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

RunningBACKS

Lin e BACKERS

JAIDEN BROWN, SR., SOUTHERN

CHARLIE SASSO, SR., WALL

Brown ran for 1,091 yard and 14 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry to become Southern’s all-time leading rusher in just two seasons. He also made 62 tackles and recorded three sacks on defense. n JADEN GALLO, SR., HOLMDEL

The 2020 Shore Sports Network Defensive Player of the Year, Sasso had an outstanding season from his spot at inside linebacker with 97 tackles in just seven games along with 3 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 2 fumble recoveries for a defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game and recorded four shutouts.

n KIERAN FALZON, JR., RARITAN

n COLIN RILEY, SR., WALL

n NUNES BUKULA, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC n GEOFF SCHROEDER, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n JAKE CROCE, SO., POINT BORO

Wide & ight RECEIVERS T ENDS ALEX BAUMAN, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC A two-way force for the Caseys, Bauman caught 14 passes for 232 yards and on defense had 53 tackles, four sacks and one safety. He has a scholarship offer from Notre Dame among his several FBS offers. n NAJIH RAHMAN, JR., RED BANK CATHOLIC n DJ THOMSON, SR., KEYPORT

n JOHN LISTA, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN n THOMAS SARDO, SR., HOLMDEL n SCOTT STEVENS, SR., LACEY

DefensiveBACKS YAHSIN CALHOUN, SR., FREEHOLD As a junior, Calhoun had the rare distinction of leading the Shore Conference in both tackles and interceptions by making a whopping 113 stops and pulling down six interceptions in eight games. He also forced two fumbles. Offensively, Calhoun was a dynamic playmaker who totaled 970 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. He was selected as the co-Defensive Player of the Year in his division by the coaches. n SABINO PORTELLA, JR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

n TYLER OCHOJSKI, SR., FREEHOLD

n MATT DOLLIVE, SR., WALL

n KYREE DRAKE, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC

n TOM SCHORK, SR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH n COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR., MANASQUAN

OffensiveLINEMEN BRIAN BYRNE, SR., WALL Byrne is a four-year starter up front for the Crimson Knights and is the top returning lineman for an offense that averaged 33.3 points per game and ran for 1,678 yards and 26 touchdowns on an average of 6.7 yards per carry. n n n n

DAN VOLPE, SR., COLTS NECK CARON MCNAIR, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC AARON CROOMS, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC JAKE WILLIAMSON, SR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

KICKERS MASON SHENK, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Shenk was the first-team All-Shore kicker last season when he led all kickers with 42 points, including going 24-for-24 on extra points and converting a conference-high six field goals with a conference-long of 44 yards. He was also a stout defender at outside linebacker with 46 tackles, 5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. n KAYDEN HUTCHINSON, SR., FREEHOLD n EVAN WEINER, JR., MANCHESTER n GAVIN NGUYEN, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC

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.

Join Us Wedneday nights on shoresportsnetwork.com The only weekly online show that covers Ocean and Monmouth County High School Football

2021 SHORE CONFERENCE PRESEASON ALL-SHORE FOOTBALL TEAM

hore Sports Network is proud to present its fifth annual Shore Conference Preseason All-Shore Football team, featuring our compilation of the top returning players in the Shore Conference.

OFFENSE QB – Tommy Fallon, Sr., Colts Neck Fallon served as a steady and experienced presence under center for the Cougars, completing 67 percent of his passes for 720 yards and five touchdowns and rushing for 475 yards and two touchdowns on an average of 8.3 yards per carry to help the team go 7-1.

RB – Jaiden Brown, Sr., Southern Brown ran for 1,091 yard and 14 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry to become Southern’s all-time leading rusher in just two seasons. He also made 62 tackles and recorded three sacks on defense.

WR – Najih Rahman, Jr., Red Bank Catholic

OL – Caron McNair, Sr., Donovan Catholic

UT – Sabino Portella, Jr., Red Bank Catholic

Rahman caught 19 passes for 270 yards and five touchdowns as RBC’s No. 1 receiver and could have a huge year as one of several impressive weapons the Caseys’ can deploy.

McNair’s blocking helped the Griffins rush for 2,107 yards and 26 touchdowns, average 410 yards per game and score a conference-leading 33.8 points per game last season.

WR – DJ Thomson, Sr., Keyport

Portella will be one of the Caseys’ starting running backs and also start in the secondary. As a sophomore, he ran for 305 yards and six touchdowns last season and also made 45 tackles with three sacks as a linebacker.

OL – Aaron Crooms, Sr., Donovan Catholic

Thomson caught 25 passes for 389 yards and six touchdowns and returns to lead the Red Raiders’ offense.

A mauling pulling guard for the Griffins, Crooms helped Donovan rush for 2,107 yards and 26 touchdowns on an average of 8.9 yards per carry and 263 rushing yards per game.

TE – Alex Bauman, Sr., Red Bank Catholic A two-way force for the Caseys, Bauman caught 14 passes for 232 yards and on defense had 53 tackles, four sacks and one safety. He has a scholarship offer from Notre Dame among his several FBS offers.

RB – Jaden Gallo, Sr., Holmdel

OL – Brian Byrne, Sr., Wall

Gallo was one of eight Shore Conference running backs to crack the 1,000-yard plateau as he rushed for 1,010 yards and 14 touchdowns on an average of 8.5 yards per carry.

Byrne is a four-year starter up front for the Crimson Knights and is the top returning lineman for an offense that averaged 33.3 points per game and ran for 1,678 yards and 26 touchdowns on an average of 6.7 yards per carry.

RB – Kieran Falzon, Jr., Raritan Falzon ran for 625 yards and 10 touchdowns on an average of 4.8 yards per carry as a major component of an offense that averaged 28.4 points per game.

DEFENSE DL – Aiden Moriarty, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven Moriarty had 60 tackles, a team-high seven sacks and an interception for a defense that was fourth in the Shore allowing just 10.8 points per game.

DL – Tyler Ochojski, Sr., Freehold A disruptive edge rusher, Ochojski had 57 tackles and a fumble recovery and tied for the Shore Conference lead with 10 sacks. He also caught 15 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns as a tight end. He will move from defensive end to linebacker this season.

DL – Blake Rezk, Sr., Wall Rezk made 41 tackles with 4 sacks, 6 tackles for loss and 1 fumble recovery on a defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game and recorded four shutouts. As a tight end he had a touchdown catch and was a standout blocker for an offense that rushed for 1,678 yards and 26 touchdowns and averaged 33.3 points per game.

DL – Eric Ibe, Sr., Jackson Memorial Ibe had a breakout year for the Jaguars, tying for the Shore Conference lead with 10 sacks and recording 55 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Jackson had one of the best run defenses in the Shore allowing under 80 yards per game and holding two opponents to negative rushing yards.

OL – Dan Volpe, Sr., Colts Neck Volpe stands 6-foot-6 and 305 pounds and is a physical presence on Colts Neck’s offensive line. He helped pave the way for the Cougars to rush for 1,844 yards and 24 touchdowns on an average of seven yards per carry last season.

OL – Jake Williamson, Sr., Middletown South Williamston is a returning all-division player and a three-year starter for the Eagles who returns to anchor the offensive line. He will also start on the defensive line.

K – Mason Shenk, Sr., St. John Vianney Shenk was the first-team All-Shore kicker last season when he led all kickers with 42 points, including going 24-for-24 on extra points and converting a conference-high six field goals with a conference-long of 44 yards. He was also a stout defender at outside linebacker with 46 tackles, 5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

UT – Kamore Gill, Sr., Freehold Gill was a dynamic playmaker for an explosive Freehold offense that averaged 30.8 points per game and 420 yards per game and scored 31 touchdowns. Gill ran for 429 yards and two touchdowns, caught 18 passes for 390 yards and three touchdowns and scored a 2-point conversion. On defense, he had 20 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He’ll move to quarterback this season where he has a chance to put up monster numbers.

DL – Nate Committee, Sr., Southern

LB – John Lista, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven

DB – YahSin Calhoun, Sr., Freehold

Committee made 62 tackles and a team-high six sacks and a safety for a defense that allowed 17 points per game. He was also a fullback for an offense that averaged 27.6 points per game and had a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard passer. In addition to his blocking, Committee ran for 196 yards, caught eight passes for 107 yards, and totaled five touchdowns.

Lista made a team-high 75 tackles along with 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries as the Bulldogs went 6-2, finished No. 5 in the SSN Top 10 and won their postseason pod with wins over Colts Neck and Freehold. He recently announced his commitment to the University of Pennsylvania.

LB – Charlie Sasso, Sr., Wall

LB – Thomas Sardo, Sr., Holmdel

As a junior, Calhoun had the rare distinction of leading the Shore Conference in both tackles and interceptions by making a whopping 113 stops and pulling down six interceptions in eight games. He also forced two fumbles. Offensively, Calhoun was a dynamic playmaker who totaled 970 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. He was selected as the co-Defensive Player of the Year in his division by the coaches.

The 2020 Shore Sports Network Defensive Player of the Year, Sasso had an outstanding season playing in the middle of the Shore Conference’s best defense and helped lead the Crimson Knights to a 7-0 record, the Shore Conference Championship, the No. 1 ranking in the SSN Top 10 for the second year in a row and the No. 1 ranking in the state. From his spot at inside linebacker, Sasso was a sideline-to-sideline force with 97 tackles in just seven games along with 3 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 2 fumble recoveries for a defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game and recorded four shutouts.

Sardo posted 73 tackles with 5.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss and 1 forced fumble for a Hornets defense that allowed just 11.3 points per game. Sardo was also selected as the Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches in his division.

LB – Colin Riley, Sr., Wall Riley recorded 72 tackles with a team-leading 7 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 11 hurries and a forced fumble for a Crimson Knights’ defense that allowed just 5.4 points per game and recorded four shutouts.

LB – Scott Stevens, Sr., Lacey A knee injury cut Stevens’ junior season short and limited him to just six of Lacey’s nine games, but before that he was having a great two-way. He finished with 51 tackles for an average of 8.5 tackles per game along with six tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Stevens was also a punishing blocker and a bruising short-yardage running back for an offense that rushed for 1,996 yards and 24 touchdowns. Had had 154 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 31 attempts. Stevens was also selected as the Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches in his division.

DB – Matt Dollive, Sr., Wall Dollive had 21 tackles with eight passes defensed and a tackle for loss as a cornerback for a Wall unit that was one of the best defenses in Shore Conference history allowing just 5.4 points per game and recording shutouts in four of seven games. As a wide receiver, Dollive had two touchdowns and averaged 14.2 yards per touch. He is committed to Army West Point as a lacrosse player.

DB - Tom Schork, Sr., Middletown South Middletown South’s starting free safety is a returning all-division selection who will also be a returning starter at quarterback for the Eagles.

Barnegat native who coached within the program for 12 seasons, Covine was elevated from defensive coordinator to head coach to replace Rob Davis, who resigned after 15 seasons as the program’s first and only head coach. Covine worked his way up the ranks from middle school coach to freshman coach, assistant varsity coach, defensive coordinator and now head coach. He attended Barnegat schools and was coached by current Barnegat athletic director John Germano before going to Southern Regional High School in the years before Barnegat HS was built.

first-time head coach, Duffy comes to Neptune after several seasons as an assistant coach on state championship teams at Wall and Neptune. A former standout offensive lineman at Brick Memorial and Rutgers University, Duffy spent the last three seasons as the offensive line coach at Wall, helping the Crimson Knights go 25-4, win the 2019 Central Jersey Group 3 sectional title with a 12-1 record and win the Shore Conference championship last season with an undefeated record. Duffy was also an assistant coach at Neptune for five seasons from 2011-2015 under Mark Ciccotelli and Rodney Taylor, coaching an explosive offense that punished teams on the ground. Neptune went 11-1 and won the Central Jersey Group 3 title in 2011 and reached the sectional final in 2012.

allon comes to Red Bank after one season at Neptune and previously serving as Holmdel’s athletic director from 2015-2020. Fallon is best known for leading Rumson-Fair Haven from 1998-2012 where he went 106-51 and led the Bulldogs to a state sectional championship, two other finals appearances, and four division titles. Fallon has Red Bank Regional ties as his father, George, was a physical education teacher and football coach for the Bucs from 1975-1979 and was then the school’s athletic director from 1980-2000.

ne of the best athletes in Howell High School history, Hill is back home to replace Frank Edgerly, who resigned after only one season. He is a Howell High School Hall of Famer who was a star running back for the Rebels in the 1970s, rushing for 3,147 yards and scoring 228 points in his career. He originally attended the University of Virginia but he left the school after suffering an injury and decided to focus on the other sport he starred in: baseball. Hill played at Brookdale Community College and was an honorable mention All-American selection as a sophomore, which led to him being drafted by the New York Mets in the 16th round of the 1979 Amateur Entry Draft. But after only one season in the New York-Penn League, the pull of football lured Hill back to the gridiron.

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE Head Coach: Matt Ahearn, 4th season Career Record: 18-10

or a program that has only been playing varsity football for 17 seasons, Colts Neck has had its fair share of success.

Assistant Coaches: Matt Norman (Defensive Coordinator/WR/DB); Dom Polifrone (Special Teams Coordinator/OL/DL); Dylan Hroncich (RB/LB); Doug Zockoll (TE/DE); Mike Campbell (QB/DB); Ryan Byrne (QB/LB); Peter Ficorelli (RB/DB); Jim Portela (Def Asst); Ryan Schoer (Def. Asst); Sam Turner (Freshman HC); Joe Conaghan (Freshmen Defensive Coordinator); Brendan Wei & Chris Rossi (Freshmen asst.); Jamie Hand (Athletic Trainer).

mix of p r o v e n veterans and promising newcomers. The jury is out until the latter hit the field, but where the Cougars are experienced, they are firmly entrenched.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 7-1 2019: 8-2 2017: 2-8 2016: 4-6

2018: 3-7

Offense: Pro-I Defense: 4-3 ______________________________________________ Player To Watch: Tommy Fallon, Sr., QB When you are a four-year starting quarterback with a 15-3 record over the past two seasons, you are obviously a player to watch. Fallon gives Colts Neck everything they want from the quarterback position with his ability to make teams pay with play-action passes and also gain yards on the ground whether by scrambling or through designed runs. He is also a very good punter. P LAYER U NDER

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John Runfolo, Sr., WR/DB Runfolo had just eight catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns last season but that was more a product of Matt Scully commanding most of the targets and Colts Neck attempting just 101 passes all season. He showcased his skills in a huge win over Freehold with two touchdown catches and could emerge as the go-to wideout. He also returns as a starting cornerback to lead the secondary.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Matt Celli, Jr., WR/DB Celli is slated to see signiﬁcant time at cornerback and is in the mix at wide receiver, as well. Colts Neck graduated its two leading wideouts so Celli and his 6-foot-3 frame could end up being a major weapon for Fallon in the passing game.

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line and Linebackers After being a part-time starter as both a sophomore and junior it’s Battaglia’s time to run the show and spearhead the triple-option attack.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Louis Guerra, Sr., DE and Colton Bardsley, Sr., DE Edge rusher is a premium position and Colts Neck had one of the Shore’s best over the last two seasons with All-Shore defensive end Delano Marcelus, who had 76 tackles, 5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss and 23 hurries last season. Colts Neck is very good along the interior of the defensive line and if Guerra and/or Bardsley can emerge it will give the Cougars an excellent front seven.

Of the six returning starters in Colts Neck’s P r o - I offense, ( L- R ) R YAN W HALEN (77), M ATT J ANNUCCI (73), T OMMY F ALLON (12), D AN V OLPE (71) four of J OHN R UNFOLO (18) & A NTHONY B ONANNO (40) them have b e e n Last season certainly fell into that category, the starters since at least their sophomore years. third under head coach Matt Ahearn, in which the Leading the way is senior quarterback Tommy Cougars continued their rebuild after a string of Fallon, who will have the rare distinction of being four straight losing seasons. The Cougars have a four-year starter under center. A second-team forged a clear identity under Ahearn, and it was All-Shore selection last season, Fallon threw for that downhill, power-rushing offense combined 720 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 475 with a physical defense that yielded a 7-1 record yards and two scores on an average of 8.3 yards and the No. 6 ranking in the final Shore Sports per carry. He brings toughness, savvy and a Network Top 10. steady hand to Colts Neck’s offense. He can take advantage through the air and also gain tough If there was one drawback to having such a yards on the ground with his 6-foot-2, 220-pound successful season last year it’s that it came in a frame. pandemic-altered fall when there were no divisions or no NJISAA playoffs. The opportunities to win a tangible championship just weren’t there. This year, divisions, playoffs; it’s all back. And so is Colts Neck and a strong senior class that will try to leave its mark on a resurgent program. Like most high school teams, Colts Neck is a

The men in front of Fallon in charge of giving him a clean pocket and opening allies in the running game are also not lacking in the size department. A trio of three-year starters lead the way along the offensive line with hulking tackles Dan Volpe and Ryan Whalen and left guard Matt

Fri. 9/3 @TR North 7pm Fri. 9/17 @Matawan 7pm Sat. 9/25 Donovan Cath 12pm Fri. 10/1 @Wall 7pm Sat. 10/9 RFH 12pm Sat. 10/16 Lacey 12pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Jannucci. Volpe is a 6-foot-5, 305-pound mountain on the left side who was a first-team All-Shore selection last season. Whalen checks in at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds and Jannucci – also a standout wrestler – is strong and nimble at 6foot-1 and 270 pounds. Battling it out for the final two spots are seniors Jack Machu (6-foot-1, 270) and Aidan Maher (6-foot, 220) at center and at right guard sophomores Matt Liggio (5-foot-10, 230), Anthony Lombardi (6-foot-1, 230) and JJ Ciffeli (6-foot, 250) are competing. Senior Colton Bardsley, junior Eoin Fitzpatrick and sophomore Eric Lourero are the tight ends. With Fallon at quarterback and plenty of beef in the trenches, it bodes well for Colts Neck’s stable of running backs. The Cougars have plenty of options in the backfield, but whoever ends up getting the bulk of the carries will have to replace the production of Joe Barsky, who as a senior last season ran for 1,129 yards and a conference-high 20 touchdowns. Senior John Manos, who started on defense last season, could be the frontrunner after rushing for 207 yards and three touchdowns in a backup role. The wide receiver corps lost a good one to graduation with leading receiver Matt Scully, a third-team All-Shore selection, moving on to college. The Cougars do have three players who saw starting action last year with seniors John Runfolo and Cade Chrebet and 6-foot-3 junior Will Surdez. Another junior, 6-foot-3, 205-pound Matt Celli, could certainly become an impact player, as well.

Six starters return from a defense that allowed 13.1 points per game last year. The front seven is the strength with Jannucci and Volpe anchoring the defensive line as defensive tackles and all three linebackers returning with Surdez and Manos on the outside and senior Anthony Bonanno, a three-year starter, as the middle linebacker. With positive results over the past two years and increased expectations comes a major jump into the deepest division in the Shore Conference. Colts Neck now resides in the American Division with the likes of Wall, Donovan Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven and Toms River North. Wall was No. 1, Donovan No. 2 and RFH No. 5 in last season’s final SSN Top 10. The schedule will certainly be challenging but it also presents many

opportunities, not the least of which is preparation for a state playoff run. Regardless, the ingredients are there for Colts Neck to have another big season.

AT A G L A N C E CON’T X-Factor: The Grind Colts Neck has a very challenging division schedule and a pair of nondivisional opponents that should be solid, as well. Talking to coaches of teams who have played in the American Division over the past handful of seasons, the biggest key is not getting swallowed up by the unrelenting schedule. It’s all about consistency and the old favorite ‘one-game-at-a-time’ mentality.

GANG GREEN If you are a certain again and a fan of a particular NFL team, or just the NFL in general, you may be asking yourself this question: Chrebet? Is that…? Yes, it is.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

SR. QB TOMMY FALLON

Returning Starters: 6 QB: TOMMY FALLON, SR., 4RS RB: JOHN MANOS, SR.; SAL MARINELLI, JR. CHRIS SCULLY, SO.; ANTHONY BONANNO, SR.; ERIC ABBUD, SR.; SAM SURDEZ, SO. WR: JOHN RUNFOLO, SR., RS; CADE CHREBET. SR., RS; WILL SURDEZ, JR.; MATT CELLI, JR.; TYLER DONNELLY, SR.; AIDAN DIAZ, SO. TE: COLTON BARDSLEY, SR.; EOIN FITZPATRICK, JR.; ERIC LOURERO, SO. LT: DAN VOLPE, SR., 3RS LG: MATT JANNUCCI, SR., 3RS

Colts Neck senior wide receiver and defensive back Cade Chrebet is the son of New York Jets fan-favorite Wayne Chrebet, who enjoyed a stellar career with the Jets from 1995 through 2005. Cade saw plenty of action at wide receiver last season and is back in that role along with stepping in as the Cougars’ starting free safety on defense.

FAMILIAR FACES Colts Neck’s coaching staff is chock full of former players who starred at either Colts Neck or Red Bank Catholic, which is where Ahearn was before taking the head coaching job with the Cougars. They are: Dylan Hroncich, Doug Zockoll, Mike Campbell, Ryan Byrne, Ryan Schoer and Brendan Wei.

SR. OL DAN VOLPE

C: JACK MACHU, SR.; AIDAN MAHER, SR. RG: MATT LIGGIO, SO.; ANTHONY LOMBARDI, SO.; JJ CIFFELI, SO. RT: RYAN WHALEN, SR., 3RS

CB: CB: SS: FS:

Projected Defensive Starters:

Projected Special Team Starters:

Returning Starters: 6 DE: LOUIS GUERRA, SR. DT: MATT JANNUCCI, SR., RS DT: DAN VOLPE, SR., RS DE: COLTON BARDSLEY, SR. OLB: WILL SURDEZ, JR., RS MLB: ANTHONY BONANNO, SR., 3RS OLB: JOHN MANOS, SR., 3RS

JOHN RUNFOLO, SR., RS MATT CELLI, JR. TYLER DONNELLY, SR. CADE CHREBET, SR.

K: CHRISTIAN MONTEFORTE, SR., 3RS P: TOMMY FALLON, SR., 4RS

By:

Kevin Williams SSN Dirfector

READY TO ROLL Head Coach: Dan Curcione, 5th season (27-12) Career Record: 44-27

he expression “game of inches” is used often in sports and to be sure, Donovan Catholic’s football players and coaches know firsthand just what it means.

Sat. 9/4 Stepinac (NYC) @ Rutgers 11am Fri. 9/10 @RFH 7pm Fri. 9/17 TR North 6:30pm Sat. 9/25 @Colts Neck 12pm Fri. 10/1 @SJV 7pm Fri. 10/8 Wall 6:30pm Fri. 10/15 Rahway 6:30pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Assistant Coaches: Chip LaBarca Jr. (Asst. HC/Offensive Coordinator); Jack Nascimento (QB); Dean Helstowski (RB); Jon Power (OL/DL); Ryan Wells (OLB); Dean Helstowski Jr. (DB). Freshmen coaches: Mike Heilala, Eric Bruno, Charlie Dowling, Vinnie DeStasio; Strength & Conditioning: Mark Deppen; Athletic Trainer: Bob DeStefano

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 7-1 2019: 9-2 2018: 7-3 2017: 4-6 2016: 0-10

( L- R )

Offense: Power Spread Defense: 3-4 ______________________________________________ Player To Watch: Nunes Bukula IV, Sr., RB He comes from great stock as both his father (Nunes) and uncle (Vemba) were All-Shore players at Pinelands which is where Nunes began his career. He was impressive when he got the chance to play last season but with the graduation of Jahdir Loftland, he will be the primary ball carrier and must produce.

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Jalin Butler, Sr., QB/S He battled for the starting quarterback spot last season which went to Evyn Menta, who went on to complete nearly 75 percent of his passes while earning third-team All-Shore honors. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Butler is a physical presence playing the position and has a big arm. He will need to both throw and run in the Grifﬁns’ offense and just as importantly provide leadership.

X-F A C T O R : Schedule Curcione is excited about the schedule which puts him in the premier division in the Shore Conference and includes tough out-of-area opponents. “I want my players to be in big games each week, which is part of building a program,” Curcione said.

N I C O I P P O L I T O (69), C ON N O R F A R R E L L (44), J A L I N B U T L E R (5) & C A R ON M C N A I R (74)

The Griffins came up about 12-18 inches shy of finishing a perfect season last November against Wall in the Shore Conference’s mythical championship game. While the Crimson Knights rejoiced over making a stop on the game’s final play, Donovan Catholic has had nine months to try and erase that sour moment from their memory. What should not be lost is the improvement the Griffins have made under Dan Curcione who begins his fifth year roaming the sidelines for a program that as recently as 2016 did not win a game. Donovan is 27-12 since the former Wall coach took over and the reward is a move up to the highly competitive American Division and games against elite programs including Rumson-Fair Haven, Toms River North, and yes, Wall (again) on October 8.

Quamire Green and Dominick Nocero. Shed no tears because there is plenty of talent returning, led by senior Jalin Butler who takes over as the starting quarterback with the graduation of Evyn Menta. Those two battled for the starting spot last summer and while Butler saw some backup time at quarterback he made his biggest contribution at safety and this fall expect him to start at both spots. There is no questioning his arm and he has plenty of targets, including Mater Dei transfer Kyree Drake, senior Mysun Rush-Esdaile and tight end Levi Wilkins, a starter last season who at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds makes for easy spotting on the field. Senior Connor Farrell will also be on the field especially when the Griffins go to a two-tight-end set. R e p l a c i n g Loftland, who ran for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns, is a tall task but the coaching staff has a lot of confidence in 215-pound

The Griffins do bring back a host of talent but they have also lost to graduation the Shore Sports Network Offensive Player of the Year in running back Jahdir Loftland and four other players who earned first-team All-Shore honors in wide receiver Jayon Farrar, offensive lineman Cam McNair and linebackers

SR. OL C A R ON M C N A I R

senior Nunes Bukula, who made the most of his opportunities last season. Junior Dante Vernieri will back him up and both will run behind senior Nat Ianello, who is an outstanding blocking fullback.

Three of the four linebacker spots are set with Farrell, Iannello and Jr. Dante Vernieri with a pair of sophomores in JJ Correa and Hunter Johnson battling for the other. Drake will hold down one cornerback spot with senior Isaiah Simmons and sophomore Ethan Mathieu in the mix for the other. At safety will be returning starters Butler and Rush-Esdaile.

While older brother Cam is now playing at Holy Cross “little” Caron “Taz” McNair (6foot-4, 290) returns at the left tackle position as does right guard Aaron Crooms (6-foot, 280. Both earned All-Shore honors as juniors. Also back in senior center Robert Madison (5-foot-10, 240) and the rest of the offensive line looks to be in good shape with EJ Smith (5-foot-11, 285), and big Nico Ippolito (6-foot-3, 315). This might be the best unit on the squad with experience and size. Ippolito also returns as the nose guard where he was dominant at times last season. He is joined up front in the 3-4 set by Wilkins at one end spot and McNair at the other.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: QB: JALIN BUTLER, SR. RB: NUNES BUKULA, SR.; DANTE VERNIERI, JR. FB: NAT IANELLO, SR.; JAKE SLAVEN, JR. WR: KYREE DRAKE, SR.; MICHAEL THOMAS, FR.; MYSUN RUSH-ESDAILE, SR.; ETHAN MATHIEU, SO. TE: LEVI WILKINS, SR., RS; CONNOR FARRELL, SR. LT: CARON MCNAIR, SR., RS LG: EJ SMITH, JR.

Gavin Ngyun returns to handle the kicking chores and Wilkins is back as the punter, something he did not do much of last season when the Griffins averaged 33 points per game.

SR. RB N U N E S B U K U L A C: RG: RT:

This season finds them in the rugged American Division as mentioned before and their schedule is one of the toughest in the Shore. They open up against Archbishop Stepinac, which has won the Catholic HS League of Metropolitan New York four times in the past six years. The White Plains, NY school did not play last fall because of COVID-19 but went 2-2 in an abbreviated spring campaign. The Griffins will then close the season against a Rahway program that is 36-13 over the last five seasons including a 5-1 record last fall.

Photos by

There are those who have questioned the Griffins schedule in recent years even though they had little control over that.

ROB MADISON, SR., RS AARON CROOMS, SR., RS NICO IPPOLITO, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: DE: LEVI WILKINS, SR., RS NG: NICO IPPOLITO, SR., RS DE: CARON MCNAIR, SR., RS ILB: NAT IANELLO, SR., RS ILB: DANTE VERNIERI, SR.

OLB: OLB: CB: CB: FS: SS:

CONNOR FARRELL, SR., RS JJ CORREA, SO.; HUNTER JOHNSON, SO. KYREE DRAKE, SR. ISAIAH SIMMONS, SR. JALIN BUTLER, SR., RS MYSUN RUSH-ESDAILE, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K: P:

GAVIN NGYUN, SR., RS LEVI WILKINS, SR., RS

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

Head Coach: Jerry Schulte, 6th season (20th overall) Career Record: 100-92-1 (41-14 at RFH)

ll things considered, the 2020 season was a successful one for Rumson-Fair Haven’s football team. But at the same time, it was also a tale of what could have been.

Assistant Coaches: John Corneliusen (Offensive Coordinator/QB); Jeremy Schulte (Defensive Coordinator); John Wagner (Special Teams/DB); Rich Mosca (DL); Matt Walsh (Special Teams/DB); Joe Murphy (OL); Chris Quinn (WR); Kyle Marinelli (LB/JV DC); Mike Zadlock (DL/K); John Andl (RB); Brandon Wall (OL/JV OC); Jerry Gagliano (Freshmen Head Coach); John Belivance & Jay Clark (Freshmen asst.); Rob Orrok (Strength & Conditioning); Alex Stein (Athletic Trainer).

center and Christian Smith at right guard. Seniors Dan Gredel and Griffin Volk are competing for the starting right tackle spot.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-2 2019: 6-5 2018: 10-2 2017: 10-2 2016: 9-3

Senior running back Geoff Schroeder is a unique player in that he has never been the full-time feature back but has been an invaluable ball-carrier who has started multiple games since his sophomore year. He had a 26-carry, 113-yard game vs. Toms River North as a sophomore when starter John Volker was out with an injury so he has proven he can be the guy when called upon. Last season had had at least six carries in all seven games he played in and finished with 235 yards and two touchdowns.

Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: 3-4 ______________________________________________ Player To Watch: John Lista, Sr., LB Lista debuted as a starter during his sophomore year and last season earned first-team All-Shore designation as one of the conference’s top linebackers. Production and leadership will be vital assets for a Bulldogs’ defense that will be breaking in several new starters.

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Geoff Schroeder, Sr., RB Schroeder may not have been the No. 1 running back the past two seasons but he is an experienced veteran who has answered the call when Rumson has needed him to step up. With a big, physical and experienced offensive line in front of him, Schroeder could be the next RFH running back to have a huge season.

Sun. 9/5 Wall @ Rutgers 8pm Fri. 9/10 Donovan Cath. 7pm Fri. 9/24 Lacey 7pm Fri. 10/1 TR North 7pm Sat. 10/9 @Colts Neck 12pm Fri. 10/15 RBC 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

( L- R )

C HRISTIAN S MITH (56), A IDEN M ORIARLY (5), G EOFF S CHROEDER , (20), C OLIN K ENNEDY (12), J OHN L ISTA (44) & R YAN M C K AY (50)

A last-minute hook-and-lateral touchdown in a 2619 loss to Mater Dei Prep in Week 5 knocked the Bulldogs out of the top Shore Conference postseason pod, preventing them from getting a possible rematch with Red Bank Catholic or potential showdowns with Wall or Donovan Catholic, and nixed a chance to finish the season as the top team in the conference. Rumson closed strong, however, handing Colts Neck its only loss of the season and then shutting down an explosive Freehold offense to win their postseason. The end result was a 6-2 season, the No. 5 ranking in the ﬁnal Shore Sports Network Top 10, and multiple players receiving All-Shore honors. Rumson’s streak of seasons

with a winning record now stands at 21 in a row. So where does that leave us for 2021? A boatload of top players have moved on through graduation, but that fact does not temper the excitement or expectations for the team that calls Borden Stadium its home. The Bulldogs have been bona fide state championship contenders for over a decade straight and that will once again be the goal this season. Five starters return in Rumson’s Multiple Pro offense, led by an experienced offensive line that brings back four of five starters. It will be an all-senior line, as well, with returners Charlie Pearson at left tackle, Patrick Malpass at left guard, George Clough at

I MPACT N EWCOMER :

SR. RB G E O F F S C H R O E D E R

Rumson

Continued Page 16

Colin Kennedy, Sr., QB Throughout its incredible run which includes an active streak of appearing in seven straight NJSIAA sectional championship games, Rumson has had quarterbacks who have managed the game very well. It’s not about flashy stats, but about making plays in big spots. If Kennedy can do as his predecessors have, Rumson’s offense could be lethal.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP : Offensive line

Big Shoes to Fill:

safety and Beau Kemler at free safety.

The safeties

Any time a team can come into the season with an experienced offensive line it is going to be ahead of the curve. The Bulldogs return senior starters Charlie Pearson, Patrick Malpass, George Clough and Christian Smith from left to right and have two more seniors, Dan Gredel and Grifﬁn Volk, competing at right tackle. With offensive line coach Joe Murphy, one of the best in the Shore, guiding the group they should be tone-setters from the opening kickoff.

X-Factor:

Ryan Ruane was a three-year starter and a two-time ﬁrstteam All-Shore defensive back for the Bulldogs during his excellent career. The entire secondary graduated but the void left by Ruane is clearly the most glaring. Ruane was more of a strong safety but was versatile enough to play center ﬁeld and come down and become an extra linebacker of sorts. The current safeties are Ryan Kalman and Alex Cady at strong

Staying Healthy Injuries have derailed Rumson a bit over the past two seasons, and when there is little margin for error due to the challenging schedule it compounds the need to stay healthy. The ﬁrst two weeks will be especially important with games against Wall and Red Bank Catholic in a span of ﬁve days.

Rumson Continued from Page 16

Rumson usually has two or even three running backs get carries through the course of a game so expect senior Dan Garvey and maybe even junior Ryan Kalman to get touches on a regular basis. Senior Colin Kennedy appears poised to take over as the Bulldogs’ starting quarterback after serving as the backup to Josh Harmon last season. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound signal-caller has a very good offensive line in front of him but will be throwing to an entirely new group of passcatchers. There is good size among the group of wide receivers with seniors Nick Marchakitus (6-foot-1, 180) and Jack McCarren (6-foot-3, 195) and skyscraping sophomore Markus Brown (6-foot-7, 190), plus sophomore Nick Rigby (6-foot, 160), junior Scott Venancio (5-foot-7, 165) and senior Isaac Torine (5-foot-10, 160). The tight ends, seniors Aiden Casuccio and Jackson Batchler, both check-in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. Rumson returns three of the Shore’s best defenders in senior linebackers John Lista and Ryan McKay and senior defensive end Aidan Moriarty, but those three are the only returning starters in head coach Jerry Schulte’s 4-3 defense. Moriarty has two very good years

under his belt and the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is coming off a junior season in which he had 60 tackles and a team-high seven sacks. Sizeable junior Marshal Halfacre (6-foot-3, 225) will be the other defensive end while the interior of the line looks to be a four-man rotation.

The secondary will be an all-new unit with seniors Owen Sullivan and Brian Doherty as the corners, junior Ryan Kalman and senior Alex Cady working at strong safety and junior Beau Kemler, who was a first-team All-Shore lacrosse player this past spring, is the starting free safety. The Bulldogs once again have an outstanding regular-season schedule that includes American Division foes Wall, Donovan Catholic, Colts Neck and Toms River North, plus non-division games again rival Red Bank Catholic and what should be a solid Lacey team. Although it doesn’t make it any easier, Rumson is used to the grind at this point. You don’t become one of New Jersey’s most consistent programs without being able to overcome adversity.

Lista, a first-team All-Shore selections last season, leads the linebacking corps from his outside linebacker spot while McKay mans the middle. Lista recorded a team-high 75 tackles along with 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries last season while McKay finished with 57 tackles. Junior Joh Thomas and sophomore Hudson Skove, who had a big freshman year on the wrestling mat, are working at the other outside linebacker spot.

Photos by:

SR. QB C O L I N K E N N E D Y

Projected Offensive Starters:

GEORGE CLOUGH, SR., RS

MLB: RYAN MCKAY, SR., 3RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

CHRISTIAN SMITH, SR., RS

OLB: JOHN THOMAS, JR.; HUDSON SKOVE, SO.

Returning Starters: 5

RT:

DAN GREDEL, SR.; GRIFFIN VOLK, SR.

CB: OWEN SULLIVAN, SR.

QB:

COLIN KENNEDY, SR.; NICK COSTELLO, JR.

RB:

GEOFF SCHROEDER, SR., 3RS; DAN GARVEY, SR.

WR:

NICK MARCHAKITUS, SR.; JACK MCCARREN, SR.; MARKUS BROWN, SO.; NICK RIGBY, SO.; SCOTT VENANCIO, JR., ISAAC TORINE, SR.

DE:

AIDEN MORIARTY, SR., RS

DT:

COOPER BUNNELL, SO.; ROBBIE THOMPSON, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

AIDEN CASUCCIO, SR.; JACKSON BATCHLER, SR.

DT:

JACK SULLIVAN, SR.; JULIEN DEVLIN, JR.

JUSTIN WOROBEL, SR., RS

LT:

CHARLIE PEARSON, SR., RS

DE:

MARSHALL HALFACRE, JR.

JACKSON GALLAGHER, SO.

LG:

PATRICK MALPASS, SR., RS

OLB: JOHN LISTA, SR., 3RS

TE:

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 3

CB: BRIAN DOHERTY, SR. SS: FS:

RYAN KALMAN, JR.; ALEX CADY, SR. BEAU KEMLER, JR.

By:

Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

A NEW CREW

Head Coach: Dave Oizerowitz, 9th season (11th overall)

fter a successful three-year stretch in which Toms River North won 18 games and an American Division championship, the Mariners are entering the 2021 season with a host of new faces throughout the lineup.

Career Record: 48-33 (59-43 overall) Assistant Coaches: Mike Oizerowitz (Offensive Coordinator/WR); Bill Dowd (OL/DL); Anthony Penna (QB); Nick Zaza (RB); Joe Oizerowitz (DB); Gabe Roonan (Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator); Kendall Culver (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 3-4 2017: 1-9

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 ______________________________________________ ( L- R )

Ford cracked the lineup as a freshman running back last year and will now switch to quarterback. He’ll also start at free safety on defense.

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Ty Kazanowsky, Jr., TE/OLB A returning starter on defense, Kazanowsky stands 6-foot-3 and 225-pounds and will provide a big body on the edge and at tight end.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Tareq Council, So., WR/CB An entirely new group of skill players will be looking for someone to step up and become a reliable playmaker. Council is 6-foot-3 and has the physical tools to be the No. 1 receiver. He is also scheduled to start at cornerback.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP : Defensive Line Both defensive end Mike Dowd and nose guard Ty Boland are returning starters and Kazanowsky, while listed as an outside linebacker, will also come off the edge as a pass rusher..

9/3 Colts Neck 7pm 9/17 @Donovan Cath. 6:30pm 9/24 @Wall 7pm 10/1 @RFH 7pm 10/8 TR East 7pm 10/15 TR South 7pm 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

graduation of Browne and Goodale, who were two of the Shore’s best during their careers. Sophomore Tareq Council checks in at 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds and looks to be the top target in the passing game. Junior Nick Lebria, sophomore Trey Rinella and junior Joe Early will also see starting action for an offense that frequently utilizes three- and four-wide receiver sets. Junior Ty Kazanowsky and his 6-foot-3, 225pound frame will provide a big target in the passing game and another big body in the running game. Junior Nasir McDougald (6-foot, 245) is another tight end who will see time.

2019: 9-2 2018: 6-3 2016: 11-1

Player To Watch: Micah Ford, So., QB/FS

Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri/Sat. Fri/Sat.

TA R E Q C O U N C I L (2), M I C A H F O R D (1), T Y K A Z A N O W S K Y (16), J U S T I N S M I T H (65) & M I C H A E L D O W D (77)

Stalwarts like two-time first-team All-Shore quarterback Jake Kazanowsky, All-Shore wide receivers Zac Browne and Zach Goodale, and twoway lineman John O’Donnell have graduated. There are just a handful of returning starters for veteran head coach Dave Oizerowitz’s squad, and in the deepest division in the Shore Conference that will present an immense challenge. Inexperience is the major question mark, not talent. The Mariners have several promising underclassmen, but how their talent translates to actual game situations remains to be seen, especially since they’ll be facing the fourth-hardest schedule of any public school in the state, according to the Gridiron New Jersey strength index.

Just two starters return in Toms River North’s spread offense while another who saw significant playing time last season is changing positions. Sophomore Micah Ford (6-foot-1, 215) was a running back last season but will now take the reins as the team’s quarterback. His running ability is certainly known. Toms River North had the Shore’s most prolific passer the last two seasons so it’s certainly feasible this year’s offense will be more run-based given the personnel. The rest of the backfield features sophomores Josh Moore, Anthony Rodriguez and Christian Oliveri as the running backs and juniors Nick Walano and Ty Boland as the fullbacks. There is a major void at wide receiver after the

The only two returning starters on offense are along the line with senior center Justin Smith (5-foot-11, 265) and senior right guard Mike Dowd (6-foot, 255). The three newcomers bring very good size to the table with junior Nick Baiocco (6-foot-5, 240) at left tackle, senior Matt Motuz (5-foot-10, 235) at left guard and junior Josh Kaye (6-foot-1, 235) at right tackle. Towering sophomore Justin Kaye stands 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds and could also push for starting reps at right tackle. Toms River North struggled on defense last season, finishing 39th in the Shore allowing 32.4 points per game. Four starters return in the Mariners’ 3-4 alignment that will be tested early and often by some great opposing offenses. The strength of the unit is up front and on the edge with three of the unit’s four returning starters. Boland returns as the nose guard while Dowd is a returning starter at defensive end. McDougald will be the other defensive end. Kazanowsky is a returning starter at outside linebacker.

The inside linebackers are Rodriguez and Olivieri with junior John Meehan also in the mix. The other outside linebacker is junior Cody VanderVliet.

If Toms River North were in any other division it would have a chance to contend for a division title despite its inexperience, but the Mariners, on paper at least, are the No. 5 team in the American Division to start the season. Can that change? Sure, but this young team will be thrown into the fire right away.

The secondary has Dean and Council as the starting cornerbacks with Lebria, Josh Moore and Junior Matthews also working in. Junior Ryan Rempo is a returning starter at strong safety and Ford will be the free safety. Sophomore Luke Oizerowitz will rotate in with Ford. The combination of its success over the past few seasons and the fact that it is a Group 5 school has Toms River North back in the American Division this season. The gauntlet is brutal, to say the least, with Wall, Donovan Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven and Colts Neck as division opponents. Those teams finished No. 1, No. 2, No. 5, and No. 6, respectively, in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10 last season. The margin for error is razor-thin.

AT A G L A N C E CON’T BIG SHOES

F I L L : Micah Ford, So., QB

Toms River North had the Shore’s leading passer the last two seasons in Jake Kazanowsky, who was a two-time first-team AllShore selection and threw for over 4,000 yards in his career. Ford won’t be asked to do the same things Kazanowsky did, but he’ll need to provide a spark and lead the offense.

X-F A C T O R : Inexperience vs. a Difficult Schedule The Mariners have many first-year varsity starters and have the highest strength of schedule of any Shore Conference team. Easing into the season will not be an option. Photos by

SR. J U S T I N S M I T H

Projected Offensive Starters:

LT:

NICK BAIOCCO, JR.

NG: TY BOLAND, JR., RS; NICK WALANO, JR.

SS:

RYAN REMPO, JR., RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

LG:

MATT MOTUZ, SR.; JOSH KAYE, JR.

DE:

FS:

JUSTIN SMITH, SR., RS

OLB: TY KAZANOWSKY, JR., RS

MICAH FORD, SO.; LUKE OIZEROWITZ, SO.

NASIR MCDOUGALD, JR.

Returning Starters: 2

QB: MICAH FORD, SO.; TALAN GRANDE, SO.

RG: MIKE DOWD, SR., RS

ILB: ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ, SO.

RB: JOSH MOORE, SO.; ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ, SO.;

RT:

ILB: CHRISTIAN OLIVIERI, SO.; JOHN MEEHAN, JR.

JOSH KAYE, JR.; JUSTIN KAYE, SO.

CHRISTIAN OLIVIERI, SO. FB:

NICK WALANO, JR.; TY BOLAND, JR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

WR: TAREQ COUNCIL, SO.; NICK LEBRIA, JR.; TREY RINELLA, SO.; JOE EARLY, JR.

Returning Starters: 4

TE:

DE:

TY KAZANOWSKY, JR.; NASIR MCDOUGALD, JR.

MIKE DOWD, SR., RS; NICK BAIOCCO, JR.

OLB: CODY VANDERVLIET, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

DYLAN CORSI, JR.

CODY VANDERVLIET, JR.

CB: RYAN DEAN, SR.; NICK LEBRIA, JR. CB: TAREQ COUNCIL, SO.; JOSH MOORE, SO.; JUNIOR MATTHEWS, JR.

By: B o b B a d d e r s S S N M a n a g in g E d it o r

DYNASTY MODE

Head Coach:

t’s easy to focus on who isn’t there this year, but at the same time, man, the list of players Wall is bringing back really deserves all the attention.

Tony Grandinetti, 5th season Career Record: 30-10

Assistant Coaches: Jeremy Balina (Defensive Coordinator); Mike Cerminaro (QB); Bob Grace (RB); Fred Sprengel (TE); Tim Heaney (DL); James Cadigan (DL); Tom Daly (OLB); Joe LaFerlita (DB); Chris Quinlan (DB); Victor Rivera (Head Freshmen Coach); Dan Shine (Freshmen asst.); Matt McDonough (Freshmen asst.); Brendan McDermott (Athletic Trainer).

Sun. 9/5 vs. RFH @ Rutgers 8pm Fri. 9/10 @RBC 7pm Fri. 9/24 TR North 7pm Fri. 10/1 Colts Neck 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Donovan Catholic 6:30pm Fri. 10/15 Lenape 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 7-0 2019: 12-1 2017: 5-6 2016: 10-2

2018: 6-4

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 ______________________________________________ Player To Watch: Charlie Sasso, Sr., LB/RB Several of Wall’s players ﬁt into this category, but it’s hard to pass up Sasso. Not only was he the Shore Conference Defensive Player of the Year, he was selected as the DPOY for the entire state. He is the heart and soul of Wall’s defense, plain and simple. P LAYERS U NDER

THE

R ADAR :

Colin Riley, Sr., LB and Brian Byrne, Sr., OL/DL Sasso gets a lot of attention, and rightfully so, but Riley and Byrne are also four-year starters and returning All-Shore players. Riley has had several huge games and big plays and Byrne has been a standout lineman since the moment he stepped on the ﬁeld.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jaquari Medler, Jr., WR/LB Medler isn’t really a newcomer but he will be switching positions after working as a tight end last season. He is big, strong and fast and gives the Knights yet another weapon in their passing game.

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Linebackers This is a pretty easy one with Charlie Sasso and Colin Riley as four-year starters and Mike Fumarola and Lou Pilla entering their second year as starters. This is as good as it gets at the second level.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Jake Davis, Sr., QB Davis has all the traits to be a standout quarterback for the Crimson Knights as he steps in after the graduation of two-time All-Shore selection Logan Peters.

X-F A C T O R : A Brutal Schedule Wall has one of the toughest schedules in the state, plays in the Shore Conference’s top division and has a hellacious two-game stretch to open the season in which it plays Rumson and Red Bank Catholic just ﬁve days apart. If nothing else, the Knights will be extremely battlehardened when the postseason arrives.

( L- R )

B RIAN B YRNE (63), J AKE D AVIS (11), M ATT D OLLIVE (7), B LAKE R EZK (83), C OLIN R ILEY (8) & C HARLIE S ASSO (5)

Casey Larkin and Logan Peters are two of the best players in program history for the Crimson Knights and were instrumental in the team winning an NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 title, a Shore Conference championship, going 18-1 over the past two years, and finishing as the No. 1 team in New Jersey in 2020. You don’t just replace players like them and move on without noticing. That is not the focus for Wall, however. Nor should it be. The Knights have an exceptional senior class leading the way in 2021 that is out to secure its legacy and continue Wall’s dynasty. Charlie Sasso, Colin Riley, Blake Rezk, Matt Dollive, Brian Byrne, Max Oakley, Lou Pilla, Jake Davis; the list goes on. Wall remains loaded with a total of 17 returning starters. The Crimson Knights have been the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference since Oct. 8, 2019, a span of 15 in-season weeks and what will be a total of 698 calendar days when they begin the season on Sept. 5. There will be several worthy challengers for the top spot in the Shore this season, but they’re going to have to go through Wall if they want the belt. Wall’s offense returns eight starters,

including two threeyear starters and one four-year starter. The offensive line features senior fouryear starter Brian Byrne (6foot-2, 230) as the left guard, senior three-year starter Max Oakley (6-foot, 205) as the left tackle and junior returning starter Billy Carr (6-foot-4, 215) as the right guard. Senior Joe Palmisano (5-foot-11, 240) is the center and senior Jack Remishofski (5-foot-11, 215) is the right tackle. Byrne was a second-team All-Shore selection last season. At tight end the Crimson Knights have one of the Shore’s best in 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior three-year starter Blake Rezk, who was a first-team All-Shore selection on defense last season. Senior Lou Pilla (6foot-1, 205) is also at tight end. The

SR. QB J AKE D AVIS

tandem is equally adept in the passing game and delivering blocks in the running game. Senior Matt Dollive, who is also a lacrosse standout committed to the United States Military Academy, is back as a three-year starting wide receiver and will be joined by another returning starter, senior Jack Coan. Wall is so deep at tight end with Rezk and Pilla that they decided to move 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior Jaquari Medler to wide receiver where he could have a huge impact in the passing game. Taking over at quarterback will be 6-foot-3, 195-pound senior Jake Davis, who played mostly defense last year. Senior Cole Brennan is also in the mix, which would allow them to move Davis around to multiple positions on the offensive side. Stepping in at running back will be junior Mike Fumarola, who started a couple games last season when Larkin was injured. Senior Charlie Sasso will also be in line for some carries as he has been over the past two seasons. On defense, Wall returns a whopping nine starters from a unit that was No. 1 in the Shore allowing a paltry 5.4 points per game with four shutouts. Rezk, an All-Shore defensive lineman, is a three-year returning

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: 8 QB:

JAKE DAVIS, SR. OR COLE BRENNAN, SR.

RB:

MIKE FUMAROLA, JR., RS; CHARLIE SASSO, SR., RS

WR:

MATT DOLLIVE, SR., RS; JACK COAN, SR., RS; JAQUARI MEDLER, JR.

TE:

BLAKE REZK, SR., 3RS; LOU PILLA, SR., RS

LT:

MAX OAKLEY, SR., 3RS

LG:

BRIAN BYRNE, SR., 4RS

starter at defensive end. He made 41 tackles and recorded three sacks last season. Senior Joe Sommers (6-foot, 250) is the returning starter at nose tackle and Byrne will join the defensive line as the other defensive end. Wall’s group of linebackers is tremendous, led by Sasso, the reigning Shore Sports Network Defensive Player of the Year. A four-year starter at inside linebacker, Sasso recorded 97 tackles in just seven games along with 3 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 1 interception and 2 fumble recoveries and is a two-time first-team All-Shore selection. He is committed to Monmouth University. Coming off the edge is another four-year starter and All-Shore selection, senior Colin Riley. The Knights’ top pass rusher had 72 tackles with a team-leading 7 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 11 hurries and a forced fumble last season. Fumarola is also a returning starter at inside linebacker and Pilla is a returning starter at outside linebacker.

the road back to the top of the mountain will be treacherous. In addition to the Shore Conference American Division schedule that includes Rumson-Fair Haven, Donovan Catholic, Colts Neck and Toms River North, the Crimson Knights also have a nondivisional game against Red Bank Catholic and a non-conference game against Lenape. They open with Rumson and then face RBC just five days later. Their preseason strength of schedule rating is the fifth hardest of any public school in New Jersey, according to Gridiron New Jersey’s formula. Wall has a chance to accomplish special things this season and possesses the talent, experience and big-game composure to achieve every goal on its list. The target is on their back once again, but this group has flourished under pressure. That part of their legacy is already intact. Photo by:

In the secondary, Davis is back as the strong safety after seeing significant time last season and Dollive is the returning starter at free safety. The cornerbacks are Coan and junior Dom Giglio. There is little doubt Wall will be a frontrunner for division, Shore Conference and state sectional championships this season, but C: RG: RT:

JOE PALMISANO, SR. BILLY CARR, JR., RS JACK REMISHOFSKI, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 9 DE: BLAKE REZK, SR., 3RS NT: JOE SOMMERS, SR., RS DE: BRIAN BYRNE, SR. OLB: COLIN RILEY, SR., 4RS ILB: CHARLIE SASSO, SR., 4RS

ILB: OLB: CB: CB: SS: FS:

MIKE FUMAROLA, JR., RS LOU PILLA, SR., RS JACK COAN, SR. DOM GIGLIO, JR. JAKE DAVIS, SR., RS MATT DOLLIVE, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: MAX OAKLEY, SR., 3RS.

By:

Kevin Williams SSN Director

RUNNING THE GAUNTLET Head Coach: th

Jeff Rainess, 6 year Career Record: 28-19

Assistant Coaches: John T. Principe (Asst. HC, Defensive Coordinator/LB); John Kaye (QB/RB); Drew Piscatelli (WR); Mike Dorsi (DL); Charlie Marsh (DB); Steve Leo (P/K); David Sherman (Quality Control); Thomas Manning (Strength & Conditioning); Colin Hart & Scott Cannon (Freshman); Jeff Scenna (Athletic Trainer).

he Shore Conference did Holmdel High School no favors when it announced the realignment for the 2021 season. The Group 3 Hornets were placed in the Colonial Division with two Group 5 schools (Southern and Manalapan) and a pair of Group 4 programs (Jackson Memorial and Middletown South). Is being in the second of the Shore’s eight divisions based on factors including recent success and school size a penalty or a reward? In the case of the Hornets, it might be a little of both.

Jaden Gallo, Sr., RB/DB Gallo will be one of the top returning running backs in the Shore but he won’t have the experienced hogs up front like he did last year to lead the way. Opposing defenses will focus on stopping him so how he handles being a marked man is something to watch.

Holmdel was a perennial door mat for years going 18-61 from 2008-2015. Enter Jeff Rainess, who took over beginning in 2016, a season in which they went 2-8. However, since then the Hornets have put together four consecutive winning seasons (26-11) including a 6-1 record during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign which culminated with a win over Manasquan in the season finale and a No. 9 finish in the Shore Sports Network/Jeep Store Final Top 10. The move up among Shore Conference elite is overall a compliment for the prog ram but presents a host of challenges this fall, especially with the g raduation of many of their top players. That g roup included Shore Sports Network All-Shore first-team offensive lineman Joey Mancino and thirdteam selection C h r i s t i a n Donnelly, who did an outstanding job running the Hornets’ triple-option attack from under center.

X-Factor-1:

However, retur ning

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-1 2019: 6-4 2017: 6-4 2016: 2-8

2018: 8-2

Offense: Triple Option Defense: Multiple _________________ _____________________________ Big Shoes To Fill: O ffensive Line Replacing ﬁve seniors from a group that helped the run-heavy Hornets pile up nearly 2,500 yards on the ground in just seven games will be a huge challenge. How quickly players like Podesta, Calcaterra, Brew, Kim and Raheb come together will be the key to Holmdel’s success against bigger and stronger opponents than they have faced in the past.

Player To Watch:

Jared Battaglia, Sr., QB/DB After being a part-time starter as both a sophomore and junior it’s Battaglia’s time to run the show and spearhead the tripleoption attack.

X-Factor-2: A Daunting Schedule When you realign 42 teams there are some that will not be happy and if any team has a legit complaint it’s Holmdel. Yes, they have had four straight winning seasons but they are a small Group 3 school taking a huge leap being in a division with the likes of Southern, Manalapan, Middletown South and Jackson Memorial. Just three years ago their schedule included the likes of Keansburg, Keyport, Asbury Park and Point Beach when they were part of the small-school National Division. I guess it’s the price you pay for success but it’s tough to see the Hornets repeating their recent winning ways.

Thur. Sept. 2 Fri. Sept. 10 Fri. Sept. 17 Fri. Sept. 24 Fri. Oct. 1 Fri Oct. 15 Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Fri/Sat. 10/29-30

St. Joseph by the Sea (NY) 6 p.m. @ Midd. South 7pm @ Manalapan 7pm @ Southern 7pm Jackson Mem. 7pm @ Raritan 7pm Shore Conference Pods TBD Shore Conference Pods TBD

seven starters (three on offense and four on defense) there is talent starting with senior running back Jaden Gallo, who ran for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and was a second-team All-Shore selection. Taking over at quarterback will be Jared Battaglia, who saw action as both a sophomore and junior. The 5foot-8, 150pound senior

despite just

J A D E N G A L L O (11), L U K E D U P O N T (20), J A R E D B A T TA G L I A (12), T H O M A S S A R D O (27), G A V I N R A H E B (7) A N D J O H N F A N Z I N I (2)

( L- R )

ran for 79 yards last season and also completed 4 of 6 passes for 53 yards for a team that threw the ball just 24 times all season. The biggest question mark will likely be an offensive line that lost all their starters to graduation. Back is tight end Gavin Raheb and at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds will be counted on to provide strong blocking for Gallo and the other running backs.

safety Luke DuPont and Battaglia, who like Gallo will see time at cornerback. Connor Mendini made 18 of 21 extra points last season and his only field goal tr y (22 yards) as a freshman and will handle both kicking and punting chores.

There is little question as to the leader on defense and that is retur ning firstteam All-Shore inside linebacker Thomas Sardo, who had 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble for a g roup that allowed just over 11 points per game. Raheb returns as a starter at defensive end and other retur ning defensive veterans include

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=Returning Starter)

Photos by:

LIAM HANSEN, JR./RYAN HAMMER, JR. SCOTT GILBERT, JR.

QB: JARED BATTAGLIA, SR. (RS PART TIME)

RG: CASEY BREW, SO.

RB: JADEN GALLO, SR. RS; LUKE DUPONT, SR.; TIM HAGGERTY, JR.

RT: JON KIM, SR.

WR: NICK DIBLASI, SR.; TREY TULENKO, JR.; MATT TEMPONE, SO.; ANTHONY SETTEDUCATE, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: (RS=Returning Starter)

DE: GAVIN RAHEB, SR. RS

TE: GAVIN RAHEB, SR RS.; LOUIS AMBROSIO, SR.; SIMON FIDALGO, JR.

DT: MARC DIETZ, JR.

LT:

OLB: JOHN STEELE, JR.

MARC DIETZ, JR.; DANTE CALCATERRA, SO.

LG: JACK PODESTA, JR.

DE: JACK PODESTA, SR.

OLB: TIM HAGGERTY, JR. ILB: THOMAS SARDO, SR. RS CB: JADEN GALLO, SR. JARED BATTAGLIA, SR., RS CB: MALIK TASKER, SO. SS: LUKE DUPONT, SR. RS; BRAYDEN SAVAGE, SO. FS: LOUIS AMBROSIO, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: CONNOR MENDINI, SO.

OLB: JOHN FANZINI, SR.

SR. RB J A D E N G A L L O

By:

Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

FULL OF POTENTIAL Head Coach: Vin Mistretta, 5th season Career Record: 24-16

Assistant Coaches:

iven the offensive talent Jackson Memorial has deployed over the past several seasons, a quick glance at the 2021 roster shows – not a lack of talent – but a degree of uncertainty with so many new starters at the skill positions. In a few weeks, we might be talking about some of them as breakout stars, but for now, it’s just potential.

Keith Anderson (Offensive Coordinator); Eric Rado (WR/Freshmen OC); Pat Kilmurray (OL); Mike Smith (QB); Chris Rash (DL/Special Teams Coordinator); Arnell Cozart (LB/Recruiting Coordinator); Mike McCarthy (DL); TJ Tkac (DB/Freshmen DC); Khani Glover (RB/DB); Matt Castronuova (WR); Sam Mistretta (OL); Nicole Figaro (Athletic Trainer).

Thur. 9/2 Freehold Fri. 9/10 Southern Fri. 9/17 @Midd South Fri. 9/25 OPEN Fri. 10/1 @Holmdel Fri. 10/8 Manalapan Fri. 10/15 Jackson Lib. Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBD TBD

In the meantime, the Jaguars are more than happy to lean on their hogs.

Team Record Last Five Years:

A fast and physical defense is one of the hallmarks of Jackson Memorial football and this year’s group is headlined by six returning starters, five of which are in the front seven. There is power and experience up front where all four defensive linemen are returning starters from a season ago. Leading the way is senior defensive tackle Eric Ibe, a returning third-team All-Shore selection who tied for the conference lead with 10 sacks while also making 55 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-1, 245pounder is a potential game-wrecker.

2020: 4-4 2019: 8-3 2018: 6-4 2017: 6-5 2016: 6-5

Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3

( L- R )

E RIC I BE (52), D ONOVAN Z APATA (75), R OB P ANEQUE (25), K YLE L AVERTY (54), A IDAN S WEENEY (5), TAI M ANN (1), T OM W IDAWSKY (44)

Lining up next to Ibe will be senior Donovan Zapata while the defensive ends are senior Kyle Laverty and junior Ryan Fischer with senior Mike Orientale also in the rotation. Those five will be the literal

____________________________________________

Player to Watch : Eric Ibe, Sr., RT/DT Ibe had a breakout junior season by tying for the conference lead with 10 sacks and also recording 55 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. Jackson’s run defense was superb last season and he was a major reason why, as well. A dominant year out of Ibe is exactly what the Jaguars are looking for.

Player Under the Radar: Tai Mann, Jr., QB/CB Mann was part of a quarterback rotation last season but enters his junior year as the starter all by himself. He has shown an ability to be productive on the ground and if his passing ability can match his rushing prowess Jackson will have a dangerous playmaker under center. He is also valuable on defense as a returning starter at cornerback.

I MPACT N EWCOMER :

Aidan Sweeney, Jr., RB

Offensive/Defensive Lines

For a youth football player growing up in Jackson, chances are they’ve dreamt of one day being the starting running back for the high school team. The Jaguars have had some amazing tailbacks throughout their history and Sweeney gets a shot to be the next in line.

Three of five starters are back along the offensive line while all four defensive linemen are returning starters. Jackson has unproven players among the skill positions but looks to be rock-solid in the trenches. That’s never a bad place to start.

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS :

B IG S HOES

F ILL

The Running Backs Aidan Sweeney and company will be following in the footsteps of many, many talented tailbacks, most recently two-time first-team All-Shore running back Will Towns. The current Wake Forest freshman led the Shore in rushing last season and totaled 3,243 yards and 33 touchdowns in his career.

X-F ACTOR : Skill Positions

first line of defense for the Jags and will look to make life a little easier for a back seven that has just two returning starters. Senior middle linebacker Tom Widawsky was third in the Shore last season with 90 tackles and returns to lead the way in between senior Jim Tobin and junior Mike Cipriano at outside linebacker. Junior Tai Mann, who was a two-way starter as a sophomore, is the lone returning starter in the secondary and will line up at cornerback. Sophomore Albert D’Alessandro is the other corner while senior Rob Paneque is the strong safety and sophomore Jaiden Hernandez is the free safety. The final numbers for Jackson’s defense (18.6 points per game) were in the middle of the pack but not very Jacksonlike. How the Jags arrived at that number is even more bizarre. They won by shutout in each of their four victories but allowed 40 or more points in three of their four losses. It was a microcosm of their season as they started 2-0, lost their next two, won their next two, and finished the season with two straight defeats. Obviously, the goal is to have the defense climb the mountain and then stay there rather than the peaks

and valleys of a season ago. Offensively, the Jaguars had a unit that was 11th in the Shore last season. Most of the production came from their running game and tailback Will Towns, who led the conference with 1,379 yards rushing and was a two-time first-team AllShore selection. Towns is now a freshman at Wake Forest University so the Jaguars are looking for their next star tailback. Junior Aidan Sweeney will take over as the feature back with senior Jim Tobin at fullback and junior Angelo Nicosia and sophomore Brandon Bigelow also in the backfield mix. The good news for the running backs is that they will be running behind an offensive line that brings back three starters. Senior left guard Kyle Laverty and senior center Donovan Zapata were starters throughout last season while junior left tackle Ryan Fischer became a starter during the season. Jackson will plug Ibe in at right tackle while Orientale will be the right guard. The tight ends are Paneque and sophomore Shaun Hubbard.

the Jaguars. Tai Mann split time last season as a sophomore but flashed dual-threat potential. The job is his alone this season and his emergence as a weapon on the ground and through the air would certainly make him a difference-maker. Jackson did graduate its top three receivers but brings back senior Justin Hirsch, who saw extensive action. D’Alessandro and Hernandez will also be options in the passing game. As a member of the Colonial Division, Jackson won’t face most of its traditional Class A South rivals but does have several familiar foes to battle with in the form of Southern, Manalapan and Middletown South plus the annual game against Jackson Liberty. On paper, the division is wide open and the Jaguars believe, despite some inexperience, that they have the talent to compete for championships. Photo by:

The quarterback position is one of intriguing possibilities for

Projected Offensive Starters:

DONOVAN ZAPATA, SR., RS

MLB: TOM WIDAWSKY, SR., RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

MIKE ORIENTALE, SR.

OLB: MIKE CIPRIANO, JR.

Returning Starters: 5

RT:

ERIC IBE, SR.

CB: TAI MANN, JR., RS

QB:

TAI MANN, JR., RS

RB:

AIDAN SWEENEY, JR.; JIM TOBIN, SR.; ANGELO NICOSIA, JR.; BRANDON BIGELOW, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6

CB: ALBERT D’ALESSANDRO, SO. SS:

ROB PANEQUE, SR.

FS:

JAIDEN HERNANDEZ, SO.

WR: JUSTIN HIRSCH, SR., RS; ALBERT D’ALESSANDRO, SO.; JAIDEN HERNANDEZ, SO.

DE:

KYLE LAVERTY, SR., RS

DT:

ERIC IBE, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

TE:

ROB PANEQUE, SR.; SHAUN HUBBARD, SO.

DT:

DONOVAN ZAPATA, SR., RS

ALEXEY TSELICHTCHEV, JR.

LT:

RYAN FISCHER, JR., RS

DE:

RYAN FISCHER, JR., RS; MIKE ORIENTALE, SR.

ANGELO NICOSIA, JR.

LG:

KYLE LAVERTY, SR., RS

OLB: JIM TOBIN, SR.

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

THE BRAVE WAY

Head Coach: Dom Lepore, 2nd season (12th overall) Career Record: 2-4 (38-68 overall)

osing seasons have been an extremely rare occurrence at Manalapan over the last two decades. Heading into last season, the Braves had put together 18 consecutive seasons at .500 or better, including six seasons with double-digit victories.

Assistant Coaches: Cody High (Offensive Coordinator/WR/DB); Bill Smith Jr. (OL); Jon Harrison (Special Teams Coordinator/ILB/TE); Lou Profera (RB/DB); Dan Anerella (QB); Mike Caggiano (K/P); David Calderon (DL); Jesse Shenker (DB); FRESHMEN: Andrew Jones, Bryan Doel, Reggie Grant Sr., Pete DiCataldo, Anthony Mucciolo; Shannon Tomasula (Athletic Trainer)

Thur. 9/2 SJV 7pm Fri. 9/10 OPEN Fri. 9/17 Holmdel 7pm Fri. 9/24 Midd South 7pm Fri. 10/1 @Southern 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Jackson Mem. 7pm Sat. 10/16 @Freehold 12pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

It’s safe to say their 2020 record of 2-4 did not sit well with anyone in the program.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 6-4 2017: 11-1 2016: 6-5

2018:11-1

Dom Lepore was thrilled to take over as Manalapan’s head coach last season after some great seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Braves and at Neptune before that. But things started off on the wrong foot with a pair of tough losses before COVID struck and forced the cancellation of two games. The Braves ended up being 0-4 entering the middle of November before two blowout victories to close the season.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 ____________________________________________ Player to Watch :

( L- R )

P A U L W O J C I E C H O W S K I (1), T Y L E R W A L K E R (9), M I K E H E C K E L (7), M I K E B I M ON T E (13), EJ M A R Q U E Z (2) & M A R I O C H I E R C H I A (51)

A rough season ended on a high note with Manalapan playing like the

EJ Marquez, Sr., RB/LB Manalapan has a long history of All-Shore running backs and Marquez is looking to be the next in that lineage. He’ll also return as a starter at linebacker.

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS :

Player Under the Radar:

Manalapan usually has one of the best offensive lines in the Shore Conference and this year’s version has four of five starters returning.

Mario Chierchia, Sr., OL/DL A second-team all-division selection last season, Chierchia is a two-way, two-year starter who will be a crucial component for Manalapan’s to win at the point of attack.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Michael Calton, Jr., K/P Year after year, Manalapan has a kicker who is among the very best in the Shore. After graduating two-time first-team All-Shore kicker/punter Vincenzo Rea, Calton will look to be the next standout special teams ace for the Braves. It helps having the best in program history, former FBS kicker Mike Caggiano, on staff as his coach.

B IG S HOES

X-F ACTOR : Staying Healthy

Offensive Line

F ILL

Matt Pirozzi, Sr., SS Anthony Matrone was a do-it-all player for the Braves during his career and was especially effective on defense as a Shore Sports Network second-team All-Shore selection at defensive back. Pirozzi steps into the strong safety spot that Matrone played so well last season.

This is true for every team, but the Braves really believe they have the talent and experience to contend for championships once again. If they perform up to par and can avoid any long-term injuries they should be in the thick of it right to the end.

Manalapan teams we’ve grown accustomed to. Now, with 15 total starters back, the Braves are ready to get back to their usual spot as a top-10 team in the Shore and a state championship contender.

same. Four starters are back up front with senior right tackle Mario Chierchia (6-foot, 220), a second-team All-Division selection last season, anchoring the unit. Senior Corey Holowach (6-foot-1, 220) is the left tackle, junior Julian Santo (5-foot-11, 235) is the center, and junior Jack Boyle (6-foot, 200) is the right guard. Senior Andrew Roginski steps in as the left guard. The Braves also have junior Preston Birnie (6-foot, 200) and sophomore Joseph Melo (6foot-3, 200) as tight ends.

Manalapan’s multiple offense is experienced in all areas with eight starters returning from a unit that averaged 22.2 points per game last season. Senior Mike Heckel (6-foot-2, 180) is the Braves’ starting quarterback with senior EJ Marquez back as the starting running back. The receivers also have a pair of returning starters among them with senior three-year starter and speedster Paul Wojciechowski leading the way. Senior Tyler Walker (6-foot-2, 175) is also a returning starter and senior Mike Bimonte (6-foot-3, 180) joins the group.

The Braves’ defense was tied for seventh in the Shore last season allowing just 13.5 points per game and returns seven starters.

Manalapan usually has one of the best offensive lines in the Shore Conference and this year could produce more of the

Chierchia and junior Artem Renikov-Jouk are returning

starters at defensive end in the team’s 3-4 alignment while Santo steps in as the nose tackle. The linebacking corps has three returning starters with seniors Jordan Gravesande and Jonathan Gelb as the inside linebackers and Marquez as one of the outside linebackers. Bimonte will step in as a starter at the other outside linebacker spot. In the secondary, Walker and junior Thomas Clark are both returning starters at cornerback with Wojciechowski and junior Darius Colleton backing them up. The strong safeties are seniors Matt Pirozzi and Josh Debner and the free safeties are senior Anthony Conti and junior Alex Dille. Manalapan will compete in what should be a highly competitive Colonial Division with Holmdel, Jackson Memorial, Middletown South, and Southern. The Braves also have games with St. John Vianney and Freehold. The schedule is challenging but fair, and if the Braves are back to their old ways they have as good a shot as anybody to end the season at the top.

SR. QB MIKE HECKEL Projected Offensive Starters:

JULIAN SANTO, JR., RS

ILB: JORDAN GRAVESANDE, SR., RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

JACK BOYLE, JR., RS

ILB: JONATHAN GELB, SR., RS

Returning Starters: 8

RT:

MARIO CHIERCHIA, SR., RS

OLB: MIKE BIMONTE, SR.

QB:

MIKE HECKEL, SR., RS

RB:

EJ MARQUEZ, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 7

WR: PAUL WOJCIECHOWSKI, SR., 3RS; TYLER WALKER, SR., RS; MIKE BIMONTE, SR.

DE:

MARIO CHIERCHIA, SR., RS

TE:

PRESTON BIRNIE, JR.; JOSEPH MELO, SO.

NT:

JULIAN SANTO, JR.

LT:

COREY HOLOWACH, SR., RS

DE:

ARTEM RENIKOV-JOUK, JR., RS

ANDREW ROGINSKI, SR.

OLB: EJ MARQUEZ, SR., RS

LG:

CB: THOMAS CLARK, JR., RS; PAUL WOJCIECHOWSKI, SR. CB: TYLER WALKER, SR., RS; DARIUS COLLETON, JR. SS:

MATT PIROZZI, SR.; JOSH DEBNER, SR.

FS:

ANTHONY CONTI, SR.; ALEX DILLE, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: MICHAEL CALTON, JR.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460

steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

By: B o b B a d d e r s S S N M a n a g in g E d it o r

GLORY DAYS

Head Coach: Steve Antonucci, 24th season Career Record: 197-59

iddletown South. Just saying or reading the name of the school conjures thoughts of gridiron dominance.

Assistant Coaches: Al Bigos (Defensive Coordinator/OL); Steve Roberts (Special Teams Coordinator/DL); Joe Trezza (Asst. Defensive Coordinator/DB/RB); Nick Trezza (OL); Marc Tomo (Asst. Defensive Coordinator/LB); Rod Murchie (WR); Matt Walsh Sr. (QB); Jeffrey Martin (Head Freshmen Coach); Kevin Higgins (Freshmen asst.); Stacy White (Athletic Trainer). 2019: 5-5 2016: 7-4

2018: 8-3

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 ____________________________________________

Latore is a rangy edge defender at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds and will also return as a starting tight end. He is a crucial two-way component for the Eagles.

Player Under the Radar: Tom Schork, Sr., QB/FS Schork is back as the starting quarterback and free safety and is coming off a year where he was an all-division selection on defense.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Donovan Summey, So., RB Senior Dan Primiano is the starter but Middletown South usually features multiple backs and that could mean a chance for Summey to shine as a sophomore.

A multi-scheme offense has seven returning starters spread throughout ( L- R ) D A N T E M I R A N D A (50), T O M S C H O R K (2), J A C K L A T O R E (8), J A K E W I L L I A M S ON (72), the lineup. Senior Tom Schork M A T T G R A B (5), D A N P R I M I A N O (3) retur ns as the quarterback with senior Dan Primiano as the running The Eagles are one of the most storied York Yankees, any kind of championship back. Senior Matt Grab (can a wide football prog rams in the Shore drought feels much longer than it actually receiver have a better last name?) will be Conference with 10 NJSIAA state is. It comes with the territor y. How many a three-year returning starter and will be sectional titles to their credit. Just six prog rams would perfor m acts of voodoo joined by junior retur ning starter Logan years ago, Middletown South authored a just to experience a sliver of the success Colleran and senior Jack Mason. 12-0 season and finished as the No. 1 Steve Antonucci’s teams have had over Up front, Middletown South has a pair team in the state. But like, say, the New the past quarter-centur y? of standout linemen in senior three-year

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS : All four players in the defensive backfield are returning starters with Matt Grab and Logan Colleran as the cornerbacks, Ryan St. Clair as the strong safety and Tom Schork as the free safety.

B IG S HOES

X-F ACTOR : Starting Strong

Secondary

F ILL

James Letts, Jr., DL Letts steps into a starting role up front after the graduation of Brendan Bigos, who was a second-team All-Shore selection last season.

Manasquan 6pm Holmdel 7pm Jackson Mem. 7pm @Manalapan 7pm @Southern 1pm OPEN Shore Conference Pods TBD Shore Conference Pods TBD @Midd North 10:30am

The good news is that many of the Eagles’ key starters from last season return – 14 in all – as they look to earn back their usual spot among the Shore Conference’s elite.

Player to Watch : Jack Latore, Sr., TE/DE

9/2 9/10 9/17 9/24 10/9 10/15 10/22-23 10/29-30 11/25

Middletown South was 2-4 in last year’s pandemic-shortened season where there was some good and some bad. They opened the season with a loss to a Long Branch team that struggled, but then rebounded with a win over a Red Bank Catholic team that finished No. 3 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. Their other losses came to No. 1 Wall, No. 4 Mater Dei Prep and No. 5 Rumson-Fair Haven.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2017: 5-5

Thur. Fri. Fri. Fri. Sat. Fri. Fri/Sat. Fri/Sat. Thur.

Head coach Steve Antonucci stressed the importance of getting off to a good start and that means coming out of the gates with a victory over Manasquan in the season opener.

starter Jake Williamson at center and senior retur ning starter Dante Miranda. The left tackle will be junior Tyler Addonisio, the right guard will be junior Tom Whyte and the right tackle is senior Ian Schwerdt with junior Devin Parr y also working in. At tight end is senior three-year retur ning starter Jack Latore.

Senior Tyler Carey retur ns as a starter at outside linebacker while sophomore Colin Gallagher will be the other o u t s i d e linebacker and junior Madden Stanley will also see time. The inside linebackers are senior retur ning starter Jack Willi and junior Kyle Smith.

Middletown South runs a 3-4 defense under longtime defensive coordinator Al Bigos and also retur ns seven starters. Latore is also a three-year starter on defense and was an all-division selection last season as a defensive lineman. He is joined up front by Williamson (returning starter), junior Jake Letts and junior Aidan Parr y.

safety and Schork is the free safety with sophomore Jack Czwakiel backing him up. Middletown South will play a challenging schedule as a member of the Colonial Division along with Holmdel, Jackson Memorial, Manalapan and Southern Regional.

The secondar y is strong with four retur ning starters. Grab and Colleran are the cor nerbacks, senior Ryan St. Clair is the strong

Photo by:

SR. C. JAKE WILLIAMSON

Projected Offensive Starters:

JAKE WILLIAMSON, SR., 3RS

ILB: KYLE SMITH, JR.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

TOM WHYTE, JR.

ILB: JACK WILLI, SR., RS

Returning Starters: 7

RT:

IAN SCHWERDT, SR.; DEVIN PARRY, JR.

OLB: COLIN GALLAGHER, SO.

QB:

TOM SCHORK, SR., RS; JAKE CZWAKIEL, SO.

RB:

DAN PRIMIANO, SR., RS; DONOVAN SUMMEY, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 7

WR: MATT GRAB, SR., 3RS; LOGAN COLLERAN, JR., RS; JACK MASON, SR.

DE:

TE:

JACK LATORE, SR., 3RS

DT:

JAMES LETTS, JR.

LT:

TYLER ADDONISIO, JR.

DT:

JAKE WILLIAMSON, SR., RS; AIDAN PARRY, JR.

LG:

DANTE MIRANDA, SR., RS

OLB: TYLER CAREY, SR., RS; MADDEN STANLEY, JR.

JACK LATORE, SR., 3RS

CB: MATT GRAB, SR., RS CB: LOGAN COLLERAN, JR., RS SS:

RYAN ST. CLAIR, SR., RS

FS:

TOM SCHORK, SR., RS/JAKE CZWAKIEL, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: JAKE CZWAKIEL, SO.

By:

Bob Badders

S S N M a n a g in g E d it o r

GROUND AND POUND

Head Coach: Chuck Donohue Sr., 24th season (48th overall) Career Record: 125-108 (264-191-4 overall)

outhern has one of the best all-around players in the Shore Conference and several other talented players around him. The Rams hope to ride that combination to another successful season while competing for division and state sectional titles.

Assistant Coaches: Matt Abbato (Defensive Coordinator); Eric Sharkey (WR/DB); CJ Tomelden (RB/DB); Dylan Larson (OL/DL); Eric Fierro (QB/K/P); Andrew Beckett (Freshmen HC); Joe Fleck (Freshmen asst.); Dave Smith (Freshmen asst.); John Kaszuba (Director of Football Operations); Evan Osborne (Dir. of Football Operations); Nick Scaramazza (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 5-4 2017: 3-7

2019: 7-3 2016: 5-5

2018:4-5

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple ____________________________________________ Player to Watch : Jaiden Brown, Sr., RB/LB A four-year starter dating back to his freshman year at Jackson Liberty, Brown was tremendous for Southern last season to earn first-team All-Shore honors. He ran for 1,091 yard and 14 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry to become the Rams’ all-time leading rusher. He also made 68 tackles and recorded two interceptions. He has interest from several Ivy League schools.

Player Under the Radar:

( L- R )

S E A N R O W L A N D (68), T R I S TA N A R T H U R (45), D A V I D C A S A S (73), L O G A N D O H E R T Y J A I D E N B R O W N (3), N A T E C O M M I T T E E (42)

S e n i o r r u n n i n g b a ck J a i d e n B r ow n w i l l b e e n t e r i n g h i s f o u r t h ye a r a s a starting running back and is coming off a s e a s o n i n w h i ch h e ra n f o r 1 , 0 9 1 yards and 14 touchdowns on an average o f 7 . 2 y a rd s p e r c a r r y. H e i s a l re a dy

S o u t h e r n ’s a l l - t i m e l e a d i n g r u s h e r, a f e a t h e a c c o m p l i s h e d i n j u s t t wo s e a s o n s a f t e r m ov i n g i n t o t h e d i s t r i c t before his sophomore year. B r ow n w i l l b e t h e f o c a l p o i n t o f t h e R a m s ’ m u l t i p l e o f f e n s e t h a t re t u r n s

Nate Committee, Sr., RB/DE Committee was a third-team All-Shore selection on defense after making 62 tackles with a team-high six sacks, but the underrated part comes from his work at fullback where he led the way for Jaiden Brown to rush for over 1,000 yards. Committee added 303 yards of offense and scored five touchdowns. He is a lacrosse standout, as well, who is committed to Bellarmine University.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

7pm 7pm 1pm 7pm TBD TBD

seven starters and will look to punish teams on the ground. Senior Nate Committee is a three-year starter who p r i m a r i l y p l a y s f u l l b a ck b u t w i l l a l s o s e e s o m e c a r r i e s . T h e y w i l l wo r k behind an offensive line that has four players who either started outright or s a w s i g n i f i c a n t p l a y i n g t i m e. I t ’s a sizeable group, as well, with senior Donovan Drew (6-foot-4, 280) at left tackle, senior David Casas (6-foot2 , 2 5 5 ) a t l e f t g u a rd , s e n i o r S e a n R ow l a n d ( 6 - f o o t - 1 , 2 4 5 ) a t r i g h t guard and senior Logan Doherty (6foot-3, 240) at right tackle. Seniors Alex Wyrsch and Andy McDonald have been working in at center (75), a l o n g w i t h s o p h o m o re N i ck R o e s ch . S e n i o r S e a n H e g a r t y h a s a l s o b e e n g e t t i n g re p s a t r i g h t g u a rd . S e n i o r Tr i s t a n A r t h u r retur ns as the starting tight end along with Max DiPietro. T h e a re a w h e re t h e R a m s a re inexperienced is in the passing game. Last season’s quarterback, Taylor Munt,

X-F ACTOR : Quarterback Play

With Jaiden Brown and Nate Committee, Southern has a great tandem that will lead the way this season.

With a big and experienced offensive line and one of the best running backs in the Shore, Southern should be able to churn out yards and points on the ground. What made the offense click last season was the balance of a 1,000-yard passer in Taylor Munt. Senior Nolan Schubiger will look to take the reins of the offense and help the Rams contend for championships.

B IG S HOES

F ILL

Fill: The Wide Receivers

Jaden Anthony, Sr., WR

Xavier Hendricks was excellent for Southern last season with 40 receptions for 563 yards and four touchdowns to earn second-team AllShore honors. With him having graduated, Southern needs another goto threat in the passing game.

7pm 7pm

Running Backs

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Injuries have kept Anthony off the field but at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds he has the physical skill set to be the impact receiver Southern needs.

Thur. 9/2 TR East Fri. 9/10 @Jackson Mem. Fri. 9/17 OPEN Fri. 9/24 Holmdel Fri. 10/1 Manalapan Sat. 10/9 Midd South Fri. 10/15 @Central Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

a n d l e a d i n g re c e i v e r X av i e r H e n d r i ck s g ra d u a t e d i n June so it will be up to a new cast of players to give S o u t h e r n ’s o f f e n s e t h e n e c e s s a r y b a l a n c e. S e n i o r Nolan Schubiger looks to be the starter out of a competition with senior Caleb Westpy and juniors Collin Lang and Andy Falletta. Seniors Jordan Rife, Jaden Anthony and Kole Levy along with Falletta comprise the corps of wide receivers.

t h i rd - t e a m A l l - S h o re honors. R ow l a n d i s t h e o t h e r d e f e n s i v e end with Casas, Drew, Doherty and Riley Harris rotating at defensive tackle. B r ow n i s t h e m i d d l e l i n e b a cke r while Max D i P i e t r o a n d Trav i s N ova ck a re t h e o u t s i d e l i n e b a cke r s . I n t h e s e c o n d a r y, j u n i o r s D e v i n Te t t i a n d K y l e C a u f i e l d a re t h e c o r n e r b a ck s , Rife is the strong safety with

Souther n has six starters back on the defensive side of the b a l l f r o m a u n i t t h a t wa s 15th in the Shore allowing 1 7 p o i n t s p e r g a m e. Committee leads the way on the defensive line from his spot at defensive e n d a f t e r re c o rd i n g 6 2 tackles and six sacks to earn

Levy also getting reps, and Falletta is the free safety. Winning a division title, which Souther n did in 2019, w i l l b e v e r y ch a l l e n g i n g w i t h t h e l i ke s o f H o l m d e l , Middletown South, Jackson Memorial and Manalapan joining Southern in the Colonial Division. The Rams h av e s e v e ra l p i e c e s i n p l a c e t o h av e a g re a t s e a s o n but development of the passing game and playing consistent defense will be crucial.

Photo by:

SR. RB. J A I D E N B R O W N

Projected Offensive Starters:

ALEX WYRSCH, SR.; ANDY MCDONALD, SR.; NICK ROESCH, SO.

OLB: TRAVIS NOVACK, JR.; NATE COMMITTEE

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

SEAN ROWLAND, SR., RS; SHANE HEGARTY, SR.

MLB: JAIDEN BROWN, SR., 3RS

Returning Starters: 6

RT:

LOGAN DOHERTY, SR., RS

OLB: MAX DIPIETRO, JR., RS

QB:

NOLAN SCHUBIGER, SR.; CALEB WESTPY, SR.; COLLIN LANG, JR.; ANDY FALLETTA, JR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

CB: KYLE CAUFIELD, JR.

JAIDEN BROWN, SR., 4RS; NATE COMMITTEE, SR., 3RS

Returning Starters: 6

SS:

JORDAN RIFE, SR, RS.; KOLE LEVY, SR.

WR: JORDAN RIFE, SR.; ANDY FALLETTA, JR.; JADEN ANTHONY, SR.; KOLE LEVY, SR.

DE:

NATE COMMITTEE, SR., 3RS; RILEY HARRIS, JR.

FS:

ANDY FALLETTA, JR.

DT:

DAVID CASAS, SR.; RILEY HARRIS, JR.

TE:

TRISTAN ARTHUR, SR., RS; MAX DIPIETRO, JR., RS

DT:

DONOVAN DREW, SR., RS; LOGAN DOHERTY, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

LT:

DONOVAN DREW, SR., RS

DE:

SEAN ROWLAND, SR., RS

K/P: JADEN ANTHONY, SR

LG:

DAVID CASAS, SR., RS

RB:

CB: DEVIN TETTI, JR.

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

THEIR TIME IS NOW Head Coach: J. Price, 11th season Career Record: 61-42

ast season, Manasquan’s football team was largely a collection of sophomores and juniors trying to build off a previous season in which they were thrown feet first into the cauldron of Shore Conference football.

Assistant Coaches: Pete Cahill (Defensive Coordinator); Justin Cella (Offensive Coordinator/QB); Jay Price Sr. (DB); Brian Lee (WR); Ed Kapalko (DL); Darrell Falkinburg (RB); Eric Howland (LB); Billy Bertscha (OL); Matt Voskian (DL); Rich Griffith & John Morris (Freshmen); Bruce Bresnahan (Director of Football Operations); Kevin Hyland (Athletic Trainer)

to bring another championship to the most decorated football program in the Shore.

Team Record Last Five Years:

“Many of our seniors were thrown to the fire as sophomores and they took their lumps,” said Manasquan head coach J. Price. “Last year we saw them mature a bit under some strong senior leadership. This year it’s their turn and they alone will determine how far we go.”

2020: 5-3 2019: 4-6 2018: 8-3 2017: 7-4 2016: 10-2

Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3 ____________________________________________ Player to Watch : Brett Patten, Jr., QB Patten had a very good sophomore season with 904 yards passing and 12 touchdowns. He has the capability to develop into one of the Shore’s best quarterbacks, and if that happens Manasquan is going to have a very dangerous offense.

( L- R )

JOEY FRANKLIN (58), COLE KOZLOWSKI (15), DYLAN LEBLANC (47), JJ CAVANAGH (60), R OBERT P ENDERGIST (11), R YAN B URNS (52)

The hope when fielding a very young team is that the experience will pay off when the group learns their lessons and becomes a cast of seasoned veterans. A hefty investment was made two years ago, and now it’s time for

the Warriors’ seniors to cash out. A standout senior class leads a Manasquan team that is loaded with returning starters on both sides of the ball as the Warriors set out

Player Under the Radar:

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS :

B AND

Pat Woodford, Sr., RB/DB

Skill Positions

The statistics page doesn’t do justice to Woodford’s value to Manasquan. Watch him live or put on the film, however, and it’s obvious how much he contributes. He can break long runs and also fight for tough yards inside, and on defense he is solid across the board as a cornerback. Woodford is the type of player championship teams need.

With Patten, Kozlowski, Woodford, Howard, and Pendergist, the Warriors are pretty stacked at the skill positions. There is great potential for the offense to be balanced in a way that will allow it to attack opposing defenses in a variety of ways.

The Burns Family is Manasquan, through and through, and this year’s team will have three Burns brothers stepping foot on Vic Kubu Warrior Field. Senior twins Ryan and Jack Burns are returning starters while sophomore Will Burns is in the mix at outside linebacker and is also a running back.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Jack Dettlinger, Jr., WR/DB/K There aren’t many spots not occupied by a returning starter but Dettlinger has a chance to make an impact outside of special teams where he served as Manasquan’s kicker last season. At 6-foot-4 he makes for a nice target in the passing game and a big body in the secondary.

Fri 9/2 @Midd South 6pm Sat 9/11 Red Bank 1pm Fri 9/17 @Ocean 7pm Sat 9/25 RBC 1pm Fri 10/1 @Raritan 7pm Fri 0/15 @TR East 6pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Thur 11/25 Wall 11am

B ROTHERS

The 2020 season was a strong debut campaign for now-junior quarterback Brett Patten, who is back to pilot Manasquan’s Multiple-I offense that will also have some wrinkles under new offensive coordinator Justin Cella. Patten threw for 904 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and is a very good athlete who can make plays with his legs. Senior Cole Kozlowski is a true Swiss Army Knife type who will line up everywhere and could also see some time at quarterback.

M R . V ERSATILITY Cole Kozlowski has a whopping six positions listed next to his name. Six! The senior is an invaluable piece of the puzzle for Manasquan because the coaching staff can basically ask him to do anything and he will do it well. Kozlowski will see snaps at Y, X and Z receiver, fullback, and quarterback on offense (and maybe even tight end) and will return as the starting strong safety on defense.

he backfield is strong with senior Patrick Woodford and junior Jhamier Howard, both of whom are returning starters. Howard led Manasquan with six touchdowns last season. Kozlowski and senior Robert Pendergist, who will be a four-year starter this season, lead the group of wide receivers. Kozlowski is the Warriors’ top returning pass-catcher after hauling in 16 receptions for 285 yards and three touchdowns last season. Look for senior Dan Hyland, 6-foot-4 junior Jack Dettlinger, and seniors Mike Presbrey, Mike Antonucci and Shea Keating to also see reps at wide receiver. The offensive line is a senior-laden squad led by returning starters Bob Marks (center) and JJ Cavanagh (right guard). Joe Franklin will be at left tackle, Ryan Burns will be at left guard and Ed Dingler will be the right tackle. Seniors James O’Brien, Spencer Muly, and Cam Price, junior James Gilmore and sophomore Noah Mammeri will provide depth. The tight ends are juniors Matt O’Donnell and Cael Driscoll. Manasquan was 15th in the Shore in scoring last season (22.9 points per game) and with the collection of talent the Warriors return they have a chance to be a dynamic, dual-threat

offense that will be a load to handle. The same collection of players back on offense also comprise a defense that finished No. 10 in the Shore last season allowing 15.5 points per game. A strong and experienced defensive line features Cavanagh and Marks as the defensive tackles with Jack Burns and Franklin as the defensive ends. Jack Burns had a team-leading four sacks last season and Franklin had three sacks. Senior Dylan LeBlanc is coming off a spring season in which he earned first-team All-Shore lacrosse honors as a defenseman and returns as Manasquan’s middle linebacker. Senior Ryan Burns led the Warriors with 53 tackles last season and reprises his role as an outside linebacker. The other outside linebacker position has another lacrosse standout, senior Max Pauwels, competing for the job along with senior Ryan Deegan and sophomore Will Burns.

and Howard is the free safety. Kozlowski intercepted three passes last season to lead the team. Manasquan is aligned in the Constitution Division this season with Ocean, Raritan, Red Bank Catholic and Red Bank Regional. The Warriors’ schedule also includes a season-opening game at Middletown South, a nondivisional game with Toms River East and the annual Thanksgiving game against Wall. All that matters is what happens on the field beginning Sept. 2, but the pieces are in place for Manasquan to add to its considerable championship coffer.

Photo by:

The defensive backfield looks to be another strong group with experience at every position. Pendergist and Woodford are returning starters at cornerback, Kozlowski is the strong safety

Projected Offensive Starters:

BOB MARKS, SR., RS; NOAH MAMMERI, SO.

MLB: DYLAN LEBLANC, SR., 3RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

JJ CAVANAGH, SR., .RS; CAM PRICE, SR.

OLB: MAX PAUWELS, SR.; RYAN DEEGAN, SR.; WILL BURNS, SO.

Returning Starters: 7

RT:

ED DINGLER, SR.; JAMES GILMORE, JR.

CB: PAT WOODFORD, SR., RS; MIKE ANTONUCCI SR.

QB:

BRETT PATTEN, JR., RS; COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR.

RB:

PAT WOODFORD, SR., RS; JHAMIER HOWARD, JR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6

CB: ROBERT PENDERGIST, SR., 4RS; LUKE DAMEN, SR. SS:

COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR., 3RS; DAN HYLAND, SR.

FS:

JHAMIER HOWARD, JR.; JACK DETTLINGER, JR.

WR: ROBERT PENDERGIST, SR., 4RS; COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR., 3RS; DAN HYLAND, SR., JACK DETTLINGER, JR.; MIKE PRESBREY, SR.; MIKE ANTONUCCI, SR.; SHEA KEATING, SR.

DE:

JACK BURNS, SR., RS; JAMES O’BRIEN, SR.

DT:

JJ CAVANAGH, SR., 3RS; ED DINGLER, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

TE:

MATT O’DONNELL, JR.; CAEL DRISCOLL, JR.

DT:

BOB MARKS, SR., 3RS; NOAH MAMMERI, SO.

JACK DETTLINGER, JR., RS

LT:

JOE FRANKLIN, SR.; JAMES O’BRIEN, SR.

DE:

JOE FRANKLIN, SR., RS; MATT O’DONNELL, JR.

DYLAN LEBLANC, SR.

LG:

RYAN BURNS, SR.; SPENCER MULY, SR.

OLB: RYAN BURNS, SR., 3RS; CAEL DRISCOLL, JR.

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

YOUNG GUNS Head Coach: Don Klein, 1

5th

season Career Record: 79-59-1

onsidering the obstacles Ocean had to overcome in 2020, its final record of 3-3 left the Spartans with plenty of optimism heading into this season.

Assistant Coaches: RJ Read (Offensive Coordinator): Phil Greene (Defensive Coordinator); Rich Read (OL); Dean Athans (WR/DB); Jason Wombaugh (OL/DL); Sam Kinningham (OL/DL); Jim Simonelli (Special Teams Coordinator/DB); Kaitlin Zimmerman (Athletic Trainer).

Fri. 9/2 Matawan Fri. 9/10 @ Raritan Fri. 9/17 Manasquan Fri. 9/24 @ Red Bank Fri. 10/1 @ Brick Fri. 10/8 RBC Fri. 10/15 Long Branch Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBD TBD

2020: 3-3 2019: 8-1 2018: 4-6 2017: 2-8 2016: 5-5

s e c o n d ye a r a s t h e s t a r t e r a n d h i s t h i rd ye a r a s a va r s i t y p l a ye r a f t e r ser ving as the kicker and punter as a freshman. He threw for 584 yards and five touchdowns last season and at 6f o o t - 2 a n d a p p r o a ch i n g 2 0 0 p o u n d s t h e S p a r t a n s h av e h i g h ex p e c t a t i o n s for him as a dual-threat quarterback.

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple 40 ____________________________________________

S e n i o r C h r i s t i a n L a R o s a re t u r n s a s the starting running back while senior Nick Martinez and junior CJ Flannigan a re re t u r n i n g s t a r t e r s a t w i d e receiver. Senior Geter Benitez is also i n t h e m i x a t w i d e re c e i v e r. L i ke D o u g l a s , j u n i o r S h a n e G a r re t t h a s breakout potential. The 6-foot-2, 220pound junior is a retur ning starter at tight end.

Team Record Last Five Years:

( L- R )

Player to Watch :

S HANE G ARRETT (35), E THAN B RANDIMARTE (9), T YLER D OUGLAS (8), N ICK A TCHISON (55), C HRISTIAN L A R OSA (6), N ICK M ARTINEZ (5), CJ F LANNIGAN (25)

Tyler Douglas, Jr., QB/FS/K/P Douglas has been a starter since his freshman year when he was Ocean’s kicker and punter. He took over as the starting quarterback last season and made strides toward being the kind of player Ocean envisions. Head coach Don Klein and his staff have high expectations for the talented dual-threat quarterback, who holds a scholarship offer from Monmouth University.

Player Under the Radar: Shane Garrett, Jr., TE/DT Garrett, who is the son of Kean University head coach Dan Garrett, had a very good sophomore season and is expected to be a key player on both sides of the ball.

O c e a n ’s o n l y s c r i m m a g e wa s canceled because of a COVID outbreak among its opponent. Then, its seasonopener vs. Matawan was canceled for the same reason. By the time the third week of October rolled around, the Spartans were 0-2 having played two formidable squads that would go on to finish ranked in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10. W i t h n o t m u ch g o i n g r i g h t , h e a d coach Don Klein lear ned some things a b o u t h i s y o u n g p l a ye r s t h a t b o d e s ex t re m e l y w e l l f o r t h i s s e a s o n . T h e y b o u n c e d b a ck s t r o n g t h e f o l l ow i n g week with a win over Red Bank, then

defeated St. John Vianney to even t h e i r re c o rd . A f t e r a l o s s t o a p o t e n t Rumson squad, Ocean closed its season with an impressive win over a talented Manchester team. After the early-season adversity, the Spartans won three of their final four games. With 12 retur ning starters and some potential stars among them, O c e a n i s b a n k i n g o n a b o u n c e - b a ck season. S e v e n s t a r t e r s re t u r n i n O c e a n ’s s p re a d o f f e n s e t h a t av e ra g e d 2 0 points per game last season. Junior Ty l e r D o u g l a s w i l l b e e n t e r i n g h i s

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS : Skill Players

Tom Iacouzzi, So., OL/DL

With Douglas at quarterback, LaRosa at running back, and Martinez and Flannigan as wide receivers, Ocean has four returning starters to lead its offense.

B IG S HOES

F ILL :

The Wide Receivers While two of the three wideouts are returning starters, they will be

The Spartans will run a multiple 40

Ocean Continued on Page 40

I MPACT N EWCOMER : The 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore will play left guard and is one of four sophomores who earned starting jobs for the Spartans.

The offensive line will be working in t h re e n e w s t a r t e r s . S e n i o r N i ck Atchison (6-foot-1, 210) is a retur ning s t a r t e r a t l e f t g u a rd a n d s o p h o m o re Nick Caruso (6-foot-2, 265) is back as the center after starting as a freshman. Senior Anthony DiDario (6foor-1, 210) is the right tackle, junior E d w i n G a rc i a - Te l l e z ( 5 - f o o t - 1 0 , 2 0 0 ) is the right guard and sophomore Tom Iacouzzi (6-foot-, 210) is the left guard.

tasked with replacing the production of Chris Carasia, who was a second-team All-Shore selection last season and is a current freshman at Lafayette College.

X-F ACTOR : The Offensive Line The development of the offensive line, which has two returning starters and three newcomers, will be critical to Ocean’s success.

Ocean

Continued fromn Page 40

The Spartans will run a multiple 40 defense that hopes to improve o n t h e 2 5 . 3 p o i n t s p e r g a m e i t a l l ow e d l a s t s e a s o n . F i v e t o t a l s t a r t e r s re t u r n f r o m l a s t s e a s o n . J u n i o r B e n Tre n ch i s a re t u r n i n g s t a r t e r a t d e f e n s i v e e n d a n d G a r re t t i s a re t u r n i n g s t a r t e r a t defensive tackle. Junior Jayceon Webster (6-foot-2, 220) is the other defensive tackle and senior Ethan Brandimarte is the other defensive end. Garrett and Trench both recorded three sacks last season. T h e t h re e l i n e b a cke r s w i l l a l l b e f i r s t - ye a r d e f e n s i v e s t a r t e r s . LaRosa is the elder statesman of the group and will play outside linebacker, while sophomore Ben Girard is the middle linebacker and sophomore Will Canavan is the other outside linebacker.

and junior Caleb Thompson will line up on the opposite side. Flannigan retur ns as the starting strong safety and Douglas is the retur ning starter at free safety. F l a n n i g a n ( 4 3 ) a n d D o u g l a s ( 4 0 ) a re t h e t e a m ’s l e a d i n g re t u r n i n g t a ck l e r s a n d F l a n n i g a n a l s o intercepted two passes. Ocean will call the Constitution Division home this season. While Red Bank Catholic is the e l e p h a n t i n t h e r o o m , t h e l i ke s o f R a r i t a n , M a n a s q u a n a n d R e d B a n k R e g i o n a l s h o u l d m a ke for competitive matchups ever y week.

The secondar y is experienced with three of the four players having s t a r t e d l a s t s e a s o n . M a r t i n e z i s a re t u r n i n g s t a r t e r a t c o r n e r b a ck

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: 5

Returning Starters: 7

DE:

BEN TRENCH, JR. RS

QB:

TYLER DOUGLAS, JR., RS

DT:

SHANE GARRETT, JR., RS

RB:

CHRISTIAN LAROSA, SR., RS

DT:

JAYCEON WEBSTER, JR.

DE:

ETHAN BRANDIMARTE, SR.

WR: NICK MARTINEZ, SR., RS; CJ FLANNIGAN, JR., RS; GETER BENITEZ, SR. TE:

SHANE GARRETT, JR., RS

LT:

NICK ATCHISON, SR., RS

LG:

TOM IACOUZZI, SO.

NICK CARUSO, SO., RS

RG:

EDWIN GARCIA-TELLEZ, JR.

RT:

ANTHONY DIDARIO, SR.

OLB: CHRISTIAN LAROSA, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

MLB: BEN GIRARD, SO.

K/P: TYLER DOUGLAS, JR., RS

OLB: WILL CANAVAN, SO. CB: NICK MARTINEZ, SR., RS CB: CALEB THOMPSON, JR. SS:

CJ FLANNIGAN, JR., RS

FS:

TYLER DOUGLAS, JR., RS

JR. QB T YLER D OUGLAS Photo by:

By:

Matt Manley

SSN Senior Staff Writter

ROCKETS ON THE RISE Head Coach: Anthony Petruzzi, 12th season Career Record: 51-56

Assistant Coaches: Chris Damian (Off. Coordinator), Dave Ernst (RB/WR), Matt Dempsey (OL), Jonathan Rodriguez (Off. Assistant), Marc Carnivale (Off. Assistant), Jerome Dean III (LB), Joe Schroeck (DB), Keith Rescorl (DL), Nick Mahoney (Freshman), Chris Vurchio (Freshman OL/DL), Vito Aleo (Freshman Skill), Mike Desocio (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-1 2019: 5-4 2018: 5-4 2017: 4-6 2016: 6-4

Offense: Flex Bone Defense: Multiple ____________________________________________

very year, Raritan head coach Anthony Petruzzi stresses to his team the importance of improving over the course of the season and peaking in time for the start of the NJSIAA Playoffs. That’s been an especially sound strategy for a team with Raritan’s schedule, which routinely prepares the Rockets for the postseason competition. Had there been a state playoff in 2020, Raritan would have rolled into it on a six-game winning streak. After dropping their opening-week game vs. Holmdel, the Rockets closed the season with six straight victories to climb to No. 10 in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10 and did so with a team loaded with juniors and sophomores who are now heading into their junior and senior seasons this year. Among the returnees is the quarterback-running back tandem of Ben Hutchins and Kieran Falzon and both the linebacker

( L- R )

Fri. 9/10 Ocean Fri. 9/17 @RBC Fri. 9/24 Central Fri. 10/1 Manasquan Fri. 10/8 @Red Bank Fri. 10/15 Holmdel Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBD TBD

group and secondary will have plenty of starting experience on the defensive side. The interior line will have some new blood and the receivers and slot backs will all be moving up on the depth chart following the graduation of Luke O’Hea but this group of Rockets already has a winning pedigree.

B ENJAMIN H UTCHINS (11), J ASON T ROTTA (73), A LEX D EKIS (9), R OBBY S CAROLA (3) & J OSEPH C AMPANELLA (17)

“We have some key guys who can make plays, plus those glue guys who can bring everybody together,” Petruzzi said. “Expectations are high. The focus for the coaches has been making sure actions match expectations.”

Player to Watch : Alex Dekis, Sr., ILB The top returning tackler from last year’s team, Dekis will slide to middle linebacker in Raritan’s front while also serving as the emotional leader of the defense. Dekis is a senior captain on a seniorladen team, so while his play will do plenty of talking, he brings a lot to the table beyond just his ability to snuff out ball-carriers.

Player Under the Radar: Joe Murphy, Jr., WR/FS Like many younger players in football programs around the country, Murphy earned his stripes on his current team by playing mostly special teams and one year later he will have a greater role on both offense and defense. Murphy is in the mix both at safety and in Raritan’s collection of receivers.

Projected Offensive Starters:

RG:

KEVIN DRYJANKSI, JR.

OLB: BOBBY MULLIGAN, JR., RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RT:

JASON TROTTA, SR., RS

CB:

ROB SCAROLA, SR., RS; ZACH RIELLEY, SO.

CB:

JOE CAMPANELLA, SR.; JAYDEN CRAFT, SO.

SS:

DAN CALICARI, JR., RS

FS:

MATT AGAR, JR., RS; JOSEPH MURRAY, JR

Returning Starters: QB:

BEN HUTCHINS, SR., RS (38-75, 867, 10 TD, 2 INT)

RB:

KIERAN FALZON, JR., RS (129 RSH, 625 YD, 9 TD); KEITH WALLING, JR.

SLOT: JOE CAMPANELLA, SR., RS (9 REC, 278 YD, 2 TD)

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: DE:

MANI ABAS, SR., RS

DT:

THOMAS JELENIEWSKI, SO.; JASON TROTTA, SR., RS

DT:

STEPHEN MCCABE, JR.; ANTHONY ENGELS, SR.

DE:

JACK COLEMAN, JR., RS; KEVIN DRYJANSKI, JR.

SLOT: DAN CALICARI, JR., RS WR: ROBBY SCAROLA, SR., RS TE:

MATT AGAR, JR., RS

LT:

AIDEN HILL, SR.; ANTHONY ENGELS, SR.

LG:

THOMAS JELENIEWSKI, SO.

TEPHEN MCCABE, JR.

I MPACT N EWCOMER :

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

Thomas Jeleniewski, So., LG/DT

The Backfield

The offensive and defensive lines are where Raritan will be less experienced, particularly on the interior of each. Among the players lining up for significant time in those spots, Jeleniewski is the lone sophomore and is already showing glimpses of being an impact lineman right away, as well as a future leader up front.

Hutchins and Falzon are two productive returnees within the offense and both are eying even bigger years in 2021. Falzon was only a sophomore when he played his way into a role as a feature tailback, racking up 625 yards on 129 carries and nine touchdowns. Hutchins, meanwhile, completed half of his

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

JEFFREY SPENGLER, SR.

BEN HUTCHINS, SR.

OLB: ANTHONY BAVARO, SR., RS MLB: ALEX DEKIS, SR., RS (48 TACKLES); NICK GODKIN, JR.

pass attempts for 867 yards while running a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio of 10to-2. While those two are the headliners, the Rockets will be seeking good balance of production.

X-F ACTOR : Staying Hungry Petruzzi’s biggest competitive concern

heading into the season is not filling open starting jobs, health or the schedule – although all of those are challenges in his mind. After a 6-1 season that ended with a six-game winning streak, the Rockets players have big expectations and Petruzzi wants to make sure they understand that the slate is clean again and the process once again begins from the top.

By:

Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Head Coach: Mike Lange, 2nd season (3rd overall) Career Record: 4-2 at RBC (5-9 career)

oaded, stacked; whatever adjective you want to use, Red Bank Catholic certainly has an embarrassment of riches all over the football field. The Caseys may very well be the best team in the Shore Conference. Juggernaut is the word that comes to mind.

Assistant Coaches: Joe O’Connor (Offensive Coordinator); Kevin Gaul (Defensive Coordinator); Mike Rosenfeld (QB); Joe Gallagher (WR/DB); Keith Hugger WR/Special Teams); Jay Graham (DL); Jason Rutan (TE/DE); Andrew Lamura (RB/LB); Matt Finucane (asst. OL/Freshmen); Tony Flego (Freshmen HC); Don Gilson (Freshmen Asst.); Laura Barry (Athletic Trainer) 2020: 4-2 2019: 5-4 2018: 10-0 2017: 8-2 2016: 5-5

There are multiple players who fit the bill here, but we’ll go with Bauman because of the impact he has had on both sides of the ball. He’s a daunting cover as a tight end with his size and athleticism and was great coming off the edge at defensive end. He is one of New Jersey’s best all-around players and should come through with a big season.

Player Under the Radar: Joe Diorio, Sr., CB Diorio will be entering his third year as a starting defensive back and has developed into a very reliable corner that RBC can match up against top receivers. At 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds he is exceptionally tall for a cornerback, as well.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Alex Brown, Sr., QB You can put Brown, Cooper and Mejias into this category since all three should play pivotal roles for the Caseys. Brown gives the Caseys a veteran signal-caller who has played in big games and against tough opponents, and with the weapons around him he can have a highly productive senior season.

TBD TBD

Behind Brown in the Caseys’ spread offense will be a backfield tandem that should be among the best in the Shore. Along with Cooper, RBC has junior Sabino Portella, who started both ways last season. Portella is also a wrestling standout who is coming off a monster sophomore season.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 ____________________________________________ Player to Watch :

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

for 434 yards and three touchdowns last season, and senior offensive lineman Ashton Mejias.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Alex Bauman, Sr., TE/DE

Sat. 8/28 Timber Creek (@ Ocean City HS) Fri. 9/10 Wall Fri. 9/17 Raritan Sat. 9/25 @Manasquan Fri. 10/1 Red Bank Fri. 10/8 @Ocean Fri. 10/15 @RFH Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

( L- R )

R AJAHN C OOPER (5), R YAN M C P HERSON (1), A LEX B AUMAN (14), A LEX B ROWN (8), S ABINO P ORTELLA (24), N AJIH R AHMAN (13), M ICHAEL C ONNEELY (50)

When you have that blend of talent and experience, everything is on the table. And rightfully so. It could be a very special season at Count Basie Field. Coming off a 4-2 season in 2020, Red Bank Catholic enters this season with a tremendous roster that includes a total of 18 returning starters, three returning All-Shore selections and many more immensely talented players under second-year head coach Mike Lange. There are playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball and a stout group of linemen to bring it all together. We’ll start on the offensive side where RBC

brings back eight players who saw starting action and adds three more as transfer students. With Mater Dei Prep folding its varsity program, players from that roster headed off in all different directions. Three of them ended up five miles south down Route 35 and are huge additions to the Caseys’ roster. Senior quarterback Alex Brown, who is committed to Bucknell, is a two-time All-Shore selection and is coming off a season in which he threw for 957 yards and eight touchdowns and ran for 239 yards.

The Caseys’ group of receivers are excellent, as well, with junior standout Najih Rahman coming off a second-team All-Shore season as a sophomore and senior Jaiden Haynes and junior Robert Stolfa back after receiving starting reps a season ago. Sophomore Emmanuel Ross (6foot-2, 180) is also in the mix and RBC has additional depth with senior defensive back Joe Diorio having also played wideout in the past. Somehow we have gotten this far without mentioning Alex Bauman. The 6-foot-4, 235pound tight end is a three-year starter, a returning first-team All-Shore selection, and holds multiple FBS scholarship offers, led by Notre Dame. He caught 14 passes for 232 yards last season and is a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Rounding out a scary-looking offense is a beastly offensive line that returns four of five starters and averages 6-foot-3 and 274 pounds

Also coming over from Mater Dei is senior running back/linebacker Rajahn Cooper, who ran

Continued on Page 44

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS :

B IG S HOES

Offensive Line and Running Backs

The Defensive Tackles

Melding All the Talent Together

RBC’s rushing attack is going to wreak havoc on opponents this season. Portella and Cooer give the Caseys a pair of All-Shore caliber running backs and the offensive line is big and experienced.

All three defensive tackles who will see significant action will be first-time varsity starters. They will also be stepping into a position where Jake Louro dominated the line of scrimmage for the past three seasons. RBC is filled to the brim with talent but replacing Louro’s production in the middle of the defensive line will be a challenge.

Chemistry is important and if it’s not there it can hold back a talented roster. Outside of injuries, which is of course a concern for every team, there doesn’t seem to be anything else that could hold the Caseys back from having a big year.

F ILL :

RBC

X-F ACTOR :

RBC

Continued from Page 42

across the board, and that’s not including Bauman, who is a very good blocker as an inline tight end. Hulking left tackle Vince Carpenter is 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds and is committed to Purdue. Mejias is the left guard and senior Michael Conneely is the center. Sophomore Lorenzo Portella (6-foot-1, 275) was good enough to not just start but excel as a freshman lineman and is back as the right guard. The newcomer is sophomore Tyler Burnham, who only checks in at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds. Red Bank Catholic averaged 19.8 points per game last season. If there was a betting line on for such a thing, taking the over this season would be a slam dunk. The Caseys’ 4-3 defense has seven returning starters, four of whom are also regular starters on offense. As good a tight end as Bauman is, he was a monster at defensive end last season when he recorded 53 tackles and four sacks. Opposite Bauman is senior returning starter Ryan

McPherson. The interior linemen are all new with senior Liam Kehoe and junior Aidan Donohue as the defensive tackles with sophomore Bryan Miller also in the mix. Promising sophomore Davin Brewton will start at middle linebacker with Cooper and junior Michael Palmieri as the outside linebackers. In the secondary, all four players are returning starters. Diorio is a three-year starter and a lockdown corner and Stolfa is also a returning starter at the other cornerback spot. Rahman could also see some time in the secondary. Portella played outside linebacker last season but moves back to strong safety this year while senior Corbett Cimini is the free safety. Portella had 45 tackles and three sacks last season. Another Mater Dei transfer is senior kicker Jake Jacobsen, who will handle both the punting and kicking duties.

non-divisional/non-conference opponents, as well, as they open the season in Week 0 vs. Timber Creek and standout quarterback Donovan Leary at Ocean City High School before facing Wall in Week 2. They also have a date with Rumson-Fair Haven on Oct. 15. Division, Shore Conference and state championships are unquestionably on the table for Red Bank Catholic this season. A lot can happen between now and December, but the Caseys have the goods to be great.

RBC will play in the Constitution Division with Manasquan, Ocean, Raritan and Red Bank Regional. They have three great

Projected Offensive Starters:

MICHAEL CONNEELY, SR., RS

OLB: RAJAHN COOPER, SR., RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

LORENZO PORTELLA, SO., RS

MLB: DAVIN BREWTON, SO.

Returning Starters: 11

RT:

TYLER BURNHAM, SO.

OLB: MICHAEL PALMIERI, JR.

QB:

ALEX BROWN, SR. RS

RB:

SABINO PORTELLA, JR., RS; RAJAHN COOPER, SR., RS

WR: NAJIH RAHMAN, JR., RS; JAIDIN HAYNES, SR., RS; ROBERT STOLFA, JR., RS; EMMANUEL ROSS, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 7 DE:

ALEX BAUMAN, SR., RS

DT:

AIDAN DONOHUE, JR.

CB:

JOE DIORIO, SR., 3RS

CB:

ROBERT STOLFA, JR., RS

SS:

SABINO PORTELLA, JR., RS

FS:

CORBETT CIMINI, SR., RS

TE:

ALEX BAUMAN, SR., 3RS

LT:

VINCE CARPENTER, SR., RS

DT:

LIAM KEHOE, SR.; BRYAN MILLER, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters:

ASHTON MEJIAS, SR., RS

DE:

RYAN MCPHERSON, SR., RS

K/P: JAKE JACOBSEN, SR.

LG:

S R . QB A LEX B ROWN Photo by:

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Staff Writer

YOUNG BUCS Head Coach: st

Shane Fallon, 1 season Career Record: 108-56

Assistant Coaches:

hane Fallon made his mark as a head coach at Rumson-Fair Haven, where he helped establish the football culture that exists today at one of the Shore Conference’s best football schools. Now, Fallon is gearing up for his first season at the neighboring school just three miles west on Ridge Road.

Chris Barnes (RB), Glenn Grainger (DB), Tyler Karalewich (DL), Noel Kavanagh (QB), John Legere (DB), Jeff Mass (OL), Bill Pietsch (LB), Adam Bobertz (Freshman), Chris Leroy (Freshman), Christina Emrich (Athletic Trainer)

9/2 9/11 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22-23 10/29-30 11/25

@Asbury Park @Manasquan @John F. Kennedy Ocean @RBC Raritan Matawan Shore Conference Pods Shore Conference Pods @Long Branch

6pm 2pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBD TBD 10:30am

Red Bank Regional welcomes Fallon aboard as its head coach coming off a 2-4 2020 campaign in which the Bucs captured a pair of lopsided wins, suffered a pair of lopsided losses and lost the two tightly-contested games they were in – one to Raritan and another to Ocean.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 7-4 2018: 7-3 2017: 2-8 2016: 4-6

Offense: Multiple I Defense: _________________4-3 ___________________________ Player to Watch : Cian Curylo, Sr., RB/LB Curylo emerged as a go-to runner out of the backfield and a linebacker on the defense for last year’s Bucs team and will be a greater focal point during his senior season.

Fri. Sat. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri/Sat Fri/Sat Thur

( L- R )

With six returning senior starters – Cian Curylo, Jack Grassi, Gus Dal Pra, Matt Dengler, Pete Thomas and Sean Masonius – a rising core of underclassmen and a new coaching staff, there will be a new-look element to Red Bank this coming season and Fallon is hoping to establish a winning process right away while looking for the spark that takes what has been a solid Bucs program to the next level over the next several years. P ETER T HOMAS (68), S EAN M ASONIUS (50), J ACK G RASSI (5), G US D AL P RA (2)

M ATT D ENGLER (13), C IAN C URYLO (7)

Player Under the Radar: Gus Dal Pra, Sr., WR/DB Dal Pra is a returning starter and will now be a standout for Red Bank. The senior will be a key cog in the passing game as a wide receiver for his new quarterback and on the defensive side, will be a leader in an experienced, talented secondary.

I MPACT N EWCOMERS :

Sept. 2 vs. Asbury Park. Grassi and Dal Pra are two senior leaders for the safety positions while juniors Pierce Olsen and Brendan Laughlin and sophomores Alex Choback and Jones are in on the cornerback competition along with the senior holdover in Dengler. Eckerstrom is also making a serious push to play at safety.

Jah’Cire Jones (So., RB/CB) and Gunnar Eckerstrom (So., WR/DB)

B IG S HOES

Red Bank’s sophomore class has a chance to make an impact this season and Jones and Eckerstrom are two of the underclassmen looking to break into big roles right away. Jones is making a strong case to get meaningful carries at running back as a sophomore while Eckerstrom could be in the mix as a slot receiver. Both sophomores are also part of Red Bank’s deep group of defensive backs.

Red Bank’s best offensive weapon in 2020 was

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS : Secondary Speaking of the defensive backs, Fallon anticipates the secondary will be the strength of the team because of the experienced players that comprise its core, as well as the depth beyond whatever ends up being the starting unit on

F ILL :

Jack Grassi, Sr., QB/DB

now-graduated two-way athlete Owen Laughlin, the older brother of current junior Brendan. Owen Laughlin was a dual-threat quarterback who led the team in rushing and was also an adept passer – a combination of skills that Grassi will be looking to cover as he ascends toward the starting job on opening day. Grassi is also a capable athlete, but he might end up playing it differently with a new coaching staff and scheme in place.

X-F ACTOR : The Trenches Chemistry is important and if it’s not there it can hold back a talented roster. Outside of injuries, which is of course a concern for every team, there doesn’t seem to be anything else that could hold the Caseys back from having a big year.

“I really like the seniors,” Fallon said. “They say all the right things, they work hard, they are coachable and the coaching staff loves them. I have been really happy with the staff we have put together and the kids are responding to it.

future of Red Bank Regional football. Some of the sophomores will get on the field a lot this year and others may not because of the seniors and juniors ahead of them. Whoever plays, it’s going to be position-based so could be some sophomores who end up being really big players for us down the road who might not see a whole lot of time yet. There is a lot of competition, which is where you always want to be as a program heading into any season.”

“The junior class has some important pieces to the puzzle and the sophomore class is extremely talented,” Fallon said. “They are the

Photos by:

Projected Offensive Starters:

DT:

OLIN SWORDS, SR. PATRICK CODY, SR.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

DE:

QB: JACK GRASSI, SR.; PIERCE OLSEN, JR.

OLB: CIAN CURYLO, SR., RS

RB:

MLB: SEAN MASONIUS, SR., RS

CIAN CURYLO, SR., RS; JAH’CIRE JONES, SO.

WR: GUS DAL PRA, SR., RS; GUNNAR ECKERSTROM, SO.

OLB: MICHAEL BUONANTUONO, SR.

WR: KY’YAM MARTIN, JR.; LAMAR HICKS, JR.;

CB:

BRENDAN LAUGHLIN, JR.; PIERCE OLSEN, JR.; ALEX CHOBACK, SO.

WR: MATT DENGLER, SR., RS; KEVIN SPENCER, SR. LT:

JACK KILLGANNON, SR.

CB:

MATT DENGLER, SR., RS; JAH’CIRE JONES, SO.

LG: WILLIAM MEWBORN, SR.

SS:

GUS DAL PRA, SR., RS

FS:

JACK GRASSI, SR., RS; GUNNAR ECKERSTROM, SO.

EAN MASONIUS, SR., RS; HANK DAL PRA, JR.

RG: PETE THOMAS, SR., RS; WILL ANAN, SR. RT: GRIFFIN EGAN, SO.; MICHAEL MUELLER, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

GIAN CARLO DUATAJ, JR.

NICK GANDOLPHO, SO.

DE: DYLAN GOLDBERG, SR.; NASIR HUNT, SR.

SR. RB C IAN C URYLO

DT: PETER THOMAS, SR., RS

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Staff Writer

TRIPLE THREAT Head Coach: Dave Ellis, 13 th season Career Record: 48-50

Assistant Coaches: Mike D’Antonio (WR/OLB), Jason Blum (Off. Coordinator/OL), Zac Cooper (Special Teams/DL), Jeremy Mercer (TE/LB), Nick Tyson (QB/DB), John Kinzel (OL/DL), Jake Curry (QB/OLB/Freshman), Matt Whalen (RB/DB)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-2 2019: 2-7 2018: 5-4 2017: 8-4 2016: 6-5

Offense: Spread Defense: _________________3-5-3 ___________________________ Players to Watch : Tyler Ochojski (SR., TE/LB) and Yah-Sin Calhoun (Sr., RB/FS) The big three of Ochojski, Calhoun and Gill (more on him shortly) will be the driving force in taking Freehold Boro as far as it can go in 2021. Ochojski is a tight end and linebacker with six FBS offers and is primed to be a force on both sides of the ball. He was a regular red zone target of Shuler last year and also led the Shore Conference with 10 sacks. Calhoun, meanwhile, had one of the best all-around seasons of any Shore Conference player, putting up 970 total yards and nine touchdowns on offense, while leading the Shore Conference in both tackles (113) and interceptions (six). This season, Calhoun again figures to be the No. 1 option for carries in the spread attack while also playing a part in the passing game and captaining the secondary as the free safety.

Player Under the Radar:

here have been some dynamic individual performers to lead Freehold Boro over recent years and this upcoming season, there will again be upperechelon talent on the Colonials roster.

While Freehold games could often turn into a one-man show with players like Sha’kim Shuler last year and Ashante Worthy before him, this year’s team has a trio of seniors who can take over a game – a dynamic that could make Freehold a different kind of dangerous in 2021. Kamore Gill, Yah-Sin Calhoun and Tyler Ochojski are the talented, seasoned veterans leading the Colonials into the upcoming season and the expectation among the coaching staff is that this team will be all about that big three more than it is the one-man showcase. “It’s all three of those guys – to single one out as the guy would be an injustice to the other two,” Freehold Township coach Dave Ellis said. “They all have great character, they are very coachable and they are all unselfish.”

Thur. Fri. Sat. Fri. Sat. Fri. Sat. Fri/Sat Fri/Sat

9/2 9/10 9/18 9/24 10/2 10/8 10/16 10/22-23 10/29-30

@Jackson Mem. 7pm @Freehold Twp. 6:30pm Long Branch 12pm @TR East 6pm TR South 12pm @St. John Vianney 7pm Manalapan 12pm Shore Conference Pods TBD Shore Conference Pods TBD

will have its share of barnburners on the scoreboard and keeping those key players healthy is key, but Freehold Boro rolls into 2021 again eying a deep postseason run now that the NJSIAA Playoffs are back for this coming fall.

( L- R )

T YLER O CHOJSKI (8), K AMORE G ILL (5), K AYDEN H UTCHINSON Y AH -S IN C ALHOUN (3) & M ATT V ERARDI (50)

The rest of the team lacks overall experience but Ellis and his staff have consistently succeeded in building around speedy skill players and this

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: KAMORE GILL, SR. RB: YAH-SIN CALHOUN, SR. RS; CAMERON CROOMS, JR. WR: KAYDEN HUTCHINSON, JR. RS; CHRISTIAN DASILVA, JR. WR: MIKE BICKERTON, SO.; SPENSER RUSHTON, SO. WR: YLER GOLDSTEIN, SR.; ASIR SMITH, JR.; HECTOR RODRIGUEZ, JR. TE: TYLER OCHOJSKI, SR., RS ; MATT GIUFFRIDA, SO. LT: ANTHONY LOMBARDI, SR. LG: MATT VERARDI, SR.

year’s team has every opportunity to be as dynamic as any Colonials team. This season C: RG: RT:

CARTER STOKES, SO. STEVE GONCALVES, SR.; JOHN RUSSO, SO. J.J. JOHNSON, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: NT: DE: OLB: ILB: ILB: ILB:

STEVE GONCALVES, SR. J.J. JOHNSON, SR., RS MATT VERARDI, SR., RS CAMERON CROOMS, JR.; MATT GIUFFRIDA, SO. ANTHONY LOMBARDI, SR. TYLER OCHOJSKI, SR. RS ALEX D’ANTONIO, JR.

With those three guys, we are going to be a tough team to play,” Ellis said. “It’s going to come down to how quickly the other guys can learn but we have three coaches on the field who are out there helping the offensive linemen and showing guys as much as they can. When you have a group (7), of seniors who care that much and are that talent, it makes you want to win for them. I want those guys to experience a state championship, so that’s going to be our mindset going in.”

SS: CB: CB: FS:

SPENSER RUSHTON, SO.; MIKE BICKERTON, SO. KAMORE GILL, SR., RS JORDAN HAMLIN-WOOLFORK, JR. YAH-SIN CALHOUN, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K: P:

KAYDEN HUTCHINSON, SR. KAMORE GILL, SR.

Cameron Crooms, Jr., WR/LB/S While Freehold Boro has leaned on a handful of players to carry its explosive offense from year-to-year, there is a reason it keeps working: new players keep emerging. This season, Crooms is a candidate to take a big step forward in the passing game, particularly with Gill moving to quarterback and opening up a spot at slot receiver. On top of becoming a weapon in the passing game, the junior returns as a versatile defender who can play in the box as well as drop back as a safety in Freehold’s 3-5 stack defense.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Spenser Rushton, So., WR/SS Unlike Crooms, Rushton is starting the season without varsity

experience but has demonstrated early on that he will be an important part of the program for the next three seasons. The sophomore will be part of a deep wide receiver corps and could carve out some catches within that group, but his bigger impact could very well be on defense as a potential starter at strong safety.

target once he takes the snap. Kayden Hutchinson is one of the Shore’s best kickers on top of a reliable target in the receiving game, while Mike Bickerton, Tyler Goldstein, Asir Smith and Christian DaSilva are all in the receiver rotation.

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS :

Kamore Gill, Sr., QB/CB

Skill Positions As usual, Freehold Boro has speed and athletes around the ﬁeld, so much so that Kamore Gill can move off receiver to quarterback and there are still plenty of options for Gill to

B IG S HOES

F ILL :

Shuler’s graduation leaves a major opening at quarterback and like many of his predecessors in the program, Gill is moving from another skill position to quarterback – in his case from slot to signal-caller. The Freehold coaching staff has helped multiple players

make the transition and the early signs are that Gill will excel in the role.

X-F ACTOR : Inexperience Freehold’s big three will give the Colonials a chance to beat any team on its challenging schedule but whether or not the Colonials can put together a big season will likely have more to do with the performance of some of its less experienced players. Matt Verardi and J.J. Johnson both return with some experience as well, but the rest of the lineup on both sides is looking to pick things up quickly.

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Staff Writer

BYE, GEORGE Head Coach: Dan George, 23 rd season Career Record: 159-60

an George is not a man with a lot of free time on his hands so he hasn’t had time to think about the free time he will have once August of 2022 rolls around.

Assistant Coaches: Chad King (Def. Coordinator/DB), Ben Woolley (Off. Coordinator/OL), Greg Penta (Off. Coordinator/QB), Sean Brown (LB), Ryan Burgess (DL), Terrence King (RB), Kris Parker (WR), Jamill Pitts (Freshman), Devron Clark (Freshman), Kim Smalls (Athletic Trainer)

Fri 9/10 St. John Vianney 7pm Sat 9/18 @Freehold 12pm Fri 9/24 Jackson Mem. 7pm Sat 10/2 TR East 1pm Fri 10/8 @TR South 7pm Fri 10/15 @Ocean 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Thur 11/25 Red Bank 10:30am

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 1-6 2019: 4-7 2018: 12-1 2017: 9-3 2016: 2-8

Offense: Spread Defense: _________________4-2 ___________________________ Players to Watch : Jayden Farmer, Sr., WR/CB and Jyshon Presley, Sr., TE/DE Farmer is an established player in both the passing game, both as a target on offense and a lock-down cornerback on the defensive side. Presley is another player who can make an impact on either side of the passing game – as a tight end on offense and rushing the passer as a defensive end.

Player Under the Radar: Deondre McCullers, Sr., C/LB McCullers is a rock at two positions that require stability: center and inside linebacker. Long Branch plays with only two linebackers and McCullers will be the more experienced of the two spots, with senior Josh Vann and senior Hassan Bryant the frontrunners for the other linebacker spot. Offensively, he will be one of two returning starters on the offensive line.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Khaleeq Ingram, So., OT/DT Ingram may or may not open as a starter on the offensive or defensive lines, but at an agile 6-foot-6, 330 pounds, he has the look of a player will make a major difference in the program before long. Senior Kai Coleman is back at left tackle, Tracey and Anthony Santana return with some playing experience and junior Kayvon Williams has made a strong case to start at right tackle, but the competition has helped improve the line quickly and Ingram forcing the coaching staff to play him could end up being a positive in both the short-term and long-term.

( L- R )

J Y S H ON P R E S L E Y (11), K A I C O L E M A N (52), J A Y D E N F A R M E R (10), S E KO U K A M A U (1); C H R I S T I A N R O D R I G U E Z (2), M I K E H A L L (5)

F o r t h e p a s t 2 2 s e a s o n s , G e o rg e h a s b e e n t h e h e a d f o o t b a l l c o a ch a t L o n g Branch and he also doubles as the City o f L o n g B ra n ch b e a ch m a n a g e r a n d chief lifeguard, which makes for a ver y b u s y e n d - o f - s u m m e r. T h i s s e a s o n , h ow e v e r, w i l l b e G e o rg e ’s l a s t – a d e c i s i o n h e m a d e w e l l b e f o re c a m p opened up and one he anticipates will be final.

“What’s g reat is I still love to do it,” G e o rg e s a i d . “ I ’ m n o t g e t t i n g o u t because I don’t like doing it anymore. I j u s t k n e w i t wa s t i m e a n d t h e re a re some other things I would like to do. But I s t i l l l ov e c o m i n g t o p ra c t i c e, g o i n g through the game plan, meeting with the coaches, interacting with the kids.

this being the last year w i t h everything I h av e going

SR. TE J Y S H ON P R E S L E Y

“I don’t have much time to think about

LONG BRANCH C o n t i n u e d

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

B IG S HOES

Playmakers

Mike Hall, Sr., WR

Quarterback Experience

With second-year starter Christian Rodriguez running the show at quarterback, second-year back Sekou Kamau now the feature back and Farmer leading a talented receiver group that also has Presley at tight end, Long Branch has the makings of an offense that can put up points. Kamau took his lumps as a sophomore and Mike Hall, K.J. Horne and Shamar Williams are stepping into bigger roles, but all have the upside to make an impact over the course of the season.

BaSean Fraser was a big-play receiver that defenses had to account for and to some extent, it will be Farmer’s responsibility to turn into a threat that resembles that profile. More importantly, though, Long Branch needs multiple options and as a senior who played a healthy number of snaps in 2020, Hall will be a prime candidate to step up as an option for Rodriguez.

Rodriguez faced some of the top defenses in the Shore Conference last year, which was his first as a starter. It was trial by fire, but it should have him more than ready for the challenge of 2021, in which there will be some new targets in the passing game, some new linemen blocking for him, but enough back around him to make a difference against a more forgiving schedule.

F ILL :

Page 52

X-F ACTOR :

LONG BRANCH C o n t i n u e d

deceiving for Long Branch, which had to play a s u n f o rg i v e n o f a s ch e d u l e a s a n y t e a m i n the conference. The Green Wave won a downto-the-wire opener at Middletown South, then l o s t s i x s t ra i g h t g a m e s t o c l o s e t h e s e a s o n . T h e f i r s t o f t h e s i x wa s a 2 8 - 0 r o u t a t t h e h a n d s o f R u m s o n - F a i r H av e n , f o l l ow e d by c o m p e t i t i v e l o s s e s t o M i d d l e t ow n N o r t h , Mater Dei Prep, Red Bank Catholic, Old Bridge and Manasquan.

from Page 50

“I don’t have much time to think about this b e i n g t h e l a s t ye a r w i t h e v e r y t h i n g I h av e going on. At the end of the day, I put my head on the pillow and before I know it, it’s coming off the pillow.” While George is on his way out, he is still as i m m e r s e d a s e v e r i n h i s p r o g ra m a n d t h i s year ’s team requires plenty of effort from the coaches for two primar y reasons: 1) the team is lacks experience in key spots and 2) it has the potential to succeed with steady progress. Last

ye a r ’s

1-6

re c o rd

This year ’s schedule, while challenging, is quite so daunting, so between the experience Long Branch does have at the skill positions and in the secondar y and the recent program pedigree, the Green Wave could ver y well find

somewhat

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

DE: DT: DT: DE: LB: LB: CB: CB: SS: S: S:

QB: RB: WR: WR: WR: TE: LT: LG: C: RG: RT:

CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, SR., RS SEKOU KAMAU, JR., RS; JOSH VANN, SR. JAYDEN FARMER, SR. RS MIKE HALL, JR., RS K.J. THORNE, SR.; SHAMAR WILLIAMS, JR. JAYSHON PRESLEY, SR., RS KAI COLEMAN, SR., RS LUKE TRACEY, JR.; ISRAEL DELGADILLO, SR. DEONDRE MCCULLERS, SR., RS ANTHONY SANTANA, SR. KAYVON WILLIAMS, JR.; KHALEEQ INGRAM, SO.; BRIAN DUNCAN, JR.

JAYSHON PRESLEY, SR., RS ANTHONY SANTANA, SR.; KHALEEQ INGRAM, SO. ISRAEL DELGADILLO, SR. LUKE TRACEY; JOSH DUVALL, JR. JOSH VANN, SR.; HASSAN BRYANT, SR. DEONDRE MCCULLERS, SR., RS EARNEST REEVEY, SO. JAYDEN FARMER, SR., RS SHAMAR WILLIAMS, JR. SEKOU KAMAU, JR., RS CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, JR. RS

a wa y t o ov e rc o m e t h e re m a i n i n g inexperience and low number of players on the roster compared to past years. “ We ’re l i g h t e r i n n u m b e r s t h a n w e h av e b e e n b u t w e h av e s o m e g o o d k i d s ,” G e o rg e s a i d . “ We ’re g o i n g t o have to get through some inexperience and ever ything that comes with it, but w e ’re g e t t i n g b e t t e r a n d t h e g o o d news is we don’t have the schedule we had last year. We’re still playing some g o o d c o m p e t i t i o n , b u t n o t h i n g i s l i ke what we had to do last year. If we can get the kids to understand that they have to be at their

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ, SR.

SR. QB C H R I S T I A N R O D R I G U E Z

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Staff Writer

A NEW WAY TO WIN Head Coach: Mike Alberque, 2nd season Career Record: 76-65-1

Assistant Coaches:

he last several seasons for the St. John Vianney football team have been a reimagination of the program, in which the Lancers went from a team that drew some of the top talent from the area (and out of the area, in some cases) and overwhelmed opponents to a program that is relying on a more conventional talent pool and figuring out ways to win.

Jeff Papcun (Def. Coordinator), Dan Fierro (Off. Coordinator/QB), Mike Warnock (Running Game/OL/DL), Ed Hernandez (Special Teams/LB), Tony Abarno (RB), Lou Liberatore (Freshman), Tyler Lucas (Freshman), Brian Lucas (Freshman), Pete Pezzullo (SB), Joe Galamb (UT), Ruthann Rutledge (Athletic Trainer), Maya Kantor (Athletic Trainer) 2020: 5-4 2019: 4-5 2018: 5-5 2017: 10-1 2016: 10-1

Player to Watch : Mason Shenk, Sr., TE/DE/K There are several dynamic athletes on the St. John Vianney roster that could be primed for big seasons: Peter Pezzullo is a feature back with experience; Antonion Rosato is a dual-threat quarterback; Kyle Verriest is healthy again as a standout two-way player at receiver and defensive back; Joey Abarno is a physical player out of the backfield and at linebacker.

Corey Pitts, Sr., RB/CB Pitts has been a varsity contributor since his freshman season, so when it comes to playing cornerback at the varsity level, few players in the Shore have the credentials of the St. John Vianney senior. In addition to being a steady player on the defensive side, Pitts could prove to be a valuable offensive weapon this season by complementing Pezzullo out of the backfield. With both Pitts and Pezzullo playing both sides of the ball, it will benefit St. John Vianney to feature two running backs and Pitts has shown enough potential in preseason that the Lancers could have their tandem.

TBD TBD

Finding a way to win the close game will be a key in 2021 for the Lancers, which despite not boasting some of the major college talent that they had five years ago still has All-Shore-caliber players around the roster. Vianney will be both dynamic and experienced at every skill position and also has two proven, strong tackles to build out an offensive line. Those qualities will also play out on the defensive side, where the Lancers will again be a team of primarily two-way players with just enough depth to give starters the occasional breather.

Offense: Multiple Defense: _________________4-3 ___________________________

Player Under the Radar:

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

Last year, St. John Vianney picked up five convincing wins – every margin of victory was by at least 17 points – and was within one score of its opponent in three of its four losses.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Shenk, however, is the most unique of the group. Not only is the senior one of the Shore’s top kickers, but he also turned in a standout season on defense with 46 tackles and five sacks while playing on the edge. In addition to his defensive play and kicking, Shenk has a chance to make an impact as a tight end by catching passes and paving the way for the Lancers army of running backs.

Fri. 9/2 @Manalapan Fri. 9/10 @Long Branch Fri. 9/17 TR East Fri. 9/24 @TR South Fri. 10/1 Donovan Cath. Fri. 10/8 Freehold Fri. 10/15 @Midd. North Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

Throw in arguably the Shore’s top kicker and the Lancers should have a lot of ways to deal with opponents in 2021. ( L- R )

C OREY P ITTS (7), T ROY D EY (19), I SAAC M ONTAIVO (2), M ASON S HENK (22) P ETER P EZZULLO (26) & J OEY A BARNO (24)

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Zach Scully, Jr., C On the remade St. John Vianney offensive line, Scully has been an early bright spot as a first-year starter at center and that bodes well for the rest of the group. Makal Davis and Jacob Davis (no relation) are starting tackles with varsity experience, so Scully’s play in the interior of the line along with starting guard candidates Tim O’Dowd, Brendan Kane and sophomore Ryan Buchanan will be a determining factor in how good the Lancers are as an offense.

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS : Secondary The St. John Vianney team as a whole has a good deal of playing experience coming back from 2020 and the secondary is the best example of that. Pitts and Verriest have played a lot of snaps during their varsity careers and even in an injuryshortened sophomore year, Verriest managed to snare two

interceptions. Isaac Montalvo and Troy Dey also played a signiﬁcant amount last season while Verriest was out and are ready to take over in a full-time role.

B IG S HOES

F ILL :

Troy Dey and Isaac Montalvo (Sr., WR/DB) St. John Vianney’s biggest two losses were inside linebacker and tight-end Julian Young and speedster Josh East. The Lancers will have the group of Joey Abarno, Jack Farrah, Michael Foley and Mason Shenk to cover the various contributions that Young offered, while it will be up to Dey and Montalvo to fill in for East. East was a major factor as a receiver, cornerback and kick returner and both Dey and Montalvo will play a key role in all three of those areas as well

“We bring back a lot of talented players,” said second-year St. John

X-F ACTOR : Finishing Games In order to win games in 2021, St. John Vianney was at its best when it stepped on the accelerator early and made the game an uphill battle for its opponent. The closest margin of victory among the Lancers’ five wins was a 24-7 win over Holmdel and the average margin of victory in those five games was 25.2 points. On the flip side, three of St. John Vianney’s four losses came by a margin of seven points, as the Lancers dropped games to Raritan, Ocean and Barnegat by a touchdown each. The other was a 2410 loss to Brick Memorial, so St. John Vianney enters this season focused on being able to close out fourth quarters of games with a roster that should now be more prepared for that challenge.

Vianney head coach Mike Alberque, who is also the school’s athletic director. “We lost some impact guys but we’re going to have a lot of skill players with experience. Peter Pezzullo is back at running

back and Antonio Rosato gives us unique dual-threat quarterback because he can throw and is very dangerous with his legs. If we can keep improving and stay healthy, we have a chance to have a very good season.” Photos by:

SR. RB. P ETER P EZZULLO

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters:

DE:

MASON SHENK, SR., RS

QB:

ANTONIO ROSATO, JR., 3RS

DT:

MAKEL DAVIS, JR.

RB:

PETER PEZZULLO, SR., RS

DT:

JACOB DAVIS, SR., RS

RB:

JOEY ABARNO, SR., RS

DE:

ETHAN CAWLEY, SR., RS

WR: TROY DEY, SR., RS; ISAAC MONTALVO, SR.

OLB: JACK FARRAH, JR., RS

WR: KYLE VERRIEST, JR., RS; MIKE ABEL, SR.

ILB: OEY ABARNO, SR., RS

TE:

MASON SHENK, SR.

OLB: MICHAEL FOLEY, JR.

LT:

JACOB DAVIS, SR., RS; MATT DEFELICE, JR.

CB:

COREY PITTS, SR., 4RS

LG:

TIM O’DOWD, JR.; RYAN BUCHANAN, SO.

CB:

ISAAC MONTALVO, SR., RS

ZACH SCULLY, JR.

SS:

KYLE VERRIEST, JR., 3RS

RG:

BRENDAN KANE, SR.; TIM O’DOWD, JR.

FS:

TROY DEY, SR., RS

RT:

MAKEL DAVIS, JR., RS; ANDREW CHEMO, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K: MASON SHENK, SR., 3RS; MIKE ABEL, SR. P: MASON SHENK, SR.

SR. TE. M ASON S HENK

here were doubts and uncertainty about whether it would happen but there was a 2020 football season, and for that, we were all thankful. There were moments from the abbreviated season that will stand the test of time, and for the seniors who were able to step on the field one final time, it meant everything. At the same time, it just didn’t feel like the football season we’re used to. Because it wasn’t. No divisions, no state playoffs, few or no fans in the stands, no raucous student sections, games canceled because of the COVID19 pandemic; just getting through the season r e q u i r e d unprecedented efforts from players, coaches,

Shore but make no mistake about it, football

administrators and parents. But we got through it, crowned a Shore Conference champion, and learned a few things about perseverance and determination. That is what makes the forthcoming 2021 season so exciting. Football season is here with all the accoutrements we know and love. The Shore Conference will have eight divisions and most should come down to the wire to crown division champions. The state playoffs are back and the Shore Conference, as always, should have multiple title contenders. The best byproduct of the 2020 season was the Shore Conference postseason pods, a bunch of mini–Shore Conference Tournaments that gifted us a legendary if unofficial Shore Conference title game between Wall and Donovan Catholic. Those pods will be back as a precursor to what looks like an official Shore Conference Tournament in the coming seasons.

SR. C H A R L I E S A S S O

Wall

has been the No. 1 t Shore for nearly two full coming off a 7-0 s concluded with a legenda stand on the final play of t an 18-15 victory over Catholic in the Shore Co championship game. The Knights finished No. 1 in t last season and despite lo of the program’s all-time Logan Peters and Casey return a whopping 17 s their quest to contin dynasty.

Just thinking about the possibilities, the potential matchups, and the unbelievable moments that are bound to occur over the next few months brings a smile to my face. It may still be summer at the Jersey

SR. G E O F F S C H R O E D E R

The end goal for most teams trophy in December at eit Rutgers University, but w championship now in play intrigue. The race to the to teams like Wall, Red B Catholic, and Rumsonthe season as favorite like Colts Neck, Regional, M Middletown South, Lacey, Raritan and oth to crash the party in th No. 1.

Senior linebacker Charlie Sasso is a four-year starter, the reigning Shore Sports Network Defensive Player of the Year, and a Monmouth University commit who should somehow be even better this year. Senior linebacker Colin Riley, another four-year starter and first-team All-Shore selection, is another top returner along with senior AllShore defensive end/tight end Blake Rezk, four-year starting lineman Brian Byrne, three-year lineman and kicker Max Oakley, and wide receiver/defensive back Matt Dollive, just to name a few. The Crimson Knights will begin the season as the No. 1 team in the SSN Top 10 but will be tested early and often by a host of serious challengers.

Red Bank Catholic season has arrived.

s is to hoist a championship ther MetLife Stadium or with a Shore Conference , it adds another level of op will be unforgiving as Bank Catholic, Donovan -Fair Haven enter s while teams Southern Manasquan, Freehold, hers will try he battle for

is coming off a modest 4-2 season but finished the year ranked No. 3 in the SSN Top 10. The Caseys are loaded with size, skill, strength and speed all over the field and will look to stake their claim as the Shore’s best. Senior tight end/defensive end Alex Bauman is a returning All-State selection who counts Notre Dame among his several FBS scholarship offers. He is one of the best all-around players in New Jersey but the list certainly does notend there for RBC. Sabino Portella and Rajahn Cooper might be the best backfield tandem in the Shore and could blossom into one of the best in New Jersey. Senior quarterback Alex Brown started for two years at Mater Dei before transferring after the Seraphs folded their varsity program. Junior wide receiver Najih Rahman could be the breakout star of the entire Shore Conference. The offensive line is experienced and massive. Defensively, the Caseys should be excellent with Bauman, Portella, Cooper, senior defensive end Ryan McPherson, and defensive backs Joe Diorio, Robert Stolfa and Corbett Cimini.

eam in the years and is eason that ary goal-line the game in Donovan onference Crimson the state osing two greats in y Larkin, tarters in nue their

Donovan Catholic SR. C A R ON M C N A I R

has ascended to become one of the Shore Conference’s elite teams and will look to take another step this season while playing a See

SR. ALEX BAUMAN

Race to the Top page 58

Race to the Top from page 57 challenging schedule. The Griffins graduated a slew of All-Shore players after going 7-1 last season but return with loads of talent to make a run at No. 1. Senior quarterback Jalin Butler and senior running back Nunes Bukula will step into starting roles and both are capable of putting together All-Shore seniors of their own. Senior wide receiver Kyree Drake transferred from Mater Dei, Levi Wilkins is a big-bodied and experienced tight end and the offensive line has plenty of beef with Caron McNair, Nico Ippolito, Aaron Crooms, Rob Madison and EJ Smith. Defensively, Donovan Catholic graduated two outstanding linebackers in Quamire Green and Dominick Nocera but return two more stalwarts with seniors Connor Farrell and Nat Ianello from a unit that allowed just 8.4 points per game last season.

Rumson-Fair Haven hasn’t had a losing season in over two decades and is always in the mix for division and state titles. With there being no state playoffs last season, Rumson’s streak of appearing in seven consecutive NJSIAA sectional championship games remains intact and the Bulldogs have their sights set on bringing title No. 7 back to Ridge Road. Rumson’s consistency is due in large part to its ability to plug in new players and continue performing at a high level. There are several key returners back, including senior linebackers John Lista and Ryan McKay, senior defensive end Aidan Moriarty, senior linemen Charlie Pearson, Patrick Malpass, George Clough and Christian Smith, and senior running back Geoff Schroeder. There are some spots of inexperience throughout the lineup but a great coaching staff led by head coach Jerry Schulte always has the Bulldogs ready. The list of true contenders for the No. 1 team in the Shore may not go much past four or five teams but there are a bunch of squads with the potential to contend for division, pod and sectional titles.

Colts Neck is a team that enjoyed a breakout 7-1 season last year and returns a bevy of its top players from a season ago. The Cougars will play in the American Division with Wall, Donovan Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven and Toms River North so they will have their hands full every week, but they have the talent and experience to have another huge year. Senior quarterback Tommy Fallon will be entering his fourth year as the starter and has a big and experienced offensive line to protect him with seniors Dan Volpe, Ryan Whalen and Matt Jannucci leading

the way. The Cougars also play a tough, physical brand of defense led by All-Shore senior linebacker Anthony Bonanno. Taking the next step would mean cracking the top four.

Southern Regional is a team that could be a major factor if all breaks right. The Rams have one of the Shore Conference’s best running backs in senior Jaiden Brown, an underrated two-way player in fullback/defensive end Nate Committee and a ton of size up front with Donovan Drew, Davis Casas, Sean Rowland and Logan Doherty along the offensive line. If the Rams can get breakthrough performances from their quarterback and receivers they are going to have a very dynamic offense that will be a bear to deal with on Friday nights. SR.

NATE COMMITTEE

Middletown South is, well, Middletown South. Steve Antonucci’s Eagles have won six state sectional titles during his Hall of Fame tenure at “The Swamp” and they have to be considered a contender every year. Players like quarterback/defensive back Tom Schork, wide receivers/defensive backs Matt Grab and Logan Colleran, tight end/defensive end Jack Latore, linemen Jake Williamson and Dante Miranda and linebacker Jack Willi comprise a veteran core that will look to lead Middletown South back to prominence after a couple of mediocre seasons.

SR. TOMMY FALLON

Manasquan has the most sectional championships of any Shore Conference team with 12 and has an exciting group of upperclassmen who have a great shot to bring No. 13 back to Vic Kubu Warrior Field this season. Seniors Cole Kozlowski, Pat Woodford, Robert Pendergist, Ryan Burns, Jack Burns, JJ Cavanagh, Dylan LeBlanc and more hit the field early in their careers and experienced some growing pains. They began to turn the corner last season and with standout juniors like quarterback Brett Patten and Jhamier Howard also back as returning starters, the Warriors could make some serious noise.

S R . R OBERT P ENDERGIST

Freehold Boro

Raritan

finished No. 7 in last season’s SSN Top 10 thanks to a prolific offense that averaged 30.8 points per game. All-Shore quarterback Sha’Kim Shuler, who ran for 1,206 yards and 15 touchdowns and threw for 1,155 yards and eight touchdowns, is a big loss through graduation but the Colonials have several more studs back. Senior Yahsin Calhoun was a first-team All-Shore defensive back after leading the Shore in tackles (113) and interceptions (6). He also totaled 970 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns. Senior Kamore Gill is yet another weapon after combining for 819 yards and five touchdowns from scrimmage. Junior defensive end Tyler Ochojski is a menace on the edge and is coming off a season in which he had 10 sacks and 57 tackles. He is also a standout tight end.

is another team that went from unranked in the preseason to playing itself into the final top 10 by season’s end. The Rockets finished 10th in the Shore by winning six games in a row to finish 6-1, losing only to border rival Holmdel in the season opener. Dynamic offensive threat Luke O’Hea will be tough to replace but head coach Anthony Petruzzi has standouts like junior running back Kieran Falzon, senior quarterback Ben Hutchins, and senior linebacker Alex Dekis leading the way.

Lacey is a team that could make a run at the top 10, as well. The Lions return bruising linebacker/fullback Scott Stevens, quarterback Noah Brunatti, tight end/defensive end John Dodaro, two-way lineman Damian O’Loughlin, wide receivers/defensive backs Andrew Tobia and Mike Abode, offensive lineman Joe Kudlacik and tight end/linebacker Dominic Tarricone. The Lions can give head coach Lou Vircillo his 300th career win when they take on rival Brick on Sept. 10

Holmdel graduated many key players from a team that went 6-1 and finished No. 9 in the Shore, and the Hornets now make a significant jump in competition to compete in the Colonial Division with Middletown South, Manalapan, Southern Regional and Manalapan. Holmdel has been a consistent contender under fifthyear head coach Jeff Rainess and their split-back veer offense should keep them in games against the Group 4 and Group 5 teams on their schedule. Senior running back/cornerback Jaden Gallo, senior linebacker Thomas Sardo, senior quarterback/cornerback Jack Battaglia, senior running back/safety Luke DuPont and senior defensive end Gavin Raheb headline the group of returning starters.

SR. T YLER O CHOJSKI Of course, there will always be teams that start the season unranked only to emerge as one of the Shore’s best. Five teams did that last season, so it should be no surprise if teams like Manalapan, Jackson Memorial, Brick, or Point Boro turn in bounce-back seasons and return to the top 10. Red Bank Catholic started its season on Aug. 28, but for the rest of the Shore, the games begin on Thursday, Sept. 2. The opening weekend of the high school football season is always a momentous occasion and it is going to feel even better this year with fans and parents in the crowd. Football season can set the tone for an entire school and that is an element we were sorely lacking in 2020.

Which games(s) will you be going to on Labor Day weekend? Take in a few, why not. For the first time in a year, we’re happy to say we’ll see you there.

SR. T H O M A S S A R D O

FOR INFORMATION

ON HI-RES COLOR PRINTS OF ANY PAGES & IMAGES IN ANY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS CONTACT: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460

steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 59

By:

V in E b e n a u

SSN Contributor

GETTING BACK ON THE WINNING TIDE Head Coach: Kyle Sandberg, 6th season Career Record: 17-31

loudy skies can change your whole outlook on a day, the way you prepare, the way others prepare for you, namely on a sports field.

Assistant Coaches: Joe Arminio Jr. (STC/LB); Andrew Bilodeau (DB); Dan Cicala (DC); Tony Durkin (RB); Frank Giannetti (STC/DL); Matt Hughes (OL); Steve Petrosino (WR); Dylan Rainieri (LB); Mario Steriti (DB); Jake McCartney (Athletic Trainer).

Fri. 9/2 @Southern Fri. 9/10 TR South Fri. 9/17 @St. John Vianney Fri. 9/24 Freehold Sat. 10/2 @Long Branch Fri. 10/8 @TR North Fri. 10/15 Manasquan Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

7pm 6pm 7pm 6pm 1pm 7pm 6pm TBD TBD

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 3-5 2019: 9-2 2018: 3-6 2017: 2-8 2016: 0-9

( L- R )

Offense: 2-Back Pistol Defense: __________________Multiple __________________________ Player to Watch : Nick Medina, Sr., RB/LB He's been a ball hawk on defense and one of the overall keys to the Raiders success in the last couple seasons. Now it's his senior year and Medina could get a bulk of the carries out of the backfield on offense following the graduations of Yusuf Ahmed, Gino Gallo and Matt Luty after last season. Medina is not just a top player for the Raiders, but someone who could excel at the next level as well with colleges checking in on and recruiting the senior running back/linebacker.

Player Under the Radar: Eric Scanlon, Sr., QB/DB The door is open for Eric Scanlon. Nick Totten and Dennis Holzapfel graduated and Dante Carr, who is a senior this year, may get most of his time at running back. Scanlon has a golden opportunity to take the quarterback job and keep it if he plays well and directs the offense where it needs to go. Along with all that, colleges are checking in on Scanlon as well.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : David Anema, Jr., RB/LB It's been a staple of the program for years and when the running game is creme de la creme, the Raiders are in that same conversation on the field and in the standings. They lost a couple big parts of their running game to graduation again after last season and if players like Nick Medina, Dante Carr, David Anema and Anthony Encarnacion among the stable of running backs for East help fill the void and excel in what they do, the Raiders will be a team to be reckoned with this season.

N INO S CALA (50), A NTHONY E NCARNACION (22), D ANTE C ARR (2), E RIC S CANLON (5), N ICK M EDINA (21), T OMMY P RAVATA (56)

When it's clouds mixed with rain and windy conditions, and you happen to be on the water, the vessel starts to rock and you don't have the day you envisioned to have, especially when the last few times you went out, it was sunny skies and calm seas. The Covid-19 pandemic was just one of those cloudy days for the Toms River East Raiders in 2020, who after going 9-2 in 2019 went 3-5 a season later. Along the way, head coach Kyle Sandberg was sidelined in training camp with his own battle against Covid-19. "Last year was rough for us because I got Covid early on, at the beginning of camp, and it shut down everything so we

didn't have a camp last year at all," Sandberg told Shore Sports Network. "When I came back, we had 3 full days of practice (before we had) to play our first game, and then we had another five days to play our second game, so it was rough last year without camp. It took us time to get to our team and we finished the year strong, obviously, with the pod play and winning that bracket." It has been a normal training camp for the Raiders in 2021 as they hope to turn the tide onto calmer waters and pick up where they left off after the 2019 season. "I feel like last year was a blur," Sandberg said. "I feel like 2019 was a decade ago so to me, this year, it feels

SR. QB. E RIC S CANLON

T OP P OSITION G ROUPS :

B IG S HOES

Running Backs

Anthony Encarnacion, Sr., RB/DB

Mental Toughness/Execution

It's been a staple of the program for years and when the running game is creme de la creme, the Raiders are in that same conversation on the ﬁeld and in the standings. They lost a couple big parts of their running game to graduation again after last season and if players like Nick Medina, Dante Carr, David Anema and Anthony Encarnacion among the stable of running backs for East help ﬁll the void and excel in what they do, the Raiders will be a team to be reckoned with this season.

Yusuf Ahmed, one of the key players at Toms River East in recent seasons, is now at Davidson College playing football. Ahmed was also a track star and is just an all around good athlete. Anthony Encarnacion will be one of the running backs tasked with helping fill the void and excelling in the running game to help propel the Raiders to more wins.

It's always tough to start a season on the road and Southern Regional is a tough first test for the Raiders. Frankly, it's a tough schedule throughout this season but that's the way things were perceived heading into 2019, then the Raiders went 9-2. In order for something like that to happen again, they need to pound the ball into the end zone and never look back.

F ILL :

X-F ACTOR :

But it all starts with Week 1.

decade ago so to me, this year, it feels like a newer year, a lot of coaching with this new group so we obviously have to do a great job with what we've built over the previous five years and yea, we're obviously hoping it continues on the path we left off before Covid."

position spot is earned through good play on this team, nothing is given. The Raiders are built tough and ready to compete for each other, the team, school, and the TRE community. Photos by:

While they would like to pick up where they left off and build upon that success in order to be back on the winning tide, everyone will have to play their best and trust the guy next to them. "If we compete with this group, that's a great advantage as well," Sandberg said. "I've always preached that to my kids, to my teams that if we can compete and be in it in the 4th quarter and throughout the game, a lot of good things can happen." Who lines up where for the Raiders this season -- you'll find out Week 1, maybe. Each

Projected Offensive Starters:

WR: CAM OLIVA, SR.

DL:

ISAAC CLAUDIO, SR.

DB:

NEVIN HART, SO.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

WR: AIDEN VOSPER, SR.

DL:

ZANDER HALL, SO.

DB:

JOE MCCULLOUGH, SR.

QB:

ERIC SCANLON, SR.; JOE SCALA, JR.

OL:

THOMAS PRAVATA, SR.

DL:

NICK MARINELLI, SR.

DB:

CAM OLIVA, SR.

RB:

DANTE CARR, SR.

OL:

NINO SCALA, SR.

DL:

JOE ROME, JR.

DB:

MICHAEL POND, SO.

RB:

ANTHONY ENCARNACION, SR.

OL:

RYAN USHOCK, JR.

DL:

MJ WILLIAMS, SO.

DB:

JOE SCALA, JR.

RB:

NICK MEDINA, SR.

OL:

DEREK WELTMAN, JR.

LB:

DANTE CARR, SR.

DB:

BRIAN SCHNUR, JR.

RB:

DAVID ANEMA, JR.

OL:

BRIAN BAXTER, SR.

LB:

NICK MEDINA, SR.

DB:

AIDEN VOSPER, SR.

RB:

CHRIS DINEEN, SR.

OL:

ISAAC CLAUDIO, SR.

LB:

DAVID ANEMA, JR.

RB:

AIDAN GALLIPOLI, SR.

OL:

ANDER HALL, SO.

LB:

MIKE BRUNO, JR.

RB:

NEVIN HART, SO.

OL:

NICK MARINELLI, SR.

LB:

AIDAN GALLIPOLI, SR.

RB:

AMARI PHILLIPS, JR.

OL:

JOE ROME, JR.

LB:

AMARI PHILLIPS, JR.

RB:

MICHAEL POND, SO.

OL:

MJ WILLIAMS. SO.

DB:

MEHKI DEVAUGHN, JR.

RB:

BRIAN SCHNUR, JR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

DB:

ANTHONY ENCARNACION, SR.

DE:

THOMAS PRAVATA, S

DB:

ERIC SCANLON, SR.

DL:

BRIAN BAXTER, SR.

DB:

CHRIS DINEEN, SR.

WR: MOSSIMO ELBOUKILI, SR.

JAKE BUCKMAN, SO.

MOSSIMO ELBOUKILI, SR.

WR: JOE MCCULLOUGH, SR.

DE:

DB:

WR: MIKE BRUNO, JR. WR: JAKE BUCKMAN, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

MIKE BRUNO; JOE MCCULLOUGH

MIKE BRUNO; DANTE CARR

By:

Kevin Williams SSN Director

SUSTAINING SUCCESS Head Coach: Ron Signorino, Jr., 11th year Career Record: 42-58

Assistant Coaches: Matt Martin (defensive coordinator/DB); Denis Tobin (Special Teams Coordinator/Slotbacks); Kyle Austin (OL); Bill Malast (OL); Ricky Maldonado (RB); Brian Elias (WR); Joe Kelly LB); Jim Dempsey (DL); Jim Drackwicz (DL); Vinny Arminio (DB); Freshmen coaches: Dave Fanslau, Brett Hardie, Joey Meyers; Athletic Trainer: Dan Crashewsky.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-2 2019: 4-6 2018: 3-8 2017: 2-8 2016: 2-8

oms River South was one of the real surprises of the 2020 season and it started in Week 1 when it knocked off rival and No. 2-ranked Toms River North. The Indians would go on to post their first winning season since 2013 by going 6-2 and finishing No. 8 in the final Shore Sports Network/Jeep Store Top 10. While the success might have been a surprise to those on the outside it was not to head coach Ron Signorino Jr. because of a strong senior class that had been together since they were freshmen. However, that group, which included Jack Huber, Gerry Ferrigno, Shane Watkins, Tyler Madeo and Ryan Tobin, has graduated so the big question is whether the Indians can replace them and post another winning season. Signorino, who starts his 11th season at South, admits replacing the Class of 2020 will not be easy with only five starters back on offense and four on defense.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: __________________4-2-5 __________________________ Players to Watch : Mikey Erli, Jr., RB/LB and Devin Raevis, Sr., RB/S Most of South’s yardage on the ground will likely come from these two who will share the “A Back” spot in the Flexbone offense. Both 185-pounders are not afraid of contact, which helps on the other side of the ball where they will start as well and be counted on to perform at a high level.

“We are inexperienced in most positions and the key for us being successful is getting all 22 players on the same page.” Signorino Jr. said. “We like our athleticism when it comes to the skill positions as well as both our offensive and defensive lines and hopefully that will help us make some plays.” Senior Wyatt Sternberg was listed as a receiver last season on offense but he moves to quarterback and takes over the

Flexbone attack that has been the Indians signature for many years. While inexperienced at the position, Sternberg measures 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds and has the physical tools to take over the offense, although it might take a game or two to get it rolling. In the backfield, look for senior running back Devin Raevis and junior Mikey Erli to get their share of carries along with slot backs Devon Bond (Jr.), Roy Pappalardo (Sr.) and Terrell Kelly (Sr.). When Sternberg or sophomore Jimmy Alexander takes to the air there are a pair of outstanding receivers in seniors Gavin Migliori (22 receptions, 313 yards) and Elijah Matellus. Seniors Ryan Florio (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) and Justin Kozak (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) and junior Jimmy Brierly (6-foot, 190 pounds) are back to anchor the offensive line along with juniors Jimmy King and center Dave Lazarro. All have good size and the coaching staff has high expectations that this group will be one of the strongest on the team. After allowing nearly 37 points per game in 2019 the

Fri. 9/3 Brick 7pm Fri. 9/10 @TR East 6pm Fri. 9/17 Brick Memorial 7pm Fri. 9/24 St. John Vianney 7pm Sat. 10/2 @Freehold 12pm Fri. 10/8 Long Branch 7pm Fri. 10/15 @TR North 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD defense cut that number in half last fall, which was a big part of the overall improvement. Only four starters return in Florio (DL), Sternberg (LB) and defensive backs Metellus and Raevis, both of whom are three-year starters. Up front, look for Kozak and King along with senior Manny Torres and junior Nico Crudup to make an impact while the new-look group of linebackers includes Erli and Alexander. The defensive backfield is solid with Kelly, Bond, Pappalardo and Migliori all in the mix along with the two returning starters. Three-year starter Camren Stein returns as both the kicker (19 XP, 1FG) and punter. In what would have to be considered a move up, the Indians find themselves in the Freedom Division with district rivals Toms River North and Toms River East and a schedule that also includes longtime opponents Brick and Brick Memorial.

Player Under the Radar: Wyatt Sternberg, Sr., QB/LB Jack Huber (when healthy) played a lot of games during his South career and turned in his best performance last fall when he threw for over 1,000 yards and added a few hundred on the ground. Enter Sternberg, who saw some action as a receiver last fall but last played quarterback as part of an 8-1 freshmen team. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds he can be a punishing runner and the Indians have confidence in his ability to throw it, as well.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Seniors IThere is a large group of seniors who this fall get their first chance to contribute in a big way as they mostly played behind those who have since graduated. This group includes Noah Schmidt (OL), Roy Pappalardo (RB/DB), Terrell Kelly (RB/DB), Manny Torres (OL/DL), Jake Pavero (WR/DB) and Josh Gyimoti (WR/DB). With depth a question mark it’s vital that this group be ready to play.

( L- R )

D EVON B OND (22), D EVIN R AEVIS (4), R YAN F LORIO (71), W YATT S TERNBERG (3), J USTIN KOZAK (74), E LIJAH M ETELLUS (2), G AVIN M IGLIORI (7)

X-F ACTOR : Winning Tradition The Indians are among the most storied programs in Shore Conference history but there have not been nearly enough times in recent years where the victory bell was rung. However, like last year these seniors were part

of a winning freshmen program and following last season’s success South just may feel like they are a program back on the rise. An opening week matchup with longtime rival Brick will be important for both teams.

Projected Offensive Starters:

RG:

RYAN FLORIO, SR., RS

LB:

MIKEY ERLI, JR,

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RT:

JUSTIN KOZAK, SR., 3RS

LB:

JAMES ALEXANDER, SO.

CB:

TERRELL KELLY, SR.; GAVIN MIGLIORI, SR.; DYLAN LEE, JR.

CB:

ELIJAH METELLUS, SR., 3RS

DEVON BOND, JR.; JAKE PAVERO, SR.

DEVIN RAEVIS, SR., 3RS

Returning Starters: QB:

WYATT STERNBERG, SR.; JIMMY ALEXANDER, SO.

RB:

DEVIN REAVIS, SR.; MIKEY ERLI, JR.

SB:

DEVON BOND, JR., RS; ROY PAPPALARDO, SR.; TERRELL KELLY, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: DE:

RYAN FLORIO, SR., RS

DL:

JUSTIN KOZAK, SR.

DL:

MANNY TORRES, SR.

JIMMY BRIERLY, JR., RS; MANNY TORRES, SR.

DL:

JIMMY KING, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

LG:

JIMMY KING, JR.; JOSUE TECELARO, SR.

DL:

NICO CRUDUP, JR.

K/P: CAMREN STEIN, SR., 3RS

DAVE LAZARRO, JR.; NOAH SCHMIDT, SR.

LB:

WYATT STERNBERG, SR., RS; DAVE LAZARRO, JR.

WR: GAVIN MIGLIORE, SR., RS; ELIJAH METELLUS, SR.; JAKE PAVERO, SR.; DYLAN LEE, JR.; JORDAN JONES, SO. LT:

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

WILL THE SKILL THRILL?

Head Coach: th

Walt Currie, 15 season Career Record: 78-67

Assistant Coaches: Rob Brown (Defensive Coordinator); James Mahoney (Offensive Coordinator); Bill Brunner (OL); Paul Walski (OL); Bob Merola (TE); Keith Farr (WR); Pete Walski (WR/CB); William Brunner Sr. (DT); Mike Mahoney (DE); Nick Moschella (LB); Brady Watson (Safeties); Jimmy Bright & Ryan Graham (Freshmen); Sue Penrod (Athletic Trainer).

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 3-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 4-6 2017: 74 2016: 2-8

Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-2-5 ___________________________________________________

o rebound from a string of three straight losing seasons – a first under head coach Walt Currie and the first for the program in over 20 years – Brick Memorial will be leaning on a veteran group of linemen while hoping its skill players can develop quickly.

To be fair, it’s not like Brick Memorial has been a bottom-feeder over the last few seasons. The Mustangs were 4-6 in 2018, 3-6 in 2019 and 3-5 last season. They’ll try to get back on the winning side of things and return to their usual spot of competing for division and state championships, but in order to do so, the Mustangs will need some unproven newcomers to make their presence felt. Brick Memorial has veered away from its classic flexbone triple-option offense over the past couple of seasons but the option concepts remain in the Mustangs’ spread option offense. The strength is clearly in the trenches with five senior linemen returning as starters along with a senior tight end. The veteran group

Player To Watch: Mike Angrosina, Sr., TE/ILB

Thur. 9/2 @Howell 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 @TR South 7pm Sat. 9/25 Brick 1pm Fri. 10/1 @Midd. North 7pm Fri. 10/8 Lacey 7pm Fri. 10/15 Marlboro 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

includes Evan Gillen (5-foot-10, 245) at left tackle, PJ Mazzeo (6-foot-1, 235) at left guard, Colin Mullahey (5-foot-11, 215) at center, Sam Azzoretti (5-foot-10, 230) at right guard and Brett Baxter (6foot-3, 250) at right tackle. Senior Mike Angrosina, a returning starter, is at tight end along with sizeable junior Ben Wooley (6-foot-3, 225).

SR. TE M IKE A NGROSINA

At the skill positions, senior wide receiver Jake Gallo is the lone returning starter. Senior Damien DiLuccio is the other wide receiver and senior Jake LaRocca steps in as the starting running back.

Brick Mem

Continued Page 66

Angrosina is one of several two-way returning starters for Brick Memorial. He’ll look to lead the defense as the middle linebacker and at tight end will be called upon to contribute on the ground and through the air.

P LAYER U NDER

THE

R ADAR :

Jake Gallo, Sr., WR/OLB Gallo is the lone returning skill player with starting experience and enters as the No. 1 target for new quarterback Connor Deitz. After starting in the secondary last season he will slide down to outside linebacker.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Connor Dietz, So., QB The quarterback position is important in any offense and even more so in an option offense given the post-snap reads and responsibilities. Deitz’s development this season will be something to watch as the Mustangs try to return to contention.

( L- R )

S AM A ZZORETTI (60), C OLIN M ULLAHEY (73), M IKE A NGROSINA (45), J AKE G ALLO (4), E VAN G ILLEN (57), J AKE L A R OCCA (22), D AMIEN D I L UCCIO (9)

T OP P OSITION G ROUP : Offensive and Defensive Line

Big Shoes to Fill:

X-Factor:

Skill Positions

Development of New Starters

The entire offensive line is back and three of four defensive linemen are also returning starters. Those guys will have to lead the way and set the tone early in the season while the skill players find their way.

Brick Memorial’s offense was mostly a two-man show last season with quarterback TJ McArthur and running back/wide receiver Akhi Barksdale producing the bulk of the yards and touchdowns. With both having graduated it will be up to a new cast to of characters to take the reins.

If the first-year starters can perform like seasoned veterans sooner than later, Brick Memorial should be able to contend for a division title and make some noise in the state playoffs. If not, it will be an uphill battle to get to a .500 record.

Brick Mem

Continued From Page 64

Debuting at quarterback will be 6-foot-1, 175-pound sophomore Connor Dietz. As the lone sophomore on either offense or defense he doesn’t have to be a doit-all player, but he’s still the quarterback and with that comes a certain degree of leadership responsibilities and expectations. As with any quarterback, his development will be vital to Brick Memorial’s success, both this year and beyond. Defensively, Brick Memorial will look to improve on the 24.4 points per game it allowed last season and once again it will start with the guys with their hands in the dirt. The defensive line returns three of four starters with Azzoretti and Gillen as the interior linemen and Mullahey as a starting defensive end. The other defensive end will be the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Wooley.

outside linebacker after starting in the secondary last season and Nolan steps in as the other outside linebacker. DiLuccio is the lone returning starter in the secondary as the strong safety. Juniors Jeremiah Crispin and Eli Benjamin are the cornerbacks and LaRocca is the free safety. Brick Memorial will play in the Independence Division this season with crosstown rival Brick plus Howell, Lacey and Middletown North. The Mustangs will also play longtime Class A South rival Toms River South and close their regular season vs. Marlboro. There are questions marks, sure, but having an experienced group of linemen is certainly a sturdy foundation to start with. If Brick Memorial’s new starters can develop quickly, the Mustangs could be back to their winning ways this fall. Photos by:

The unit of linebackers is led by Angrosina, a returning starter at inside linebacker. Gallo slides down to

Projected Offensive Starters:

RG:

SAM AZZORETTI, SR., RS

MLB: MIKE ANGROSINA, SR., RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RT:

BRETT BAXTER, SR., RS

OLB: JOE NOLAN, JR.

Returning Starters: 7 QB:

CONNOR DIETZ, SO.

RB:

JAKE LAROCCA, SR.

WR:

JAKE GALLO, SR., RS; DAMIEN DILUCCIO, SR.

TE:

MIKE ANGROSINA, SR., RS; BEN WOOLEY, JR.

LT:

EVAN GILLEN, SR., RS

LG:

PJ MAZZEO, SR., RS

COLIN MULLAHEY, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

CB: JEREMIAH CRISPIN, JR.

Returning Starters: 6

CB: ELI BENJAMIN, JR.

DE:

COLIN MULLAHEY, SR., RS

SS:

DAMIEN DILUCCIO, SR., RS

DT:

SAN AZZORETTI, SR., RS

FS:

JAKE LAROCCA, SR.

DT:

EVAN GILLEN, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

DE:

BEN WOOLEY, JR.

OLB: JAKE GALLO, SR. (STARTED AT FS LAST YEAR)

NICO MARIBO, SO.

JOE NOLAN, JR.

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

BUILT FOR BATTLE Head Coach: Len Zdanowicz, 7th season Career Record: 36-26

Assistant Coaches: Bill McDonnell (Offensive coordinator, QB/RB); Brian McNamara (Defensive Coordinator, LB); Andrew Cruz (TE); Jared Kight (OL); John Dolan (RB/WR); Al Saner (Offensive assistant); Joe Smyth (DL); Chad Dougherty (MLB); John Prato (DB); Kurt Wieboldt (Special teams, kickers); FRESHMEN: Jay Groschel (head coach/OC), Chris Blackburn (DC), Scott Karos, Dan Dornacker, Wayne Neidermier; Pete Fusco (athletic trainer).

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 8-3 2017: 6-5 2016: 8-4

“OYou Win Games in The Trenches ”

f all the most-used phrases in football, the axiom about how important it is to get quality play along the line of scrimmage remains unquestioned. If a team is above average along the offensive and defensive lines it changes everything. Coming off a rare sub-.500 season, the Brick Township High School football team has plenty going for it as the Dragons look to return to championship form. The squad has a whopping 10 retur ning starters retur ning on each side of the ball, headlined by an offensive line that retur ns four of five starters and a defensive front seven that returns nearly

all of its starters. If games are indeed won or lost up front, Brick is well ahead of the cur ve. Senior Darian Newcomb will be a fouryear starter when the season begins and anchors the offensive line from his spot at right tackle. He will be joined by junior Michael Por migiano (LT), and senior retur ning starters AJ Ellis (LG), Vin

Fri. 9/3 @TR South 7pm Fri. 9/10 @Lacey 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 Howell 7pm Sat. 9/25 @Brick Mem. 1pm Fri. 10/1 Ocean 7pm Fri. 10/8 Midd. North 7pm Sat. 10/16 @Neptune 1pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Caldarise (C), and Jason Glass (RG), plus senior Tyson Lopez at tight end to form a formidable wall of people movers. Brick’s offense will be a mix of its

Offense: Shotgun Wing-T Defense: ________________Multiple ______________________________ Player To Watch: Darian Newcomb, Sr., OL/DL When Brick trots onto Toms River South’s Detwiler Stadium to open the season on Sept. 3, Newcomb will ofﬁcially be a four-year starter for one of the most tradition-rich high school football programs in New Jersey. At 6-foot-3 and 275 pounds with strength and quickness, he has the ability to dominate up front.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Ryan Panuska, Sr., QB/SS There are certain last names that resonate in the world of Brick football and Panuska is surely one of them. Now a senior, Ryan Panuska will direct the Dragons’ shotgun Wing-T offense and also reprise his role as the starting strong safety. His leadership abilities will be mean just as much as touchdowns and tackles.

IMPACT NEWCOMER:

(L-R)

AJ ELLIS (51), RILEY BELL (17), JUSTIN KURC (7), DARIAN NEWCOMB (55), RYAN PANUSKA (12), JASON GLASS (56) & TYLER WEISNECK (23)

Jacob Toye, So., OLB/TE The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Toye has his sights set on a starting job as an outside linebacker and is also working at tight end. Additionally, he will serve as Brick’s kickoff specialist. As the great-grandson of legendary Brick hockey coach Bob Auriemma, Toye knows all about the winning tradition at Brick.

that have signiﬁcant varsity experience, you could go several different ways with this, but it’s hard to ignore what Brick has in the trenches and the defensive backﬁeld. Four offensive lineman return plus two interior defensive linemen. The Dragons will try to use that experience to dictate the game at the point of attack. All four secondary players are also returning starters.

TOP POSITION GROUPS:

X-Factor: Starting Strong

Lines and Secondary With a total of 20 positions on offense and defense

The Dragons open the season with two straight rivalry games on the road against Toms River South and Lacey and also face crosstown rival Brick Memorial in Week 4. Not only should those opponents present good tests on the ﬁeld, but they are also

games in which the players are more emotionally invested because of the rivalry factor. Early wins don’t guarantee anything, but they can absolutely set the tone for a special season.

Big Shoes to Fill: Malachi Wright, Sr., WR & Logan Lungren, Jr., WR Wide receiver is the only position where Brick does not have a returning starter to ﬁll the void left by Evan Travisano, who was a second-team all-division selection as a senior last year. Wright (6-foot, 190) and Lungren (6-foot-2, 180), will be tasked with making teams honor the passing game enough to keep opponents honest.

classic Delaware Wing-T offense blended with a more moder n touch. Senior quarterback Ryan Panuska – the son of for mer Dragons star, University of Tennessee standout and current Brick athletic director Pete Panuska – will operate out of the shotgun and spearheads a veteran backfield that includes seniors Tyler Weisneck and Riley Bell at running back and seniors Mikey Schliefer, Justin Kurc, Jason Norman, and Logan Donnelly at wing back. It takes just a quick glance at the roster to see that Brick’s strength will be running the football. A stingy and physical defense has been the calling card for Brick’s most successful teams and this season’s version is looking to operate in that same mold. The Dragon’s multiple-front defense has Newcomb and Michael Pormigiano as returning starters up front, Bell, junior Jake DeDreux and junior Colin Wilson as returning starters at middle/inside linebackers. Schliefer, Glass, and sophomores Jacob Toye and Travis Trempy are the

outside linebackers. The offensive line and defensive front jump off the page in terms of experience, but the secondar y is right there with those groups. All four starters are back with Norman and Weisneck as the cor ners, Panuska at strong safety and Kurc as the free safety. There is depth, as well, with Donnelly as the third cornerback, junior AJ Gr ygiel as a strong safety and sophomore Christian Booker at free safety.

version of Brick football has its sights set on bring another championship to The House that Wolf Built.

Division alignment has the Dragons in a new division but playing some of its traditional rivals, including Brick and Lacey within the Independence Division and Toms River South in a season-opening non-divisional contest.

Photo by:

This Dragons team isn’t filled with returning All-Shore players and big names, but that certainly isn’t a precursor to success. With experience up and down the lineup and the look of a solid, get-the-job-done team, this

Projected Offensive Starters:

VIN CALDARISE, SR., RS; BRENDAN KALP, SR.

OLB: JACOB TOYE, SO.; TRAVIS TREMPY, SO.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

JASON GLASS, SR., RS

CB: JASON NORMAN, SR., RS

Returning Starters: 10

RT:

DARIAN NEWCOMB, SR., 4RS; WILL WALSH, SO.

CB: TYLER WEISNECK, SR., 3RS; LOGAN DONNELLY, JR.

QB:

RYAN PANUSKA, SR., RS; AJ GRYGIEL, JR.

RB:

TYLER WEISNECK, SR., 3RS; RILEY BELL, SR.,

Projected Defensive Starters:

SS:

RYAN PANUSKA, SR., RS: AJ GRYGIEL, JR.

FS:

JUSTIN KURC, SR., 3RS: CHRISTIAN BOOKER, SO.

WING: JASON NORMAN, SR; LOGAN DONNELLY, SR.

Returning Starters: 10

WING: MIKEY SCHLIEFER, SR., RS; JUSTIN KURC, SR.

DT:

VIN CALDARISE, SR.; JASON GLASS, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

WR:

MALACHI WRIGHT, SR.; LOGAN LUNGREN, JR.

DT:

DARIAN NEWCOMB, SR., 4RS

KURT WEIBOLDT JR., SO.

TE:

TYSON LOPEZ, JR., RS; JACOB TOYE, SO.; ANDREW DAVICSIN, JR.

DT:

MICHAEL PORMIGIANO, JR., RS; AJ ELLIS

AJ GRYGIEL, JR. OR RYAN PANUSKA, SR.

LT:

MICHAEL PORMIGIANO, JR.

MLB: RILEY BELL, SR., 3RS; JAKE DEDREUX, JR., RS

LG:

AJ ELLIS, SR., RS; COLIN WILSON, JR.

MLB: COLIN WILSON, JR., RS; JARRED VALIANT, SR.

KICKOFF SPECIALIST: JACOB TOYE, SO.

OLB: MIKEY SCHLIEFER, SR.; JASON GLASS, SR.

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS

Head Coach: Bill Hill, 1

season

ill Hill has been a lot of things in his near-half-century in Shore Conference athletics and this season, he gets to add a line to his decorated resume: head coach at this alma mater.

Career Record: 9-31 Assistant Coaches: Bob Generelli (Sr. Off. Assistant/OL), Bill Hill Jr. (Def. Coord./OLB/WR), Adam Sacco (DL/OL), Ed Morales (RB/ILB), Dave Jimerson (DB), Larry Paslak (Freshman), Nick Ferrar (Freshman Assistant), Amy Ghione (Athletic Trainer)

Hill starred for Howell in the 1970’s and played both football and baseball professionally before going into coaching. His two head coaching stops were three seasons at Toms River South and one at Asbury Park, but now, following a season as the Howell defensive coordinator, Hill is running the program where it all started for him.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 1-9 2018: 1-9 2017: 9-2 2016: 6-5

Offense: Multiple I/Spread Defense: Front ________________30/40 ___________ ___________________ Player To Watch: Nick Vecchiarelli, Sr., WR/FS Vecchiarelli and classmate Matt Ionnides are the two returning seniors who started for the bulk of the 2020 season and the two will be instrumental in leading day-to-day. Vecchiarelli has delivered early on, according to Hill, and the senior is giving off the impression that he will be a major player in the secondary and at wide receiver both within the team and among other standouts at the Shore.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Jack Gartenstein, Jr., WR/DB Howell will hope to unleash the passing game this year with Steven Jardim running the show at quarterback and both Nick and John Vecchiarelli among the wide receivers, but the key to the attack could be Gartenstein. The junior is a versatile player who can operate out wide or inside and will also be in the mix to play in the secondary. He is also the backup quarterback and a name to watch at the position looking ahead to 2022.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Ray DeFrancesco, So., ILB Along with wide receiver Kevin Maloney, DeFrancesco is one of two projected sophomore starters for Howell and it will be an inside linebacker spot where DeFrancesco makes his impact. Howell graduated one of the Shore’s better linebacker tandems in Nick Cerulli and Hunter Lino, so the Rebels will be counting on DeFrancesco to slide into one of those spots and produce right away.

Thur. 9/2 Brick Mem. 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 @ Brick, 7pm Fri. 9/24 Midd. North 6:30pm Fri. 10/1 @Lacey 6:30pm Sat. 10/9 @Marlboro Noon Fri. 10/15 Freehold Twp. 6:30pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

(L-R)

“To have played at Howell and then to come back 45 years later as the head coach, it’s pretty great,” Hill said. “I came on as the defensive coordinator last year and there was an expectation that in a few years, I might have an opportunity to be the head coach and I think being JACK GARTENSTEIN (18), RILEY BELL (19), DAMIEN PADILLA (9), NICK VECCHIARELLI (10), MATT IONNIDES (58), around the prog ram and the STEPHEN JARDIM (15), SEVEN MILLER (7), VINCENT HOFFMAN (1) administration ever y day gave them a

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line While the Rebels figure out how to situate themselves at the skill positions and with their new linebackers, they can take solace in the fact that the offensive line is loaded with experience. All five players got a chance to play in 2020, with seniors Mike Mitchell, Stanley Federovitch (tackles), Matt Ionnides and Jackson Floyd (guards) returning as starters and junior Riley Johnston seeing time at center.

Big Shoes to Fill: Conner Gordon (Sr., RB) and Sam Mele (Jr., ILB) Cerulli was the top player for Howell last season with his 79 tackles and 5

½ sacks on defense and bruising running style on offense. It will be a twopronged effort to replace that production, with Gordon emerging as the leading candidate for the starting running back job. On the other side, Mele joins DeFrancesco at inside linebacker and has the more experienced player, the majority of the responsibility in replacing Cerulli’s leadership and production will go to him – at least at the outset of the season.

X-Factor: Quarterback Stephen Jardim started the final game of Howell’s 2020 season and threw for more than 300 yards in a 49-0 win over Immaculata. While he does not have a whole lot of experience, Jardim has shown in both his small sample last year and as the starter during camp this year that he is ready to lead the offense and author some big plays in the passing game.

chance to see what I’m about. It’s an exciting opportunity, we have a great coaching staff and we’re looking forward to the season.”

knowledge and experience and it’s g reat to see the kids responding to him and really the entire staff.”

The Rebels were 2-4 a season ago under Frank Edgerly and although the head coach is new, there is continuity in the staff to help this year’s group continue to progress. Bob Generelli returns as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach and as a coach who has won state titles at both Middletown South and Raritan, he is a major asset for Hill in his first season as Howell head coach.

On the field, the Rebels will have some talent to replace, but there will be some experience sprinkled throughout the field and the offensive line remains almost entirely intact relative to 2020. All that leads to an air of optimism among the Rebels, who have gone 4-22 since their 9-2 2017 season.

“We talk a lot about game-planning and whenever Bobby says something, you pay attention,” Hill said. “He has an incredible amount of coaching

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

DT:

STEPHEN JARDIM, SR.; JACK GARTENSTEIN, JR.; EGAN NELMS, SO.

MATT IONNIDES, SR., RS; BRIAN LARSON, SR.

DT:

RB:

CONNER GORDON, SR.; LUKE DONTON, SR.; BRANDON WRIGHT, SO.

THOMAS RICHARDS, JR.; RICH DIAB, JR.; XAVIER HENDRIQUES, SR.

DE:

SEVEN MILLER, JR.; MIKE MITCHELL, SR.

WR:

JACK GARTENSTEIN, JR.

OLB: VINCE HOFFMAN, SR.; ROBERT OWEN, JR.

WR:

NICK VECCHIARELLI, SR., RS; CHRISTIAN FONTES, SR.

ILB: SAM MELE, JR.

WR:

JOHN VECCHIARELLI, JR.; KEVIN MALONEY, SO.

TE:

VINCE HARTMAN; DAMIAN PADILLA, JR.; DECLAN FLAHERTY

LT:

MIKE MITCHELL, SR., RS

LG:

MATT IONNIDES, SR., RS

RILEY JOHNSTON, JR.

RG:

JACKSON FLOYD, SR., RS

RT:

STANLEY FEDEROVITCH, SR., RS

QB:

Projected Special Team Starters: K: P:

CHRISTIAN FONTES, SR., RS CHRISTIAN FONTES, SR.

ILB: RAY DEFRANCESCO, SO. OLB: JACKSON FLOYD, JR.; JASON DIMICHELE CB: LUKE DALTON, SR. CB: JACK MASCALI, SR.; JOHN VECCHIARELLI, JR. SS:

CONNER GORDON, JR.; JACK GARTENSTEIN, JR.

FS:

NICK VECCHIARELLI, SR.

SR. QB. STEPHEN JARDIM

Photo by:

By:

Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

EXPERIENCE IS KEY FOR LIONS Head Coach: Lou Vircillo, 41

season

hen you're a healthy team, you can see what you're made of.

Career Record: 299-152 Assistant Coaches: Warren Smith (QB/Rec); Mike Stuppiello (LB); Chris DiMicco; Bob Nani (DL); Matt Kiefer (Asst. OL); Shane Allen; Shawn McAndrew; Jack Bush (Films); Joe Tobin (Asst. Secondary); Lee Emery (athletic trainer).

Fri. 9/10 Brick 6:30pm Fri. 9/17 Midd. North 6:30pm Fri. 9/24 @RFH 7pm Fri. 10/1 Howell 6:30pm Fri. 10/8 @Brick Mem. 7pm Sat. 10/16 @Colts Neck 12pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

players who played well, even coming just short of clinching a spot in the title game in 2019 falling valiantly to eventual champion Wall Township.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 5-4 2019: 7-4 2018: 5-5 2017: 7-3 2016: 6-4

Some of the players on that 2019 team are now seniors who grew even more in 2020.

Offense: Pro/Spread Defense: ________________3-4/Multiple ______________________________

M I K E A B O D E , J O E K U D L A C I K , D O M I N I C K TA R R I C ON E , J O H N D O D A R O S C O T T S T E V E N S , D A M I A N O’L O U G H L I N , N O A H B R U N A T T I , A N D R E W T O B I A

B A C K ( L- R ) F R ON T ( L- R )

Players To Watch: Noah Brunatti, QB, Sr., and Scott Stevens, RB/FB, Sr. It's been a pretty stellar high school career for quarterback Noah Brunatti and running back/linebacker Scott Stevens, both of whom enter their senior seasons. They are the two biggest keys on offense to ensuring a successful season for Lacey in 2021. If they go this year, the offense will go far, if they don't, the season won't be as successful. If there was a WAR stat for high school football, these two would have high numbers. To date, Brunatti has thrown for 2,012 yards on 287 attempts while throwing 16 touchdowns in 3 seasons while Stevens, a Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore Selection last season, has found the end zone 11 times sharing the load between running back and full back.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Dom Perrone, RB, Jr. Perrone only carried the ball 14 times for 147 yards during his sophomore season in 2020 but should see an increase this coming season following the graduation of Tynan Jensen. Although it's likely that Scott Stevens and Gaetano DiMiele will see most of the carries, depending on the situation, Perrone will be a key part in the running game this season.

When you're an experienced team that is healthy, you can take your game to the next level.

The 2021 version of the Lacey Lions are in a fortunate position to have nine returning players on offense and six on defense after two straight seasons of developing younger

IMPACT NEWCOMERS:

no holes, there's not much success. For Lacey, it returns four of the five offensive linemen from a year ago with junior Brenden Supsie taking over at left guard alongside left tackle Padraic Banfield, center Damian O'Loughlin, right guard Dakota Schwab and right tackle Joe Kudlacik. If this unit performs well and gives Stevens -- who can certainly create holes on his own -- as well as Gaetano DiMiele and Dom Perrone in the backfield, the Lions running attack will be successful and get the glory and headlines but it'll be in big thanks to this offensive line.

Matt Coon, DE, Jr. and Pat Luca, DT, Jr. The Lions lost ﬁve players, among others, to graduation who rotated in and played big roles on the defensive line in 2020: Nick Christina, Austin Chadwick, Nick Povia, Gerard O'Connor and Mario Ramirez. "We lost the entire defensive line, for the most part," Vircillo said. "We need to see who steps up there. We have a plan as to how we're going to try to execute defensively and it'll be a little bit different than what we've been doing and we'll see where that goes." With a new-look defensive line in 2021, players like Matt Coon and Pat Luca will be looked upon to continue improving and build upon a good look Lions defense.

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line In a Shore Conference program with a longrunning (pun intended) tradition of having a successful running game and creating some of the top backs in the area, a solid offensive line is needed to help that part of the game happen. With

Big Shoes to Fill: Jeff Brewer, OLB, Sr. Tynan Jensen was one of Lacey's top two-way players prior to graduation, be it getting carries at running back (where he ran the ball 149 times for 934 yards and 9 TD's, according to MaxPreps last season) or his presence on defense at OLB where he compiled 36 tackles. The Lions lost some key players on defense from a season ago and need players like senior Jeff Brewer at

"Any time you have a team with that type of game experience, it's always good, (but) I wouldn't go out and say we have a tremendous amount of players with that type of experience but we do bring back a good handful of kids on both sides of the ball from last year," Coach Lou Vircillo, who enters his 41st season in Lacey, tells Shore Sports Network. "We were pretty competitive last year, some games got away from us and we had a couple injuries that hurt us and our type of team can't really afford

linebacker to help with not only filling the void by graduated seniors like Jensen but also elevating their own games to make opposing offensive coordinators lose sleep the night before a game against the Lions.

X-Factor: The Seniors There are nine returning starters on offense and 6 on defense for the Lions. There are 12 seniors in the 2021 version of the Lacey Lions who are the biggest of the returning players: Scott Stevens, Noah Brunatti, Mike Abode, John Dodaro, Joe Kudlacik, Matt McClung, Damien O'Loughlin, Andrew Tobia, Dom Tarricone, Padraic Banfield, Jack Borel and Mike Rozell. These players, and others, are coming off a 5-4 season which ended with a loss to St. John Vianney and left Vircillo one victory shy of 300 for his career during his 40th season in Lacey. If the seniors use all the lessons from Coach Vircillo and his staff and all the game experience under their belts, it'll be a very successful season for the Lions.

injuries because our depth factor is not great." It's a numbers crunch on the roster, the way it similarly is for other Shore Conference teams doing the best they can with who signs up to play. "We have to develop depth and see who exactly is going to replace key kids," Vircillo said. Health and experience are two big keys heading into the 2021 season for the Lacey Lions. "I'm hoping that our kids develop into a competitive team and I believe they will, but we need to stay healthy," Vircillo said. Historically, in Lacey, under Vircillo, it's been a win each week type of mantra and philosophy, focusing on the here and now as oppose to glancing only at the big goals the team hopes to accomplish by season's end. "I talk about the opening game, one game at a time, and let's get better everyday and nature will take its course," Vircillo said. "We're looking at just having hopefully a pre-covid year. If that doesn't affect the kids, than everyone is going to be a happier person."

LACEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACH LOU VIRCILLO

Projected Offensive Starters:

LT:

PADRAIC BANFIELD, SR., 6'1, 265, RS

DT:

PAT LUCA JR., 5'11, 200

CB: DOM PERRONE JR., 5'9, 160

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

LG:

BRENDEN SUPSIE JR., 5'8, 195

DT:

DAMIEN O'LOUGHLIN SR., 5'9, 225, RS

CB: GAETANO DIMIELE SR., 5'8, 175

QB:

DAMIAN O'LOUGHLIN, SR., 5'9, 225, RS

OLB: MIKE ROZELL SR., 5'11, 180, RS

RB/FB: SCOTT STEVENS, SR., 6'0, 240, RS

RG:

DAKOTA SCHWAB SR., 6'3, 270

ILB: SCOTT STEVENS SR., 6'0, 240, RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

RB:

GAETANO DIMIELE SR., 5'8, 175

RT:

JOE KUDLACIK, SR., 5'10, 245, RS

ILB: DAVE WILSON JR., 6'1, 195

RB:

DOM PERRONE JR., 5'9, 160

K/P: ACK BOREL, SR., 5'8, 165, RS P: DOMINIC TARRICONE, SR., 6'0, 217, RS

WR:

MIKE ABODE SR., 6'1, 190

WR:

MATT MCCLUNG SR., 6'0, 185

Projected Defensive Starters:

WR:

ANDREW TOBIA SR., 5'9, 160

DE:

MATT COON JR., 6'3, 200

TE:

JOHN DODERO, SR., 6'2, 230, RS

DE:

KEITH SULLIVAN JR., 6'0, 190

TE:

DOMINIC TARRICONE SR., 6'0, 217

DE:

JOHN DODEAO SR., 6'2, 230, RS

NOAH BRUNATTI, SR., 5'9, 182, RS

OLB: DOM TARRICONE SR.

(ONE START IN 2020)

OLB: JEFF BREWER SR., 5'11, 170 FS:

NICK STANZIANI SO., 5'11, 170

FS:

MATT VANNORTWICK SR., 5'8, 150

SS:

MIKE ABODE SR., 6'1, 190, RS

CB: ANDREW TOBIA, SR., 5'9, 160, RS

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

BRING BACK THE ROAR

Head Coach: Steve Bush, 9 th season

(15th overall)

ith a solid group of returning starters who gained valuable experience playing a very difficult schedule last season, Middletown North is aiming to snap a three-year skid and post its first winning season since 2016.

Career Record: 37-43 (119-91-1 overall) Assistant Coaches: Geoff Massimini (Defensive Coordinator/LB/TE); Randy Kalman (WR/DB/Head JV Coach); Justin Bloss; (OL/DL); Justin McGhee (RB/DL); Justin Muller (OL/DL); Danielle Kanski (Athletic Trainer).

2020: 1-5 2019: 4-7 2018: 2-8 2017: 5-5 2016: 9-3

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 stack ______________________________________________ Player To Watch: A three-year starter, Haddow has 1,000yard potential as a running back and has turned in two very good seasons on defense as a free safety with a combined 133 tackles and two interceptions.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Jacinto Lopez, Jr., OL/DL Lopez is big (6-foot-5, 247 pounds) and experienced as a starter since his freshman year. He will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines for the Lions.

IMPACT NEWCOMERS: David Mason, Sr., WR/DB and Derek Soto, Jr., WR/DB Both Mason and Soto are set to be the starting cornerbacks while also having roles in the wide receiver rotation.

9/2 9/17 9/24 10/1 10/8 10/15 10/22-23 10/29-30 11/25

Freehold Twp. 6pm @Lacey 6:30pm @Howell 6:30pm Brick Memorial 7pm @Brick 7pm St. John Vianney 7pm Shore Conference Pods TBD Shore Conference Pods TBD Midd. South 10:30am

The Lions were 1-5 last season but played a brutal schedule that included Rumson-Fair Haven, Mater Dei Prep, Red Bank Catholic, Middletown South and Freehold. Four of those teams finished ranked in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10. The schedule eases up considerably this season thanks to realignment and the Lions – on paper, at least – should be contenders in a division that looks fairly wide open.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Brian Haddow, Sr., RB/FS

Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri/Sat Fri/Sat Thur.

( L- R )

J ACK L OPEZ (56), A DAM C ONKLIN (69), Z AC S EARIGHT (1), T OMMY G IANNONE (10) C ONNOR C LARK (53), B RIAN H ADDOW (23)

TOP POSITION GROUP: The Backfield With Giannone back as a returning starter after nearly throwing for 1,000 yards in six games and Haddow ready to begin his third year as the starting running back, Middletown North is set at two of the most important positions on the field.

Eight players who either started or saw significant action return in Middletown North’s spread offense, led by senior running back Brian Haddow. A three-year starter, Haddow is a dynamic threat who could have a very big year. Tommy Giannone, a 6-foot-6 senior, returns after starting

selection after hauling in 27 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns in six games. Recent history says somebody will step forward and put up good numbers in head coach Steve Bush’s offense.

X-Factor: Staying Healthy

Big Shoes to Fill: The Wide Receivers Quentin Soler was a very productive wide receiver for the Lions during his career and last season was a third-team All-Shore

The Lions are talented but don’t have a ton of depth. The division should be very competitive and if Middletown North can keep its top players on the field the team should be able to contend for the division title.

last season and throwing for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. He lost his top target, Quentin Soler, to graduation but returns seniors Levi Wilson and Lucas Cerbo, who both saw time last season. Senior David Mason and junior Derek Soto round out the corps of wideouts. The Lions have a lot of size at the perimeter of the line of scrimmage, and even more when you include senior tight end Zac Searight and his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame. Junior Jacinto Lopez (6-foot-5, 247) is a threeyear starter and will hold down the left tackle spot while senior Adam Conklin (6-foot-4, 297) is the right tackle. Senior Connor Clark is the left guard, senior Karl Strauch is the right guard and the center is junior Lucas

Ainbinder with junior Michael Subik also working in.

interceptions.

On defense, four starters return in the Lions’ 3-3 stack. Lopez is a three-year returning starter at defensive end and will be joined by Clark at defensive tackle and junior Peter Dempsey at the other defensive end spot.

After having to run the gauntlet last season against several of the best teams in the Shore, Middletown North moves into the Independence Division with Brick Memorial, Brick Township, Howell and Lacey.

The linebackers are Cerbo and senior Colin Devine on the outside and Subik as the inside linebacker. The secondary features Soto and Mason as the corners, senior Ryan Demedici and junior Jack LaBruno working at strong safety, Haddow returning as the starting free safety and senior Dan Cody playing the rover position. Haddow has had two strong years in a row on defense and finished last season with 54 tackles and two

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: 4

Returning Starters: 8

DT:

JACINTO LOPEZ, JR., 3RS

QB:

TOMMY GIANNONE, SR., RS

DT:

CONNOR CLARK, SR., RS

RB:

BRIAN HADDOW, SR., 3RS

DE:

PETER DEMPSEY, JR.

WR:

LEVI WILSON, SR., RS; LUCAS CERBO, SR, RS.; DAVID MASON, SR.; DEREK SOTO, JR.

OLB: LUCAS CERBO, SR., RS

TE:

ZAC SEARIGHT, SR, RS.

LT:

JACINTO LOPEZ, JR., 3RS

LG:

CONNOR CLARK, SR., RS

LUCAS AINBINDER, JR.; MICHAEL SUBIK, JR.

RG:

KARL STRAUCH, SR.

RT:

ADAM CONKLIN, SR., RS

ILB:

MICHAEL SUBIK, JR.

OLB: COLIN DEVINE, SR. CB: DEREK SOTO, JR. CB: DAVID MASON, SR. SS:

RYAN DEMEDICI, SR.; JACK LABRUNO, JR.

FS:

BRIAN HADDOW, SR., 3RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

JACK LAROCCA, SO.; EMMA ROBSON, SR.; BILLY MONGEAU, JR.

GAVIN HALLORAN, SO.

SR. RB. B RIAN H ADDOW Photo by:

ROVER: DAN CODY, SR.

By:

Kevin Williams SSN Director

BUILDING BLOCKS

Head Coach: nd

Jarrett Pidgeon, 2 season Career Record: 155-83

Assistant Coaches:

arrett Pidgeon’s first season as a head coach produced mixed results with Central winning its first two games before losing four of their next five and finishing with a 3-4 record. Two of those losses came by a total of nine points and with 15 starters back, season No. 2 for Pidgeon should bring a marked improvement.

Frank Papalia (Off. coordinator/OL); Danny Higgins (QB); Paul Carrezola (TE/WR, Strength & Conditioning); Kyle Watson (RB); Frank Backle (OL); James Plummer (OLB); Terrance Hardy (DB/Special Teams); Will Wowkanyn (DL); Dennis Pidgeon (Def. Assistant); Walter Karasiewicz, Tommy Koenig; (Freshman coaches) Athletic Trainer: Cassie Dennis.

Fri. 9/3 Hightstown 7pm Fri. 9/10 Neptune 7pm Fri. 9/17 @Freehold Twp. 6:30pm Fri. 9/24 @Raritan 7pm Fri. 10/1 Marlboro 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Matawan 7pm Fri. 10/15 Southern 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 3-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-7 2017: 7-3 2016: 7-2

Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: ________________Multiple _____________3-4 _________________ Player To Watch: Anthony Musso, Sr., DE/LB/FB Musso will be counted on to lead the defense and opposing teams will clearly be on the look-out for him whether he lines up at linebacker or end. On offense, his carries might be limited but when he’s in the game at fullback look for him to help clear space for the speedy running backs in the lineup.

P LAYERS U NDER T HE R ADAR JJ Garcia, Jr., QB & Chase Gumbrecht, Jr., RB It seems more often than not the quarterback position falls under this heading and it’s no different here. Garcia lost out on the starting job last summer but the position is now his and he’ll want to make the most of it. Gumbrecht saw some time at running back in the second half of the season but his carries were limited with a pair of seniors also in the mix. They have now graduated so the junior becomes the main weapon in the backﬁeld.

X-Factor: Offensive Line There is plenty of experience and good size featuring Dudley (280), Dasti (270), Rua (240), Jack Vandiver (290) and Sean Williams (225). They are all seniors and could be the best position group on the team, although the defensive backﬁeld should be very strong as well.

IMPACT NEWCOMERS: There are several to choose from but Pidgeon is excited about sophomore tight end Luke Kryzkowski (6-foot-3, 205) and sophomore linebacker Scott Nico. Junior Tony Brinson will be in the mix at wide receiver and senior Andre Roggenkamp will get some carries in the backﬁeld.

(L-R)

DOM FRAULO (28), ANTHONY MUSSO (42), MICHAEL RAPPOLA (88), ALEX BECHTLE (52), SHANE SAJEWICZ (3) , DANNY MORRIS (7) & COLIN STEIMLE (2)

B e f o re G o l d e n E a g l e s f a n s g e t t o o ex c i t e d t h e re a re q u e s t i o n m a r k s a n d s o m e v e r y g o o d p l a ye r s l o s t t o g ra d u a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g A l l - S h o re l i n e b a cke r I m e e r J o h n s o n a n d o t h e r s l i ke N i ck S u ra , V i n n i e D a l l i c a rd i l l o, D a n n y Ta r i s a n d B ra n d o n M o n t g o m e r y. H ow e v e r, t h e re a p p e a r s t o b e m o re t h a n e n o u g h t a l e n t a n d experience for Central to be considered a title contender in the newly-for med Liberty Division. Junior JJ Garcia went into summer practice last year in a battle f o r t h e s t a r t i n g q u a r t e r b a ck s p o t , w h i ch wa s wo n by F ra n k i e Farmer, but Garcia still saw plenty of action and started one game w h i l e p l a y i n g i n o t h e r s . I n t h e s p r i n g, F a r m e r re c l a s s i f i e d t o t h e

SR. RB A NTHONY M USSO

Class of 2023 and enrolled at The Peddie School so Garcia will get his shot from the start to run Central’s multiple pro attack under new offensive coordinator Frank Papalia with freshman Deven Sisler backing him up. There is a solid stable of running backs led by junior Chase Gumbrecht and a trio of seniors in Andre Roggenkamp, Dom Fraulo and rugged Anthony Musso. Seniors Danny Morris and Shane Sajewicz figure to be Garcia’s top targets as they retur n to head up the wide receiver position, while senior Michael Rappola i s b a ck a t t i g h t e n d . Ta ck l e To d d D u d l e y l e a d s a g r o u p o f re t u r n e r s o n t h e offensive line along with Peyton Dasti and Nick Rua.

defensive backfield figures to be ver y strong and is led by Morris and Fraulo while senior Colin Steimle, who started as a sophomore, retur ns after spending last season in Florida. Senior Sean Hurley retur ns to handle both the kicking and punting chores. W h i l e l a s t s e a s o n wa s a r o u g h o n e f o r a l l h e a d c o a ch e s i t h a d t o b e particularly challenging for those like Pidgeon, who in his first year had to deal with a pandemic that presented daily challenges outside of Xs and Os. With that experience hopefully behind him he can focus on football and leading Central to their first winning season since 2017.

With the exception of losses to Lacey and Souther n, the Golden Eagles did not a l l ow m o re t h a n t wo t o u ch d ow n s i n a n y o t h e r g a m e s . H e a d i n g u p t h o s e re t u r n i n g o n d e f e n s e i s M u s s o, w h o w i l l l i n e u p a t b o t h l i n e b a cke r a n d defensive end. Junior Logan Brennan is back at a defensive end spot and senior Alex Bechtle retur ns as a starting linebacker. Defensive end Vinnie Charles, a s t a r t e r t wo ye a r s a g o, re t u r n s a f t e r m i s s i n g a l l o f 2 0 2 0 w i t h a n i n j u r y. T h e

Projected Offensive Starters:

OL: PEYTON DASTI, SR.

ILB: ALEX BECHTLE, SR., RS; RUDY RINDERER, JR.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

OL: NICK RUA, SR., RS; RUDY RINDERER, JR.

ILB: ANTHONY MUSSO, SR., RS; CADEN BARKER, JR.

QB: JJ GARCIA, JR.; DEVEN SISLER, FR.

OL: TODD DUDLEY, SR., RS

CB: COLIN STEIMLE, SR.

RB: CHASE GUMBRECHT, JR., RS; ANDRE ROGGENKAMP, SR.; DOM FRAULO, SR.; ANTHONY MUSSO, SR., RS WR: DANNY MORRIS, SR., RS.; SHANE SAJAWEICZ, SR., RS.; TONY BRINSON, JR.; CHASE PIERCE, JR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

CB: DANNY MORRIS, SR., RS SS: JOE RUGGIERO, SR.

DE: LOGAN BRENNAN, SR., RS; TREY MITCHELL, JR. FS:

DOM FRAULO, SR., RS

NG: NIKO NASR, JR.; AARON JOSA, SR RS; JACK VANDIVER, SR.

TE: MICHAEL RAPPOLA, SR., RS; LUKE KRYZKOWSKI, SO.

DE: VINNIE CHARLES, SR.

OL: JACK VANDIVER, SR.

OLB: CADEN BARKER, JR.; SCOTT NICO, SO.

OL: SEAN WILLIAMS, SR.; AARON JOSA, SR.

OLB: JAIVON TATE, JR.; SHANE SAJEWICZ, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: SEAN HURLEY, SR., RS

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

TURN THE PAGE

Head Coach: Cory Davies, 7th season (30th overall) Career Record: 28-27 (133-151 overall)

t this point last year, Freehold Township was like every other football team around New Jersey, yearning for normalcy but happy to be playing football in the midst of a pandemic, especially those competing in their senior year. Things started off great for the Patriots with victories in each of their first two games, but then things began to go downhill.

Assistant Coaches: Matt Hardison (OL/DB); Todd Bitsko (WR/LB); Todd Smith (WR/DB); Alex Mattina (OL/DL); Shane Laricy (RB/LB); Anthony Lotti (WR/DB); Vince Tesi (TE/DL); Ed Von Nessen (Def. Assistant); Ryan Davies (Of. Analyst); Gene Blanco, Jesse Heubel (Freshmen); Mike Verrochi (Special Assistant); Bill Dague (Quality Control); Derek Reichenbecher (Defensive Analyst); Rebekah Bernard (Athletic Trainer).

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-3 2019: 2-8 2018: 5-5 2017: 8-3 2016: 7-3

Offense: Spread Defense: ________________4-2-5 ______________________________ Player To Watch:

After the 2-0 start, Freehold Township lost its final three games and had three others canceled because of Covid exposure/protocols. And in those final three games the Patriots lost by an average of 36 points, finishing the year in the bottom five of both points scored and points allowed.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: Giacomo Calamita, Sr., WR/DB Calamita was a second-team All-Division selection last season and looks to be the top target for quarterback Ryan Jackson. He will also move into a starting role on defense at cornerback.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Anthony Long, Jr., WR/DB The junior will be in the wide receiver mix and is also slated to start on defense at cornerback

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line The Patriots have a group of experienced seniors in the trenches. A solid offensive line is a great foundation and Freehold Township has that heading into 2021.

X-Factor: Defense Even if the offense makes major improvements it will still be hard to win games if the defense is giving up 30-plus points per game. The Patriots have to find a way to limit big plays and get off the field on third down.

The defense was 42nd out of 43 teams in points allowed per game (33) last season so improving that number will obviously be a major focus.

JOE JUAREZ (72), RYAN JACKSON (14), GIACOMO CALAMITA (13), SHAWN MESIA (55), JADEN MORALES (24), DEVIN OLESIN (1)

Ryan Jackson, Sr., QB The quarterback is the focal point in Cory Davies’ spread offense so if Jackson has a big year the Patriots will be in business.

Bernstein (6-foot, 235) is at left guard, Zach Krieg (6foot, 200) is the center after starting two games last season, Shawn Mesia (5-foot-11, 190) is the right guard and Omar Francis (6-foot-3, 215) is the right tackle. The newcomer is senior Joe Juarez (6-foot-2, 230) at left tackle but he has varsity experience as a starting defensive end last season.

After three straight solid seasons that included the (L-R)

program’s first playoff victory, the Patriots have struggled with just four wins over the last two years. But with multiple returning starters on both sides of the ball and some promising underclassmen, Freehold Township is hoping to return to contending for a playoff spot. Freehold Township’s offense will be a little more Spread and a little less Air Raid this season as head coach Cory Davies looks to implement more of a ground game, but senior quarterback Ryan Jackson will still be slinging it with regularity. Jackson started one game at quarterback last season and takes over as the starter to begin 2021. The 6-foot-2, 215pounder will have one returning starter to throw to in

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: 6 QB: RYAN JACKSON, SR., RS RB: DEVIN OLESIN, SR.; JADEN MORALES, SR.; RYDER ANAGNOS, SR. WR: GIACOMO CALAMITA, SR., RS; ANTHONY LONG, JR.; MATT CARNEY, SR.; SHAWN CORCHADO, JR.; AIDEN GREENBERG, SR.; ANTHONY PONTECORVO, SR. TE: NICK BENJAMINO, JR. LT: JOE JUAREZ, SR.

Thur. 9/2 @ Midd. North 6 pm Fri. 9/10 Freehold 6:30 pm Fri. 9/17 Central 6:30 pm Sat. 9/25 @ Marlboro 12 pm Fri. 10/1 Matawan 6:30 pm Thur. 10/7 @ Neptune 7 pm Fri. 10/15 @ Howell 6:30 pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

the form of senior Giacomo Calamita. Seniors Matt Carney, Aiden Greenberg, and Anthony Pontecorvo and juniors Anthony Long and Shawn Corchado round out the group of wide receivers. Seniors Devin Olesin (5-foot-9, 180) and Jaden Morales (6-foot, 220) started on defense last season and will now start as running backs, as well. Call it a slash and bash tandem if you will. Senior Ryder Anagnos is also in the mix at running back. Junior Nick Benjamino is another player who started on defense last year who will now move into a starting position on the offensive side as a tight end. The strength of the offense should be an all-senior offensive line that returns four of five starters. Hunter

LG: C: RG: RT:

HUNTER BERNSTEIN, SR., RS ZACH KRIEG, SR., RS SHAWN MESIA, SR., RS OMAR FRANCIS, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

Some starting spots are still up for grabs but Freehold Township does return six starters in its 4-25 alignment. Juarez at defensive end and Francis at defensive tackle anchor the defensive line. The other tackle and end spots have yet to be determined. Benjamino and Morales are both returning starters at inside linebacker while Olesin slides down to start at one of the outside linebacker spots after starting at safety last season. The other outside linebacker position remains an open competition. Pontecorvo started two games in the secondary last season and will start at free safety. The corners will be Calamita, Long and junior Filip Dereta. Freehold Township will play in the Liberty Division this season with Central, Marlboro, Matawan and Neptune as division opponents. There isn’t a clear frontrunner among the group so if Freehold Township can turn around its defensive woes and get back to being a dangerous passing offense, the Patriots have as good a chance as any to be playing meaningful games late in the season.

ILB: ILB: OLB: CB: CB: FS:

NICK BENJAMINO, JR., RS JADEN MORALES, SR., RS MULTIPLE PLAYERS COMPETING GIACOMO CALAMITA, SR. ANTHONY LONG, JR.; FILIP DERETA, JR. ANTHONY PONTECORVO, SR., RS

Returning Starters: 10 Projected Special Team Starters: DE: JOE JUAREZ, SR., RS DT: OMAR FRANCIS, SR., RS K: CODY WOHLRAB, JR. DT: MULTIPLE PLAYERS COMPETING P: TO BE DETERMINED DE: MULTIPLE PLAYERS COMPETING OLB: DEVIN OLESIN, SR., RS (PLAYED SAFETY IN 2020)

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

CHASING THE POSTSEASON Head Coach: Jason Dagato, 9th season Career Record: 17-60

arlboro’s pursuit of an elusive NJSIAA postseason berth that has escaped its clutches for two decades was put on hold in 2020, when there was no statewide postseason due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As it turned out, 2020 might not have been the year anyway, as the Mustangs went 1-6 with the worst point differential (minus-146) in the Shore Conference.

Assistant Coaches: Reid Stapp (Def. Coordinator/RB/LB), Jim Papalia (Special Teams/WR/DL), Bill Cook (OL/DL), Tom Caporale (QB/DB), Ryan Cassidy (RB/LB), Cory Varrial (Freshman), William Oplinger (Freshman), Anais Mixson (Athletic Trainer)

T h i s ye a r ’s M a r l b o r o s q u a d w i l l feature offensive and defensive units loaded with new players, as just three s t a r t e r s re t u r n o n t h e o f f e n s e w i t h f o u r c o m i n g b a ck o n t h e d e f e n s i v e s i d e o f t h e b a l l . T h e re a re f o u r re t u r n i n g s t a r t e r s b a ck o n o f f e n s e i f you include q u a r t e r b a ck A . J. S ch wa r t z , w h o m ov e s f r o m va r s i t y re c e i v e r t o s i g n a l - c a l l e r f o r a g r o u p t h a t w i l l l e a n o n re t u r n i n g s e n i o r running-back Zach Rosen.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 1-6 2019: 3-7 2018: 4-6 2017: 3-7 2016: 3-7

Offense: Multiple Defense: ________________3-4 ______________________________ Player To Watch: Zach Mendes, Sr., RB/LB Mendes is the most established player returning for the Mustangs in 2021 after playing middle linebacker and serving as a featured back on the offense during his junior season. He’ll reprise both roles this season and will look to be a leader for a Marlboro team without a whole lot of experience while also increasing his individual production.

P LAYERS U NDER T HE R ADAR Loren Gunin, Sr., LT/DT Gunin got some run last year but has made major strides heading into his senior year, according to Dagato. After holding his own in a part-time role last season, Gunin convincingly made his case to be the starting left tackle on offense and will pair with returning starter Mike Giancaspro in the nose tackle rotation.

IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Matt Cassidy and Anthony Tropeano (So., RB/LB) A wave of younger players will have to make a major impact for Marlboro this season, including a sophomore class led Cassidy and Tropeano. It is up in the air whether either will start on opening week, but both are likely to work their way into regular snaps somewhere on the field and quite possibly on both sides of the ball.

Sat. 9/11 Matawan 12pm Fri. 9/17 @Neptune 7pm Sat. 9/25 Freehold Twp. 12pm Fri. 10/1 @Central 7pm Sat. 10/9 Howell 12pm Fri. 10/15 @Brick Mem. 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

(L-R)

MICHAEL GIANCASPRO (51), JOSEPH WEISS (11), LOREN GUNIN (66), RYAN MENDES (7) A.J. SCHWARTZ (4), ZACH MENDES (10)

TOP POSITION GROUP:

BIG SHOES

Skill Players and Defensive Line Mendes and his younger brother, Ryan, are two potential game-breakers on the offensive side of the ball and senior receiver Joe Weiss and junior tight end Lucas McEvoy also have play-making ability in an offense that will be turned over to a solid quarterback in A.J. Schwartz. On the other side of the ball, experienced seniors Peter Budveit and Corey Shanin will play on the ends while Giancaspro and Gunin handle the nose tackle job.

A.J. Schwartz, Jr., QB/FS Nick Wright was an all-around athlete and leader at the quarterback position last year, but Schwartz is ready to step in. The new Mustangs starter took snaps at the position on jayvee last season to stay in tune with the offense and the responsibilities, then made his contribution to the varsity team as a wide receiver to keep calibrated with the speed of the varsity game.

FILL:

F i n d i n g a t h l e t e s t o d e p l oy o n b o t h sides of the ball has not been a s t re t ch i n re c e n t ye a r s a n d h e a d c o a ch J a s o n D a g a t o i s h o p e f u l t h e p r o g ra m c a n ke e p b r i n g i n g t h o s e quality athletes out and tur ning them into the first playoff team at Marlboro since the early 2000’s. Marlboro has turned the corner with a lot of its other boys prog rams and the football

X-Factor: Youth Youth can be a burden for a coaching staff but for a team coming off a 1-6 season, it is an opportunity. Marlboro’s incoming group of sophomores and juniors has promise and with some progress on an offensive line led by Giancaspro, Shanin and Budveit, there is potential for the Mustangs offense to do damage.

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

Projected Special Team Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

DE: COREY SHANIN, JR.

K/P: MAX FOLEY, JR

QB: A.J. SCHWARTZ, JR.

DT:

RB: ZACH MENDES, SR., RS; DYLAN MICCOLI, JR.

DE: PETER BUDVEIT, JR.

FB: THOMAS CAMMARANO, SR.; NOLAN JONES, JR.

OLB: THOMAS CAMMARANO, SR.

WR: RYAN MENDES, JR.

ILB: ZACH MENDES, SR., 3RS

WR: JOE WEISS, SR.

ILB: NOLAN JONES, JR.

TE: LUCAS MCEVOY, JR.

OLB: RYAN MENDES, JR., RS

LT: LOREN GUNIN, SR.

CB: JOE WEISS, SR.

LG: MIKE GIANCASPRO, SR., RS C:

PETER BUDVEIT, JR.

RG: LOU OGNO, SO.

LOREN GUNIN, SR.; MIKE GIANCASPRO, SR., RS

Photo by:

CB: KEITH OMANE-AGYEI, SR. SS: JAKE HOUSTON, JR. FS:

A.J. SCHWARTZ, JR., RS

RT: COREY SHANIN, JR., RS

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

THE TIME IS NOW A Head Coach: Jay Graber, 3rd season Career Record: 68-42

Assistant Coaches: Mohammed El Sherbini (Def. Coordinator/LB), Scott Messler (OL/DL), Bob Wietecha (WR/DB), Robert Cordasco (TE/FB/Freshman), Jeff Grimm (OL/DL), R.J. Davis (DB/QB), Joe Martucci (RB/LB), Nick Hartigan (RB/Freshman), Robert Bialowarczuk (LB/OL), Matt Goetz (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 5-4 2018: 1-8 2017: 2-8 2016: 2-8

Offense: Multiple Defense: _________________4-3 ___________________________ Player to Watch : David Onuoha, Sr., RB/MLB Onuoha is a physical force on both sides of the ball and in his senior year, he is likely to get a bulk of the carries out of the backfield. He was more of a secondary option as a runner last year while playing a standout middle linebacker (89 tackles), but the 6foot-2, 235-pound senior is ready to take on the two-way assignment this season.

Players Under the Radar: Nick Winzer and Zion Spence (Jr., OT/DE) With two experienced two-way linemen, Matawan will be a tough team to deal with in the trenches. Winzer is the bigger of the two at 6-5, 275 pounds and is locked in at left tackle, while the six-foot, 235 Spence is a versatile lineman who will play tackle and guard on offense and all over the defensive line.

s the start to the 2021 season approaches, third-year Matawan head coach Jay Graber and he’s team are hoping for a better start to the year than the one they endured in 2020.

Thur. 9/2 @Ocean 7pm Sat. 9/11 @Marlboro 12pm Fri. 9/17 Colts Neck 7pm Fri. 9/24 Neptune 7pm Fri. 10/1 @Freehold Twp. 6:30pm Fri. 10/8 Central 7pm Fri. 10/15 @Red Bank 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

While the competition at the outset will be challenging, it would take a lot of misfortune to author a start worse than the one that kicked off 2020.

The Huskies were The Huskies, however, rebounded by winning shut down due to a two of their last three and although they case of COVID-19 just graduated some production, they return a solid days before the season core of players led by senior quarterback was to begin and Dennis Buonagura and two-way standout returned with only two David Onuoha – the latter of whom finished days to prepare for tied for fourth in the Shore Conference their opener vs. in tackles. Buonagura completed better St. John Vianney, than 63 percent of his passes last year ( L- R ) N IK W INZER (76), Z ION S PENCE (77), K YLE H ALLIBURTON (8), D AVID O NUOHA (6) which was played for 460 yards and will be working with a J OEY B ODIN (5), D ENNIS B UONAGURA (1) two weeks after young receiving corps led by returning most of the state junior Joe Bodin. and focus on the here and now,” Graber said. had already opened the season. To make “Dennis is playing very well,” Graber said. “I want my team to be present and in the matters worse, Matawan’s schedule was front“He has developed his leadership skills to a moment and when after so much of our season loaded, with two ranked opponents in Raritan high level. He is throwing the ball well and last year got cut out, I think they see the and Holmdel following the 35-0 loss to St. accurately and proving that he has ability to importance of not taking any day for granted. John Vianney. Matawan was outscored by a be dynamic. We’re expecting good things from That’s why I don’t think about the future and total of 101-14 in the three losses. him this year.” rebuilding; every season is a new season and “With COVID and the way things can just you play that one as best you can.” stop, I really try to keep my feet on the ground

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: RB:

DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR., 3RS DAVID ONUOHA, SR., 3RS; JAYDEN PERCODANI, SO.; COLIN PALUMBO, FR. WR: JOE BODIN, JR. WR: JAYDEN PERCODANI, SO.; DANTE STEVENSON, SO. WR: FRANK PINCO, SO.; BRIAN CHARLES GAGNERON, SO. TE: KYLE HALLIBURTON, SR., RS LT: NICK WINZER, JR., RS LG: A.J. REAMER, JR.; RYDER SILVERS, JR.

C: RG: RT:

TIM MURPHY, SR. JORDAN REAMER, SO.; ZION SPENCE, JR. ZION SPENCE, JR., 3RS; JAYDEN ELIJAH, FR.

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: DT: DT: DE: OLB: MLB:

NICK WINZER, JR.; ZION SPENCE, JR., 3 RS JORDAN REAMER, SO.; COLIN JUAREZ, SR. TIM RYF, SR.; RYDER SILVERS, JR. CHRIS BURSETH, SO.; ZION SPENCE, JR. LANCE SANTOS, JR.; KYLE HALLIBURTON, SR. DAVID ONUOHA, SR., 3RS

OLB: DB: DB: DB: DB:

JOE BODIN, JR., RS JAYDEN PERCODANI, SO.; ELISHUA DAWKINS, SR. FRANK PINCO, SO.; COLIN PALUMBO, FR.; BRIAN CHARLES GAGNERON, SO.; VITO SCARPA, SO.; DANTE STEVENSON, SO.; DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR

Projected Special Team Starters: K: P:

DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR., 3RS. DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR.

I MPACT N EWCOMERS :

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

B IG S HOES

Colin Palumbo (Fr., RB/DB) and Jayden Elijah (Fr., OT)

Linebackers

Jayden Percodani, So., RB/WR/DB

Youth in the Secondary

Onuonha leads a linebacking group that boasts experience and upside. Junior Joe Bodin – who is likely to be the top target for Buonagura in the passing game – returns as a starter at one of the outside linebacker spots, while on the other side, junior Lance Santos and senior Kyle Halliburton will see time. Halliburton will be a key weapon at tight end and also has defensive experience that could round out Matawan’s trio of linebackers.

Among the key players to replace from last year’s Matawan team are Adam Coleman and Nazir AbdulGaffar. Both were starters in the secondary and Coleman was the team’s top rusher, which is a combination of skills that overlaps with what Percodani brings to the table. The sophomore is capable of working out of the backfield or receiver and Matawan will likely need him to be productive in at least one of those roles. Meanwhile, the secondary is almost entirely comprised of sophomores and Percodani is at the forefront of that group.

According to Graber, the competition in the secondary is heavy and of all the players in the mix, all can play both cornerback and safety. That eliminates any limits for the coaching staff in selecting the best four to start opening week vs. Ocean – whether it is a younger mix that includes Palumbo or whether it is a package that features seniors Buonagura and Elishua Dawkins.

Graber will not hesitate to turn to his freshman class this season, with Palumbo and Elijah looking like two early standouts. Palumbo will be an option out of the backfield and is also part of a deep mix of young talent in the Matawan secondary. Elijah, meanwhile, is an impressive 6-6, 285-pound tackle who could bully his way onto the starting offensive line – especially considering Spence’s versatility.

F ILL :

X-F ACTOR :

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

NEW BEGINNING Head Coach:

OVID-19 impacted a whole bunch of teams during the 2020 season and it is likely a number will have to deal with the it again this season.

Brian Duffy, 1 season Career Record: 0-0

Assistant Coaches: Jake Pew (Def. Coordinator); Mike Seber (QB/Passing Game), Shane Bigelow (OL/DL), Geoff Fairbanks (WR/OLB); Netanis Bean (WR/LB), Mysonn Bean (RB/LB), Mysonn Ledet (RB/DB), Brandon Settles (Volunteer), Amanda Kelly (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020:2-5 2019: 6-4 2018: 5-5 2017: 0-10 2016: 3-7

Offense: Multiple Defense: ________________3-4 ______________________________ Player To Watch: De’Ondre Banks, Jr., RG/DE A lot of Neptune’s players are still harnessing their ability, but Banks is more advanced as a third-year starter. The junior will be a staple on both the offensive and defensive lines, where the Scarlet Fliers have a chance to be solid thanks to the prowess of Banks and some additional experience and talent with the likes of Ah’Mere Booze and Anthony Banks.

P LAYERS U NDER T HE R ADAR Jaquan Smith (Jr., RB/LB) and Jordan Glisson (So., WR/RB/CB) Smith got a good dose of varsity time as a sophomore and will jump into the starting role at running back. He is also a capable linebacker and without much depth, he will have to contribute on both sides of the ball while Duffy and the staff tries to find chances to spell his feature back. Glisson, meanwhile, will slide in wherever needed, whether it is at running back or receiver. With Smith eying the starting tailback job, Glisson has a chance to be a No. 1 target in the passing game, as well as a capable young cornerback.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Oneil Campbell, Sr., WR/CB Campbell has emerged as a top player on the Neptune boys basketball team over the past two seasons and for the first time since he has been

( L- R )

M A T T E O A N D R E W S (88), R A ’S U N B A N K S (8) & D E ’O N D R E B A N K S (24)

As far as Shore Conference teams go, it might be hard to ﬁnd a team more adversely affected by the virus – at least from a football perspective – than has Neptune. Last year, the Neptune Board of Education did not clear teams to return to sports until well after the rest of the Shore had begun and now, the Scarlet Fliers are just ramping back up after a 10-day shutdown due to an outbreak of COVID on the team. According to new head coach Brian Duffy – Neptune’s third in the last three years and fourth in the last ﬁve – COVID concerns among some in the community have adversely impacted the turnout for the football team,

in high school, he will try his hand in football. The early signs are that he will fit right in. He is 6-foot5 with considerable athleticism and while that often translates to tight end or defensive end for standouts in both sports, Campbell has the speed to handle wide receiver and cornerback for the Scarlet Fliers.

TOP POSITION GROUP: Defensive Line As previously mentioned, Neptune shapes up well on both the offensive and defensive lines despite its

which was at 23 players program-wide in the ﬁnal full week of August. To combat that over the next several years, Duffy and his staff have focused on making football fun for the players who are on the team, developing a quality group of juniors and seniors and looking to accentuate strengths in order to compete with deeper, more experienced teams on the schedule. “There have been a lot of challenges to playing during COVID and I think we have kids who are still ﬁguring out what we’re about as a team,” Duffy said. “It’s up to me and the coaches to show them every day what we’re about and try to make it fun. We’re out here to

lack of overall depth. On the defensive side, the Scarlet Fliers will attack with a three-man front, with Booze at nose guard and De’Andre Banks and Pearson on the ends.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Davion Pierson, Jr., QB/OLB Two of the toughest players to replace from 2020 will be quarterback Nino Bua and two-way standout Junior Haughton, who played both running back and linebacker. Pierson could very well find himself covering one of those spots if he emerges from the

Fri. Fri. Fri. Thur. Sat. Fri/Sat Fri/Sat Thur.

9/10 9/17 9/24 10/7 10/16 10/22-23 10/29-30 11/25

@Central 7pm Marlboro 7pm @Matawan 7pm Freehold Twp. 7pm Brick 1pm Shore Conference Pods TBD Shore Conference Pods TBD @Asbury Park 10am

learn, compete and get better, but it’s supposed to be fun so we are getting the music going and we’re trying to keep changing the pace.” There are only four seniors on the Neptune roster, but a number of the juniors return with experience and are embracing the challenge of playing both offense and defense. The depth is likely to catch up with the Scarlet Fliers at some point, but the many young players on the roster will have a lot of game reps upon which to build over the next several years. “We don’t have a lot of numbers but we have talent,” Duffy said. “Last year’s team graduated 22 seniors, so that put a dent in the numbers, but the guys who are back have a lot of ability. We’re just trying to get them as ready as we can an build up the participation. It’s going to be a rebuild but I’m here and this coaching staff is here to add stability to the program and see it through.”

preseason quarterback competition as the starter. He’ll also be part of what could be a strong defensive line.

X-Factor: Depth It is hard to envision a scenario in which Neptune’s reliance on two-way players plays in its favor, but the Scarlet Fliers – particularly the ones who will be in the program beyond this year – are hoping to learn from the experience and get better as the season progresses.

Projected Offensive Starters:

LG:

ANTHONY BANKS, JR., RS

OLB:

JAQUAN SMITH, JR.; ANTHONY BANKS, JR.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

DANIEL LOFTON, SO.

ILB:

DAVON CRAFT, SO.; JAQUAN SMITH, JR.

QB:

DAVION PEARSON, JR.; JORDAN GLISSON, SO.; JAQUAN SMITH, JR.

RG:

DE’ONDRE BANKS, JR., RS

ILB:

NAKAI BRYANT, JR.

RB:

JAQUAN SMITH, JR., DAVON CRAFT, SO.

RT:

JADEN RODRIGUEZ, SO

OLB:

RA’SUN BANKS, SR., RS

WR:

JORDAN GLISSON, SO.

SS:

MATEO ANDREWS, JR.

WR:

MATTEO ANDREWS, JR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

FS:

JA’SEAN JOHSON, JR.

WR:

ONEIL CAMPBELL, SR.

DE:

CDE’ONDRE BANKS, JR., 3RS

CB:

JORDAN GLISSON, SO.

FB/TE:

RA’SUN BANKS, SR., RS

DT:

AH’MERE BOOZE, SR., 3RS

CB:

ONEIL CAMPBELL, SR.

LT:

AH’MERE BOOZE, SR., RS

DE:

DAVION PEARSON, JR.

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

RISING SUN Head Coach: nd

Nick Famularo, 2 season Career Record: 4-2

outh and inexperience may be a reason for some programs to temper expectations within a given season, but that is not and has not been the case at Asbury Park in recent years.

Assistant Coaches: Lamar Davenport (Off. Coordinator/CB), Chris Demarist (Def. Coordinator/RB), Ikie Calderon (Special Teams/RB/S), Matt Ardizzone (QB/ILB), Rob Ward (OL/DL), Keith Killea (WR/OLB), Nancy Saphow (Athletic Trainer)

2020: 4-2 2019: 5-4 2018: 4-6 2017: 6-4 2016: 8-4

Player To Watch: ( L- R )

Iquann Crawford, So., RB/MLB Although Asbury Park will have a young squad, the freshman class likely won’t have an instant-impact players to give the varsity lineup, at least not right away. The sophomore class, though, does have some potential impact, particularly with a pair of

TBD

10am

J A ’ M A O U R E L L I S ( 6 ) , J A I ’ S U N B R O W N ( 1 ) , LY D E L L B R O W N ( 8 ) JASHUA HANDY (60) & ELIJAH DRAKE (56)

playmakers in Crawford and RaLee Stephens. Stephens played some last year and will be a key receiver and defensive back, but Crawford was extremely limited in his playing time as a freshman. This year, thought, Crawford has returned as one of the programs most improved players and could find himself with a significant number of carries on offense, not to mention his work at middle linebacker..

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR

IMPACT NEWCOMER:

TBD

It helps when the young players that emerge within the program can play like Asbury Park’s current quarterback, Jai’Sun Brown. A starter since his freshman year, Brown is at the center of what Asbury Park will try to do to opponents and the hope among second-year coach Nick Famularo and his staff is that the Brown’s presence will help ease the transition for Asbury Park’s many new starters.

Offense: Multiple Defense: ________________3-4 _____________________________

Josh Handy, Sr., RT/DE The offensive and defensive lines will be where Asbury Park is the least experienced, but the return of Handy to both should help solidify both fronts as the new blood catches up. Junior Darren Bacoute will play both ways and classmate Shaki Ford is a returning starter on the defensive line, but it will be Handy holding it down on both sides in order for the offensive line to protect Brown and the defensive line to cause chaos.

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

Whether or not the Blue Bishops have been loaded with seniors or breaking in a new core of underclassmen hasn’t necessarily made or buried their prospects in a given year.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Jai’Sun Brown, Jr., QB Still only a junior, Brown is one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Shore Conference and it shows both on film and in the numbers. He is a dual threat who already has a good feel for the finer points of the position, which show in his 14 touchdowns against only four interceptions last season, as well as a 61 percent completion percentage. Brown’s 1,508 passing yards were good for fifth in the conference and those 14 passing touchdowns ranked No. 2 in the Shore Conference.

Thur. 9/2 Red Bank Fri. 9/10 @Shore Fri. 9/17 Point Boro Fri. 9/24 Jackson Liberty Fri. 10/1 @Barnegat Sat. 10/9 @Manchester Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods Thur. 11/25 Neptune

T O P P O S I T I O N G R O U P : Secondary With Brown calling the signals, the quarterback position is probably Asbury Park’s best, but the secondary deserves some light shined upon it for its talent and experience. Lydell Brown, Jamour Ellis and

Knasir Alston are all returning seniors within the group and Stephens is an impact newcomer at strong safety. Alston is also a key cog in the offense as the projected starter at tailback and Ellis will be among Brown’s options at receiver.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Lydell Brown, Sr., 3RS One of the reasons Brown could but up such gaudy numbers as a sophomore was because he had an AllShore senior receiver in Mikai Brown-Jones. With BrownJones gone, it will be up to the remaining receivers to step up and for Brown to develop a connection with them. Brown is the experienced senior in the group, so he will

be the leading candidate to emerge as a dependable target, although Ellis, Stephens and tight end Tajere Burress are all capable of picking up the slack as well

X-Factor: Youth Getting a host of underclassmen and under-experienced juniors up to speed will be a challenge for Famularo and his staff, but they have some things going for them. Brown at quarterback and a history of plugging young players in with a degree of success are two of them and another is that other small-school teams at the Shore are also undergoing something of a youth movement as well.

“I don’t care whether it’s a small school or a big school or a powerhouse; for a player to do what (Brown) did as a freshman and sophomore is impressive,” Famularo said. “When you consider that he did it at quarterback, it’s even more impressive. For him to have accomplished what he already has before his junior year, it’s exciting to see where he can take it.”

quarterback, some good seniors and some young cats on the line. They are working hard and we’re going to go as far as they can take us.” Photo by:

Coming off a 4-2 showing in a shortened 2020 campaign, the Blue Bishops will have a lot of openings to fill, but one very important one occupied by Brown. As a perennial Group I contender with a standout at quarterback, Asbury Park has to be considered among the championship hopefuls from the Shore Conference. “The expectations are the same,” Famularo said. “We have a proven

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

DE:

JOSH HANDY, SR., RS

QB:

JAI’SUN BROWN, JR., RS

DT:

DARIN BACOTE, JR.

RB:

KNASIR ALSTON, SR., 3RS

DT:

SHAKI FORD, JR., RS

RB:

JA’SHAWN CARTER, JR.;

DE:

RAZHON MCNEIL, SO.

IQUANN CRAWFORD, SO.

OLB:

TAJERE BURRESS, SR.

LYDELL BROWN, SR., 3RS

MLB:

IQUANNE CRAWFORD, SO.

WR:

JAMOUR ELLIS, SR.; RALEE STEPHENS, SO.

OLB:

JA’SHAWN CARTER, JR.

TE:

TAJERE BURRESS, SR.

CB:

LYDELL BROWN, SR., RS

LT:

DARREN BACOTE, JR.

CB:

JAMOUR ELLIS, SR., RS

LG:

ELIJAH DRAKE, JR.

SS:

RALEE STEPHENS, SO.

FAKHIR HERCULES, SO.

FS:

KNASIR ALSTON, SR., 3RS

RG:

Y. JOHNSON, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

RT:

JOSH HANDY, SR., RS

K/P: JAI’SUN BROWN, JR.

WR:

S R . W R LY D E L L B R O W N

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

A NEW ERA

Head Coach: Paul Covine, 1st season Career Record: 0-0

or the first time since the program’s first varsity season in 2006, someone other than Rob Davis will be leading the Bengals onto the field to begin the season.

Assistant Coaches: Kevin Smith (Off. Coordinator); Andrew Petruzzi (RB/Dir. of Football Operations); Mike Burke (Special Teams Coordinator/DL); Mike Leone (OL); Andrew Villiez (WR); Pat Moran (DB); Wayne Jackson (Varsity gameday coach); Zach Brebner (Freshmen HC); Zach Andrews (Freshmen asst.); Lauren Tribley (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 5-3 2019: 5-4 2017: 5-5 2016: 5-5

2018: 7-3

Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: ________________3-4 _____________________________ Player To Watch: Connor Darmstatter, Sr., OL/DL Darmstatter was a first-team all-division selection as an offensive lineman last season and returns as a two-way starter. The 6-foot-3, 285-pounder will anchor the trenches on both sides of the ball.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR JoJo Bivins, Jr., RB/FS Bivins flashed impressive playmaking ability in limited action as a sophomore. With a full year and first-team reps coming his way, he could be one of the breakout star of the 2021 season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jared Schworn, Sr., TE/LB An injury derailed Schworn’s junior season but he’s back and ready to go as a two-way starter at tight end and linebacker.

( L- R )

K E A N P A U L ( 8 8 ) , C O N N O R D A R M S TA T T E R ( 6 4 ) , K U R T B O N I N ( 8 ) , KENNETH MINOR (74), JARED SCHWORN (33)

Davis, who was the first and only head coach in Barnegat history prior to stepping down after the 2020 season, started the Bengals football program, guided the team for 15 seasons and compiled an 82-69 record with four division titles and one NJSIAA sectional final appearance. Less than a month after Davis’ announced his resignation, Barnegat found its next head coach, and it didn’t have to look very far. In December, longtime assistant Paul Covine, who was most recently the team’s defensive coordinator, was hired as Barnegat’s new head coach, kicking off a new era of Barnegat football. Covine is a Barnegat native who attended Barnegat schools and is a graduate of Southern Regional High School, which was where Barnegat residents went to high school before Barnegat HS opened in 2004. He coached with the program for 12 seasons, starting at the middle school before coaching at the freshmen level and then with the varsity team. “I’m ecstatic, I really don’t have any words to describe it,” Covine told Shore Sports Network the day his hiring was made official. ‘I’m a Barnegat guy and just to get hired to coach football here 12 years ago was awesome. I coached in the middle

school and then the freshmen and then was a varsity assistant and then the defensive coordinator, and now this. It’s a dream come true.” Not only is Barnegat’s new head coach a longtime veteran of the program, most of the coaching staff also returned. Continuity and familiarity can often be an issue teams have to work through after a coaching change but the Bengals can hit the ground running in that regard. “One of my selling points when I was going for the job is that nobody knows the kids better than me because I’ve been a part of what Coach Davis has built,” Covine said. “I think that’s so important for the kids, that it’s an easy transition for them.” Now, Covine will try to continue Barnegat’s competitive ways while putting his own spin on the program. On the surface and in terms of scheme, Barnegat will look very similar to how it has in the past. The Bengals’ multiple spread offense has six returning starters from a unit that averaged 17.9 points per game last season. Half of those returning starters are on the offensive line with senior all-division selection Connor Darmstatter (6-foot-3, 285) at left tackle, senior Bryan Ortiz (5-foot-8, 200) at right guard and senior Kenneth Minor

Thur. 9/2 Allentown Fri. 9/10 Manchester Fri. 9/17 Jackson Liberty Fri. 9/24 @Shore Fri. 10/1 Asbury Park Fri. 10/8 @Point Boro Fri. 10/15 @Point Beach Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

6pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBD TBD

(6-foot-2, 305) at right tackle. Junior Connor Armstrong, who was a starting linebacker as a sophomore last season, will start at left guard while senior Azreal Pearson is the center. The tight end is senior Jared Schworn, who was set to start on defense last year before an injury ended his season. Senior Kurt Bonin takes over as the starting quarterback and in addition to an experienced offensive line will have some good playmakers around him. The Bengals have three wide receivers back who saw starting action last season with senior Keean Paul (6-foot-2, 225) and juniors Nasiem Lee and Shikieth Gordon. Junior running back JoJo Bivins split time last season, rushing for 302 yards and three touchdowns to earn second-team all-division honors. He will be RB1 this season with junior Max Giaccone and freshman Johnnel Johnson backing him up. Barnegat’s defense was very good last season, finishing tied for 10th in the Shore in points allowed at 15.5 per game. Just four starters return from that group, however, and the Bengals will have to find a way to replace some big-time stat producers at all three levels. Darmstatter is the lone returning starter up front in the Bengals’ 3-4 alignment, returning at defensive end. The other defensive end will be Minor and Pearson will line up at nose tackle. Armstrong had a very solid sophomore season with 49 tackles and returns as the starting middle linebacker. Schworn jumps back into a starting role as the weakside

TOP POSITION GROUP: Offensive Line A lot of Shore Conference squads are experienced up front and Barnegat is among those teams with three returning starters along the offensive line. Connor Darmstatter, Bryan Ortiz and Kenneth Minor return as the linchpins of the line in front of new quarterback Kurt Bonin.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Azreal Pearson, Sr., OL/DL He isn’t a direct replacement since the positions aren’t exactly the same, but Pearson becomes a two-way starter after the graduation of TJ Stokes, who was a starting offensive lineman and had a very good year along the defensive line with 41 tackles and three sacks.

X-Factor: Re-Igniting the Offense Barnegat’s defense was pretty good last year but it’s offense was in the middle of the pack. A return to being a high-octane unit would certainly be a plus, especially in a division that should feature several very good offenses.

linebacker while Paul is the strongside linebacker and senior Amir Allan will be the ‘Buck’ linebacker. In the secondary, Lee is a returning starter at cornerback with Gordon at the opposite cornerback spot. Lee made 40 tackles with five passes defensed and one forced fumble last

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: 6 QB: KURT BONIN, SR. RB: JOJO BIVENS, JR.; MAX GIACCONE, JR. WR: KEEAN PAUL, SR. RS; NASIEM LEE, JR., RS; SHIKIETH GORDON, JR., RS TE: JARED SCHWORN, SR. LT: CONNOR DARMSTATTER, SR., RS LG: CONNOR ARMSTRONG, JR.

C: RG: RT:

season. Seniors Logan Kruedl and Justin Bye are at strong safety. Junior Kyle Eslinger is the free safety with Bivins No. 2 on the depth chart. Barnegat will play in the Patriot Division this season, which includes several familiar rivals. They’ll take on Asbury Park,

AZREAL PEARSON, SR. BRYAN ORTIZ, SR., RS KENNETH MINOR, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 4 WDE: KENNETH MINOR, SR. NT: AZREAL PEARSON, SR. SDE: CONNOR DARMSTATTER, SR., RS

BUCK: WLB: MLB: SLB: CB: CB: SS: FS:

Jackson Liberty, Manchester, Point Boro and Shore Regional in division games and square off against Allentown and Point Beach in their first and final regular-season games, respectively.

AMIR ALLAN, SR. JARED SCHWORN, SR., RS CONNOR ARMSTRONG, JR., RS KEEAN PAUL, SR. NASIEM LEE, JR., RS; DERRICK JARVIS, SO. SHIKIETH GORDON, JR.; JAZMERE VIERA, SO. LOGAN KRUEDL, SR. KYLE ESLINGER, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

KYLE ESLINGER, JR.

CONNOR DARMSTATTER, SR.

LONG SNAPPER: CONNOR ARMSTRONG, JR. HOLDER: KURT BONIN, SR. KR: NASIEM LEE, JR., RS; JOJO BIVINS, JR. PR:

NASIEM LEE, JR., RS

By:

Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE Head Coach:

hen you think of a jungle, what comes to mind?

Thur. 9/2 Point Beach Fri. 9/10 Point Boro Fri. 9/17 @Barnegat Fri. 9/24 @Asbury Park Fri. 10/1 @Manchester Fri. 10/8 Shore Fri. 10/15 @Jackson Mem. Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

Jim Sharples, 9th season Career Record: 23-51

Assistant Coaches: Jeff Schmidt (Defensive Coordinator/S); Matt Schmidt (OL/DE/Special Teams Coordinator); Gerard O’Donnell (Offensive Coordinator/QB/CB); Jimmy Lopez (LB/JV Head Coach); Matt Spader (WR/Freshmen Head Coach); Matt Fergusen (LB/OL/Freshmen); Ryan Azzolini (DL/Freshmen); Chris Grande (Athletic Trainer).

( L- R )

Cooper Yorke, TE, Sr., RS He is the Swiss Army Knife of the Jackson Liberty Lions being a key part of special teams as the kicker and punter and playing different roles in the offense. He has also played a key role at linebacker on the other side of the ball. Yorke will move from slot receiver over to tight end in 2021 and brings some size to the position as well, but more importantly good hands.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR Brandon Bittar LT/DT, Jr. It's hard to miss a player who stands at 6-foot5, but you'll want to look at the offensive and defensive line for this junior tackle. Bittar also slides over a couple of spots on offense after playing center last season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jack Duke C, Sr. Duke moves into the starting center position after Bittar slid over to tackle. Duke will have to play a key role in ensuring protection and opening holes for the retooled offensive backfield.

TBD

Jackson Liberty has been trying to find their way offensively, searching for the right combination up front, trying to execute when holes open up for their skill players, and put more points on the board.

2020: 1-4 2019: 2-7 2018: 3-7 2017: 3-7 2016: 1-9

Player To Watch:

TBD

go down in a hurry -- being tackled, sacked, forced to fumble the rock.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Offense: Pro Style Defense: ________________4-3 _____________________________

7pm 7pm 7pm 6pm 7pm 7pm 7pm

D A L L A S W E I S S E ( 2 ) , C O N N O R G A L L A G H E R ( 4 ) , B R A N D O N B I T TA R ( 7 5 ) , COOPER YORKE (14), MATT ROMERO (52), ZACKARY CORRADO (1)

Hot and humid. Lots of animals. Swampy areas. Some quicksand. It can make things unpredictable in a sometimes fast-paced environment, but the way out of quicksand isn't to panic, it's to slow things down, trust in your

training and keep calm. And if you find help nearby, you call out as loud as you can in hopes of someone coming to rescue you before it's too late. Pocket pressure in the backfield can often seem like quicksand and you could

TOP POSITION GROUP: Defensive Front Seven Even though they surrendered 163 points in 2020, the defense over the last few seasons has been a strong point for the Lions. It'll have to vastly improve in 2021 to return to prior success and perhaps it can with the front seven heading out there this season. They have size on the line led by Brandon Bittar and newcomer Jack Duke and then at linebacker with players like Connor Gallagher and Cooper Yorke.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Zach Corrado RB/SS, Jr. Gian Libassi was one of Jackson Liberty's best in 2020 and prior to, both at running back and linebacker. He was the Shore Sports Network Player of the Week in Week 1 of 2020 in the Lions' 16-14 win over Toms River East, recording

Their defense, in large part, has been able to keep them in most of their games. But if you're not scoring, you're not winning. In 2018, the Lions averaged just 9.1 points per game. In 2019, they scored 106 points for the season and in 2020 -- and yes it was a shortened season because of the pandemic -- they only scored 41 points in five games and that includes getting shut out in one of them by rival

12 tackles and 2 sacks on defense and running for 70-yards on offense while scoring a touchdown in the process. Corrado will have to step up in 2021 as he'll be getting a bulk of the carries on offense. He's one of the players tasked with trying to spark a struggling offense.

X-Factor: Executing the New Offensive System If something isn't working the way you envision and you feel doing something else could improve the overall mission, perhaps it's time to pivot to that new option. In the quest to generate some offense and find offensive consistency, Sharples has made a change to the offense by going with a Pro-Style look for 2021.

Jackson Memorial. Now, they turn the page, hoping to spark a renaissance of offensive production in 2021. Gone is the flexbone triple-option offense from a season ago as the Lions now become engaged in a Pro Style offense that'll move a few players around, including Cooper Yorke sliding from slot receiver to tight end. "We are going to look to pound the ball with Zach Corrado and get it in the hands of Cooper Yorke with playaction and a quick passing game," said Jackson Liberty head coach Jim Sharples. "We have some experience at some positions but lack depth if we run into injuries." Yorke, Corrado and Matt Romero are keying the returning players from last season and will look to help lead some newcomers to the team, including Dennis Caswell and Jack Duke.

They also may have a secret weapon heading into the season, that changes everything offensively -- senior Dallas Weisse. "He went to Donovan Catholic for his freshmen year. He was really promising in 8th grade and we were disappointed to see him leave but glad he's back," Sharples said. The senior is also a guard for the school basketball team, good enough to earn All-Division honors. Sharples made a continued effort to get Weisse to come out for the football team and suddenly all that work paid off. "Now he's come out for the team," Sharples said. "He's been playing quarterback and has been a pleasant, pleasant surprise. He still looks like he could get it done and what it allows me to do is to free up Connor Gallagher, who was the quarterback, and he could go back to his

receiving role and help us a lot there." A week and a half into training camp this summer, Weisse took over the starting quarterback job, impressing Sharples and the coaching staff along the way with his stellar arm. "He does throw the ball really well," Sharples said. "We were struggling in that department and with our offense, which is going to be a running offense, if the defenses know you can't throw it, they're going to pack the box and there's going to be nine guys in there and it's going to make things really tough on us. Now, his (Weisse) ability to throw the ball -- short range, medium range -- he's very accurate, has a strong arm and he's also athletic." "He could definitely run and run to buy himself some time in the pocket," Sharples said.

Projected Offensive Starters:

LG:

MATT ROMERO SR., 5'8, 210, RS

OLB: CONNOR GALLAGHER SR., 6'2, 190, RS

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

JACK DUKE SR., 5'10, 210

ILB: COOPER YORKE, SR., 6'1, 200, RS

QB:

DALLAS WEISSE SR., 6'0, 200

RG:

ANTHONY GEORGIANO SO., 5'11, 230

OLB: DANTE ROBERTO SR., 5'9, 185, RS

RB:

ZACH CORRADO JR., 5'8, 170, RS

RT:

DAVID LIDZIEV JR., 5'11, 250

CB:

WILLIAM BRADLEY SO., 5'7, 145

CB:

CONNOR HILLS JR., 5'10, 155

WR: CONNOR GALLAGHER, SR., 6'2, 190, RS WR: BRANDON GALLAGHER JR., 5'10, 155

Projected Defensive Starters:

SS:

ZACH CORRADO JR., 5'8, 170, RS

WR: JOEY CELENTANO JR., 6'2, 155

DE:

JACK DUKE SR., 5'10, 210

FS:

BRANDON GALLAGHER JR., 5'10, 155

WR: CONNOR HILLS JR., 5'10, 155

DT:

MATT ROMERO SR., 5'8, 210, RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

TE:

COOPER YORKE SR., 6'1, 200, RS

DT:

BRANDON BITTAR JR., 6'5, 340, RS

K/P: COOPER YORKE, SR., 6'1, 200, RS

BRANDON BITTAR JR., 6'5, 340, RS

DE:

JOE BRADLEY SR., 5'10, 190

LT:

By:

Kevin Williams SSN Director

CONTINUE THE CULTURE Head Coach: Brian Wilkinson, 2ND season (13th overall) Career Record: 49-70

anchester Township High School has not had much success on the football field during its program history. Going into last season they had not produced a winning season since 2010 and in the history of the school, the Hawks have qualified for the state playoffs just twice and have never won a playoff game.

Assistant Coaches: Charlie Diskin (offensive coordinator/QB); Rich Stratton (OL); Amani Richardson (WR); Alex Lunn (RB); Paul Findlow (DL); Tom Malek (Secondary); Sam Ichabone & Erik Lang (Frosh). Tiffany Whalen (Athletic Trainer).

2020: 5-3 2019: 2-8 2018: 5-5 2017: 3-7 2016: 3-7

Player To Watch: Savon Myers, Sr., QB When you are a returning second-team AllShore selection who put up big numbers as a junior clearly the focus is on you. Myers has to get used to many new faces with receiver D’Maari Brown the only other skill position starter back. How he adjusts to those new players and handles knowing other teams will focus on stopping him will end up being a key for the Hawks to compile a second straight winning season.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR D’Maari Brown, Sr., WR/S The speedy Brown averaged 14 yards per reception last fall and if he gets the ball in open space then look out. Count on opposing teams looking to shut him down so he’ll have to find ways to get open. He’s a solid safety on defense and can do a little bit of everything.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Josh Love, So., RB/DB Watch out for this 5-foot-6 sophomore speedster who will be in the mix at both running back and defensive back.

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 1pm 1pm TBD TBD

in Week 1 and, despite losing their final two games, finished 5-3 and gave the returning players a taste of what winning is all about.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Offense: Spread Defense: ________________3-3/3-4 _____________________________

Thur. 9/2 Monmouth Fri. 9/10 @Barnegat Fri. 9/17 Shore Fri. 9/24 @Point Boro Fri. 10/1 Jackson Liberty Sat. 10/9 Asbury Park Sat. 10/16 @Lakewood Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

( L- R )

While they return one of the Shore’s top quarterbacks there will be plenty of new faces on the field as the Hawks graduated a host of talented seniors, including third-team AllShore running back Josh Glenn, wide receiver Gavin Clark, offensive lineman Tom Smith and linebacker Nick Uberti, all of whom were selected for the canceled All-Shore K I N G B O R N M O R R I S ( 2 8 ) , D I O N D R E J O H N S O N ( 3 ) , S A V O N M Y E R S ( 9 ) , E VA N Gridiron Classic.

WEINER (81), CHRISTOPHER PASOS (54), D'MAARI BROWN (4)

However, first-year head coach Brian Wilkinson was not afraid of the challenge, having helped Pinelands rise from the ashes in

2013 and previously having success at Toms River South. It did not take long for the Hawks to shock the Shore as they knocked off Lacey

While Manchester returns only eight starters (four on offense and four on defense) the Hawks do boast a unique talent in 6-foot-5 senior quarterback Savon Myers, who was a second-team Shore Sports Network

X-Factor:

DID YOU KNOW?

Inexperience The Hawks are going to play a lot of young players as 28 of the 51 players on their varsity roster are sophomores. They may have caught some teams off guard early last season but don’t expect a repeat as everyone knows about Myers and Brown. Manchester moves up a bit in class playing in the Patriot Division and will need a couple of early wins to keep the momentum going from last season.

Since its first full varsity football season in 1977, Manchester has never posted consecutive winning seasons. The last time the Hawks had consecutive non-losing seasons was from 2008 to 2010 when Gerard O’Donnell led the team to final records of 5-5, 5-5 and 6-4, respectively.

senior quarterback Savon Myers, who was a secondteam Shore Sports Network All-Shore selection after throwing for 1,400 yards and 15 toucheowns with just four interceptions. Myers has a very strong arm and likes to throw the ball downfield, and while two of his top receivers have graduated he’ll have senior D’Maari Brown back as his favorite target. The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Brown is a three-year starter who caught 27 passes for 377 yards and 2 touchdowns last fall. Wilkinson calls him a “Swiss Army Knife” who can do just about anything on the football field. With Glenn gone after accounting for more than 1,100 yards of offense in 2020, look for the running game to rest with senior Josh Irizarry and a trio of underclassmen in junior Eli Casalan and sophomores Jomar Velliard and Josh Love.

Three of the five spots on the offensive line appear set with returning starters Christopher Pasos (6-foot-2, 265), David Larangeira (5-foot10, 180) and sophomore Gavin Herr (6-foot-1, 265). In the mix for the other spots are Jake Otten (So.), Domonic Terrero (Sr.), Tito Sobayo (Jr.) and Calvin Spicer (Jr.). The strength of the defense appears to be up front with three-year starter Kingborn Morris at one end position while seniors Diondre Johnson (DE) and Pasos (DT) make up the rest of the threeman group. They will have to play well while a brand-new group of linebackers led by Casalan and senior Evan Tafrow gain some experience. Junior Landon Hinton is in the mix for a starting spot along with junior Christian Pasos and sophomores Gio Tripodi and Malik Bellamy. The

secondary is young and will feature four new starters with Aidan Wheeler (Jr.) and Irizarry at cornerback and Love holding down the strong safety spot with juniors Dante Tyrone Benjamin and Danny Saggau looking for time as the weak side safety. The Hawks also bring back an outstanding kicker in junior Evan Weiner, a third-team All-Shore selection in 2020 after kicking three field goals, including a long of 37 yards. One of the signs of progress in the program is the Hawks not only have 51 players on their varsity roster but nearly 30 freshmen. A little winning can sometimes go a long way.

Projected Offensive Starters:

OL:

JAKE OTTEN, SO.; DOMONIC TERRERO, SR.

CB: AIDAN WHEELER, JR.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

OL:

TITO SOBAYO, JR.; CALVIN SPICER, JR.

CB: JOSH IRIZZARY, SR.

QB: SAVON MYERS, SR., RS RB: JOSH IRIZZARY, SR.; ELI CASALAN, JR.; JOMAR VELLIARD, SO.; JOSH LOVE, SO. WR: D’MAARI BROWN, SR., 3RS; TYRONE BENJAMIN, JR.; NA’ZIR MORRIS, JR.;

DANTE TYRONE BENJAMIN, JR.; DANNY SAGGAU, JR.

DE: KINGBORN MORRIS, SR., 3RS

D’MAARI BROWN, SR.3RS

DT: CHRISTOPHER PASOS, SR,. RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: DIONDRE JOHNSON, SR., RS

AMARI PETTY, SR.

LB: ELI CASALAN, JR.; GIO TRIPODI, SO.; MALIK BELLAMY, SO.

OL:

CHRISTOPHER PASOS, SR., RS

LB: EVAN TAFROW, SR.

OL:

GAVIN HERR, SO.

LB: LANDON HINTON, JR.; CHRISTIAN PASOS, JR.

OL:

DAVID LARANGEIRA, SR.

LB: JOSH LOVE, SO.; DAVID ESTRADA, SO.

SR. QB SAVON MYERS

K/P: EVAN WEINER, JR., RS Photos by:

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

RELENTLESS PURSUIT

Head Coach:

rian Staub is fired up. And so is his team. Thur. 9/2 Fri. 9/10 Fri. 9/17 Fri. 9/24 Fri. 10/8 Sat. 10/16 Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Fri/Sat 10/29-30

Brian Staub, 4 season

Career Record: 8-16 Assistant Coaches: Shane O’Connor (Defensive Coordinator); Dave Johnson (Special Teams Coordinator); John Mattos (Special Teams Coordinator); Ryan Canary (OL); Dan Drzymkowski (DL); Kyle Ryan (OL); Eddie Kendall (DL); Tom Orrok (Slotbacks); John McDonald (FB/LB); John Madden (Athletic Trainer).

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 3-6 2017: 11-1 2016: 8-2

2018: 3-6

( L- R ) C OLE S KINNER (72), C ONNOR C ILENTO (3), C HARLIE V ITALE (5), C ONNOR R EYNOLDS (56), L UKE W ILSON (76), M ATT O LIPHANT (11), J AKE C ROCE (40).

Offense: Flexbone Defense: ________________3-3 ______stack _______________________ Player To Watch: Charlie Vitale, Sr., QB/DB Vitale will be entering his third year as the Panthers starting quarterback. A veteran running the triple option usually has a big year and that is the expectation for Point Boro.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR Jake Croce, So., RB/OLB Croce started both ways last year and had a very good freshman season at both running back and linebacker. He and Vitale should form a potent 1-2 punch.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Charles Davison, So., OL/DL The Panthers are excited about Davison at the varsity level and the 6-foot-2, 270-pounder will start on the offensive line and rotate in on defense. He could be a dominant player for the Panthers for the next three years.

ince the 2020 season wrapped up last December, the entirety of Point Boro’s program has moved forward with a collective goal of getting the Panthers back to championship contention. Every weight room session, every hour of film study, every rep of practice has been executed with the singular objective of winning a championship. With that hyper-focused approach combined with a roster that includes talented veterans and promising newcomers, Point Boro has a great chance to return to glory in 2021. From 2015-2017, Point Boro went 27-5, won three Class B South division titles and reached

BIG SHOES

the Central Jersey Group 2 title game in 2017. The Panthers believe they are about to embark on a similar run with this being the year they put it all together. It’s hard to argue that sentiment given what the Panthers will be working with on Friday nights. Five starters return in Point Boro’s Flexbone triple-option offense, but it’s where those players are located that has the Panthers so excited. The top three ball carriers from a year ago are all back with senior quarterback Charlie Vitale, sophomore A-back Jake Croce and junior slotback Connor Cilento. Vitale ran for 386 yards and five touchdowns and threw

FILL:

The Wide Receivers There isn’t necessarily one player the wide receivers have to replace but given there isn’t a single varsity reception among the group, somebody is going to have to step up and become an option down the field.

Shore 7pm @Jackson Liberty 7pm @Asbury Park 6pm Manchester 7pm Barnegat 7pm @Monmouth 12pm Shore Conference Pods TBD Shore Conference Pods TBD

for 250 yards and a touchdown in five games, Croce ran for 375 yards and a teamhigh seven touchdowns and Cilento ran for 325 yards and three touchdowns. Add in senior Aidan Kirk, a first-team All-Shore lacrosse player, to the mix as a slotback and the Panthers will have multiple weapons to attack opposing defenses with. The offensive line has two returning starters with senior Luke Wilson (6-foot-2, 245) at left guard and senior Justin Tuzzolino (5-foot-9, 210) at center. The three newcomers all bring good size, especially on the right side of the line. Highly-touted sophomore Charles Davison (6-foot-2, 270) is the right guard and junior Cole Skinner (6-foot-5, 305) is the right tackle. Rounding out the line is senior Mike Meccia (6foot, 220) at left tackle with senior Jackson Fattell (6-foot-1, 200) also working in. The one weak spot on the offensive side is at wide receiver where the Panthers do not have any players with a varsity reception. Seniors Thomas Welch and Dermott McLaughlin and juniors Brian Orio, Brandon Sloan (6-foot-3)

X-Factor: Staying Healthy Along the O-Line Even with all the skill Point Boro has, it will be hard to move the ball without the hogs up front. Many of the linemen are playing both ways so defensive coordinator Shane O’Connor will try to rotate them as much as possible to keep everybody fresh.

TOP POSITION GROUP: The Offensive Backfield With Charlie Vitale, Jake Croce and Connor Cilento all returning plus the addition of Aidan Kirk, the Panthers have exactly the personnel they need to have an explosive rushing attack.

J R . QB C H A R L I E V I T A L E 94

and Eric Analonis (6-foot-4) could all see time. Although the Panthers won’t throw much if things are going according to plan, they do need someone to step forward and give the Panthers the option to hit a big play when teams crowd the box more than usual. Defense is an area the Panthers have to improve on from last year when they allowed 32.5 points per game. Losses to top-ranked Wall, returning sectional champion Ramsey and Manasquan when Point Boro was without Vitale certainly skewed those numbers in the wrong direction and Point Boro played much better in

the second half of the year. The Panthers will again run a 3-3 stack defense that utilizes speed and focuses on creating turnovers. With many of the linemen going both ways, Point Boro will use a rotation up front. Junior Connor Reynolds returns as a starting defensive end and the Panthers expect big things out of him in the trenches. Wilson, Skinner and junior Michael Smith are the defensive tackles and Fattell and Davison are the defensive ends opposite Reynolds.

Croce returns as a starting outside linebacker, junior JJ Bennet is the middle linebacker and juniors Tyler Gordon and Aidan Ward have been working at the other outside linebacker spot. Working in at strong safety will be Welch, Muraglia, Criscuolo and McLaughlin. Vitale and senior Devin Morris are both returning starters at cornerback while Cilento is the returning starter at free safety where he had two interceptions last season.

Regional. Asbury Park has been a championship team recently, as has Shore Regional, while Manchester is coming off one of its best seasons and Barnegat always seems to be in the middle of the action. Every week could present a challenge, but the Panthers expect to be ready for them. They’ve put in the time and they’re ready to put the gold and black back on the map.

Division realignment has Point Boro in the Patriot Division with Asbury Park, Barnegat, Jackson Liberty, Manchester and Shore

Projected Offensive Starters:

Projected Defensive Starters:

Projected Special Team Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

WDE:

CONNOR REYNOLDS, JR., RS

ROBERT COOPER, JR.

QB:

CHARLIE VITALE, SR., 3RS; MATT OLIPHANT, SO.

DT:

MICHAEL SMITH, JR.

MATT OLIPHANT, SO.; BRIAN ORIO, JR.

RB:

JAKE CROCE, SO., RS; CONNOR CILENTO, JR., RS; AIDAN KIRK. SR.; SAM MURAGLIA, JR.; TYLER CRISCUOLO, JR.

DT:

LUKE WILSON, SR.; COLE SKINNER, JR.

DE:

JACKSON FATTELL, SR.; CHARLES DAVISON, SO.

WR:

THOMAS WELCH, SR.; BRIAN ORIO, JR.; DERMOTT MCLAUGHLIN, SR.; BRANDON SLOAN, JR.; ERIC ANALONIS, JR.

OLB:

JAKE CROCE, SO., RS

MLB:

JJ BENNET, JR.

LT:

MIKE MECCIA, SR.; JACKSON FATTELL, SR.

OLB:

TYLER GORDON, JR.; AIDAN WARD, JR.

LG:

LUKE WILSON, SR., RS

CB:

CHARLIE VITALE, SR., RS; AIDAN KIRK, SR.

JUSTIN TUZZOLINO, SR., RS

CB:

DEVIN MORRIS, SR., RS; MATT OLIPHANT, SO.

RG:

CHARLES DAVISON, SO.

SS:

RT:

COLE SKINNER, JR.

THOMAS WELCH, SR.; SAM MURAGLIA, JR.; TYLER CRISCUOLO, JR.; DERMOTT MCLAUGHLIN, SR.

FS:

CONNOR CILENTO, JR., RS

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

TRUE BLUE Head Coach: Marc Costantino, 30th season Career Record: 191-105-1

program doesn’t win seven sectional titles at the Group 1 and Group 2 level without being able to rebuild on the fly. There are years when many of the top players graduate and the task the next season is to integrate a host of new starters and continue to contend. Such is the task for Shore Regional this season.

Assistant Coaches: Jon Remedios (OL/DL); Pete Vincelli (RB/DB); Joe Rankin (QB/MLB); Mike Whitacre (OL/DL); Chris Riley (WR/LB); Tommy Farrell Jr. (Freshmen);

Thur. 9/2 @Point Boro Fri. 9/10 Asbury Park Fri. 9/17 @Manchester Fri. 9/24 Barnegat Fri. 10/8 @Jackson Liberty Fri. 10/15 Pinelands Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods

7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 7pm TBD TBD

Jon Vacarelli (Freshmen); Joe Amacucci (Athletic Trainer). After going 4-2 last season, Shore said goodbye to standouts like running back Shane McLaughlin, quarterback Mike McGhee, defensive lineman/kicker Cade Torres, tight end Trevor Crochet, defensive lineman Jack Martucci and others from a team that was third in the Shore Conference in both points per game and scoring defense.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 4-2 2019: 4-6 2018: 7-3 2017: 4-6 2016: 7-4

Offense: Delaware Wing-T Defense: 4-4/3-4 _____________________________________________

Player To Watch: Jamie Mazzacco, Sr., QB/LB A talented three-sport athlete who also excels on the wrestling mat and the lacrosse field, Mazzacco was a third-team All-Shore linebacker last season after recording 56 tackles with six tackles for loss, an interception, 2 fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and blocked field goal. He will also take over at quarterback this year after playing running back the last two seasons.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR Andrew Decker, Sr., RB/LB Running backs are always the focal point of Shore’s Wing-T offense and Decker will get a chance to make a name for himself in the backfield.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jackson Whitacre, So., TE/DE A very good all-around athlete, Whitacre checks in at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds and will look to emerge as a two-way playmaker for the Blue Devils.

TOP POSITION GROUP: Secondary The Blue Devils have an experienced defensive backfield with Rylan Fegan, Alex Kramer and Aidan Scaturro leading the way.

( L- R )

A N D R E W D E C K E R (31), L I A M R O S A (56), J A M I E M A Z Z A C C O (15), N A H M I R J ON E S (68)

BIG SHOES

FILL:

The Running Backs Not only are the running backs crucial to Shore’s success on offense, but they will also be replacing All-Shore standout Shane McLaughlin, a current Harvard freshman, who had two excellent seasons leading the Blue Devils’ offense.

Leading the returning starters is senior Jamie Mazzacco, a third-team All-Shore selection at

X-Factor: Offensive and Defensive Line Development As the offensive line goes, so does the team. Shore has some new players it is working in up front and if they can develop quickly the Blue Devils can contend for a division title.

is senior Jamie Mazzacco, a third-team All-Shore selection at linebacker last season. Mazzacco also played running back last season but will move to quarterback to pilot Shore’s Delaware Wing-T offense. He’ll be joined by senior running back Andrew Decker and junior running back Lucas Rosa in the backfield. The offensive line features senior all-division selection Nahmir Jones at tackle, senior Liam Rosa at center and junior Aiden O’Brien at guard. Seniors Rylan Fegan, Alex Kramer

and Aiden Scaturro are the wide receivers. Shore’s 4-4 defense is led by Mazzacco at linebacker along with Decker, Lucas Rosa and O’Brien. The secondary is also experienced with Fegan, Kramer and Scaturro returning. Jones, junior Mike Furlong, and sophomore Connor Haney are some of the defensive linemen Shore will deploy.

Top Returners

ALEX KRAMER, SR., WR/DB

Key Newcomers

JAKE PAPERA, SO., G/LB

JAMIE MAZZACCO, SR., QB/LB

LIAM ROSA, SR., C/LB

JACKSON WHITACRE, SO., TE/LB

CONNOR HANEY, SO., OT/DT

ANDREW DECKER, SR., RB/LB

AIDEN SCATURRO, SR., WR/DB

MIKE FURLONG, JR., TE/DE

JAKE WHITE, SO., RB/LB

NAHMIR JONES, SR., OT/DT

LUCAS ROSA, JR., RB/LB

TY KOTCH, JR., QB/LB

RYLAN FEGAN, SR., WR/DB

AIDEN O’BRIEN, JR., G/LB

ALEX GEORGE, SO., RB/DB

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

WORTH THE ‘WAITE’ O Head Coach: John Bird, 7th season Career Record: 21-34

ver the past four seasons, Keansburg has turned the corner with a record above .500 during that span, punctuated by a 4-3 2020 season thanks to a solid group of seniors.

Sat. 9/11 Keyport 12pm Sat. 9/18 Monmouth 12pm Fri. 9/24 @ Point Beach 7pm Sat. 10/2 Lakewood 12pm Fri. 10/8 @ Pinelands 6:30pm Sat. 10/16 @ Keyport 12pm Sat. 10/23 Point Beach 12pm Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Assistant Coaches: Jim Reid (Off. Coordinator/QB/DB), Nic Vloyanetes (WR/DB), Nick Varanelli (OL/DL), Dan White (TE/DL), Uriel Morfin (RB/LB), Kelli Hudson (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 4-3 2019: 5-4 2018: 4-5 2017: 5-5 2016: 2-8

Offense: Spread Defense: _________________3-4 ___________________________ Player to Watch : Mikal Braithwaite, Sr., QB/FS Braithwaite was an All-Shore performer as a junior, passing for 897 yards with 11 touchdowns through the air and six on the ground. He is a dual threat as a quarterback and will also be an impact defender for Keansburg as the team’s free safety. The Shore’s small schools don’t produce many First-Team AllShore players with all the large-scale programs topping the conference, but Bird believes that if Braithwaite doesn’t already belong in that conversation, he will be part of it by season’s end.

Player Under the Radar: Ryan Comey, Jr., TE/FB/ILB Comey saw more and more time as the 2020 season went on and was one of the few sophomores to make an impact of any kind on last year’s experience-laden team. After that taste of success, Comey will get a bigger bite of playing time as fullback-slash-tight-end on the offensive side and as a linebacker on the defensive one.

I MPACT N EWCOMERS : Nasun Lee and Mike Alonso (Jr., WR/DB) Lee is a transfer from Freehold Boro and Alonso is a first-year high-school football player who has previously played varsity basketball at Keansburg. Both will be noteworthy additions to the overhauled receiving corps, as well as part of the rotation of defensive backs.

are two things the Titans are hoping to prove this season. The first is that they can keep churning out winning seasons with a predominantlynew group of ( L- R ) R YAN C OMEY (21), M IKAL B RAITHWAITE (1), I AN M ENDEZ (12), J ON B EATTIE (72) starters, albeit with a few Those seniors did not get a crack at the NJSIAA returnees led by one of the Shore’s top returning Playoffs due to the cancellation of the state-run all-around players. postseason, which sets up a potential program“Physically, we have a very good team,” defining challenge ahead of the 2021 team. Keansburg coach John Bird said. “The key is While Keansburg has proven it can win with going to be how quickly can the juniors grow up. experienced teams of the past four years, there

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: RB: WR: WR: WR: TE: LT: LG:

MIKAL BRAITHWAITE, SR. 3RS IAN MENDEZ, JR. YOSEF ABDOU, SR. J.P. DEBOW, JR.; SHANE DEBOW, JR. NASUN LEE, JR.; MIKE ALONSO, JR. REILY JANKOWSKI, JR.; RYAN COMEY, JR. MIKE MENTURE, JR. ROBERT CONAWAY, SO.

C: RG: RT:

KYLE SCOTT, JR. JON BEATTIE, SR. RS ANTHONY MASCOLINO, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: DT: DT: DE: OLB:

KEYSHAUN COPPINGER-WARD, SR., RS JON BETTIE, SR. RS, RS PATRICK SMIT, SR. MIKE MORRO, SR., RS ZAHERE TINSLEY, JR.

The other mission for Keansburg this season is to make that deep playoff run that the Titans have been building toward over the past four seasons. That might seem like a pipe dream considering how inexperienced Keansburg will be a most positions on the depth chart but the return of senior quarterback and safety Mikal Braithwaite to lead the team should make the Titans a player in Central Jersey Group I.

ILB: OLB: CB: CB: SS: FS:

RYAN COMEY, JR., RS JOE RICCIARDELLI, JR. MIKE ALONSO, JR. TONY ALEJANDRO, JR. JAHEIM HILL, JR. MIKAL BRAITHWAITE, SR., 3RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

JOE SAUTNER, JR., RS

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

B IG S HOES

Quarterback

Ian Mendez, Jr., RB/ILB

The Junior Class

Keansburg will need its emerging core to learn quickly in order to compete but ultimately, its success will depend on how far Braithwaite can carry them throughout the course of the season. Part of his performance this year will hinge on his ability to uplift the new receivers and help them produce while also learning on the job.

If there was one player outside of Braithwaite who drove what Keansburg did last year, it was Patrick Beltran – who was a leader on offense (606 rushing yards and six touchdowns) and defense (52 tackles and three sacks). With Beltran now graduated, Mendez will assume that role as the feature back on offense and as an inside linebacker in Keansburg’s 3-4 scheme.

A full senior season of Braitwaite at quarterback is likely to keep Keansburg in the running but to get over the hump and continuing pushing toward a sectional championship game, the Titans will need a promising junior class short on experience to grow up quickly. Linemen Keyshaun Coppinger-Ward, Mike Morro, Jon Beattie and Patrick Smit, as well as wide receiver Yosef Abdou and Braithwaite, are the lone seniors in the starting offensive and defensive units, with the rest coming from the junior and sophomore classes.

F ILL :

Not a lot of them played big roles as sophomores, so it’s going to be a test of the program and whether or not we can get these guys ready to compete every week and win games like we have been doing the last few years.”

X-F ACTOR :

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

AIR RAIDERS A Head Coach:

n outflux of senior talent has Keyport shaping up to be a young team during the 2021 season, but that doesn’t mean the Red Raiders are taking a step back.

Jason Glezman, 3rd season

Career Record: 5-10 Assistant Coaches: Angelo Marocco (Off. Coordinator), Jimmy Maguire (Def. Coordinator/RB/LB), Pete Miller (QB/DB), Tyler Alvarez (OL/DL), Jerry Hourihan (OL/DL), Kelly O’Donnell (Athletic Trainer)

be plenty of support for both.

Team Record Last Five Years:

Even with a quality senior core around Thomson and Treadwell in 2020, Keyport finished 2-4 during the truncated season and will have to navigate a similar schedule with the new faces in several positions.

2020: 2-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-6 2017: 1-9 2016: 10-2

( L- R )

Offense: Spread Defense: _________________4-3 ___________________________ Players to Watch : Nazir Treadwell (So., RB/CB) and D.J. Thomson (Sr., WR/FS)

Sat. 9/11 @Keansburg 12pm Sat. 9/18 Point Beach 12pm Fri. 9/24 @Pinelands 7pm Sat. 10/2 Monmouth 12pm Sat. 10/9 Lakewood 12pm Sat. 10/16 Keansburg 12pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri. 10/29 @Point Beach 7pm

J O H N V I A L I Z , C H R I S T Y A N A Z E V E D O , D.J. T H O M S ON , Z I V ON C R A N K

With the addition of some ready-made varsity football players and the return of two standout talents from a year ago, Keyport has the makings of a potentially explosive roster – albeit one with some inexperience and lingering questions. Senior

receiver

D.J.

Thomson

established wide receiver and sophomore Nazir Treadwell is an emerging big-play running back – two dynamic offense players around whom Keyport will construct its offense. Both have the kind of playmaking ability that will play regardless of the supporting cast, but thirdyear coach Jason Glezman is hopeful there will

“Our numbers are the most consistent that they have been in five years,” Glezman said. “We have 43 guys out on the field every single day and the energy is great. We are young and we even have some inexperienced seniors, but I haven’t had two kids as talented as Thomson and Treadwell on a team at the same time.”

Keyport

Continued Page 100

Thomson was the go-to receiver in the Keyport passing game in 2021, hauling in 25 passes for 389 yards and six touchdowns – tied for the third highest touchdown reception total in the Shore Conference last season. Treadwell, meanwhile, got his share of run as a freshman last year and now that he is a sophomore, he has improved his strength and could be primed for a breakout season.

Players Under the Radar: Derrick Ostervich (Jr., WR/SS) and Cristyan Azevedo (Sr., TE/DE) Both Ostervich and Azevedo are versatile athletes who are ascending into greater roles this season now that Keyport needs several players to step up their output. Ostervich can move around as a wide receiver while Azevedo is a disruptive defensive end and can add some balance to the offense at tight end.

Keyport

Continued from Page 99

I MPACT N EWCOMERS :

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

Kevin Fitzgerald (Jr., FB/DE) and Mason Eldridge (Jr., RG/MLB)

Secondary

In Fitsgerald and Eldridge, Keyport welcomes in two players who transferred from two of the most talent-rich programs in the Shore Conference over the past five seasons. Fitzgerald transferred from Mater Dei Prep and will clear the way as a fullback on offense while lining up at defensive end on the other side of the ball. Eldridge also transferred to his hometown school, Henry Hudson, after spending two seasons at Red Bank Catholic. Eldridge will take over at middle linebacker and pick up an open spot on the offensive line. Both Fitzgerald and Eldridge played on the jayvee teams at their respective previous schools, which makes them eligible from the start of 2021.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: RB: FB: WR: WR: TE: LT: LG:

100

GEORGE MITCHELL, SR.; RYAN OSTERVICH, JR. NAZIR TREADWELL, SO., RS; KEVIN FITZGERALD, JR. D.J. THOMSON, SR., 3RS ZIVON CRANK, SR., RS; DERRICK OSTERVICH, JR. CHRISTYAN AZEVEDO, SR., RS; MAX JUDSON, JR. SHAWAN SINGH, SO. JOHN VIALIZ, SR., RS

Keyport will load up its defensive backfield with four of its most talented skill players. Thomson brings instinct at free safety to go with his size and overall athleticism, while Ostervich makes up for a little less size with his toughness at strong safety. Treadwell and receiver Zivon Clark will play the cornerback spots, although against deeper teams on the schedule, Treadwell could get a break from time to time.

B IG S HOES

F ILL :

George Mitchell, Sr., QB Mitchell was one of Keyport’s top soccer players during his first three seasons of high school and not only is he switching to football for his last year; he is jumping right in as the team’s starting quarterback. Mitchell and Thomson also play on Keyport’s basketball team and have

C: RYAN BURNS, SO. RG: MASON ELDRIDGE, JR. RT: ANDREW OBANDO, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: DT: DT: DE: OLB:

KEVIN FITZGERALD, JR. JOHN VIALIZ, SR. ANDREW OBANDO, SR.; DANTE FINLEY, JR. CHRISTYAN AZEVEDO, SR. VINNY CAVALLO, SO.

a unique connection having played so many games together on the hardwood. What Mitchell lacks in game experience, he makes up for in his knowledge of his best target.

X-F ACTOR : Embracing the Schedule Keyport began to see larger-sized programs on its schedule last season and that trend continues this season with Group III teams from Pinelands and Monmouth, as well as Group IV Lakewood. The best Red Raiders players can stack up with most of the Shore’s top talent, but playing up in group size is always a test of a Group I team’s depth and the challenge for Glezman will be preparing his second-string players to handle some snaps while also conditioning the many two-way players to last close to 48 minutes.

MLB: OLB: CB: CB: SS: FS:

MASON ELDRIDGE, JR.; MATT DOHERTY, SR TREVOR AHMED, SR. NAZIR TREADWELL, SO., RS ZIVON CRANK, SR., RS DERRICK OSTERVICH, JR. D.J. THOMSON, SR., 3RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: GEORGE MITCHELL, SR.

By:

Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

LOOKING FOR RESPECT

Head Coach:

t's time to put an end to the losing, make a statement and head back into the playoffs.

L.J. Clark, 11th season Career Record: 43-56

Assistant Coaches: Evan Baubles (Assistant HC/OC/OL/DL); Ben Pivetz (WR/DB); Bob Terringo (FB/LB); Darius Hart (QB/S); John Bernask (RB/LB); Kevin Popek (WR/DB); Tim Brown, Mike Muth, Tim Reddan.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-3 2017: 6-5

2019: 2-8 2016: 7-3

2018: 1-9

Offense: Shotgun Wing-T Defense: _________________3-4 _______Multiple ____________________ Player to Watch : Andre Peace, WR/CB, Sr. Wins have been hard to come by for the Piners over the last couple of seasons but they've had a good crop of talent on the roster to make you believe they could turn a corner at any time. Andre Peace is a standout on the team and will be key to bringing Lakewood to where it wants to be. Clark said that Peace is currently being recruited to Pace University and New Haven

Player Under the Radar: Jaylen London, LT/DE, Sr. Both sides of the line will play a vital role in the Piners playing winning football in 2021. Jaylen London is a big piece of the puzzle, perhaps not talked about as much now, but if Lakewood has success he will be a big reason why.

Lakewood Piners head coach L.J. Clark hopes to accomplish all that and more in the 2021 season.How do they get there though? What do they have to do to remind the outside world ( L- R ) J AYLEN L ONDON (50), L AMIR C LARK (52), J AYVON G ONZALEZ (3), of the kinds of K EYON T IMS (11), A NDRE P EACE (1) talent they've had come through we would have liked and we're just trying to the program in the last decade? regain some respectability and compete and try to get back into the playoffs." The Piners are hungry to show they're back and able to make a splash in the playoffs. "We're looking for a little respectability and to just be competitive, we got a chip on our shoulder," Clark told Shore Sports Network. "The last three years haven't been as good as

Heading into the season, Clark is looking to his seniors to help get things going back in the right direction. "My seniors have been doing a very good job of being leaders," Clark said.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG: RT:

QB: RB: WR: WR: TE/FB: LT: LG: C:

DE: DT: DT: DE: OLB: ILB:

Projected Offensive Starters: JAYVON GONZALEZ, JR., 6'2, 185, RS KEYON TIMS, JR., 6'0, 180, RS SOLOMAN BROWN, JR., 6'3, 160 ANDRE PEACE, SR., 5'9, 170, RS ALEXIS MONTES, SR., 5'8, 210 JAYLEN LONDON, SR., 6'1, 240, RS ALEXIS TORRES, JR., 6'0, 225, RS LAMIR CLARK, SR., 5'10, 270, RS

ALEXIS BAUSTIA, JR., 5'9, 295, RS JOSH RANGEL, JR., 5'10, 280

Projected Defensive Starters: NJAYLEN LONDON, SR., 6'1, 240 RANK ROMERO, JR., 6'1, 210 DAVID DOMINQUEZ, FR., 6'2, 220 ERALDO VINDEL, SO., 6'0, 185 KEVIN REGALDO, SR., 6'0, 200 ALEXIS MONTES, SR., 5'8, 210

London is also being recruited by Division II schools.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

I MPACT N EWCOMER :

Clark praises this group as being "a really good offensive line". They need to be as well for the Piners to be able to have success in the Shotgun WingT offense this season. If they provide the blocks and protection, Lakewood may very well be on their way to a division crown and being able to make some noise in the postseason.

David Dominquez, DT, Fr. On the defensive line, Lakewood has one player from every grade level represented. David Dominquez could be a big sign of positive things to come in the next couple of years in addition to this season by the way he plays on the line. His ability to get into the backfield and make plays will be a differencemaker this season.

Offensive Line

B IG S HOES

F ILL :

Fri. 9/10 @Point Beach 7pm Sat. 9/18 Pinelands 6pm Sat. 9/25 Monmouth 1pm Sat. 10/2 @Keansburg 12pm Sat. 10/9 @Keyport 12pm Sat. 10/16 Manchester 1pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

He's hoping that long yearning for winning these players haven't tasted much of since middle school has made them hungry enough to set the table for a feast in 2021. "This will be their four year and they haven't had a winning record while in high school compared to when they were in 6th, 7th and 8th grade," Clark said. "And growing up, we were in the playoffs every year, won a couple of division championships. They were used to winning and now their legacy is on the line to be in the Lakewood history of saying they didn't really do that much or won that many games in high school so they're trying to get back and draw their own legacy as seniors."

OLB: CB: CB: FS: SS:

KEYON TIMS, JR., 6'0, 180 ANDRE PEACE, SR., 5'9, 170 ANTHONY TUCKER, SO., 5'9, 145 JAYVON GONZALEZ, JR., 6'2, 185 EDGAR SILVA, JR., 5'7, 160, RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: JAYVON GONZALEZ, JR., 6'2, 185, RS

Tims, even in the current offensive setup, has a big role to play in short passes, blocking and being able to run the ball out of the shotgun look.

X-F ACTOR : Skill Players Keyon Tims, Soloman Brown, Andre Peace and Alexis Montes are among those who will be heavily relied upon to make significant gains in their own games this season in order for Lakewood to hit on all their goals. If they all play well, Lakewood should have an easier time running through their schedule.

Keyon Tims, RB, Jr. Haaziq Barksdale was one of the fastest athletes in the Shore Conference last season. His quick legs had a major impact on the Piners football team. Keyon

101

By:

Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

OFF THE GROUND

he Monmouth Regional football team is two years removed from a 0-9 season and for the juniors and seniors on the current team, that season is – thankfully – ancient history in their collective mind.

Head Coach: rd

Dan Wendel, 3 season

Career Record: 2-15 Assistant Coaches: Jason McQuay (Def. Coordinator/LB/RB), Clifton Orwick (OL/DL/Special Teams), Malik Wiggins (DB/WR/Special Teams), Billy D. Williams (OLB/RB), Jeff Sfraga (OL/DL), Val Barnaby (Volunteer), Anthony Guarino (Freshman), Rob Micheliche (Freshman), Domenic Miraglia (Freshman), Adam Elsieidy (Athletic Trainer)

Although last year’s 2-6 campaign was not especially noteworthy beyond the fact that the Falcons got to play eight games in a pandemicplagued season in New Jersey, it was a major step in the right direction for the program and has Monmouth set up to climb into relevance.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-6 2017: 7-4

2019: 0-9 2016: 2-8

2018: 4-5

Offense: Spread Defense: ________________4-3 _____________________________ Player To Watch: Julian Jones, Sr., RB Coming off a knee injury from the prior season, Jones played only one side of the ball last year and with Keontae Wiggins commanding the bulk of the carries out of the backfield, Jones focused entirely on playing linebacker in 2020. Although he led the team in tackles and is still capable at the position, Jones is likely to play running back only this season, with Wendel attempting to keep his top back fresh and healthy for the season.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR Lucas Bontempo, Jr., LG/DT The only returning starter on the offensive line, Bontempo is a fierce competitor, especially for a player just beginning the second half of his high school career. He will be a staple on the offensive line and part of a promising front four on defense, playing one of the defensive tackle spots.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jeremiah Robles, Sr. (RB/OLB) Robles is gearing up for his first year of varsity football and to this point, he has hinted that he will make a significant impact. He has made a case to get carries at running back, which could allow for Jones to play some defense or stay extra fresh. Robles is also in line for one of the starting outside linebacker spots alongside middle linebacker Eric Crossley and opposite outside linebacker Nick Huisman, which should give Monmouth a front seven with a fairly high ceiling.

102

Thur. 9/2 @Manchester 7pm Sat. 9/11 Pinelands 12pm Sat. 9/18 @Keansburg 12pm Sat. 9/25 @Lakewood 1pm Sat. 10/2 @Keyport 12pm Sat. 10/9 Point Beach 12pm Sat. 10/16 Point Boro 12pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

( L- R )

N ELSON H ARRIS (3), L OUKAS P LASTERAS (13), J ONATHAN W EIDELMAN (64), F RANKIE H ARRIS (2), G ERALD W IGGINS (1), P HILIP W HITE (7)

T O P P O S I T I O N G R O U P : Dffensive Line Although Monmouth’s offensive line graduated four of its five members from 2020, the defensive line looks like it could be a strength of the team. In addition to Bontempo working the interior of the line, returning senior defensive ends Loukas Plasteras and Nelson Harris-Thomas are an imposing duo to put on either end of the line. Plasteras was second on the team with 45 tackles and Harris-Thomas is settled in with the team after transferring from Mater Dei Prep ahead of last year. Junior Aidan Schilke and sophomore Jaylen Harris are pushing for the other defensive tackle spot.

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Anthony Jehn, Sr., QB The quarterback position will be different for Monmouth this year and it goes beyond just a new name. Moore was a dual threat at the position and went heavy on the run, while his successor will be cut out of a more traditional mold. Jehn is capable of picking up yards on the ground, but his forte will be managing the offense, reading defenses and distributing the ball to a wide-ranging crop of skill players.

Despite losing its two most productive offensive players in quarterback Yassin Moore and running back Keontae Wiggins, as well as 80 percent of its starting offensive line, Monmouth returns the kind of depth necessary to compete through an entire schedule and the Falcons are hopeful the next wave of skill players and linemen are ready to do the job.

X-Factor: Offensive Line While the defensive line has three returning starters leading its effort, the offensive line contains less certainty. Bontempo played as a sophomore, but is still just a junior, meaning the line won’t have a senior with starting experience among its ranks. Center Jonathan Weidelman is the only senior slated to start in 2021, while Schilke, Harris and sophomore David O’Grady compete for the tackle spots. John Panullo and Carter Susser-Dams are in the mix for the right guard spot.

“We return nine starters on defense and the other two starters played some, so we’re excited about that side of the ball,” third-year Monmouth coach Dan Wendel said. “Obviously, replacing Yassin and Keontae is going to be a challenge, but those two were guys who progressed throughout their career and really took off as seniors and I think we have a lot of athletic guys who fit that description and they are looking for this to be their time.” The schedule could also give Monmouth a chance to rack up some wins, with the Falcons playing three games against Group I schools (Keansburg, Keyport and Point Pleasant

Beach) and just two against teams that had a winning record in 2020 (Keansburg and Manchester). “They are motivated,” Wendel said. “This group has been together on the field, in the weight room and the best thing is they love to be together. They get after each other in practice and when it’s over, they love it and they are even tighter. The juniors and seniors went through the 0-9 season together and they have pushed each other through those tough times. They got a little taste of winning last year and they want more.”

Projected Offensive Starters:

JONATHAN WEIDELMAN, SR.

OLB:

JEREMIAH ROBLES, SR.

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

RG:

JOHN PANNULLO, JR.; CARTER SUSSER-DAMMS, JR.

CB:

GERALD WIGGINS, SR., RS

QB:

ANTHONY JEHN, JR., RS

RT:

DAVID O’GRADY, SO.; JAYDEN HARRIS, SO.

CB:

BRANDON LIGON, SR., RS; TA’HAJ WIGGINS, SO.

RB:

JULIAN JONES, JR., RS; JEREMIAH ROBLES, SR.; XAVION SMITH, SR.

SS:

FRANKIE HARRIS-THOMAS, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

FS:

PHIL WHITE, SR.; EVAN BOOTH, SO.

FB:

ERIC CROSSLEY, JR.; JAYLEN HARRIS, SO.

DE:

LOUKAS PLASTERAS, SR., RS

WR:

FRANKIE HARRIS-THOMAS, SR., RS; TA’HAJH WIGGINS, JR.

DT:

LUCAS BONTEMPO, JR., RS

WR:

GERALD WIGGINS, SR., RS; BRANDON LIGON, SR.; NICK HUISMAN, JR., RS

DT:

AIDAN SCHILKE, JR.; JAYLEN HARRIS, SO.

DE:

NELSON HARRIS-THOMAS, SR., RS

OLB:

NICK HUISMAN, JR., RS

MLB:

ERIC CROSSLEY, JR., RS

TE:

LOUKAS PLASTERAS, SR., RS; NELSON HARRIS-THOMAS, SR.

LT:

AIDAN SCHILKE, JR.

LG:

LUCAS BONTEMPO, JR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

JAYLEN HARRIS, SO.

LUCAS BONTEMPO, JR

103

By:

Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

BREAKING OUT OF THE CAGE Head Coach:

hat were you doing 17 years ago this fall? It was 2004.

Sat. 9/11 @Monmouth 12pm Sat. 9/18 @Lakewood 6pm Fri. 9/24 Keyport 7pm Fri. 10/1 Point Beach 6pm Fri. 10/8 Keansburg 6:30pm Fri. 10/15 @Shore 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Matt Fuller, 5th season Career Record: 9-27

Assistant Coaches: Joe Addelizzi (Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB); Scott Peterka (OL); Mike Keller (QB); Gennaro Balletas (RB/DB); Dan O'Rielly (DL/TE); John Tierney (Freshmen HC); George Martian (Asst. Freshmen Coach); Nick Van Schoick (Asst. Freshmen Coach); Drew Steelman (Middle School Head Coach); Joseph Yglesias (Middle School Asst.); Stacy Childs (athletic trainer).

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-6 2019: 1-8 2018: 4-5 2017: 2-8 2016: 4-6

Offense: Double Tight, Double Wing Defense: _________________Multiple ________3-Man ___________________ Players to Watch : Mike Hall, TE/DE, Jr. and Mehki Hall, TE/DE, Jr. Hall meet Hall. Mike and Mehki are two of the key players on both sides of the ball for Pinelands, especially with the offensive scheme they're running in 2021. How well they play at tight end and defensive end will determine how long Pinelands can stay in games.

Players Under the Radar: Kenyon White, FB/ILB, Sr., and Jack O'Brien, FB/ILB, Jr. It's a new offense and Pinelands needs good fullbacks. As the team changes things up a bit, White and O'Brien could be the secret weapons the Wildcats need to scratch across a few wins this season.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Liam Villinger, RB/OLB, So. Pinelands is in dire need of a cement wall, a tough cat on defense, someone to step up and help put an an end to the scoring. The Wildcats gave up 237 points in 2020, including 126 in the first three games of the season to Barnegat, Lacey, and Manchester. Villinger could be that young spark this defense needs.

104

This was the last time the Pinelands Wildcats had a winning season and they've been fighting to break out of their cage ever since hoping to one day see greener pastures. They've dealt with adversity over the last three seasons alone, including not being able to play any home ( L- R ) A NTHONY R UCCI (7), R YAN A LLEN (12), J ACK O'B RIEN (1) games. "My program and that But this is a new season. Clean slate, open cage. school have gone through a lot in the last five years. I took In 2021, there is servant leadership, leading by example. over five years ago and the situation I took over in wasn't the best," Pinelands Coach Matt Fuller tells Shore Sports "What I've seen so far is our guys trying to come Network. "Then we started roof construction, building together and be a family. I've seen older guys trying to construction, split-schedule, no locker room, no weight coach up and help some of those newer sophomores, giving room and then a pandemic. So, for these guys to finally kind them tips and walking them through drills when they make of settle in and get back to what we call 'normal' as a a mistake while the coaches are working with another kid," program and seeing them come together and handle that Fuller said. "We're a small team, we've got limited numbers and help each other out is fantastic." - I think about 35 right now - so we're a close-knit group and that's good to see." The closest the Wildcats have come to a .500 in recent years was when they went 4-5 in 2018. When you don't have much depth, guys are playing both ways and it also presents another challenge -- stay on the Most of that team is gone, most of the 2021 team are field or things can get problematic fast for a team with not sophomores and juniors.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

QB: RB: RB: RB: RB: RB: FB: FB: TE: TE: OL:

YAN ALLEN JR., 5'11, 170, RS ANTHONY RUCCI, JR., 6'0, 165 CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170 STEPHEN BORDEN, JR., 5'8, 120 LIAM VILLINGER, SO., 6'0, 170 MICHAEL FRAWLEY, SO., 6'0, 140 JACK O'BRIEN, JR., 5'11, 230 KENYON WHITE, SR., 6'1, 207 MIKE HALL, JR., 6'1, 240 MEHKI HALL, JR., 6'1, 195 DANIEL MCNEMER, SR., 6'0, 240, RS

OL: OL: OL: OL: OL:

CHRIS CARAVANO, SR., 6'0, 300, RS JOE PUFHAL, SO., 6'2, 280 SAL ESPOSITO, JR., 6'2, 320 ERIC CICCARELLI, SO., 5'11, 170 TYLER GLASS, SO., 6'1, 240

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: NT:

a lot of players. "We do a lot of heavy work in August and once we get into the games, it's a lot lighter and a lot less team period and more mental," Fuller said. We try and focus on getting everything taught and installed now (in training camp) and this way when it comes to getting ready for Monmouth (Week 1), it's just mental preparation at that point in time." The Wildcats not only have to focus on staying healthy, but once on the field and playing games, how to execute and starting finding their way out of a cage and into winning games. It's a big-time goal in 2021. "We've set the goal and the bar that we want to get the monkey off of our back and finally get a non-losing season and get a winning season," Fuller said. "The division that we're in is wide-open, anybody could beat anybody.”

ILB: OLB: CB: CB: SS: FS:

KENYON WHITE, SR., 6'1, 207 LIAM VILLINGER, SO., 6'0, 170 ANTHONY RUCCI, JR., 6'0, 165 MICHAEL FRAWLEY, SO., 6'0, 140 STEPHEN BORDEN, JR., 5'8, 120 NICK DALEO, SR., 6'1, 180

MIKE HALL, JR., 6'1, 240, RS DANIEL MCNEMER, SR., 6'0, 240, RS; HRIS CARAVANO, SR., 6'0, 300, RS DE: MEHKI HALL, JR., 6'1, 195 OLB: CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170 ILB: JACK O'BRIEN, JR., 5'11, 230

T OP P OSITION G ROUP :

B IG S HOES

X-F ACTOR :

Running Backs

Ryan Allen, QB, Jr.

Control The Clock

Six running backs totaled 695 rushing yards for the Wildcats in 2020, most of them (309) coming from Nathan Jeannotte. In 2021, the team, back in a groundand-pound old school offense will certainly look to top that. The running game will dictate whether Pinelands can contend for a division title.

It's a new offense with a new leader. Connor Harris, who ran the Wildcats flexbone triple-option offense last season, (while also being a three-year starter at linebacker), has graduated. Allen takes over the reins looking to take the offense to the next level.

The Wildcats have a young and eager team clawing their way out of the gridiron doldrums and into the light. In order to do that, they need to get everything out of the players on the team, especially the sophomores and juniors, and execute their old-school run-heavy offense. If they win the battle of the clock, they may very well win the game(s).

F ILL :

Projected Special Team Starters:

CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170/ ETHAN WOODS, SO. 6'2, 180 CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170

105

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

ON THE UPSWING

Head Coach:

he last four seasons of Point Pleasant Beach football have been the definition of a roller coaster ride.

Joe Zaccone, 3 season

Career Record: 7-10 Assistant Coaches: Jeff Bower (Defensive Coordinator/DB/RB); Brandon Gross (Offensive Coordinator/DL/OL); Josh Yates (Special Teams Coordinator/DB/QB); Michael McGee (LB/Wings); Michael Pellicane (LB/WR); Cali Whedon (Athletic Trainer).

2018: 0-9

( L- R )

Offense: Delaware Wing-T Defense: 4-3 _________________ ____________________________ Player To Watch: Andrew Laumbach, Sr., RB/DE The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior will be in the thick of everything Point Beach does as a running back in its Wing-T scheme and a defensive end in its 4-3 alignment.

7pm 7pm 12pm 7pm 6pm 12pm 12pm 7pm

Beach will run the Delaware Wing-T offense after running the spread in 2019 and a multiple offense last season. The Gulls ran the Wing-T under Wagner and it served them very well. It’s a common offense for small schools to run.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 0-7 2019: 7-3 2017: 7-5 2016: 6-5

Thur. 9/2 @ Jackson Lib. Fri. 9/10 Lakewood Sat. 9/18 @ Keyport Fri. 9/24 Keansburg Fri. 10/1 @ Pinelands Sat. 10/9 @ Monmouth Sat. 10/23 @ Keansburg Fri. 10/29 Keyport

OMAN

G RAUSO (27), R OBERT D EY (54), A NDREW L AUMBACH (1), C ONNOR D E L ORENZO (10), J OE B ELEY (9), D AWSON M AC P HERSON (8)

In the final season under hall of fame head coach John Wagner in 2016, the Garnet Gulls won seven games and reached the Central Jersey Group 1 championship game. The following year, they went 0-9. Then, in the first season under current head coach Joe Zaccone, Beach picked itself up off the canvas and enjoyed a resurgent 7-3 season. Then there was last year, an 0-7 campaign during a pandemic-shortened season.

But there are silver linings. The Garnet Gulls had a handful of impactful seniors who led the way last season but the rest of the team was young and/or inexperienced. Those players were thrown into adversity on both sides of the ball and the plan is that they can parlay those growing pains into a resurgent season. A major change will occur on the offensive side of the ball where Point

Junior Joe Beley returns as the starting quarterback to spearhead a backfield that has three returning starters. Senior Andrew Laumbach (6foot-2, 200) and junior Dawson MacPherson are both returning starters while the wing backs will be senior Connor DeLorenzo and junior Jake Mullins. The pass-catching group includes junior Ryan Oreste and senior Kyle Simpson as the wide receivers and junior Roman Grauso (a returning starter) and senior Colin Matuschat as the tight ends.

P LAYER U NDER T HE R ADAR Connor DeLorenzo, Sr., Wing/SS The wing backs have traditionally had a lot of success in Point Beach’s prior seasons running the Wing-T and DeLorenzo (6-foot-1, 185) could be next in line. He’ll also start in the secondary at strong safety

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Colin Matuschat, Sr., TE/DE Matuschat (6-foot-1, 205) gives Point Beach some more size up front on both sides of the ball where he is slated to start at defensive end and also see significant time at tight end.

TOP POSITION GROUP: Linebackers With Joe Beley, Roman Grauso and Dawson MacPherson all back as returning starters, the second level of Point Beach’s defense will be the strength.

106

BIG SHOES

FILL:

Pass Rushers Josh Ramos led Point Beach’s defense with 60 tackles and five sacks last season so the Garnet Gulls will look to find someone to step up and fill the void.

X-Factor: Staying Healthy/New Offensive Scheme Injuries can wreck any team, especially a small school with limited depth. And after two years of running some version of a spread offense, the Gulls will move to a Wing-T. That’s a fairly drastic change so it bears watching that transition unfold.

The offensive line is an entirely new fivesome of starters but there is pretty good size across the board. Sophomore Jamie Setrakian (6-foot-3, 260) is the left tackle, junior Rob Dey (6-foot, 225) is the left guard, senior Tom Nasdeo (6-foot, 250) is the center, junior David Fant (5-foot-11, 225) is the right guard and senior Ryley Thomas (5-foot-11, 195) is the right tackle. Point Beach also has four returning starters in its 4-3 defense. The strength is at the second level where all three linebackers are returning starters. Grauso is the middle linebacker while Beley and MacPherson are the

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter)

Returning Starters: 4 QB: JOE BELEY, JR., RS RB: DAWSON MACPHERSON, JR., RS; ANDREW LAUMBACH, SR., RS WINGS: CONNOR DELORENZO, SR.; JAKE MULLINS, JR. WR: RYAN ORESTE, JR.; KYLE SIMPSON, SR. TE: ROMAN GRAUSO, JR., RS; COLIN MATUSCHAT, SR. LT: JAMIE SETRAKIAN, SO. LG: ROB DEY, JR.

outside linebackers. Laumbach, a returning starter, is the anchor on the defensive line from his spot at defensive end. He’ll be joined by Dey and Thomas as the defensive tackles and Matuschat as the opposite defensive end. The secondary is a collection of four new starters with Oreste and Mullins as the cornerbacks, DeLorenzo as the strong safety, and Simpson at free safety. The National Division should be very competitive with Keansburg, Keyport, Lakewood, Monmouth Regional and Pinelands joining Point Beach. The small schools do have

C: RG: RT:

TOM NASDEO, SR. DAVID FANT, JR RYLEY THOMAS, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 4 DE: ANDREW LAUMBACH, SR., RS DT: ROB DEY, JR. DT: RYLEY THOMAS, SR. DE: COLIN MATUSCHAT, SR. OLB: JOE BELEY, JR., RS

to contend with Group 3 schools Lakewood, Monmouth and Pinelands, but those teams have struggled over the past few years which is why they are in the National Division in the first place. With lower numbers and less depth, Group 1 schools are more vulnerable to the usual pitfalls of high school football. The bottom can drop out in a hurry, but the opposite as also true. Point Beach has rebounded from a winless season to return to the playoffs as recently as 2019. The plan this year is to do exactly that.

MLB: OLB: CB: CB: SS: FS:

ROMAN GRAUSO, JR., RS DAWSON MACPHERSON, JR., RS RYAN ORESTE, JR. AKE MULLINS, JR. CONNOR DELORENZO, SR. KYLE SIMPSON, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K:

CONNOR LOUGHRAN, SO

DAWSON MACPHERSON, JR., RS

SHORE SPORTS NETWORK

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460

steve.meyer@shoresportsnetwork.com

107

ASBURY PARK

MANALAPAN

OCEAN TOWNSHIP

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: 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township DIRECTIONS: Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West Park

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.

Avenue, school is a half mile on the right.

MANASQUAN

RATITAN

COLTS N ECK

FIELD ADDRESS: 159 Broad Street, Manasquan DIRECTIONS: From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34 south two

two to three miles ahead on the left.

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.

FREEHOLD BORO

MARLBORO

FIELD ADDRESS: 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck DIRECTIONS: Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold. School is

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 TOWNSHIP FIELD ADDRESS: 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township DIRECTIONS: Take Route 9 to Elton-Adelphia Road (Rt 524). Go west on Rt 524. School is one mile ahead on left.

HOWELL FIELD ADDRESS: 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell DIRECTIONS: Route I-195 west to Lakewood-Farmingdale exit for

FIELD ADDRESS: 95 Route 79, Marlboro DIRECTIONS: Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a few miles

MATAWAN

end to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. School is one and a half miles on right.

FIELD ADDRESS: 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.

HOLMDEL

FIELD ADDRESS: 63 Tindall Road, Middletown DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road and

KEANSBURG FIELD ADDRESS: 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right off ramp onto Red Hill Road.

RED BANK REGIONAL FIELD ADDRESS: 101 Ridge Road, Little Silver DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

intersection, turn right onto Crawfords Corner Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on the right.

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.

ahead on left.

Route 547 west (toward Farmingdale). Go about 200 yards to SquankumYellowbrook Road, turn left. School is about two miles on left.

FIELD ADDRESS: 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Go west on Red Hill Raod. At ﬁrst

FIELD ADDRESS: 419 Middle Road, Hazlet DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Make a left off the exit onto Red Hill Road,

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.

RED BANK CATHOLIC FIELD ADDRESS: Count Basie Field, Henry Street, Red Bank 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-FIAR 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.

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.

MONMOUTH REGIONAL

KEYPORT

FIELD ADDRESS: 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton Falls DIRECTIONS: Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at ﬁrst trafﬁc light to

SHORE REGIONAL

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.

71. School is just ahead on the right.

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.

LONG BRANCH FIELD ADDRESS: Indiana Avenue, Long Branch DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36 east, bear onto route 71 past Monmouth University and turn left on Westwood Avenue. Make a right onto Bath Avenue and then a right onto Indiana Avenue. School is ahead on right.

108

NEPTUNE FIELD ADDRESS: Memorial Field, Summerﬁeld School, Neptune DIRECTIONS: From south - Parkway Exit 100. Take Route 33 east a few miles to Green Grove Road. Turn left onto Green Grove Road, school is just ahead on the left. From north - Parkway exit 100B. Follow rest of directions from above.

FIELD ADDRESS: Route 36 east, West Long Branch DIRECTIONS: Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles, cross route

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.

JACTION LIBERTY

PINELANDS

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

FIELD ADDRESS: Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor DIRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about three miles.

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.

BARNEGAT

BRICK FIELD ADDRESS: 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick

JACTION 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

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.

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.

LACEY 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.

LAKEWOOD 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.

Turn right on Nugentown Road. School is three miles on the right.

PT. 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.

PT. 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

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO PROVIDED THE TEAM & ACTION PHOTOS USED THROUGHOUT THIS PROGRAM AND THE SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM WEBSITE

109

2021 WEEK- BY - WEEK

Shore Conference Football Schedule Week 0

Nondivisional

S_____________________ A T U R D A Y, A UG . 28

Wall @ Red Bank Catholic

Battle at the Beach (at Ocean City HS) Red Bank Catholic vs. Timber Creek

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, S E P T . 1 1

West Windsor-Plainsboro South @ Keansburg

Freehold @ Freehold Township

2 p.m. 12 p.m.

Week 1

Liberty Division

T_____________________ H U R SD A Y, S E P T . 2

Patriot Division

Brick Memorial @ Howell

Matawan @ Marlboro

6:30 p.m.

Patriot Division Shore @ Point Boro

7 p.m.

Nondivisional

7 p.m.

Constitution Division Red Bank @ Manasquan

Independence Division

Liberty Division 6:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

12 p.m.

Neptune @ Matawan

Patriot Division 6 p.m.

Red Bank Catholic @ Ocean

7 p.m.

Raritan @ Red Bank

7 p.m

Manchester @ Point Boro

7 p.m.

National Division Keansburg @ Point Beach

7 p.m.

Keyport @ Pinelands

7 p.m.

Nondivisional

Asbury Park @ Shore

7 p.m.

Lacey @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Manchester @ Barnegat

7 p.m.

Jackson Memorial @ Long Branch

7 p.m.

Point Boro @ Jackson Liberty

7 p.m.

Central @ Raritan

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

Freehold @ Jackson Memorial

7 p.m.

St. John Vianney @ Manalapan

7 p.m.

American Division

Toms River East @ Southern

7 p.m.

Toms River North @ Donovan Cath.

Matawan @ Ocean

7 p.m.

Colonial Division

Point Beach @ Jackson Liberty

7 p.m.

Holmdel @ Manalapan

7 p.m.

National Division

Monmouth @ Manchester

7 p.m.

Jackson Mem. @ Middletown South

7 p.m.

Monmouth @ Lakewood

Week 3

Constitution Division Red Bank Catholic @ Manasquan

F______________________ R I D A Y , SE P T . 1 7 6:30 p.m.

Constitution Division

St. Joseph by the Sea (NY) @ Holmdel

6 p.m.

Manasquan @ Ocean

7 p.m.

Allentown @ Barnegat

6 p.m.

Raritan @ Red Bank Catholic

7 p.m.

Hightstown @ Central

Freedom Division Toms River East @ St. John Vianney

7 p.m.

Independence Division Middletown North @ Lacey Howell @ Brick

Nonconference 7 p.m

6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

1 p.m.

Week 5 O

7 p.m.

Toms River North @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Colonial Division Jackson Memorial @ Holmdel

7 p.m.

Manalapan @ Southern

7 p.m.

Constitution Division

Nonconference

Jackson Liberty @ Barnegat

7 p.m.

Independence Division

Donovan Catholic vs. Archbishop Stepinac (NYC) @ Rutgers University

Shore @ Manchester

7 p.m.

Brick Memorial @ Middletown North

Patriot Division

Howell @ Lacey

Nondivisional Colts Neck @ Matawan Brick Memorial @ Toms River South

Liberty Division

7 p.m.

Matawan @ Freehold Township Marlboro @ Central

Nonconference Red Bank @ John F. Kennedy

7 p.m.

Week 2 F______________________ R I D A Y , SE P T . 1 0

Long Branch @ Freehold

Donovan Cath. @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Holmdel @ Middletown South

7 p.m.

Southern @ Jackson Memorial

7 p.m.

Constitution Division 7 p.m.

Freedom Division

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

NJSIAA Tournament Round 1

T______________________ H U R S D A Y , N OV . 4 & S A T U R D A Y, N OV . 6 Regional Crossover Games

National Division Lakewood @ Keyport

12 p.m.

Point Beac @ Monmouth

12 p.m.

Nondivisional 12 p.m.

Week 11 F______________________ R I D A Y , N OV . 1 2 & S A T U R D A Y, N OV . 13 NJSIAA Tournament Round 2

Week 7 F______________________ R I D A Y , O CT . 1 5 Week 12 Nondivisional Freehold Township @ Howell

6 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

F______________________ R I D A Y , N OV . 1 9 & S A T U R D A Y, N OV . 20 NJSIAA Tournament, Sectional Finals

Red Bank Catholic @ Rumson-Fair Haven

7 p.m.

Holmdel @ Raritan

7 p.m.

Toms River South @ Toms River North

7 p.m.

Jackson Liberty @ Jackson Memorial

7 p.m.

Southern @ Central

T______________________ H U R SD A Y, , N OV . 2 5

7 p.m.

Thanksgiving

Long Branch @ Ocean

7 p.m.

Neptune @ Asbury Park

Week 13 10 a.m.

Ocean at Brick

7 p.m.

St. John Vianney @ Middletown North

7 p.m.

Middletown South @ Middletown North

10:30 a.m.

6 p.m.

Marlboro @ Brick Memorial

7 p.m.

Wall @ Manasquan

Barnegat @ Pont Beach

7 p.m.

Pinelands @ Shore

7 p.m.

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, CT . 2

Week 4

Freedom Division

F______________________ R I D A Y , SE P T . 2 4

Toms River East @ Long Branch

Toms River South @ Freehold

7 p.m.

Holmdel at Southern

7 p.m.

Middletown South @ Manalapan

7 p.m.

Constitution Division 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

Freehold @ Toms River East

6 p.m.

Point Bor @ Jackson Liberty

7 p.m.

St. John Vianney @ Toms River South

7 p.m.

110

7 p.m.

Week 10 F______________________ R I D A Y , N OV . 5 & S A T U R D A Y, N OV . 6

12 p.m.

Manchester @ Barnegat

110

12 p.m.

Pinelands @ Lakewood

Freedom Division

Middletown North @ Howell

6:30 p.m

12 p.m. 1 p.m.

Nonconference Rahway @ Donovan Catholic

National Division Lakewood @ Keansburg

12 p.m.

Monmouth @ Keyport

12 p.m.

Week 6 T H U R SD A Y, O CT . 7 ______________________ Liberty Division

Lenape @ Wall

6:30 p.m. 7 p.m.

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, O CT . 1 6 National Division Keansburg @ Keyport

12 p.m.

Nondivisional Manalapan @ Freehold

12 p.m.

Lacey @ Colts Neck

12 p.m.

F______________________ R I D A Y , O CT . 8

Point Boro @ Monmouth

12 p.m.

American Division

Brick @ Neptune

1 p.m.

Manchester @ Lakewood

1 p.m.

Freehold Township at Neptune

Independence Division 7 p.m.

Rumson-Fair Haven @ Colts Neck

Point Beach @ Keyport

7 p.m.

Lakewood @ Point Beach

American Division

10:30 a.m.

Asbury Park @ Shore

National Division

7 p.m.

Jackson Liberty @ Manchester

7 p.m

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, O CT . 9

Red Bank @ Long Branch

Ocean @ Red Bank

Patriot Division

Asbury Park @ Barnegat

Nondivisional

Colonial Division

National Division

7 p.m.

Toms River North @ Wall

7 p.m

7 p.m.

Regular Season

Matawan @ Red Bank

6 p.m.

Neptune @ Central

Toms River East @ Toms River North

F______________________ R I D A Y , O CT. 2 9

7 p.m.

Toms River South @ Toms River Eas

6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

Patriot Division

Point Beach @ Pinelands

6:30 p.m.

Donovan Catholic at St. John Vianney

American Division

Liberty Division

Keansburg @ Pinelands

12 p.m.

7 p.m.

Brick @ Lacey

Shore Conference Pods

Monmouth @ Keansburg

St. John Vianney @ Long Branch

Independence Division

7 p.m.

Manasquan @ Toms River East 6:30 p.m.

National Division 12 p.m.

National Division

Colonial Division

Ocean @ Raritan

Freedom Division

7 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, S E P T . 1 8

American Division

Shore @ Jackson Liberty

Howell @ Marlboro

7 p.m.

8 p.m.

F______________________ R I D A Y , O CT . 2 9 & S A T U R D A Y, O CT . 30

Asbury Park @ Manchester

Colts Neck @ Wall

7 p.m.

Nonconference

7 p.m.

American Division

Red Bank @ Red Bank Catholic

Wall vs. Rumson-Fair Haven @ Rutgers Univ

Barnegat @ Point Boro

Patriot Division

Central @ Freehold Township Marlboro @ Neptune

12 p.m.

Week 9

Middletown South @ Southern

Liberty Division 6:30 p.m.

Point Beach @ Keansburg

7 p.m.

F______________________ RIDAY, CT . 1

Manasquan @ Raritan

S______________________ U ND A Y , S E P T . 5

Liberty Division

Colonial Division

6 p.m.

11 a.m

7 p.m.

Keyport @ Point Beach 12 p.m.

Point Boro @ Asbury Park

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, S E P T . 4

Middletown North @ Brick

Nondivisional 1 p.m.

Liberty Division Freehold Township @ Marlboro

Nonconference

7 p.m.

National Division 1 p.m

Independence Division Brick @ Brick Memorial

National Division

Lacey @ Brick Memorial

American Division

6 p.m.

Brick @ Toms River South

Regular Season

12 p.m.

Red Bank @ Asbury Park

Nondivisional

7 p.m.

Independence Division

Pinelands @ Monmouth

Freehold Twp. @ Middletown North

7 p.m.

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, O CT . 2 3

Patriot Division

6 p.m.

Colts Neck @ Toms River North

7 p.m.

S______________________ A T U R D A Y, S E P T . 2 5

Manasquan @ Middletown South

Shore Conference Pods

Long Branch @ Toms River South

12 p.m.

Week 8 F______________________ R I D A Y , O CT . 2 2 & S A T U R D A Y, O CT . 9

Freehold @ St. John Vianney

Keyport @ Keansburg

Donovan Catholi @ Colts Neck

Freedom Division

Central @ Matawan

National Division

7 p.m.

Constitution Division

Barnegat @ Shore

7 p.m.

American Division

Manalapan @ Jackson Memorial

Jackson Liberty @ Asbury Park

Brick @ Toms River South

F______________________ R I D A Y , SE P T . 3

Colonial Division 7 p.m.

Wall at Donovan Catholic

7 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

F R I D A Y , N OV . 2 6 , S A T U R D A Y, N OV . 27 F R I D A Y , D EC . 3 , S A T U R D A Y, D EC . 4 & S U N D A Y, D EC . 5 ______________________ Public Regional Championship Games/Non-Public Finals

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2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview

Articles inside

National Division............................................. Pages

Monmouth County & Ocean County

Patriot Division.................................................... Pages

Independence Division......................... Pages

Liberty Division................................................... Pages

Constitution Division.................................... Pages

Colonial Division................................................. Pages

American Division.............................................. Pages