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American Division.............................................. Pages
Head Coach:
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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). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 7-1 2019: 8-2 2018: 3-7 2017: 2-8 2016: 4-6
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. PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: 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. I MPACT N EWCOMER : 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. T OP P OSITION G ROUPS : 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. B IG S HOES TO F ILL : 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.
By: Bob Badders
SSN Managing Editor
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
For a program that has only been playing varsity football for 17 seasons,
Colts Neck has had its fair share of success.
Last season certainly fell into that category, the third under head coach Matt Ahearn, in which the Cougars continued their rebuild after a string of four straight losing seasons. The Cougars have forged a clear identity under Ahearn, and it was that downhill, power-rushing offense combined with a physical defense that yielded a 7-1 record and the No. 6 ranking in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10.
If there was one drawback to having such a successful season last year it’s that it came in a 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 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. Of the six returning starters in Colts Neck’s P r o - I offense, four of them have b e e n starters since at least their sophomore years. Leading the way is senior quarterback Tommy Fallon, who will have the rare distinction of being a four-year starter under center. A second-team All-Shore selection last season, Fallon threw for 720 yards and five touchdowns and ran for 475 yards and two scores on an average of 8.3 yards per carry. He brings toughness, savvy and a steady hand to Colts Neck’s offense. He can take advantage through the air and also gain tough yards on the ground with his 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame.
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
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 (L-R) RYAN WHALEN (77), MATT JANNUCCI (73), TOMMY FALLON (12), DAN VOLPE (71) Eric Lourero are the tight ends. JOHN RUNFOLO (18) & ANTHONY BONANNO (40) 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.
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
Head Coach:
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
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.
PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: 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 ACTOR : 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.
READY TO ROLL
The 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.
By: Kevin Williams
SSN Dirfector
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
( L- R ) N ICO I PPOLITO (69), C ONNOR F ARRELL (44), J ALIN B UTLER (5) & C ARON M C N AIR (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.
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 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. Replacing 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
SR. OL C ARON M C N AIR
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.
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. 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. 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. There are those who have questioned the Griffins schedule in recent years even though they had little control over that. 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.
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. C: ROB MADISON, SR., RS RG: AARON CROOMS, SR., RS RT: NICO IPPOLITO, SR.
SR. RB N UNES B UKULA
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: CONNOR FARRELL, SR., RS OLB: JJ CORREA, SO.; HUNTER JOHNSON, SO. CB: KYREE DRAKE, SR. CB: ISAIAH SIMMONS, SR. FS: JALIN BUTLER, SR., RS SS: MYSUN RUSH-ESDAILE, SR., RS
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Projected Special Team Starters:
K: GAVIN NGYUN, SR., RS P: LEVI WILKINS, SR., RS
Head Coach:
Jerry Schulte, 6th season (20th overall) Career Record: 100-92-1 (41-14 at RFH) 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). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-2 2019: 6-5 2018: 10-2 2017: 10-2 2016: 9-3
Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: 3-4
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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.
PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: 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.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: 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.
A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE
All 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.
By: Bob Badders
SSN Managing Editor
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) CHRISTIAN SMITH (56), AIDEN MORIARLY (5), GEOFF SCHROEDER, (20), COLIN KENNEDY (12), JOHN LISTA (44) & RYAN MCKAY (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 center and Christian Smith at right guard. Seniors Dan Gredel and Griffin Volk are competing for the starting right tackle spot.
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.
TOP POSITION GROUP: Offensive line
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.
Big Shoes to Fill: The safeties
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 safety and Beau Kemler at free safety.
SR. RB G EOFF S CHROEDER
Rumson Continued Page 16
X-Factor: 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 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
Projected Offensive Starters:
(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5
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. TE: AIDEN CASUCCIO, SR.; JACKSON BATCHLER, SR. LT: CHARLIE PEARSON, SR., RS LG: PATRICK MALPASS, SR., RS C: GEORGE CLOUGH, SR., RS RG: CHRISTIAN SMITH, SR., RS RT: DAN GREDEL, SR.; GRIFFIN VOLK, SR.
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.
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. 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.
SR. QB C OLIN K ENNEDY
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Projected Defensive Starters:
Returning Starters: 3
DE: AIDEN MORIARTY, SR., RS DT: COOPER BUNNELL, SO.; ROBBIE THOMPSON, SR. DT: JACK SULLIVAN, SR.; JULIEN DEVLIN, JR. DE: MARSHALL HALFACRE, JR. OLB: JOHN LISTA, SR., 3RS MLB: RYAN MCKAY, SR., 3RS OLB: JOHN THOMAS, JR.; HUDSON SKOVE, SO. CB: OWEN SULLIVAN, SR. CB: BRIAN DOHERTY, SR. SS: RYAN KALMAN, JR.; ALEX CADY, SR. FS: BEAU KEMLER, JR.
Projected Special Team Starters:
K: JUSTIN WOROBEL, SR., RS P: JACKSON GALLAGHER, SO.
Head Coach:
Dave Oizerowitz, 9th season (11th overall) 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 2019: 9-2 2018: 6-3 2017: 1-9 2016: 11-1
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4
Player To Watch: Micah Ford, So., QB/FS
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.
PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR: 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.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: 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.
TOP POSITION GROUP: 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.. A NEW CREW
After 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.
By: Bob Badders
SSN Managing Editor
Fri. 9/3 Colts Neck 7pm Fri. 9/17 @Donovan Cath. 6:30pm Fri. 9/24 @Wall 7pm Fri. 10/1 @RFH 7pm Fri. 10/8 TR East 7pm Fri. 10/15 TR South 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD
( L- R ) TAREQ C OUNCIL (2), M ICAH F ORD (1), T Y K AZANOWSKY (16), J USTIN S MITH (65) & M ICHAEL D OWD (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 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.
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.
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. 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.
SR. J USTIN S MITH AT A G LANCE C ON ’ T B IG S HOES TO F ILL : 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 ACTOR : 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.
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Projected Offensive Starters:
(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 2
QB: MICAH FORD, SO.; TALAN GRANDE, SO. RB: JOSH MOORE, SO.; ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ, SO.; CHRISTIAN OLIVIERI, SO. FB: NICK WALANO, JR.; TY BOLAND, JR. WR: TAREQ COUNCIL, SO.; NICK LEBRIA, JR.; TREY RINELLA, SO.; JOE EARLY, JR. TE: TY KAZANOWSKY, JR.; NASIR MCDOUGALD, JR. LT: NICK BAIOCCO, JR. LG: MATT MOTUZ, SR.; JOSH KAYE, JR. C: JUSTIN SMITH, SR., RS RG: MIKE DOWD, SR., RS RT: JOSH KAYE, JR.; JUSTIN KAYE, SO.
Projected Defensive Starters:
Returning Starters: 4
DE: MIKE DOWD, SR., RS; NICK BAIOCCO, JR. NG: TY BOLAND, JR., RS; NICK WALANO, JR. DE: NASIR MCDOUGALD, JR. OLB: TY KAZANOWSKY, JR., RS ILB: ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ, SO. ILB: CHRISTIAN OLIVIERI, SO.; JOHN MEEHAN, JR. OLB: CODY VANDERVLIET, JR. CB: RYAN DEAN, SR.; NICK LEBRIA, JR. CB: TAREQ COUNCIL, SO.; JOSH MOORE, SO.; JUNIOR MATTHEWS, JR. SS: RYAN REMPO, JR., RS FS: MICAH FORD, SO.; LUKE OIZEROWITZ, SO.
Projected Special Team Starters:
K: DYLAN CORSI, JR. P: CODY VANDERVLIET, JR.
Head Coach:
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). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 7-0 2019: 12-1 2018: 6-4 2017: 5-6 2016: 10-2
DYNASTY MODE
It’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.
By: Bob Badders
SSN Managing Editor
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
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. PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR: 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. I MPACT N EWCOMER : 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. T OP P OSITION G ROUPS : 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. B IG S HOES TO F ILL : 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 ACTOR : 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) BRIAN BYRNE (63), JAKE DAVIS (11), MATT DOLLIVE (7), BLAKE REZK (83),
COLIN RILEY (8) & CHARLIE SASSO (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
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 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.
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 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.
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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 C: JOE PALMISANO, SR. RG: BILLY CARR, JR., RS RT: 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: MIKE FUMAROLA, JR., RS OLB: LOU PILLA, SR., RS CB: JACK COAN, SR. CB: DOM GIGLIO, JR. SS: JAKE DAVIS, SR., RS FS: MATT DOLLIVE, SR., RS
Projected Special Team Starters:
K/P: MAX OAKLEY, SR., 3RS.
