27 minute read
Constitution Division.................................... Pages
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.
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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.
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 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.
Projected Offensive Starters:
(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7
QB: BRETT PATTEN, JR., RS; COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR. RB: PAT WOODFORD, SR., RS; JHAMIER HOWARD, JR., RS WR: ROBERT PENDERGIST, SR., 4RS; COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR., 3RS; DAN HYLAND, SR., JACK DETTLINGER, JR.; MIKE PRESBREY, SR.; MIKE ANTONUCCI, SR.; SHEA KEATING, SR. TE: MATT O’DONNELL, JR.; CAEL DRISCOLL, JR. LT: JOE FRANKLIN, SR.; JAMES O’BRIEN, SR. LG: RYAN BURNS, SR.; SPENCER MULY, SR. C: BOB MARKS, SR., RS; NOAH MAMMERI, SO. RG: JJ CAVANAGH, SR., .RS; CAM PRICE, SR. RT: ED DINGLER, SR.; JAMES GILMORE, JR.
Projected Defensive Starters:
Returning Starters: 6
DE: JACK BURNS, SR., RS; JAMES O’BRIEN, SR. DT: JJ CAVANAGH, SR., 3RS; ED DINGLER, SR. DT: BOB MARKS, SR., 3RS; NOAH MAMMERI, SO. DE: JOE FRANKLIN, SR., RS; MATT O’DONNELL, JR. OLB: RYAN BURNS, SR., 3RS; CAEL DRISCOLL, JR. MLB: DYLAN LEBLANC, SR., 3RS OLB: MAX PAUWELS, SR.; RYAN DEEGAN, SR.; WILL BURNS, SO. CB: PAT WOODFORD, SR., RS; MIKE ANTONUCCI SR. CB: ROBERT PENDERGIST, SR., 4RS; LUKE DAMEN, SR. SS: COLE KOZLOWSKI, SR., 3RS; DAN HYLAND, SR. FS: JHAMIER HOWARD, JR.; JACK DETTLINGER, JR.
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Projected Special Team Starters:
K: JACK DETTLINGER, JR., RS P: DYLAN LEBLANC, SR.
Head Coach:
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). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 3-3 2019: 8-1 2018: 4-6 2017: 2-8 2016: 5-5
Offense: Spread
Defense: Multiple 40
____________________________________________
Player to Watch : 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.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Tom Iacouzzi, So., OL/DL
The 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore will play left guard and is one of four sophomores who earned starting jobs for the Spartans.
YOUNG GUNS
Considering 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.
(L-R) SHANE GARRETT (35), ETHAN BRANDIMARTE (9), TYLER DOUGLAS (8), NICK ATCHISON (55), CHRISTIAN LA ROSA (6), NICK MARTINEZ (5), CJ FLANNIGAN (25)
Ocean’s only scrimmage was 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.
With not much going right, head coach Don Klein learned some things about his young players that bodes extremely well for this season. They bounced back strong the following week with a win over Red Bank, then defeated St. John Vianney to even their record. After a loss to a potent 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 returning starters and some potential stars among them, Ocean is banking on a bounce-back season.
Seven starters return in Ocean’s spread offense that averaged 20 points per game last season. Junior Tyler Douglas will be entering his second year as the starter and his third year as a varsity player after serving as the kicker and punter as a freshman. He threw for 584 yards and five touchdowns last season and at 6foot-2 and approaching 200 pounds the Spartans have high expectations for him as a dual-threat quarterback.
Senior Christian LaRosa returns as the starting running back while senior Nick Martinez and junior CJ Flannigan are returning starters at wide receiver. Senior Geter Benitez is also in the mix at wide receiver. Like Douglas, junior Shane Garrett has breakout potential. The 6-foot-2, 220pound junior is a returning starter at tight end.
The offensive line will be working in three new starters. Senior Nick Atchison (6-foot-1, 210) is a returning starter at left guard and sophomore 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 Edwin Garcia-Tellez (5-foot-10, 200) is the right guard and sophomore Tom Iacouzzi (6-foot-, 210) is the left guard.
The Spartans will run a multiple 40
By: Bob Badders
SSN Managing Editor
Fri. 9/2 Matawan 7pm Fri. 9/10 @ Raritan 7pm Fri. 9/17 Manasquan 7pm Fri. 9/24 @ Red Bank 7pm Fri. 10/1 @ Brick 7pm Fri. 10/8 RBC 7pm Fri. 10/15 Long Branch 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD
Ocean
Continued on Page 40
TOP POSITION GROUPS: Skill Players
With Douglas at quarterback, LaRosa at running back, and Martinez and Flannigan as wide receivers, Ocean has four returning starters to lead its offense.
BIG SHOES TO FILL: The Wide Receivers
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-FACTOR: The Offensive Line
The development of the offensive line, which has two returning starters and three newcomers, will be critical to Ocean’s success.
The Spartans will run a multiple 40 defense that hopes to improve on the 25.3 points per game it allowed last season. Five total starters return from last season. Junior Ben Trench is a returning starter at defensive end and Garrett is a returning starter at 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.
The three linebackers will all be first-year defensive starters. 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.
The secondary is experienced with three of the four players having started last season. Martinez is a returning starter at cornerback and junior Caleb Thompson will line up on the opposite side. Flannigan returns as the starting strong safety and Douglas is the returning starter at free safety. Flannigan (43) and Douglas (40) are the team’s leading returning tacklers and Flannigan also intercepted two passes.
Ocean will call the Constitution Division home this season. While Red Bank Catholic is the elephant in the room, the likes of Raritan, Manasquan and Red Bank Regional should make for competitive matchups every week.
Projected Offensive Starters:
(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7
QB: TYLER DOUGLAS, JR., RS RB: CHRISTIAN LAROSA, SR., RS 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. C: NICK CARUSO, SO., RS RG: EDWIN GARCIA-TELLEZ, JR. RT: ANTHONY DIDARIO, SR.
Projected Defensive Starters:
Returning Starters: 5
DE: BEN TRENCH, JR. RS DT: SHANE GARRETT, JR., RS DT: JAYCEON WEBSTER, JR. DE: ETHAN BRANDIMARTE, SR. OLB: CHRISTIAN LAROSA, SR. MLB: BEN GIRARD, SO. OLB: WILL CANAVAN, SO. CB: NICK MARTINEZ, SR., RS CB: CALEB THOMPSON, JR. SS: CJ FLANNIGAN, JR., RS FS: TYLER DOUGLAS, JR., RS
Projected Special Team Starters:
K/P: TYLER DOUGLAS, JR., RS
JR. QB TYLER DOUGLAS
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Head Coach:
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
____________________________________________
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.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: Thomas Jeleniewski, So., LG/DT
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.
By: Matt Manley
SSN Senior Staff Writter
ROCKETS ON THE RISE
Every 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.
Fri. 9/10 Ocean Fri. 9/17 @RBC Fri. 9/24 Central
7pm 7pm 7pm Fri. 10/1 Manasquan 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Red Bank 7pm Fri. 10/15 Holmdel 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD
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 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. “We have some key guys who can make plays, plus those glue guys who can bring everybody together,” Petruzzi said. “Expectations are (L-R) BENJAMIN HUTCHINS (11), JASON TROTTA (73), ALEX DEKIS (9), high. The focus for the coaches has been making sure actions match ROBBY SCAROLA (3) & JOSEPH CAMPANELLA (17) expectations.”
Projected Offensive Starters:
(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) 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) 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. C: TEPHEN MCCABE, JR. RG: KEVIN DRYJANKSI, JR. RT: JASON TROTTA, SR., RS
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. OLB: ANTHONY BAVARO, SR., RS MLB: ALEX DEKIS, SR., RS (48 TACKLES); NICK GODKIN, JR. OLB: BOBBY MULLIGAN, JR., 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
Projected Special Team Starters:
K: JEFFREY SPENGLER, SR. P: BEN HUTCHINS, SR.
TOP POSITION GROUP: The Backfield
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 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-FACTOR: 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.
Head Coach:
Mike Lange, 2nd season (3rd overall) Career Record: 4-2 at RBC (5-9 career) 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) Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 4-2 2019: 5-4 2018: 10-0 2017: 8-2 2016: 5-5
Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3
____________________________________________
Player to Watch : Alex Bauman, Sr., TE/DE
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.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: 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.
THE SKY IS THE LIMIT
Loaded, 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.
By: Bob Badders
SSN Managing Editor
Sat. 8/28 Timber Creek (@ Ocean City HS) 2pm Fri. 9/10 Wall 7pm Fri. 9/17 Raritan 7pm Sat. 9/25 @Manasquan 1pm Fri. 10/1 Red Bank 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Ocean 7pm Fri. 10/15 @RFH 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD
(L-R) RAJAHN COOPER (5), RYAN MCPHERSON (1), ALEX BAUMAN (14), ALEX BROWN (8), SABINO PORTELLA (24), NAJIH RAHMAN (13), MICHAEL CONNEELY (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.
Also coming over from Mater Dei is senior running back/linebacker Rajahn Cooper, who ran for 434 yards and three touchdowns last season, and senior offensive lineman Ashton Mejias.
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.
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
RBC Continued on Page 44
TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line and Running Backs
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.
BIG SHOES TO FILL: The Defensive Tackles
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.
X-FACTOR: Melding All the Talent Together 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.
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.
RBC will play in the Constitution Division with Manasquan, Ocean, Raritan and Red Bank Regional. They have three great 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.
Projected Offensive Starters:
(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 11
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. TE: ALEX BAUMAN, SR., 3RS LT: VINCE CARPENTER, SR., RS LG: ASHTON MEJIAS, SR., RS C: MICHAEL CONNEELY, SR., RS RG: LORENZO PORTELLA, SO., RS RT: TYLER BURNHAM, SO.
Projected Defensive Starters:
Returning Starters: 7
DE: ALEX BAUMAN, SR., RS DT: AIDAN DONOHUE, JR. DT: LIAM KEHOE, SR.; BRYAN MILLER, SO. DE: RYAN MCPHERSON, SR., RS OLB: RAJAHN COOPER, SR., RS MLB: DAVIN BREWTON, SO. OLB: MICHAEL PALMIERI, JR. CB: JOE DIORIO, SR., 3RS CB: ROBERT STOLFA, JR., RS SS: SABINO PORTELLA, JR., RS FS: CORBETT CIMINI, SR., RS
Projected Special Team Starters:
K/P: JAKE JACOBSEN, SR.
SR. QB ALEX BROWN
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Head Coach:
Shane Fallon, 1st season Career Record: 108-56 Assistant Coaches:
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) 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. 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.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Jah’Cire Jones (So., RB/CB) and Gunnar Eckerstrom (So., WR/DB)
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. TOP POSITION GROUPS: 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
YOUNG BUCS
Shane 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.
By: Matt Manley
SSN Senior Staff Writer
Fri. 9/2 @Asbury Park 6pm Sat. 9/11 @Manasquan 2pm Fri. 9/17 @John F. Kennedy 7pm Fri. 9/24 Ocean 7pm Fri. 10/1 @RBC 7pm Fri. 10/8 Raritan 7pm Fri. 10/15 Matawan 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Thur 11/25 @Long Branch 10:30am
(L-R) PETER THOMAS (68), SEAN MASONIUS (50), JACK GRASSI (5), GUS DAL PRA (2) MATT DENGLER (13), CIAN CURYLO (7) 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.
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.
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.
BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jack Grassi, Sr., QB/DB
Red Bank’s best offensive weapon in 2020 was 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-FACTOR: 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.
