Liberty Division................................................... Pages

from 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview

by Shore Sports Network Journal

Constitution Division.................................... Pages

Head Coach:

Jarrett Pidgeon, 2nd season Career Record: 155-83 Assistant Coaches:

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

BUILDING BLOCKS

Jarrett 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.

By: Kevin Williams

SSN Director

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

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.

PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR 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.

I MPACT N EWCOMERS : 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)

Before Golden Eagles fans get too excited there are question marks and some very good players lost to graduation, including All-Shore linebacker Imeer Johnson and others like Nick Sura, Vinnie Dallicardillo, Danny Taris and Brandon Montgomery. However, there appears to be more than enough talent and experience for Central to be considered a title contender in the newly-formed Liberty Division.

Junior JJ Garcia went into summer practice last year in a battle for the starting quarterback spot, which was won by Frankie Farmer, but Garcia still saw plenty of action and started one game while playing in others. In the spring, Farmer reclassified to the

SR. RB ANTHONY MUSSO

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 return to head up the wide receiver position, while senior Michael Rappola is back at tight end. Tackle Todd Dudley leads a group of returners on the offensive line along with Peyton Dasti and Nick Rua.

With the exception of losses to Lacey and Southern, the Golden Eagles did not allow more than two touchdowns in any other games. Heading up those returning on defense is Musso, who will line up at both linebacker and defensive end. Junior Logan Brennan is back at a defensive end spot and senior Alex Bechtle returns as a starting linebacker. Defensive end Vinnie Charles, a starter two years ago, returns after missing all of 2020 with an injury. The defensive backfield figures to be very strong and is led by Morris and Fraulo while senior Colin Steimle, who started as a sophomore, returns after spending last season in Florida. Senior Sean Hurley returns to handle both the kicking and punting chores.

While last season was a rough one for all head coaches it had to be 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.

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: JJ GARCIA, JR.; DEVEN SISLER, FR. 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. TE: MICHAEL RAPPOLA, SR., RS; LUKE KRYZKOWSKI, SO. OL: JACK VANDIVER, SR. OL: SEAN WILLIAMS, SR.; AARON JOSA, SR. OL: PEYTON DASTI, SR. OL: NICK RUA, SR., RS; RUDY RINDERER, JR. OL: TODD DUDLEY, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: LOGAN BRENNAN, SR., RS; TREY MITCHELL, JR. NG: NIKO NASR, JR.; AARON JOSA, SR RS; JACK VANDIVER, SR. DE: VINNIE CHARLES, SR. OLB: CADEN BARKER, JR.; SCOTT NICO, SO. OLB: JAIVON TATE, JR.; SHANE SAJEWICZ, SR. ILB: ALEX BECHTLE, SR., RS; RUDY RINDERER, JR. ILB: ANTHONY MUSSO, SR., RS; CADEN BARKER, JR. CB: COLIN STEIMLE, SR. CB: DANNY MORRIS, SR., RS SS: JOE RUGGIERO, SR. FS: DOM FRAULO, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: SEAN HURLEY, SR., RS

Head Coach:

Cory Davies, 7th season (30th overall) Career Record: 28-27 (133-151 overall) 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: 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.

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.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

TURN THE PAGE

At 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.

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.

After three straight solid seasons that included the

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 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 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.

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.

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.

(L-R) JOE JUAREZ (72), RYAN JACKSON (14), GIACOMO CALAMITA (13), SHAWN MESIA (55), JADEN MORALES (24), DEVIN OLESIN (1) 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

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. LG: HUNTER BERNSTEIN, SR., RS C: ZACH KRIEG, SR., RS RG: SHAWN MESIA, SR., RS RT: OMAR FRANCIS, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 10

DE: JOE JUAREZ, SR., RS DT: OMAR FRANCIS, SR., RS DT: MULTIPLE PLAYERS COMPETING DE: MULTIPLE PLAYERS COMPETING OLB: DEVIN OLESIN, SR., RS (PLAYED SAFETY IN 2020) ILB: NICK BENJAMINO, JR., RS ILB: JADEN MORALES, SR., RS OLB: MULTIPLE PLAYERS COMPETING CB: GIACOMO CALAMITA, SR. CB: ANTHONY LONG, JR.; FILIP DERETA, JR. FS: ANTHONY PONTECORVO, SR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: CODY WOHLRAB, JR. P: TO BE DETERMINED

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

QB: A.J. SCHWARTZ, JR. RB: ZACH MENDES, SR., RS; DYLAN MICCOLI, JR. FB: THOMAS CAMMARANO, SR.; NOLAN JONES, JR. WR: RYAN MENDES, JR. WR: JOE WEISS, SR. TE: LUCAS MCEVOY, JR. LT: LOREN GUNIN, SR. LG: MIKE GIANCASPRO, SR., RS C: PETER BUDVEIT, JR. RG: LOU OGNO, SO. RT: COREY SHANIN, JR., RS DE: COREY SHANIN, JR. DT: LOREN GUNIN, SR.; MIKE GIANCASPRO, SR., RS DE: PETER BUDVEIT, JR. OLB: THOMAS CAMMARANO, SR. ILB: ZACH MENDES, SR., 3RS ILB: NOLAN JONES, JR. OLB: RYAN MENDES, JR., RS CB: JOE WEISS, SR. CB: KEITH OMANE-AGYEI, SR. SS: JAKE HOUSTON, JR. FS: A.J. SCHWARTZ, JR., RS

Photo by:

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. IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Colin Palumbo (Fr., RB/DB) and Jayden Elijah (Fr., OT)

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.

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

THE TIME IS NOW

As 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.

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 shut down due to a case of COVID-19 just days before the season was to begin and returned with only two days to prepare for their opener vs. St. John Vianney, which was played two weeks after most of the state had already opened the season. To make matters worse, Matawan’s schedule was frontloaded, with two ranked opponents in Raritan and Holmdel following the 35-0 loss to St. John Vianney. Matawan was outscored by a total of 101-14 in the three losses.

“With COVID and the way things can just stop, I really try to keep my feet on the ground and focus on the here and now,” Graber said. “I want my team to be present and in the moment and when after so much of our season last year got cut out, I think they see the importance of not taking any day for granted. That’s why I don’t think about the future and rebuilding; every season is a new season and you play that one as best you can.”

The Huskies, however, rebounded by winning two of their last three and although they graduated some production, they return a solid core of players led by senior quarterback Dennis Buonagura and two-way standout David Onuoha – the latter of whom finished tied for fourth in the Shore Conference in tackles. Buonagura completed better (L-R) NIK WINZER (76), ZION SPENCE (77), KYLE HALLIBURTON (8), DAVID ONUOHA (6) than 63 percent of his passes last year JOEY BODIN (5), DENNIS BUONAGURA (1) for 460 yards and will be working with a young receiving corps led by returning junior Joe Bodin. “Dennis is playing very well,” Graber said. “He has developed his leadership skills to a high level. He is throwing the ball well and accurately and proving that he has ability to be dynamic. We’re expecting good things from him this year.”

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

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR., 3RS RB: 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: TIM MURPHY, SR. RG: JORDAN REAMER, SO.; ZION SPENCE, JR. RT: ZION SPENCE, JR., 3RS; JAYDEN ELIJAH, FR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: NICK WINZER, JR.; ZION SPENCE, JR., 3 RS DT: JORDAN REAMER, SO.; COLIN JUAREZ, SR. DT: TIM RYF, SR.; RYDER SILVERS, JR. DE: CHRIS BURSETH, SO.; ZION SPENCE, JR. OLB: LANCE SANTOS, JR.; KYLE HALLIBURTON, SR. MLB: DAVID ONUOHA, SR., 3RS OLB: JOE BODIN, JR., RS DB: JAYDEN PERCODANI, SO.; ELISHUA DAWKINS, SR. DB: FRANK PINCO, SO.; COLIN PALUMBO, FR.; DB: BRIAN CHARLES GAGNERON, SO.; VITO SCARPA, SO.; DB: DANTE STEVENSON, SO.; DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR., 3RS. P: DENNIS BUONAGURA, SR.

TOP POSITION GROUP: Linebackers

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. BIG SHOES TO FILL: Jayden Percodani, So., RB/WR/DB

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. X-FACTOR: Youth in the Secondary

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.

Head Coach:

Brian Duffy, 1st 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.

PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR 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.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : 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 NEW BEGINNING

COVID-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.

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

Fri. 9/10 @Central 7pm Fri. 9/17 Marlboro 7pm Fri. 9/24 @Matawan 7pm Thur. 10/7 Freehold Twp. 7pm Sat. 10/16 Brick 1pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Thur. 11/25 @Asbury Park 10am

( L- R ) M ATTEO A NDREWS (88), R A ’S UN B ANKS (8) & D E ’O NDRE B ANKS (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, 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 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.”

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.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP : Defensive Line As previously mentioned, Neptune shapes up well on both the offensive and defensive lines despite its 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.

B IG S HOES TO F ILL : 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 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.