Shore Sports Network 2022 Football Preview by Shore Sports Network Journal

Cover Designed by Steve Meyer

The Shore Sports Network in partnership with The Butcher’s Block presents THE BLOCK GAMEDAY COUNTDOWN every Friday night during the Shore Conference football season. W E ’ LL PICK A TOP MATCHUP AND BEFORE THE GAME K EVIN W ILLIAMS WILL PROVIDE INSIGHT ON THE S HORE S PORTS N ETWORK F ACEBOOK PAGE AND ALSO PROVIDE UPDATES DURING THE GAME . T HOSE AT THE GAME WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN UP TO WIN A $100 B LOCK B OX OF 100% A LL N ATURAL P RIME M EAT AND WILL INCLUDE STEAK , PORK CHOPS , SAUSAGE , GROUND BEEF ( SUBJECT TO SUBSTITUTIONS ). J UST LOOK FOR THE S HORE S PORTS N ETWORK SUV AND STOP BY TO SIGN UP BEFORE THE END OF HALFTIME . T HE WEEKLY WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER BETWEEN THE 3 RD AND 4 TH QUARTERS A T THE CONCLUSION OF THE GAME WE WILL PRESENT T HE B LOCK G AME D AY C OUNTDOWN MVP AWARD TO THE TOP PERFORMER , WHICH WILL BE SHOWN LIVE ON OUR F ACEBOOK PAGE . B LOCK OWNER T OMMY D’A MBRISI IS A FORMER A LL -S HORE QUARTERBACK AT M ONMOUTH R EGIONAL WHO LATER PLAYED AT M ONMOUTH U NIVERSITY AND THEN AT K EAN U NIVERSITY WHERE HE IS AMONG THE LEADERS IN SEVERAL CAREER CATEGORIES . T HE PREMIERE OF T HE B LOCK G AME D AY C OUNTDOWN IS SET FOR F RIDAY , S EPTEMBER 9 WHEN M IDDLETOWN S OUTH VISITS M ANALAPAN IN AN A MERICAN D IVISION BATTLE . SSN Top Ten Page 4 About the Cover Page 8 New Faces in New Places Page II American Division Pages 12 28 Donovan WallRumson-FairRedMiddletownManalapanCatholicSouthBankCatholicHaven Colonial Division Pages 30- 43 Central Regional MiddletownLongLaceyBranch North Southern Regional Toms River North Constitution Division Pages 44-53 Colts MarlboroJacksonFreeholdFreeholdHowellNeckBoroTownshipMemorial Feature Story................................. Pages 54-57 Freedom Division........................ Pages 58-71 Brick Memorial Brick TomsRedOceanNeptuneTownshipBankRegionalRiverSouth Independence Division Pages 72 85 St.RaritanPointMonmouthManasquanHolmdelBoroJohnVianney Liberty Division Pages 86-94 TomsPinelandsMatawanManchesterJacksonBarnegatLibertyRiverEast Patriot Division Pages 96-103 Asbury ShorePointLakewoodKeyportKeansburgParkBeachRegional Field Directions Monmouth County & Ocean County Page 104-105 WeekbyWeek Shore Conference Schedule Page 106 Kevin WILLIAMS Shore Sports Network kevin.williams@townsquaremedia.comDirector Steve MEYER Shore Sports Network Director High School Mmanley21@gmail.comMattSeniorbob.badders@townsquaremedia.comBobManaging732-233-4460steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.comDivisionEditorBaddersContentProviderManleySHORESPORTSNETWORKJOURNAL is published by: Townsquare Media 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753 Copyright 2022 © Townsquare Media All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Shore Sports Network is prohibited

FIRST GAME : Sept. 3 vs. No. 2 Toms River North at Rutgers.

FIRST GAME: Aug. 27 vs. Washington Township at Ocean City HS. (9-2). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 4

FIRST GAME: Sept. 1 vs. Neptune. POINT BORO (6-5). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 2

The Mariners were a young and talented team in 2021 who put it all together in the second half of the season to make a run all the way to the South Jersey Group 5 title game. They suffered a heartbreaking loss to Kingsway on a last-second touchdown, but the good news is that almost the entire teams returns to make another championship run. They’re still young and talented, but now they’re also experienced. All-Shore quarterback Micah Ford leads an offense that includes junior running back Josh Moore and junior receivers Tareq Council and Jeremiah Pruitt, and should be among the Shore’s most potent. The Mariners are also big up front, led by 6-foot-6, 300pound sophomore Ja’elyne Matthews, who has FBS scholarship offers from the likes of Georgia and Ohio State. Senior linebacker Ty Kazanowsky leads the defense after an All-Shore junior season.

We deliberated for a bit on which team would be in the 10th and final spot and we went with the Jaguars despite the fact they are coming off a losing season. Jackson returns a total of 15 starters with quarterback Tai Mann, running back Aidan Sweeney, receivers Albert D’Alessandro and Jaiden Hernandez, tight end/defensive end Shaun Hubbard, linemen Ryan Fisher and Lucas Stahlnecker, defensive end Angelo Nicosia, and linebacker Mike Cipriano as they look to get back to their usual spot as a championship contender.

FIRST GAME: Sept. 9 at No. 4 Point Boro. MANASQUAN (6-3). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 10

The Caseys went 11-1 and captured the NJSIAA Non-Public B state championship last season, and although they lost some excellent players to graduation, they also return multiple standouts as they look to fend off all challengers and repeat as state champs. With All-Shore players like running back/defensive back Sabino Portella, wide receiver Najih Rahman, linebacker Davin Brewton, and lineman Lorenzo Portella, plus running back Torin Harmon, wide receiver Emanuel Ross, lineman Tyler Burnham, and linebacker Michael Palmieri, RBC will be a formidable squad. Their title defense won’t be easy, however, with an American Division schedule that includes Middletown South, Donovan Catholic, RumsonFair Haven, Manalapan, and Wall.

FIRST GAME: Aug. 26 at Freehold Township. MANALAPAN (8-2). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 9

W elcome back. Another season of Shore Conference football is here. And this year, history will be made.

RUMSON FAIR HAVEN (8-3). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 7

It’s a new era on Indiana Avenue as Chad King takes over as head coach after longtime Green Wave boss Danny George stepped down following last season. The Wave lost All-Shore quarterback Christian Rodriguez to graduation but bring back All-Shore defensive back Shamar Williams, talented playmakers Sekou Kamau, Michael Hall, and Zaheem Brown, offensive lineman Luke Tracey, and defensive end Antonio Castanon to lead the way.

The Eagles reached the North 2, Group 4 sectional final last season where they fell to a powerful Irvington squad. Along the way, Middletown South won the Colonial Division and had the Shore’s No. 2 scoring defense at 10.1 points per game. Five All-Shore players were lost to graduation but the Eagles still return many talented players, including All-Shore junior linebacker Colin Gallagher and All-Shore junior defensive back Jake Czwakiel, who will now take over as the team’s quarterback. The Eagles have averaged eight wins per season under legendary head coach Steve Antonucci, now in his 25th season, and figure to be a state title contender once again. FIRST GAME: Sept. 2 at No. 9 Long Branch.

The Bulldogs have a new head coach in Jeremy Schulte, who moves up from defensive coordinator to succeed his father, Jerry, who will now be the defensive coordinator. Not much will change for Rumson in that regard, but the Dawgs will have to break in a host of new starters this fall after losing most of their top players to graduation. All-Shore safety Beau Kemler leads the group of returning starters that also features wide receivers Scott Venancio and Nick Rigby, defensive linemen Marshall Halfacre, Cooper Bunnell, and Julien Devlin, and safety Ryan Kalman. Rumson has reached eighth straight NJSIAA sectional championship games, so the Bulldogs will get the benefit of the doubt that they’ll figure it out and once again be a team to be reckoned with.

Senior lineman and Temple recruit Cole Skinner, junior running back/safety Jake Croce, junior quarterback/defensive back Matt Oliphant, senior running back/safety Connor Cilento, senior edge Connor Reynolds, senior linebackers JJ Bennett, Aiden Ward, and Tyler Gordon, and junior lineman Charles Davison lead the way.

The Griffins took a big hit to graduation from a team that went 9-2 on the field but officially finished with a 6-5 record due to forfeits. However, the questions surrounding the team are not talent-based. A new group of players needs seasoning but should have the Griffins competing in the American Division. All-Shore senior linebacker Dante Vernieri, sophomore wide receiver Michael Thomas III, junior tight end/outside linebacker Hunter Johnson, and senior lineman EJ Smith lead the way for the Toms River school.

Braves got back to their winning ways after a rare losing season the year before and return a total of 15 starters heading into the 2022 season. A strong group of two-way linemen that includes seniors Artem Reinikov-Jouk, Julian Santo, and Jack Boyle looks to pave the way for talented skill players like Alex Dille, Thomas Clark-Glasco, and Anthony Macchio. The Braves also have an underrated twoway player in tight end/linebacker Preston Birnie and the Shore’s top returning kicker in senior Michael Calton.

FIRST GAME: Sept. 2 vs. No. 3 Middletown South.

Last season, the Shore Conference had one public school sectional champion and one overall state champion. Point Boro captured the South Jersey Group 2 championship and came within a point of winning the regional title game. Red Bank Catholic went 11-1, captured the Non-Public B state title, and finished the season ranked No. 1 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. Toms River North, Rumson-Fair Haven, Middletown South, and Raritan also advanced to sectional championship games. So who are the best teams in the Shore Conference this year? Here is our look at the top teams in The Jeep Store/Shore Sports N etwork Preseason Top 10. (11-1).

FIRST GAME: Aug. 27 vs. St. John Vianney at Ocean City HS. (7-4).

LONG BRANCH (3-6). Final 2021 Ranking: Not Ranked

FIRST GAME: Sept. 1 vs. Brick Memorial.

JACKSON MEMORIAL

The

The Warriors return a total of nine starters from a team that went 8-3 and reached the South Jersey Group 3 semifinals last season. Senior quarterback Brett Patten, a First Team All-Shore selection, and senior running back Jhamier Howard lead the way for what should be a dynamic backfield this season. Senior receiver/defensive back Jack Dettlinger, tight end/defensive end Matt O’Donnell, two-way linemen Noah Mammeri and James Gilmore, and linebackers Cael Driscoll and Will Burns round out the list of returning starters. Manasquan handed Point Boro its only conference loss last season and will face the rival Panthers to open their season.

FIRST GAME: Sept. 2 vs. Lacey. DONOVAN CATHOLIC (9-2). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 3

Final 2021 Ranking: No. 1

After months of preparation in the weight room getting bigger and stronger, hours on the field getting faster, and time spend on Hudl getting smarter, hundreds of football players from Tuckerton to Aberdeen are ready to take the field and make these next three months unforgettable. The beauty of a new season is that hope springs eternal. Every team can dream of accomplishing its goals, whether that be hoisting a championship trophy or simply putting together a winning season. About that history. The 2022 season will be the first in which public schools will play down to true state champions. For the f irst time in state history we’ll have Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 football champions crowned at the end of the season. It’s been a long time coming and should make for some tremendous matchup s in December. Which Shore Conference teams will be vying for these historic state titles? The journey of the next 14 weeks will feature the usually menu of thrilling victories, agonizing defeats, heroic individual plays, and triumphant team accomplishments.

TOMS RIVER NORTH MIDDLETOWN SOUTH RED CATHOLICBANK (10-2). Final 2021 Ranking: No. 8

Final 2021 Ranking: No. 6

The Panthers began last season unranked but quickly jumped into the Top 10 for good thanks to the Shore’s No. 1 scoring offense and a tenacious, big-play defense. Point Boro won a division title before securing the South Jersey Group 2 sectional championship, the program’s fourth sectional title in history. A heartbreaking one-point loss to Haddonfield in the regional championship game has them as motivated as ever to get back and finish the job with an overall state title, and they certainly have the talent to do so with 16 returning starters.

Point Boro senior lineman Cole Skinner, Toms River North quarterback Micah Ford, Manasquan quarterback Brett Patten, and Red Bank Catholic running back/defensive back have been selected as this year’s cover athletes for the annual Shore Sports Network Journal Football Preview. All four were SSN First Team All-Shore selections last season and are certainly among the very best the Shore Conference has to offer. Here’s a look at the resume for each.

M icah Ford, Jr. QB/DB, Toms River North After starting at running back as a freshman, Ford became Toms River North’s starting quarterback in 2021 and was excellent in running its power spread offense. A young Mariners team only got better as the season progressed and Ford led the way by rushing for 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns on an average of 6.7 yards per carry and throwing for 944 yards and eight touchdowns. He started in the secondary on defense and made 82 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles, and 7 pass breakups. His play helped Toms River North go on a six-game winning streak in the second half of the season to reach the South Jersey Group 5 championship game, finish 7-4, and end the season ranked No. 6 in the SSN Top 10.

Brett Patten, Sr., QB, Manasquan Patten blossomed into one of the Shore’s best quarterbacks during the 2021 season by throwing for 1,592 yards and 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions for a Warriors’ offense that tied for fifth in the Shore in scoring at 27.7 points per game. He was also a threat on the ground in Manasquan’s up-tempo, spread offense and rushed for eight touchdowns. His play helped Manasquan go 8-3 and reach the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals.

Sabino Portella, Sr., RB/DB, Red Bank Catholic Portella was instrumental to RBC’s 2021 success with his efforts on both sides of the ball. As a safety, he recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss, and two pass breakups. He was also the Caseys’ leading rusher with 845 yards and nine touchdowns on an average of 6.1 yards per carry. His play helped the Caseys go 11-1, win the Constitution Division title, claim a state championship, and finish No. 1 in the SSN Top 10. Portella is a star wrestler who is committed to the University of North Carolina, so he’ll be looking to go out on top in his final season on the gridiron.

ABOUT THE COVER Autumn Thunder Shore Conference Standouts Look to Make Noise in 2022

Cole Skinner, Sr., OL, Point Boro The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Skinner anchored a Point Boro offensive line that paved the way for the conference’s No. 1 scoring offense. The Panthers and their triple-option attack averaged 35.5 points per game and rushed for a conference-best 3,682 yards and 52 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry. Skinner’s play in the trenches was a major reason Point Boro returned to championship form in 2021, going 10-2, winning the Patriot Division championship, winning the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 sectional title, and finishing No. 8 in the SSN Top 10.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 7 2021 SHORE CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS American Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA x-Rumson-Fair Haven9-24-027275 *Donovan Catholic6-5 (9-2)2-2 TomsColtsWall6-42-2255148(4-1)359126Neck*6-4*2-2177242RiverNorth*7-4*1-3234219 Colonial Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA x-Middletown JacksonHolmdel3-61-3178221Southern4-52-2163176Manalapan6-33-1178145South9-24-0229111Memorial3-60-4150180 Constitution Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA x-Red Bank Ocean2-80-4141243RedRaritan6-52-2273312Manasquan8-33-1305189Catholic11-14-0392137Bank4-71-3205296 Freedom Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA x-Long Branch8-24-0277169 St. John Vianney4-73-1225249 Toms River TomsFreehold5-51-3213232South3-71-380276RiverEast1-91-370323 Independence Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA Howell2-81-3240283BrickBrick4-52-2151165y-Middletowny-Lacey5-43-1177218North5-63-1223202Memorial3-71-3236251 Liberty Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA FreeholdNeptune4-51-3159210Matawan4-61-3134263Marlboro7-33-1234209x-Central6-44-0264128Township4-61-3176259 Patriot Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA x-Point JacksonManchester3-61-4187240Barnegat6-42-3212193AsburyShore7-44-1271153Boro10-25-0426164Park5-53-2236233Liberty2-80-579254 National Division Team OverallDivisonPFPA Lakewood1-80-5155233PointKeansburg5-42-3202203Pinelands4-53-2144190Keyport6-34-1199196x-Monmouth6-45-0236178Beach3-71-4133244 MONMOUTH COUNTY

9 Join Us Wedneday nights on shoresportsnetwork.com The only weekly online show that covers Ocean and Monmouth County High School Football Award-winning broadcasters Kevin Williams, Ed Sarluca and Bob Badders cover the entire Shore Conference from Matawan to Pinelands. Broadcast live each week the show features players, coaches and a preview of upcoming games.

OL Lorenzo Portella, Jr., Red Bank Catholic Now entering his third year as a starter, Portella was a standout along the offensive line in 2021 for an RBC offense that was second in the Shore in points per game (32.7), averaged 210 yards rushing per game on an average of 6.6 yards per carry.

WR Kyle Verriest, Sr., St. John Vianney Verriest built off a solid sophomore season by catching 28 passes for 426 yards and four touchdowns as a junior.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound junior anchored a Point Boro offensive line that paved the way for the conference’s No. 1 scoring offense in 2021. The Panthers and their triple-option attack averaged 35.5 points per game and rushed for a conferencebest 3,682 yards and 52 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry. Skinner is verbally committed to Temple University

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound outside linebacker recorded 84 tackles, 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 32 hurries to help Toms River North go 7-4 and reach the South Jersey Group 5 sectional final.

Kemler totaled 56 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble for Rumson’s top-ranked defense that allowed just 6.8 points per game.

DB ... Sabino Portella, Sr., Red Bank Catholic As a safety, Portella recorded 68 tackles, two interceptions, three tackles for loss, and two pass breakups. He was also the Caseys’ leading rusher with 845 yards and nine touchdowns on an average of 6.1 yards per carry.

DB Jake Czwakiel, Jr., Middletown South Czwakiel tied for the Shore Conference lead with five interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and finished with 45 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups for a unit that was No. 2 in the Shore allowing just 10.1 points per game. Czwakiel was also one of the Shore’s best kickers who converted 25 of 27 extra points and kicked five field goals with a long of 31 yards.

OL Cole Skinner, Sr., Point Boro

AJ Schwartz, Sr., QB, Marlboro Matt Oliphant, Jr., QB, Point Boro Julian Jones, Sr., RB, Monmouth Jhamier Howard, Sr., RB, Manasquan Jashawn Carter, Jr., RB, Asbury Park JoJo Bivins, Sr., RB, Barnegat Shawn Corchado, Jr., WR, Freehold Township Michael Thomas III, So., WR, Donovan Catholic Josh Kaye, Sr., OL, Toms River North Tyler Burnham, Jr., OL, Red Bank Catholic Shane Garrett, Sr., DL, Ocean Tyler Gordon, LB, Point Boro Connor Cilento, RB/DB, Point Boro Jeremiah Pruitt, Jr., DB, Toms River North Matt Cassidy, Jr., DB, Marlboro Cody Wohlrab, Jr., K, Freehold Township Emanuel Ross, Jr., Wr, RBC

DL ... Jackson Whitacre, Jr., Shore Regional Whitacre posted 60 tackles with a team-high 10 sacks, a team-leading 16 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble for a Blue Devils’ defense that was No. 7 in the Shore allowing 13.9 points per game.

LB Colin Gallagher, Jr., Middletown South Gallagher announced his presence with a wonderful sophomore season that saw him lead the Shore Conference with 12 sacks. He added 83 total tackles with 19 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup for an Eagles’ defense that allowed just 10.1 points per game to finish No. 2 in the Shore in scoring defense

DB Shamar Williams, Sr., Long Branch Williams was a big-time playmaker in the secondary for the Green Wave with five interceptions, which tied for the conference high. He returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns and added 45 tackles, 1 sack, 13 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks. He also played wide receiver and caught 15 passes for 198 yards.

RB Jake Croce, Jr., Point Boro Croce ran for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns on an average of 6.9 yards per carry to help the Panthers go 10-2, win the Patriot Division title and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 sectional championship. He also caught nine passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns and totaled 29 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 tackles for loss on defense.

LB ... Davin Brewton, Jr., Red Bank Catholic Brewton won a starting job in the middle of RBC’s defense as a sophomore and turned in a great season with a team-high 119 tackles, 2 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss to help the Caseys go 11-1 and win the NJSIAA Non-Public B state title.

DL Jack Lopez, Sr., Middletown North Lopez was voted the co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Independence Division. He recorded 63 total tackles with 21 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 20 hurries to help the Lions claim a share of the Independence Division title.

2022 SHORE CONFERENCE PRESEASON ALL-SHORE FOOTBALL TEAM

RB ... Chase Gumbrecht, Sr., Central Gumbrecht had a breakout junior season and was the Shore Conference rushing champion with 1,825 yards and 25 touchdowns on an average of 8 yards per carry. He also had a receiving touchdown to finish second in the Shore with 156 total points. Gumbrecht was selected as the Liberty Division Offensive Player of the Year by the coaches.

OFFENSEDEFENSE

UT Connor Dietz, Jr., Brick Memorial The Mustangs quarterback had a record-breaking varsity debut by rushing for 1,368 yards and 18 touchdowns on an average of 8 yards per carry and passing for 1,010 yards and five touchdowns. He also had two touchdown catches to set a Brick Memorial single-season scoring record with 130 points.

RB Kieran Falzon, Sr., Raritan Falzon was third in the Shore with 1,512 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns on an average of 6.4 yards per carry to help the Rockets reach the Central Jersey Group 2 sectional final.

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

The main criteria for the team is returning All-Shore and all-division status.

QB Brett Patten, Sr., Manasquan Patten threw for 1,592 yards and 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions for a Warriors’ offense that tied for fifth in the Shore in scoring at 27.7 points per game. He was also a threat on the ground in Manasquan’s up-tempo, spread offense and rushed for eight touchdowns.

Honorable Mention

WR ... Kevin Maloney, Jr., Howell Maloney had a great debut season at the varsity level by catching 34 passes for 573 yards and seven touchdowns. Howell had the No. 11 scoring offense in the Shore at 24 points per game.

QB ... Micah Ford, Jr., Toms River North Ford moved from running back to quarterback and had an electric sophomore season by rushing for 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns on an average of 6.7 yards per carry and throwing for 944 yards and eight touchdowns. He also started in the secondary on defense and made 82 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles, and 7 pass breakups.

DB ... Beau Kemler, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven

DL Connor Reynolds, Sr., Point Boro Reynolds made 61 tackles with 7 sacks and 5 tackles for loss to help the Panthers go 10-2, win the Patriot Division title and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 sectional title, and finish No. 8 in the SSN Top 10.

WR ... Najih Rahman, Sr., Red Bank Catholic Rahman caught 32 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns for a Caseys’ offense that was No. 2 in the Shore in scoring at 32.7 points per game. He had a touchdown catch in RBC’s 13-8 win over DePaul in the Non-Public B state championship game.

LB ... Ty Kazanowsky, Sr., Toms River North

UT Tyler Douglas, Sr., Ocean Douglas was the Spartans’ top all-around player with 881 yards passing and 9 touchdowns, 815 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns, 64 tackles, and 3 interceptions. He is verbally committed to Temple University K Michael Calton, Jr., Manalapan Calton kicked 21 extra points and five field goals with a long of 38 yards. He was also Manalapan’s punter and averaged 43 yards per punt. Additionally, he had 15 touchbacks on kickoffs.

LB ... Dante Vernieri, Sr., Donovan Catholic Vernieri had an exceptional junior season with 132 tackles, two sacks, and five interceptions to tie for the Shore Conference lead. He returned four of those interceptions for touchdowns to also lead the Shore in that category.

DL De’ondre Banks, Sr., Neptune Banks totaled 65 tackles, 8 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss to lead the way for the Scarlet Fliers’ defense.

OL ... Ja’elyne Matthews, So., TR North The 6-foot-6, 300-pound Matthews started as a freshman for a Mariners team that reached the South Jersey Group 5 final. He has FBS scholarship offers from the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas A&M.

PINELANDS John Tierney

TR SOUTH...

...

LONG BRANCH Chad King Tom Farrell Jr.

SJV...

K ing was Long Branch’s defensive coordinator last season and had been a longtime assistant under former head coach Dan George. He is an Ocean Township HS graduate who played college football at Stony Brook.

A t 27-years old, Farrell is one of the youngest head coaches in New Jersey and takes over as the leader of Manchester’s program following the resignation of Brian Wilkinson. Farrell began his coaching career at Parsippany High School and was then an assistant at Shore Regional before being hired at Manchester. He played high school football at Donovan Catholic and then collegiately at Stonehill College.

KEANSBURG Jim Reid

P apcun was hired as St. John Vianney’s head coach after Mike Alberque, who is also the school’s athletic director, stepped down in March. Papcun was the Lancers’ defensive coordinator in 2021 and the offensive coordinator in 2020. He played his high school ball at Raritan where he was a senior captain on the Rockets’ 12-0 state championship team in 2004. He then played collegiately at Montclair State University. He was also an assistant coach at Keansburg, Red Bank Catholic, Colts Neck, and Raritan. M artin takes over the head job at his alma mater, following his uncle, Ron Signorino Jr., after several years as the Indians’ offense coordinator and then defensive coordinator. He was a standout quarterback for the Indians during his high school days and played football and baseball at Monmouth University. He was an assistant at Toms River East and Donovan Catholic before returning to South with Signorino in 2011.

...

RFH

Gurrieri coached for a total of 13 years at Manalapan High School where he compiled a 109-35 record, won five division titles, reached six NJSIAA sectional championship games, and led the Braves to the 2014 Central Jersey Group 5 championship.

A first-time head coach, Schulte was elevated from Defensive Coordinator to Head Coach when his father, Jerry, stepped down in April. Schulte has been on the RFH staff for several years as the DC and as a defensive assistant before that. He played his high school football at Ocean Township High School.

WALL...

...

A former Blue Bishops star receiver and defensive back on Asbury Park’s state championship teams of 2007, 2008, and 2009, Davenport takes over at his alma mater after serving as an assistant coach last season. Following high school, Davenport played receiver at Monmouth University from 2010-2014.

G urrieri is a Shore Conference Hall of Fame coach who was hired in April to begin the next era of Wall football.

ASBURY PARK... Lamar Davenport

Jeremy Schulte

Jeff Papcun Matt Martin Ed Gurrieri

A longtime Shore Conference assistant at Lacey and Pinelands, Tierney was hired as the Wildcats’ head coach in January after coaching the freshman team a season ago. He was an All-Shore lineman at Mater Dei during his high school days and then played collegiately at Towson University.

MANCHESTER...

...

R eid was chosen to succeed former head coach John Bird, who stepped down to accept an administrative position in the district. Reid has been an assistant for the Titans for several years, most recently as test team’s offensive coordinator. He is also the school’s head wrestling coach and was previously an assistant at St. John Vianney and Marlboro.

Kevin WilliamsSSNDirector ( L R ) H UNTER J OHNSON , JJ C ORREA , D ANTE

Player To Watch: Michael Thomas, So., WR/S Kyree Drake caught most of the passes last season but he has graduated. The Griffins expect Thomas to fill his role as WR1. Just a sophomore, he has great speed, learns fast, and can be dynamic. Colleges are well aware of him and he already has offers from Penn State and West Virginia.

Donovan officially went 6-5 in 2021, but on the field they went 9-2 losing only to Rumson-Fair Haven and Bergen Catholic. The Griffins had to forfeit three games for using an ineligible player which clearly tainted what was a very good season that included a win over Red Bank Catholic, who finished 11-1 and won the NJSIAA Non-Public B championship. They remain in the American Division, which is the powerhouse group in the Shore Conference and is comprised of RBC, Rumson, Manalapan, Middletown South, and Wall. There are no easy games on the schedule but you can be sure Donovan will factor into the division race because players we have not heard of will emerge once they get some experience.

FRIDAY 10/7WALL 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/14@JACKSON MEMORIAL 7PM FRIDAY 10/21MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 6:30PM

expect the success they recently had.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 However, those of us in the media can use it when appropriate so let me say that Donovan Catholic does face a massive rebuild in 2022 simply because of the players they lost due to graduation. Gone are six Shore Sports Network First Team All-Shore selections in quarterback Jalin Butler, running back Nunes Bukula, wide receiver Kyree Drake, tight end/defensive end Levi Wilkins, offensive lineman Caron McNair, and linebacker Nat Ianello. Add in another five players who earned second- or third-team honors and you are talking about 11 All-Shore players.Thelast person who will moan and groan over that is head coach Dan Curcione, who took over the Griffins program following a winless season in 2016 and has built them into a Shore Conference power.

FRIDAY 9/2LACEY 6:30PM FRIDAY 9/9@RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 7PM

FRIDAY 9/16MANALAPAN 6:30PM FRIDAY 9/23@RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM

H EAD C OACH : Dan Curcione, 6th season CAREER RECORD: 50-32 ASSISTANT COACHES: Chip LaBarca Jr. (Asst. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator); Jack Nascimento (QB/Special Teams); Dean Helstowski (RB); Jon Power (OL); Sean McIntosh (WR); Ryan Wells (OLB); Ron Mammano (DL); Dean Helstowski, Jr.(DB); Eric Bruno (Football Operations). Freshman coaches: Charlie Dowling (HC), Vinnie DeStasio, and Jack Cluely; Mark Deppen (Strength & Conditioning); Paxton Titus (Asst. Strength & Conditioning); Athletic Trainer: Bob DeStefano. T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: *6-5 (9-2 on the field) 2020: 7-1 2019: 9-2 2018: 7-3 2017: 4-6

Players Under the Radar: Todd Lambertson, Jr., QB & Najee Calhoun, Fr., RB Replacing First Team All-Shore players Jalin Butler and Nunes Bukula IV is not easy but these two will need to step up and deliver for the Griffins to be successful. Lambertson will direct the spread attack and hand off to Calhoun who while only a freshman can be something special.

The Griffins handed RBC their only loss of the season last year and these two parochial schools have built a pretty good rivalry in recent years.

On paper, the Griffins only return two starters on offense and two on defense in sophomore wide receiver Michael Thomas III, senior guard Elijah “EJ” Smith, and linebackers Dante Vernieri (Sr.) and Hunter Johnson (Jr.). Those four will be counted on to provide leadership on and off the field for a team that is loaded with underclassmen, many of whom did see a decent amount of playing time last fall.

By: V MITH about should not

THE NEXT WAVE C oaches rarely use the word “rebuilding” when talking

1 2

The quarterback running the spread offense will be junior Todd Lambertson, who is very different from the graduated Butler. Lambertson

FRIDAY 9/30ST. JOSEPH (MONTVALE)6:30PM

a new season because it’s an acknowledgment that they’ve lost most of their top players and people

FACTOR: Offensive Line Only senior guard EJ Smith started and saw meaningful action last season. This group will need some time to gel although they are considered talented and hard workers. How quickly they come together will be a key this season.

RIVALRY GAME: Sept. 23 at Red Bank Catholic

ERNIERI & E LIJAH S

and sophomore Eric Zebrowski. Thomas, in addition to playing wide receiver, will start at strong safety with senior Lucas Zydzik at free safety. Elijah Davis (Soph.) and Jahmeil Brown (Jr.) will also see action at the safety spots.

FR. RB: NAJEE

DE:

JR.; HUNTER

The offensive line remains a “work in progress” with a lot of new faces. The lone returner is EJ Smith, who will line up at left guard with sophomore Louis Dibiase on the right side. The tackles are junior Adam Yevchak and either senior Tommy Meehan or freshman Kai Pritchard. The Griffins have a bit more experience on defense as all three projected starters on the line saw action last season. Dibiase and junior Sam Rock III will line up at end with Meehan to handle the nose tackle spot in their 3-4 alignment.

OLB:

CB:

FR.; ETHAN

DANTE

DE:

SS:

EMANUEL

RG: LOUIS

NG:

RS; ERIC

FR. TE:

LG:

SR; KAI

FS:

The Griffins had back-to-back 1,300-yard rushers in Jahdir Loftland (2020) and Nunes Bukula (2021) and the new featured running back is Najee Calhoun, who Curcione says “is not your typical freshman.” Calhoun has shown himself to be ready for the challenge in a backfield that will also see Vernieri and junior Ethan Kalinauskas get some carries.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:TODD LAMBERTSON, JR.; JAHMEIL BROWN, JR.;

ILB:

LT: ADAM

ILB:

First-year starter Dante Priolo (Jr.) will handle both the kicking and punting chores. Curcione acknowledges that the schedule is challenging but said the Griffins look forward to it. Ironically it was only a couple of years ago that many felt Donovan had a soft schedule because of the division they were in. Clearly, that’s not the case any longer. ZACH LABARCA, CALHOUN, KALINAUSKAS, JR.; VERNIERI, THOMAS III, SO. ZEBROWSKI, SO.; GERENA, ZA’EIR DAY, JOHNSON, JR. YEVCHAK, JR. EJ SMITH, SR., RS CHRIS POSKAY, JR.; COLIN KEATING, SO. DIBIASE, SO. MEEHAN, PRITCHARD, Starters: LOUIS DIBIASE, SO.; DANIEL HERALD, SO. TOMMY MEEHAN, SR.; ADAM YEVCHAK, JR.; EJ SMITH, SR. SAM ROCK III, JR.; KAI PRITCHARD, FR. JJ CORREA, JR.; JOE CZERWINSKI, SO. DANTE VERNIERI, SR., RS ZA’EIR DAY, JR.; ETHAN KALINAUSKAS, JR. HUNTER JOHNSON, JR. RS; TEAGUE HIBBARD, SO. RICHARD DAVIS, SR.; NAJEE MORGAN, JR. ROMAN MOYERS, JR.; ERIC ZEBROWSKI, SO. LUCAS ZYDZIK, SR.; JAHMEIL BROWN, JR. MICHAEL THOMAS III, SO.; ELIJAH DAVIS, SO. Special Team Starters: K/P:DANTE PRIOLO, JR.

RT: TOMMY

is described as more of a pro-style player who has a strong arm and has shown leadership ability. He does have a very talented receiver in sophomore Michael Thomas III, a speedster who has already received offers from Penn State and West Virginia, among others. Sophomore Eric Zebrowski, freshman Emanuel Gerena, and senior Lucas Zydzik round out the rest of the receiving corps.

CB:

Projected

The group of linebackers is solid and features Vernieri, who is among the best in the Shore. Joining him inside will be junior JJ Correa, who did start some games last season and performed well. On the outside are junior Za’eir Day, a converted lineman, and Johnson, a returning starter who rounds out what is the strength of the Seniordefense.Richard Davis and junior Roman Moyers are expected to start at cornerback with depth provided by junior Najee Morgan

FR. Projected Defensive

SR. WR: MICHAEL

1 3

FRIDAY 10/7RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM

By:

FRIDAY 9/9MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 7PM

Player To Watch: Alex Dille, Sr., WR/FS Manalapan graduated many of its skill players from last season but returns a dynamic two-way player in Dille, who caught 28 passes for 320 yards and one touchdown and intercepted two passes last season.

The Braves play three of their Freehold Regional sister schools during the season, but their Week 2 matchup with Middletown South will be an emotional one. Not only is it a critical American Division game between the two teams, but the Braves will be honoring former standout Kyle Mullen, who died tragically during Navy SEAL training earlier this year.

FRIDAY 8/26@FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 6:30PM

FRIDAY 9/16@DONOVAN CATHOLIC 6:30PM

Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 vs. Middletown South

SATURDAY 10/1@FREEHOLD 1PM

Player Under the Radar: Thomas Clark-Glasco, Sr., RB/SS and Anthony Macchio, Jr., WR/CB Clark-Glasco saw some time at running back last season and looks to be RB1 this fall. He also started in the secondary and is the team's leading returning tackler. Macchio ﬂashed his potential as a kick returner last season and will get more opportunities to make big plays as a starter at receiver and cornerback.

While Manalapan's offense struggled at times last season and was in the middle of

FRIDAY 9/2@MIDDLETOWN NORTH 7PM

FRIDAY 9/23RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 7PM

A total of 15 starters return between offense, defense, and special teams as Manalapan looks to return to the upper echelon of the Shore Conference. The Braves will have plenty of opportunities to do so now that they've moved up to the American Division to clash with fellow heavyweights RumsonFair Haven, Red Bank Catholic, Middletown South, Donovan Catholic, and Wall. Manalapan is known for its strong play along the offensive line and this season the guys in the trenches will anchor the Braves' multiple-pro offense. The interior linemen are all three-year returning starters with senior Julian Santo at center, senior Artem Reinikov-Jouk at left guard and senior Jack Boyle at right guard. The newcomers on the line are junior Evan Radosevich (6-4, 240) at right tackle and junior Matthew Makfinsky (6-2, 245) at left tackle. Adding depth are sophomore Reggie Bennet (6-0, 310) at left guard and junior PJ Ranieri at center. Manalapan greatly values tight ends who are effective blockers and can also contribute in the passing game. Both starters return from last year in senior Preston Birnie and junior Joseph Melo. The skill positions have three returning starters among the group with senior running back Thomas Clark-Glasco, senior wide receiver Alex Dille, and junior wide receiver Anthony

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Much of that is uncontrollable for a high school coaching staff until those players begin their freshman year, but developing players from the time they enter high school until it's their turn to play significant snaps is what separates the contenders from the pretenders. Few Shore Conference programs are better at this than Manalapan. After a rare losing season in 2020, the Braves rebounded in 2021 to go 6-3 and qualify for the NJSIAA playoffs. It was a step back in the right direction for a program used to winning division championships and competing for state sectional crowns, but it still left them yearning for more. A quick glance at the rosters from last season and this season reflect an exodus of talent and leadership through graduation that would leave most programs in a lurch. But for Manalapan, the pantry is well-stocked for year three under head coach Dom Lepore.

FRIDAY 10/14MARLBORO 7PM FRIDAY 10/21@WALL 7PM

Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor 1 4 A major part of building and maintaining a program is consistency from class to class. Cody High (Offensive Coordinator/WR/DB); James DiPaolo (Defensive Coordinator/LB); Bill Smith Jr. (OL); Anthony Cialdella (TE); Lou Profera (RB/LB); Dan Anerella (QB); Mike Caggiano (K/P); David Calderon (DL); Jesse Shenker (DB/WR); FRESHMEN: Andrew Jones, Bryan Doel, Reggie Grant Sr., Pete DiCataldo, Anthony Mucciolo, Danny Rodriguez; Shannon Tomasula (Athletic Trainer). T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-3 2020: 2-4 2018: 6-4 2018: 11-1 2017: 11-1 A RETURN TO FORM H EAD C OACH : Dom Lepore, 3rd season CAREER RECORD: 8-7 (44-71 overall) ( L R ) J ULIAN S ANTO (52), B RENDAN C ATALANO (5), P RESTON B IRNIE (4), T HOMAS C LARK -G LASCO (12) A LEX D ILLE (15), M ICHAEL C ALTON (23) & A RTEM R EINIKOV -J OUK (50) S R . A LEX D ILLE

Impact Newcomer: Evan Radosevich, Jr., RT/DE Radosevich will be the third son of Brad and Theressa Radosevich to suit up for the Braves, following in the footsteps of brothers Trevor and Reily, who played collegiately at UPenn and Princeton, respectively. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior will start at right tackle and rotate in at defensive end.

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Clark-GlascoMacchio.wasmoreofaNo.2runningbackbehindElijahMarquezlastseasonbutplayedsignificantsnapsonbothsidesoftheball.Dillecaught26passesfor320andonetouchdownandMacchiohadahandfulofhuge running back is junior Joe Santana while seniors Darius Colleton and Austin Stakeman complete the group of wide If there is an offensive question mark it's at quarterback after the graduation of Mike Heckel. The job could say in the family with senior Nick Heckel, or it could be fellow senior Matthew Grzejka.

JR., RS LT: MATTHEW MAKFINSKY, JR. LG: ARTEM REINIKOV-JOUK, SR., 3RS; REGGIE BENNETT, SO. C: JULIAN SANTO, SR., 3RS RG: JACK BOYLE, SR., 3RS RT: EVAN RADOSEVICH, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: JULIAN

The Braves have a nine-game regular-season schedule, including a brutal division slate plus games against Middletown North and district rivals Freehold

JR. NG: ANTHONY CARDINALE, SR.; REGGIE BENNETT, SO. DE: ARTEM REINIKOV-JOUK, SR., 3RS; EVAN RADOSEVICH, JR. OLB: PRESTON BIRNIE, SR., RS ILB: BRENDAN CATALANO, SR. ILB: JOSEPH KAMINSKI, SR.; AIDAN WILMOT, JR. OLB: JOSEPH MELO, JR., RS CB: ANTHONY MACCHIO, JR.; AUSTIN STAKEMAN, SR. CB: DARIUS COLLETON, SR. SS: THOMAS CLARK-GLASCO, SR., RS FS: ALEX DILLE, SR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: MICHAEL CALTON, SR., RS FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 15 S R . M ICHAEL C ALTON

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 8 QB:NICK HECKEL, SR.; MATTHEW GRZEJKA, SR. RB: THOMAS CLARK-GLASCO, SR., RS; JOE SANTANA, JR. WR: ALEX DILLE, SR., RS; ANTHONY MACCHIO, JR., RS; DARIUS COLLETON, SR.; AUSTIN STAKEMAN, SR. TE: PRESTON BIRNIE, SR., RS; JOSEPH

challenging, to say the least, but being battle-tested isn't the worst thing when the ultimate goal is winning football games in November and MELO, SANTO, SR., RANIERI,

The linebackers who should benefit from sturdy play in front of them are Birnie and Melo at outside linebacker and seniors Brendan Catalano and Joseph Kaminski at inside linebacker. Birnie and Melo (6-4, 200) are both returning starters. Junior Aidan Wilmot is also on the depth chart at inside linebacker and should see playing time.

the pack averaging 19.8 points per game, its defense was among the best in the Shore Conference, ranking eighth in scoring defense at 16.1 points per game. There are returning starters at all three levels with considerable strength in the secondary and with the three down linemen. Up front, Reinikov-Jouk is a three-year returning starter at one defensive end spot and Santo is a returning starter on the opposite side. At 6-foot and 350 pounds, senior Anthony Cardinale is the type of space-eating, run-stuffing nose guard that 3-4 linebackers dream of playing behind. Radosevich and Ranieri will rotate in at defensive tackle and Bennett will back up Cardinale at nose guard.

A strong and experienced secondary has Macchio and Colleton at cornerback with Stakeman also in the mix. Both safeties are returning starters with Clark-Glasco at strong safety and Dille at free safety. Dille tied for the team lead with two interceptions last season and Clark-Glasco made 60 tackles.Manalapan had excellent special teams last seasonand for many seasons prior - and that should not change this season. Senior kicker/punter Michael Calton is one of New Jersey's best kickers and is coming off a junior year in which he connected on 21 extra points and five field goals with a long of 38 yards to earn Second Team All-Shore honors. He also averaged 43 yards per punt and boomed 15 touchbacks on kickoffs. Macchio was electric on kick returns last season and is a dangerous weapon.

RS; PJ

Players To Watch: Colin Gallagher, Jr., LB & Jake Czwakiel, Jr., QB/DB/K Both Gallagher and Czwakiel were SSN Second Team All-Shore selections last season and return to lead the way for the Eagles. Gallagher recorded a conference-best 12 sacks along with 83 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. Czwakiel tied for the Shore Conference lead with five interceptions and finished with 45 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups, converted 25 of 27 extra points, and kicked five field goals with a long of 31 yards.

As mentioned, Czwakiel will reprise his role as kicker and punter and figures to once again be among the best in the Shore Conference. After winning the Colonial Division last season by topping Manalapan, Jackson Memorial, Southern, and Holmdel, the Eagles move up to the American Division with fellow Shore Conference powerhouses Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven, Donovan Catholic, Manalapan, and Wall.

Middletown South has had some explosive offenses over the years, but even at their highest when they featured future NFL running back Knowshon Moreno, the defense has always led the way. Last season's unit under the direction of Defensive Coordinator Marc Tomo was fearsome and limited opponents to just 10.1 points per game with two shutouts. Five starters also return on defense with Czwakiel and junior linebacker Colin Gallagher leading the way. It didn't take Gallagher long to make his presence felt last season when he opened the season with four sacks in a win over Manasquan. He finished his sophomore season with a conference-leading 12 sacks along with 83 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup. Fast, physical, and violent, he is the prototypical Middletown South linebacker and will probably be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. The defensive line in the Eagles' 3-4 defense has Addonisio, a returning starter, and senior Will Christopher at defensive end, and Parry at defensive Smith are the inside linebackers and senior Jason Wagner and sophomore Luke Wafle are the outside linebackers. Wagner is also a key returner after seeing playing time last season. The secondary is strong with the returning starters being Colleran at cornerback and Czwakiel at free safety. Junior Antony Puccio is the other cornerback and Richter is the strong safety.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Starters: CZWAKIEL, DONOVAN SUMMEY, RS COLLERAN, RICHTER, WAGNER, MATT MASSAGLI, WHYTE, SR., RS TYLER ADDONISIO, SR., RS TYLER ADDONISIO, RS AIDAN PARRY, WILL CHRISTOPHER, JASON WAGNER, COLIN GALLAGHER, KYLE SMITH, SR., LUKE WAFLE, SO COLLERAN, SR.,

SR. RG: TOMMY

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 After a couple of subpar seasons, Middletown South returned to the ranks of the Shore Conference's elite last season by going 9-2, reaching the North 2, Group 4 title game, and claiming the Colonial Division championship. Five All-Shore players have since graduated, but two more return as juniors to lead a talented and hungry group. Taking over at quarterback in Middletown South's spread offense is junior Jake Czwakiel, and the coaching staff is very high on his potential at the position. Although behind Tom Schork on the QB depth chart last season, Czwakiel was a major contributor on defense and as the team's kicker. A Second Team AllShore selection, Czwakiel tied for the Shore Conference lead with five interceptions and finished with 45 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups. He was also one of the Shore’s best kickers who converted 25 of 27 extra points and kicked five field goals with a long of 31 yards. Czwakiel's backfield mate is another highcaliber junior, Donovan Summey, who wasn't the starter last season but played plenty of snaps. He could be in for a big season. Senior Logan Colleran returns as a starting wide receiver and will be joined by junior Owen Richter. The tight end is senior Jason Wagner.Twostarters return along the offensive line with seniors Tommy Whyte and Tyler Addonisio at right guard and right tackle, respectively. Senior Aidan Parry is the left tackle, sophomores Mike Toth and Matt Germak are working at left guard, and senior Luigi Massagli is the center.

JR. RB:

SR. DE:

JR.,

SR. LT: AIDAN PARRY, SR. LG: MIKE TOTH, SO.;

Rivalry Game: Oct. 7 at Rumson-Fair Haven Middletown South's biggest rival is Middletown North, which it plays on Thanksgiving, but Rumson is a proximity rival and also one of the best programs in the Shore Conference. With the two teams now in the same division, this should be a can't-miss game during the Week 6 schedule.

GERMAK, SO. C: LUIGI

Returning

DT:

WR: LOGAN

Player Under the Radar: Logan Colleran, Sr., WR/DB Colleran is a returning starter on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and cornerback and ﬁgures to play a major role in the Eagles' success this season.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 5 DE:

JR., RS ILB:

5 QB:JAKE

SR., ILB:

RT:

JR. TE: JASON

SR., RS; OWEN

SR. OLB:

RS CB: ANTHONY PUCCIO, JR. SS: OWEN RICHTER, JR. FS: JAKE CZWAKIEL, JR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: JAKE CZWAKIEL, JR., RS FRIDAY 9/2@LONG BRANCH 7PM FRIDAY 9/9@MANALAPAN 7PM FRIDAY 9/16RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY 9/23WALL 7PM FRIDAY 10/7@RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 7PM FRIDAY 10/14MATAWAN 7PM FRIDAY 10/21@DONOVAN CATHOLIC 6:30PM THURSDAY 11/24MIDDLETOWN NORTH 10:30AM H EAD C OACH : Steve Antonucci, 25th season CAREER RECORD: 206-61 NEW YEAR, SAME GOALS ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor Joe Trezza (Offensive Coordinator); Marc Tomo (Defensive Coordinator); Al Bigos (OL); Steve Roberts (Special Teams/LB); Rod Murchie (DB/Special Teams); Matt Walsh (QB); Kevin Higgins (LB); Tim Heaney (DL); Adam Schreck (WR); Tuck Isherwood (Off. Quality Control); Sam Dokus (Def. Quality Control); Jeff Martin (Freshmen Head Coach); Tom Nicholes (Freshmen asst.); Zach Even-Esh (Strength & Conditioning); Stacy White (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 9-2 2020: 2-4 2019: 5-5 2018: 8-3 2017: 5-5 M iddletown South is coming off a nine-win season and an appearance in a sectional final, and despite losing some of their top players to graduation the Eagles' championship aspirations remain as high as ever. ( L R ) L UKE WAFLE (7), L OGAN C OLLERAN (1), T HOMAS W HYTE (71), T YLER A DDONISIO (73), J ASON WAGNER (26), C OLIN G ALLAGHER (9), O WEN R ICHTER (11), K YLE S MITH (6), J AKE C ZWAKIEL (18) & D ONOVAN S UMMEY (2) 16

SR.,

Breakout Candidate: Donovan Summey, Jr., RB After backing up senior 1,000-yard rusher Dam Primiano last season, Summey will get a chance to shine as the Eagles' RB1 this season. He is a talented player and certainly a junior to keep an eye on.

RS OLB:

CB: LOGAN

Player Under the Radar: Emanuel Ross, Jr., WR Look for the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Ross to make his presence felt this season after showing flashes in limited opportunities as a sophomore. He already has 15 scholarship offers, including Wake Forest, Penn State, and West Virginia.

A returning First Team All-Shore defensive back and a standout running back, Portella recorded 68 tackles with two interceptions and ran for a team-leading 845 yards and nine touchdowns last season.

FRIDAY

ASSISTANT

The defending NJSIAA Non-Public B state champions hit the field for practice this August preparing to make another run at a state championship - this time with a target on their backs. Plenty of elite talent and invaluable leaders left through graduation, including quarterback Alex Brown (Bucknell), tight end/defensive end Alex Bauman (Tulane), offensive tackle Vince Carpenter (Purdue), linemen Ashton Mejias and Michael Conneely, running back/linebacker Rajahn Cooper, defensive end Ryan McPherson, and defensive backs Joe Diorio and Corbett Cimini.

Rivalry game: Oct. 21 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven Not only are the Caseys and Bulldogs rivals via proximity, but they have also been two of the Shore Conference's best football programs for quite some time. They have played some epic games over the past few seasons and something is always on the line when they meet. C OACH : Mike Lange, 3rd season RECORD: 17-3 AT RBC 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/DB); Matt Finucane (OL); Tony Flego (Head Freshmen. Coach); Don

BORO

HALL PREP 7PM FRIDAY

Gilson (Freshmen asst.), Matt Mosquera (Freshmen asst.); Lauren Barry (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 11-1 2020: 4-2 2018: 5-4 2018: 10-0 2017: 8-2

HAVEN 7PM FRIDAY

Impact Newcomers: Frank Fufaro, Jr., QB & Frankie Williams, So., QB Whichever player wins the starting quarterback job will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact in RBC's balanced offense.

CAREER

SATURDAY 8/27SJV (@OCEAN CITY)7:30PM 9/2FREEHOLD 7PM 9/9@WALL 9/16@MIDDLETOWN 9/23DONOVAN CATHOLIC 9/30SETON 10/7@MANALAPAN 10/21RUMSON-FAIR 10/28CURTIS

Offense: Spread Defense: 40 Player To Watch: Sabino Portella, Sr., RB/DB

"Coach Lange always prides us on, yeah, we had an amazing year, but that's in the past now," said RBC senior linebacker Michael Palmieri. "That doesn't matter now. We're working for another one."

"Our offense is very especiallycomplicated,forthe QB, but both guys are picking it up very well and both are very talented," Portella said. "They definitely have big shoes to fill but whoever it ends up being will be justThefine."talent and experience at the skill positions should help either Fufaro or Williams hit the ground running - and passing - in RBC's spread offense.

By:

SOUTH 7PM FRIDAY

7PM FRIDAY

"A lot of kids have to step up because we lost some key players and captains last year who were the glue of the team," said senior two-way standout Sabino Portella. "But we also bring back a lot of guys and we're already back on track. We have what it takes to get to that level again, it's just a matter of doing it on theEvenfield."with the graduation of multiple standout players, RBC has the talent and the experience to once again be among New Jersey's best and make a run at Shore Sports Network Team of the Year honors, which they won last year as the No. 1 team in the final SSN Top 10. Portella and senior wide receiver Najih Rahman were First Team All-Shore selections last season, while junior linebacker Davin Brewton and junior two-way lineman Lorenzo Portella are rising stars who played huge rules in last season's state championship run. Hulking junior lineman Tyler Burnham and gifted junior wide receiver Emanuel Ross have received FBS interest, Palmieri was a menace in the state championship game, senior running back Torin Harmon is a game-breaker, and senior defensive end Aidan Donohue and senior defensive back Robert Stolfa are experienced veterans. An outstanding core is certainly there. That doesn't mean the Caseys are without question marks, however. The answers may end up being brilliant, but there are still some unknowns heading into Week 0 vs. St. JohnChiefVianney.among them is who will nationalmothertheplayoffsperformanceswhosefollowingquarterbackplayBrown,inspirationalinthefollowingdeathofhiscapturedheadlinesand helped lead the Caseys to championship glory. Junior Frank Fufaro and sophomore Frankie Williams are competing for the starting position.

7PM FRIDAY

(NY)7PM RUN IT BACK S R . S ABINO P ORTELLA ( L R ) M ICHAEL PALMIERI (4), T ORIN H ARMON (3), S ABINO P ORTELLA (24), N AJIH R AHMAN (13),A IDAN D ONOHUE (11), E MANUEL R OSS (18) & D AVIN B REWTON (2)

Rahman, who is committed to Brown University, is a two-time All-Shore selection, including a First Team AllShore spot last season when he caught 32 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns. Ross is a leading candidate to have a breakout season and Stolfa is a returning starter, as well. In the backfield, Portella and Harmon form what is arguably the best backfield duo in the Shore. Portella was a First Team All-Shore selection on defense last season and was also the Caseys' leading rusher with 845 yards rushing and nine touchdowns on an average of 6.1 yards per carry. Harmon brings a home run ability to the backfield and last season ran for 567 yards and three touchdowns on an average of Three of the five offensive line positions will be manned by firstyear starters, all of whomunderclassmen.areJuniorPatrickMagee(6-1,250)isthelefttackle,juniorBryanMiller(5-11,245)istheleftguard,andjuniorLukeMascarehus(6-0,250)isthecenter.Therightsideof the line is anchored by two returning standouts in Lorenzo Portella (6-2, 275) at right guard and Burnham (6-6, 295) at

7PM FRIDAY

The Red Bank Catholic defense was also excellent, finishing No. 3 in the Shore 1 8 I n order to repeat as state champions, Red Bank Catholic's first and most important task is to mostly forget about last season.

Big Shoes to Fill: Jack Bohm-Squicciarini, Jr., TE & Luke Krsykowski, Jr., TE Current Tulane freshman Alex Bauman was a two-time First Team All-State tight end and earned Shore Sports Network MVP honors last fall. The tight end position is also very prominent in the RBC offense. Both Krsykowski (6-4, 220) and BohmSquicciarini (6-5, 205) fit the mold in terms of size.

RBC's offense was No. 2 in the Shore last season averaging 32.7 points per game and the ingredients are there for the Caseys to have another high-scoring attack this fall.

Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

FRIDAY

H EAD

For Portella, this will be his final season as a football player. A two-time NJSIAA wrestling state medalist, he is committed to the University of North Carolina where he will wrestle "Therecollegiately.were a lot of questions from the outside about whether I was going to play football this year and I don't know where they got that from," Portella said. "There was never a doubt in my mind I was going to play football. After winning junior year there's only one way to go out. It definitely means a lot more to me. When I was an underclassman I did it for the seniors and now that I'm a senior I hope I can close it out the right way."

The secondary is led by Portella (68 tackles, 2 INTs) at strong safety and Harmon at free safety. A pair of newcomers will be the starting cornerbacks with junior Isaiah Nash and senior Devin Henry joining the defensive backfield. On special teams, the kicking job is between freshman Blake Caruso and junior Justin Lamorte. Junior VJ Muscillo will be theLastpunter.season, RBC was in the Constitution Division with Manasquan, Raritan, Red Bank, and Ocean. The Caseys jump up to the American Division this year and will play a loaded division schedule against Rumson-Fair Haven, Wall, Middletown South, Manalapan, and Donovan Catholic. Winning a state championship is a difficult goal to achieve. Repeating is even tougher. The Caseys know this and they're ready to begin their journey toward another ring. "It puts more of a chip on our shoulder because we know we have to work that much harder to get back to the same place we were last year," Palmieri said.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7 QB:FRANK FUFARO, JR. OR FRANKIE WILLIAMS, SO. RB: SABINO PORTELLA, SR., 3RS; TORIN HARMON, SR., RS WR: NAJIH RAHMAN, SR., 3RS; EMMANUEL ROSS, JR., RS; ROBERT STOLFA, SR., RS. TE: JACK BOHM-SQUICCIARINI, JR. OR LUKE KRSYKOWSKI, JR. LT: PATRICK MAGEE, JR. LG: BRYAN MILLER, JR. C: LUKE MASCAREHUS, JR. RG: LORENZO PORTELLA, SO., 3RS RT: TYLER BURNHAM, SO. RS Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: AIDAN DONOHUE, SR., RS DT: AVERY BARNES, JR. DT: LORENZO PORTELLA, JR., RS DE: LOGAN GRAHAM, JR. OLB:LUKE WASSEF, JR. MLB: DAVIN BREWTON, JR., RS OLB: MICHAEL PALMIERI, SR., RS CB: ISAIAH NASH, JR CB: DEVIN HENRY, SR. SS: SABINO PORTELLA, SR., 3RS FS: TORIN HARMON, SR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K:BLAKE CARUSO, FR. OR JUSTIN LAMORTE, JR. P: VJ MUSCILLO, JR. RBC Continued from Page 16 S R . D AVIN B REWTON S R . M ICHAEL P ALMIERI

2 0 allowing just 11.4 points per game. In the Caseys' 13-8 win over DePaul in the Non-Public B state championship game, the defense was incredible, led by Brewton's 18 tackles, Palmieri's two tackles for loss, and an interception by Portella. A total of six starters return in RBC's 40 defensive front with two returning starters at eachAlonglevel.the defensive line, Donohue is a returning starter at defensive end and Portella is a returning starter at defensive tackle. Joining them will be junior Avery Barnes (6-3, 265) at tackle and junior Logan Graham (6-2, 210) at end. Brewton was one of the Shore's best linebackers last season, especially during the second half of the season and the playoffs when he really began to thrive. He finished with 119 tackles and holds a handful of FBS offers entering his junior season. He is the middle linebacker with Palmieri on one side and junior Luke Wassef on the other.

2 1

Rumson has a recent history of impactful tight ends, and this year's group certainly has size that jumps off the page. Brown, who or a program that has been among the most stable and consistent in the Shore Conference over the past decade, it was very fitting of Rumson-Fair Haven to undergo a coaching change that required little to no adjustment in scheme, approach, and familiarity.

T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 9-2 2020: 6-2 2019: 6-5 2018: 10-2 2017: 10-2 22 S R . WR S COTT V ENANCIO ( L R ) M ARSHALL H ALFACRE , R YAN K ALMAN , S COTT V ENANCIO & B EAU K EMLER

RECORD:

Championship-winning and Hall of Fameworthy head coach Jerry Schulte stepped down in April and it was his son, Jeremy, who was tabbed as his successor. Jeremey Schulte was Rumson's defensive coordinator for the past several seasons under his father and an RFH assistant before that when his dad was the Bulldogs' DC. Now, they have switched roles with Jerry moving back to coordinate the defense.

"The standard has been set at Rumson by them, all the former coaches and players, and everyone in the community."

"We all love coach Schulte so it’s not much of a change," said senior safety Beau Kemler.

SUNDAY 9/3TOMS RIVER NORTH (@ RUTGERS)4PM FRIDAY 9/9DONOVAN CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY 9/16WALL 7PM FRIDAY 9/23@MANALAPAN 7PM FRIDAY 9/30SOUTHERN 7PM FRIDAY 10/7MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 7PM SATURDAY 10/15@FREEHOLD BORO 1PM FRIDAY 10/21@RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM H EAD C OACH :

Senior Nick Costello looks to take the reins of the offense at quarterback with junior Jackson Gallagher and sophomore Owen O'Toole also competing at the position. T backs are juniors Alastair Orr and Griffin Kolb along with senior Brayden Dill.

Just three starters return in the Bulldogs' multiple offense: senior wide receiver Scott Venancio, junior wide receiver Nick Rigby, and junior tight end Markus Brown, who moves over from wide receiver. Venancio was the team's leading receiver last season with 10 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns. The rest of the roster is talented but relatively inexperienced at the varsity level.

John Corneliusen (Offensive Coordinator/QB); Jerry Schulte (Defensive Coordinator); Joe Murphy (OL); Chris Quinn (Special Teams CoordinatorWR); Kyle Marinelli (DL/JV DC); Glenn Grainger (DB); John Bellavance (DB); Mike Zadlock (K); John Andl (RB); Brandon Wall (OL/JV OC); Jerry Gagliano (Freshmen HC); Randy Kalman & Ryan Finnegan (Freshmen asst.); Rob Orrok (Strength & Conditioning); John Velcamp (Video Coordinator); Alex Stein (Athletic Trainer)

By: Bob Badders

season

Player Under the Radar: Cooper Bunnell, Jr., DL Bunnell made 68 tackles as a sophomore last season and with Rumson's defensive leaders from a season ago having graduated, he has a chance to step to the forefront and become a dominant presence.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Player To Watch: Scott Venancio, Sr., WR Venancio is one of the few returning offensive players with varsity experience and is looking to build off a junior season in which he caught 10 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns.

ASSISTANT COACHES:

PASSING THE TORCH F

Impact Newcomer: Alastair Orr, Jr., RB Charlie Volker, Matt Vecchiarelli, Peter Lucas, Alex Maldjian, John Volker, Geoff Schroeder. The last six Rumson running backs have all been All-Shore level players. Can Orr continue the tradition?

SSN Managing Editor

Most of the coaching staff remains intact, as well, which bodes well for a season in which Rumson will be breaking in several new starters after graduating a ton of exceptional players from a team that went 92 and reached the South Jersey Group 3 final. Gone are SSN Defensive Player of the Year John Lista, fellow star linebacker Ryan McKay, All-Shore defensive end Aiden Moriarty, quarterback Colin Kennedy, running back Geoff Schroeder, and all five starting offensive linemen. That's a lot to replace, no doubt, but Rumson has proven time after time that it can rebuild on the fly and barely miss a beat.

Rivalry Game: Offensive Line & Linebackers Any time the Bulldogs and Caseys meet it's a big deal, and this year's game, which takes place in Week 8, could be contested with the American Division title on the line. RBC won last season's meeting, 21-14, in front of a standing-room-only crowd at RFH's Borden Stadium. Jeremy Schulte, 1st CAREER 0-0

For the players, it's been a seamless transition.

Rumson won the American Division last year by defeating Donovan Catholic, Wall, Colts Neck, and Toms River North. The Bulldogs remain in the American Division, which is even tougher this year with Red Bank Catholic, Donovan Catholic, Middletown South, Manalapan, and Wall on the schedule. The Bulldogs also have a tough nondivisonal game against Toms River North at Rutgers to open their season.

Five starters return in the Bulldogs' 4-2-5 defense with three along the defensive line and two in the secondary. Halfacre is healthy again and back at defensive end along with Brown, Rehder, and junior Will Tenzca. Devlin and junior Cooper Bunnell (68 tackles) are returning starters at defensive tackle with senior Justin Kuo and Winters also in the mix.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 3 QB:NICK COSTELLO, SR.; JACKSON GALLAGHER, JR.; OWEN O'TOOLE, SO. RB: ALASTAIR ORR, JR.; GRIFFIN KOLB, JR.; BRAYDEN DILL, SR. WR: SCOTT VENANCIO, SR., RS; NICK RIGBY, JR., RS; SEAN TRINDER, JR. TE: MARKUS BROWN, JR., RS (AT WR); WILL REHDER, SR.; MARSHALL HALFACRE, SR. LT: SPENCER BRANIN, SR. LG: JULIEN DEVLIN, SR.; LUKE MARASCIO, JR. C: WILL TIMPONE, JR. RG: CADEN WINTERS, JR.; MATT SMITH, SO. RT: JAMES SHARKEY, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 5 DE: MARSHALL HALFACRE, SR., RS; MARKUS BROWN, JR.; WILL REHDER, SR.; WILL TENZCA, JR. DT: JULIEN DEVLIN, SR., RS; COOPER BUNNELL, JR., RS; JUSTIN KUO, SR.; CADEN WINTERS, JR. LB: JACK THOMAS, SR.; AUSTIN KERNAN, SO.; REID ELSAS, JR. CB: JOHN CONNORS, SR.; ZACH IWAN, SR.; DANNY COOK, JR. SS: RYAN KALMAN, SR., RS; BEAU KEMLER, SR., RS FS: LUKE MIKOLAJCZYK, SR.; LUKE JAMIN, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:OLI LORRAINE, SR.; DOMINIC PANKE, SR.; RYAN CHILD, JR. ContinuedRumsonfromPage 16

24 Luke Marascio (6-0, 210) are working at left guard, junior Will Timpone (6-0, 215) is the center, junior Caden Winters (6-0, 245) and sophomore Matt Smith (6-1, 215) are at right guard, and junior James Sharkey (6-1, 250) will play right tackle.

Rumson had the No. 1 scoring defense in the Shore last season allowing a minuscule 6.8 points per game with four shutouts. Graduation took four of the team's top-five tacklers and its top-two sack leaders, however. There is a lot of production to replace, and while we don't yet know who will step up to do so, recent history suggests someone will indeed take up the mantle as Rumson's next All-Shore level defensive player(s).

Replacing Lista and McKay at linebacker is a tall task and the Bulldogs will call on senior Jack Thomas, sophomore Austin Kiernan, and junior Reid Elsas to man the linebacker positions.

The secondary features five players with the two strong safeties sometimes walking into the box to play as linebackers. Seniors John Connors and Zach Iwan and junior Danny Cook are at cornerback with seniors Kemler (3 INTs) and Ryan Kalman returning as starters at strong safety. The free safety position has seniors Luke Mikolajczyk and Luke Jamin working at the position.Onspecial teams, seniors Oli Lorraine and Dominic Panke and junior Ryan Child are competing for the kicking and punting jobs.

2 5

Player Under the Radar: Billy Carr, Sr., OL/DL At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Carr is a big and athletic presence along the offensive and defensive lines. He'll play a big role for Wall this year. Carr is also a standout lacrosse defenseman who is commited to Denver University.

SOUTH 7PM

Justin Fumando (Defensive Coordinator/DL); Tom Gallahue (Offensive Coordinator/QB); Bill Smith (OLB/TE);

THURSDAY 11/24@MANASQUAN 10AM H C Ed Gurrieri, 1st 109-35

CATHOLIC 6:30PM

EAD

2 6

NECK 7PM

HAVEN 7PM FRIDAY

FRIDAY 10/7@DONOVAN

7PM

Rivalry Game: Nov. 24 vs. Manasquan This is a pretty obvious one, especially since last season's game was canceled. A Week 8 game vs. Manalapan is also intriguing as Wall head coach Ed Gurrieri faces his former school coached by good friend and former assistant Dom Lepore.

7PM

FRIDAY 9/9RED 9/16@RUMSON-FAIR 9/23@MIDDLETOWN

Player To Watch: Mike Fumarola, Sr., RB Fumarola was slated to be a starting linebacker and a contributor to the running game last season before an injury wiped out his junior year. He played snaps on Wall's undefeated Shore Conference championship squad in 2020 and brings valuable experience to the team.

OACH :

season CAREER RECORD:

By: Bob Badders

FRIDAY 9/30HOWELL

SSN Managing Editor

BANK CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY

A season that saw Wall advance to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 3 semifinals was canceled after the first round of the playoffs when hazing allegations first came to light. The Crimson Knights' annual Thanksgiving game vs. Manasquan was axed and the players who had nothing to do with the hazing allegations were left wondering how and why it all fell apart. Members of the coaching staff and the athletic director were suspended and, eventually, the administration made the decision to completely move on from the staff as a whole. It was a bitter ending to a memorable run by a special group of players. Moving forward became the next priority for the football program, and with that came the administration's decision to hire Ed Gurrier as Wall's new head coach. The former Manalapan head coach is a Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Famer who led the Braves for a total of 13 years across two stints, including 10 straight years from 2010 through 2019. His Manalapan teams never had a losing season, went 10935, posted six seasons of double-digit wins, won five Shore Conference Class A North division titles, reached six NJSIAA sectional championship games, and won the 2014 Central Jersey Group 5 title. He has brought several of his former assistants with him, including former Manalapan head coach Tom Gallahue, former Central Regional head coach Justin Fumando, and longtime offensive line guru Joe Gurrieri is a veteran coach who knows how to build a winning program, which is obviously why he was hired. He'll need all his expertise this season as Wall tries to move on from the 2021 season and rebuild a winning roster that said goodbye to some of the program's legendary players over the past few seasons. Just two starters return on offense for what will be a multiple-I scheme. Senior Billy The 2021 season was supposed to be a year in which Wall's transformative class of 2022 cemented its legacy and sent each other out with more championships. Instead, it was a season that began with adversity and ended with a hazing scandal that rocked the entire town and made national news.

ASSISTANT COACHES:

FRIDAY 10/21MANALAPAN

( L R ) B ILLY C ARR (54), C RIS M OZEIKA (99) & B ENNY S ASSO (56) IN TRANSITION Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 3-4

FRIDAY 10/14COLTS

Mike Kinsella (WR/DB); Pete Ottaviano (Special Teams Coordinator/WR/DB); Joe Tetley (OL); Chris Rogers (OL); Dan D'Avanzo (Asst.); Justin Bloss (Asst.); Andy Sliwoski (Asst./Video); Brendan McDermott (Athletic T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-4 2020: 7-0 2019: 12-1 2018: 6-4 2017: 5-6

Impact Newcomers: Benny Sasso, Jr., OL & Chris Rogers, Jr., OL Sasso played some last season but this year he and Rogers will be full-time starters on the offensive line and could form a punishing duo on the left side at guard and tackle, respectively. Rogers is 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds and Sasso is 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds.

2 7

The secondary has Wonsola and junior Nick Mackie as the cornerbacks, senior Connor Moore and sophomore Mason Adam working at strong safety, and junior Navir Gandy and sophomore Tony Cradle lining up at free safety.

The offensive line is ahead of the skill positions at this point, which isn't the worst scenario to be in. The Crimson Knights have a rather large left tackle in 6-foot-5, 315-pound junior Chris Rogers and right next to him is standout junior Benny Sasso (6-3, 250), who is the younger brother of former Wall star and current Monmouth University linebacker Charlie Sasso. Junior Bob Langworthy (6-1, 245) is the center, Carr is the right guard, and 6-foot-4, 260-pound junior Owen Dunfee is the right tackle. This is a group with great potential that could anchor the team for the next two years.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 2 QB:ANTHONY GARTZ, SR.; ANDREW OLSEN, JR. RB: MIKE FUMAROLA, SR., RS (INJURED LAST YEAR); ANTHONY GARTZ, SR. FB: KEISUN SANDERS, SR.; CHRIS MOZEIKA, SR. WR: NICK WONSOLA, JR.; SHEA BRENNAN, JR. TE: PAT DONOHUE, SR. LT: CHRIS ROGERS, JR. LG: BENNY SASSO, JR. C: BOB LANGWORTHY, JR. RG: BILLY CARR, SR., RS RT: OWEN DUNFEE, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 4 DE: BILLY CARR, SR., RS NT: BOB LANGWORTHY, JR. DE: KEISUN SANDERS, SR. OLB: CRIS MOZEIKA, SR., RS ILB: PAT DONOHUE, SR., RS ILB: NOAH RODRIGUEZ, SR. OLB: ANTHONY GARTZ, SR., RS CB: NICK WONSOLA, JR. CB: NICK MACKIE, JR. SS: CONNOR MOORE, SR.; MASON ADAM, SO. FS: NAVIR GANDY, JR.; TONY CRADLE, SO. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: HEATH REINHARDT, FR.S ContinuedWallfrom Page 16

Wall's early-season schedule is brutal with games against Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Middletown South to start the year. Those three are American Divison opponents along with Manalapan and Donovan Catholic. Add in nondivisonal games against Manasquan, Colts Neck, and Howell, and the Crimson Knights have one of the most difficult schedules in the Shore Conference.

28 Carr (6-4, 220) is a returning starter along the offensive line while senior running back Mike Fumarola returns after an injury cost him his junior year. Seniors Anthony Gartz, Cris Mozeika, Keisun Sanders, and Pat Donohue all have varsity experience, as well. Gartz has been working at quarterback and running back, while junior Andrew Olsen has also been getting reps under center. Fumarola and Gartz are at running back with Sanders and Mozeika as the fullbacks. The wideouts are juniors Nick Wonsola and Shea Brennan, and the tight end is Donohue.

On special teams, freshman Heath Reinhardt will be both the kicker and punter.

Wall will run a 3-4 defense and has four returning starters.

Carr and Sanders, both starters at points last season, are the defensive ends with Langworthy as the nose tackle. Donohue was a starting linebacker last year and moves inside where he will pair with senior Noah Rodriguez. Mozeika is back as a starting outside linebacker while Gartz (65 tackles last season) will be the other outside backer.

2 9

RIVALRY GAME: Sept. 23 at Lacey

Player To Watch: Chase Gumbrecht, Sr., RB How can it not be? Over 1,800 yards rushing and 26 TD’s last season and you can be sure opposing defenses will be stacking the line of scrimmage looking to stop him before he gets going. That might be easier said than done especially if the inexperienced offensive line gels in a hurry.

Player Under the Radar: Deven Sisler, So., QB At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds he certainly looks like a quarterback. More importantly, he not only has skills but picks up things quickly and is proving to be a leader. Sisler started one game as a freshman and threw for 200 yards in a threepoint loss to Southern. If defenses take away Gumbrecht look for the Golden Eagles to take to the air as they have confidence in their young QB.

X FACTOR: Offensive Line

Of the starting group, only Jack Bentivegna started any games last season when the offensive line was among the team's strengths. However, going into last season the offensive line was also the X-Factor because they were replacing a very solid group from the year before. This year’s group has worked hard in the offseason to be ready to step in and help Gumbrecht have another big season.

3 0

Sophomore Michael Germanario (5’11, 200) will center the group with junior Giancarlo Saitta (5’11, 205) at one guard spot and sophomore Adam Onello (5’11, 230) holding down the other. Junior Chris Galifi (6’2, 250) is the right tackle while seniors Jack Bentivegna (6’, 225) and Arnas Bredelis (6’1, 200) should before

This is always Central’s rivalry game although they did not play from 2010-18 because of conference scheduling. Lacey has dominated the series but the Golden Eagles would like nothing better than to win this game against a school that used to be part of their district. However, with a 4-0 record Central did claim the Liberty Division title and their reward for that is a move up to the Colonial Division with Toms River North, Southern, Long Branch, Middletown North, and longtime rival Lacey. That and breaking in many new starters would seem to be a huge obstacle but third-year head coach Jarrett Pidgeon will lean on team leaders to drive success as he continues to build a program that will produce a consistent winner.

Of course, returning the leader rusher in the Shore Conference is a good place to start and senior Chase Gumbrecht was nothing short of spectacular last season. He ran for 1,825 yards (8 yards per carry) and scored a total of 26 touchdowns. Gumbrecht did have the benefit of a senior-laden offensive line and this season Central will have five new starters. How quickly they develop as a unit could be the key to success this fall.

losing their last four. CHASING CONSISTENCY Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: Multiple 3-4 Frank Papalia (Offensive coordinator/OL); Bill Wilde (QB); Billy Kvalheim (WR/TE/Special Teams); Thomas Koenig (RB); Frank Backle (Asst. OL); Danny Higgins (Off Asst.); Jeff Schmidt (Defensive Coordinator, ILB) James Plummer (OLB); Will Wowkanyn (DL); Dennis Pidgeon (Defensive Assistant). Freshman coaches: Kyle Watson, Walter Karasaweicz, Brandon Voss; Athletic Trainer: Cassandra Dennis. T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-4 2020: 3-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-7 2017: 7-3 ( L R ) J AIVON TATE (37), C HASE G UMBRECHT (24), D EVEN S ISLER (14) & J AHAZIEL G ARCIA (10) S R . RB C HASE G UMBRECHT

THURSDAY 9/1@HOWELL 6:30PM FRIDAY 9/9MIDDLETOWN NORTH 7PM FRIDAY 9/16@TOMS RIVER NORTH 6PM FRIDAY 9/23@LACEY 6:30PM 9/30BRICK 7PM 10/7@SOUTHERN 7PM 10/14BRICK MEMORIAL 7PM 10/21LONG BRANCH 7PM H EAD C OACH : Jarrett Pidgeon, 3rd season CAREER RECORD: 9-8 ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Kevin WilliamsSSNDirector True to their nickname, the Golden Eagles got off to a flying start in 2021 by winning their first six games

Graduation has taken SSN All-Shore kicker/punter Sean Hurley, who was a huge weapon for the Golden Eagles. Replacing him will be junior Evan Brounstein at kicker and Zaccaro at punter.Pidgeon is happy with the work ethic the Golden Eagles have shown and believes leadership and culture are among the strengths of the program. They will need all of that and more against a challenging schedule that in addition to their Colonial Division rivals includes games against Howell, Brick, and Brick Memorial.

both see action at left tackle. Bentivegna did start a few games last season so he brings back some experience to the unit. Who will hand the ball off to Gumbrecht and fellow running backs Brandon Jones (Jr.) and Nick Ruggiero (Soph.) is a promising sophomore in Deven Sisler (6’4, 195). He saw some action as a freshman and while short on experience is high on potential. Senior Jahaziel Garcia was the primary quarterback last season but will likely see most of his action at receiver along with seniors Tony Brinson and Chase Pierce, who both started games during their junior campaign. Back at tight end are seniors Caden Barker and Rudy Rinderer. The defense will feature some familiar faces as all but one of the projected starters are seniors with junior end Scott Nico (6’3, 220) the lone underclassmen and a returning starter. He will be joined up front Trey Mitchell (6’1, 240), Lincoln Haughton (6’2, 195), and returning starter Cosmo Zaccaro (5’11, 230). Jaivon Tate is back at linebacker along with Rinderer and Barker. Steven Tapia and Tony Brinson will hold down the cornerback spots while Chase Dudley (Sr.) is the strong safety and Dave Ferreria (Jr.) and the versatile Garcia will see action at free safety.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:DEVEN SISLER, SO. RB: CHASE GUMBRECHT, SR., RS; BRANDON JONES, JR.; NICK RUGGIERO, SO. WR: JJ GARCIA, SR., RS; TONY BRINSON, SR., RS; CHASE PIERCE, SR., RS TE:CADEN BARKER, SR.; RUDY RINDERER, SR. LT: JACK BENTIVEGNA, SR. RS; ARNAS BREDELIS, SR. LG: GIANCARLO SAITTA, JR. C: MICHAEL GERMANARIO, SO. RG: ADAM ONELLO, SO. RT: CHRIS GALIFI, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: TREY MITCHELL, SR. DE: SCOTT NICO, JR., RS DT: COSMO ZACCARO, SR., RS DT: LINCOLN HAUGHTON, SR. LB: CADEN BARKER, SR. LB: JAIVON TATE, SR., RS LB: RUDY RINDERER, SR. CB: STEVEN TAPIA, SR., RS CB: TONY BRINSON, SR. SS: CHASE DUDLEY, SR.; NNAMEKA AMENCHINA, SO. FS: DAVE FERRERIA, SR.; JJ GARCIA, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: EVAN BROUNSTEIN, JR. P: COSMO ZACCARO, SR.

3 1

Top Position Groups: Group: Running Backs

Playesr Under the Radar: Matt Coon, TE/DE, Sr. & Dave Wilson, TE/LB, Sr. One of the other strengths over the years for Lacey, outside of the running game has been a series of strong tight ends. The torch is being passed from two pretty good ones in John Dodaro and Dominic Tarricone, who graduated after last season, to Dave Wilson and Matt Coon, who is also a defensive end.

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

FRIDAY 9/16MIDDLETOWN NORTH 6:30PM 9/23CENTRAL 6:30PM 9/30COLTS NECK 6:30PM 10/7@TOMS RIVER NORTH 6PM 10/14BRICK 6:30PM 10/21@SOUTHERN 7PM C : Lou Vircillo, 42nd season 304-156-3 (270-140-3 AT LACEY) LIONS TO POUNCE:

FRIDAY

FRIDAY 9/2@DONOVAN CATHOLIC 6:30PM

FRIDAY

LG: GIOVANNI MALDANIS, SO. C: CHRIS SUPSIE, SR.; PAT LUCA, SR. RG: KEITH SULLIVAN, SR. RT: BRODY SAGER, JR.

FRIDAY

Rivalry Game: Sept. 23 vs. Central Regional This is always one of the more anticipated rivalry games in Ocean County and the Shore Conference every season no matter the location. This will be a big game again this season with two really good teams going headto-head under the lights at the newly named Lou Vircillo Stadium. Noah Brunatti, Scott Stevens, John Dodaro, Damian O'Loughlin, and Gaetano Dimiele are among the talented group of players who graduated following last season, leaving some vacancies that need to be filled. Only time will tell what the succession is going to look like in 2022. This year's squad will also look to build on back-to-back 5-4 seasons and take things a little farther this fall.

FRIDAY

I t'll be a different-looking team this year in Lacey Township with only three returning starters on offense and five on defense, meaning the torch has been passed and the time is now to see what these young Lions can do on the football field.ASSISTANT COACHES: Chris Demarest (DC/TE); Warren Smith (Offensive Pass Coordinator/QB/DB); Mike Stuppiello (DL/OL Assistant); Joe Tobin (WR/LB); Matt Kiefer (OL/OLB); Chris DiMicco (Frosh - Defense); Chris McAndrew (Frosh - Offense); Watson Heilala (Frosh - Line); Mike Taddeo (Film); Dan Cortese (Film); Aimee Delvento (Athletic Director); Lee Emery (athletic trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 5-4 2020: 5-4 2019: 7-4 2018: 5-5 2017: 7-3 By: Vine Ebenau SSN Contributor ( L R ) M ATT C OON (5), PATRICK LUCA (76), Z ACHARY B REWER (22), N ICHOLAS S TANZIANI (27), D OMMINICK P ERRONE (7), B RENDAN S UPSIE (50) & K EITH S ULLIVAN (61) 32

FRIDAY

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: MATT COON, SR. DT:DAVE VARGAS, JR.; KEITH SULLIVAN, SR. DT:BRENDAN SUPSIE, SR.; MIKE SEELEY, SO. DE: PAT LUCA, SR.

CAREER RECORD:

"We have to regroup, obviously, we lost 19 guys," Coach Lou Vircillo tells Shore Sports Network. "We have a young team and I'm estimating that five to seven sophomores are starting, so we're going to be inexperienced and young, and we're trying really hard to get to where we need to be in terms of the last"Theyseason.did fair, they did okay, there's just a lot of work to do to get them up to being varsity players, plus our schedule is very demanding," Vircillo said.

ominick Perrone, RB, Sr.; Chris Supsie, C, Sr.; Keith Sullivan, RG, Sr. Lacey has long been known for having a strong running game in its arsenal and a big reason why that's remained the status quo is because of the linemen up front. There is a strong offensive line again this season even though it looks pretty different with personnel. It'll be guys like Chris Supsie and Keith Sullivan who are returners to the offense and will help Lacey have a strong running game again this season along with fellow senior Dominic Perrone who will take carries out of the backﬁeld.

While most of the offense from last year has graduated and moved on, there's a talented stable of running backs that features Dominick Perrone, Aiden Wallace, Jay Martins, and Nick Stanziani.

H EAD

QB:NICK MAERTENS, JR. RB: DOMINICK PERRONE, SR. RB: AIDEN WALLACE, SO. RB: JAY MARTINS, SR. RB: NICK STANZIANI, JR. WR: TREVOR SANTUCCI, JR. WR: ROCCO ARMATO, SR. TE: MATT COON, SR. TE: DAVE WILSON, SR. LT: JAMES MOTT, SO.; DAVE VARGAS, JR.

OLB: LUCIANO FERRANTI, SR.; AIDEN WALLACE, SO.

SATURDAY 9/10@LONG BRANCH 1PM

OACH

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:DIEGO WOLF, SR.

NEW-LOOK

FS: NICK LOCHA, SR.; DIEGO WOLF, SR.

READY

The always modest Vircillo is turning his attention towards enjoying another season coaching football. "I guess, it is what it is. In terms of coaching, that's what I want to do. It's more important to me than anything else to be

OLB: DAVE WILSON, SR.; NICK MAERTENS, FR. ILB: NICK STANZIANI, JR.; CORY SMITH, SO.

Impact Newcomer: James Mott, LT, So. and Giovanni Maldanis, LG, So. There were four seniors on the offensive line last season and the lone junior from that line -- Brendan Supsie -- is now solely playing on defense (DT), so it'll be incumbent on the new line that includes these two sophomores -- Mott and Maldanis -- to learn the varsity game and also exceed in a baptism by ﬁre out of the gate against Donovan Catholic and Long Branch.

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Players To Watch:

The Lions will be taking the field at home this season under the lights at the newly-named 'Lou Vircillo Stadium' named after the only coach in program history who is also a Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Famer.

CB: DOMINICK PERRONE, SR.; CHRIS GRASSADONIO, SR. CB: ZACH BREWER, SR. SS: AARONE TOBIA, SR.; LANDON RAABE, SO.

By: Matt Manley Staff Writter

Player Under the Radar: Luke Tracey, Sr., Guard The lone returnee on the offensive line, Tracey will be as integral as any player on the roster to the success of the team. He will be tasked with helping four new starters on the line getting up to speed, while also leading an offense that returns a quality running-back duo of Kamau and junior Zaheem Brown, but also must replace a quarterback who put up major numbers. It’s a lot on one plate, but Tracey is the kind of player and leader that King is glad to have during his ﬁrst season as head coach.

Big Shoes to Fill: Earnest Reevey, Sr., QB Christian Rodriguez was as important to Long Branch as any player was to his team in 2021, so in that regard, there is almost no way for Reevey to ﬁll those shoes. The versatile senior can still, however, be an effective quarterback and as a senior with varsity experience in other parts of the game, as well as practice reps at quarterback, he is as ready as can be.

SSN senior

XFactor: Youth There is enough senior leadership in place for Long Branch to continue its winning ways under King, but as is almost always the case in high school football, some young players will need to step up to get the most out of the season. In Long Branch’s case, there is a collection of sophomores will get significant time on the field, with Aulander Daniels and Christopher Moses both in line to start at cornerback, Havier Gonzalez at linebacker and Joseph Corley at defensive tackle. On the offensive side of the ball, Sophomore Tyler Taylor will play left guard next to first-year starter at left tackle Khaleeq Ingram – a 6-foot-3, 310-pound junior. Throw in the freshman, Maldonado, at tight end and Long Branch has a group that could be the difference on this year’s team while also laying the foundation for the next several seasons.

Rivalry Game: Middletown South, Week One George and Middletown South coach Steve Antonucci have been coaching giants in Monmouth County for

Top Position Groups: Backs and Receivers Up to this point, King is comfortable with what he has seen from Long Branch’s skill players on both sides of the ball, even if there is some inexperience to overcome. Kamau and Brown offer a dependable onetwo punch at running back, while Michael Hall and Rashad Jennings form a senior duo at the wide receiver position that is poised to post a big season for the Green Wave. Freshman Miguel Maldonado is also a player to watch in the passing game, giving Long Branch some options for its new quarterback to target.

Chad King takes over a prestigious Long Branch program following the retirement of George after 23 seasons at the helm and does so after having served as an assistant under George – most recently in the role of defensive coordinator. Not only do the returning players know King from his time as one of their coaches, but many of them know him as a teacher, with King having taught several of them in second“You’vegrade.got to bring your personality to the job,” King said. “I’m not Coach George by any means. I learned a lot from him, but at the same time, I’m Chad King, so I’m going to put my spin on it. I’ve known 34 ( L R ) L UKE T RACEY (55), S EKOU K AMAU (1), M ICHAEL H C oaching changes at the high school level often mean 16 and 17-year-old players learning new systems and new coaching personalities and when the outgoing coach was an institution for nearly half-a-century like Dan George was at Long Branch, the adjustment figures to be especially pronounced.

Offense: Spread Defense: 40 Player To Watch: Sekou Kamau, Sr. RB/CB Kamau was the top rusher on an 8-2 Green Wave squad, amassing 779 yards on the ground with six rushing touchdowns. With a new quarterback and some new faces in the receiving corps, Kamau brings an important element of experience and established performance to an offense that will be lacking in that department in some other position groups. Kamau will also be faced with the challenge of working with a mostly-new offensive line, so getting on the same page with that new front-five will be an early priority.

FRIDAY 9/2MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 7PM SATURDAY 9/10LACEY 1PM FRIDAY 9/16@SOUTHERN 7PM SATURDAY 9/24TOMS RIVER NORTH 1PM FRIDAY 10/7@MIDDLETOWN NORTH 7PM FRIDAY 10/14NEPTUNE 7PM FRIDAY 10/21@CENTRAL 7PM W 11/23@R B 6 H EAD C OACH : Chad King, 1st season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 ASSISTANT COACHES:

In many ways, however, the returning Green Wave players knew their new head coach even better than their former one before the first practice ever started.

T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 8-2 2020: 1-6 2019: 4-7 2018: 12-1 2017: 9-3 PLAN OF SUCCESSIONLongBranch Continued Page 16 S R . S EKOU K AMAU

Greg Penta (Associate Head Coach/Off. Coordinator), Ben Woolley (Off. Coordinator/OL), Gary Beddoe (RB/Special Teams), Val Barnaby (Def. Coordinator), Ryan Burgess (DL), Devron Clark (Freshman/WR), Jamil Pitts (Freshman/LB), Jayce Maxwell (Freshman/Special Teams), Jordan Rodriguez (Quality Control), Billy George (Volunteer Assistant), Kim Small (Athletic Trainer)

3 5

3 6 line and throughout the defense, but the feeder system remains strong and King is expecting depth players from 2021 to thrive in greater roles and for several underclassmen to jump right in and It is indeed a new era at Long Branch, but if King has his way, the team will not look all that different between the lines on Friday night – even as he adds his own twist to the sidelines and the practice field. “The hardest part about the summer is waking up and showing up at 6 a.m., 6:30, so the kids have been buying in to what we’re doing,” King said. “The expectations haven’t changed. Most of the staff is still in place, so it’s been a smooth transition.” Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5 QB:EARNEST REEVEY, JR. RB: SEKOU KAMAU, SR. RS RB: ZAHEEM BROWN, JR. RS WR: MICHAEL HALL, SR. RS WR: SHAMAR WILLIAMS, SR. RS TE: MIGUEL MALDONADO, FR. LT: KHALEEQ INGRAM, JR. LG: TYLER TAYLOR, SO. C: BRYCE GORDON, SR. RG: LUKE TRACEY, SR. RS RT: KYRIE LAMBER, SR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 3 DE: ANTONIO CASTANON, SR. RS DT: JOSEPH CORLEY, SO. DT: DANNY VELEZ, SR. DE: MATHUES MARCOS, SR. LB:ESAU WALKER, SR. LB: HAVIER GONZALEZ, SO. CB: AKEEL GAINES, SR. CB: AULANDER DANIELS, SO. CB: CHRISTOPHER MOSES, SO. SS: SHAMAR WILLIAMS, SR. RS FS: SEKOU KAMAU, SR. RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: WESLEY GARCIA, JR. P: ARTHUR DEJESUS, P Long Branch Continued from Page 16 S R . L UKE T RACEY S R . S HAMAR W ILLIAMS

3 7

Middletown North's leader is senior two-way lineman Jack Lopez. A starter since his freshman year, Lopez is a returning SSN Second Team All-Shore selection who was voted the co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Independence Division. He recorded 63 total tackles with 21 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 20 hurries from his spot at defensive end. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound bookend, who is also a returning starter at left tackle, is committed to Harvard.

"I think it all starts in the weight room and training in the offseason," Lopez said. "We got a bunch of guys together during the offseason to do speed training and tried to get together as much as possible. I think we really emphasized everybody needs to be working to get better."

Five starters return in the Lions' spread offense and seven return in their 3-3 stack defense, so an experienced core is in place to lead the way.

This matchup speaks for itself. Middletown takes its football seriously and the annual Turkey Day game between the Lions and the Eagles is always a season highlight regardless of either team's record.

Player To Watch: Jack Lopez, Sr., OL/DL An imposing force in the trenches, especially at defensive end, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound Lopez is a Harvard recruit who was an SSN Second Team All-Shore selection last season.

H EAD C OACH : Steve Bush, 10th season CAREER RECORD: 42-49 (124-97-1 OVERALL) LIONS’ PRIDE ASSISTANT COACHES: Geoff Massimini (Defensive Coordinator/LB/TE); Fred Stengel (OL/DL); Justin McGhee (DL/OL/Head JV coach); Connor Welsh (RB/SS); Donald Glenn WR/DB); Larry McKnight (OL/DL); Danielle Kanski (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 5-6 2020: 1-5 2019: 4-7 2018: 2-8 2017: 5-5 By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor 38 ( L R ) P ETER D EMPSEY (7), L UCAS A INBINDER (75), D EREK S OTO (1) & J ACK L OPEZ The 2021 season for Middletown North's football team can be summed up by drawing a line right through the middle of the schedule. Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 stack S R . J ACK L OPEZ

Lopez leads the way up front for what should be a strong defensive line. Both senior defensive end Peter Dempsey and senior defensive tackle Lucas Ainbinder are returning starters with senior Christian Cueto also in the mix at defensive tackle. Junior Justin Soto returns at inside linebacker after recording 73 tackles last season. He will be flanked by senior outside linebacker Michael Subik, a returning starter, and junior James Barnao. Junior Brian Dunleavy will also be working at outside linebacker. The secondary is led by a pair of returning starters with Derek Soto at free safety and Jack LaBruno at strong safety. The cornerbacks on one side are senior Mykal Callender and junior Dylan Briggs and on the other side are senior Ryan Kane and junior Richie Welton. The rover position will be manned by senior Richie Grabowski. Last season, the Lions were a top-15 scoring

Player Under the Radar: Derek Soto, Sr., WR/FS Soto caught 26 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns last season and enters the season as the No. 1 offensive option for the Lions and new quarterback Lucas Sheehan. He'll also return as a starter in the secondary.

FRIDAY 9/2MANALAPAN 6PM

FRIDAY 9/9@CENTRAL 7PM

FRIDAY

Rivalry Game: Thanksgiving vs. Middletown South

Top Position Groups: Offensive Line With Jack Lopez and Peter Dempsey at defensive end and Lucas Ainbinder at defensive tackle, the Lions have three senior returning starters up front in their 3-3 stack defense.

Big Shoes to Fill: James Barnao, Jr., RB Barnao steps in as the Lions' running back after the graduation of First Team All-Shore running back Brian Haddow.

The first half of last season saw the Lions race out to a 5-1 record and earn a share of the Independence Division title. The second half of the season was not as kind. Middletown North stumbled down the stretch to lose its final five games of the season and finish with a 5-6 record, the Lions' fourth straight season with a sub-.500 record. However, three of those five losses came to teams ranked in the Shore Sports Network Top 10, and another was to Sayreville in the playoffs. On the surface, those statistics could make it seem as if the season was a disappointment. Not so. Despite the tough finish to the season, the Lions took a step forward to returning to consistent title contention. The challenge this season will be to continue trending toward the program's first winning season since 2016 while integrating new starters at criticalMiddletownpositions.North graduated several standouts, many of whom were multi-year startersquarterback Tommy Giannone, running back/safety Brian Haddow, wide receivers Levi Wilson and Lucas Cerbo, tight end Zac Searight, linebacker Colin Devine, and linemen Adam Conklin and Connor Clark.

FRIDAY 9/16@LACEY 6:30PM

FRIDAY 9/23SOUTHERN 10/7LONG BRANCH 7PM FRIDAY 10/14@OCEAN 7PM 10/21TOMS RIVER NORTH 7PM 11/24@MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 10:30AM

Impact Newcomer: Lucas Sheehan, Jr., QB Sheehan takes over as Middletown North's quarterback after the graduation of two-year starter Tommy Giannone.

7PM FRIDAY

On special teams, junior Ian Poole-Morgan returns as the kicker after connecting on 20 extra points and three field goals last season. After competing in the Independence Division last season with Lacey, Brick, Brick Memorial, and Howell, Middletown North will now contend in the Colonial Division with Central Regional, Lacey, Long Branch, Southern Regional, and Toms River North.

WR:

and exciting spread offense has been the signature for Middletown North under head coach Steve Bush. The quarterback position is obviously integral to the success of that type of offense and this season the Lions will be breaking in a new one after two years under the direction of Tommy Giannone. Junior Lucas Sheehan takes the reins of the Middletown North offense and will try to be the latest Lions' quarterback to be among the Shore's top passers. His top target will likely be Derek Soto, who caught 26 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns last season. Juniors Dylan Briggs, Brian Dunleavy, and Ka'ley Spearman along with senior Jack LaBruno comprise the rest of the wide receiver group. Lining up alongside Sheehan in the backfield will be junior running back James Barnao and Spearman, the latter of whom will be used in a utility role between running back and receiver. Both have big shoes to fill after the graduation of Brian Haddow, who was a three-year starter and a First Team All-Shore selection last season. Tight end is another position where the Lions will need to replace a standout. Dempsey slides in as the starting tight end after the graduation of Second Team All-Shore selection Zac Searight. Lopez and Ainbinder anchor the offensive line from their positions at left tackle and right guard, respectively. The left guard is junior Giovanni Antonucci, the center is sophomore Andrew Klimovich, and the right tackle spot has junior Thomas Randolph and senior Ryan Koenig competing for the starting spot.

Offensive

RB:JAMES

LG:

SO. RG: LUCAS AINBINDER, SR. RT: THOMAS RANDOLPH, JR.; RYAN KOENIG, SR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 7 DE: JACK LOPEZ, SR., 4RS DT: LUCAS AINBINDER, SR., RS; CHRISTIAN CUETO, SR. DE: PETER DEMPSEY, SR., RS OLB: MICHAEL SUBIK, SR., RS ILB: JUSTIN SOTO, JR., RS OLB: JAMS BARNAO, JR.; BRIAN DUNLEAVY, JR. CB: MYKAL CALLENDER, SR.; DYLAN BRIGGS, JR. CB: RYAN KANE, SR.; RICHIE WELTON, JR. SS: JACK LABRUNO, SR., RS FS: DEREK SOTO, SR., RS ROVER:RICHIE GRABOWSKI, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K:IAN POOLE-MORGAN, JR., RS 3 9 S R . D EREK S OTO

QB:LUCAS

Projected Starters: starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) SHEEHAN, JR. BARNAO, JR.; KA'LEY SPEARMAN, JR. DEREK SOTO, SR., RS; DYLAN BRIGGS, JR.; BRIAN DUNLEAVY, JR.; JACK LABRUNO, SR.; KA'LEY SPEARMAN, JR. GIOVANNI ANTONUCCI, JR. ANDREW KLIMOVICH,

(RS=returning

"I keep telling myself every day that this year is going to be different," Lopez said. "It sounds clichè but I'm telling myself every snap this year is going to be personal. I really want to make my mark at North."

Player To Watch: Andy Falletta, Sr., QB/SS Falletta is one of the few returning players with varsity experience after starting in the secondary and playing wide receiver last season. He has been tabbed to pilot Southern's new triple-option offense and give the Rams' a chance to be competitive despite the team's collective inexperience.

FRIDAY 8/26@WEST WINDSOR-PLAINSBORO

6PM

FRIDAY 10/7CENTRAL 7PM 10/14@HOWELL 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/21LACEY 7PM

FRIDAY

FRIDAY 9/9@TOMS RIVER NORTH 7PM FRIDAY 9/16LONG BRANCH 7PM 9/23@MIDDLETOWN NORTH 7PM

FRIDAY 9/30@RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

7PM

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 The Rams' 2021 squad had a huge senior presence, and with star players like running back/linebacker Jaiden Brown and defensive end/fullback Nate Committee exiting via graduation, Southern has just a handful of experienced players back under longtime head coach Chuck Donohue Sr. It's certainly possible that Southern's new lineup has the goods to compete in the Colonial Division, but uncertainty is high for the Rams coming off a 4-5 season and graduating nearly their entire first-string unit. For the 2022 season, the Rams will jettison their multiple, I-formation offensive playbook in favor of the flexbone triple-option offense. It is a drastic change, but also one that reflects the stark nature of its roster turnover. Running the show from the quarterback position will be senior Andy Falletta, who is one of the few holders from last season with varsity experience. Falletta was a wide receiver last season and also a starter in the secondary.JoiningFalletta in the backfield will be junior Mike Zecena and seniors Xander Murray, Kyle Caufield, and Dom Crisalli. The shadow of Jaiden Brown looms large over Southern's entire running game as the Rams' will look to collectively replace the program's all-time leading rusher who was a two-time First Team All-Shore selection and is now at Georgetown University. When Southern does take to the air, senior wide receivers Devin Tetti and Brandon Cubeiro will be the main targets on theTheoutside.base set in the flexbone usually doesn't feature a tight end, but the Rams have a good one in 6-foot-6 senior Max DiPietro, who is a returning starter, to bookend their offensive line and be an option over the middle in the passing game. The offensive line has senior Alex Skipper at right guard, senior Riley Harris at right tackle, junior Nick Roesch at center, junior Armando Sanchez at left guard, and junior Matt Nolan at left tackle.

H EAD C OACH : Chuck Donohue Sr., 25th season CAREER RECORD: 129-113 (268-196-4 OVERALL) FROM THE GROUND UP W ith a change to its offensive scheme and almost a completely new cast ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor ( L R ) X ANDER M URRAY (33), A NDY F ALLETTA (12), C OLLIN L ANG (18) & M AX D I P IETRO (87) Matt Abbato (Defensive Coordinator); Eric Sharkey (WR/DB); CJ Tomelden (RB/OLB/DB); Dylan Larson (OL/DL); Eric Fierro (QB/Freshmen); Andrew Beckett (Freshmen Head Coach); Sean Sweeney (Freshmen asst.); Evan Osborne (Director of Football Operations); Dan Abbato (Middle School Head Coach); Nick Jinks & Rob Barrett (Middle School asst.); Nick Scaramazza (Athletic Trainer). T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-5 2020: 5-4 2019: 7-3 2018: 4-5 2017: 3-7 Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5 QB:DANDY FALLETTA, SR.; COLLIN LANG, SR.; CADEN ORAVETS, JR. RB: MIKE ZECENA, JR.; XANDER MURRAY, SR.; KYLE CAUFIELD, SR.; DOM CRISALLI, SR. WR: DEVIN TETTI, SR.; BRANDON CUBEIRO, SR. TE: MAX DIPIETRO, SR., RS LT: MATT NOLAN, JR. LG: ARMANDO SANCHEZ, JR. C: NICK ROESCH, JR. RG: ALEX SKIPPER, SR. RT: RILEY HARRIS, SR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 2 DE: RILEY HARRIS, SR., RS DT: ALEX SKIPPER, SR. DT: RILEY HARRIS, SR./TBD DE: ARMANDO SANCHEZ, JR. OLB: XANDER MURRAY, SR., RS MLB: MIKE ZECENA, JR. OLB: MAX DIPIETRO, SR., RS CB: KYLE CAUFIELD, SR., RS CB: BRANDON CUBEIRO, SR. SS: ANDY FALLETTA, SR., RS FS: DOM CRISALLI, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:MIKE ZECENA, JR. 4 0 S R . A NDY F ALLETTA

FRIDAY

Player Under the Radar: Max DiPietro, Sr., TE/LB DiPietro is a two-way returning starter at tight and linebacker who offers much-needed experience and leadership to a green Southern roster. Big Shoes to Fill: Mike Zecena, Jr., RB/LB Jaiden Brown graduated as Southern's all-time leading rusher and all-time leading scorer and was also a standout linebacker for the Rams during his career. No one expects Zecena to replace what Brown brought to the table, but the junior steps into starting roles at two important positions and has a chance to make a significant impact.

Rivalry Game: Oct. 7 vs. Central Regional The Boyd-Emmert Trophy will be on the line when the Rams and Golden Eagles meet in Week 6. The Rams won last season's meeting, 17-14, and have won three in a row in the rivalry series following Central winning five in a row from 2014 through 2018.

Southern's defense was 16th in the Shore in scoring last season but will face similar challenges as the offense. The Rams' 4-3 base does return a handful of starters or players who played meaningful snaps last season. Murray and DiPietro return as starters at outside linebacker and will be joined by Zecena as the middle linebacker. Harris is a returning starter at defensive end while Sanchez is the other defensive end, and Skipper is a defensive tackle. The secondary has two returning starters with Falletta at strong safety and Caufield at cornerback. Cubeiro will man the other cornerback spot and Crisalli will slide into the free safety position.Eventhe special teams unit wasn't spared by graduation. Zecena will take over as both the kicker and the punter. Southern remained in the Colonial Division through realignment but will square off with several different opponents this season. Last year's Colonial Division featured Southern, Middletown South, Manalapan, Holmdel, and Jackson Memorial. This year's division is Southern, Central Regional, Lacey, Toms River North, Middletown North, and Long Branch. The Rams also have nondivisional games against

4 1

SATURDAY 9/3RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN (@RUTGERS) 4PM 9/9SOUTHERN 7PM 9/16CENTRAL 6PM 9/24@LONG BRANCH 1PM 9/30@TOMS RIVER SOUTH 6PM FRIDAY 10/7LACEY 6PM 10/14@TOMS RIVER EAST 6PM 10/21@MIDDLETOWN NORTH 6PM C OACH : Dave Oizerowitz, 10th season CAREER

FRIDAY

"I don't want to go off what we did last year," said standout junior quarterback Micah Ford. "We want to build off it but not think too much about it. The level of excitement is pretty high. Hard work every day is all we need, that mindset to compete every day."

"He's one of the hardest workers on our team," Kazanowsky said. "He's been amazing to watch. I'm blocking a dude and I look up and he's breaking four tackles and then on the next play he'll throw a dime to the end zone. He's a different type of player." Ford may be the headliner, but the Mariners' talent on offense runs deep. Junior running back Josh Moore ran for 714 yards and two touchdowns last season. Junior wide receiver Tareq Council is a threeyear starter who led the team with

SATURDAY 8/27 WASHINGTON TWP (@OCEAN CITY HS) 1:30PM

The Mariners lost their first four games on the field (a loss to Donovan Catholic was later changed to a win by forfeit) and weren't particularly competitive in three of those four losses. But beginning with a Week 5 victory over Toms River East, the young and talented Mariners found their stride and rode the wave all the way to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 sectional championship game. With nearly the entire team back, the Mariners are set to build on last season's success now that expectations have grown considerably.

The Mariners finished last season 7-4 and lost a heartbreaker to Kingsway, 21-14 on a last-second touchdown, in the sectional final. Getting to the brink of a championship and coming up short has fueled the entire roster throughout the offseason and helped them remain focused amid rising expectations.

Impact Newcomer: Hatham Hooranyi, So., OL Hooranyi played in one game as a freshman last year when he stepped in at right guard during the South Jersey Group 5 semiﬁnals. The 6foot-3, 250-pound sophomore is now slated to start at left guard along a sizeable Mariners offensive line.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 30 at Toms River South

The Mariners are loaded entering the 2022 season with a total of 19 returning starters, including four SSN All-Shore selections from a season ago. Leading the way in Toms River North's power spread offense is Ford, who had a tremendous sophomore season as the team's quarterback to earn First Team AllShore honors. Ford was the starting running back as a freshman when two-time First Team All-Shore quarterback Jake Kazanowsky was leading the offense and then made the move to quarterback last season. He finished as the Shore's fifth-leading rusher with 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns and threw for 944 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also a valuable defensive player and finished with 82 tackles playing safety. "This offseason I dedicated most of my time to working on my speed and side-toside movements, lateral quickness," Ford said. "Staying in the weight room, no distractions, just focusing on how I can make me and my teammates better."

Players To Watch:

"It definitely hurt losing that game, it sticks with you," said senior linebacker/tight end Ty Kazanowsky, a three-year starter. "Coming into the season we're returning a lot of guys and everyone remembers the feeling of losing in that state championship game. All throughout the offseason, if there's a time you don't want to train, don't want to go to the weight room or practice, you think about that feeling. It's constantly in the back of our minds and we know we need to get better every day. We're just doing anything we can to get back and conquer that state championship game."

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

H EAD

RECORD: 55-37 (66-46 OVERALL) This time last year, Toms River North head coach Dave Oizerowitz knew he had a very talented roster. The issue was inexperience. ASSISTANT COACHES: Mike Oizerowitz (Offensive Coordinator/WR); Bill Dowd (OL/DL); Anthony Penna (QB); Nick Zaza (RB/Freshmen Head Coach); Joe Oizerowitz (Defensive Coordinator/DB); Gabe Roonan (Special Teams Coordinator/OLB); Charlie Henry (ILB/FB); Greg Elias (Freshmen asst.); Jake McCartney (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 7-4 2020: 3-4 2019: 9-2 2018: 6-3 2017: 1-9 By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor 42 HUNGRY FOR MORE Offense: Power Spread Defense: 3-4 ( L R ) J OSH K AYE (64), M ICAH F ORD (1), T Y K AZANOWSKY (16) & T Y B OLAND (10)S R . T Y K AZANOWSKY

The stands are always packed Toms River North and Toms River North meet for "The Civil War". Toms River North ﬁgures to be the favorite during the Week 5 schedule at South's Detwiler Stadium and the Indians would love to play spoiler in front of their home fans. The issue was inexperience. He and his coaching staff were excited at the possibilities but also wary of the uncertainty and the potential for growing pains.

Micah Ford, So., QB/FS & Ja'elyne Matthews, So., OL/DL Ford started at running back as a freshman and then took over as the team's starting quarterback last season. He was electric in leading the Mariners to the South Jersey Group 5 title game and ﬁnishing fourth in the Shore in rushing with 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns and passing for 944 yards and eight touchdowns. Matthews is a monstrous tackle at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds and has already garnered considerable FBS interest with offers from the likes of Ohio State, Georgia, Penn State, and Texas A&M. Player Under the Radar: Tareq Council, Jr., WR/DB With so many returning starters it's tough to pin down one player as being under the radar, but Council is a candidate to have a big season even though he will be entering his third year as a starter. He was the Mariners' leading receiver last season and also started in the secondary.

Toms River North's division opponents have changed for this season. After competing in the American Division with Rumson-Fair Haven, Donovan Catholic, Wall, and Colts Neck, the Mariners will now play in the Colonial Division with Central Regional, Lacey, Long Branch, Middletown North, and Southern Regional. The ingredients are certainly there for Toms River North to be among the Shore's elite teams and compete for a sectional title. Last year's run to the title game gave them a taste of success, and now they want more.

"Dedication and putting the time in, no shortcuts. If anything, take the harder way," Ford said. "Just keeping our minds on a straight path and not worrying about what's said, just what goes on in the TR North locker room and on the field."

All four players return in the secondary, as well, with Council and Moore as the cornerbacks, Pruitt at strong safety, and Ford at free safety. Pruitt had 89 tackles and two interceptions last year as a Third Team All-Shore selection and Council also had two interceptions.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 9 QB:MICAH FORD, JR., 3RS RB: JOSH MOORE, JR, RS.; FB: NICK WALANO, SR., RS WR: TAREQ COUNCIL, JR., 3RS; JEREMIAH PRUITT, JR., RS TE: TY KAZANOWSKY, SR., 3RS LT: JA'ELYNE MATTHEW, SO., RS LG: HATHAM HOORANYI, SO. C: JOSH KAYE, SR., RS RG: NICK BAIOCCO, SR., 3RS RT: JUSTIN KAYE, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 10 DE: NICK BAIOCCO, SR., 3RS NG: JA'ELYNE MATTHEWS, SO., RS DE: NASIR MCDOUGALD, SR. OLB: TY KAZANOWSKY, SR., 3RS ILB: ANTHONY RODRIGUEZ, JR., RS ILB: TY BOLAND, SR. 3RS OLB: CODY VANDERVLIET, SR., RS CB: JOSH MOORE, JR., RS CB: TAREQ COUNCIL, JR., RS SS: JEREMIAH PRUITT, JR., RS FS: MICAH FORD, JR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:YIANNI PAPANIKOLAS, SO. 43 Photo by

Other returners include senior defensive back Jameel Matthews and sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Nasir Jackson. Newcomers not already named include junior receiver Trey Rinella, junior defensive back Luke Oizerowitz, junior linebacker/running back Christian Oliveri, junior linebacker Ryan Warner, sophomore receiver Cameron Thomas, sophomore quarterback/defensive back TJ Valerio, sophomore receiver Mordecai Ford, sophomore defensive back Ja'Quez Hunter, and sophomore kicker/offensive lineman Yianni Papanikolas.

"It's more about staying hungry," Kazanowsky said. "We know where we were last year but we haven't done anything yet this year. It's not automatically going to send us back to the playoffs."

20 receptions for 420 yards and five touchdowns and fellow junior wideout Jeremiah Pruitt caught 19 passes for 311 yards and three touchdowns. At tight end, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Kazanowsky will be entering his third year as a starter. The fullback is senior Nick Walano, who is also a returning starter.Bringing it all together is an offensive line that is big, physical, and experienced. Ja'elyne Matthews played his way into the starting lineup as a freshman thanks to his 6-foot-6, 300-pound frame and undeniable talent. He still has three years left of high school football and has already received multiple FBS scholarship offers, including from defending NCAA champion Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, and Texas A&M. Senior Josh Kaye (6-0, 245) is the center after earning a Third Team All-Shore selection last year, senior Nick Baiocco (6-5, 240) will be entering his third year as a starter and will line up at right guard, and junior Justin Kaye (6-6, 285) will line up at right tackle to give North two towering bookends to the offensive line. The only player on offense who didn't see time last year is sophomore right guard Hatham Hooranyi (6-3, 260). Many of the same names will start on defense in the Mariners' 3-4 base alignment. Baiocco (67 tackles) and senior Nasir McDougald are the defensive ends with Matthews slated to start at nose guard. Kazanowsky is a three-year returning starter at outside linebacker where he was a Third Team All-Shore selection last season. He recorded 84 tackles, 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 32 hurries. Senior Cody VanderVliet is also a returning starter at outside linebacker. Senior Ty Boland, a three-year starter at inside linebacker, is the team's leading returning tackler (105) and junior Anthony Rodriguez also returns after making 90 tackles last season.

RB:CHRIS SCULLY, JR., RS; JOHN SHERROD, JR.; JACK LEFKOWITZ, SO.

Returning Starters: 5 QB:DOM BENINANTO, JR.; TESIO CARABELLO, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:AIDAN MANASSO, JR.; XANDER ROSARIO, SO.; SEBASTIAN FAILLA, SO.

Rivalry Game: Oct. 8 vs. Howell Among the Freehold Regional rivalries, Colts Neck vs. Howell always has a certain degree of intensity and familiarity because of how district lines are drawn. On the ﬁeld, this is shaping up to be an important lateseason game. Some years the task is greater than others. A big senior class often leads to success, but when those players matriculate out of the program there are going to be some question marks the following year. That is the situation Colts Neck is in entering the 2022 season. Gone are stalwarts like four-year starting quarterback Tommy Fallon, linebackers Anthony Bonanno and John Manos, wide receiver/cornerback John Runfolo, and two-way linemen Dan Volpe and Ryan Whelan. Those players were instrumental to the Cougars' success over the past three seasons as they went 21-7 and turned the program back around after a string of five straight losing seasons. Just a handful of starters remain, however, as Colts Neck enters year five under head coach Matt Ahearn. Colts Neck runs a multiple, pro-style offense and returns a total of five starters. A point of strength is in the backfield where junior running back Chris Scully (5-10, 205) returns after a strong sophomore season that saw him rush for a team-high 805 yards and nine touchdowns. Joining Scully in the running back room are junior John Sherrod and sophomore Jack Lefkowitz. The wide receiver group features two returning starters with 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior Matt Celli and junior Aiden Diaz along with seniors Will Surdez (6-3, 210), Sal Marinello, and Jack Tormey and junior Logan Bresnahan. The tight ends are junior Eric Loureiro (6-2, 230), who is a returning starter, and junior Aidan Manasso. The offensive line took a big hit with four of five starters graduating. Junior Matt Liggio is the lone holdover and will line up at right guard. Junior Charlie Whalen (6-6, 260) is at left tackle and junior JJ Cifelli is the left guard. The center position has juniors Shea Bresnahan and Dean Collier battling it out while the spot at right tackle is between junior Cooper Pearlman and sophomore Albert Yodakis.

SATURDAY 9/10@FREEHOLD 12PM

The lack of experience on the roster means there are legitimate question marks surrounding the Cougars, but balancing that out is a schedule that is not as daunting as last season when they competed in the American Division with Rumson-Fair Haven, Wall, Donovan Catholic, and Toms River North. This season, Colts Neck is in the Colonial Division with Freehold Regional High School District rivals Howell, Marlboro, Freehold Boro, and Freehold Township, plus Jackson Memorial.

LG: JJ CIFELLI, JR. C: SHEA BRESNAHAN, JR.; DEAN COLLIER, JR. RG: MATT LIGGIO, JR., RS RT: COOPER PEARLMAN, JR.; ALBERT YODAKIS, SO.

9/30@LACEY 6:30PM SATURDAY 10/8HOWELL 12PM FRIDAY 10/14@WALL 7PM SATURDAY 10/22MARLBORO 12PM H EAD C OACH : Matt Ahearn, 5th season CAREER RECORD: 24-14 ( L R ) S AL M ARINELLO (42), E OIN F ITZPATRICK (9), M ATT C ELLI (8), W ILL S URDEZ (32) & J ACK T ORMEY (7) The word "rebuilding" often comes with a negative connotation, an assumption that a team won't be successful due to whatever reasons fall under the "rebuilding" umbrella. The reality of high school football is that every year features some degree of a roster makeover. Players graduate and a new group must step up and fill their shoes. ASSISTANT COACHES: Matt Norman (Defensive Coordinator/LB/RB); Dom Polifrone (Special Teams Coordinator/OL/DL); Doug Zockoll (TE/DE); Mike Campbell (QB/DB); Ryan Byrne (QB/LB); Peter Ficorelli (RB/DB); Tim Vangelas (WR/DB); Shawn Scully (WR/DB); Brendan Wei (WR/DB); Jimmy Portela (assistant); Mike Spirito (Freshman Head Coach); Joe Conaghan (Freshmen Defensive Coordinator); Joe Pipoli (Freshmen asst.); Jamie Hand (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-4 2020: 7-1 2019: 8-2 2018: 3-7 2017: 2-8 By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor TURNING THE PAGE

OLB: JAMES BERTAN, SO. MLB: WILL SURDEZ, SR, RS.; TESIO CARABELLO, JR.

CB: DAVE FICHTENBAUM, JR.

CB: JACK TORMEY, SR.; ASHTON ELLIS, JR.; SEBASTIAN FAILLA, SO.; AIDEN DIAZ, JR. SS: DEVIN DONNELLY, JR. FS: ETHAN SLOANE, JR.

WR: MATT CELLI, SR., RS; AIDEN DIAZ, JR., RS; WILL SURDEZ, SR.; SAL MARINELLI, SR.; LOGAN BRESNAHAN, JR.; JACK TORMEY, SR. TE:ERIC LOUREIRO, JR., RS; AIDAN MANASSO, JR.

Big Shoes to Fill: Dom Beninato, Jr., QB and Tesio Carabello, Jr., QB Whichever player ends up as the starting quarterback will be taking over for Tommy Fallon, who was a four-year starter and an All-Shore player during his career on Five Points Road.

SATURDAY 9/3ST. JOHN VIANNEY 12PM

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

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 2 DE: SAM SURDEZ, JR. DT: ANTHONY LOMBARDI, JR. DT: DEAN COLLIER, JR. DE: ERIC LOUREIRO, JR., RS

OLB: EOIN FITZPATRICK, SR.

FRIDAY 9/16@JACKSON MEMORIAL 7PM SATURDAY 9/24FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 12PM FRIDAY

After four years of knowing exactly who was going to be under center, Colts Neck will enter a new era at quarterback following Fallon. Competing for the starting quarterback position are juniors Dom Beninato and Tesio Carabello. Just two starters return on the defensive side of the ball in Colts Neck's 4-3 base alignment. Surdez leads the way from his spot at middle linebacker after posting 77 tackles as a junior. Along the defensive line, Loureiro is back as a starting defensive end. The rest of the defensive line has junior Sam Surdez at the other defensive end sport and Collier and junior Anthony Lombardi as the defensive tackles. Flanking Surdez at outside linebacker will be senior Eoin Fitzpatrick and sophomore James Bertan (6-3, 205). Backing up Surdez in the middle is Carabello. The secondary is all new and is almost entirely comprised of underclassmen. Junior Dave Fichtenbaum will be at one cornerback spot while the other cornerback position is up for grabs with Tormey, Diaz, junior Ahston Ellis, and sophomore Sebastian Failla competing. Junior Devin Donnelly is listed as the strong safety with junior Ethan Sloane at free safety.

An underrated part of Colts Neck's team the last two years was its special teams. Christian Monteforte was one of the Shore's top kickers and Fallon was a reliable punter. Some combination of Manasso, Failla, and sophomore Xander Rosario will handle the kicking and punting duties.

LT: CHARLIE WHELAN, JR.

Player Under the Radar: Will Surdez, Sr., LB/WR Surdez posted 77 tackles as a sophomore a season ago. Now, the 6foot-3 linebacker and wide receiver aims to be the leader of the defense and contribute in the passing game.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Player To Watch: Chris Scully, Jr., RB Scully played his way into the RB1 role last season and had a very good sophomore year with 805 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He has the potential to be one of the Shore Conference's top running backs over the next two years.

4 5

H EAD C OACH : Bill Hill,2nd season CAREER RECORD: HARD WORK VS. HARD LUCK ASSISTANT COACHES:

The result of the focus on strength in the offseason is a bigger roster that can now contend with teams that try to overpower Howell while also giving the Rebels a different dimension to what was a run-and-gun style that too often ended with Howell on the wrong side of theWithscoreboard.thatbeing said, the run-and-gun element isn’t going anywhere. Despite graduating the Shore’s leading passer in quarterback Stephen Jardim and the conference’s second-leading receiver in Nick Vecchiarelli, the Rebels bring back two key receivers from last year, one of whom will be shifting to quarterback.

The passing game will again be the calling card of the Rebels, but the defensive line could also be a positive this season with a pair of three-year starters returning in defensive tackle Rich Diab and defensive end Seven Miller. Juniors Alex Lorenzo and Dan Bailey will round out the projected starting four up front and with some quality athletes like Flaherty and Padilla poised to rush the passer from the outside linebacker spots, Howell could be able to get a little more pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season.

THURSDAY 9/1CENTRAL 6:30PM 9/9JACKSON 6:30PM 9/16@FREEHOLD 6:30PM 9/23MARLBORO 6:30PM 9/30@WALL 10/8@COLTS 10/14SOUTHERN 6:30PM 10/22@FREEHOLD 12PM

With some depth on defense, some upcoming sophomore talent ready to break through and those extra pounds in the front seven on defense, Howell may be able to find the missing ingredients from the past several years.

Offense: Multiple Defense: 30/40 Player To Watch: Jack Gartenstein, Sr., QB At ﬁrst glance, replacing the Shore’s leading passer by total yardage will be a daunting task for Howell this season, but Gartenstein taking over at quarterback will give the Rebels an additional dimension despite losing Jardim to graduation. Gartenstein is one of the best athletes on the team and he can also hit the open man, so while the passing numbers may not be as robust as the 2,200-plus yards Jardim threw for in 2021, the Rebels should again have no problem moving the ball with Gartenstein calling the shots.

Player Under the Radar: Kevin Maloney, Jr., WR/CB While Gartenstein was a multi-faceted threat, Jardim did the quarterbacking and Vecchiarelli was the top two-way player, Maloney may have gotten lost in the shufﬂe. That really should not be the case considering he was one of the three Howell receivers in the Shore’s top 15 in receiving yardage. Moloney ﬁnished second on the team with 573 receiving yards on 34 catches, with the yardage total placing him sixth in the entire Shore Conference. Maloney will also be a key cog in the Howell secondary, which is looking to tighten up its coverage after giving up at least three touchdowns in eight of its 10 games last year.

points or fewer. Bill Hill Jr. (Def. Coordinator/WR), Tom Bradley (Def. Run Game/OL), Ken Bradley (RB/LB), Adam Sacco (DL), Zach Zulli (QB/DB), Angelo Furmato (Team Manager), Larry Peslak (Freshman), Nick Farrara (Freshman Assistant), Amy Ghione (Howell) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 2-8 2020: 2-4 2019: 1-9 2018: 1-9 2017: 9-2 Newcomer to Watch:

Top Position Groups: Receivers Howell remains loaded with receivers, which means no one should expect the passing numbers to fall off all that much with the graduation of Jardim and Vecchiarelli. The Rebels are stocked enough at the position to move a proven talent like Gartenstein to quarterback and still have plenty of weapons for him to target. In addition to Maloney, Matt Iandoli and Dom Marino will ﬁgure into the passing attack and tight ends Damien Padilla and Declan Flaherty will be dangerous as well.

NECK 12PM FRIDAY

“We weren’t allowed in the weight room last summer and that was after we couldn’t get in there the previous summer, when COVID first hit,” Hill said. “That really put us behind and when we got on the field, you could see the difference in size and strength and endurance. This year, pretty much every guy in our lineup added 20 pounds and in some cases more like 40, 50 pounds of muscle.”

While that close-loss problem is one Howell is focused on turning around in 2022, it is also a problem that has lingered for several years. In 2020, the Rebels went 2-4 with two losses by one score and back in 2019, a whopping seven of their nine losses came by seven points or fewer. Over the past three seasons, Howell is 5-21 with a record of 2-15 in games decided by one score.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 16 at Freehold Twp. A 35-33 loss to Freehold Township was among the many close losses for Freehold Township and it might have been the most gut-wrenching of them all. The Rebels will get their rematch with the neighbor Patriots in their third game of the season. P

FRIDAY

ADILLA (9), K EVIN M ALONEY (1), J ACK G ARTENSTEIN (18), S EVEN M ILLER (7), S AM M ELE (5) & D ECLAN F LAHERTY (86) SR. QB J ACK G ARTENSTEINHowell Continued Page 16

FRIDAY

TOWNSHIP

FRIDAY

7PM SATURDAY

nly 10 teams in the Shore Conference and no other team in the Independence Division scored more points than Howell did last season, but only three in the entire conference gave up more points than the Rebels did. The result was an 2-8 record with six losses by five Brandon Wright, Jr., RB One thing Hill would like to see more of this season is balance in the offense with Wright getting more carries on the ground. Howell can help its defense out by controlling the ball for longer possessions and Wright – while also a potential home-run hitter – can extend drives with his running ability. A dangerous allaround back will also make the Rebels even harder to defend.

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Staff Editor

For second-year Howell head coach Bill Hill, performance in close games was a focus for him and his staff heading into the 2021 season, and while the results did not turn around the way the Rebels hoped, they have a new weapon on their side for 2022: the weight room.

The other beneﬁt to having Gartenstein back is if one of the younger quarterback candidates emerges, Howell can turn its quarterback back into a No. 1 receiver.

MEMORIAL

X Factor: Defensive Line

( L R ) D AMIEN

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

“I’m old school: you control the game up front, you block, you tackle, you win games,” Hill said. “We have the athletes who can make the big plays. If we can do the basics, I think we’ll be alright.”

WR:

TE:

Howell Continued from Page 16 4 6

ROBERT OWEN, SR. CB: JAMIE PICADO, JR. ZACH PADILLA, SO.; KEVIN MALONEY, JR. SS: VINCE MEEHAN, SO.; MATT IANDOLI, JR. DOM MARINO, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: JAMIE PICADO, JR. P: JASON DEMICHELE, SR.

LG:

Projected Defensive Starters: Starters: 5 DE: ALEX LORENZO, JR. DT: RICH DIAB, SR. 3RS; SEBASTIAN MALEKOV, JR. DAN BAILEY, JR. DE: SEVEN MILLER, SR. 3RS DECLAN FLAHERTY, JR. RS; JASON DEMICHELE, SR.; SEVEN MILLER, SR. ILB: SAM MELE, SR. RS; RAY DEFRANCESCO, JR. RS; JOE CATE, JR. SHANE FOX, JR.; DAMIEN PADILLA, SR.;

OLB:

Returning

CB:

RG:

TE:

Projected Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Starters: 7 GARTENSTEIN, SR. RS; EGAN NELMS, JR.; VINCE MEEHAN, SO. RB: BRANDON WRIGHT, JR.; ROBERT OWEN, SR. KEVIN MALONEY, JR. RS WR: MATT IANDOLI, JR., DOM MARINO, SR. DAMIEN PADILLA, SR. RS DECLAN FLAHERTY, JR. RS DAN BAILEY, JR. RS SEAN HOWELL, JR. C: JAXSON CAMPESE, JR. RS RICH DIAB, SR. RT: RILEY JOHNSTON, SR. 3RS

LT:

QB:JACK

Returning

DT:

Offensive

FS:

H EAD C OACH : Dave Ellis, 12th season CAREER RECORD: 51-59

Top Position Group: Skill Positions Despite graduating some major numbers from the ranks of the quarterback, running back, receiver and tight end positions, Freehold Boro’s strength in 2022 is still likely to be its playmakers on offense. With Rushton showing a capacity to get the ball to his weapons, players like Jordan Hamilin-Woolford, Asir Smith, Aidan Aidan-Hamlin-Woolford and Gavyn Golub could be different-makers catching the ball in the passing game. Jordan Hamlin-Woolford, in particular, appears poised to be a primary target as a receiver, not to mention a valuable defender as a Cameroncornerback.Crooms and Giuffrida will spearhead the running game, with Crooms playing a more conventional role at running back after Freehold Boro went on a run of run-heavy quarterbacks over the last half-decade or so. After Gill led the team in rushing a year ago, expect Crooms to take that title this season.

X Factor: The Schedule With an inexperienced roster, Freehold Boro will be facing a daunting schedule. It starts on the road with Shore Conference powerhouse Red Bank Catholic, with stops along the way against Colts Neck, Marlboro, Manalapan and Rumson-Fair Haven. Every team on the Colonials’ schedule is classiﬁed as a Group IV or V program except for RBC and Rumson – two of the best teams in the conference on a year-to-year basis.

OLB: ALEX D’ANTONIO, SR. RS ILB: MATT GIUFFRIDA, JR. RS

(6), C ARTER S TOKES (54), S PENCER R YSHTON (5), A LEX D’A NTONIO (9) & J OHN R USSO (50) Mike D’Antonio (WR/LB), Zac Cooper (DL/OL), Jeremy Mercer (TE/LB), Nick Tyson (QB/DB), Matt Whalen (RB/DB), John Kinzel (OL/DL), Joe Laferlita (Freshman), Matt Meleo (Freshman), Scott Royer (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 5-5 2020: 6-2 2019: 2-7 2018: 5-4 2017: 8-4 YOUTH RUSH FRIDAY 9/2@RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM SATURDAY 9/10COLTS NECK 12PM SATURDAY 9/17@MARLBORO 12PM FRIDAY 9/23@JACKSON MEMORIAL 7PM SATURDAY 10/1MANALAPAN 2PM FRIDAY 10/7@FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 6:30PM SATURDAY 10/15RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 12PM SATURDAY 10/22HOWELL 12PM

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: MALACHI CANCEL, SR. DT: CARTER STOKES, JR. RS DT: JOHN RUSSO, JR. RS DE: MIKE AMBROSIO, JR.

The biggest challenge for Rushton is the lack of experience around the field, with Freehold Boro returning just six total players with any starting experience on either side of the ball and less than that if you are looking for players who started for the majority of the 2021 season. Cameron Crooms will be an important safety net for the offense as a more traditional running back, but the rest of the group remains rather green.

sailing

Returning

years, but the Colonials

ASSISTANT

I t hasn’t

It started with an unprecedented two-year stretch from Ashante Worthy in 2016 and 2017 and last season, Kamore Gill added his name to the list of dynamic dual-threat signal-callers. Gill graduated off a senior season in which he both passed for more than 1,000 yards and ran for 1,000 yards, totaling 23 touchdowns (16 rushing, five passing and two receiving). He was even the thirdleading receiver on the team, which makes his all-around season even more Replacingunique.thatkind of player seems nearly impossible but Freehold Boro under coach Dave Ellis has done a shockingly-good job producing another star time and time again. This year’s subject is junior Spencer Rushton, who is not likely to be the explosive runner that Gill, Worthy or Sha’Kim Shuler were, but his legs will be part of the offense.

COACHES:

“I think we have some talent, I think we have some guys on the line and the skill spots who can step up,” Ellis said. “We really only have two or three starters back. We have four on both sides who started some games, but only two or three were regular starters. Other guys have experience, but there is a lot of teaching and a lot of molding going on right now.”

OLB: JIMAI GOODMAN, JR.; MARCUS MURPHY, JR.

( L R ) J ORDIAN W

Player Under the Radar: Alex D’Antonio, Sr., OLB Good Freehold Boro teams have always been about the athletes on the outside and in the backfield, but the Colonials have featured some tough, capable defenders as well. D’Antonio fits that description as an outside linebacker who chased down five sacks as a junior in 2021. Along with fellow returnee and senior Matt Giuffrida, Freehold Boro will have some experience and proven ability at the linebacker level of the defense.

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Starters: 5 QB:SPENCER RUSHTON, JR. RS CAMERON CROOMS, SR. RS RB: MATT GIUFFRIDA, JR. RS; AIDEN SHEA-KATZ, JR. WR: JORDAN HAMLIN-WOOLFORK, JR. RS WR:ASIR SMITH, SR.; GAVYN GOLUB, JR. WR: AIDAN HAMLIN-WOOLFORD, SO.; MIKE BICKERTON, JR. LT: JOHN RUSSO, JR. RS LG: CARTER STOKES, JR. RS C: JORDAN SPITZER, JR. RG: JIMAI GOODMAN, JR. RT: MALACHI CANCEL, SR.; MIKE AMBROSIO, JR.

Rivalry Game: Friday, Oct. 7 at Freehold Twp. Freehold Boro’s best chances at victory this season ﬁgure to come against the other schools within the Freehold Regional district – all of which (Colts Neck, Marlboro, Manalapan, Freehold Township and Howell) are on the schedule. While all are rivalry-type environments, none will be as intense as the all-Freehold showdown, which will pit crosstown rivals against one another. Freehold Boro has won the last three meetings, so extending the streak will be high on the to-do list of this young, inexperienced Colonials group.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Player To Watch: Spencer Rushton, Jr., QB One of the perks of having a dual-threat player like Gill was there were plays and packages that called for Gill to go out into a pass pattern and those plays – as well as a midseason injury to Gill – gave Rushton a chance to get some live reps at quarterback. With a taste of the position, Rushton has completely taken on the challenge of being the starter this season and, in his coach’s estimation, is ready for the fulltime job in 2022.

4 7

FS:

quarterbacks

CB: JORDAN HAMLIN-WOOLFORD, SR. RS CB: ASIR SMITH, SR. MIKE BICKERTON, JR. CAMERON CROOMS, SR. RS Special Team Starters: GAVYN GOLUB, JR. CAMERON CROOMS, SR. been smooth for the Freehold Boro football team over the last six have enjoyed plenty of success during that stretch and their unique ability to produce and deploy dual-threat has been at the center of that success. OOLFOLK

SS:

“I’m raising my hand to play a tougher schedule, added three strong opponents (Red Bank Catholic, Manalapan and Freehold Township) and was hoping to get a break from the Shore Conference. Then they stuck us with Rumson. It is what it is. We’re going to have to grow up fast. It’s going to be a grind.”

RB:

Projected

all

“Spencer played two games at quarterback when Gill was hurt and got a really good feel for what it’s going to be like,” Ellis said. “Now, he is the full-time guy and he has really grown up a lot.”

“In the offseason, (Rushton) did a nice job in the weight room, doing stuff in the summer, learning our schemes,” Ellis said. “He’s got the best quarterback coach around in coach (Nick) Tyson. He is as good as it gets and Spencer has been absorbing his coaching. He is working on the little things and I’m really excited about what he can do. We just have to get everybody else going.”

As a sophomore, Mark Augello had a breakout season that saw him finish sixth in the Shore Conference with 1,488 yards passing and 14 touchdowns. That was despite missing the final three games of the season with an injury. Through the previous seven games, he was able to set school single-game records for completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. When an injury ended Augello's season with three games remaining, Freehold Township turned to freshman Nick Cardone, and the ninth-grader was unfazed by the varsity level. He completed 40 of 59 passes for 409 yards and two touchdowns and led the Patriots to victories over Manchester and Toms River East. The quarterback is everything in head coach Cory Davies' Air Raid offense, and entering the 2022 season the Patriots are in a great spot with Augello returning as the starter and Cardone as his backup. A healthy Augello and a pair of experienced receivers in senior Anthony Long and junior Shawn Corchado will try to lead Freehold Township back to the playoffs after a 4-6 finish in Corchado2021.was the team's leading receiver and a Third Team All-Shore selection last season when he hauled in 38 passes for 497 yards and six touchdowns, while Long caught 32 passes for 342 yards and two touchdowns. Augello, Long, and Corchado were all Second Team AllDivision selections last season and form the core of Freehold Township's offense. Cardone, junior Nick Carnevale, seniors Mikey Izzo and Zach Goldbetter, junior Trevor Tansey, and sophomore Jaylen GillAnderson complete the group of wide receivers. In the backfield, sophomore Chase Enlow, juniors Nick Whisten and Sebastian Andujar, and senior Chris Nasso are the running backs. Davies' Air Raid offense is obviously pass-first and pass-heavy, but the running backs play an important role out of the backfield and have traditionally put up high catch numbers.

FRIDAY 8/26MANALAPAN 6:30PM THURSDAY 9/1BARNEGAT 6:30PM SATURDAY 9/10@MARLBORO 12PM FRIDAY 9/16HOWELL 6:30PM SATURDAY 9/24@COLTS NECK 12PM FRIDAY 9/30@BRICK MEMORIAL 6PM FRIDAY

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: KYLE LUCASH, SR. RS DL: ALEX FALLON, SR. DL: NICK MANFRE, JR. DL: JAYDEN HOLMES-COTTER, SR. OLB: SEBASTIAN ANDUJAR, JR., RS; CAMERON GREENBERG, JR. LB: NICK BENJAMINO, SR., RS; TYLER MURANELLI, SO. LB: JAKE NASTAROWICZ, SR., RS; BRADEN LARKIN, SO. OLB: NICK WHISTEN, JR., RS; CAMERON GREENBERG, JR. CB: ANTHONY LONG, SR.; BOBBY LOFF, JR.; GIANPAUL CORTES, JR.; NICK CARDONE, SO.; CHASE ENLOW, SO.; JAYLEN GILL-ANDERSON, SO. FS: NICK CARNEVALE, JR., RS; IZIAH YOUNG, JR.

Offense: Air Raid Defense: Multiple Player To Watch: Mark Augello, Jr., QB Augello burst onto the scene last season to ﬁnish sixth in the Shore in passing yards (1,488) and set school single-game records for completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes. In Freehold Township's Air Raid offense he has the chance to put up some huge numbers and lead the Patriots back to the postseason.

Player Under the Radar: Shawn Corchado, Jr., WR The Shore Conference had a lot of very good wide receivers last season and Corchado was one of them as a Shore Sports Network Third Team All-Shore selection, catching 38 passes for 497 yards and six touchdowns.

Impact Newcomer: Chase Enlow, So., RB/CB Enlow will get a chance to be a two-way contributor as a sophomore and could be the Patriots' lead running back in addition to seeing time in the defensive backﬁeld at cornerback.

10/7FREEHOLD 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/14@MANCHESTER 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/21JACKSON MEMORIAL 6:30PM ON THE MARK Last season, Freehold Township found itself a quarterback. In fact, it found two. ( L R ) N ICK C ARNEVALE (13), M ARK A UGELLO (10), A NTHONY L ONG (3) & N ICK B ENJAMINO (2) Matt Hardison (DC/LB); Todd Smith (WR); Bill Dague (DL); Jake White (OL); Anthony Lotti (DB); Vince Tesi (DL); Jesse Heubel (Freshmen HC); Matt Ferguson (Freshmen asst.); Ryan Davies (Offensive Analyst); Derek Reichenbecher (Defensive Analyst); Jeff Scenna (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-6 2020: 2-3 2019: 2-8 2018: 5-5 2017: 8-3 H EAD C OACH : Cory Davies, 8th season CAREER RECORD: 32-33 (137-157 OVERALL)

Freehold Township's offensive line was all seniors last year so the Patriots will be breaking in an entirely new group in the trenches. This year they are all juniors - Adam Deinhardt, Ethan Rifkin, Jack Horan, Landon Szymanski, and Carl Nasso. Senior defensive lineman Alex Fallon will also fill in as needed. On the other side of the ball, the Patriots' defense returns seven players who started at least one game. Senior Kyle Lucash is the only returning starter up front with Fallon, junior Nick Manfre, and senior Jayden Holmes-Cotter rounding out the front four. Freehold Township's defense is listed as multiple but in recent years has played some variation of a 42-5 set with hybrid outside linebackers/strong safeties patrolling the field. The traditional linebackers are both returning starters in seniors Nick Benjamino and Jake Nastarowicz. Benjamino made 82 tackles and was a Second Team All-Division selection last year. Sophomores Tyler Muranelli and Braden Larkin are also in line to see considerable playing time. Andujar (63) tackles and Whisten are returning starters at outside linebacker with junior Cameron Greenberg also in the mix. The secondary features Carnevale as the returning starter at safety. He picked off three passes and was a Second Team All-Division selection last year. Junior Iziah Young is the backup. The cornerbacks are Long, juniors Bobby Goff and GianPaul Cortes, and Cardone, Enlow, and Gill-Anderson.

ASSISTANT

4 9

Rivalry Game: Oct. 7 vs. Freehold Boro Rivalry games are great. Rivalry games with a trophy and a great name are even better. During Week 6, Freehold Township and Freehold Boro will clash for "The Duke" and the Patriots will try to snap a three-game skid against the rival Colonials. COACHES:

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 4 QB:MARK AUGELLO, JR., RS; NICK CARDONE, SO, RS RB: CHASE ENLOW, SO.; NICK WHISTEN, JR.; SEBASTIAN ANDUJAR, JR.; CHRIS NASSO, SR. WR: SHAWN CORCHADO, JR., RS; ANTHONY LONG, SR., RS; NICK CARNEVALE, JR.; NICK CARDONE, SO.; MIKEY IZZO, SR.; ZACH GOLDBETTER, SR.; TREVOR TANSEY, JR.; JAYLEN GILL-ANDERSON, SO.; OL: ADAM DEINHARDT, JR. OL: ETHAN RIFKIN, JR. OL: JACK HORAN, JR. OL: LANDON SZYMANSKI, JR. OL: CARL NASSO, JR.

Freehold Township has had a great run of kickers over the past several seasons and enters this fall with one of the Shore's best in senior Cody Wohlrab. He was a Third Team All-Shore selection last season when he converted 15 of 17 extra points, kicked a conferenceleading seven field goals with a long of 35, and averaged 35.5 yards per punt with six downed inside the 20-yard line. After competing in the Liberty Division last year with Central Regional, Marlboro, Matawan, and Neptune, the Patriots will now play in the Constitution Division with Jackson Memorial and fellow Freehold Regional High School District schools Marlboro, Freehold Boro, Colts Neck, and Howell.

Projected Special Team Starters: K: CODY WOHLRAB, SR.; BOBBY LOFF, JR.; JUSTIN TAMAI, SO. P: CODY WOHLRAB, SR.; ZACH GOLDBETTER, SR. K/P RETURNERS: ANTHONY LONG, SR.; NICK CARNEVALE, JR.; CHASE ENLOW, SO.; CHRIS NASSO, SR.; SEBASTIAN ANDUJAR, JR.; GIANPAUL CORTES, JR.; JAYLEN GILL-ANDERSON, SO. LONG SNAPPER: CAMERON GREENBERG, JR.

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

To say this has the returning team members a little ticked off would be putting it mildly.

The Jaguars have owned the all-time series since Liberty opened in 2006 with Memorial winning every game but one. This game has been more competitive in recent years, although the Jags have won by shutout each of the past two seasons.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 30 at Jackson Liberty

Returning for his third year as the team's starting quarterback in their multiple-I offense is senior Tai Mann. An athletic, dual-threat QB, Mann is H EAD C OACH : Vin Mistretta, 6th season RECORD: 27-22

Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3 Instead, injuries and ineffectiveness led to the Jaguars going 3-6, missing the playoffs, having an offense ranked near the bottom of the Shore Conference, and a defense that was only in the middle of the pack.

With veterans returning on both sides of the ball, the Jaguars are aiming for a redemptive season this fall. Eight starters return on both sides of the ball, giving the Jags talent and experience to go along with an ornery mindset heading into their season-opener vs. Brick Memorial on Sept. 1.

ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor 50 OUT FOR REDEMPTION THURSDAY 9/1BRICK MEMORIAL 6PM FRIDAY 9/9@HOWELL 6:30PM FRIDAY 9/16COLTS NECK 7PM FRIDAY 9/23FREEHOLD 7PM FRIDAY 9/30@JACKSON LIBERTY 6PM SATURDAY 10/8@MARLBORO 12PM FRIDAY 10/14DONOVAN CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY 10/21@FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 6:30PM Keith Anderson (Offensive Coordinator/RB); Mike Smith (QB); Pat Kilmurray (OL); Eric Rado (WR); Matt Castronuova (WR); Chris Rash (DL/Special Teams Coordinator); Arnell Cozart (LB); Mike McCarthy (DL); Sal Giglio (LB); TJ Tkac (DB); Khani Glover (DB); Sal Mistretta (Quality Control); Nicolle Figaro (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 3-6 2020: 4-4 2019: 8-3 2018: 6-4 2017: 6-5 L ast year, Jackson Memorial entered the season with plans to rebound from a .500 record and return to its usual position of contending for division and state sectional championships. ( L R ) A NGELO N ICOSIA (11), A IDAN S WEENEY (5), T AI M ANN (1), M ICHAEL C IPRIANO (14) & R YAN F ISCHER (73) SR. QB T AI M ANN

Player To Watch: Tai Mann, Sr., QB/CB Mann combined for 1,190 yards and 12 touchdowns last season and the coaching staff believes he can have a big year as a senior. He has the athleticism and experience to make it happen. Mann is also a threeyear starter at cornerback.

CAREER

"We aren't having another season like last year, that's just a fact," said senior two-way lineman Ryan Fischer. "We're working hard and we're ready to hit people."

Rivalry games are dangerous, however, and this game carries a lot of juice regardless of each team's record.

Player Under the Radar: Aidan Sweeney, Sr., RB/OLB Being a tailback in Jackson's offense is often a golden ticket to stardom. Sweeney ran for 573 yards and ﬁve touchdowns as a junior and is aiming to hit the 1,000-yard mark and help the Jaguars' offense get back to its punishing ways.

Impact Newcomer: Harold Mee, So., RT Mee (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) is the only sophomore currently scheduled to start and will line up at right tackle.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:TAI MANN, SR., 3RS RB: AIDAN SWEENEY, SR., RS; BRANDON BIGELOW, JR., RS WR: ALBERT D’ALESSANDRO, JR., RS; JAIDEN HERNANDEZ, JR., RS; RYAN JAGODZINSKI, JR. TE: SHAUN HUBBARD, JR., RS LT: LUCAS STAHLNECKER, SR., RS LG: RYAN FISCHER, SR., RS C: DYLAN KRONSEDER, SR. RG: AUSTIN COMIRE, JR. RT: HAROLD MEE, SO. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: ANGELO NICOSIA, SR., RS DT: ZACH ELFASHNY, JR. DT: RYAN FISCHER, SR., RS DE: SHAUN HUBBARD, JR., RS OLB: BRANDON BIGELOW, JR. MLB: MIKE CIPRIANO, SR., RS OLB: AIDAN SWEENEY, SR. CB: TAI MANN, SR., 3RS CB: FRANK CASTELLANO, JR. SS: JAIDEN HERNANDEZ, JR., RS FS: ALBERT D'ALESSANDRO, JR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: ALEXEY TSELICHTCHEV, SR., RS P: ANGELO NICOSIA, SR., RS 51 J R . WR A LBERT D’A LESSANDRO

The offensive line has two returning starters - three if you count junior Shaun Hubbard as a returning starter at tight end. The left side of the line features returning starters Fischer (6-3, 270) at left guard and senior Lucas Stahlnecker (62, 235) at left tackle. The center is senior Dylan Kronseder (6-0, 250), the right guard is junior Austin Comire (6-2, 250), and the right tackle is sophomore Harold Mee (61, Jackson's230). defense is usually among the stingiest and most physical in the Shore, and this year's group is eager to regain their swagger after a down year.

of junior returning starters in Albert D'Alessandro and Jaiden Hernandez with fellow junior Ryan Jagodzinski rounding out the trio.

The defensive line is shaping up to be a strong unit with three of four starters back. Hubbard and senior Angelo Nicosia are the defensive ends while Fischer is a returning starter at defensive tackle. Junior Zach Elfashny has earned the starting job as the other defensive tackle. At linebacker, senior Mike Cipriano is back as the middle linebacker after recording a team-high 84 tackles last season. He will be flanked by Bigelow and Sweeney on the outside. The defensive backfield has three returning starters with Mann at cornerback for the third straight year, Hernandez at strong safety, and D'Alessandro at free safety. The newcomer is junior Frank Castellano at the other cornerback spot opposite Mann. On special teams, senior Alexey Tselichtchev is back as the kicker while Nicosia will handle the punting duties. After competing in the Colonial Division last season with Middletown South, Southern, Manalapan, and Holmdel, the Jaguars will now play in the Constitution Division with Howell, Marlboro, Colts Neck, Freehold Township, and Freehold Boro. It's a wide-open division on paper and one the Jaguars could certainly find themselves on top of if all goes according to plan.

ason Dagato took the Marlboro head coaching job 10 years ago knowing that it would be a long haul trying to get a downtrodden program back to the NJSIAA Playoffs for the first time since 1999 and with a 5-2 record in late October a season ago, that long haul appeared to be just about complete.

Top Position Groups: Receivers Ryan Mendes was Schwartz’s go-to receiver a year ago, with the 6foot-2 target hauling in 27 catches for 426 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. He will be a focus for both Schwartz and opposing defenses this year, while classmate Lucas McEvoy returns at tight end. Alex Frank is the newcomer to watch among the receiving corps and fellow senior Jake Houston will also see action as well, with Marlboro looking for additional options to take the pressure off Mendes and Schwartz

Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: 3-4

With a win over Jackson Memorial, the Mustangs would lock up their first state playoff berth in 22 years and even with a loss, Dagato and his team were hopeful a 5-3 record in the Shore Conference would produce enough power points to sneak in.

TWENTY-THREE & FREE

Player To Watch:

By: Matt

5 2

With an impressive collection of playmakers back on offense and some developing depth

now-23-yearonhasonceMarlborodefense,onagaindesignsendingis state playoff drought and after getting so close a year ago, there is optimism that this is the year the Mustangs kick in the door.

( L R ) R YAN M ENDES (7), AJ S CHWARTZ (4), M ATT C ASSIDY (22) & C ORY S HANIN (74)

A.J. Schwartz, Sr., QB In his ﬁrst year as the starting quarterback at Marlboro, Schwartz proved to be both effective and efﬁcient. He produced a completion percentage of better than 60 percent (62-for-103) while throwing for 834 yards and connected on 14 touchdowns while throwing only two interceptions. He will also have his favorite target, classmate Zach Mendes, back in the passing game and three starters on the offensive line, so the table is set for Schwartz to feast in 2022.

Player Under the Radar: Corey Shanin, Sr., LT/DE Marlboro’s strength is in its experience at the skill positions, but Shanin is a critical player to what the Mustangs are trying to accomplish this season. Shanin is a third-year starter on the offensive line, manning the left tackle spot while center Pete Budveit and guard Hunter Boilen play on the interior. Shanin will also be a key cog on the defensive line, which is the least experience aspect of this year’s Marlboro squad, but a source of optimism thanks to quality depth. “Defensively, we have to replace our defensive line, so that’s one of our bigger projects during the preseason and early in the season,” Dagato said. “We have some young guys who got to play in some rotational roles and got some exposure and experience, but that’s really the spot where we’re going to have to put our work in. We feel like that’s going well. There is great competition, to the point where if we can stay healthy, we’re looking at being potentially two-deep an every spot on the defensive line.”

Big Shoes to Fill: Matt Cassidy, Jr., RB/SS

Rivalry Game: Sept. 23 at Howell Marlboro’s schedule will be tougher this season and one of the opponents that picked off the Mustangs last year was Howell. Both Marlboro and Howell have a good chance to be improved teams, so their Week 4 matchup is likely to be a crucial one for both teams as they try to march forward toward a postseason berth. For a team a team looking to end a two-plus-decade drought, every week is important, so while Marlboro might like to exact some revenge for last year’s loss to Howell, the Mustangs’ focus will undoubtedly be on the next game.

THURSDAY 9/1@BRICK 6PM SATURDAY 9/10FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 12PM SATURDAY 9/17FREEHOLD 12PM FRIDAY 9/23@HOWELL 6:30PM SATURDAY 10/1ST. JOHN VIANNEY 12PM SATURDAY 10/8JACKSON MEMORIAL 12PM FRIDAY 10/14@MANALAPAN 7PM SATURDAY 10/22@COLTS NECK 12PMH EAD C OACH : Jason Dagato, 10th season CAREER RECORD: 24-63 ASSISTANT COACHES: Reid Stapp (Def. Coordinator/RB/LB), Jim Papalia (Special Teams/WR/DL), Tom Caporale (QB/DB), Bill Cook (OL/DL), Ryan Cassidy (RB/LB), Chris Juliano (WR/DB), Cory Varrial (Freshman), Mike Warnock (Freshman), Mike Luzio (Freshman), Anais Mixson (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 7-3. 2020: 1-6. 2019: 3-7 2018: 4-6 2017: 3-7

Marlboro lost a 19-14 heartbreaker to the Jaguars and fell out of the playoff picture in Group V, extending the drought to 23 years and leaving the fire burning for the group of returnees heading into“The2022.initial feeling when we found out we weren’t going to be in the playoffs was definitely frustration,” Dagato said. “At the same time, we got together as coaches, players and staff and said ‘We’re 5-3, let’s play the rest of the season like it’s the playoffs. Let’s send a message and set the tone going into the offseason,’ and to their credit, our guys totally bought in, they won their last two games and I think they really proved to themselves that they really do know how to win.”

S R . QB AJ S CHWARTZ

Manlet SSN Senior Editor

“It’s hard not to be excited after last year,” Dagato said. “We feel really good about last year, but we’re taking that humble and hungry approach. Last year is last year and it has to stay last year. We can’t let that define this year, because if you do that, you’re not really setting yourself up for success.”Thechallenge for this year’s group

The toughest player to replace in last year’s lineup will be Zach Mendes, but fortunately, Marlboro has a junior with starting experience who is ready to elevate his game. Cassidy played fullback a year ago and will assume the role of feature tailback within an offense that has a capable quarterback running the show. On defense, Cassidy will return to the strong safety spot and take on more of a leadership role on that side of the ball. Classmate Anthony Tropeano will also help replace Mendes by taking over the fullback spot vacated by Cassidy’s position switch, as well as an inside linebacker position formerly occupied by Zach Mendes.

Returning

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: DE: COREY SHANIN, SR. DT: ROB KENYON, JR. DE: LUCAS MCEVOY, SR. RS OLB: ALEX FRANK, SR. RS ILB: ANTHONY TROPEANO, JR. ILB: DAN LACERTOSA, SO. OLB: RYAN MENDES, SR. 3RS CB: ANTHONY LAFONTE, SR. RS CB: NICK SCAFF, JR. RS; JAKE HOUSTON, SR. SS: MATT CASSIDY, JR. RS FS: A.J. SCHWARTZ, SR. 3 RS Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:LUKE RUBIN, JR. RS 5 3 will be adjusting to a more challenging schedule, which no longer contains any Group III schools and is instead filled with Group V, Group IV and non-public opponents. Two of Marlboro’s wins last year were against Group III programs with losing records. The benefit to the upgraded schedule is Marlboro will now have an opportunity to bank enough power points to comfortably qualify for the NJSIAA Playoffs. The obvious caveat is the Mustangs will have to be able to beat most of the quality opponents on their schedule and with the success of last year’s team coupled with the talent returning, the team expects to do just that. “We’ve got a lot of guys back: three offensive linemen back, a tight end back, a fullback who is moving to tailback, quarterback and a receiver. That’s a lot of guys back, so we definitely feel like we can build on last year. Offense usually takes time to get rolling, so I expect us to be ahead of schedule with all that experience coming back.”

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Starters: 7 QB:A.J. SCHWARTZ, SR. RS MATT CASSIDY, JR. RS; DYLAN MICCOLI, SR.; DAN ALCIDE, JR. ANTHONY TROPEANO, JR. WR: RYAN MENDES, SR. RS WR: ALEX FRANK, SR.; JAKE HOUSTON, SR. LUCAS MCEVOY, SR. RS LT: COREY SHANIN, SR. 3RS LG: LOU OGNO, JR.; MIKE GARCIA, JR. C: PETE BUDVEIT, SR. RS RG: HUNTER BOILEN, SR. RS RT: JON MOSKOWICH, JR.; NATE EMERSON, JR.

RB:

TE:

FB:

5 4

AJ SCHWARTZ, SR., MARLBORO Schwartz threw for 834 yards and 14 touchdown and added 541 yards rushing and five touchdowns for a Marlboro offense that averaged 23.4 points per game. He also made 27 tackles and intercepted three passes on defense.

MATT OLIPHANT, JR., POINT BORO Oliphant played running back last season and ran for 477 yards and 11 touchdowns and will take over as the quarterback in the Panthers’ triple-option offense.

JULIAN JONES, SR., MONMO Jones ran for 1,198 yards and 14 touchdow

JOJO BIVINS, SR., BARNEGA Bivins ran for 1,356 yard and 21 touchdow

CONNOR CILENTO, SR., POIN Cilento averaged 12.5 yards per carry (not and totaled nine touchdowns altogether. H

JASHAWN CARTER, JR., ASB Carter ran for 903 yards and11 touchdown yards per carry and caught 19 passes for touchdowns.

MICAH FORD, JR., TOMS RIVER NORTH Ford rushed for 1,451 yards and 17 touchdowns and threw for 944 yards and eight touchdowns. He also made 82 tackles with 2 tackles for loss, one interception, 3 forced fumbles, and 7 pass breakups on defense.

JHAMIER HOWARD, SR., MAN Howard ran for 544 yards and seven touc receiving touchdowns, and returned a kic help the Warriors reach the South Jersey G

CONNOR DIETZ, JR., BRICK MEMORIAL Dietz rushed for 1,368 yards and 18 touchdowns, threw for 1,010 yards and five touchdowns, and set a Brick Memorial single-season scoring record with 130 points.

Every year the Shore Conference has countless football players who light it up on Friday and Saturday during the football season, bringing crowds to their feet and giving us endless video highlights and topics to write about. This season is no different, with several players already committed to FBS schools and other standouts looking to cement their high school legacies. Here are some of the top players in the Shore Conference who you should make a point to see in person.

quarter BACKS BRETT PATTEN, SR., MANASQUAN Patten threw for 1,591 yards and 25 touchdowns and ran for eight touchdowns last season to help Manasquan reach the South Jersey Group 3 semifinals.

TYLER DOUGLAS, SR., OCEAN Douglas threw for 881 yards and nine touchdowns, ran for 815 yards and eight touchdowns, and made 64 tackles with three interceptions as a safety. He is committed to Temple University.

Running BACKS CHASE GUMBRECHT, SR.. Gumbrecht led the Shore Conferenc with 1,825 yards and 25 touchdown the Liberty Division title. KIERAN RARITANFAL Falzon was thi touchdowns to h JAKE CROC Croce eclipsed th for a Point Boro game. He also interceptions on defense.

NASQUAN chdowns, added three ck for a touchdown to Group 3 semifinals.

TYLER BURNHAM, JR., RBC

See Top Players page 56

he 1,000-yard mark with 1,101 yards and 10 touchdown offense that led the Shore averaging 35.5 points per caught two touchdown passes and had three OUTH wns to help the Falcons win the National Division title.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pound offensive tackle helped pave the way for Point Boro to rush for 3,682 yards and 52 touchdowns as the Panthers went 10-2 and won the South Jersey Group 2 title. He is committed to Temple University.

COLE SKINNER, SR., POINT BORO

A fast-rising FBS recruit with offers from Georgia, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M, and others, Matthews started at tackle as a freshman for a Mariners team that reached the South Jersey Group 5 final.

The 6-foot-6, 295-pound tackle started as a sophomore and is earning FBS interest.

LORENZO PORTELLA, JR., RBC Portella was good enough to start as a freshman on a very good RBC team and has only gotten better entering his junior season where he figures to pave the way for an explosive Caseys offense.

CENTRAL ce in rushing last season s to lead the Eagles to LZON, SR., rd in the Shore with 1,512 yards rushing and 23 help the Rockets reach the Central Jersey Group 2 final.

ffensive

JOSH KAYE, SR., TOMS RIVER NORTH Kaye was a Third Team All-Shore selection last season when his play up front helped the Mariners reach the South Jersey Group 5 title game. 55

CE, JR., POINT BORO

BURY PARK s on an average of 8.9 r 412 yards and three AT wns and was fifth in the Shore with 126 points. NT BORO a typo) with 543 yards rushing and seven touchdowns He also had two interceptions on defense. Linemen

JA’ELYNE MATTHEWS, SO., TOMS RIVER NORTH

Kyle Verriest, Sr., St. John Vianney Verriest hauled in 28 passes for 426 yard and four touchdowns last season.

Emanuel Ross, Jr. Red Bank Catholic Ross caught 17 passes for 283 yards and five touchdowns and has received considerable FBS interest.

Jackson Whitacre, Jr., Shore Regional Whitacre posted 60 tackles with a team-high 10 sacks, a teamleading 16 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble for a defense that was No. 7 in the Shore allowing 13.9 points per game.

Tareq Council, Jr., Toms River North Council caught 20 passes for 420 yards and seven touchdowns and also pulled down two interceptions on defense.

Jack Lopez, Sr., Middletown North Lopez was voted the co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Independence Division after recording 63 total tackles with 21 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 20 hurries.

D ante Vernieri, Sr., Donovan Catholic Vernieri made 132 takles with two sacks and tied for the Shore Conference lead with five interceptions, four of which he returned for touchdowns.

NAJIH RAHMAN, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC

Shawn Corchado, Jr., Freehold Township Corchado emerged as the No. 1 receiver for the Patriots and caught 38 passes for 497 yards and six touchdowns.

De’ondre Banks, Sr., Neptune Banks totaled 65 tackles, 8 sacks, and 15 tackles for loss to lead the way for the Scarlet Fliers defense.

Colin Gallagher, Jr., Middletown South Gallagher totaled 83 tackles with a conference-best 12 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup for a stout Eagles defense that allowed just 10l1 points per game.

56 Wide Receivers

Michael Thomas III, So., Donovan Catholic Thomas had just four catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman but is extremely talented and a major candidate to have a breakout season.

Defensive Linemen

Line BACKers

Shane Garrett, Sr., Ocean A four-year starter Garrett was a Third Team All-Shore selection last season when he produced three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Connor Reynolds, Sr., Point Boro Reynolds made 61 tackles with 7 sacks and 5 tackles for loss to help the Panthers go 10-2 and win the South Jersey Group 2 championship.

Top Players Cont from page 55

Rahman caught 32 passes for 520 yards and four touchdowns to help lead RBC to an 11-1 record, the NJSIAA Non-Public B state title, and the No. 1 ranking in the Shore Conference. He is committed to Brown University Kevin Maloney, Jr., Howell Maloney had a breakout sophomore season with 34 catches for 573 yard and seven touchdowns.

Michael Calton, Sr., Manalapan Calton kicked 21 extra points and five field goals with a long of 38 yards, and also averaged 43 yards per punt. Cody Wohlrab, Sr., Freehold Township Wohlrab converted 15 of 17 extra points and kicked a conference-high seven field goals with a long of 35 yards.

Tyler Gordon, Sr., Point Boro Gordon totaled 74 tackles, 5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions and also rushed for six touchdowns to help Point Boro win the South Jersey Group 2 title.

Davin Brewton, Jr., Red Bank Catholic Brewton recorded 119 tackles, 2 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss to help the Caseys go 11-1 and win the Non-Public B state title.

FOR INFORMATION ON HI-RES COLOR PRINTS OF ANY PAGES & IMAGES IN ANY OF OUR PUBLICATIONS CONTACT: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

Shamar Williams, Sr., Long Branch Williams tied for the conference lead with five interceptions, including three which he returned for touchdowns, and added 45 tackles, 1 sack, 13 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks.

Ty Kazanowsky, Sr., Toms River North Kazanowsky made 84 tackles, 5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 32 hurries to earn Third Team All-Shore honors and help the Mariners reach the South Jersey Group 5 final.

Jeremiah Pruitt, Jr., Toms River North Pruitt had 89 tackles and two interceptions in the secondary and also caught 19 passes for 311 yard and three touchdowns to help the Mariners reach the South Jersey Group 5 final.

Sabino Portella, Sr., Red Bank Catholic Portella recorded 68 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, and 2 pass breakups as a safety and was also RBC’s leading rusher with 845 yards and nine touchdowns.

Beau Kemler, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven Kemler totaled 56 tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble for Rumson’s top-ranked defense that allowed just 6.8 points per game.

Jake Czwakiel, Jr., Middletown South Czwakiel tied for the conference lead with five interceptions and finished with 45 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 5 pass breakups. He was also one of the Shore’s best kickers who converted 25 of 27 extra points and kicked five field goals with a long of 31 yards.

Kickers

Defensive BACKS

Matt Cassidy, Jr., Marlboro Cassidy notched a team-high 11 tackles, including 76 solo tackles and 14 tackles for loss, and also tied for the team lead with three interceptions. He added 13 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns as Marlboro went 7-3 for its first winning season since 1999.

5 8 ON THE LINE L

16th

Impact Newcomers: Kevin Andrews, So., RB & Trey Tallmadge, Fr., TE Brick Memorial's list of potential starters is all juniors and seniors with the exception of Andrews and Tallmadge, which says a lot about what the coaching staff thinks of their abilities. Andrews has a chance to make an immediate impact at running back while Tallmadge, who played quarterback at the youth level, has the size (6-0, 175) and skill to contribute immediately at a variety of positions.

Rivalry Game: Oct. 22 vs. Brick This one speaks for itself. For years it was Brick vs. Brick Memorial on Thanksgiving. Then the game changed to the first week of the season. Now, the Mustangs and Dragons will clash on the final week of the regular season in a game that could decide a division title and playoff positioning. Currie, season

SSN Managing Editor

The most important position in head coach Walt Currie's triple-option offense is quarterback, and the Mustangs found themselves a good one last season with the emergence of Connor Dietz, who set the program's single-season scoring record as a sophomore. Brick Memorial starts in a good place with him back for his junior year, but breaking in a new set of offensive and defensive linemen will test the Mustangs' trench work.

CAREER RECORD: 81-74 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Player Under the Radar: Jeremiah Crispin, Sr., WR/DB Crispin returns as a two-way starter and is coming off a season in which he intercepted two passes on defense.

T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 3-7 2020: 3-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 4-6 2017: 7-4Offense: Multiple Option Defense: 4-3 J R . QB C ONNOR D IETZ ( L R ) J EREMIAH C RISPIN (5), E LIJAH B ENJAMIN (1), C ONNOR D IETZ (8) & J AYDEN R IVERA (55)

Fast forward 12 months and the script has been completely flipped.

Player To Watch: Connor Dietz, Jr., QB/DB Dietz exploded into the scene last season with a school singleseason record 130 points and was one of two players in the Shore to both rush and pass for over 1,000 yards. He ran for 1,368 yards and 18 touchdowns and threw for 1,010 yards and five touchdowns.

Rob Brown (Defensive Coordinator); James Mahoney (Offensive Coordinator); Bill Brunner (OL); Paul Walski (OL); Keith Farr (WR); Pete Walski (TE); William Brunner Sr. (DT); Nick Moschella (LB); Brady Watson (Safeties); Sean Thornton (DE); Jimmy Bright (Freshmen); Ryan Graham (Freshmen); Sue Penrod (Athletic Trainer)

Dietz is one of six returning starters in Brick Memorial's option offense and enters the season with high expectations after a breakout sophomore season. He was fifth in the Shore Conference in rushing with 1,368 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns and 16th in the Shore with 1,010 yards passing and five touchdowns. His 130 total points were fourth in the Shore and set a new Brick Memorial single-season record. Additionally, he and Freehold quarterback ast year, Brick Memorial entered the season with a senior-laden group of linemen tasked with leading the way for a talented yet unproven group of skill players.

By: Bob Badders

T HURSDAY 9/1@J ACKSON M EMORIAL 6 PM F RIDAY 9/9R ED B ANK 6 PM F RIDAY 9/16@O CEAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23N EPTUNE 6 PM F RIDAY 9/30F REEHOLD T OWNSHIP 6 PM F RIDAY 10/7T OMS R IVER S OUTH 6 PM F RIDAY 10/14@C ENTRAL 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/22@B RICK 12 PM H EAD C OACH : Walt

FR. LT: JAYDEN

RT:

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 6 QB:CONNOR

The offensive line will once again be comprised entirely of seniors, but whereas last season all five were returning starters, this year four of the five are first-year starters. Senior Jayden Rivera is a returning starter at left tackle and senior left guard Ben Wooley (6-4, 250) slides inside after starting at tight end last season. Senior Jordan Lizardi is the center, senior Armando Vazquez is the right guard, and senior Jayden Aponte is the right tackle. Most offenses go as far as their line can take them so it will be critical for this group to gel quickly and allow Brick Memorial's skill players to find time and space.

OLB:

WR:

RS LG: BEN

RS (MOVED

DE:

CB:

DT:

FS: CONNOR DIETZ, JR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: NICCO MARIBO, JR., RS; ARMANDO VAZQUEZ, SR. P: JOE NOLAN, SR., RS

Projected

Divisional realignment has Brick Memorial moving from the highlycompetitive Independence Division (Brick, Lacey, Howell, Middletown North) to the new-look Freedom Division with Brick, Toms River South, Red Bank, Ocean, and Neptune.

Five starters return in Brick Memorial's 4-3 base defense. The defensive line features Vazquez and Wooley at defensive end and Rivera, a returning starter, and senior Rich Gardner as the defensive tackles. The middle linebacker is senior Edwin Vargas and the outside linebackers are Nolan and senior Ibn Taylor. Nolan is a returning starter. Maribo will also see time at outside linebacker. Benjamin and Crispin (2 INTs) are returning starters at cornerback, Dietz returns as the free safety, and senior Anthony Schamber is the strong safety.

S R .RS J AYDEN R IVERA

59 DIETZ, JR., KEVIN ANDREWS, SO.; NICCO MARIBO, JR. JEREMIAH CRISPIN, SR., RS; ELI BENJAMIN, SR, RS.; JASAAN WHITAKER, JOE NOLAN, SR., TALLMADGE, RIVERA, SR., WOOLEY, SR., FROM JORDAN LIZARDI, SR. ARMANDO VAZQUEZ, SR. JAYDEN APONTE, SR. Defensive Starters: Starters: 5 ARMANDO VAZQUEZ, SR. RICH GARDNER, SR. JAYDEN RIVERA, SR., RS BEN WOOLEY, SR. JOE NOLAN, SR. RS; NICCO MARIBO, JR. EDWIN VARGAS, SR. IBN TAYLOR, SR. JEREMIAH CRISPIN, SR., RS ELI BENJAMIN, SR., RS SS: ANTHONY SCHAMBER, SR.

"It seems like everybody is excited to be here and that's all that matters to me," Dietz said. "The energy level is way up now that the season is almost here."

OLB:

RS RB:

ninth-grader who is the younger brother of former Brick All-Shore linebacker Richie Tallmadge and Brick Memorial two-time wrestling state champion Evan Tallmadge.

JR. TE:

TE) C:

RG:

MLB:

Returning

On special teams, Maribo was the team's starting kicker last year and is back in that role along with Vazquez. Nolan returns as the team's punter.

CB:

RS; TREY

DE:

DT:

In the passing game, junior Johnny Poukish and senior Ethan Christiansen are the main wide receivers and sophomore Jayden Johnson and senior Logan Donnelly are slated to line up in the slot.At tight end, senior Tyson Lopez (6-1, 235) returns as the starter with junior Ezra Meyers also at the position. The left side of the offensive line is a clear strength with a pair of senior returning starters - Michael Pormigiano at left tackle and Colin Wilson at left guard. The center is senior Abdul Rahimi and the right guard is also a returning starter in junior Will Walsh. At right tackle is senior Ray Wood (6-2, 240). Adding depth to the offensive line are sophomore Chris Quick and junior Juan Navarette at tackle, juniors Alex Azevado and Vincent Vargas at guard, and junior Aidan Lowenstein at center. Defense has long been a hallmark of Brick football and the Dragons had an aboveaverage unit last season that finished 14th in the Shore allowing 18.3 points per game. Four starters return with two of them being along the defensive line. Toye is a returning starter at defensive end and Pormigiano is a returner at defensive tackle. The rest of the defensive ends are Lopez, Salvato, Wood, and senior Gabe Batt, and rounding out the group of defensive tackles are Rahimi, Lowenstein, Navaratte, Brandon O'Hearn, and John DeVaughn. Walsh and Wilson are both returning starters at linebacker with Meyers set to also start. Trempy, senior Mike Rufano, and sophomore Sean Savannah could also see playing time at linebacker.Thesecondary consistent of Christiansen, Donnelly, Grygiel, and Johnson as starters with Booker, senior Julian Beltran, freshman Germaine Rice, senior Jose Flippen, and Ryan Chapman also in the Divisionmix. realignment has Brick in the Freedom Division with rivals Brick Memorial and Toms River South, plus Ocean, Neptune, and Red Bank. RAHIMI, SR.; AIDAN LOWENSTEIN, JR. RG: WILL WALSH, JR., RS; VINCENT VARGAS, JR.

T HURSDAY 9/1M ARLBORO 6 PM F RIDAY 9/9T OMS R IVER S OUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@N EPTUNE 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23@R ED B ANK 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30@C ENTRAL 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7O CEAN 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14@L ACEY 6:30 PM S ATURDAY 10/22B RICK M EMORIAL 12 PM H EAD C OACH : Len Zdanowicz, 8th season CAREER RECORD: 40-31 ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor ( L R ) T YSON L OPEZ (89), M ICHAEL P ORMIGIANO (64), AJ G RYGIEL (14) & C OLIN W ILSON (58) EXPECTING TO CONTEND W ith just a handful of starters back in the fold for the 2022 season, there are plenty of question marks surrounding the Brick Dragons football team. But just because there aren't many recognizable names doesn't mean the expectations have changed for one of the most tradition-rich schools in the Shore Conference.Matt Fuller (Offensive coordinator/QB); Brian McNamara (Defensive coordinator/LB); Andrew Cruz (OL); John Dolan (WR); Bob Grace (RB); Joe Smyth (DL); Chad Dougherty (LB); John Prato (DB); Kurt Wieboldt (Special teams/kickers); Jared Kight (assistant); Jack Bush (video coordinator); Christian Malta (Defensive asst.); Jay Groschel (Freshmen Head Coach/OC), Chris Blackburn (DC); Pete Fusco (athletic trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-5 2020: 2-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 83 2017: 6-5 Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 6 QB:AJ GRYGIEL, SR., RS; CHRISTIAN BOOKER, JR. RB: TRAVIS TREMPY, JR.; AIDAN DVORAK, JR. HB: JAKE TOYE, JR., RS; CHRIS SALVATO, SR. SLOT: JAYDEN JOHNSON, SO.; LOGAN DONNELLY, SR. WR: JOHNNY POUKISH, JR.; ETHAN CHRISTIANSEN, SR. TE: TYSON LOPEZ, SR., RS; EZRA MEYERS, JR. LT: MICHAEL PORMIGIANO, SR., RS; CHRIS QUICK, SO. LG: COLIN WILSON, SR., RS; ALEX AZEVADO, JR. C: ABDUL

LB: EZRA MEYERS, JR.; TRAVIS TREMPY, JR.

DB: LOGAN DONNELLY, SR.; GERMAINE RICE, FR.

DE: TYSON LOPEZ, SR.; GABE BATT, SR.

LB: COLIN WILSON, SR., RS; SEAN SAVANNAH, SO.

A group of important seniors paired with some promising underclassmen have the Dragons ready to compete for a title in what looks to be a very competitive Freedom Division. And, as always, a return to the playoffs is always a goal for a program that has won seven NJSIAA sectional championships and several more before the current playoff model took shape. Brick's offense features senior returning starter AJ Grygiel as the team's quarterback. Junior Christian Booker will serve as the backup. Grygiel will orchestrate a multi-faceted scheme that returns a total of six starters. The backfield also includes junior returning starter Jake Toye at Hback along with senior Chris Salvato, plus juniors Travis Trempy and Aidan Dvorak at running back.

This year's edition of the Battle of Brick has an extra layer to it now that it will take place during Week 8, the ﬁnal week of the regular season. A playoff spot, playoff positioning, and even a division title could be on the line when the Dragons and Mustangs square off at Keller Memorial Field. Brick won last season's game, 36-18, and has dominated the series over the past decade.

DB: AJ GRYGIEL, SR.; CHRISTIAN BOOKER, JR.

DT: MICHAEL PORMIGIANO, SR., RS; AIDAN LOWENSTEIN, JR.; JOHN DEVAUGHN DT:ABDUL RAHIMI, SR.; BRANDON O'HEARN, JUAN NAVARETTE, JR.

DB: ETHAN CHRISTIANSEN, SR.; JULIAN BELTRAN, SR.

RT: RAY WOOD, SR.; JUAN NAVARETTE, JR.

LB: WILL WALSH, JR., RS; MIKE RUFANO, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K: KURT WEIBOLDT, JR. P: AJ GRYGIEL, SR.

Impact Newcomer: Jayden Johnson, So., WR/DB Johnson is in line to be a starter at both wide receiver and in the secondary and should get plenty of opportunities to make a major impact in his ﬁrst varsity season.

Rivalry Game: Oct. 22 vs. Brick Memorial

Player Under the Radar: Jake Toye, Jr., RB/LB Toye played signiﬁcant snaps as a sophomore and could be in line for a breakout season on both sides of the ball. He is also a standout ice hockey player for the Dragons.

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Player To Watch: AJ Grygiel, Sr., QB/DB Grygiel returns as Brick's starting quarterback and will also start in the secondary after seeing some time there last season. The Dragons will need both production and leadership from him if they are to contend.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 4 DE: JAKE TOYE, JR., RS; CHRIS SALVATO, SR.; RAY WOOD, SR.

DB: JAYDEN JOHNSON, SO.; JOSE FLIPPEN, SR.

WR:

Rivalry Game: Oct. 8 vs. Red Bank The Neptune seniors and juniors will welcome their former coach, Shane Fallon, to Neptune in early October. Fallon lasted only one season at Neptune before leaving the Scarlet Fliers for Red Bank following the 2020 season. Neptune was the most impacted program by COVID restrictions and the schedule was challenging, to say the least, leading to a 2-5 ﬁnish. Since Fallon’s departure, Duffy has come in and helped bring a blend of calm and ﬁre to the program and his players will surely be excited to show their old coach what he is missing out on. After a 0-3 start to 2021, Neptune went 4-2 over its final six games and with a slew of proven talent returning for 2022, the Scarlet Fliers are looking to use their strong finish as a springboard to a big upcoming season.

OLB:

Strict district COVID restrictions limited practice time before the 2020 season, so the young Scarlet Fliers had some catching up to do over the last calendar year and the furious finish suggests the program is indeed over that 2020 setback. It also doesn’t hurt that they will have some leaders back all over the field, enough speed emerging in an inexperienced receiving corps and a noteworthy amount of line talent for a program that is typically thin at that spot. Duffy is a former offensive lineman and is eager to see what this year’s group can do while blocking for senior running back Davon Craft and senior quarterback Davionne Pearson. De’Ondre Banks, Jayden Rodriguez and junior Daniel Laughton are returning starters on the line and sophomore Adon Davis and senior Jalen Weeden will occupy the right side of the line.

“I’d like to think 4-5 is never acceptable for me, but coming off the COVID year and still dealing with that, being a first-year coach, trying to revive the program, I was happy with that,” Duffy said. “The kids started to see the results of what we’re doing: working hard, coming to practice, staying together and they started reaping the benefits.”

TE:

WR:

LG:

“I’m very happy with the line, I think we’re progressing in that part of the game,” Duffy said. “That’s always been a problem here: we have athletes, but we don’t have enough linemen, so we’re starting to get guys who know what position they have to play and they’re buying into it.”

RAFT

EARSON

Manlet SSN Senior Editor (

out that the players were not the problem.Jeremy Balina (Def. Coordinator), Mike Seber (Special Teams/QB), Shane Bigelow (OL/DL), John Pacowski (DL), Frank Iachetta (OL/DL), Netanis Bean (RB/DB), Mysonn Ledet (RB/DB), Mike Mahoney (WR/OLB), Ron Puryear (Film), Mike Randolph (Director Football Operations), Amanda Kelly (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-5 2020: 2-5 2019: 6-4 2018: 5-5 2017: 0-10 Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 6 2

Big Shoes to Fill: Jasean Johnson, Razier Whitting & Samji Pennington, Sr., WR/DBl The senior trio of receivers will be replacing a group of capable players that were ahead of them on the depth chart, most notably top receivers Matteo Andrews and David Glisson. The senior group will beneﬁt from having an experienced senior in Pearson throwing to them and each of them has shown enough speed and ability to put Duffy at ease with the options his senior quarterback will have.

With so many pieces already in place and plenty of optimism at practice coming off last season’s 4-2 finish, Neptune’s expectation is to hit the ground running in 2022 and carry that momentum all the way into the NJSIAA Group III Playoffs.

QB:DAVIONNE

(RS=returning

OLB:

RB:

Player Under the Radar: Davionne Pearson, Sr., QB Craft and Banks are the leaders on the team and the players who are returning with the All-Division and All-Shore buzz, which means Pearson has been able to go about his business coming off a solid season in his own right. The senior signal-caller completed better than 50 percent of his passes (55-for-101) for 857 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions – numbers that ﬁgure to improve with an experienced offensive line back in front of him and a talented senior running back behind him.

LT:

)

Projected

J AYDEN R ODRIGUEZ (70) FLIERS ON THE WALL C

T HURSDAY 9/1@P OINT B ORO 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9O CEAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16B RICK 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23@B RICK M EMORIAL 6 PM S ATURDAY 10/8R ED B ANK 1 PM F RIDAY 10/14@L ONG B RANCH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21@T OMS R IVER S OUTH 6 PM T HURSDAY 11/24A SBURY PARK 10 AM H EAD C OACH : Brian Duffy, 2nd season CAREER RECORD: 4-5 ASSISTANT COACHES:

By: Matt L R D E NDRE B ANKS (50), D C (9), D AVIONNE P (5), A NTHONY B ANKS (8) &

RG:

WR:

Returning

AVON

oaching found

ILB:

’O

“I’m happy with where we are right now as opposed to last year,” second-year Neptune coach Brian Duffy said. “From year one to year two, you can kind of see as a program, we’re taking steps. We’re doing the little things. Everything we have been preaching, they are starting to buy in every day. From last year, everything is just night and day. The attitude is ten thousand times different and it’s just great being around these kids.”

RT:

Player To Watch: Davon Craft, Jr., RB Coming off a 1,000-yard sophmore season running the ball, Craft is an established feature back with a returning quarterback, experienced offensive line and enough depth on the team to rest him on defense. Those conditions suggest that Neptune’s senior back is poised for an even bigger 2022 and the Scarlet Fliers offense will certainly give him a chance to rack up the yardage and touchdowns while controlling the game on the ground.

CB:

Top Position Groups: Linebackers Neptune is set to trot out an all-senior group of linebackers in its 3-4 scheme, led by top returning tackler from 2021, De’Ondre Banks. Coming off his 65tackle junior season, Banks will lineup alongside fellow returning starter Anthony Banks on the inside and new starters Messiah McMillian and Trevon Green on the outsides. McMillian and Green will bring a speed-rush element to the linebacker group while the Banks boys snuff out tackles, tight ends and slot receivers in the middle of the ﬁeld.

SS: SAMJI PENNINGTON, SR. FS: RAZIER WHITTING, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: JACK NATALIANO, SR. RS

Projected Offensive Starters: starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Starters:6 PEARSON, SR. RS DAVON CRAFT, JR. RS; TREVON GREEN, SR. JASEAN JOHNSON, SR. MESSIAH MCMILLIAN, SR.; CAMERON STOUTTS, SO. RAZIER WHITTING, SR.; SAMJI PENNINGTON, SR. ANTHONY BANKS, SR. 3RS JAYDEN RODRIQUEZ, SR. RS DE’ONDRE BANKS, SR. 3RS DANIEL LAUGHTON, JR. RS ADON DAVIS, SO. JALEN WEEDEN, SR. Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 2 DE: KWAN GRIER, SR. NT:ISSAC THOMAS, SR. DE: ADON DAVIS, SO. MESSIAH MCMILLIAN, SR. DE’ONDRE BANKS, SR. 4RS ANTHONY BANKS, SR. RS TREVON GREEN, SR. YASIR HUBBARD, SR. CAMERON STOUTTS, SO.; JASEAN JOHNSON, SR.

ILB:

the Neptune football team over the past two seasons was not an easy job, so much so that the Scarlet Fliers had three coaches in three seasons from 2019 to 2021. When Brian Duffy took over the program in 2021, however, he quickly

CB:

6 3

Read (Offensive Coordinator): Phil Greene (Defensive Coordinator); Rich Read (OL); Dean Athans (Freshman/WR); Jason Wombaugh (OL); Jim Simonelli (Special Teams Coordinator/DB); Cornell Key (Strength & Conditioning); Kaitlin Zimmerman (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 2-8 2020: 3-3 2019: 8-1 2018: 4-6 2017: 2-8 Ocean Continued Page 66SR. QB T YLER D OUGLAS ( L R ) S HANE G ARRETT (35), C RAIG F LANNIGAN (25) & T YLER D OUGLAS (8) Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: Multiple

The Spartans and Scarlet Fliers are proximity rivals who clashed for many years in the Class B North division. This will be an important Week 2 game with both teams trying to get off to a fast start with the hopes of rebounding from tough seasons.

Player to Watch, Part 2: Shane Garrett, Sr., TE/DT Like Douglas, Garrett has been on the varsity level since he was a freshman. He is a smart, sturdy player who brings talent, experience, and leadership to both sides of the ball. Garrett was a Third Team All-Shore pick last season

Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 at Neptune

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor and took over as the team's starting quarterback the following season. Since then, he has blossomed into an FBS recruit who is verbally committed to Temple University. Last year, Douglas was an SSN Third Team All-Shore selection for a season in which he threw for 881 yards and nine touchdowns and ran for 815 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 64 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

"The things he does on the field are all natural and it's unique," Garrett said. "He can help us wins games in a lot of Alsoways."in the backfield are junior returning starter Nick Iacouzzi and senior Caleb Thompson at running back. Senior CJ Flannigan will be entering his third year as a starting receiver and will be joined by sophomore James Sobieski, who also started last season. Flannigan caught 14 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. The group also gets a boost from Neptune transfer Mateo Andrews, a senior who averaged an eye-opening 25 yards per reception last season with 15 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Garrett (6-2, 235) is a three-year returning starter at tight end and will be joined by senior BenTheTrench.offensive line has three returning starters and they occupy the interior of the line. Junior Nick Caruso (6-2,

TIME TO SHINE W ith an FBS recruit at quarterback headlining a group of 18 returning starters, the time is now for Ocean to dust itself off and get back to contending for championships.

Impact Newcomer: Mateo Andrews, Sr., WR Andrews is a transfer from Neptune where he caught 15 passes for 380 yards and four touchdowns last season. He gives quarterback Tyler Douglas a big-play threat down the field.

T HURSDAY 9/1H OLMDEL 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9@N EPTUNE 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16B RICK M EMORIAL 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23@T OMS R IVER S OUTH 6 PM F RIDAY 9/30@R ARITAN 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7@B RICK 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14M IDDLETOWN N ORTH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21R ED B ANK 7 PM H EAD C OACH : Don Klein, 16th season CAREER RECORD: 81-68-1 ASSISTANT COACHES:

6 4

Player To Watch: Tyler Douglas, Sr., QB/SS A four-year varsity player who is committed to Temple University, Douglas was a Third Team AllShore selection last season when he threw for 881 yards and nine touchdowns, rushed for 815 yards and eight touchdowns, and made 64 tackles with three interceptions on defense.

All four members of the secondary are returning starters with Sobieski and Thompson as the corners, Douglas as the strong safety, and Flannigan as the free safety. Douglas had 64 tackles and three interceptions last year, Flannigan had 63 tackles and two interceptions, and Thompson had two interceptions.Douglaswill relinquish the kicking and punting duties this season. Either Poniros or junior Michael Sorrentino will be the kicker and Poniros will be the punter.Whereas last season Red Bank Catholic was the clear favorite in the division and Manasquan and Raritan made deep playoff runs, respectively, this year's Freedom Division looks to be very competitive with Ocean, Brick, Brick Memorial, Neptune, Red Bank, and Toms River South. With everything the Spartans return this season, there's no reason they can't contend for the top spot

66 285) is the center, junior Giancarlo Palazzolo (5-11, 220) is the left guard, and junior Tommy Iacouzzi (6-0, 210) is the right guard. Senior Edwin GarciaTellez (5-10, 200) is the left tackle and junior Reuvi Israeli (5-10, 220) is

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:TYLER DOUGLAS, SR., 3RS RB: NICK IACOUZZI, JR., RS; CALEB THOMPSON, SR. WR: CJ FLANNIGAN, SR., 3RS; MATEO ANDREWS, SR., RS (AT NEPTUNE); JAMES SOBIESKI, SO., RS TE: SHANE GARRETT, SR., 3RS; BEN TRENCH, SR. LT: EDWIN GARCIA TELLEZ, SR. LG: GIANCARLO PALAZZOLO, JR., RS RG: TOM IACOUZZI, JR., RS RT: REUVI ISRAELI, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 10 DE: BEN TRENCH, SR., RS DT: SHANE GARRETT, SR., 3RS DT: NICK CARUSO, JR., RS DE: JAYCEON WEBSTER, SR., RS OLB: BEN GIRARD, JR., RS MLB: WILLIE CANAVAN, JR., RS OLB: STEPHEN FALCO, JR.; MICHAEL PONIROS, JR. CB: JAMES SOBIESKI, SO., RS CB: CALEB THOMPSON, JR., RS SS: CJ FLANNIGAN, SR., 3RS FS: TYLER DOUGLAS, SR., 4RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: MICHAEL PONIROS, JR. OR MICHAEL SORRENTINO, JR. P: MICHAEL PONIROS, JR. S R . WR CJ F LANNIGAN

Ten of 11 starters return on defense as the Spartans will try to improve on the 24.3 points per game they allowed last year. All four linemen return with Trench and senior Jayceon Webster at defensive end and Garrett and Caruso at defensive tackle. Garrett was a Third Team All-Shore selection last year. The linebackers have junior Ben Girard (79 tackles) at outside linebacker and junior Willie Canavan (69 tackles) at middle linebacker. The other outside linebacker spot is between juniors Stephen Falco and Michael Poniros, the latter of whom is a standout wrestler for the Spartans.

he Red Bank Regional football team is only two years removed from finishing off back-to-back seven-win seasons, so a 47 showing in 2022 wasn’t generating any outsized headlines for the program. It was, however, an important first step for a team with a new head coach – one who has had success building a powerhouse program.

The Bucs also have some emerging skill players, with juniors Myles Moore and Gunnar Eckerstrom also playing in the backﬁeld and junior Liam Stack joining the receiving corps. Jones, Eckerstrom, Stack and Moore are all part of a deep group of defensive backs as well, so Red Bank’s athleticism should translate on both sides of the ball.

THE

Top Position Group: Skill Positions

“Year one is always a challenge,” said Fallon, who was instrumental in turning Rumson-Fair Haven into the power program it is today. “It’s about relationships: you’re getting to know kids and they’re getting to know the coaching staff. This year, they are familiar with our terminology, they are familiar with our expectations, they know how we want to practice and so it’s been much smoother this summer. We are further ahead than we were a year ago.”

By: Matt Manley

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

( L R ) H ANK D AL P RA (72), L AMAR H ICKS (1), P IERCE O LSEN (18), B RENDAN L AUGHLIN (11) & K Y ’YAM M ARTIN X Factor: The Junior Jump Teams that develop a deep class of players from freshman to senior year tend see the greatest improvement from sophomore to junior year, at least according to conventional wisdom of coaching. If Red Bank is on that time table, the Bucs could be in for a significant step forward in 2021 thanks to a junior class that got a great deal of varsity experience a year ago and has enough talent around the field to make a collective impact. Red Bank is looking at eight junior starters on the defensive side of the ball, six on the offensive side and plenty more depth from the Class of 2024 as well. Throw in some seniors in key spots and the Bucs have the makings of a team ready to break out.

BUC STARTS HERE

Rivalry Game: Nov. 23 vs. Long Branch Like any team with a Thanksgiving rivalry, Red Bank is hoping the game will be secondary to preparing for an NJSIAA Playoff game. Given Red Bank’s trajectory, however, there is a decent chance the Bucs do make the playoffs and maybe even win a game or two, but the probability is that the junior-heavy squad ends its postseason run before clashing with Long Branch. If that is indeed the case, the Thanksgiving game will not only be a chance to end the season on a high note with a win over a local rival; it will also be a chance for this year’s class of juniors to make a statement heading into a huge offseason for the program.

Player Under the Radar: Griffin Egan, Jr., RT/DE Red Bank’s 2021 offensive line had a mix of seniors and sophomores and Egan was an established starter from the outset of his sophomore campaign. Now a junior, he will anchor what he and his team hopes to be an improved line on both sides of the ball, although without an excess of depth, Egan will be called upon to make a major impact on both sides. Based on his early career performance, the Bucs can bank on that as long as he is healthy.

F RIDAY 9/2@M ONMOUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9@B RICK M EMORIAL 6 PM F RIDAY 9/16T OMS R IVER S OUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23B RICK 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/8@N EPTUNE 1 PM F RIDAY 10/14H OLMDEL 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21@O CEAN 7 PM W EDNESDAY 11/23L ONG B RANCH 6 PM H EAD C OACH : Shane Fallon, 2nd season CAREER RECORD: 112-63 ASSISTANT COACHES: Noel Kavanagh (Asst. HC/Off. Coordinator/QB), Bill Pietsch (Def. Coordinator/MLB), John Legere (Special Teams/DB), Chris Barnes (RB/DB), Jess Mass (OL), Tyler Karalewich (DL), Adam Bobertz (WR/Freshman), Chris LeRoy (OLB/Freshman), Jack Provine (Strength & Conditioning), Christina Emerich (Athletic Trainer), Leo Olsen (Director of Football Operations) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-7 2020: 2-4 2019: 7-4 2018: 7-3 2017: 2-8

Last season, the offense showed flashes of being a force, but the defense had trouble finishing off games. With a lot of sophomores now becoming juniors, Red Bank is hoping to boast a more physical defense from front-to-back and

In Shane Fallon’s first season as head coach in Little Silver, Red Bank developed a legitimate passing game while rallying together a talented group of players from the Class of 2024 that will be juniors heading into the upcoming season. There are some significant contributors to replace from last season, but with an accomplished coaching staff that is in its second year with the current group, there is considerable room for improvement for the Bucs.

SSN Senior Editor 6 8

Player To Watch: Pierce Olsen, Sr., QB In his first year with Fallon and his coaching staff, Olsen flourished running the new offense and returns as one of the Shore’s more established passers. His 1,335 passing yards rank fifth among returning Shore Conference quarterbacks and that yardage came on an efficient 79-for-135 (58 percent) with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Olsen is not a major running threat either and none of Red Bank’s running backs eclipsed the 400-yard rushing mark for the season, so his ability to distribute the ball really stands out.

“We’ve got two senior wide receivers in Lamar Hicks and Ky’Yam Martin who are very dangerous and can score on any play where they get their hands on the ball,” Fallon said. “Ja’Cire Jones just has good vision, he is running hard and he is taking what the defense gives him. He is being very patient as a runner and with his speed, that’s a very good thing for him.”

In addition to Olsen at quarterback, Red Bank has the ingredients on hand to have an explosive offense. The established players are there, with receivers Ky’Yam Martin and Lamar Hicks both returning and junior Jah’Cire Jones returning in the backfield. Martin was the team’s second-leading receiver in 2021 with 25 catches for 437 yards and five touchdowns, while Jones returns to the backfield poised for a breakout season at tailback.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 8 QB:PIERCE OLSEN, SR. RS; ALEX CHOBACK, JR. RB: JAH’CIRE JONES, JR. RS; MYLES MOORE, JR. RB: GUNNAR ECKERSTROM, JR. RS WR: KY’YAM MARTIN, SR. RS WR: LAMAR HICKS, SR. RS WR: LIAM STACK, JR.; KENDRICK REINOSO, SR. LT: NICK GANDOLFO, JR. RS; JOE ANAN, JR. LG: BRENDON JERVERT, JR. RS; JOSH NESHEIWAT, JR. C: HANK DAL PRA, SR. RG: MICHAEL POLLOWAY, SR.; CHRIS LAHEY, JR. RT: GRIFFIN EGAN, JR. RS; GREG DEVINE, SR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 7 DE: GRIFFIN EGAN, JR. RS; GREG DEVINE, SR. DT: GAVIN LISKO, SR. DE: NICK GANDOLFO, JR. RS; BRENDON JERVERT, JR. OLB: KYLE BORENIUS, JR. RS; ALEX CHOBACK, JR. ILB: EVAN ECKERSTROM, JR.; JACK JOHNSON, JR. ILB: CHRIS LAHEY, JR.; MATTHEW KELLY, JR. OLB: BRENDAN LAUGHLIN, SR. RS; KENNY FLORES, SR. CB: GUNNAR ECKERSTROM, JR. RS; SAM DENGLER, JR.; MATT DEVITTO, JR. CB: JAH’CIRE JONES, JR. RS; MYLES MOORE, JR.; MAURICIO RIVERA-SIBRIAN, SR. SS:LIAM STACK, JR. RS; MARC PINES, SR. FS: SEAN FORBES, JR.; MARICE GITTINES, JR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: GIAN CARLO DUATAJ, SR. RS P: NICK GANDOLFO, JR. 69 improve on a unit that gave up a shade under 27 points per game in“Last2021.year, at various points, we were starting six sophomores and playing 11 sophomores,” Fallon said. “We’ve got some strong senior leadership this year and our sophomores are now juniors, so we’ve got a ton of juniors out on the field with some seniors sprinkled in and we like that chemistry. If we stay healthy, we will be very competitive every week against our schedule.”

after spending the last 11 seasons as

By: Kevin WilliamsSSNDirector ( L R ) D EVON B OND (2), J OEL S MALL (9), J AMES K ING (64) & D YLAN L EE (17)

The new spread attack should give Bond more opportunities to use his speed in the open field. He ran for a team-leading 557 yards last season (5.5 per carry) along with four touchdowns and should improve on that. He’s also the lone returning starter in the defensive backfield and will be counted on to provide leadership.

Martin, who is also the grandson of legendary Indians coach Ron Signorino Sr., will very much run his own program and South fans can expect to see many changes this fall. Gone will be the flexbone offense which had been a staple and replaced by a spread attack which will make the quarterback a bigger part of things. On defense, the Indians will have less personnel up front and make better use of an experienced group of linebackers. Two new coordinators will be in charge of the new systems with former Indians quarterback Bill Rankin returning to run the offense and Vinny Arminio replacing Martin and taking over the defense.

Returning starters Donovan Wilkinson, a 6-foot5, 280-pound sophomore left tackle, senior center James King (6’3, 250), and right guard Dave Lazzaro (5’9, 210) anchor the offensive line with junior Ethan Whittaker, and sophomores Gunnar Schwartz, Nick Mueller, and Joel Soto also battling for starting spots. Sophomore Phil Bentivenga will handle the kicking tasks and Jarrod Johnson will be the punter. The defense must improve after allowing over 27 points a game last season and among the five returning starters are four linebackers. Sophomore Laolu Akinlolu and senior Joel Small (92 tackles last season) line up on the outside with seniors Niko Crudup (60 tackles in 2021) and Lazzaro to share the inside spot in the Indians 3-3 formation. Up front will be Wilkinson and Johnson at defensive end while King will be the nose tackle. Lee, Jones, junior Mason Pyle, and sophomore Damir Nelson are all in the mix at cornerback while Bond returns at safety along with senior Karol Castillo, Pierson, Justin Coston (Jr.), and Jake Henehan (Soph.). Erli & Bentivegna are expected to see time at what South calls the "Jack" position, which is a combination of a strong safety and a linebacker. Martin is focused on building a program that will make fans happy and, just as important, make those in the building proud. He has emphasized to his players that they are student-athletes and the student part comes first. How quickly they learn that and the new schemes put in place may hold a key to the 2022 season. C : Matt Martin, 1ST season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 COACHES:

ASSISTANT

James Alexander returns at quarterback following a sophomore season in which he took over as the starter and threw for 415 yards and two touchdowns. Gone is leading receiver Gavin Migliori but senior Dylan Lee returns and the new group includes juniors Jordan Jones and Cooper Greitz and sophomores Danny Pierson, Jake Henehan, and Joe Pompilio. Dennis Forbes, a 6foot-3 junior, is among the tight end candidates along with senior Dante Flanagan and junior Jarrod Johnson. The running game should be in good hands with senior Devon Bond, who ran for 557 yards and four touchdowns in 2021 and has big play potential. Seniors Mike Erli and Joel Small also return to what is among the deeper position groups on the team.

Top Position Groups: Linebackers I’ll give the linebackers the edge over the running backs. Laolu Akinlolu, Niko Crudup, Dave Lazzaro, and Joel Small were all starters during parts of 2021 with Small (92) and Crudup (60) among the teams leading tacklers. This group will be counted on to stop the running game and help the Indians improve on a defense that allowed over 27 points per game last season.

Signorino Jr. T HURSDAY 9/1T OMS R IVER E AST 6 PM F RIDAY 9/9@B RICK 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@R ED B ANK 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23O CEAN 6 PM F RIDAY 9/30T OMS R IVER N ORTH 6 PM F RIDAY 10/7@B RICK M EMORIAL 6 PM F RIDAY 10/14@R ARITAN 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21N EPTUNE 6 PM ALL IN THE FAMILY Bill Rankin (QB/Offensive Coordinator); Vinny Arminio (DB/Defensive Coordinator); Bill McDonnell (RB/LB); Joe Kelly LB); Jim Dempsey (DL); Tom Malek (DB); Rich Stratton (OL); Kyle Austin (OL); Darrius Hart (WR); Dan Crashewsky (Athletic Trainer). T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 3-7 2020: 6-2 2019: 4-6 2018: 3-8 2017: 2-8

South is coming off a 3-7 season which saw wins over Brick Memorial, Freehold, and Red Bank by a total of six points. They remain in the Freedom Division so the schedule remains pretty much the same with Martin believing they will be in competitive games each week especially when it comes to longtime rivals like Brick, Brick Memorial, and of course their cross-town rivals, Toms River East and Toms River North.

a new era at Toms River South where

H EAD

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Player To Watch: Devon Bond, Sr., RB/S

OACH

PLAYERS UNDER THE RADAR: Mike Erli, Sr., RB/Jack & Jordan Jones, Jr., WR/CB Erli returns in the offensive backfield and will team with Bond to form what should be a solid 1-2 punch. The 5-foot8,185-pounder will also start on defense at what the Indians call the Jack position, which is a hybrid strong safety/linebacker. Jones will do several things on offense in the new spread attack and also be in the mix in the defensive backfield. Sort of a jack of all trades.

RIVALRY GAME: Sept. 1 vs. Toms River East While Toms River North is usually their biggest rival the season-opener against East might be the Indians' most important game. Of course, it marks Matt Martin’s head coaching debut but there is more to it. The Raiders handled them, 27-7, in Week Two last season for their only win and it was a bitter loss for the Indians. Beating them to start the season at home is a must if the Indians plan on having success this fall.

I t’s Matt Martin takes over as head coach an assistant to his uncle, Ron

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:JAMES ALEXANDER, JR., RS RB: DEVON BOND, SR., RS; MIKE ERLI, SR,. RS WR: DYLAN LEE, SR.; JORDAN JONES, JR.; COOPER GREITZ, JR.; DANNY PIERSON, SO. TE: DENNIS FORBES, JR. LT: DONOVAN WILKINSON, SO., RS LG: ETHAN WHITTAKER, JR.; JOEL SOTO, SO. C: JAMES KING, SR., RS RG: DAVE LAZZARO, SR., RS; ANGEL SOTO, SR. RT: GUNNAR SCHWARTZ, SO.; NICK MUELLER, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: DONOVAN WILKINSON, SO. NT: JAMES KING, SR. DE: JARROD JOHNSON, JR. OLB: LAOLU AKINLOLU, SO., RS; NICK IANNANONE, JR. ILB: NIKO CRUDUP, SR., RS; DAVE LAZZARO, SR., RS

OLB: JOEL SMALL, SR., RS; DENNIS FORBES, JR. CB: DYLAN LEE, SR.; JORDAN JONES, JR. CB: MASON PYLE, JR.; DAMIR NELSON, SO. S: DEVON BOND, SR., RS; JAKE HENEHAN, SO. S: KAROL CASTILLO, SR.; DANNY PIERSON, SO.; JUSTIN COSTON, JR.

JACK: MIKE ERLI, SR.; PHIL BENTIVENGA, SO. Projected Special Team Starters: K: PHIL BENTIVENGA, SO. P: JARROD JOHNSON, JR.

The Hornets have and will continue to be a run-first team but this combination may find them putting the ball up a bit more. Coaches are high on both juniors and for Savage, this will be his first year as a starter while Tempone returns and should be a top threat.

The schools are less than five miles apart so this is a natural rivalry. It's called "The Battle of the Border" for a reason. Holmdel has won the last five meetings so you can be sure Raritan would like some payback.

The leader of the defense the last two years was linebacker Thomas Sardo, an SSN Second Team All-Shore selection last season and a First Team All-Shore selection as a junior. He has graduated and filling his inside spot will likely be junior Connor Fields. The other projected starting linebackers are also first-time starters in seniors John Steele and Dylan Lagana. There will be many new faces up front although Dietz returns and will line up at one end spot along with seniorPodesta,Jack

RIVALRY GAME: Oct. 21 vs. Raritan

Jaden Gallo put together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with his 1,401 last year, which was the fifth highest total in the Shore Conference. At this time it does not appear there will be one player responsible for that type of yardage but rather a committee that includes Tim Haggerty, A.J. Todisco, and Anthony Setteducate.

The bright spot was the production of SSN All-Shore running back Jaden Gallo and Luke Dupont, who combined for over 2,000 yards on the ground. While both have been lost to graduation, four of the five starters on the offensive line return and will hopefully pave the way for players like senior Tim Haggerty and juniors A.J. Todisco and Anthony Seddeducate in Holmdel's split-back veer option attack.

The new starting quarterback is junior Brayden Savage and while Holmdel has been known as a running team under head coach Jeff Rainess, Savage will likely have plenty of opportunities to team up with talented senior receiver Matt Tempone. Also looking to catch passes are juniors Brandon Rooney and Malik Taskier and senior Trey Tulenko along with junior tight end Andrew Piscatelli.SeniorRyan Hammer (5’8, 200) returns at center along with guards Marc Dietz (5’10, 240 Sr.) and Casey Brew (5’10, 210 Jr.). Back at one tackle spot is junior Dante Calcaterra (6’1, 240) while promising junior Nick Bachman (6’3, 255) will be the other tackle and the only new starter.

Big Shoes to Fill: Running Backs

Players To Watch:

F RIDAY 9/1@O CEAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9S T. J OHN V IANNEY 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16P OINT B ORO 7 PM S ATURDAY 9/24@M ONMOUTH 12 PM F RIDAY 9/30M ATAWAN 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/8@M ANASQUAN 1 PM F RIDAY 10/14@R ED B ANK 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21R ARITAN 7 PM H EAD C OACH : Jeff Rainess, 7th season CAREER RECORD: 31-25 ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Kevin WilliamsSSNDirector ( L R ) D YLAN L AGANA , M ARC D IETZ , M ATT T EMPONE , J ACK P ODESTA , T IM H AGGERTY, B RAYDEN S AVAGE THE CULTURE WILL PREVAIL Following four straight winning seasons, Holmdel slumped a bit in 2021 when a tougher schedule against bigger schools took its toll and they finished 3-6. John T. Principe (Asst. Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator/LB); John Kaye (QB/RB); John Polivka (WR;) Mike Dorsi (DL); Charlie Marsh (DB); Steve Leo (P/K); David Sherman (Freshman); Scott Cannon (Freshman); Steve Nelson (Quality Control); Dave Katz (Athletic Trainer). T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 3-6 2020: 6-1 2019: 6-4 2018: 8-2 2017: 6-4 SR. WR/DB M ATT T EMPONE Offense: Split-Back Veer Defense: Multiple

Top Position Groups: Offensive line & secondary This is where experience comes into play as Dante Calcaterra, Marc Dietz, Ryan Hammer, and Casey Brew are all back as starters on the offensive line while Malik Taskier, Gary Collyer, and Will Gilfillan return in the defensive backfield.

7 2

Brayden Savage, Jr. QB & Matt Tempone, Jr. WR

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:BRAYDEN SAVAGE, JR. RB: TIM HAGGERTY, SR.; A.J. TODISCO, JR.; ANTHONY SETTEDUCATE, JR. WR: MATT TEMPONE, JR., RS. BRANDON ROONEY, JR.; MALIK TASKIER, JR.; TREY TULENKO, SR. TE: ANDREW PISCATELLI, JR. LT: DANTE CALCATERRA, JR., RS LG: MARC DIETZ, SR., RS C: RYAN HAMMER, SR., RS RG: CASEY BREW, JR., RS RT: NICK BACHMAN, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: JACK PODESTA, SR., R DT: EVAN SAVARESE, SO. DT: CHRIS HAYDUK, SR. DE: MARC DIETZ, SR., RS OLB: JOHN STEELE, SR., RS OLB: DYLAN LAGANA, SR. ILB: CONNOR FIELDS, JR. CB: MALIK TASKIER, JR., RS CB: MATT TEMPONE, JR. SS: GARY COLLYER, JR., RS FS: WILL GILFILLAN, JR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:CONNOR MENDINI, JR., RS J R . K C ONNOR M ENDINI

may be young and inexperienced in places but Rainess says they are a “very together group on and off the field”, which is a good place to start.

The defensive backfield is loaded with experience as Taskier, Collyer, and junior Will Gilfillan were all starters and joining them will be Tempone which makes for a solid unit. Junior Connor Mendini returns to handle both the kicking and punting duties. Rainess, now in his seventh season at Holmdel, has done a superb job of turning around a program that went from without a winning record from 2008 through 2015. He has done so by getting players to believe in themselves and knowing what it takes to have success. This year’s team

7 3 who did see plenty of action in 2021. Inside will be defensive tackles Evan Savarese (5’9, 220 Soph.) and Chris Hayduk (5’10, 205 Sr.).

While on the subject of starting, Holmdel will open with Ocean and then face St. John Vianney and Point Boro over the first three weeks. It won’t take long to see if the Hornets are a team that can make some noise in Independence Division.

Pete Cahill (DB); Justin Cella (Offensive Coordinator/QB); Jay Price Sr. (DB); Brian Lee (WR); Ed Kapalko (DL); Darrell Falkinburg (RB); Eric Howland (LB); Rich Griffith (Freshmen); John Morris (Freshmen); Kevin Hyland (Athletic Trainer) 8-8 2020: 5-3 2019: 4-6 8-3

Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: 4-3 Players To Watch: Brett Patten, Sr., QB & Jhamier Howard, Sr., RB/DB Patten was a First Team All-Shore selection last season when he threw for 1,592 yards and 25 touchdowns and ran for an additional eight touchdowns. Howard averaged over six yards per carry with 544 yards rushing and 11 total touchdowns. Manasquan will need its newcomers to get up to speed to be a championship contender, but Patten and Howard will be the ones driving the bus.

he growing pains that Manasquan experienced in 2019 and 2020 when breaking in a talented group of underclassmen paid dividends last season when the Warriors went 8-3 and reached the semifinals of the sectional playoffs. With two of the Shore Conference's most dynamic offensive players back to lead the way, the Big Blue have their sights set on competing for SR. RB J HAMIER H OWARD

Player Under the Radar: Jack Dettlinger, Sr., WR/DB/K/P Dettlinger has been a key player for Manasquan since his sophomore year and this season will be a starter at wide receiver and safety along with returning as the team's kicker. He will have opportunities to contribute in all three phases.

F RIDAY 9/9@P OINT B ORO 7 PM S ATURDAY 9/17R ARITAN 2 PM F RIDAY 9/23@S T. J OHN V IANNEY 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30@M ANCHESTER 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/8H OLMDEL 1 PM S ATURDAY 10/15S HORE 1 PM S ATURDAY 10/22@M ONMOUTH 12 PM T HURSDAY 11/24WALL 11 AM H EAD C OACH : J. Price, 12th season CAREER RECORD: 70-45 ASSISTANT COACHES:

( L R ) J HAMIER

2017: 7-4 manasquan Continued from Page 76

pass catchers that also includes senior Cael Driscoll, juniors Luke Ramire and Matt Koenig, and sophomore Cadem Eastmond. Senior Torey Falkinburg will also see time in the backfield either at fullback or running back.

Senior Matt O'Donnell is a returning starter at tight end while the offensive line returns two starters in senior center James Gilmore (6-2, 280) and junior left guard Noah Mammeri. Senior Matt Langasky and junior Terrance Marks (6-3, 235) are at left tackle, senior Ethan Harvey and junior Brian Lee are at right guard, and juniors Jack Mead and Anthony Lofreddo are at right tackle. Sophomore Tom Martucci could also see time at Among the standouts lost to graduation on the defensive side include lineman JJ Cavanagh, linebacker Ryan Burns, plus Kozlowski and Robert Pendergist in the defensive backfield. Four starters are back in Manaquan's 4-3 defense; O'Donnell at defensive end, Driscoll at linebacker, and Howard and Dettlinger in the O'Donnell leads the group of defensive linemen along with Mead at the other defensive end spot and Mammeri and Gilmore as the defensive tackles. Lofreddo and Marks are also in the mix at defensive end while juniors Steve Bird and Tom Martin are in the rotation at defensive

By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor

2018:

OWARD , B RETT P ATTEN , J ACK D ETTLINGER , M ATT O'D ONNELL

Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 vs. Point Boro While Wall may be Manaquan's biggest rival and their Thanksgiving Day game is usually well-attended and well-contested, Manasquan and Point Boro were originally Thanksgiving rivals for many years. The intensity has been ratcheted up in recent years and this season's Week 1 clash could very well be the game that decides the division title. H

T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021:

Impact Newcomer: Terrance Marks, Jr., OL/DL At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Marks brings good size to both the offensive and defensive lines and will push for playing time at offensive tackle and defensive end.

7 4 WARRIOR MENTALITY T

RETT

A reliable kicker is always a welcome luxury but certainly not a given for most teams. Dettlinger is one of the top returning kickers in the Shore and is coming off a junior season in which he converged 35 of 38 extra points and connected on two field goals. Last season Manasquan finished second to top-ranked Red Bank Catholic in the Constitution Division and ahead of Raritan, Red Bank, and Ocean. The Warriors are now in the Independence Division with rival Point Boro, Raritan, Holmdel, St. John Vianney, and Monmouth Regional.

SR. B P

76 Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5 QB:BRETT PATTEN, SR., 3RS; RB: JHAMIER HOWARD, SR., 3RS; TOREY FALKINBURG, SR. WR: JACK DETTLINGER, SR.; CAEL DRISCROLL, SR.; LUKE RAMIRE, JR.; CADEN EASTMOND, SO.; MATT KOENIG, JR. TE: MATT O’DONNELL, SR., RS LT: MATT KLANGASKY, SR.; TERRANCE MARKS, JR. LG: NOAH MAMMERI, JR., RS; TOM MARTUCCI, SO. C: JAMES GILMORE, SR., RS RG: ETHAN HARVEY, SR.; BRIAN LEE, JR. RT: JACK MEAN, JR.; ANTHONHY LOFREDDO, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 4 DE: JACK MEAD, JR.; ANTHONY LOFREDDO, JR. DT: NOAH MAMMERI, JR., STEVE BIRD, JR. DT: JAMES GILMORE, SR.; TOM MARTIN, JR. DE: MATT O’DONNELL, SR., RS; TERRANCE MARKS, JR. OLB: CAEL DRISCOLL, SR., RS; TOREY FALKINBURG, SR.; JAXSON HERMANN, JR.; KEVIN PRIME, SR. MLB: BRIAN LEE, JR.; ETHAN MILLER, SR. OLB: WILL BURNS, JR., RS; JACKSON BATTAGLIA, SO. CB: JHAMIER HOWARD, SR., RS; LUKE RAMIRE, JR.; MATTHEW SCHNIEDER, SO. CB: MARCUS VALLES, SR. SS: DALIL SULUKI, SR.; CADEN EASTMOND, SO. FS: JACK DETTLINGER, SR., RS; MATTHEW SCHNEIDER, SO. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: JACK DETTLINGER, SR., 3RS

Driscoll is a returning starter at outside linebacker while promising junior Will Burns is the other outside linebacker after seeing playing time last season. Lee is at middle linebacker with senior Ethan Miller backing him up. Falkinburg, junior Jaxson Hermann, senior Kevin Prime, and sophomore Jackson Battaglia are also on the depth chart at outside linebacker.

ATTEN manasquan Continued Page 74

In the secondary, Howard is a returning starter at cornerback and senior Marcus Valles will start on the opposite side. Ramire and sophomore Matthew Schnieder are the backups with Schieder also playing some free safety. Senior Dalil Suluki is the strong safety with Eastmond behind him, and Dettlinger returns as the free safety after snagging two interceptions last season.

OMTEMPO (57) Jason McQuay (Def. Coordinator/LB/RB), Rich Mosca (Def. Coordinator/OL/DL), Malik Wiggins (Special Teams/WR/DB), Mario Fragale (OL/DL), Billy D. Williams (RB/OLB), Andrew Faccone (Video), Anthony Guarino (Freshman), Jonathan Ciavarra (Freshman), Adam Elsieidy (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-4 2020: 2-6 2019: 0-9 2018: 4-5 2017: 7-4 F RIDAY 9/2R ED B ANK 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9@R ARITAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@S T. J OHN V IANNEY 7 PM S ATURDAY 9/24H OLMDEL 12 PM F RIDAY 9/30@S HORE 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7@P OINT B ORO 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/15P INELANDS 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/22M ANASQUAN 12 PM For the

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor AHAJ W IGGINS H B two seasons prior to 2021, the Monmouth Regional football team put in the hard work without a lot of results. Its up-and-coming standouts, however, remained undeterred and made sure 2022 was a transformational season for the team.

Players Under the Radar: Lucas Bomtempo & Aidan Schilke, Sr., OL/DL With so many seniors back in the fold this season, Monmouth plans to have plenty of leaders, even if they go somewhat unheralded compared to Jehn and Jones. On the line, the key duo is Bomtempo and Schilke, who are both in line to get the majority of snaps on the defensive line while also anchoring the left side of the offensive line. Both are returning starters on a senior-heavy offensive line that also includes guard John Panullo and ﬁrst-year starter at tackle Justin May, as well as junior Dave O’Grady – who is making the move from tackle to center.

Top Position Group: Wide Receivers The Falcons look solid at several position groups thanks to their considerable experience, but the wide receivers have a chance to make a major impact this season. Jones will be the focus of the opposing defense on most weeks, which means that dangerous receivers like Tahaj Wiggins Prince Hostler, Sevin Dismuke and Huisman could have a ﬁeld day, especially with a proven senior quarterback like Jehn targeting them in the passing game.

Big Shoes to Fill: Griffin Hicks, Jr. TE/OLB Monmouth’s biggest loss to graduation was tight end and defensive end Loukas Plasteras, who was a threat in the passing game as the team’s second-leading receiver and a pass-rush threat on the other side as well. Hicks will be taking over a similar role, occupying the tight end position on offense and playing the outside linebacker position opposite Jones on defense. With so much experience around him, Hicks will not have to go above and beyond his capabilities for Monmouth to succeed, but the Falcons will be looking for a solid debut from Plasteras’s replacement.

H EAD C OACH : Dan Wendel,,

Rivalry Game: Friday, Oct. 7 at Point Boro Monmouth does not have an obvious geographical rival on this year’s schedule, but it does have a psychological one. Point Boro has handled the Falcons in recent years and the Panthers ﬁgure to be a title contender in Group II again this season. On the way to a South Jersey Group II championship in 2021, the Panthers beat Monmouth during the regular season, 49-6, then bounced the Falcons in the ﬁrst round of the playoffs, 34-14. Point Boro and Pinelands are the only teams on this year’s schedule that Monmouth played last year, so the many returning players on the team remember playing Point Boro, especially because it was the team that ended their season. The schedule is much tougher this year leading up to that game, so either Monmouth will be looking to validate an eye-opening start to their season or it could also be in desperate need of a win to keep any postseason hope alive.

Jehn finished ninth in the Shore Conference in 2021 with 1,400 passing yards, Jones was 10th in the conference with just under 1,200 rushing yards and Tahaj Wiggins was eighth at the Shore with 534 receiving yards. With an offseason to build on that success and four years of developing a rapport with one another, Wendel expects the results to be even better now that all three are seniors.

ASSISTANT COACHES:

XFactor: Chemistry More than any position or player, it is the close-knit nature of his team that has Wendel excited about the possibilities in 2022. In addition to being an experienced group, this senior class is the first to come into the program as freshmen with Wendel as the head coach, so they are his first four-year class since he was promoted from offensive coordinator to the head job in 2019. That group also saw the varsity team go 0-9 in their first year and helped the Falcons get to 6-4 a year ago, so it has put in the work and seen the payoff.

RECORD:

READY TO FLY

Player To Watch: Julian Jones, Sr., RB/LB Jones has been an impact back since his sophomore season and is coming off an impressive junior campaign in which he ﬁnished 10th in the Shore Conference in rushing with 1,198 yards to go with 14 touchdowns. Jones is also going to see more snaps on the other side of the ball at outside linebacker, where his physical play, athleticism and senior leadership are critical to the Falcons' defense.

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 With top 10 producers returning at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, the Falcons won’t be satisfied with last year’s accomplishments.QuarterbackAnthony Jehn and running back Julian Jones return as senior leaders and dynamic playmakers for a Monmouth team that has designs on improving on last year’s 6-4 record and NJSIAA Playoff appearance, even as the schedule gets tougher and the word is out that Monmouth is a team to deal with in the Shore“TheConference.confidence these kids built last year really carried them into the offseason and summer workouts,” fourth-year Monmouth coach Dan Wendel said. “From the time they came in, they have always been willing to compete and last year gave the confidence to know that when they compete and do the right things, they will get results.”

7 8

(4), J ULIAN J ONES (26), A NTHONY J EHN (12), N ICK

“We were able to install the offense a lot quicker this year because of how many guys we have back, so there is an opportunity to expand the playbook a little bit more with this group,” Wendel said. “We still want to play to our strengths, which I think led to some of our success last year, but any time you can give good players more opportunities to make plays, it’s something you have to consider and these guys are Monmouthall-in.”also has several other statistical standouts back. Senior Eric Crossley is back at fullback and middle linebacker after leading the team with 84 tackles in 2022, while the Falcons’ top two sack leaders – Nick Huisman (five) and Lucas Bomtempo (four) – also return to the “Thedefense.greatthing about this group is you can throw them into situations and they will figure it out,” Wendel said. “In past years, you knew there would be problems that would arise and you didn’t know how guys would deal with it because they hadn’t really experienced that adversity before. We started to see that growth last year and I think it’s even better this year. Tough situations are going to come up and I have a lot of confidence that this group will be able to handle them.” 4th season CAREER 8-19

UISMAN (11) & L UCAS

( L R ) T

79 Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 8 QB:ANTHONY JEHN, SR. 3RS RB: JULIAN JONES, SR. 3RS FB: ERIC CROSSLEY, SR. RS WR: TAHAJ WIGGINS, SR. RS; NICK HUISMAN, SR. WR: PRINCE HOSTLER, SR.; SEVIN DISMUKE, SR.; KAIDEN STAFFORD, JR. TE: GRIFFIN HICKS, JR.; DANIEL KITKA, JR. LT: AIDAN SCHILKE, SR. 3RS LG: LUCAS BOMTEMPO, SR. 3RS C: DAVE O’GRADY, JR. RS RG: JOHN PANNULLO, SR. RS RT: JUSTIN MAY, SR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: LUCAS BOMTEMPO, SR. 3RS DT:AIDAN SCHILKE, SR. 3RS DT: CARTER SUSSER-DAMMS, SR. DE: GRIFFIN HICKS, JR.; DANIEL KITKA, JR. OLB: NICK HUISMAN, SR. 3RS ILB: ERIC CROSSLEY, SR. 3RS OLB: JULIAN JONES, SR. RS CB: PRINCE HOSTLER, SR. CB: NASIR WATSON, JR. SS: NICK CROSSLEY, JR.; DOM GRADY, JR. FS: EVAN BOOTH, JR. RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: BRANDON RAMIREZ, SR. P: BRANDON RAMIREZ S R . J ULIAN J ONES

Morris along with juniors Wyatt Dewysockie and Brayden Forfar round out the group of wideouts. Senior Aiden Ward will play tight end when the formation calls for one. Point Boro's offense is electric based just on its skill players, but a big and physical offensive line takes the unit to another level.

"We know we have a tougher schedule with bigger schools to play, and we're going to have to work that much harder," said senior running back/linebacker Tyler Gordon."

"We're putting the pedal to the metal and not taking anything for granted," said senior lineman Cole Skinner. "Coming off a state championship puts a target on your back. We're pretending like we didn't do anything last year."

The Panthers captured the South Jersey Group 2 championship last season and came within one point of winning a regional championship game in a heartbreaking loss to Haddonfield. A total of 16 starters return from that championship squad with impact players all over the field. The Panthers are talented, experienced, and just as angry as last season when they were trying to end a string of three losing seasons. The way last season ended has helped them keep that underdog mindset despite entering the season as a top-10 team in the Shore Conference. Seven starters return in Point Boro's tripleoption attack that led the Shore Conference in scoring last season at 35.5 points per game. can step in and thrive. Oliphant played slot back last season and quickly established himself as a big-play threat with 477 yards rushing and 13 total touchdowns on an average of 7.1 yards per carry. He still has to prove he can master the nuances of the offense as well as Vitale did, but his athleticism alone should make for some bigThenumbers.otherfour members of the backfield are all returning starters. Junior Jake Croce will be entering his third year as a starter at 'A' back and is coming off a breakout season in which he rushed for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior slot back Connor Cilento is a three-year returning starter and posted an absurd 12.5 yards per carry with 573 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Senior Sam Muraglia is also a returning slot back and Gordon is another 'A' back who ran for seven touchdowns a season ago.

Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-3 stack

By:

Players Under the Radar: Connor Cilento, Sr., RB/DB & Tyler Gordon, Sr., RB/LB Averaging 12.5 yards per carry is pure insanity, but that's exactly what Cilento did last season as a big-play machine at slot back. He also had two interceptions on defense. Gordon is a versatile linebacker who is a reliable tackler, came up with several impact plays (5 sacks, 2 INTs), and also contributed in a big way with seven touchdowns spelling Croce from the 'A' back position.

The big guy - literally - is senior right tackle Cole Skinner, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound human relocator who is a returning First Team AllShore selection. Skinner has multiple FBS scholarship offers and is verbally committed to Temple. Lining up next to him is junior Charles "Boom" Davison (6-1, 270) who started and excelled as a sophomore. The rest of the line will be comprised of first-year starters with junior Zach Larr (6-2, 220) at left tackle, senior Michael Smith (5-9, 240) at left guard, and senior Declan Pratt (5-10, 220) at center. Junior Matt Michallis (LT), senior Joe Mazzaro (LG), junior Nick Vitale (C), senior Spencer Knapp (RG, 6-2, 270), and sophomore Tanner Hynes (RT) are also in the mix along the line.

While Point Boro's offense was its headliner last season its defense also had a phenomenal H EAD C OACH : Brian Staub, 5th season CAREER RECORD: 18-18

Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor 8 0 (T OP L R ) C HARLES D AVISON (55), JJ B ENNETT (36), M ATT O LIPHANT (11), S AM M URAYLIC (15) & C OLE S KINNER (72) (B OTTOM L R ) C ONNOR C ILENTO (3), C ONNOR R EYNOLDS (56), A IDEN W ARD (45), T YLER G ORDON (25) & J AKE C ROCE (40) T HURSDAY 9/1N EPTUNE 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9M ANASQUAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@H OLMDEL 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23@R ARITAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30T OMS R IVER E AST 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7M ONMOUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14@B ARNEGAT 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21@S T. J OHN V IANNEY 7 PM PEDAL TO THE METAL P oint Boro is coming off a 10-2 season that included a division title and the program's fourth NJSIAA sectional championship, but you wouldn't know it by talking to any of the Panthers' returning starters.Shane O’Connor (Defensive Coordinator); Dave Johnson (Special Teams Coordinator); John Mattos (Special Teams Coordinator); Ryan Canary (OL); Dan Drzymkowski (LB); Kyle Ryan (OL); Nick Cipot (DL); Eddie Kendall (DL); Tom Orrok (RB); John McDonald (FB/OLB); John Madden (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 10-2 2020: 2-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-6 2017: 11-1

Players To Watch:

Top Position Groups: Backfield Between Oliphant, Croce, Cilento, and Gordon, Point Boro brings back over, 2,400 yards rushing and 34 touchdowns. It's not out of the question that the Panthers can rush for well over 3,000 yards this season.

ASSISTANT COACHES:

If all goes according to plan, Point Boro won't be throwing the ball very often. When they throw, they expect to score or at least pick up a huge chunk of yardage, and the go-to receiver will be senior Brian Orio, a returning starter.

Matt Oliphant, Jr., QB/DB & Jake Croce, Jr., RB/LB Point Boro has about a dozen players who would ﬁt here, but we'll go with the two players who will handle the ball the most in the Panthers' triple-option offense. Oliphant is a candidate to have a huge year after switching from slot back to quarterback while Croce is back for his third season at 'A' back after eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark last year.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 vs. Manasquan This will be Point Boro's second game of the season and the ﬁrst for Manasquan, and it could have huge implications down the line. There's a solid chance this game could end up deciding the Independence Division title and it will surely be a playoff-resume-boosting victory for whichever team comes out on top. Manasquan won last season's meeting, 35-30, between the former Thanksgiving rivals.

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 9 DE: CONNOR REYNOLDS, SR., 3R; ZACH LARR, JR. CHARLES DAVISON, JR., RS: SLADE SAMARITANO, SO. COLE SKINNER, SR.; MICHAEL SMITH, SR. AIDEN WARD, SR., RS; NICK JANKOVICH, SO.; TANNER HYNES, SO. CROCE, CRISCUOLO, OLIPHANT, JR., SIMOES, ORIO, DEWYSOCKIE, FORFAR, CILENTO, SR., BENNETT, COOPER, SR., FORFAR, OLIPHANT, JR., BRIAN ORIO,

JR. CB: BRIAN

The schedule is tougher this year, both in the division with Manasquan, Holmdel, Raritan, St. John Vianney, and Monmouth Regional and with games against Barnegat, Toms River East, and Neptune. The Panthers have what it takes to win a state championship, it's just a matter of executing for 48 minutes each and every week.

JR., 3RS; TYLER

RS;

RT:

turnovers and got to the quarterback at a high rate. The defensive line is formidable with three-year starter Connor Reynolds and returning starter Aiden Ward at defensive end. They each tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season. Davison returns as a starter at defensive tackle while Smith and Skinner will rotate at the other defensive tackle spot. Larr, Hynes, and sophomore Nick Jankovich are also at defensive end and sophomore Slade Samaritano could see time at defensive tackle. Senior JJ Bennett led the team in tackles with 92 stops last season and returns as a starting inside linebacker. Gordon will be right next to him after posting 66 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions last season. Senior Maddox Samaritano is the other starting linebacker with seniors Jack Stencel and Declan Pratt and sophomore Dylan Reitmeyere as backups. The outside linebacker position is flexible to operate on the edge or as more of a strong safety, and both Croce (2 INTs) and Muraglia return as starters. Senior Tyler Criscuolo and sophomore Colin Obser are also in the mix at outside linebacker. In the secondary, Oliphant is a returning starter at cornerback and Cilento (2 INTs) is back for his third year as the starting safety. Orio is the other cornerback with Dewysockie, Forfar, and juniors Brian Simoes and Jayson Bennett on the depth chart, asForfarwell. was the team's kicker last season as a sophomore and the Panthers also have senior Bobby Cooper as an experienced kicker who handled kickoffs last season. Oliphant is the punter for the second year in a row with Orio also capable of handling the punting duties.

RS; BRAYDEN

"We have that championship mindset," Gordon said. "We know what has to be done and we're going to do it." SR. COLE SKINNER, SR., RS; TANNER HYNES, SO.

SR.; WYATT

JR.; BRAYDEN

JR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: BOBBY

JR., RS P: MATT

SR.

RS; BRIAN

SR. CB:MATT

3RS; JAYSON

OLB: SAM MURAGLIA, SR., RS; COLIN OBSER, SO. ILB: JJ BENNETT, SR., RS; JACK STENCEL, SR. ILB: TYLER GORDON, SR., RS; DECLAN PRATT, SR. ILB: MADDOX SAMARITANO, SR.; DYLAN REITMEYERE, SO. OLB: JAKE

DT:

8 1 J R . QB M ATT O LIPHANT Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7 QB:MATT OLIPHANT, JR., RS (RB LAST YEAR) RB: JAKE CROCE, JR., 3RS; CONNOR CILENTO, SR., 3RS; SAM MURAGLIA, SR., RS; TYLER GORDON, SR., RS. WR: BRIAN ORIO, SR., RS; BRANDON SLOAN, SR.; ERIC ANILONIS, SR.; TOMMY MORRIS, SR.; WYATT DEWYSOCKIE, JR.; BRAYDEN FORFAR, JR. TE: AIDEN WARD, SR. LT: ZACH LARR, JR.; MATT MICHALLIS, JR. LG: MICHAEL SMITH, SR.; JOE MAZZARO, SR. C: DECLAN PRATT, SR.; NICK VITALE, JR. RG: CHARLES DAVISON, JR., RS; SPENCDER KNAPP,

JR. FS: CONNOR

DE:

ASSISTANT COACHES:

Newcomer to Watch: Oct. 21 at Holmdel A 30-24 loss to Holmdel on Oct. 15 of last season dropped Raritan to 2-4 and marked a turning point for the Rockets, who then reeled off four straight wins to reach the Central Jersey Group II championship game. This year’s matchup with Holmdel comes in game No. 8, so there could very well be postseason ramiﬁcations for both teams, not to mention some saltiness on the Raritan side after coming up six points short of their neighbor school last season.

“It’s a pretty experienced team overall and obviously they are pretty motivated after last year,” Petruzzi said. “Most of the roster is seniors and juniors and with the seniors, it’s either guys who have starting experience or guys who have been waiting their turn and are hungry for the opportunity. We’re still working out some kinks and it’s never a completely smooth process, but we like our group and once we get into late October, these guys know what it takes to win games.” J ACK C OLEMAN (49), D AN C ALICARI (2), K IERAN FALZON (33), M A GAR (1) & J M (19)

ATT

nthony Petruzzi would love for his team to get off to a fast start this season, but when some of Raritan’s greatest finishes

H EAD C OACH

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

“I don’t think you ever want to lose games at any time in the season, but our emphasis has always been on improving every week and playing our best at the right time,” Petruzzi said. “Last year, it was more injuries early in the year that limited what we could do and that forced some younger guys into the lineup maybe a little earlier than expected. It made us a better team by the end of the year, but we would definitely like to have a little more luck on the injury front this year.”

( L R )

URPHY

Newcomer to Watch: Jaxon Tsap, Jr., RT A big reason for Raritan’s promising potential on the offensive line is Tsap, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound junior who will essentially be replacing standout 2021 senior Jason Trotta. The Raritan offensive line returns a pair of versatile senior starters in Stephen McCabe and Tommy Jeleniewski – both of whom are switching positions for this season – and if Tsap can hit the ground running on the right side of the line, the Rockets should be a well-oiled machine on offense, even with a new quarterback.

Big Shoes to Fill: Logan Goldsbery, Jr., QB With Raritan’s dangerous running game, Ben Hutchins took advantage by leading a potent passing attack – one that the Rockets will try to reprise with a new, junior signal-caller. Goldsbery has the capacity to duplicate when Hutchins did last year and he will be aided by that collection of experienced skill players and an offensive line that comes with considerable upside despite returning only two starters. : Anthony Petruzzi, 13th season CAREER RECORD: 57-61

to the high school football season have come after rocky starts, maybe there is something in the struggle that makes the Rockets take off when it matters.Chris Damian (Off. Coordinator/QB/RB/DB), Tyler Murphy (DL), Matt Dempsey (OL), Joe Schroeck (DB), Nick Mahoney (Slots/WR), Keith Rescorl (Special Teams/DL), Chris Vurchio (Freshman), Jonathan Rodriguez (Freshman), Nicholas Sparacello (Freshman), Mike Desocio (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-5 2020: 61 2019: 5-4 2018: 5-4 2017: 4-6 ON-TIME LAUNCH Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7 QB:LOGAN GOLDSBERY, JR. RB: KIERAN FALZON, SR. 3RS SLOT: DAN CALICARI, SR. 3RS SLOT: JOE MURPHY, SR. RS WR:STEPHEN MOSER, JR. RS WR: MATT AGAR, SR. 3RS LT: NICOLAS DALMAU, SR. LG: STEPHEN MCCABE, SR. RS C: TOMMY JELENIEWSKI, JR. RS RG: PAUL DIORIO, SR. RT: JAXON TSAP, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: JACK COLEMAN, JR. 3RS NT: TOMMY JELENIEWSKI, JR. RS DE: STEPHEN MCCABE, SR. OLB: RYAN MCCORMACK, SR. ILB: KYLE WALLING, JR. RS ILB: NICK GODKIN, JR. OLB: MATT AGAR, SR. 3RS CB: JOE MURPHY, SR. RS CB: JAYDEN CRAFT, JR. SS: DAN CALICARI, SR. 3RS FS: LOGAN ACEVEDO, JR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: JOHN MOLNAR, JR.; MICHAEL CASIANO, SR. P: KIERAN FALZON, SR.

82 Offense: Flex Bone Defense: Multiple Player To Watch: Kieran Falzon, Sr., RB Falzon was one of three Shore Conference players to reach 1,500 rushing yards in 2021 and one of two returning for 2022. He was also one of ﬁve Shore Conference players in 2021 to scored at least 20 touchdowns, with Falzon scoring 23 times while dashing for 1,512 yards. On top of the production Falzone brings back, he is also a thirdyear starter who has operated in Raritan’s ﬂex bone offense and should be ready to teach the offense to his teammates.

“He is a guy who is in the mold of a Jason Trotta and eventually, that’s what we’re hoping he can become: a big, physical right tackle,” Petruzzi said.

While a slow start has been a part of a successful postseason formula, the Rockets wouldn’t mind some edits to the script. Good health would go a long way toward achieving that end, particularly with Raritan’s talented collection of backs and receivers. Seniors Kieran Falzon, Dan Calicari, Joe Murphy and Matt Agar are the core of the offense, both in their ability to gain yards on the ground and through the air, as well as in their overall leadership.

Last year’s schedule was a big reason why Raritan both suffered some early losses while also maintaining a power-point total that was enough to draw the No. 1 seed in its section. The schedule structure is similar, with a non-public and Group IV opponent on the schedule, but instead of Red Bank Catholic and Central Regional, this year includes St. John Vianney and Toms River South. Beyond those two opponents, Raritan will have to deal with several fellow Group II hopefuls, including Point Pleasant Boro, Holmdel and Monmouth Regional. As the Rockets look to launch on time at Matawan on Sept. 1, they will still have the bigger picture in mind. The Rockets were four quarters from a sectional title last year and with so many key pieces back, the goal is to find a way back to the championship game and finish the job.

T HURSDAY 9/1@M ATAWAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9M ONMOUTH 7 PM S ATURDAY 9/17@M ANASQUAN 2 PM F RIDAY 9/23P OINT B ORO 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30O CEAN 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7@S T. J OHN V IANNEY 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14T OMS R IVER S OUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21@H OLMDEL 7 PMA

For the second time in Petruzzi’s 13-year tenure, Raritan reached the Central Jersey Group II championship game after falling two games under .500 in the middle of the season. The Rockets won the 2015 title after entering the playoffs 3-5 and last year, the Rockets were 2-4 at one point and 4-4 entering the state playoffs. That was enough to earn Raritan a No. 1 seed in the section, but the Rockets fell to Haddonfield in the sectional final, 28-7.

Player Under the Radar: Joe Murphy, Sr. Slot/CB With Raritan enduring injuries throughout the 2021 season, Murphy was a constant in the lineup, even if it did not always show up on the stat sheet. With Joe Campanella graduating following a productive season, don’t be surprised to see Murphy emerge on that stat sheet more often as well and not at the expense of the “little things” either.

Top Position Groups: Backs and Receivers Raritan’s ﬂex bone offense makes frequent use of an array of ballcarriers and receivers and this year’s group contains a lot of options. It also contains a lot of experience, in part because a rash of injuries required the services of more players than expected. After Falzon, Calicari is likely to get a heavy dose of touches. Calicari was one of three 100-yard rushers in Raritan’s round-one playoff win over Barnegat last fall and his presence will keep opposing defenses off Falzon’s tail. With Murphy and Calicari at the slotback positions, junior Stephen Moser and senior Matt Agar will be the receivers, which do plenty of blocking in the ﬂex bone while also serving as threats in the passing game as well. Agar was also slowed by injury last year, but that gave Moser a chance to make an impact and now both are ready to roll in the Raritan offense.

Newcomer to Watch: Ryan Buchanan, Jr., DT The defensive line has a chance to be dynamic with Buchanan now set to be a starter from the jump following a sophomore year in which he got some valuable snaps. The junior has the size (six-foot, 245 pounds) to control the interior of the line while also possessing the athleticism to wreak havoc as a pass-rusher. C : Jeff Papcun, 1st season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 COACHES:

First-year head coach Jeff Papcun is no different in that regard, but as a coach who was on staff for part of that run, he knows what those teams had working for them beyond just the immense talent. Regardless of what talent walks into or away from St. John Vianney, Papcun wants to keep those intangibles constant now that he is in charge.“We’re really trying to stay on top of them to do the little things,” Papcun said. “We have been really focused on staying disciplined with every detail, right down to the uniform – even at practice. That’s how you establish a culture of winning and we want our players to value the little things, because in my experience, those little things are what has won us and lost us games.”

OLEY (8),

H EAD

Big Shoes to Fill: Matt Defelice (Sr., RT/DT) and Mike Foley (Sr., QB/OLB) St. John Vianney lost a trio of standout players to transfers, with quarterback Antonio Rosato, defensive end Dylan Seay and lineman Makel Davis all in different programs this season. Defelice and Foley are capable varsity players who have been in the trenches before, so while they will have to help make up for a lot of the lost skill and production, they are ready to handle it.

OACH

Foley is a physical quarterback who will keep the ball from time-to-time when St. John Vianney runs its option, while also returning to his outside linebacker spot on defense. Defelice, meanwhile, is moving into starting jobs on both lines where Davis was a signiﬁcant presence over the past two seasons. Senior Aaron Can Trease is also in the running for time at quarterback in competition with Foley.

ASSISTANT

Dan Fierro (Off. Coordinator/WR/CB), Mike Alberque (QB/DB), Derek Depascale (Special Teams/WR/SS), Ed Hernandez (Strength & Conditioning/RB/LB), Ryan Waltz (QB/DE), Shannon Hoadley (OL/DL), Lou Liberator (Freshman/WR/DB), Tyler Lucas (Freshman/RB/LB), Andrew Pender (Freshman/OL/DL), Cocozziello Tantillo M F K V ERRIEST (13) & C HRISTIAN B UCHANAN

S R . C Z ACH S CULLY

Player Under the Radar: Christian Buchanan, Sr., RB/LB Buchanan hasn’t had a ton of touches in the running game or snaps on the defensive end, but he has already made an impact at practice as a leader and established himself has a lead back on offense. The running game is set to revolve around Buchanan’s hard-nosed running style, and he will also bring that edge to the defensive side as a middle linebacker.

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor 84

YLE

Paul

ny coach taking over the St. John Vianney football program from now on will be looking to construct teams that resemble what the Lancers had from 2014 to 2017, when the program lost just one game in each of those four seasons and made it three NJSIAA sectional semifinals and one sectional championship game.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 at Holmdel With St. John Vianney coming back to earth following its run as a Shore Conference juggernaut and Holmdel breaking out as a contender in Group III, there is potential for a really interesting rivalry between the crosstown schools. They have only met once since 2017 and St. John Vianney beat Holmdel, 24-7, in 2020, when the Hornets seemed to have a legitimate shot to upend the Lancers. St. John Vianney, of course, would like to keep this rivalry one-sided and return to its days as a dominant program.

Top Position Groups: Wide Receivers With Verriest serving as the template, St. John Vianney has a collection of versatile wide receivers who can throw a block, take a hit over the middle or catch a ﬂy pattern. Junior Joey Marcello has caught the eye of the coaching staff in the early going, while Jack Farah and Kyle Pettus bring some additional senior know-how to the equation. Sophomore Nico Aquilone is also a name to watch over the course of this season and going forward for the Lancers.

(Freshman/QB/DB), Gabby

(Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-7 2020: 5-4 2019: 4-5 2018: 5-5. 2017: 10-1 Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-3 ( L R ) Z ACH S CULLY (56),

IKE

To hit the ground running under their new head coach in 2022, St. John Vianney will be looking to bounce back from a 3-7 season in 2021 in which the Lancers dropped their final four games. Four of the seven losses came by a one-score margin and the other three were to Donovan Catholic, Wall and Seton Hall Prep. “Going back to coach (Andy Carlstrom) and even before that, there has always been really good talent at St. John Vianney,” Papcun said. “What separated the 2017 team and the teams of that era was the team concept and how much those guys did the little things. I haven’t seen a team closer than that group was and that’s what we’re trying to get backThisto.”season, the Lancers will not face a schedule quite as challenging as the one that

Player To Watch: Kyle Verriest, Sr., WR/CB Verriest has been a reliable receiver since his freshman season at St. John Vianney and was the Lancers’ top pass-catcher a year ago with 426 yards on 28 receptions with four touchdown grabs. He is also a disruptive corner back on defense and with St. John Vianney leaning more toward a Wing-T look, Verriest will see his fair share of action working between the tackles, both as a blocker and a ball-carrier.

S ATURDAY 8/27RBC (@ O CEAN CITY HS) 7:30 PM S ATURDAY 9/3@C OLTS N ECK 12 PM F RIDAY 9/9@H OLMDEL 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16M ONMOUTH 7 PM RIDAY 9/23M ANASQUAN 7 PM ATURDAY 10/1@M ARLBORO 12 PM RIDAY 10/7R ARITAN 7 PM RIDAY 10/21P OINT B ORO 7 PM FOCUS ON THE FINER THINGS

This season, the Lancers will not face a schedule quite as challenging as the one that made them 3-7 a year ago, but they will have to open up against a perennial contender for the No. 1 ranking in the Shore Conference in Red Bank Catholic. There are some losses to overcome – both to graduation and transfers – and the team will be somewhat lacking in starting experience, but Papcun is excited about the talent on hand and how those players are responding to the revamped culture he is trying to establish.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 4 QB:MIKE FOLEY, SR.; AARON VAN TREASE, SR. RB: CHRISTIAN BUCHANAN, SR.; LUCA MINARDO, JR. WR: KYLE VERRIEST, SR. RS WR: JOEY MARCELLO, JR. WR: JACK FARAH, SR. WR: KYLE PETTUS, SR. LT: MATT DEFELICE, SR. LG: TIM O’DOWD, SR. RS C: ZACH SCULLY, SR. RS RG: RYAN BUCHANNAN, JR. RT: ANDREW CHEMO, SR. RS Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 3 DE: ELI PORTALES, SR. DT: RYAN BUCHANNAN, JR.; MATT DEFELICE, SR. DT: ANDREW CHEMO, SR.; TIM O’DOWD, SR. DE: MYLES BIRD-RICE, JR. OLB: MIKE FOLEY, SR. RS ILB: CHRISTIAN BUCHANAN, SR. OLB: THOMAS CLEARY, SR. CB: KYLE VERRIEST, SR. RS CB: NICK GALAMB, SR. SS: JACAK FARAH, SR. RS FS: AARON CAN TREASE, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: BRENDAN ALLEN, SO. P: MIKE MCCORMACK, SO. 8 5 S R . RB/LB C HRISTIAN B UCHANAN

those guys did the little things. I haven’t seen a team closer than that group was and that’s what we’re trying to get back to.”

“I knew going in the team was going to look a little different this year, but to me, that’s a great opportunity for the kids we have and for us as coaches to establish the kind of culture and style we think works best,” Papcun said. “Even with some of the losses on both sides of the ball, we still have 18 seniors who have been on varsity for two or three years and have been on the field in games and in competition at practice”.

Player Under the Radar: Shikeith Gordon, Sr., WR/DB Gordon, who has an FCS scholarship offer from Marist, tied for the team lead with two interceptions last season and enters this year as the Bengals' No. 1 wide receiver and No. 1 cornerback.

Impact Newcomers: Matthieu Worthy, Jr., QB & Jake Harrashinki, Jr., QB There's an open competition to be Barnegat's starting quarterback and Worthy and Harrashinki have been battling it out throughout the offseason. Given the obvious importance of the position, the winner will get the opportunity to make a signiﬁcant impact.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5 QB:MATTHIEU WORTHY, JR. OR JAKE HARRASHINKI, JR. RB: JOJO BIVINS, SR., RS FB: MAX GIACCONE, SR., RS WR: SHIKEITH GORDON, SR., RS; ALAN NELSON, SR. TE: COLE TODDINGS, SO., RS LT: SEAN BARANOWSKI, JR. LG: CHRIS MARRIOT, SR. C: ANTHONY COSTELLO, JR. RG:NICK PORCELLI, JR., RS RT: GIANNI ANTONELLI, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 6 DE: RODNEY BURKE, SR. NT:CHRIS MARRIOT, SR. DE: CONNOR PAPPAS, SR. OLB: COLE TODDINGS, SO., RS ILB: CONNOR ARMSTRONG, SR., RS ILB: MAX GIACCONE, SR., RS OLB: SETH FREIWALD, SR. CB: SHIKEITH GORDON, SR., RS CB: ALAN NELSON, SR. SS:MYQUAN RUSH, SO., RS FS: KYLE ESLINGER, SR., RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: KYLE ESLINGER, SR., RS P: TBD LONG SNAPPER: COLE TODDINGS, SO., RS HOLDER: SHIKEITH GORDON, SR. H EAD C OACH : Paul Covine, 2nd season CAREER RECORD: 6-4 ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor 8 6 ( L R ) S HIKEITH G ORDON (4), J OJO B IVINS (5), M AX G IACCONE (36) & C ONNOR A RMSTRONG (31)THURSDAY 9/1@F REEHOLD T OWNSHIP 6:30 PM F RIDAY 9/9P INELANDS 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16J ACKSON L IBERTY 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23@T OMS R IVER E AST 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30@A SBURY PARK 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7M ANCHESTER 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14P OINT B ORO 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21@M ATAWAN 7 PM BUILDING ON SUCCESS E ven though the transition to a new coach for the first time in program history went about as smooth as possible, there were still questions surrounding Barnegat entering the first year under head coach Paul Covine. Kevin Smith (Offensive Coordinator/QB); Andrew Petruzzi (RB/Director of Football Operations); Pat Moran (DB/Special Teams Coordinator); Mike Burke (TE/FB/DL); Mike Leone (OL); Greg Hyslop (WR); Wayne Jackson; Mark McCoy (Head Freshmen Coach); Joe Treen (Freshmen asst.); Dan Dugan (Freshmen); Brian Fitzpatrick (Head Middle School Coach); Dereck Rizzo (Middle School asst.); Rob Jergenson (Middle School asst.) Lauren Tribley (Athletic Trainer). T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-4 2020: 5-3 2019: 5-4 2018: 7-3 2017: 5-5

The Bengals' multiple spread offense returns five starters, including one of the Shore Conference's top running backs in senior JoJo Bivins. As a junior, Bivins had a breakout season by rushing for 1,356 yards and 21 touchdowns to finish eighth in the Shore in rushing and fifth in total points with 126. He will be the focal point of the offense, but of course, it takes more than one cylinder to make an engine run. Experience is scattered throughout the starting offensive lineup beginning with Bivins and senior fullback Max Giaccone in the backfield. Senior wide receiver Shikeith Gordon is also a returning starter, as is sophomore Cole Toddings, who started at tight end as a freshman. The quarterback position remains undecided at this point of training camp with a pair of juniors, Matthieu Worthy and Jake Harrashinski, battling it out for the starting job.

The traditional Class B South and southern Ocean County rivals will square off in Little Egg Harbor during Week 2.

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Those questions were answered positively in 2021 as the Bengals went 6-4 and qualified for the NJSIAA playoffs. Barnegat has been one of the most consistent programs in the Shore Conference ever since Rob Davis shepherded the program to the varsity level nearly 20 years ago, and that did not change with Covine taking the helm. Now, Barnegat is looking to build off that success and make a run at a division title and another postseason berth.

Player To Watch: JoJo Bivins, Sr., RB Bivins had an excellent junior season by rushing for 1,356 yards and 21 touchdowns to ﬁnish eighth in the Shore in rushing and ﬁfth in the conference in total points. He is the horse the Bengals will try to ride to a division title and another playoff appearance.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 vs. Pinelands

The offensive line will be breaking in four new starters. The lone returner is junior right guard Nick Porcelli. The rest of the projected starters are junior Sean Baronowski at left tackle, senior Chris Marriot at left guard, junior Anthony Costello at center, and junior Gianni Antonelli at right tackle. The strength of Barnegat's 3-4 defense is in the middle where three of four linebackers are returning starters. Senior inside linebacker Connor Armstrong is the leader of the unit and will be joined by Giaccone inside and Toddings outside as returning starters. Senior Seth Freiwald is the other outside linebacker and returns after seeing playing time last season. The down linemen are seniors Rodney Burke and Connor Pappas at defensive end and Marriot at nose tackle. Three of four starters return in the secondary. Sophomore Myquan Rush started as a freshman and is back at strong safety while senior Kyle Eslinger is the returning starter at free safety. Gordon is the starter at one of the cornerback spots and senior Alan Nelson is in line to start on the opposite side. Gordon tied for the team lead with two interceptions last season. On special teams, Eslinger returns as the starting kicker while the punter spot has yet to beLastcemented.season, Barnegat finished fourth in the Patriot Division behind Point Boro, Shore, and Asbury Park and in front of Manchester and Jackson Liberty. After the annual realignment, the Bengals are now in the Liberty Division with traditional Class B South rivals Manchester, Jackson Liberty, and Pinelands, plus Toms River East and Matawan. It should be a competitive division and, on paper, one that the Bengals appear favored to win.

8 7

PlayerS To Watch: Ryan Kinsman, Sr., QB & Dennis Caswell, So., QB

"I did lose Jeff Schmidt, my defensive coordinator, I did lose Gerard O'Donnell, my offensive coordinator, so, we are starting pretty fresh," Sharples said. "I brought in a defensive guy and his brother, actually (Brian and Dan Ballantine) two coaches who are not Shore Conference guys, they're not really familiar with the conference, they're Staten Island guys who moved down this way, so that's a whole new thing for us on defense. I don't want to say I took over the offense, but, I have two younger coaches -- Matt Schmidt, and then another guy, Matt Spader, who's been with me. We're going to kind of collaborate to do the offense -- I'll probably be calling the plays, and we're going to separate our run and pass game."

Things will look a little different for the Jackson Liberty Lions this season with players and coaches -- but sometimes, change can be a good thing if it produces the results you're been looking for on the field.

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

PlayerS Under the Radar: Joey Accordino, Jr., RB and Imere Smith, So., RB Zach Corrado will be taking a majority of the carries in the backﬁeld for the Lions but junior Joey Accordino and sophomore Imere Smith impressed during training camp and the preseason and add some depth to the running back position.

QB:RYAN KINSMAN, SR., & DENNIS CASWELL, SO.

SR. OLB:

There's a new offensive system being run by Sharples with one, possibly two new quarterbacks taking snaps. "Our quarterback situation is interesting. One of those freshmen that lettered -- Dennis Caswell -- it was pretty much determined early from freshman year to now that he's probably going to be the guy for the next three years," Sharples said. "Out of the blue, a player who took the year off last year, Ryan Kinsman, wants to play his senior year. He played for me his freshman and sophomore year. He's a pretty good player, now he's an older kid, he's grown a bit and now he's been playing quarterback as well. have an interesting little situation at quarterback, there's a healthy competition, and Ryan is a dynamic kind of athlete, where Dennis is more of your pocket style/big, strong-armed kid."

SO. LG: ANTHONY GEORGIANO JR. C: BRANDON BITTAR SR., RS RG: THEO WOJO-GRASSO, SR. RT: BRENNAN COGER, SO. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: DONOVAN

SO. DT: DAVE

SR. DT: BRANDON

SR. DE: DAN

PALMS,

Impact NewcomerS: Dave Lidziev, Sr., DT & Dan Lidziev, Sr., DE There's a well-noted new look to the defense and that includes the line. Dan and Dave Lidziev are new to the varsity team and are looking to make a difference in 2022 and build on a defensive line that's been a strong point in the past for Jackson Liberty.

"I have a nice senior class, I have a lot of talented kids, I have a lot of four-year starters," Sharples tells Shore Sports Network. "Expectation-wise, we expect to be able to run the ball. I have a pretty solid line."There's been a shuffle in the coaching staff under Sharples as well heading into the new season with a couple of vacancies filled in by some outside help which is changing the look of the Lions heading into the 2022 season.

RB: ZACH CORRADO SR., RS WR: BRENDAN GALLAGHER JR.

ILB: THEO

WR: CONNOR HILLS, SR. TE: CORZEEK PALMS, SO. LT: DONOVAN LOUIS-JACQUES, LOUIS-JACQUES, LIDZIEV, BITTAR LIDZIEV, CORZEEK SO. WOJO-GRASSO,

One of the positives heading into the 2022 campaign is that there is a good amount of seniors.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 30 vs. Jackson Memorial Things always get exciting playing a crosstown rival. There are bragging rights on the line, of course, but it's also about earning some respect. Jackson Liberty is trying to prove to big brother Jackson Memorial that they're ready to roar and show just how good they are this season. It's been a tough stretch for the Jackson Liberty Lions over the last couple of seasons, so close to taking that next step, but just trying to find some consistency from play to play and game to game.For Jim Sharples, who is heading into his 10th season at the helm, he's had to work overtime to put together a roster, whether that's finding depth and players to fill spots -- which this year includes finding a kicker -- or trying to implement the right offensive system to fit the team's personnel.

SR. OLB: BRENNAN COGER, SO. CB: JOEY ACCORDINO, JR. CB: JOEY CELENTANO, SR. SS: BRENDAN GALLAGHER SR. FS: RYAN KINSMAN, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K: TBD P: CONNOR HILLS, SR. H EAD C OACH : Jim Sharples, 10th season CAREER RECORD: 25-59 ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Vin Ebenau SSN CONTRIBUTOR 88 ( L R ) J OSEPH C ELENTANO (3), Z ACKARY C ARRADO (1), B RENDAN G ALLAGHER (2) & B RANDON B ITTAR (75) T HURSDAY 9/1K EANSBURG 6 PM F RIDAY 9/9M ATAWAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@B ARNEGAT 7 PM F RIDAY 9/23@M ANCHESTER 6:30 PM F RIDAY 9/30J ACKSON M EMORIAL 6 PM F RIDAY 10/7@P INELANDS 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14@P OINT B EACH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21T OMS R IVER E AST 7 PM ROARING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR I n the jungle, the mighty jungle the Lions are working their way through some obstacles to once again thrive in the sunshine and restore order as King of said jungle. Brian Ballantine (DC/ILB); Dan Ballantine (DB); Matt Schmidt (OL/Special Teams Coordinator); Jimmy Lopez (OLB/Sub Varsity Coordinator); Matt Spader (Pass Game Coordinator/QB/WR); Ryan Azzolini (DT); Alex Menzies (RB/Sub Varsity Assistant); Chris Grande (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 2-8 2020: 1-4 2019: 2-7 2018: 3-7 2017: 3-7 Offense: Multiple Pro Defense: 4-4

8 9

) T ITO

Impact Newcomer: MJ Goins, So., WR/RB Goins has big shoes to ﬁll with the graduation of Brown. While he plays a different position (slot) he will need to contribute to both the passing and running game and has loads of potential. Described as speedy, shifty, and smart; which is a good place to start.

S ATURDAY 9/3@L AKEWOOD 1 PM F RIDAY 9/9@T OMS R IVER E AST 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16M ATAWAN 6:30 PM F RIDAY 9/23J ACKSON L IBERTY 6:30 PM F RIDAY 9/30M ANASQUAN 6:30 PM F RIDAY 10/7@B ARNEGAT 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14F REEHOLD T OWNSHIP 6:30 PM F RIDAY 10/21@P INELANDS 7 PM Following a season-opening win over Monmouth Regional, Manchester dropped seven of their next eight games in what was a disappointing season following a rare winning record in 2020. Jeff Brown (Run Game Coordinator/OL); Gerard O’Donnell (Pass Game Coordinator/QB); Dimitrius Smith (DL); Bob Mussari (RB/ILB); Alex Lunn (WR/DB); Chris Blaine (TE/OLB); Alex Zulewski (Head Freshman Coach); Corey Lavin (Volunteer); Skip Cocci (Volunteer); Tiffany Rigati (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 3-7 2020: 5-3 2019: 2-8 2018: 5-5 2017: 3-7 FARRELL’S FLOCK S R . T ITO S OBAYO Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-2

RIVALRY GAME: Sept. 3 at Lakewood Yes, it’s the season opener, and yes it's Farrell’s debut as head coach, but there is a lot on the line for both teams. There is a natural rivalry here as Manchester students went to Lakewood before establishing their own school. The coaches are also familiar with one another and since both teams will likely be searching for wins on their schedule this is one that is up for grabs. If the Hawks can prevail it will help the new coach establish a winning mentality for his program.

ASSISTANT

Brian Wilkinson stepped down after two seasons as the head coach and this spring was replaced by Tommy Farrell, who at age 27 is one of the youngest coaches in New Jersey. What he lacks in experience he makes up for in enthusiasm and Farrell wants to grow with the program in the town he now calls home. It will not be easy as the Hawks have had only two non-losing seasons since 2011 and have never won an NJSIAA Playoff game.

Loaded with players who started at some point last season, the group is led by two-way starters Calvin Spicer, Nahki Davis, and Gavin Herr. Tito Sobayo is another two-way player along with Matthias Payton. Promising sophomore Martin Kozikowski ﬁgures to be in the mix on both sides of the ball.

ENJAMIN

Lost to graduation were quarterback Savon Meyers and receiver D’Maari Brown, who were the program's most dynamic players, but a host of starters and others who saw playing time return. Replacing Meyers will not be easy but Manchester has three players listed on the depth chart with 6’1 sophomore Aidan Lunn showing a lot of promise during the preseason. Pass game coordinator and former Hawks head coach Gerard O’Donnell also has junior Joe Horowitz and senior Eli Casalan, a converted running back, in the mix to lead their power spread offense. Whoever gets the starting nod will be handing off to junior Josh Love, a three-year starter with great vision and the ability to make big plays. Kasai Pharmes, a junior, will also see action in the backfield and when the Hawks line up using a fullback it will be sophomore Dante Mortellite or junior Gio Tripodi. While Brown and his Shore Conference-leading 62 receptions are gone Manchester is high on sophomore slot receiver MJ Goins and at wide receiver there is a three-year starter in senior Tyrone Benjamin (11 receptions, 2 TD’s) and junior Nik Walters, who also saw action in 2021. Sophomore Kevin Harrell and junior Jaden Figueroa round out the group. Juniors Manny Swain and Matthias Payton return to handle the tight The offensive line figures to be one of the strengths of the team with four starters back in senior center Calvin Spicer, guards Nahki Davis (295-lb senior) and Gavin Herr (285-lb junior), and senior tackle Tito Sobayo (280lbs). Junior Cooper Erli (6’4, 230) rounds out the expected starters with sophomores Jaiden Barber, Martin Kozikowski, and Spencer Placek along with Ryan Dunckley and Travis Jackson bidding for playing time. The defense was a sore spot last season as they gave up nearly 27 H EAD C OACH : Tommy Farrell, 1st season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 COACHES: ( L R S OBAYO (57), N AHKI D AVIS (65), E C (8), T B (6) C S PICER (56)

ALVIN

Player To Watch: Josh Love, Sr., RB/SS Love will be a man on the move this season and will be counted on to provide big play ability as a running back and, despite being just 5-foot-6 and 150 pounds, physical play at the strong safety position. Farrell says the senior is shifty with a high motor and great vision and opponents should expect much Love this season.

ASALAN

By: kevin WilliamssSSNDirector 90

YRONE

Top Position Groups: Offensive & Defensive Lines

The offensive line figures to be one of the strengths of the team with four starters back in senior center Calvin Spicer, guards Nahki Davis (295-lb senior) and Gavin Herr (285-lb junior), and senior tackle Tito Sobayo (280lbs). Junior Cooper Erli (6’4, 230) rounds out the expected starters with sophomores Jaiden Barber, Martin Kozikowski, and Spencer Placek along with Ryan Dunckley and Travis Jackson bidding for playing time.

RT:

steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

DT:

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

DT:

Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460

Projected

Projected SO.; JADEN FIGUEROA, JR. TE: MANNY SWAIN, JR., RS; MATTHIAS PAYTON, JR., RS; DILLON COLON, JR. LT: COOPER ERLI, JR.; JAIDEN BARBER, SO. LG: NAHKI DAVIS, SR., RS; MARTIN KOZIKOWSKI, SO. C: CALVIN SPICER, SR., RS; SPENCER PLACEK, SO. RG: GAVIN HERR, JR., RS; RYAN DUNCKLEY, MASON DAVIS TITO SOBAYO, SR., RS; TRAVIS JACKSON, JR. Defensive Starters: Starters: 6 DE: CALVIN SPICER, SR., RS; DILLON COLON, JR.; RYAN DUNCKLEY GAVIN HERR, JR., RS; TITO SOBAYO, SR., RS; JAIDEN BARBER, SO. NAHKI DAVIS, SR., RS; MARTIN KOZIKOWSKI, SO.; COOPER ERLI,

JR. DE: MATTHIAS PAYTON, JR., RS; NIK WATERS, JR.; MASON DAVIS, SO. OLB:MANNY SWAIN, JR., RS ILB: DANTE MORTELLITE, SO.; CHRIS JOYNER, JR.; ANTHONY D’ANTONIO, SO. ILB: GIO TRIPODI, JR., RS; KASAI PHARMES, JR.; PAT MCKAY, JR. CB: TYRONE BENJAMIN, SR., 3RS; DOM REKUS, SO. CB: ELI CASALAN, SR.; KEVIN HARRELL, SO. SS: JOSH LOVE, JR., 3RS FS: MJ GOINS, SO.; JADEN FIGUEROA, JR. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: JOE HOROWITZ, JR. 91

Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:IDAN LUNN, SO.; JOE HOROWITZ, JR.; ELI CASALAN, SR. RB: JOSH LOVE, JR., 3RS; MJ GOINS, SO.; KASAI PHARMES, JR. FB: DANTE MORTELLITE, SO.; GIO TRIPODI, JR. WR: TYRONE BENJAMIN, SR., 3RS; NIK WALTERS, JR., RS; KEVIN HARRELL,

Returning

handle the tight end chores.

The defense was a sore spot last season as they gave up nearly 27 points per game with Farrell to focus on this side of the ball. There is loads of experience here, especially up front where the four linemen all started or saw considerable action last fall. Herr and Davis should handle the inside in the 4-2 alignment with Spicer and Payton lining up outside. Sobayo, Martin Kozikowski, Walters, and junior Dillon Colon will also get their share of playing time. Swain and Tripodi return at linebacker along with Dante Mortellite while Pharmes and junior Chris Joyner are among those battling for time on the field. Benjamin (cornerback) and Love (safety) are both three-year starters who should anchor the defensive backfield along with Casalan and Goins while sophomores Kevin Harrell and Dom Rekus along with Figueroa will be in the mix as well.

With returning starters across the line on both sides, Matawan will have plenty of experience, as well as depth behind the starting group. Seniors Zion Spence and Nik Winzer are the leaders on both sides on the ball, with Spencer returning for his fourth year as a starter on the line and Winzer committed to Columbia and serving as one of the prominent voices in the huddle and in the locker room. The two seniors will share the left side of the offensive line – Winzer at tackle and Spence at guard.

Rivalry Game: Sept. 30 at Holmdel

Player Under the Radar: Colin Palumbo, So., RB/DB Palumbo got a chance to play as a freshman and he will look to carry that experience over to a more prominent role this season. The sophomore will move into the starting running back role and reprise his role in the defensive backﬁeld at safety with the intention of providing Matawan with a capable playmaker for an offense that will be in search for them early in the year.

ASSISTANT COACHES:

With Dennis Buonagura graduating following three years as the starter and physical running back David Onuoha also graduating, there is a void in playmaking both under center and in the backfield th. Graber, however, is taking it in stride. Not only is he encouraged by what he has seen from his prospective quarterbacks, but he knows that at just about every other spot on the field, he has experience and even some depth where there was none over the course of his first three seasons with the Huskies.

“The kids are working hard,” Graber said. “They are doing everything they can every day to give themselves a good

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 8 QB:AM’IR MARTINEZ DE SCOTT, SO.; MICHAEL DIPIETRO, JR. RB: COLIN PALUMBO, SO.; WELMAN CROOMS, FR. WR: JOEY BODIN, SR. 3RS; KYESHAUN SYLVESTER, JR. WR: CAMERON COOPER, JR. RS; WELMAN CROOMS, FR. WR: BRIAN CHARLES GAGNERON, JR. RS; JAYDEN PERCODANI, JR. RS TE/FB: MORGAN BLAKE GAGNE, SO.; AIDAN ANTHONY, JR.; GAVIN PATINO, SR.; CHRIS BURSETH, JR.; LANCE SANTOS, SR.; THOMAS BECKER, JR. LT: NIKOLAUS WINZER, SR. 3RS LG: ZION SPENCE, SR. 4RS

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 9 DE: NIKOLAUS WINZER, SR. 3RS DT: ZION SPENCE, SR. 4RS DT: JORDAN REAMER, JR. RS; A.J. REAMER, SR. DE: LANCE SANTOS, SR. RS; JAYDEN ELIJAH, SO.

JAYDEN

C: JORDAN REAMER, JR. RS; AIDAN KAUFFMAN, SO. RG: A.J. REAMER, SR. RS; CHRIS ZAZULA, JR. RT: JAYDEN ELIJAH, SO. RS; RYDER SILVERS, SR. 6-0

RS 9 2 T HURSDAY 9/1R ARITAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9@J ACKSON L IBERTY 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@M ANCHESTER 6:30 PM T HURSDAY 9/22P INELANDS 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30@H OLMDEL 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/8T OMS R IVER E AST 12 PM F RIDAY 10/14@M IDDLETOWN S OUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/21B ARNEGAT 7 PM Matt Walsh (Def. Coordinator/DB), Jake Weber (DL/OL), Sam Turner (OL/DL), Rob Cordasco (OL/TE/FB/Freshman), Nick Hartigan (Special Teams/RB/Freshman), Bob Wietecha (WR/DB), Joe Martucci (RB/LB), Shawn Ramcheran (DB), Mark Kawka (RB/Freshman), Matt Goetz (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-6 2020: 2-4 2019: 5-4 2018: 1-8 2017: 2-8 W ith less than two weeks until his team’s season-opening game against Raritan, Matawan coach Jay Graber still was not sure – or at least not sure enough to reveal – who his starting quarterback for Week 1 would be. BIG DOGS, BIG QUESTIONS S R . J OEY B ODIN ( L R ) N IK W INZER (76), J OEY B ODIN (5), Z ION S PENCE (77) & C AMERON C OOPER (11)

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Player To Watch: Joey Bodin, Sr., WR/OLB Bodin is both a vocal leader in the huddle and on the field while also bringing some proven production back to the field for the Huskies. Bodin is heading into his third year as a starter and will be one of the top targets in the passing game. On the other side of the ball, he returns at outside linebacker after finishing second on the Matawan in tackles in 2022 with 93, trailing only Onuoha. Bodin is one of nine returning starters on the defensive side of the ball.

Top Position Groups: Offensive/Defensive Line

The schedule could also make a major difference this season. Last year, Matawan had five games against Group IV and V programs and went 1-4 in those matchups. This season, the Huskies have two scheduled games against Group IV schools (Middletown South and Toms River East) and none against Group V. The only team on its schedule in 2022 that was also on the 2021 schedule is Toms River East and Matawan beat the Raiders a year ago. Heading into the 2022 campaign, Matawan is loaded up on experience on both lines, in the wide receiver group and throughout the defense. Couple that with a schedule that does not include so many Group V and Group IV opponents – which raised the degree of difficulty for a team that was still learning in the trenches while Buonagura and Onuoha did their thing – and the Huskies have a chance to celebrate more wins this fall.

Big Shoes to Fill: Am’ir Martinez, de Scott So., & Michael DiPietro (Jr.), QB The competition to replace Buonagura under center will be ongoing until opening night vs. Raritan, but Graber is conﬁdent both Martinez de Scott and DiPietro are on track to handle the job – particularly with all the support either will have around them.

DB:

OLB: CHRIS BURSETH, JR.; AIDAN ANTHONY, JR. ILB: MORGAN BLAKE GAGNERON, SO. RS; AIDAN KAUFFMAN, SO. OLB: JOEY BODIN, SR. 3RS; DAMION STATHUM, SR.; SEIF WAHBY, SR. DB: CAMERON COOPER, JR. RS; TAHIR ALLI, SO. DB: KYESHAUN SYLVESTER, JR. RS; AM’IR MARTINEZ DE SCOTT, SO. DB:COLIN PALUMBO, SO., RS; WELMAN CROOMS, FR. BRIAN CHARLES GAGNERON, JR.; PERCODANI, JR. SR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:JAKE ZIBBELL,

“This year, we have a little bit more depth on the line,” Graber said. “We have eight or nine guys competing for starting jobs and they are coming in every day and battling for their spot. They all want to play on Friday night. Within our program right now, that competition is great and it’s bringing out the best in all of our lineman and our players.”

By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor

Over the last several years, Holmdel has passed Matawan in the Shore Conference Group III hierarchy, so with a midseason clash in Holmdel on tap, playoff positioning could be on the line when the two neighboring schools meet. From Matawan’s side, the game is likely to be a pivotal one and could potentially represent the zenith of a strong start to the season. With a run of smaller programs – Raritan, Jackson Liberty, Manchester and Pinelands – during the first four weeks, Matawan will have a chance for a win in each of the first five weeks before back-to-back games vs. Toms River East and Middletown South. H EAD C OACH : Jay Graber, 4th season CAREER RECORD: 72-48

The defense for Pinelands is the top unit heading into the season and while highlighted by the front seven, there's a secondary who can certainly play big in critical moments. Look to these four players to take that next step and ﬁnal step in helping keep opponents' offenses out of the end zone this season.

9 3

H EAD C OACH : John Tierney, 1ST season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 COACHES:

George Martian (DL); Vemba Bukula (RB); Dan O'Reilly (Head Freshmen); Marshall Witmer (FR); T.J. Maino (FR); Drew Steelman (Middle School Head Coach); Ryan Anderson (Middle School Asst.); Stacy Childs (athletic trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 4-5 2020: 2-6 2019: 1-8 2018: 4-5 2017: 2-8 T HURSDAY 9/1P OINT B EACH 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9@B ARNEGAT 7 PM F RIDAY 9/16@T OMS R IVER E AST 7 PM T HURSDAY 9/22@M ATAWAN 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30L AKEWOOD 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7J ACKSON L IBERTY 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/15@M ONMOUTH 1 PM F RIDAY 10/21M ANCHESTER 7 PM Pinelands Continued on Page 95 Offense: Multiple I Defense: 4-3

t's roam in the wilderness for the Pinelands Wildcats since their last playoff appearance

It's a new offensive system under a new head coach for the returning starter at quarterback for the Wildcats this season. Ryan Allen has an impactful and big offensive line in front of him and it allows him to help elevate the offense around him. Coach Tierney is looking to Allen to lead the charge again this season.

ASSISTANT

By: Vin Ebenau SSN CONTRIBUTOR

NEW CAT LOOKS TO END PLAYOFF DROUGHT I

"Number one is just the players' reception to me being named (head) coach, and welcoming in the new coach, especially from the seniors' point of view," Tierney tells Shore Sports Network. "A lot of times, when seniors get new coaches, they're just kind of like, 'oh, this guy, he may not play me, he may look to younger players because it's a building process, but the seniors have been absolutely awesome. They definitely are leaders of the team, and leaders in the program, so that's one thing that's really stood out to me so far."

Vinny

It'll be the team chemistry and the execution of plays on both sides of the ball that'll spark something special out of the 2022 season for the Wildcats.

Teams); Gennaro

been a long, long, long

( R ) M IKE H ALL (4), A NTHONY R UCCI (7), R YAN A LLEN (12), MEKHI H ALL (5) & JACK O’B RIEN (1)

"He's been a sponge and studying -- he and our backup quarterback (Ty Kline) have the two most times behind the huddle, they're really studying the offense, you have to know the offense, you have to know all the terminology," Tierney said. "When Ryan plays loose -- he's really, really good."

Player To Watch: Ryan Allen, QB, Sr.

There is a lot of depth at the running back position but what stands out most is the athleticism. The sophomore Parkinson and the freshman Kobilnyk are going to get a lot of looks and could be key cogs in the offense for the next few seasons.

Joe (QB); LoVerde (DB/Special Balletta (WR);

That bond is a key to the success of the program this season, as, in part, it will allow open growth and development of the underclassmen, many of whom played for Tierney as he worked at the middle school and freshmen levels in recent seasons.

PlayerS Under the Radar: Connor Bonicky, CB, Sr.; Mike Frawley, CB, Jr.; Liam Villinger, Jr. WR/DB; Steve Bordan, Sr., WR/DB

"Our secondary is very senior driven, it's probably our most experienced group, starting with Connor Bonicky (D3 recruit) and Mike Frawley at corner and then our two safeties, Steve Borden and Liam Villinger," Tierney said.

It's been an open and welcomed change for the players who've embraced Tierney as their new leader.

Adelizzi (Defensive Coordinator/LB); Scott Peterka (OL); Mike Keller

A familiar Shore Conference face is now taking the reins to lead the Wildcats in 2022, John Tierney, who had served as an assistant coach at Lacey High School under the legendary Lou Vircillo before ending up at back Pinelands where he is a teacher, has earned the bump up to head coach.

Impact NewcomerS: Jaimin Parkinson, RB, So.; & Eric Kobilnyk, Fr., RB/LB

"It's kind of weird because I was with this sophomore class when they came through in seventh grade, so I coached them in seventh and eighth grade and then I coached them their freshmen year, so I know them very well," Tierney said. "I know the juniors pretty well because I coached them when they were in eighth grade. I never coached these seniors so it's been a little process in getting to know each other, but it's going really, really well."

longing for 18 years

This is a senior you're going to want to keep an eye on due to his rising skill set. His intangibles have also shown that he's resilient and capable of overcoming some odds.

OMS R IVER N ORTH 6 PM F RIDAY 10/21@J ACKSON L IBERTY 6 PM I t's

F RIDAY

The former provides the Raiders with an opportunity to open up with a big win and the latter could be a critical game for them to determine playoff or consolation game fate. 6:30 PM 10/8@M PM 10/14Tbeen a tough couple of years for Toms River High School East after riding a high wave when they finished 9-2 and made a playoff run, but they're now looking to bust through the tide to friendlier waters and results.

Kyle Sandberg, 7th season CAREER RECORD: 18-38 COACHES:

One of the things Sandberg is telling his players is to go out there and get after it, but in different terms.

Even with the size, it'll be up to each player at all positions to execute on the field.

"Intensity. I guess it's savages, monsters, and dogs, just flying around :

"Joe Rome, ﬁrst year last year, he's bought in since he's joined. He's outstanding, he's physical," Sandberg said. "I have two other linemen that are going to be three-year letter winners, ideally, in Ryan Ushock and Derek Weltman. They played as sophomores and to see them grow the past couple of years, we're excited."

There's a little more size on the offensive and defensive lines as well this season which is something the Raiders haven't had as much of in recent seasons as traditionally has been the case in the program.

T HURSDAY 9/1@T OMS R IVER S OUTH 6 PM F RIDAY 9/9M ANCHESTER 6 PM F RIDAY 9/16P INELANDS 6 PM F RIDAY 9/23B ARNEGAT

ver the last couple of seasons, there's been a slip in the standings with the Raiders having a tough time closing out games or navigating through some tough opponents among the Shore Conference elite. The way back to winning starts with this year's senior group -- particularly up front -- who've seen the successful 2019 season and a couple of losing seasons, as well.

in 2019

Rivalry Game: Sept. 2 @ Toms River South & Oct. 14 Toms River North When you play high school football in Toms River, there are two big rivalry games you get amped up for and that's when you go head to head with your crosstown rivals no matter the record. For Toms River East, their opener is a rivalry game against Toms River South as is the second to last game of the season against Toms River North.

Top Position Groups: Offensive/Defensive Line A"Our line is our anchor, they're the strength," Sandberg said. The lines on both sides are indeed the top group for East going into the season with some experience to boot. They have more size this season and more reps in the system. If they execute, the Raiders will put up some points.

H EAD C OACH

"If our line can block and make some holes they're (running backs) going to hit it quick. If we can protect our quarterback and give our wide receivers a chance to run their routes and be open, it's going to work," Sandberg said.

Player Under the Radar: Joe Scala, Sr., DB

"We are the biggest we've been in a while, but we're still not big compared to other teams at the Shore," Sandberg said. "When you look at our line this year, both offensively and defensively, we got a few kids that are bigger and (more) physical than we've had in the past but, overall, compared to other schools, we're still one of the smaller ones."

Impact Newcomer: Nevin Hart, Jr., WR Sandberg has a lot of seniors on this team but also a good amount of newcomers and underclassmen, especially at the skill positions. One such player you can look at bursting onto the scene at the varsity level this season is Nevin Hart.

"One of the most intelligent football players I've ever met, he's got to ﬁnd a way to use his knowledge and his abilities to help his team and we're excited about that," Sandberg said.

"We've got a lot of seniors on the line, both offensive line and defensive line, and I think that's the strength of the team," seventh-year Toms River East head coach Kyle Sandberg told Shore Sports Network. "That senior leadership on the line is what's going to anchor this team, there's no doubt about it."

"He's a swiss army knife, he's a jack of all trades in a way. He can do a lot for us but his leadership has evolved," Sandberg said. "He's had a couple of things this year that didn't go his way but he is responding in a positive way. That's something you look for as a coach in a leader, how do you handle adversity."

Players To Watch: Joe Rome, Sr., OL; Ryan Ushock, Sr., DL; & Derek Weltman, Sr., OL. These linemen will be the anchors, and catalysts of the Raiders' offensive and defensive lines and will be key players in making things happen for Toms River East this season running the ball and allowing the passing game to open up.

ASSISTANT

By: Vin Ebenau SSN CONTRIBUTOR

ATAWAN 12

F RIDAY 9/30@P OINT B ORO 7 PM S ATURDAY

9 4

"Something we've tried to instill since I've been here, we're small, yes, but we're tough, we're scrappy, we're intense and we're trying to be savages out there and just run around and around, and be playmakers and dogs," Sandberg said.

Joe Arminio Jr. (LB); Andrew Bilodeau (RB); Dan Cicala (DC); Tony Durkin (OL); Frank Giannetti (DL); Matt Hughes (Head Freshmen Coach); Steve Petrosino (WR); Dylan Rainieri (Assistant Freshman Coach); Kristen Dilloian (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 1-9 2020: 3-5 2019: 9-2 2018: 3-6 2017: 2-8 SAVAGES, MONSTERS, & DOGS Offense: 2-Back Pistol Defense: Multiple ( L R ) J OE R OME (64), A MARI P HILLIPS (10), J OE S CALA (4) & R YAN U SHOLK (50) S R . OL J OE R OME

CB: MIKE FRAWLEY, JR.; NICK SCHIATTARELLA

There's a lot of size on the defensive line. There's a new defensive scheme this season, but these players including FCS recrui t Mike Hall (DE), Qasi Goode (DT), Ryan Cox (DT), Ethan Woods (DE), Devonte Bonds (OLB), Jack O'Brien (ILB), and Chase Martin (OLB), are up to the task.

OLB: CHASE MARTIN, SO.; SHANE GORDAN, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters: DE: MIKE HALL, SR.; STANLEY SAENGER, SR. DT: QASI GOODE, SO.; ANTHONY AGUANNO, SO.

FS: STEVE BORDAN, SR.; HEATH NELSON, SO. Special Team Starters: K: CONNOR BONICKY, SR.; ETHAN WOODS, JR.

95 Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 6 QB:AIDAN ZITT, SO., BRANDON PEINS, SR. RB:AMARI PHILLIPS, SR.; LUKE BARBER, SR.; CHRIS GALLO, SR.; RYAN RICHARDS, SR.; TERRANCE THOMAS, SO. WR: NEVIN HART, JR.; JAKE BUCKMAN, JR.; BRIAN BARNES, SR.; ANDREW BRUSH, JR.; KYLE COCOZZO, SR.; NATE CUMMINGS, SO.; TALEN DAVIS, SR.; JEREMY KALMAN, SR.; BRIAN SCHNUR, SR. OL: JAMES LYNCH, SO.; JOE ROME, SR.; DOUGIE SPADARO, JR.; DEREK WELTMAN, SR.; CHRISTIAN XENAKIS, JR.; AIDEN DIEHL, SR.; BLAKE GRANDINETTI, SR.; ANTONIO HERNANDEZ, JR.; NICK ITALIANO, SR.; NIK LONGO, SR.; JAMES LYNCH, SO.; DAVID MOCZYDLOWSKI, SR.; ELI SCOTT, JR.; M.J. WILLIAMS, JR. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: RYAN USHOCK, SR.; CHRISTIAN XENAKIS, JR.; AIDEN DIEHL, SR.; BLAKE GRANDINETTI, SR.; ANTONIO HERNANDEZ, JR.; NICK ITALIANO, SR.; NIK LONGO, SR.; JAMES LYNCH, SO.; DAVID MOCZYDLOWSKI, SR.; ELI SCOTT, JR.; M.J. WILLIAMS, JR. LB:ZANDER HALL, JR.; AIDAN ZITT, SO.; BRIAN BARNES, SR.; ANDREW BRUSH, JR.; CHRIS GALLO, SR.; RYAN RICHARDS, SR.; TERRANCE THOMAS, SO. DB: COLIN COCOILO, JR.; AVERY PHILLIPS, SO.; JOE SCALA, SR.; LUKE BARBER, SR.; KYLE COCOZZO, SR.; NATE CUMMINGS, SO.; TALEN DAVIS, SR.; JEREMY KALMAN, SR.; BRANDON PEINS, JR.; BRIAN SCHNUR, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: MIKE BRUNO, SR.

TE:

ILB: JACK O'BRIEN, SR.; NICK SHERIDAN, JR.

CB: CONNOR BONICKY, SR.; KIA SANTA CRUZ, SO.

Pinelands Continued from Page 93 Toms River East Continued from Page 94

DT: RYAN COX, SR.; TYLER GLASS, JR. DE: ETHAN WOODS, JR.; MEKHI HALL, SR.

P: RYAN ALLEN SR.; MATT DAVIS, SO.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) ALLEN SR.; TY KLINE, SO. RB: JAIMIN PARKINSON, SO.; JACK O'BRIEN, SR.; CONNOR BONICKY, SR.; ERIC KOBILNYK, FR.; DEVONTE BONDS. MIKE HALL, SR.; MEHKI HALL, SR.; ANGELO SCHEMICHEN SR.; LUKE CROTTY, SR.; MATT DAVIS, SO., WR: ANTHONY RUCCI, SR.; MIKE FRAWLEY, JR.; STEVE BORDAN, SR.; LIAM VILLINGER, JR.; NICK SCHIATTARELLA, 5'9, 155; KIA SANTA CRUZ, SO.

LT: RYAN COX, SR.; ANDREW HOFFMAN LG: ANTHONY AGUANNO, SO.; TYLER GLASS, JR. C: SALVATORE ESPOSITO, SR.; TYLER GLASS, JR.; COOPER SOBON, SO. RG: JOSEPH PUFAHL, SR.; THOMAS GRIFFEN, SR. RT: JAYDEN HADZOVIC, SO.; BRADY FENCE, SO.

"You look at Mike Hall, our defensive end, who is probably an FCS recruit, after the first couple of games this year, he'll get a lot more looks," Tierney said. "Jack O'Brien at middle linebacker -- we have six or seven linebackers who can all play at any time. " Rivalry Game: Sept. 9 @ Barnegat It'll be an important early-season battle between two southern Ocean County teams within the Liberty Division. This will be a good test for Pinelands early in the season after an opener against Point Beach and before they head north to play Toms River East.

OLB: DEVONTE BONDS; ERIC KOBILNYK, FR.

QB:RYAN

SS: LIAM VILLINGER, JR.; LOGAN RUSSO, JR.

Projected

Top Position Groups: Front Seven On Defense

Player To Watch:

Player Under the Radar: Yazzir Johnson, Sr., RG/DE Johnson is one of those returning linemen who will be protecting Brown and during his junior season and this preseason, the senior is establishing himself as a leader on both sides of the ball. He plays on the interior of the offensive line and he will be a defensive end in the 34 scheme on defense, so strength is his specialty.

For as unstable as the 2021 Asbury Park season might have seemed, the team had a solid overall showing with a young roster. Only two opponents on Asbury Park’s 2021 schedule were Group I schools and both were losses: a one-point loss to Shore Regional and a first-round loss to Penns Grove in the South Jersey Group I Playoffs. Despite the schedule heavy on larger-sized schools, Asbury Park managed to go 5-5, all while dealing with the midseason turmoil of the coaching change. “One thing we have always preached to the players over the years is that football is a sanctuary,” Davenport said. “Whatever is going on, whatever you’re dealing with in your life, you come to the field for two or three hours and you zone everything out and just go to work. That even goes for the coaches. When we are out on the field, it’s all about your teammates and what we’re trying to accomplish that day.”Looking ahead to 2022, the Blue Bishops have several key contributors back for the upcoming season. Jai’Sun Brown is a four-year starter at quarterback, Jashawn Carter fell just short of 1,000 yards as the team’s top rusher, Ralee Stephens was a major contributor on both sides of the ball and Javon King was an under-the-radar member of the defense with his eight Asburysacks.Park’s schedule starts with a challenging game at Weequahic and ends with a Thanksgiving rivalry showdown with Neptune, but in between the matchups are slightly more winnable than they were a year ago, when the Bishops battled to a 5-5 mark. Whatever the schedule, the goal at Asbury remains unchanged: be the last team standing in their Group I section.

“It’s special,” Davenport said of becoming the head coach at his alma mater. “I can’t tell you the amount of pride I have in being the head coach here. Just being around the city, to here people happy for me and excited for the team, it’s exactly what you want for your program. I just feel blessed to have the opportunity and I just want the community to be proud of this team.”

Fill:

“We have a really resilient group of kids,” Davenport said. “I don’t think they get enough credit for what they do and how tough they are.” C : Lamar Davenport, 1st season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 hen it comes to Asbury Park football, few people have more credibility than Lamar Davenport. He won three consecutive NJSIAA sectional titles as a player from 2007 to 2009, played at Monmouth University and returned to Asbury Park High School as an assistant in 2015.

Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Seven years returning to join the coaching staff, Davenport will now be leading it as the new Blue Bishops head coach and his hiring could not have come at a better time. Asbury Park changed coaches in the middle of last season after replacing accomplished coach Tim Fosque a yearand-a-half earlier, so Davenport taking over the production restores a sense of stability and direction.

( R ) I QUANN C RAWFORD (5), J ASHAWAN C ARTER (7), R AHZON M C N EIL (50), R A S TEPHENS (2) R A ’L S TEPHENS

OACH

“Foster brings a different dynamic with his speed,” Davenport said. “He is a guy who can make big plays, whether it’s running it, catching it or even throwing it. We’re going to try to get him the ball however we can.”

Tron Golfarb (Off. Coordinator/QB/ILB), Rob Ward (Def. Coordinator/OL), Isaiah Calderon (RB/OLB), Tim Fosque (OL/DL), Leroy Hayes (Special Teams), Barry Baity (Special Teams/DB), Syron Davis (RB/DB), Martez Williams (WR), Mark Gerbino (Football Operations), Paul Zarella (Assistant Strength & Conditioning), Nancy Saphow (Athletic Trainer)

Jai’Sun Brown, Sr., QB Brown has been the starter under center since his freshman year at Asbury Park and he has been putting up numbers all along the way. A year ago, Brown finished seventh in the Shore Conference with 1,480 passing yards, posted a completion percentage better than 60 percent and connected on 14 touchdown passes against only four interceptions. Those numbers came with a young offensive line in front of him so with more experience blocking for him, expect more of the same from one of the steadiest quarterbacks in the Shore.

T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 5-5 2020: 4-2 2019: 5-4 2018: 4-6 2017: 6-4

’L EE

“Yazzir played a ton last year and now he is going into his senior year,” Davenport said. “He is an anchor on our offensive and defensive line and he’s become a leading in that group and on our team.”

Top Position Group: The backfields Whether offense or defense, Asbury Park is loaded with athletes who are equipped to play in the backfield. In addition to Brown, the Blue Bishops return senior running back Jashawn Carter, who posted more than 900 rushing yards to lead the team in 2021. Juniors Iquann Crawford and Jah’Vell Carter will also be threats out of the offensive backfield and senior Davon Foster could see some time at quarterback when Davenport is looking to put more of a running threat at the Onposition.defense, the receiving corps will be doubling as a secondary, led by tight end and free safety Ralee Stephens. Messiah Harris is the other safety and Foster and fellow wideout Shaborn Goodman project as the starting cornerbacks.

Rivalry Game: Oct. 21 at Shore When both teams are at their best, the Asbury Park-Shore rivalry is one of the Shore’s best rivalries and both will have enough elements to compete in both the Patriot Division race and in the NJSIAA Group playoffs. Regardless of whether or not their paths cross in the postseason, they are guaranteed to cross in late October in a game that could have ramiﬁcations in both the Group playoff seeding and with regard to the division championship.

J R . TE

“Jai’Sun is more or a pure pocket-passer who can run if he needs to,” Davenport said. “He’s a four-year starter, so he understands his job and what the coaches expect from him and he knows what everybody else’s job is too.”

H EAD

Big Shoes to Davon Foster, Sr., WR/QB/CB Whether he is playing quarterback, receiver or cornerback, Foster will have high expectations to live up to – which he is more than capable of doing. Lydell Brown was a standout receiver and corner for Asbury Park a year ago, which is the role Foster is set to assume this season.

ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Matt Manley SSN Senior Editor 96 F RIDAY 9/2@W EEQUAHIC 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9K EYPORT 6 PM F RIDAY 9/23@P OINT B EACH 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30B ARNEGAT 6 PM F RIDAY 10/7K EANSBURG 6 PM S ATURDAY 10/15@L AKEWOOD 1 PM F RIDAY 10/21@S HORE 7 PM T HURSDAY 11/24@N EPTUNE 10 AM BISHOP SANCTUARY W

Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 5 DE: YAZZIR JOHNSON, SR. RS; RA’ZHON MCNEIL, JR. NT: FAHKIR HERCULES, JR. RS; JORGE CASTELLON DE: RA’ZHON MCNEIL, JR. RS; LOREZON CASTELLON, FR. OLB: NICK CHATHUANT, FR. ILB: IQUANN CRAWFORD, JR. RS ILB: JAH’VELL CARTER JR.; JAVON KING, SR. OLB: ELIJAH DRAKE, SR. CB: SHABORN GOODMAN, SR.; CAZIR ROBINSON, FR. CB: DAVON FOSTER, SR. SS: MESSIAH HARRIS, SR.; PRESTON SMITH, SO. FS: RALEE STEPHENS, SR. RS; JAHMEIL BROWN, JR.

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7 QB:JAI’SUN BROWN, SR. 4RS; DAVON FOSTER, SR. RB: JASHAWN CARTER, SR. RS; JAH’VELL CARTER, JR. RB: IQUANN CRAWFORD, JR. WR: DAVON FOSTER, SR.; MESSIAH HARRIS, SR. WR: SHABORN GOODMAN, SR.; PRESTON SMITH, SO. TE: RALEE STEPHENS, JR. RS; JAVON KING, SR. LT: DARRIN BACOTE, SR. RS LG: ELIJAH DRAKE, SR. RS; NICK CHATHUANT, FR. C: FAHKIR HERCULES, JR. RS; YAZZIR JOHNSON, SR. RG: YAZZIR JOHNSON, SR. RS RT: RA’ZHON MCNEIL, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters: K:SHABORN GOODMAN, SR. P: JASHAWN CARTER, SR.

Rivalry Game: Oct. 15 at Keyport The Titans will have revenge on the brain when they meet their longtime rivals on the penultimate weekend of the regular season. Keansburg beat Keyport twice in three seasons between 2017 and 2019, but has dropped each of the last three meetings – including two losses in 2021. Both teams will have new quarterbacks, but with Keansburg returning most of its starting lineup, the Titans will like their chances when they arrive at their next-door neighbor’s yard in mid-October.

With Braithwaite leading the team in rushing a season ago, Weems was somewhat of a secondary option in the running game, but by the end of the season, he was so effective that the Titans coaching staff got more and more comfortable with the ball in someone other than Braithwaite’s hands. As a freshman, Weems played in only six games, but still managed to rush for 579 yards on 87 carries and racked up 700 total yards when factoring in the passing game.

Projected SR. RS TAKIEE MURPHY, SR. DE: BILL HUHN, SR. RS; JOHN GILLILAND, JR. ZAHERE TINSLEY, SR. RS ILB: RYAN COMEY, SR. 3 RS; MATT ROCK, SO. IAN MENDEZ, SR. RS J.P. DEBOW, SR. RS ANTONIO ALEJANDRO, SR. SS: SHANE DEBOW, SR. NA’SUN LEE,

FS:

DT:

Player Under the Radar: Ryan Comey, Sr., FB/LB For the past two seasons, Comey has been a player willing to do the dirty work of a fullback and an inside linebacker, which has been invaluable for Keansburg, even if it often goes overlooked by people outside the program. With sophomore Dejuan Weems poised for a big sophomore season, Comey will be a change-of-pace ball-carrier when he is not clearing a path for Weems. Defensively, Comey and classmate Ian Mendez will form a rock-solid linebacker duo, with senior Zahere Tinsley playing opposite Mendez on the outside.

SR. RS Projected Special Team Starters: K/P:JOE SAUTNER, SR. 3RS 9 8 ( L R ) M ICHAEL MENTURE (77), N A’S UN L EE (4), J AHEIM H ILL (7), S HANE D EBOW (1) & JP D EBOW (2) O ver the past five seasons, the Keansburg football team has hit its stride by posting a composite record of 23-21 during that period with a 4-5 mark in 2018 the only losing season in the bunch. Prior to that stretch, the Titans were enduring seasons with one or two wins while trying to build their way back to playoff contention. Nick Varanelli (Def. Coordinator/LB/OL), Uriel Morfin (Special Teams/RB/DE), Nick Vloyanetes (WR/DB), Danny White (TE/DT), Richie Squeo (OL), John Thornton (OL/DL), Stephanie Walters (Quality Control/Film), Carley Lewandowski (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 5-4 2020: 4-3 2019: 5-4 2018: 4-5 2017: 5-5 Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: Multiple

“Coach Bird did an amazing job transforming the team and building a culture,” Reid said. “We return a good amount of starters on both sides of the ball and we have a lot of guys who played. It’s a tremendous situation to come in as a head coach.”Whilereplacing Braithwaite will be a significant challenge for Reid and Hill, the Titans return the vast majority of their starting talent from a season ago, which will help both coach and quarterback transition into their new positions. Even with a new coach-quarterback combination, the postseason is the expectation at Keansburg after the Titans missed out on the postseason a year ago.

Player To Watch: Dejuan Weems, So., RB

By: Matt Manley SSN senior Editor

Top Position Group: Wide Receivers Seniors like Comey, Mendez and tight end Riley Riely Jankowski could make major contributions to the Keansburg offense, but with Weems emerging as a big-play back and a deep group of receivers, it is going to be tempting to run four wideouts on the field with Weems and look to hit big play after big play.

“Dejuan Weems came on really strong as a freshman,” Reid said. “He made big strides over the offseason and he is carrying himself like a leader already, even though he is still only a sophomore.”

Two of the more important figures in that transformation – coach John Bird and two-way All-Shore talent Mikal Braithwaite – are no longer with the team, with Braithwaite graduating this past spring and Bird taking an administrative job in the district. During the first two years of his seven-year tenure, Bird set the foundation for success in the final five and for the final four of those seasons, he had Braitwaite as his quarterback. This season, two proteges will step into the spotlight to replace Bird and Braithwaite. On the sideline, Jim Reid takes over as head coach after serving as the offensive coordinator under Bird and his quarterback will be senior Jaheim Hill. In his first season in charge, Reid aims to keep the machine humming along by building upon when he and the rest of the staff helped Bird accomplish over the past five seasons.

“The conversation we have every day is whatever our goals are, we have to be ready to win practice every day,” Reid said. “We do believe we have the talent to have a special season but talent doesn’t mean anything unless you go out and prove it every day.”

Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 10 QB:JAHEIM HILL, SR.; J.P. DEBOW, SR. RB: DEJUAN WEEMS, SO. RS; IAN MENDEZ, SR. FB: RYAN COMEY, SR. 3RS WR: MIKE ALONSO, SR. RS; JAHMERE JAMES, SO. WR: NA’SUN LEE, SR. RS; SHANE DEBOW, SR. RS TE: RIELY JANKOWSKI, SR. RS LT: MICHAEL MENTURE, SR. RS LG: PATRICK SMIT, SR. RS C: D.J. DEANGELO, JR. RG: KYLE SCOTT, SR. RS RT: ANTHONY MASCOLINO, JR. RS Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 8 DE: RIELY JANKOWSKI, SR. RS; REED HOLLAND, JR. DT: ISAIAH GOODMAN,

Seniors Mike Alonso, Na’Sun Lee and Shane DeBow all return as receivers, with Alonso and Lee serving as big-play options and DeBow a dependable slot receiver who led the team with 21 receptions last year. Alonso, meanwhile, led Keansburg with 317 receiving yards, five of his 15 receptions went for touchdowns and he even contributed a pair of interceptions on defense. Lee and DeBow are also slated for starting jobs on defense, while Alonso could certainly find himself on the field for defensive possessions as well. For a change of pace or a breather, Keansburg also has sophomore Jahmere James as a receiver option to add to the list of weapons in the passing game.

OLB:

T HURSDAY 9/1@J ACKSON L IBERTY 6 PM F RIDAY 9/9@P OINT B EACH 7 PM S ATURDAY 9/17S HORE 12 PM S ATURDAY 9/24L AKEWOOD 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/1H ADDON T OWNSHIP 2 PM F RIDAY 10/7@A SBURY PARK 6 PM S ATURDAY 10/15@K EYPORT 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/22KIPP A CADEMY 12 PM H EAD C OACH : Jim Reid, 1st season CAREER RECORD: 0-0 NEW SAMELEADERSHIP,GOALS ASSISTANT COACHES:

CB:

Big Shoes to Fill: Jaheim Hill, Sr., QB The leader in the quarterback competition, Hill is the closest thing Keansburg still has to Braithwaite in that he can make a signiﬁcant impact running the ball, as well as throw it downﬁeld. Hill has more to prove in the passing game to get to the level that his predecessor established, but Reid expects Hill to be part of a dynamic rushing attack and to depend on an experienced group of receivers to help him quickly become a dangerous passer. “He was the heart and soul of our team for three years,” Reid said of Braithwaite. “He had the ball in his hands every play, so you take that away and there is a lot to make up for. The good thing for us is we have what we think is a very talented, experienced team around Jaheim. That’s going to help him ease his way into the position so he can just let his talent take over.” Senior J.P. DeBow is in line to be the back-up and his knowledge of the position after serving as Braithwaite’s back-up last year make him a dependable option as well –especially if it means getting a chance to use Hill as a receiver or ball-carrier in some of Keansburg’s more unique looks on offense.

CB:

With Thomson gone, there is a new name on the Keyport football marquee: Nazir“Keyport’sTreadwell.asmall town, so we’re a very close group and we get a lot of support from the community,” Treadwell said. “We all grew up together and we know when we trust each other and play for each other, good things usually happen. When you stick together and have success, we have seen how the town really gets behind you, so that’s where we want to be.”

SR. RS WR:

KEYS TO THE CAR F RIDAY 9/9@A SBURY PARK 6 PM S ATURDAY 9/17P OINT B EACH 12 PM F RIDAY 9/23@S HORE 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/1G ATEWAY 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/8L AKEWOOD 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/15K EANSBURG 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/22@N EW E GYPT 12 PM

Offensive

Rivalry Game: Oct. 15 vs. Keansburg After dropping two out of three games from their rivals from 2017 to 2019, the Red Raiders have bounced back with wins over the Titans in each of the last two seasons. Last season’s victory was especially satisfying because it was the best both teams have been in the same year for quite some time, with each ﬁnishing 2021 with a winning record. This year’s game will feature a lot of new faces on both sides, including a new head coach at Keansburg.

The Keyport offense will have a different look this season, but the Red Raiders could be just as difficult for opposing defenses to deal with, albeit in a different way. Treadwell is an established, big-play running back who will key the ground game, but the Red Raiders will have some additional weapons in St. John Vianney transfer Daijon Cross and promising freshman Mekai Henderson.

“With Georg and D.J. and George, we had a versatile offense that was able to attack on the outside with a young offensive line,” Glezman said. “Now, we have an older offensive line to go with Nazir and some talented backs, so we’re going to try to accentuate that. The guys are all in on it and they are already seeing it start to pay off.”

Top Position Group: The Running Game

JR.; DERRICK OSTERVICH, SR. TE: KEVIN FITZGERALD, SR. RS LT: SHAWN SINGH, JR. RS LG: ANTHONY LEON, SO. C: RYAN BURNS, JR. RS RG: BEN MORGAN, SR. RT: NICK GONZALEZ, SR.; LIAM KILLIAN, SO. Projected Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 7 DE: KEVIN FITZGERALD, SR. RS DT: LIAM KILLIAN, SO. RS DT: CHRISTOPHER MONTEMARANO, JR. DE: RYAN BURNS, JR. RS OLB: ROMAN BLANKS, SO. ILB: MASON ELDRIDGE, SR. RS OLB: LOGAN BLANKS, SR. CB:NAZIR TREADWELL, JR. 3RS CB: RYAN OSTERVICH, SR. RS SS: DAIJON CROSS, SR. FS: DERRICK OSTERVICH, SR. RS Projected Special Team Starters: K: MAX JUDSON, SR. P: MAX JUDSON 99 ( L R ) K EVIN F ITZGERALD (10), D ERRICK O STERVICH (21), M ASON E LDRIDGE (24 & N AZIR T READWELL (26) Angelo Marocco (Off. Coordinator), Jimmy Maguire (Def. Coordinator/RB/LB), Pete Miller (QB/DB), Kyle Keelen (OL/DL), Jerry Hourihan (Volunteer Assistant), Gheisson Lightbourne (Volunteer Assistant), Donnie Blanks (Volunteer Assistant), Kelly O’Donnell (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 6-3 2020: 2-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-6 2017: 1-9 F or the last several seasons,

3RS;

Big Shoes to Fill: Max Judson, Sr., WR For the next six months, Judson is likely to hear the name D.J. Thomson quite a bit, because that is the man who he will have to help replace in not one, but two sports at Keyport. Thomson was an All-Shore performer in both football and basketball and Judson was a role player on the basketball team that reached the Central Jersey Group championship game. Now, Judson will occupy one of the wide receiver spots vacated by Thomson and with a 6-foot-4 frame and some athleticism, Judson is likely to become a favorite target of likely starting quarterback Ryan Ostervich.

Offense: Pro Gun Defense: 4-3 Player To Watch: Nazir Treadwell, Jr., RB Coming off an eight-touchdown sophomore season in which he ran for 570 years, Treadwell is ready to become the focal point of the Keyport offense after serving as a change-of-pace within a pass-heavy Red Raiders attack. The offensive line has enough experience that Treadwell will have the help he needs to have a big individual season, but the junior’s focus is on pushing his team closer to a sectional championship in Group I. As a junior, Treadwell will also start to draw interest from college programs – interest that is still exploratory at this point but exists, nonetheless. In addition to keeping his focus on winning, Treadwell wants to show he is a complete back: fast enough to run away from anybody and physical enough to run through defenders as well.

Projected Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Starters: 5 OSTERVICH, ROMAN BLANKS, SO. NAZIR TREADWELL, JR. DAIJON CROSS, HENDERSON, MASON ELDRIDGE, MAX JUDSON, FORD, nobody personified the Keyport football program more than D.J. Thomson. An all-around athlete who starred both as a wide receiver and defensive back on the football field and as one of the top scorers in the state on the basketball court, Thomson could have been a standout at a non-public school or found his way to another, bigger public school, but chose to make a difference at his hometown, Group I school.

“He could have gone to RBR (he lives in Union Beach), he could have gone to any of the non-public schools,” Glezman said. “He stayed and other kids followed. He knows his talent and work ethic will take him places and it’s our job as coaches to help him showcase what he can do while he’s here. It will make us a better team and it will show other kids from Keyport that they can come to Keyport, compete for state titles and showcase themselves for the next level, all while playing for your hometown school.”

By: Matt Manley SSN senior Editor

ASSISTANT COACHES:

There are standout athletes that pass through Keyport and the better the experience the Thomson’s and Treadwell’s of the world have, the easier it will be to sell the future Thomson’s and Treadwell’s on what their hometown program can offer.

H EAD C OACH : Jason Glezman, 4th season CAREER RECORD: 11-13

SR.;

RB:

The group of running backs will be operating behind some proven players, although some will be in new positions. Kevin Fitzgerald moves from fullback to tight end, Mason Eldridge slides from guard to fullback and returnees Ryan Burns and Shawn Singh will lead the offensive line from the center and left tackle spots, respectively. Seniors Nick Gonzalez and Mater Dei transfer Ben Morgan take over on the right side of the line and sophomore Anthony Leon rounds out the group up front on offense.

Player Under the Radar: Derrick Ostervich, Sr., WR/FS Last year’s Keyport team featured a dynamic passing attack and Ostervich played a role in it as a slot receiver. Now a senior, he will be an important, steadying force within an inexperienced receiver corps that will be catching passes from a first-year starter at quarterback. In addition, Ostervich is a leader on the defense from his free safety spot and with Keyport likely to operate as a more run-heavy offense, his know-how on defense will be key in limiting big plays by the opposition – something Keyport could better recover from with its high-powered aerial attack of a year ago.

SR.; MEKAI

X Factor: Quarterback Play Speaking of Ryan Ostervich, the senior is the front-runner to assume the quarterback duties for Keyport in 2022, taking over for George Mitchell. While it might seem like a tall task, it is worth remembering Mitchell did not have varsity experience before last season and picked up the job quickly, so there is deﬁnitely optimism that Keyport will be solid under center before long. With a good collection of players in the running game, the job will be that of a game-manager more than a gun-slinger, but Ostervich is capable of making some plays as well.

FR. FB:

SR. WR: MIKE

QB:RYAN

Coach Jason Glezman now sees current Treadwell as the new face of Keyport football, but while the expectation is that Treadwell can live up to the moniker, the Red Raiders will not look the same as a team built around its star running back. After boasting a dynamic passing attack led by Thomson and quarterback George Mitchell during its 6-3 2021 season, Keyport is ready to run the rock with its talented backfield and experienced set of

Returning

As much as Treadwell is focused on the team, his coaches are focused on him too. While winning is the ultimate goal, Glezman knows that in order to keep Keyport pushing toward a state championship perch, talents like Treadwell and Thomson before have to have individual success.

The Piners have Jayvon Gonzalez back and healthy at quarterback, plus 1,300-yard running back Keyon Tims with him in the backﬁeld. A third senior, Derrick Marsh, is mixed in with two newcomers to the varsity team in Zah'mier and Ramel Anderson getting some time at wide receiver.

H C OACH : L.J. Clark, 12th season CAREER RECORD: 45-63 COACHES:

Player To Watch: Jayvon Gonzalez, QB, Sr. Yes, Jayvon Gonzalez is the returning starter behind center like he was at this point last year heading into the season, but a torn MCL took him out of playing for the Piners in 2021.

Impact Newcomers: Zah'mier Anderson, Jr., WR/DB & Ramel Anderson, So., WR/DB This could really be a fun duo to watch develop and contribute to the Piners this season. Clark said that he has been impressed heading into the season with the play of the Anderson brothers, who are among the younger crop of players that can help Lakewood for the next couple of seasons.

"Lamir being a three-year starter at center, Andre being a four-year starter -- losing any type of experience like that always hurts but we have a big senior class who's been playing early, and we've got some basketball players out for the team, so they should be able to fill some spots," Clark said. "The initial excitement is good, as long as we can stay healthy, that's the thing."

Projected Starters: returning GONZALEZ,

SR., RS RB: KEYON TIMS, SR., RS RB: EDGAR SILVA, SR. WR: DERRICK MARSH, SR. WR: ZYHMIER ANDERSON, JR. LT: JAMIR RIVERA, SR. LG: ALEXIS TORRES, SR. RS C: ALEXIS BAUSTIA, SR., RS RG: AMIR ENOCH, JR. RT: SHAWN ALICCA, SO. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: DAVID DOMINQUEZ, SO. DT: FRANK ROMERO, SR. DT: JAMIR RIVERA, SR. DE: ALEXIS TORRES, SR. OLB: MARK BARREDA, SR. ILB: EDGAR SILVA-HERNANDEZ, SR. OLB: KEYON TIMS, SR. CB: ZYHMIER ANDERSON, JR. CB: ANTHONY TUCKER, JR. FS: DERRICK MARSH, SR. SS: RAHMEL ANDERSON, SO. Projected Special Team Starters: K: DAVID DOMINGUEZ, SO. P: JAYVON GONZALEZ, SR., RS ( L R ) D ERRICK M ARSH (5), J AVYON G ONZAIES (3), A LLEXIS T ORRES (53) & K EYON T IMS (11)SATURDAY 9/3M ANCHESTER 1 PM S ATURDAY 9/10S HORE 6 PM S ATURDAY 9/17CAMDEN MASTERY CHARTER 12 PM S ATURDAY 9/24@K EANSBURG 12 PM F RIDAY 9/30@P INELANDS 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/8@K EYPORT 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/15A SBURY PARK 12 PM S ATURDAY 10/22P OINT B EACH 1 PM T he Piners have had a stunt in their growth process in turning things around at Lakewood High School over the past few seasons and it's been a struggle to turn things in a positive FINDINGdirection.THEIR WAY AGAIN Evan Baubles (Assistant Head Coach/OC/LB); Charlie Diskin (DC/QB); Ben Pivets (WR/DB); Bob Terringo (OL/LB); John Bernaski (Freshmen); Kevin Popek (Freshmen); Tim Brown (JV). T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 1-8 2020: 2-5 2019: 2-8 2018: 1-9 2017: 6-5 Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-2-5

"We're just trying to get back, we're instilling to the seniors that you could be the class to put us back in the playoffs," Clark said. "How do you want to leave your mark on history?"

starter) QB:JAYVON

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

Offensive

Player Under the Radar: Jamir Rivera, LT, Sr. Lakewood is only returning two of its ﬁve starting lineman from last season -- Alexis Torres and Alexis Bautista -- but their fellow senior, Jamir Rivera, is someone to keep an eye on to try and stabilize the line that lost Jaylen London and Lamir Clark to graduation.

EAD

100 Top Position Groups: Offensive Skill Players

It's affecting Lakewood in a unique way after the Piners graduated players including Andre Peace, Lamir Clark, and Jaylen London.

They have a lot of seniors on this team, and, if they can stay healthy and elevate their game, the Piners will post some wins in 2022.

"Losing our quarterback last year kind of put a damper on our season," Clark said. "We were dealing with low numbers and didn't have a lot of depth, and you lose a key player like Jayvon, our quarterback early in the season, it was hard for us to kind of weather the storm and get it right after that."

Rivalry Game: Oct. 22 vs. Point Beach Save the best for last. The divisions and schedules have changed in recent years with the realignment, so a traditional rival in Toms River South is not on their schedule. The Piners do have a fellow Ocean County school within this year's Patriot Division in Point Pleasant Beach. When the Piners and Gulls go at it in the ﬁnal week of the season, there could be a lot on the line.

By: Vin Ebenau SSN CONTRIBUTOR

Lakewood has been one of at least a few Shore Conference schools fighting a roster crunch in terms of having any kind of depth with a decline in players coming out for the team.Could this be the season the Lakewood Piners make significant strides and return to the winning that this program has had in the past?It's one of the challenges facing head coach L.J."We'reClark. just trying to gain a little bit of respectability back and be competitive," Clark tells Shore Sports Network. "The last couple of years have not been what we wanted whereas the first couple of years (when he first started coaching in Lakewood) we were in the playoffs for six-straight years, so we're just trying to get back to the playoffs and be competitive in theTheredivision."hasbeen some more turnover on the roster as well, like for every team every year, due to graduation.

The senior is back and healthy and ready to lead this Piners team in "He's2022.completely healthy, he ended up playing basketball after his surgery, he's lost some weight, he's doing everything we ask him to, and he's hungry. He wants to prove to everybody that he's one of the best players in the Shore," Clark said.

ASSISTANT

101

ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor T HURSDAY 9/1@P INELANDS 7 PM F RIDAY 9/9K EANSBURG 7 PM S ATURDAY 9/17@K EYPORT 12 PM F RIDAY 9/23A SBURY PARK 7

F RIDAY 9/30KIPP A CADEMY 7 PM F RIDAY

Impact Newcomer: John Wagner Yes, we're going with an assistant coach here, but not just any coach. Wagner is a Hall of Fame head coach who led Point Beach from 2011 through 2017 after being the longtime head coach at Roselle Park. He was most recently an assistant at Rumson-Fair Haven. The Garnet Gulls reached unprecedented heights under Wagner's direction, including consecutive 10-win seasons in 2012 and 2013 and the 2013 Central Jersey Group 1 championship, the program's ﬁrst and only NJSIAA sectional title. He'll coach the offensive line and linebackers this season and offer invaluable experience and insight to head coach Joe Zaccone and the rest of the coaching staff.

Rivalry Game: Rivalry Game: Shore and Point Beach are in the same division in most sports and routinely compete for division titles against one another. It's too early to tell the significance of this season's Week 6 game but it will certainly be a game each roster has circled on their calendars. he Gulls enter 2022 in a much better position than in recent years in terms of experience and size with multiple three-year starters and players in the 6-foot-plus and 200-plus pound range. One of those three-year returning starters is senior quarterback/middle linebacker Joe Beley. He was the heartbeat of Point Beach last season, throwing for 734 yards and seven touchdowns in the Gulls' Wing-T offense and making 97 tackles on defense. Along with Beley, Point Beach has four returning starters in the backfield with senior three-year starter Roman Grauso at running back and seniors Ryan Oreste and Jake Mullins at wing back. The wide receivers are junior Anthony Abdy, a returning starter, and 6-foot-3 senior Kevin Burns. The measurables of 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior tight end Jackson Killian are one example of the difference in size that Point Beach brings to the table this season. Four starters return along the offensive line and the newcomer, senior right tackle Chris Valente, just happens to be 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds. Senior David Fant (60, 225) is the left tackle, senior Rob Dey (6-0, 240) is the left guard, senior Arthur LoGuidice is the center, and senior Ronnie Thorne and junior Andrew Cole are both at right guard as Beach will rotate players in and out to remain fresh. Point Beach's 4-3 defense is also well-stocked with experienced players. Grauso is a three-year returning starter and will move to defensive end after playing linebacker last season. Dey and Valente are returning starters at defensive tackle and combine for a whopping 570 pounds in the middle of the line. Killian flanks them as the other defensive end. Junior Jamie Setrakian (6-3, 240) was a starter last season and will see significant playing time again at defensive tackle along with senior Alex Coles. The linebackers are all returning starters with Beley at middle linebacker and Oreste and LoGuidice at outside linebacker. Oreste played in the secondary last season and tied for second in the Shore Conference with fourTheinterceptions.secondaryhas three returning starters with Mullins and senior Aidan Kane as the cornerbacks and Abdy as the strong safety. Senior Kevin Burns (6-3, 170) will step in as the free safety. On special teams, junior Connor Loughran returns as the kicker and punter. Point Beach will be in the Patriot Division this season with Asbury Park, Keansburg, Keyport, Shore Regional, and Lakewood.Thevibes are positive and expectations are high for Point Beach entering year four under head coach Joe Zaccone. With talent, experience, and size throughout the lineup, the Garnet Gulls are planning for a resurgence this fall. C OACH : Joe Zaccone, 4th season CAREER RECORD: 10-17 PM 10/7@S

HORE 7 PM F RIDAY 10/14J ACKSON L IBERTY 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/22@L AKEWOOD 1 PM BIG BIRDS A ter going winless during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Point Beach rebounded last season with a 3-7 record, including winning their final two games. With nine returning starters on each side of the ball, the Garnet Gulls are looking forward to getting back to the playoffs and contending for the Patriot Division title. Jeff Bower (Defensive Coordinator/DB/RB); Brandon Gross (Offensive Coordinator/DL/OL); Josh Yates (Special Teams Coordinator/DB/QB); John Wagner (OL/LB); Michael McGee (LB/Wings); Michael Pellicane (LB/WR); Jimmy Ilvento (WR/DB); Cali Whedon (Athletic Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 3-7 2020: 0-7 2019: 7-3 2018: 0-9 2017: 7-5 Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) QB:JOE BELEY, SR., 3RS RB: ROMAN GRAUSO, SR., 3RS WINGS: JAKE MULLINS, SR., RS; RYAN ORESTE, SR., RS WR: ANTHONY ABDY, JR., RS; KEVIN BURNS, SR. TE: JACKSON KILLIAN, SR. LT: DAVID FANT, SR., RS LG: ROB DEY, SR., RS C: ARTHUR LOGUIDICE, SR., RS RG: RONNIE THORN, SR., RS; ANDREW COLE, JR. RS RT: CHRIS VALENTE, SR. Projected Defensive Starters: DE: ROMAN GRAUSO, SR., 3RS DT: ROB DEY, SR., RS; ALEX COLES, SR. DT: CHRIS VALENTE, SR., RS; JAMIE SETRAKIAN, JR. DE: JACKSON KILLIAN, SR.; ANDREW COLE, JR. OLB: RYAN ORESTE, SR., 3RS MLB: JOE BELEY, SR., 3RS OLB: ARTHUR LOGUIDICE, SR., RS CB: AIDAN KANE, SR., RS CB: JAKE MULLINS, SR., RS SS: ANTHONY ABDY, JR., RS FS: KEVIN BURNS, SR. Projected Special Team Starters: K/P: CONNOR LOUGHRAN, JR., RS ( L R ) R YAN O RESTE (13), R OMAN G RAVSO (27), J OE B ELEY (9) & R OBERT D EY (54) Offense: Delaware Wing-T Defense: Multiple

The 2022 season will be Grauso's third as a starter. He'll be Point Beach's running back in the Wing-T offense and moves from linebacker to defensive end. He ﬁgures to be in the middle of everything Point Beach does and a player who is key to their aspirations.

H EAD

Player To Watch: Joe Beley, Sr., QB/LB Beley returns for his third year as a starter on both sides of the ball and looks to lead the Gulls back to the playoffs. He threw for 734 yards and seven touchdowns and registered a team-high 97 tackles last season.

Player Under the Radar: Roman Grauso, Sr., RB/DE

X Factor: Player Development Every team is facing the same scenario to a certain degree and for Shore, its success will likely be defined by how well its younger players improve from a season ago.

H EAD C OACH :

Rivalry Game: Oct. 7 vs. Point Beach

CAREER RECORD:

Jon Remedios (OL/DL); Pete Vincelli (RB/DB); Joe Rankin (QB/MLB); Mike Whitacre (OL/DL); Chris Riley (WR/LB); Jon Vacarelli (Freshmen); Paul Christopher (Freshmen); Mark Costantino Jr. (Gameday coordinator); Amacucci (Athletic

Joe

Trainer) T eam R ecord L ast F ive Y ears : 2021: 7-4 2020: 4-2 2019: 4-6 2018: 7-3 2017: 4-6 Offense: Delaware Wing-T Defense: 4-4 ( L R ) M ICHAEL F URLONG (85), A IDAN O’B RIAN (67), T Y K OCH (3), L UCAS R OSA (2) & J ACKSON W HITACRE (99) 10 2

Player Under the Radar: Ty Koch, Sr., QB/LB Koch was a contributor last season and is also an all-division wrestler. He steps into the starting quarterback role where Mazzacco reigned last season and will also be in the mix at outside linebacker.

The strength of the Blue Devils' Delaware Wing-T offense under head coach Mark Costantino, now in his 31st year, is along the offensive line where three of five starters return. Senior Aidan O'Brien is the elder statesman of the group and will be at right guard. Junior Jake Papera is a returning starter at left guard and junior Connor Haney is a returning starter at right tackle. Sophomore Xavier Moro and junior Sean Fisher are working at left tackle and junior Paul Giglio and senior Walker Hunter are at Thecenter.backs and receivers are all new starters. Senior Ty Koch takes over at quarterback with a backfield that consists of senior Lucas Rosa, juniors Lucas White, Alex George, and Jake Pennell, and sophomore Brendan O'Brien. The receivers are senior Donovan Hughes and juniors CJ Sears, Parker Feegan, and Jack Sweeney. Both tight ends are returning starters with standout junior Jackson Whitacre and senior Michael Furlong. Shore was 10th in the conference last season averaging 24.6 points per game but there is a huge void to fill since Mazzacco accounted for a conference-best 191 points and was second in the conference with 1,642 yards rushing and first with 26 touchdowns. Mark Costantino, 13th season 198-109-1 situation Shore is facing heading into this season is similar in many ways to how the team entered the 2021 season. The Blue Devils were tasked with replacing several standouts and faced plenty of question marks for a program used to contending for championships.

The Blue Devils had Jamie Mazzacco, however, and the standout senior had a monster season to lead Shore to a 7-4 record and a trip to the South Jersey Group 1 semifinals. With Mazzacco having graduated and just a handful of returning starters remaining, the Blue Devils will once again be banking on the development of the new starters to keep their status as one of the best small schools in the Shore Conference.

Player To Watch: Jackson Whitacre, Jr., TE/DE Whitacre will be entering his third year as a starter and is coming off a sophomore season in which he recorded 62 tackles and tied for second in the conference with 10 sacks. He is a difference-maker at defensive end and will also help the run game and contribute to the passing game as a tight end.

ASSISTANT COACHES: By: Bob Badders SSN Managing Editor F RIDAY 9/2W ESTWOOD (@R UTGERS ) 4 PM S ATURDAY 9/10@L AKEWOOD 6 PM S ATURDAY 9/17@K EANSBURG 12 PM F RIDAY 9/23K EYPORT 7 PM F RIDAY 9/30M ONMOUTH 7 PM F RIDAY 10/7P OINT B EACH 7 PM S ATURDAY 10/15@M ANASQUAN 1 PM F RIDAY 10/21A SBURY PARK 7 PM DEVELOPING DEVILS T he

The Blue Devils and Garnet Gulls are longtime Class B Central rivals in nearly every sport. In football, they've gone toe-to-toe in some big games over the years and this year's Week 6 game should be a good one with an improved Point Beach squad heading to West Long Branch.

OLB:

Projected

Shore's defense was seventh in the conference allowing 13.9 points per game but returns just three starters. Thankfully, one of them is Whitacre, who will be entering his third year as a starter and is coming off a huge sophomore season in which he tied for second in the conference with 10 sacks and also recorded 62 tackles. Furlong and Moro are also returning starters along the defensive line and will be joined by Fisher, Papera, Giglio, Haney, senior Jake Ellison, and junior Kenny Hayes. The inside linebackers are Aidan O'Brien, junior Malachy Connors, and Brendan O'Brien. The outside linebackers are Rosa, White, and Koch.The secondary features Sears, Feegan, George, and Pennell. Mazzacco was also the kicker last season and Furlong will assume those duties this year.

RG:

Projected Offensive Starters: (RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5 QB:TY KOCH, SR.

10 3

Shore remains in the Patriot Division but the landscape has changed drastically as the Blue Devils and Asbury Park are the only two teams remaining from a group that also included Point Boro, Barnegat, Manchester, and Jackson Liberty. The Patriot Divison now resembles the old Class B Central division with Shore, Keansburg, Keyport, Asbury Park, and Point Beach, plus Lakewood.

MLB:

RT:

Also noteworthy is that Costantino, who is a Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Famer, sits two wins away from 200 career victories. RB: LUCAS ROSA, SR.; LUCAS WHITE, JR.; ALEX GEORGE, JR.; BRENDAN O'BRIEN, SO.; JAKE PENNELL, JR. WR: CJ SEARS, JR.; PARKER FEEGAN, JR.; DONOVAN HUGHES, SR.; JACK SWEENEY, JR TE: MICHAEL FURLONG, SR., RS; JACKSON WHITACRE, JR., RS LT: XAVIER MORO, SO.; SEAN FISHER, JR LG: JAKE PAPERA, JR., RS PAUL GIGLIO, JR.; WALKER HUNTER, SR. AIDAN O'BRIEN, SR., RS CONNOR HANEY, JR., RS Defensive Starters: Returning Starters: 3 DL:JACKSON WHITACRE, JR., RS; MICHAEL FURLONG, SR., RS; XAVIER MORO, SO., RS; SEAN FISHER, JR.; JAKE PAPERA, JR.; JAKE ELLISON, SR.; PAUL GIGLIO, JR.; CONNOR HANEY, JR.; KENNY HAYES, JR. AIDAN O'BRIEN, SR.; MALACHY CONNORS, JR.; BRENDAN O'BRIEN, SO. LUCAS ROSA, SR.; LUCAS WHITE, JR.; TY KOCH, SR. CJ SEARS, JR.; PARKER FEEGAN, JR.; ALEX GEORGE, JR.; JAKE PENNELL, SO. Special Team Starters: MICHAEL FURLONG, SR. S R . QB T Y K OCH

DB:

Projected

ASBURY PARK F IELD A DDRESS : 1003 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park D IRECTIONS: From south - Parkway exit 100A. Take Route 66 east to trafﬁc circle. Follow Route 35 north to Sunset Avenue. Turn right; school is about two miles on left. From north - Parkway exit 102 to Asbury Avenue east. Asbury Avenue runs into Route 66 and then same as above.

R ED B ANK C ATHOLIC

M IDDLETOWN N ORTH F IELD A DDRESS : 63 Tindall Road, Middletown D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road and follow to end. Turn right onto Kings Highway. Make a right and follow to Route 35 south to the jughandle for Tindall Road. Take the jughandle and then make a right to Tindall Road. The school will be a half mile on right.

M IDDLETOWN S OUT H F IELD A DDRESS : 501 Nutswamp Road, Middletown D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Go east on Red Hill Road to light for Dwight Road. Turn right on Dwight Road to Middletown-Lincroft Road. Cross Middletown-Lincroft Road to Nutswamp. School is a half mile on the right.

K EYPORT F IELD A DDRESS : Jackson Street, Keyport D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 117. Take Route 35 south and bear left onto Route 36 south. Take jughandle left onto Atlantic Street. Turn right on Jackson Street and go two blocks. Field is at the end of the street.

R ATITAN F IELD A DDRESS : 419 Middle Road, Hazlet D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Make a left off the exit onto Red Hill Road, which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turn left, school is on the right. From south - Parkway Exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road, which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turn left, school is on the right.

F IELD A DDRESS : 74 Ridge Road, Rumson D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. After about three miles, Harding becomes Ridge Road. Pass Red Bank Regional High School and go about three more miles. Rumson-Fair Haven will be on the left.

H OLMDEL F IELD A DDRESS : 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Go west on Red Hill Raod. At ﬁrst intersection, turn right onto Crawfords Corner Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on the right.

F IELD A DDRESS : 540 Road, Holmdel D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the parkway. Before tollbooth, turn right onto Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At ﬁrst light, turn left onto Church Street. At next light, turn right onto Line road. School is on left.

K EANSBURG F IELD A DDRESS : 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 114. Turn right off ramp onto Red Hill Road. At ﬁrst light, turn left onto VanShoik Road. VanSchoik becomes Laurel Avenue. Take Laurel across Route 35 to Route 36. Turn right on Route 36 and take to jughandle left turn for Main Street. At ﬁrst light, turn right onto Port Monmouth Road. School is down on the right.

F IELD A DDRESS : Route 36 east, West Long Branch D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles, cross route 71. School is just ahead on the right.

W ALL

HORE R EGIONAL

M ATAWAN F IELD A DDRESS : 450 Atlantic Avenue, Aberdeen D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the Parkway. Before toll booth, turn right on Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At next light, turn right on Church Street. At next light, turn right on Atlantic. School is just ahead on the right.

F IELD A DDRESS : 18th Avenue and New Bedford Road, Wall D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 98. Take Route 138 east about two miles to second light, turn right onto New Bedford Road. Follow to school entrance on left.

IELD A DDRESS : Indiana Avenue, Long Branch D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36 east, bear onto route 71 past Monmouth University and turn left on Westwood Avenue. Make a right onto Bath Avenue and then a right onto Indiana Avenue. School is ahead on right.

H OWELL F IELD A DDRESS : 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell D IRECTIONS: Route I-195 west to Lakewood-Farmingdale exit for Route 547 west (toward Farmingdale). Go about 200 yards to SquankumYellowbrook Road, turn left. School is about two miles on left.

N EPTUNE F IELD A DDRESS : Memorial Field, Summerﬁeld School, Neptune D IRECTIONS: From south - Parkway Exit 100. Take Route 33 east a few miles to Green Grove Road. Turn left onto Green Grove Road, school is just ahead on the left. From north - Parkway exit 100B. Follow rest of directions from above.

CEAN T OWNSHIP F IELD A DDRESS : 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township D IRECTIONS: Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West Park Avenue, school is a half mile on the right.

ONG B RANCH F

M ARLBORO F IELD A DDRESS : 95 Route 79, Marlboro D IRECTIONS: Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a few miles ahead on left.

F REEHOLD T OWNSHIP FIELD ADDRESS: 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold Township D IRECTIONS: Take Route 9 to Elton-Adelphia Road (Rt 524). Go west on Rt 524. School is one mile ahead on left.

M ANALAPAN F IELD A DDRESS : 30 Church Lane, Manalapan D IRECTIONS: Route 9 to Route 522 west. Turn right on Tennent Road, then left on Church lane. School is a half mile on right.

R UMSON F IAR H AVEN

S T . J OHN V IANNEY

R ED B ANK R EGIONAL F IELD A DDRESS : 101 Ridge Road, Little Silver D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to end to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. School is one and a half miles on right.

F IELD A DDRESS : Count Basie Field, Henry Street, Red Bank D IRECTIONS: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road east to Henry Street - Red Bank Volvo is n the corner. Turn left, ﬁeld entrance is just ahead on the left.

10 4

M ANASQUAN F IELD A DDRESS : 159 Broad Street, Manasquan D IRECTIONS: From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34 south two miles to Manasquan/Sea Girt Exit. Go under Route 34 and follow Atlantic Avenue through circle. School is about one mile ahead on left. From south - Parkway exit 98. Take route 138 west to route 34 south, follow rest of above directions.

F REEHOLD B ORO FIELD ADDRESS: 2 Robertsville Road, Freehold D IRECTIONS: Take Route 18 to Route 79 south. Turn left onto Robertsville Road. Filed is one block ahead on left.

C OLTS N ECK F IELD A DDRESS : 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck D IRECTIONS: Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold. School is two to three miles ahead on the left.

M ONMOUTH R EGIONAL F IELD A DDRESS : 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton Falls D IRECTIONS: Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at ﬁrst trafﬁc light to Hope Road and go north to Tinton Avenue. Turn left on Tinton Avenue and go about half a mile to school entrance on the right, just before Parkway overpass.

C ENTRAL R EGIONAL F IELD A DDRESS : Forest Hills Parkway, Berkeley D IRECTIONS:

F IELD A DDRESS : 600 North Main St. (Route 9), Stafford

L ACEY F IELD A DDRESS : Haines Street, Lacey D IRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 74. Turn right on Lacey Road. Follow less than two miles, take jughandle left turn for Manchester Avenue. Go to the ﬁrst light, turn right on Haines Street. School is on the right.

D IRECTIONS : Parkway exit 63. Take Route 72 east about two miles and bear right onto Route 9 north. Take Route 9 about three miles and school is on the left.

DIRECTIONS: Directions: Parkway exit 82. Take Route 37 east. Turn right onto Hooper Avenue. The ﬁeld is a half mile down on the right behind the Ocean County Courthouse

jughandle. Go north on Coolidge one mile to Raider Way. Turn left, school entrance is on the left.

IELD A DDRESS : 101 Hyers Street, Toms River

F IELD A DDRESS : 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson D IRECTIONS : From south- Route 9 north to Cox Cro Road Road in Toms River. Make a left onto Cox Cro and follow about two miles to 527 (Whitesville Road). Make a left onto 527 and follow for about 4-5 miles. Make a right onto South Hope Chapel Road/CR-547. School is just ahead on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to Exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527 South. Follow for 6-7 miles and turn left onto South Hope Chapel Road (just after 527 becomes 528 at Whitesville Road). School is about a half mile on the right.

OMS R IVER S OUTH

IELD A DDRESS : Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor D IRECTIONS: Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about three miles. Turn right on Nugentown Road. School is three miles on the right.

F IELD A DDRESS : Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson D IRECTIONS : From south - Route 9 north to Route 571. Go about 10-12 miles west to Route 528 intersection. Turn right on Route 528. Continue on Don Connor Boulevard and make a right. School is a quarter mile on the left. From north - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to exit 21. Bear left and turn onto Route 527 South. At second light turn right onto Route 528. Continue to Don Connor Boulevard and make a left. Follow directions above.

L AKEWOOD F IELD A DDRESS : 855 Somerset Ave, Lakewood D IRECTIONS: From south - Parkway exit 90. Take immediate jughandle Uturn to go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Turn left onto Route 88, follow to New Hampshire Avenue and turn right. Take New Hampshire to end, turn left onto Ridge. Go about 1 ½ miles to school on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go straight at light, follow road to Route 88 intersection. Turn right on Route 88 and follow rest of directions above.

ACTION L IBERTY

IELD A DDRESS : St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, Pt. Pleasant Beach

From north - Parkway exit 77. Turn left off exit onto Double Trouble Road, follow it to trafﬁc light. Turn left on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot. From south - Parkway exit 77. Turn right on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school lot.

F IELD A DDRESS : 101 Colonial Drive, Manchester D IRECTIONS: Parkway to Exit 82A. Take Route 37 west about ﬁve miles to jughandle for Colonial Drive. Cross 37 and follow back to school parking lot.

P T. P LEASANT B EACH

DIRECTIONS: From north - Route 35 south. After crossing Manasquan River, follow signs for Broadway/Beach and make U-turn onto route 35 North. Make a quick right onto Broadway. Make a right onto St. Louis Avenue and follow until you see the ﬁeld. From south - Route 35 north. Make a right onto Broadway and continue with above listed directions.

P INELANDS

B RICK F IELD A DDRESS : 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick D IRECTIONS:

S OUTHERN R EGIONAL

IELD A DDRESS : Laura Herbert Drive, Point Pleasant D IRECTIONS : From north - Parkway Exit 91. Stay left off exit and take jughandle around to light at gas station. Turn right and follow Burnt Tavern Road to Route 70. Turn left on Route 70 and at next intersection turn right onto Herbertsville Road. Stay on Herbertsville Road to intersection with Route 88. Go straight through light to school less than a mile on the right. From south - Route 88 east to Beaver Dam Road and make a right. School entrance is ahead on right.

IELD A DDRESS : Old Freehold Road, Toms River

From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go straight at light, follow to Route 88. Cross Route 88, go under Parkway overpass and school is just ahead on right. From south- Parkway exit 90. School is short distance on right from off-ramp.

From the north - Parkway to exit 67 (Barnegat). Make a left at the end of the exit ramp onto Bay Avenue. At second light make a left onto Barnegat Boulevard North. Go approximately one mile and make a left onto Bengal Boulevard. School is on the left. From the South-Parkway to Exit 63. Follow route 72 east to route 9 north. Make a left onto Bay Avenue. Make a right onto Barnegat Boulevard North and follow above direction.

B ARNEGAT F IELD A DDRESS : 180 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat D IRECTIONS:

D ONOVAN C ATHOLIC F IELD A DDRESS : 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms River D IRECTIONS : Parkway to Exit 82. Take Route 37 east and turn right on Hooper Avenue. Go south on Hooper about a half mile and turn left at the ﬁrst light. School is on the right.

OMS R IVER E AST

IELD A DDRESS : Raider Way, Toms River

T OMS R IVER N ORTH

D IRECTIONS : Parkway Exit 82. Take Route 37 East. At ﬁrst light take a jughandle left onto Route 166 north. Bear right at next trafﬁc light onto Old Freehold Road. School is about three miles ahead on right.

P T . P LEASANT B ORO

ANCHESTER

From South - Parkway exit 90. Ramp will put you on Chambers Bridge Road. Take ﬁrst jughandle U-turn and go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Cross Route 88 and follow to second light, where there is a convenience store on the left and a gas station on the right. The right and go over the Parkway. Pass the 7-Eleven and take the jughandle left turn for Lanes Mill Road. Go straight across, bear right just pass Lanes Mill Elementary School. High school is on right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Bear left after the toll. Follow jughandle around, turn right at light at gas station. Follow directions above after going over the Parkway.

B RICK M EMORIAL F IELD A DDRESS : 2001 Lanes Mill Road, Brick D IRECTIONS :

D IRECTIONS : Parkway Exit 82, Take Route 37 east to Coolidge Avenue

ACTION M EMORIAL

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO PROVIDED THE TEAM & ACTION PHOTOS USED THROUGHOUT THIS PROGRAM AND THE SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM WEBSITE

106 Week 0 F RIDAY , A UG . 26 ManalapanNondivisionalatFreehold Township6:30 p.m. SouthernNonconferenceatWestWindsor-Plainsboro6:00 p.m. S ATURDAY , A UG . 27 Battle at the Beach, at Ocean City HS Toms River North vs.Washington Twp.1:30 p.m. Red Bank Catholic vs. St. John Vianney 7:30 p.m. Week 1 T HURSDAY, S EPT 1 BrickNondivisionalMemorial@Jackson Memorial6 p.m. Marlboro @ Brick6 p.m. Toms River East @ Toms River South 6 p.m. Central @ Howell 6:30 p.m. Barnegat @ Freehold Township6:30 p.m. Neptune @ Point Boro7 p.m. Holmdel @ Ocean 7 p.m. Raritan @ Matawan7 p.m. Keansburg @ Jackson Liberty7 p.m. Point Beach @ Pinelands7 p.m. F RIDAY, S EPT 2 Rumble on the Raritan, at Rutgers Westwood @ Shore4 p.m. Lacey@NondivisionalDonovanCatholic6:30 p.m. Manalapan @ Middletown North6 p.m. Middletown South @ Long Branch7 p.m. Freehold@ Red Bank Catholic7 p.m. Red Bank @ Monmouth7 p.m. AsburyNonconferencePark@Weequahic7 p.m. S ATURDA Y , S EPT. 3 Rumble on the Raritan, at Rutgers Toms River North @. Rumson-Fair Haven4 p.m St.NondivisionalJohnVianneyatColts Neck 12 p.m. Manchester at Lakewood p.m. Week 2 F RIDAY , S EPT 9 American Division Donovan Catholic @ Rumson-Fair Haven7 p.m. Middletown South @ Manalapan7 p.m. Red Bank Catholic @ Wall7 p.m. Colonial Division Middletown North @ Central7 p.m. Southern @ Toms River North7 p.m. Constitution Division Jackson Memorial @ Howell6:30 p.m. Freedom Division Red Bank @ Brick Memorial6 p.m. Toms River South @ Brick7 p.m. Ocean @ Neptune7 p.m. Independence Division St. John Vianney at Holmdel7 p.m. Manasquan at Point Boro7 p.m. Monmouth at Raritan 7 p.m. Liberty ManchesterDivisionatTomsRiver East 6 p.m. Pinelands at Barnegat7 p.m. Matawan at Jackson Liberty7 p.m. Patriot Division Keyport @ Asbury Park6 p.m. Keansburg @ Point Beach7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, S EPT 10 Colonial Division Lacey @ Long Branch1 p.m. Constitution Division Colts Neck @ Freehold12 p.m. Freehold Township @ Marlboro12 p.m. Patriot Division Shore @ Lakewood6 p.m. Week 3 F RIDAY , S EPT 16 American Division Manalapan at Donovan Catholic6:30 p.m. Red Bank Catholic at Middletown South7 p.m. Wall at Rumson-Fair Haven7 p.m. Colonial Division Central at Toms River North6 p.m. Middletown North at Lacey6:30 p.m. Long Branch at Southern7 p.m. Constitution Division Howell @ Freehold Township6:30 p.m. Colts Neck @ Jackson Memorial7 p.m. Freedom Division Brick Memorial @ Ocean7 p.m. Brick @ Neptune7 p.m. Toms River South @ Red Bank7 p.m. Independence Division Point Boro @ Holmdel 7 p.m. Monmouth @ St. John Vianney7 p.m. Liberty Division Pinelands @ Toms River East6 p.m. Matawan @ Manchester6:30 p.m. Jackson Liberty @ Barnegat7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, S EPT 17 Constitution Division Freehold @ Marlboro12 p.m. Independence Division Raritan @ Manasquan2 p.m. Patriot Division Shore @ Keansburg12 p.m Point Beach @ Keyport12 p.m. CamdenNonconferenceMasteryCharter @ Lakewood12 p.m. Week 4 T HURSDAY , S EPT 22 Liberty Division Pinelands @ Matawan7 p.m. F RIDAY , S EPT 23 American Division Donovan Catholic @ Red Bank Catholic7 p.m. Rumson-Fair Haven @ Manalapan 7 p.m. Wall @ Middletown South7 p.m. Colonial Division Central @ Lacey6:30 p.m. Southern @ Middletown North7 p.m. Constitution Division Marlboro @ Howell6:30 p.m. Freehold @ Jackson Memorial 7 p.m. Freedom Division Neptune @ Brick Memorial6 p.m. Ocean @ Toms River South6 p.m. Brick @ Red Bank7 p.m. Independence Division Manasquan @ St. John Vianney7 p.m. Point Boro @ Raritan7 p.m. Liberty Division Jackson Liberty @ Manchester6:30 p.m. Barnegat @ Toms River East6:30 p.m. Patriot Division Asbury Park at Point Beach, 7 p.m. Keyport at Shore, 7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, S EPT 24 Colonial Division Toms River North @ Long Branch 1 p.m Constitution Division Freehold Township @ Colts Neck12 p.m. Independence Division Holmdel @ Monmouth12 p.m. Patriot Division Lakewood @ Keansburg12 p.m. Week 5 F RIDAY , S EPT 30 TomsNondivisionalRiverNorth@ Toms River South6 p.m. Freehold Township @ Brick Memorial6 p.m. Jackson Memorial @ Jackson Liberty6 p.m. Barnegat @ Asbury Park6 p.m. Colts Neck @ Lacey6:30 p.m. Manasquan @ Manchester6:30 p.m. Southern @ Rumson-Fair Haven7 p.m. Howell @ Wall7 p.m. Brick@ Central7 p.m. Ocean@ Raritan7 p.m. Matawan @ Holmdel7 p.m. Monmouth @ Shore7 p.m. Toms River East @ Point Boro7 p.m. Lakewood @ Pinelands7 p.m. St.NonconferenceJoseph(Montvale) @ Donovan Catholic6:30 p.m. Seton Hall Prep @ Red Bank Catholic7 p.m. KIPP Academy @ Point Beach7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, O CT 1 St.NondivisionalJohnVianney@ Marlboro12 p.m. Manalapan @ Freehold2 p.m. GatewayNonconference@Keyport1 p.m. Haddon Township @ Keansburg2 p.m. Week 6 F RIDAY , O CT . 7 American Division Wall @ Donovan Catholic6:30 p.m. Red Bank Catholic @ Manalapan7 p.m. Middletown South @ Rumson-Fair Haven7 p.m. Colonial Division Lacey @ Toms River North6 p.m. Central @ Southern7 p.m. Long Branch @ Middletown North7 p.m. Constitution Division Freehold @ Freehold Township6:30 p.m. Freedom Division Toms River South @ Brick Memorial6 p.m. Ocean @ Brick7 p.m. Independence Division Monmouth @ Point Boro7 p.m. Raritan @ St. John Vianney7 p.m. Liberty ManchesterDivision@Barnegat7 p.m. Jackson Liberty @ Pinelands7 p.m. Patriot KeansburgDivision@Asbury Park6 p.m. Point Beach @ Shore 7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, O CT 8 Constitution Division Howell @ Colts Neck12 p.m. Jackson Memorial @ Marlboro12 p.m. Freedom Division Red Bank @ Neptune1 p.m. Independence Division Holmdel @ Manasquan1 p.m. Liberty Division Toms River East @ Matawan12 p.m. Patriot Division Lakewood @ Keyport12 p.m. Week 7 F RIDAY , O CT 14 TomsNondivisionalRiverNorth@ Toms River East6 p.m. Brick @ Lacey6:30 p.m. Southern @ Howell6:30 p.m. Freehold Township @ Manchester6:30 p.m. Donovan Catholic @ Jackson Memorial7 p.m. Marlboro @ Manalapan7 p.m. Matawan @ Middletown South7 p.m. Colts Neck @ Wall7 p.m. Brick Memorial @ Central7 p.m. Neptune @ Long Branch7 p.m. Middletown North @ Ocean7 p.m. Holmdel @ Red Bank7 p.m. Toms River South @ Raritan7 p.m. Point Boro @ Barnegat7 p.m. Jackson Liberty @ Point Beach7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, O CT 15 Patriot Division Asbury Park @ Lakewood12 p.m. Keansburg @ Keyport12 p.m. Rumson-FairNondivisionalHaven @ Freehold12 p.m. Pinelands @ Monmouth12 p.m. Shore @ Manasquan1 p.m. Week 8 F RIDAY , O CT 21 American Division Middletown South @ Donovan Catholic6:30 p.m. Manalapan @ Wall7 p.m. Rumson-Fair Haven @ Red Bank Catholic7 p.m. Colonial Division Long Branch @ Central7 p.m. Lacey @ Southern7 p.m. Toms River North @ Middletown North7 p.m. Constitution Division Jackson Memorial @ Freehold Township6:30 p.m. Freedom Division Neptune @ Toms River South6 p.m. Red Bank @ Ocean7 p.m. Independence Division Raritan @ Holmdel7 p.m. Point Boro @ St. John Vianney7 p.m. Liberty Division Barnegat @ Matawan7 p.m. Toms River East @ Jackson Liberty7 p.m. Manchester @ Pinelands7 p.m. Patriot Division Asbury Park @ Shore7 p.m. S ATURDA Y, O CT 22 Constitution Division Marlboro @ Colts Neck12 p.m. Howell @ Freehold 12 p.m. Freedom Division Brick Memorial @ Brick12 p.m. Independence Division Manasquan @ Monmouth12 p.m. Patriot Division Point Beach @ Lakewood1 p.m. KIPPNonconferenceAcademy@Keansburg12 p.m. Keyport @ New Egypt12 p.m. Week 9 O CT 28-29 Public school sec tournament, quarterfinals Regular CurtisNonconferenceSeason(NY)@RedBank Catholic7 p.m. F RIDAY , O CT. 29 Regular Season National Division Keyport @ Point Beach7 p.m Week 10 N OV 4 5 Public school sec tournament, semifinals Non-public state tournament, first round Week 11 N OV 11-12 Public school sec tournament, finals Non-public state tournament, quarterfinals Week 12 N OV 18-19 Public school state semifinals, @ Cherokee HS & Franklin HS Non-public state tournament, semifinals Week 13 N OV . 23-26 W EDNESDAY , N OV 23 LongNondivisionalBranch@Red Bank 6 p.m. T HURSDAY , N OV 24 AsburyNondivisionalThanksgivingPark@Neptune10 a.m. Middletown North @ Middletown South10:30 a.m. Wall @ Manasquan11 a.m. F RIDAY , N OV . 25 S ATURDAY , N OV 26 Non-public state finals @ MetLife Stadium Week 14 D EC 4-5 Public school state finals @ Rutgers 2022 WEEKBYWEEK Shore Conference Football Schedule

Shore Sports Network 2022 Football Preview

Articles inside

Freedom Division........................ Pages

American Division...................... Pages

Monmouth County & Ocean County

Independence Division........... Pages

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

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

Colonial Division.......................... Pages 30