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American Division...................... Pages

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HEAD COACH: 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. Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: *6-5 (9-2 on the field) 2020: 7-1 2019: 9-2 2018: 7-3 2017: 4-6

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

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.

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.

X-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 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.

By: Kevin Williams

SSN Director FRIDAY 9/2 LACEY 6:30PM

THE NEXT WAVE

Coaches rarely use the word “rebuilding” when talking about a new season because it’s an acknowledgment that they’ve lost most of their top players and people should not expect the success they recently had.

FRIDAY 9/9 @RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN FRIDAY 9/16 MANALAPAN FRIDAY 9/23 @RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY 9/30 ST. JOSEPH (MONTVALE) 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/7 WALL 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/14 @JACKSON MEMORIAL 7PM FRIDAY 10/21 MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 6:30PM

( L- R ) H UNTER J OHNSON , JJ C ORREA , D ANTE V ERNIERI & E LIJAH S MITH

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.

The last 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 defense.

Senior Richard Davis and junior Roman Moyers are expected to start at cornerback with depth provided by junior Najee Morgan 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.

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.

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: TODD LAMBERTSON, JR.; JAHMEIL BROWN, JR.; ZACH LABARCA, FR. RB: NAJEE CALHOUN, FR.; ETHAN KALINAUSKAS, JR.; DANTE VERNIERI, SR. WR: MICHAEL THOMAS III, SO. RS; ERIC ZEBROWSKI, SO.; EMANUEL GERENA, FR. TE: ZA’EIR DAY, JR.; HUNTER JOHNSON, JR. LT: ADAM YEVCHAK, JR. LG: EJ SMITH, SR., RS C: CHRIS POSKAY, JR.; COLIN KEATING, SO. RG: LOUIS DIBIASE, SO. RT: TOMMY MEEHAN, SR; KAI PRITCHARD, FR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: LOUIS DIBIASE, SO.; DANIEL HERALD, SO. NG: TOMMY MEEHAN, SR.; ADAM YEVCHAK, JR.; EJ SMITH, SR. DE: SAM ROCK III, JR.; KAI PRITCHARD, FR. ILB: JJ CORREA, JR.; JOE CZERWINSKI, SO. ILB: DANTE VERNIERI, SR., RS OLB: ZA’EIR DAY, JR.; ETHAN KALINAUSKAS, JR. OLB: HUNTER JOHNSON, JR. RS; TEAGUE HIBBARD, SO. CB: RICHARD DAVIS, SR.; NAJEE MORGAN, JR. CB: ROMAN MOYERS, JR.; ERIC ZEBROWSKI, SO. FS: LUCAS ZYDZIK, SR.; JAHMEIL BROWN, JR. SS: MICHAEL THOMAS III, SO.; ELIJAH DAVIS, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: DANTE PRIOLO, JR.

HEAD COACH: Dom Lepore, 3rd season

CAREER RECORD: 8-7 (44-71 overall) ASSISTANT COACHES:

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). Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 6-3 2020: 2-4 2018: 6-4 2018: 11-1 2017: 11-1

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4

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.

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.

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.

Rivalry Game:

Sept. 9 vs. Middletown South 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.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

A RETURN TO FORM

FRIDAY 8/26 @FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 6:30PM FRIDAY 9/2 @MIDDLETOWN NORTH 7PM FRIDAY 9/9 MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 7PM FRIDAY 9/16 @DONOVAN CATHOLIC 6:30PM FRIDAY 9/23 RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 7PM SATURDAY 10/1 @FREEHOLD 1PM FRIDAY 10/7 RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY 10/14 MARLBORO 7PM

Amajor part of building and maintaining a program is consistency from class to class. FRIDAY 10/21 @WALL

(L-R) JULIAN SANTO (52), BRENDAN CATALANO (5), PRESTON BIRNIE (4), THOMAS CLARK-GLASCO (12) ALEX DILLE (15), MICHAEL CALTON (23) & ARTEM REINIKOV-JOUK (50)

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.

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 Macchio. Clark-Glasco was more of a No. 2 running back behind Elijah Marquez last season but p l a y e d significant snaps on both sides of the ball. Dille caught 26 passes for 320 and one touchdown and Macchio had a handful of huge

plays, notably in the return game. Also at running back is junior Joe Santana while seniors Darius Colleton and Austin Stakeman complete the group of wide receivers. 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. While Manalapan's offense struggled at times last season and was in the middle of

SR. ALEX DILLE

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.

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.

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 season - and 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.

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

SR. MICHAEL CALTON

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 MELO, 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 SANTO, SR., RS; PJ RANIERI, 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

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HEAD COACH: Steve Antonucci, 25th season

CAREER RECORD: 206-61 ASSISTANT COACHES:

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)

Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 9-2 2020: 2-4 2019: 5-5 2018: 8-3 2017: 5-5

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

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.

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.

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.

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.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

NEW YEAR, SAME GOALS

Middletown 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.

FRIDAY 9/2 @LONG BRANCH FRIDAY 9/9 @MANALAPAN FRIDAY 9/16 RED BANK CATHOLIC FRIDAY 9/23 WALL FRIDAY 10/7 @RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN FRIDAY 10/14 MATAWAN FRIDAY 10/21 @DONOVAN CATHOLIC THURSDAY 11/24 MIDDLETOWN NORTH

7PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 7PM 6:30PM 10:30AM

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.

Two starters 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.

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 tackle. Gallagher and senior returning starter Kyle

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. 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. (L-R) LUKE WAFLE (7), LOGAN COLLERAN (1), THOMAS WHYTE (71), TYLER ADDONISIO (73), JASON WAGNER (26),

COLIN GALLAGHER (9), OWEN RICHTER (11), KYLE SMITH (6), JAKE CZWAKIEL (18) & DONOVAN SUMMEY (2)

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 5

QB: JAKE CZWAKIEL, JR. RB: DONOVAN SUMMEY, JR., RS WR: LOGAN COLLERAN, SR., RS; OWEN RICHTER, JR. TE: JASON WAGNER, SR. LT: AIDAN PARRY, SR. LG: MIKE TOTH, SO.; MATT GERMAK, SO. C: LUIGI MASSAGLI, SR. RG: TOMMY WHYTE, SR., RS RT: TYLER ADDONISIO, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 5

DE: TYLER ADDONISIO, SR., RS DT: AIDAN PARRY, SR. DE: WILL CHRISTOPHER, SR. OLB: JASON WAGNER, SR., ILB: COLIN GALLAGHER, JR., RS ILB: KYLE SMITH, SR., RS OLB: LUKE WAFLE, SO CB: LOGAN COLLERAN, SR., RS CB: ANTHONY PUCCIO, JR. SS: OWEN RICHTER, JR. FS: JAKE CZWAKIEL, JR., RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: Mike Lange, 3rd season CAREER RECORD: 17-3 AT RBC ASSISTANT COACHES:

Joe O’Connor (Offensive Coordinator); Kevin Gaul (Defensive Coordinator); Mike Rosenfeld (QB); Joe Gallagher (WR/DB); Keith Hugger (WR/Special Teams); Jay Graham (DL); Jason Rutan (TE/DE); Andrew Lamura (RB/DB); Matt Finucane (OL); Tony Flego (Head Freshmen. Coach); Don Gilson (Freshmen asst.), Matt Mosquera (Freshmen asst.); Lauren Barry (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 11-1 2020: 4-2 2018: 5-4 2018: 10-0 2017: 8-2

Offense: Spread Defense: 40

Player To Watch:

Sabino Portella, Sr., RB/DB 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

RUN IT BACK

In order to repeat as state champions, Red Bank Catholic's first and most important task is to mostly forget about last season. SATURDAY 8/27 SJV (@OCEAN CITY) 7:30PM

FRIDAY 9/2 FREEHOLD BORO 7PM

FRIDAY 9/9 @WALL 7PM

FRIDAY 9/16 @MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 7PM

FRIDAY 9/23 DONOVAN CATHOLIC 7PM

FRIDAY 9/30 SETON HALL PREP FRIDAY 10/7 @MANALAPAN FRIDAY 10/21 RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

7PM FRIDAY 10/28 CURTIS (NY) 7PM

(L-R) MICHAEL PALMIERI (4), TORIN HARMON (3), SABINO PORTELLA (24), NAJIH RAHMAN (13),AIDAN DONOHUE (11), EMANUEL ROSS (18) & DAVIN BREWTON (2)

"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."

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.

"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 the field."

Even 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. John Vianney.

Chief among them is who will play quarterback following Brown, whose inspirational performances in the playoffs following the death of his mother captured national headlines and helped lead the Caseys to championship glory. Junior Frank Fufaro and sophomore Frankie Williams are competing for the starting position. "Our offense is very complicated, especially for the 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 just fine."

The talent and experience at the skill positions should help either Fufaro or Williams hit the ground running - and passing - in RBC's spread offense. 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 10.7 yards per carry. Three of the five offensive line positions will be manned by firstyear starters, all of whom are underclassmen. Junior Patrick Magee (6-1, 250) is the left tackle, junior Bryan Miller (5-11, 245) is the left guard, and junior L u k e Mascarehus (6-0, 250) is the center. The right side of the line is anchored by two returning standouts in Lorenzo Portella (6-2, 275) at right guard and Burnham (6-6, 295) at right tackle. 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. The Red Bank Catholic defense was also excellent, finishing No. 3 in the Shore

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 each level.

Along 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.

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 the punter. Last 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. 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 collegiately. "There 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."

SR. DAVIN BREWTON SR. MICHAEL PALMIERI

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.

HEAD COACH: Jeremy Schulte, 1st season

CAREER RECORD: 0-0 ASSISTANT COACHES:

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)

Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 9-2 2020: 6-2 2019: 6-5 2018: 10-2 2017: 10-2

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.

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.

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?

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.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

PASSING THE TORCH

For 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.

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

(L-R) MARSHALL HALFACRE, RYAN KALMAN, SCOTT VENANCIO & BEAU KEMLER

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.

For the players, it's been a seamless transition. "We all love coach Schulte so it’s not much of a change," said senior safety Beau Kemler. "The standard has been set at Rumson by them, all the former coaches and players, and everyone in the community."

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.

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.

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. The running backs are juniors Alastair Orr and Griffin Kolb along with senior Brayden Dill.

Rumson has a recent history of impactful tight ends, and this year's group certainly has size that jumps off the page. Brown, who is 6-foot-7, moves to tight end from wide receiver, and senior Will Rehder is 6-foot-6. The 'short' guy of the group is senior Mashall Halfacre, who is only 6-foot-3 and 225 p o u n d s . Halfacre was having a very good

season on defense last season before a serious leg injury ended his season. Rumson's senior-laden offensive line was a strength last season but is certainly a question mark entering this year with five new starters. Rumson offensive line coach Joe Murphy is one of the best in the business so it wouldn't be surprising at all to see this unit come together quickly. Senior Spencer Branin (6-4, 270) is at left tackle, senior Julien Devlin (5-11, 225) and junior

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).

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.

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.

On special teams, seniors Oli Lorraine and Dominic Panke and junior Ryan Child are competing for the kicking and punting jobs.

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.

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.

HEAD COACH: Ed Gurrieri, 1st season

CAREER RECORD: 109-35 ASSISTANT COACHES:

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

Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 6-4 2020: 7-0 2019: 12-1 2018: 6-4 2017: 5-6

Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 3-4

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.

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.

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.

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.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

IN TRANSITION

FRIDAY 9/9 RED BANK CATHOLIC 7PM FRIDAY 9/16 @RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 7PM FRIDAY 9/23 @MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 7PM FRIDAY 9/30 HOWELL 7PM FRIDAY 10/7 @DONOVAN CATHOLIC 6:30PM FRIDAY 10/14 COLTS NECK 7PM FRIDAY 10/21 MANALAPAN 7PM THURSDAY 11/24 @MANASQUAN 10AM

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.

( L- R ) B ILLY C ARR (54), C RIS M OZEIKA (99) & B ENNY S ASSO (56)

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 Tetley. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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