32 minute read

Colonial Division................................................. Pages

from 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview

by Shore Sports Network Journal

from 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview, page 12

Article from: 2021 Shore Sports Network Football Preview

American Division................

Head Coach:

Jeff Rainess, 6th year Career Record: 28-19 Assistant Coaches:

John T. Principe (Asst. HC, Defensive Coordinator/LB); John Kaye (QB/RB); Drew Piscatelli (WR); Mike Dorsi (DL); Charlie Marsh (DB); Steve Leo (P/K); David Sherman (Quality Control); Thomas Manning (Strength & Conditioning); Colin Hart & Scott Cannon (Freshman); Jeff Scenna (Athletic Trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 6-1 2019: 6-4 2018: 8-2 2017: 6-4 2016: 2-8

Offense: Triple Option

Defense: Multiple

______________________________________________

Big Shoes To Fill: Offensive Line

Replacing five seniors from a group that helped the run-heavy Hornets pile up nearly 2,500 yards on the ground in just seven games will be a huge challenge. How quickly players like Podesta, Calcaterra, Brew, Kim and Raheb come together will be the key to Holmdel’s success against bigger and stronger opponents than they have faced in the past. Player To Watch: Jaden Gallo, Sr., RB/DB Gallo will be one of the top returning running backs in the Shore but he won’t have the experienced hogs up front like he did last year to lead the way. Opposing defenses will focus on stopping him so how he handles being a marked man is something to watch. X-Factor-1: Jared Battaglia, Sr., QB/DB After being a part-time starter as both a sophomore and junior it’s Battaglia’s time to run the show and spearhead the tripleoption attack.

X-Factor-2: A Daunting Schedule When you realign 42 teams there are some that will not be happy and if any team has a legit complaint it’s Holmdel. Yes, they have had four straight winning seasons but they are a small Group 3 school taking a huge leap being in a division with the likes of Southern, Manalapan, Middletown South and Jackson Memorial. Just three years ago their schedule included the likes of Keansburg, Keyport, Asbury Park and Point Beach when they were part of the small-school National Division. I guess it’s the price you pay for success but it’s tough to see the Hornets repeating their recent winning ways.

RUNNING THE GAUNTLET

The Shore Conference did Holmdel High School no favors when it

announced the realignment for the 2021 season. The Group 3 Hornets were placed in the Colonial Division with two Group 5 schools (Southern and Manalapan) and a pair of Group 4 programs (Jackson Memorial and Middletown South). Is being in the second of the Shore’s eight divisions based on factors including recent success and school size a penalty or a reward? In the case of the Hornets, it might be a little of both.

By: Kevin Williams

SSN Director

Thur. Sept. 2 St. Joseph by the Sea (NY) 6 p.m. Fri. Sept. 10 @ Midd. South 7pm Fri. Sept. 17 @ Manalapan 7pm Fri. Sept. 24 @ Southern 7pm Fri. Oct. 1 Jackson Mem. 7pm Fri Oct. 15 @ Raritan 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Holmdel was a perennial doormat for years going 18-61 from 2008-2015. Enter Jeff Rainess, who took over beginning in 2016, a season in which they went 2-8. However, since then the Hornets have put together four consecutive winning seasons (26-11) including a 6-1 record during the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign which culminated with a win over Manasquan in the season finale and a No. 9 finish in the Shore Sports Network/Jeep Store Final Top 10. The move up among Shore Conference elite is overall a compliment for the program but presents a host of challenges this fall, especially with the graduation of many of their top players. That group included Shore Sports Network All-Shore first-team offensive lineman Joey Mancino and thirdteam selection Christian Donnelly, who did an outstanding job running the Hornets’ triple-option attack from under center.

However, despite returning just seven starters (three on offense and four on defense) there is talent starting with senior running back Jaden Gallo, who ran for over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last season and was a second-team All-Shore selection. Taking over at quarterback will be Jared Battaglia, who saw action as both a sophomore and junior. The 5foot-8, 150pound senior

( L- R ) J ADEN G ALLO (11), L UKE D UPONT (20), J ARED B ATTAGLIA (12), T HOMAS S ARDO (27), G AVIN R AHEB (7) AND J OHN F ANZINI (2)

ran for 79 yards last season and also completed 4 of 6 passes for 53 yards for a team that threw the ball just 24 times all season. The biggest question mark will likely be an offensive line that lost all their starters to graduation.

Back is tight end Gavin Raheb and at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds will be counted on to provide strong blocking for Gallo and the other running backs. There is little question as to the leader on defense and that is returning firstteam All-Shore inside linebacker Thomas Sardo, who had 73 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble for a group that allowed just over 11 points per game. Raheb returns as a starter at defensive end and other returning defensive veterans include safety Luke DuPont and Battaglia, who like Gallo will see time at cornerback.

Connor Mendini made 18 of 21 extra points last season and his only field goal try (22 yards) as a freshman and will handle both kicking and punting chores.

Photos by:

SR. RB J ADEN G ALLO

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=Returning Starter)

QB: JARED BATTAGLIA, SR. (RS PART TIME) RB: JADEN GALLO, SR. RS; LUKE DUPONT, SR.; TIM HAGGERTY, JR. WR: NICK DIBLASI, SR.; TREY TULENKO, JR.; MATT TEMPONE, SO.; ANTHONY SETTEDUCATE, SO. TE: GAVIN RAHEB, SR RS.; LOUIS AMBROSIO, SR.; SIMON FIDALGO, JR. LT: MARC DIETZ, JR.; DANTE CALCATERRA, SO. LG: JACK PODESTA, JR. C: LIAM HANSEN, JR./RYAN HAMMER, JR. SCOTT GILBERT, JR. RG: CASEY BREW, SO. RT: JON KIM, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

(RS=Returning Starter)

DE: GAVIN RAHEB, SR. RS DT: MARC DIETZ, JR. DE: JACK PODESTA, SR. OLB: JOHN STEELE, JR. OLB: JOHN FANZINI, SR. OLB: TIM HAGGERTY, JR. ILB: THOMAS SARDO, SR. RS CB: JADEN GALLO, SR. JARED BATTAGLIA, SR., RS CB: MALIK TASKER, SO. SS: LUKE DUPONT, SR. RS; BRAYDEN SAVAGE, SO. FS: LOUIS AMBROSIO, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: CONNOR MENDINI, SO.

Head Coach:

Vin Mistretta, 5th season Career Record: 24-16 Assistant Coaches:

Keith Anderson (Offensive Coordinator); Eric Rado (WR/Freshmen OC); Pat Kilmurray (OL); Mike Smith (QB); Chris Rash (DL/Special Teams Coordinator); Arnell Cozart (LB/Recruiting Coordinator); Mike McCarthy (DL); TJ Tkac (DB/Freshmen DC); Khani Glover (RB/DB); Matt Castronuova (WR); Sam Mistretta (OL); Nicole Figaro (Athletic Trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 4-4 2019: 8-3 2018: 6-4 2017: 6-5 2016: 6-5

Offense: Multiple-I Defense: 4-3

Player to Watch : Eric Ibe, Sr., RT/DT

Ibe had a breakout junior season by tying for the conference lead with 10 sacks and also recording 55 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. Jackson’s run defense was superb last season and he was a major reason why, as well. A dominant year out of Ibe is exactly what the Jaguars are looking for.

Player Under the Radar: Tai Mann, Jr., QB/CB

Mann was part of a quarterback rotation last season but enters his junior year as the starter all by himself. He has shown an ability to be productive on the ground and if his passing ability can match his rushing prowess Jackson will have a dangerous playmaker under center. He is also valuable on defense as a returning starter at cornerback.

IMPACT NEWCOMER:

FULL OF POTENTIAL

Given the offensive talent Jackson Memorial has deployed over the

past several seasons, a quick glance at the 2021 roster shows – not a lack of talent – but a degree of uncertainty with so many new starters at the skill positions. In a few weeks, we might be talking about some of them as breakout stars, but for now, it’s just potential.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Thur. 9/2 Freehold 7pm Fri. 9/10 Southern 7pm Fri. 9/17 @Midd South 7pm Fri. 9/25 OPEN Fri. 10/1 @Holmdel 7pm Fri. 10/8 Manalapan 7pm Fri. 10/15 Jackson Lib. 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

In the meantime, the Jaguars are more than happy to lean on their hogs. A fast and physical defense is one of the hallmarks of Jackson Memorial football and this year’s group is headlined by six returning starters, five of which are in the front seven. There is power and experience up front where all four defensive linemen are returning starters from a season ago. Leading the way is senior defensive tackle Eric Ibe, a returning third-team AllShore selection who tied for the conference lead with 10 sacks while also making 55 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-1, 245-pounder is a potential game-wrecker. Lining up next to Ibe will be senior Donovan Zapata while the defensive ends are senior Kyle Laverty and junior Ryan Fischer with senior Mike Orientale also in the rotation. (L-R) ERIC IBE (52), DONOVAN ZAPATA (75), ROB PANEQUE (25), KYLE LAVERTY (54), Those five will be the literal first line of defense AIDAN SWEENEY (5), TAI MANN (1), TOM WIDAWSKY (44) for the Jags and will look to make life a little

Aidan Sweeney, Jr., RB

For a youth football player growing up in Jackson, chances are they’ve dreamt of one day being the starting running back for the high school team. The Jaguars have had some amazing tailbacks throughout their history and Sweeney gets a shot to be the next in line.

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive/Defensive Lines

Three of five starters are back along the offensive line while all four defensive linemen are returning starters. Jackson has unproven players among the skill positions but looks to be rock-solid in the trenches. That’s never a bad place to start.

BIG SHOES TO FILL The Running Backs

Aidan Sweeney and company will be following in the footsteps of many, many talented tailbacks, most recently two-time first-team All-Shore running back Will Towns. The current Wake Forest freshman led the Shore in rushing last season and totaled 3,243 yards and 33 touchdowns in his career.

X-FACTOR: Skill Positions

first line of defense for the Jags and will look to make life a little easier for a back seven that has just two returning starters.

Senior middle linebacker Tom Widawsky was third in the Shore last season with 90 tackles and returns to lead the way in between senior Jim Tobin and junior Mike Cipriano at outside linebacker. Junior Tai Mann, who was a two-way starter as a sophomore, is the lone returning starter in the secondary and will line up at cornerback. Sophomore Albert D’Alessandro is the other corner while senior Rob Paneque is the strong safety and sophomore Jaiden Hernandez is the free safety.

The final numbers for Jackson’s defense (18.6 points per game) were in the middle of the pack but not very Jacksonlike. How the Jags arrived at that number is even more bizarre. They won by shutout in each of their four victories but allowed 40 or more points in three of their four losses. It was a microcosm of their season as they started 2-0, lost their next two, won their next two, and finished the season with two straight defeats. Obviously, the goal is to have the defense climb the mountain and then stay there rather than the peaks and valleys of a season ago.

Offensively, the Jaguars had a unit that was 11th in the Shore last season. Most of the production came from their running game and tailback Will Towns, who led the conference with 1,379 yards rushing and was a two-time first-team AllShore selection. Towns is now a freshman at Wake Forest University so the Jaguars are looking for their next star tailback. Junior Aidan Sweeney will take over as the feature back with senior Jim Tobin at fullback and junior Angelo Nicosia and sophomore Brandon Bigelow also in the backfield mix.

The good news for the running backs is that they will be running behind an offensive line that brings back three starters. Senior left guard Kyle Laverty and senior center Donovan Zapata were starters throughout last season while junior left tackle Ryan Fischer became a starter during the season. Jackson will plug Ibe in at right tackle while Orientale will be the right guard. The tight ends are Paneque and sophomore Shaun Hubbard.

The quarterback position is one of intriguing possibilities for the Jaguars. Tai Mann split time last season as a sophomore but flashed dual-threat potential. The job is his alone this season and his emergence as a weapon on the ground and through the air would certainly make him a difference-maker. Jackson did graduate its top three receivers but brings back senior Justin Hirsch, who saw extensive action. D’Alessandro and Hernandez will also be options in the passing game.

As a member of the Colonial Division, Jackson won’t face most of its traditional Class A South rivals but does have several familiar foes to battle with in the form of Southern, Manalapan and Middletown South plus the annual game against Jackson Liberty. On paper, the division is wide open and the Jaguars believe, despite some inexperience, that they have the talent to compete for championships.

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: TAI MANN, JR., RS RB: AIDAN SWEENEY, JR.; JIM TOBIN, SR.; ANGELO NICOSIA, JR.; BRANDON BIGELOW, SO. WR: JUSTIN HIRSCH, SR., RS; ALBERT D’ALESSANDRO, SO.; JAIDEN HERNANDEZ, SO. TE: ROB PANEQUE, SR.; SHAUN HUBBARD, SO. LT: RYAN FISCHER, JR., RS LG: KYLE LAVERTY, SR., RS C: DONOVAN ZAPATA, SR., RS RG: MIKE ORIENTALE, SR. RT: ERIC IBE, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 6

DE: KYLE LAVERTY, SR., RS DT: ERIC IBE, SR., RS DT: DONOVAN ZAPATA, SR., RS DE: RYAN FISCHER, JR., RS; MIKE ORIENTALE, SR. OLB: JIM TOBIN, SR. MLB: TOM WIDAWSKY, SR., RS OLB: MIKE CIPRIANO, JR. CB: TAI MANN, JR., RS CB: ALBERT D’ALESSANDRO, SO. SS: ROB PANEQUE, SR. FS: JAIDEN HERNANDEZ, SO.

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Projected Special Team Starters:

K: ALEXEY TSELICHTCHEV, JR. P: ANGELO NICOSIA, JR.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

THE BRAVE WAY

Head Coach:

Dom Lepore, 2nd season (12th overall) Career Record: 2-4 (38-68 overall) Assistant Coaches:

Cody High (Offensive Coordinator/WR/DB); Bill Smith Jr. (OL); Jon Harrison (Special Teams Coordinator/ILB/TE); Lou Profera (RB/DB); Dan Anerella (QB); Mike Caggiano (K/P); David Calderon (DL); Jesse Shenker (DB); FRESHMEN: Andrew Jones, Bryan Doel, Reggie Grant Sr., Pete DiCataldo, Anthony Mucciolo; Shannon Tomasula (Athletic Trainer) Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 6-4 2018:11-1 2017: 11-1 2016: 6-5

Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3

Player to Watch : EJ Marquez, Sr., RB/LB

Manalapan has a long history of All-Shore running backs and Marquez is looking to be the next in that lineage. He’ll also return as a starter at linebacker. Losing seasons have been an extremely rare occurrence at Manalapan

over the last two decades. Heading into last season, the Braves had put together 18 consecutive seasons at .500 or better, including six seasons with double-digit victories.

Thur. 9/2 SJV Fri. 9/10 OPEN Fri. 9/17 Holmdel

7pm Fri. 9/24 Midd South 7pm Fri. 10/1 @Southern 7pm Fri. 10/8 @Jackson Mem. 7pm Sat. 10/16 @Freehold 12pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

It’s safe to say their 2020 record of 2-4 did not sit well with anyone in the program. Dom Lepore was thrilled to take over as Manalapan’s head coach last season after some great seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Braves and at Neptune before that. But things started off on the wrong foot with a pair of tough losses before COVID struck and forced the cancellation of two games. The Braves ended up being 0-4 entering the middle of November before two blowout victories to close the season. ( L- R ) P AUL W OJCIECHOWSKI (1), T YLER WALKER (9), M IKE H ECKEL (7), M IKE B IMONTE (13), A rough season ended on a high note with Manalapan playing like the EJ M ARQUEZ (2) & M ARIO C HIERCHIA (51)

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Offensive Line

X-FACTOR: Staying Healthy

Player Under the Radar: Mario Chierchia, Sr., OL/DL

A second-team all-division selection last season, Chierchia is a two-way, two-year starter who will be a crucial component for Manalapan’s to win at the point of attack.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Michael Calton, Jr., K/P

Year after year, Manalapan has a kicker who is among the very best in the Shore. After graduating two-time first-team All-Shore kicker/punter Vincenzo Rea, Calton will look to be the next standout special teams ace for the Braves. It helps having the best in program history, former FBS kicker Mike Caggiano, on staff as his coach. Manalapan usually has one of the best offensive lines in the Shore Conference and this year’s version has four of five starters returning.

BIG SHOES TO FILL Matt Pirozzi, Sr., SS

Anthony Matrone was a do-it-all player for the Braves during his career and was especially effective on defense as a Shore Sports Network second-team All-Shore selection at defensive back. Pirozzi steps into the strong safety spot that Matrone played so well last season. This is true for every team, but the Braves really believe they have the talent and experience to contend for championships once again. If they perform up to par and can avoid any long-term injuries they should be in the thick of it right to the end.

Manalapan teams we’ve grown accustomed to. Now, with 15 total starters back, the Braves are ready to get back to their usual spot as a top-10 team in the Shore and a state championship contender.

Manalapan’s multiple offense is experienced in all areas with eight starters returning from a unit that averaged 22.2 points per game last season. Senior Mike Heckel (6-foot-2, 180) is the Braves’ starting quarterback with senior EJ Marquez back as the starting running back. The receivers also have a pair of returning starters among them with senior three-year starter and speedster Paul Wojciechowski leading the way. Senior Tyler Walker (6-foot-2, 175) is also a returning starter and senior Mike Bimonte (6-foot-3, 180) joins the group.

Manalapan usually has one of the best offensive lines in the Shore Conference and this year could produce more of the same. Four starters are back up front with senior right tackle Mario Chierchia (6-foot, 220), a second-team All-Division selection last season, anchoring the unit. Senior Corey

Holowach (6-foot-1, 220) is the left tackle, junior Julian Santo (5-foot-11, 235) is the center, and junior Jack Boyle (6-foot, 200) is the right guard. Senior Andrew Roginski steps in as the left guard. The Braves also have junior Preston Birnie (6-foot, 200) and sophomore Joseph Melo (6foot-3, 200) as tight ends. The Braves’ defense was tied for seventh in the Shore last season allowing just 13.5 points per game and returns seven starters. Chierchia and junior Artem Renikov-Jouk are returning starters at defensive end in the team’s 3-4 alignment while Santo steps in as the nose tackle. The linebacking corps has three returning starters with seniors Jordan Gravesande and Jonathan Gelb as the inside linebackers and Marquez as one of the outside linebackers. Bimonte will step in as a starter at the other outside linebacker spot.

In the secondary, Walker and junior Thomas Clark are both returning starters at cornerback with Wojciechowski and junior Darius Colleton backing them up. The strong safeties are seniors Matt Pirozzi and Josh Debner and the free safeties are senior Anthony Conti and junior Alex Dille.

Manalapan will compete in what should be a highly competitive Colonial Division with Holmdel, Jackson Memorial, Middletown South, and Southern. The Braves also have games with St. John Vianney and Freehold. The schedule is challenging but fair, and if the Braves are back to their old ways they have as good a shot as anybody to end the season at the top.

SR. QB M IKE H ECKEL

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 8

QB: MIKE HECKEL, SR., RS RB: EJ MARQUEZ, SR., RS WR: PAUL WOJCIECHOWSKI, SR., 3RS; TYLER WALKER, SR., RS; MIKE BIMONTE, SR. TE: PRESTON BIRNIE, JR.; JOSEPH MELO, SO. LT: COREY HOLOWACH, SR., RS LG: ANDREW ROGINSKI, SR. C: JULIAN SANTO, JR., RS RG: JACK BOYLE, JR., RS RT: MARIO CHIERCHIA, SR., RS

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 7

DE: MARIO CHIERCHIA, SR., RS NT: JULIAN SANTO, JR. DE: ARTEM RENIKOV-JOUK, JR., RS OLB: EJ MARQUEZ, SR., RS ILB: JORDAN GRAVESANDE, SR., RS ILB: JONATHAN GELB, SR., RS OLB: MIKE BIMONTE, SR. CB: THOMAS CLARK, JR., RS; PAUL WOJCIECHOWSKI, SR. CB: TYLER WALKER, SR., RS; DARIUS COLLETON, JR. SS: MATT PIROZZI, SR.; JOSH DEBNER, SR. FS: ANTHONY CONTI, SR.; ALEX DILLE, JR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: MICHAEL CALTON, JR.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Head Coach:

Steve Antonucci, 24th season Career Record: 197-59 Assistant Coaches:

Al Bigos (Defensive Coordinator/OL); Steve Roberts (Special Teams Coordinator/DL); Joe Trezza (Asst. Defensive Coordinator/DB/RB); Nick Trezza (OL); Marc Tomo (Asst. Defensive Coordinator/LB); Rod Murchie (WR); Matt Walsh Sr. (QB); Jeffrey Martin (Head Freshmen Coach); Kevin Higgins (Freshmen asst.); Stacy White (Athletic Trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 5-5 2018: 8-3 2017: 5-5 2016: 7-4

Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4

Player to Watch : Jack Latore, Sr., TE/DE

Latore is a rangy edge defender at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds and will also return as a starting tight end. He is a crucial two-way component for the Eagles.

Player Under the Radar: Tom Schork, Sr., QB/FS

Schork is back as the starting quarterback and free safety and is coming off a year where he was an all-division selection on defense.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Donovan Summey, So., RB

Senior Dan Primiano is the starter but Middletown South usually features multiple backs and that could mean a chance for Summey to shine as a sophomore.

GLORY DAYS

Middletown South. Just saying or reading the name of the school

conjures thoughts of gridiron dominance.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Thur. 9/2 Manasquan 6pm Fri. 9/10 Holmdel 7pm Fri. 9/17 Jackson Mem. 7pm Fri. 9/24 @Manalapan 7pm Sat. 10/9 @Southern 1pm Fri. 10/15 OPEN Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD Thur. 11/25 @Midd North 10:30am

( L- R ) D ANTE M IRANDA (50), T OM S CHORK (2), J ACK L ATORE (8), J AKE W ILLIAMSON (72), M ATT G RAB (5), D AN P RIMIANO (3)

The Eagles are one of the most storied football programs in the Shore Conference with 10 NJSIAA state sectional titles to their credit. Just six years ago, Middletown South authored a 12-0 season and finished as the No. 1 team in the state. But like, say, the New York Yankees, any kind of championship drought feels much longer than it actually is. It comes with the territory. How many programs would perform acts of voodoo just to experience a sliver of the success Steve Antonucci’s teams have had over the past quarter-century? Middletown South was 2-4 in last year’s pandemic-shortened season where there was some good and some bad. They opened the season with a loss to a Long Branch team that struggled, but then rebounded with a win over a Red Bank Catholic team that finished No. 3 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. Their other losses came to No. 1 Wall, No. 4 Mater Dei Prep and No. 5 Rumson-Fair Haven.

The good news is that many of the Eagles’ key starters from last season return – 14 in all – as they look to earn back their usual spot among the Shore

Conference’s elite. A multi-scheme offense has seven returning starters spread throughout the lineup. Senior Tom Schork returns as the quarterback with senior Dan Primiano as the running back. Senior Matt Grab (can a wide receiver have a better last name?) will be a three-year returning starter and will be joined by junior returning starter Logan Colleran and senior Jack Mason.

Up front, Middletown South has a pair of standout linemen in senior three-year

TOP POSITION GROUPS: Secondary

All four players in the defensive backfield are returning starters with Matt Grab and Logan Colleran as the cornerbacks, Ryan St. Clair as the strong safety and Tom Schork as the free safety.

BIG SHOES TO FILL James Letts, Jr., DL

Letts steps into a starting role up front after the graduation of Brendan Bigos, who was a second-team All-Shore selection last season.

X-FACTOR: Starting Strong

Head coach Steve Antonucci stressed the importance of getting off to a good start and that means coming out of the gates with a victory over Manasquan in the season opener.

starter Jake Williamson at center and senior returning starter Dante Miranda. The left tackle will be junior Tyler Addonisio, the right guard will be junior Tom Whyte and the right tackle is senior Ian Schwerdt with junior Devin Parry also working in. At tight end is senior three-year returning starter Jack Latore.

Middletown South runs a 3-4 defense under longtime defensive coordinator Al Bigos and also returns seven starters. Latore is also a three-year starter on defense and was an all-division selection last season as a defensive lineman. He is joined up front by Williamson (returning starter), junior Jake Letts and junior Aidan Parry. while sophomore Colin Gallagher will be the other o u t s i d e linebacker and junior Madden Stanley will also see time. The inside linebackers are senior returning starter

Jack Willi and junior Kyle Smith. The secondary is strong with four returning starters. Grab and Colleran are the cornerbacks, senior Ryan St. Clair is the strong safety and Schork is the free safety with sophomore Jack Czwakiel backing him up.

Middletown South will play a challenging schedule as a member of the Colonial Division along with Holmdel, Jackson Memorial, Manalapan and Southern Regional.

SR. C. J AKE W ILLIAMSON

Photo by:

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 7

QB: TOM SCHORK, SR., RS; JAKE CZWAKIEL, SO. RB: DAN PRIMIANO, SR., RS; DONOVAN SUMMEY, SO. WR: MATT GRAB, SR., 3RS; LOGAN COLLERAN, JR., RS; JACK MASON, SR. TE: JACK LATORE, SR., 3RS LT: TYLER ADDONISIO, JR. LG: DANTE MIRANDA, SR., RS C: JAKE WILLIAMSON, SR., 3RS RG: TOM WHYTE, JR. RT: IAN SCHWERDT, SR.; DEVIN PARRY, JR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 7

DE: JACK LATORE, SR., 3RS DT: JAMES LETTS, JR. DT: JAKE WILLIAMSON, SR., RS; AIDAN PARRY, JR. OLB: TYLER CAREY, SR., RS; MADDEN STANLEY, JR. ILB: KYLE SMITH, JR. ILB: JACK WILLI, SR., RS OLB: COLIN GALLAGHER, SO. CB: MATT GRAB, SR., RS CB: LOGAN COLLERAN, JR., RS SS: RYAN ST. CLAIR, SR., RS FS: TOM SCHORK, SR., RS/JAKE CZWAKIEL, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: JAKE CZWAKIEL, SO.

Head Coach:

Chuck Donohue Sr., 24th season (48th overall) Career Record: 125-108 (264-191-4 overall) Assistant Coaches:

Matt Abbato (Defensive Coordinator); Eric Sharkey (WR/DB); CJ Tomelden (RB/DB); Dylan Larson (OL/DL); Eric Fierro (QB/K/P); Andrew Beckett (Freshmen HC); Joe Fleck (Freshmen asst.); Dave Smith (Freshmen asst.); John Kaszuba (Director of Football Operations); Evan Osborne (Dir. of Football Operations); Nick Scaramazza (Athletic Trainer) Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 5-4 2019: 7-3 2018:4-5 2017: 3-7 2016: 5-5

Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple

____________________________________________

Player to Watch : Jaiden Brown, Sr., RB/LB

A four-year starter dating back to his freshman year at Jackson Liberty, Brown was tremendous for Southern last season to earn first-team All-Shore honors. He ran for 1,091 yard and 14 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry to become the Rams’ all-time leading rusher. He also made 68 tackles and recorded two interceptions. He has interest from several Ivy League schools. Player Under the Radar: Nate Committee, Sr., RB/DE Committee was a third-team All-Shore selection on defense after making 62 tackles with a team-high six sacks, but the underrated part comes from his work at fullback where he led the way for Jaiden Brown to rush for over 1,000 yards. Committee added 303 yards of offense and scored five touchdowns. He is a lacrosse standout, as well, who is committed to Bellarmine University.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Jaden Anthony, Sr., WR

Injuries have kept Anthony off the field but at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds he has the physical skill set to be the impact receiver Southern needs. GROUND AND POUND

Southern has one of the best all-around players in the Shore

Conference and several other talented players around him. The Rams hope to ride that combination to another successful season while competing for division and state sectional titles.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Thur. 9/2 TR East

7pm Fri. 9/10 @Jackson Mem. 7pm Fri. 9/17 OPEN Fri. 9/24 Holmdel 7pm Fri. 10/1 Manalapan 7pm Sat. 10/9 Midd South 1pm Fri. 10/15 @Central 7pm Fri/Sat. 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat. 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Senior running back Jaiden Brown will be entering his fourth year as a starting running back and is coming off a season in which he ran for 1,091 yards and 14 touchdowns on an average of 7.2 yards per carry. He is already Southern’s all-time leading rusher, a feat he accomplished in just two seasons after moving into the district before his sophomore year.

Brown will be the focal point of the Rams’ multiple offense that returns

seven starters and will look to punish teams on the ground. Senior Nate Committee is a three-year starter who primarily plays fullback but will also see some carries. They will work behind an offensive line that has four players who either started outright or saw significant playing time. It’s a sizeable group, as well, with senior Donovan Drew (6-foot-4, 280) at left tackle, senior David Casas (6-foot2, 255) at left guard, senior Sean Rowland (6-foot-1, 245) at right guard and senior Logan Doherty (6foot-3, 240) at right tackle. Seniors Alex Wyrsch and Andy McDonald ( L- R ) S EAN R OWLAND (68), T RISTAN A RTHUR (45), D AVID C ASAS (73), L OGAN D OHERTY (75), have been working in at center along with sophomore NickJ AIDEN B ROWN (3), N ATE C OMMITTEE (42) Roesch. Senior Sean Hegarty has also been getting reps at right guard. Senior Tristan Arthur returns as the starting tight end along with Max DiPietro. The area where the Rams are inexperienced is in the passing game. Last season’s quarterback, Taylor Munt,

TOP POSITION GROUP: Running Backs

With Jaiden Brown and Nate Committee, Southern has a great tandem that will lead the way this season.

BIG SHOES TO FILL Fill: The Wide Receivers

Xavier Hendricks was excellent for Southern last season with 40 receptions for 563 yards and four touchdowns to earn second-team AllShore honors. With him having graduated, Southern needs another goto threat in the passing game.

X-FACTOR: Quarterback Play

With a big and experienced offensive line and one of the best running backs in the Shore, Southern should be able to churn out yards and points on the ground. What made the offense click last season was the balance of a 1,000-yard passer in Taylor Munt. Senior Nolan Schubiger will look to take the reins of the offense and help the Rams contend for championships.

and leading receiver Xavier Hendricks graduated in June so it will be up to a new cast of players to give Southern’s offense the necessary balance. Senior Nolan Schubiger looks to be the starter out of a competition with senior Caleb Westpy and juniors Collin Lang and Andy Falletta. Seniors Jordan Rife, Jaden Anthony and Kole Levy along with Falletta comprise the corps of wide receivers.

Southern has six starters back on the defensive side of the ball from a unit that was 15th in the Shore allowing 17 points per game. Committee leads the way on the defensive line from his spot at defensive end after recording 62 tackles and six sacks to earn third-team All-Shore honors.

Rowland is the other defensive end with Casas, Drew, Doherty and Riley Harris rotating at defensive tackle.

Brown is the middle linebacker while Max DiPietro and Travis Novack are the outside linebackers. In the secondary, juniors Devin Tetti and Kyle Caufield are the cornerbacks, Rife is the strong safety with

Winning a division title, which Southern did in 2019, will be very challenging with the likes of Holmdel, Middletown South, Jackson Memorial and Manalapan joining Southern in the Colonial Division. The Rams have several pieces in place to have a great season but development of the passing game and playing consistent defense will be crucial.