National Division............................................. Pages

Head Coach:

John Bird, 7th season Career Record: 21-34 Assistant Coaches:

Jim Reid (Off. Coordinator/QB/DB), Nic Vloyanetes (WR/DB), Nick Varanelli (OL/DL), Dan White (TE/DL), Uriel Morfin (RB/LB), Kelli Hudson (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 4-3 2019: 5-4 2018: 4-5 2017: 5-5 2016: 2-8

Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4

____________________________________________

Player to Watch : Mikal Braithwaite, Sr., QB/FS

Braithwaite was an All-Shore performer as a junior, passing for 897 yards with 11 touchdowns through the air and six on the ground. He is a dual threat as a quarterback and will also be an impact defender for Keansburg as the team’s free safety. The Shore’s small schools don’t produce many First-Team AllShore players with all the large-scale programs topping the conference, but Bird believes that if Braithwaite doesn’t already belong in that conversation, he will be part of it by season’s end. Player Under the Radar: Ryan Comey, Jr., TE/FB/ILB

Comey saw more and more time as the 2020 season went on and was one of the few sophomores to make an impact of any kind on last year’s experience-laden team. After that taste of success, Comey will get a bigger bite of playing time as fullback-slash-tight-end on the offensive side and as a linebacker on the defensive one. IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Nasun Lee and Mike Alonso (Jr., WR/DB)

Lee is a transfer from Freehold Boro and Alonso is a first-year high-school football player who has previously played varsity basketball at Keansburg. Both will be noteworthy additions to the overhauled receiving corps, as well as part of the rotation of defensive backs.

WORTH THE ‘WAITE’

Over the past four seasons, Keansburg has turned the corner with a record

above .500 during that span, punctuated by a 4-3 2020 season thanks to a solid group of seniors.

Those seniors did not get a crack at the NJSIAA Playoffs due to the cancellation of the state-run postseason, which sets up a potential programdefining challenge ahead of the 2021 team.

While Keansburg has proven it can win with experienced teams of the past four years, there are two things the Titans are hoping to prove this season. The first is that they can keep churning out winning seasons with a predominantlynew group of starters, albeit with a few returnees led by one of the Shore’s top returning all-around players.

“Physically, we have a very good team,” Keansburg coach John Bird said. “The key is going to be how quickly can the juniors grow up.

Not a lot of them played big roles as sophomores, so it’s going to be a test of the program and whether or not we can get these guys ready to compete every week and win games like we have been doing the last few years.” The other mission for Keansburg this season is to make that deep playoff run that the Titans have (L-R) RYAN COMEY (21), MIKAL BRAITHWAITE (1), IAN MENDEZ (12), JON BEATTIE (72) been building toward over the past four seasons. That might seem like a pipe dream considering how inexperienced Keansburg will be a most positions on the depth chart but the return of senior quarterback and safety Mikal Braithwaite to lead the team should make the Titans a player in Central Jersey Group I.

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: MIKAL BRAITHWAITE, SR. 3RS RB: IAN MENDEZ, JR. WR: YOSEF ABDOU, SR. WR: J.P. DEBOW, JR.; SHANE DEBOW, JR. WR: NASUN LEE, JR.; MIKE ALONSO, JR. TE: REILY JANKOWSKI, JR.; RYAN COMEY, JR. LT: MIKE MENTURE, JR. LG: ROBERT CONAWAY, SO. C: KYLE SCOTT, JR. RG: JON BEATTIE, SR. RS RT: ANTHONY MASCOLINO, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: KEYSHAUN COPPINGER-WARD, SR., RS DT: JON BETTIE, SR. RS, RS DT: PATRICK SMIT, SR. DE: MIKE MORRO, SR., RS OLB: ZAHERE TINSLEY, JR. ILB: RYAN COMEY, JR., RS OLB: JOE RICCIARDELLI, JR. CB: MIKE ALONSO, JR. CB: TONY ALEJANDRO, JR. SS: JAHEIM HILL, JR. FS: MIKAL BRAITHWAITE, SR., 3RS

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

Sat. 9/11 Keyport 12pm Sat. 9/18 Monmouth 12pm Fri. 9/24 @ Point Beach 7pm Sat. 10/2 Lakewood 12pm Fri. 10/8 @ Pinelands 6:30pm Sat. 10/16 @ Keyport 12pm Sat. 10/23 Point Beach 12pm Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: JOE SAUTNER, JR., RS

TOP POSITION GROUP: Quarterback

Keansburg will need its emerging core to learn quickly in order to compete but ultimately, its success will depend on how far Braithwaite can carry them throughout the course of the season. Part of his performance this year will hinge on his ability to uplift the new receivers and help them produce while also learning on the job. BIG SHOES TO FILL: Ian Mendez, Jr., RB/ILB

If there was one player outside of Braithwaite who drove what Keansburg did last year, it was Patrick Beltran – who was a leader on offense (606 rushing yards and six touchdowns) and defense (52 tackles and three sacks). With Beltran now graduated, Mendez will assume that role as the feature back on offense and as an inside linebacker in Keansburg’s 3-4 scheme. X-FACTOR: The Junior Class

A full senior season of Braitwaite at quarterback is likely to keep Keansburg in the running but to get over the hump and continuing pushing toward a sectional championship game, the Titans will need a promising junior class short on experience to grow up quickly. Linemen Keyshaun Coppinger-Ward, Mike Morro, Jon Beattie and Patrick Smit, as well as wide receiver Yosef Abdou and Braithwaite, are the lone seniors in the starting offensive and defensive units, with the rest coming from the junior and sophomore classes.

Head Coach:

Jason Glezman, 3rd season Career Record: 5-10 Assistant Coaches:

Angelo Marocco (Off. Coordinator), Jimmy Maguire (Def. Coordinator/RB/LB), Pete Miller (QB/DB), Tyler Alvarez (OL/DL), Jerry Hourihan (OL/DL), Kelly O’Donnell (Athletic Trainer)

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-6 2017: 1-9 2016: 10-2

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3

Players to Watch : Nazir Treadwell (So., RB/CB) and D.J. Thomson (Sr., WR/FS)

Thomson was the go-to receiver in the Keyport passing game in 2021, hauling in 25 passes for 389 yards and six touchdowns – tied for the third highest touchdown reception total in the Shore Conference last season.

Treadwell, meanwhile, got his share of run as a freshman last year and now that he is a sophomore, he has improved his strength and could be primed for a breakout season.

Players Under the Radar: Derrick Ostervich (Jr., WR/SS) and Cristyan Azevedo (Sr., TE/DE)

Both Ostervich and Azevedo are versatile athletes who are ascending into greater roles this season now that Keyport needs several players to step up their output. Ostervich can move around as a wide receiver while Azevedo is a disruptive defensive end and can add some balance to the offense at tight end.

AIR RAIDERS

An outflux of senior talent has Keyport shaping up to be a young team during

the 2021 season, but that doesn’t mean the Red Raiders are taking a step back.

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

Sat. 9/11 @Keansburg 12pm Sat. 9/18 Point Beach 12pm Fri. 9/24 @Pinelands 7pm Sat. 10/2 Monmouth 12pm Sat. 10/9 Lakewood 12pm Sat. 10/16 Keansburg 12pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri. 10/29 @Point Beach 7pm

( L- R ) J OHN V IALIZ , C HRISTYAN A ZEVEDO , D.J. T HOMSON , Z IVON C RANK

With the addition of some ready-made varsity football players and the return of two standout talents from a year ago, Keyport has the makings of a potentially explosive roster –albeit one with some inexperience and lingering questions.

Senior receiver D.J. Thomson is an established wide receiver and sophomore Nazir Treadwell is an emerging big-play running back – two dynamic offense players around whom Keyport will construct its offense. Both have the kind of playmaking ability that will play regardless of the supporting cast, but thirdyear coach Jason Glezman is hopeful there will be plenty of support for both. Even with a quality senior core around

Thomson and Treadwell in 2020, Keyport finished 2-4 during the truncated season and will have to navigate a similar schedule with the new faces in several positions. “Our numbers are the most consistent that they have been in five years,” Glezman said. “We have 43 guys out on the field every single day and the energy is great. We are young and we even have some inexperienced seniors, but I haven’t had two kids as talented as Thomson and Treadwell on a team at the same time.”

Keyport Continued Page 100

IMPACT NEWCOMERS: Kevin Fitzgerald (Jr., FB/DE) and Mason Eldridge (Jr., RG/MLB)

In Fitsgerald and Eldridge, Keyport welcomes in two players who transferred from two of the most talent-rich programs in the Shore Conference over the past five seasons. Fitzgerald transferred from Mater Dei Prep and will clear the way as a fullback on offense while lining up at defensive end on the other side of the ball. Eldridge also transferred to his hometown school, Henry Hudson, after spending two seasons at Red Bank Catholic. Eldridge will take over at middle linebacker and pick up an open spot on the offensive line. Both Fitzgerald and Eldridge played on the jayvee teams at their respective previous schools, which makes them eligible from the start of 2021. TOP POSITION GROUP: Secondary

Keyport will load up its defensive backfield with four of its most talented skill players. Thomson brings instinct at free safety to go with his size and overall athleticism, while Ostervich makes up for a little less size with his toughness at strong safety. Treadwell and receiver Zivon Clark will play the cornerback spots, although against deeper teams on the schedule, Treadwell could get a break from time to time.

BIG SHOES TO FILL: George Mitchell, Sr., QB

Mitchell was one of Keyport’s top soccer players during his first three seasons of high school and not only is he switching to football for his last year; he is jumping right in as the team’s starting quarterback. Mitchell and Thomson also play on Keyport’s basketball team and have a unique connection having played so many games together on the hardwood. What Mitchell lacks in game experience, he makes up for in his knowledge of his best target. X-FACTOR: Embracing the Schedule

Keyport began to see larger-sized programs on its schedule last season and that trend continues this season with Group III teams from Pinelands and Monmouth, as well as Group IV Lakewood. The best Red Raiders players can stack up with most of the Shore’s top talent, but playing up in group size is always a test of a Group I team’s depth and the challenge for Glezman will be preparing his second-string players to handle some snaps while also conditioning the many two-way players to last close to 48 minutes.

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: GEORGE MITCHELL, SR.; RYAN OSTERVICH, JR. RB: NAZIR TREADWELL, SO., RS; FB: KEVIN FITZGERALD, JR. WR: D.J. THOMSON, SR., 3RS WR: ZIVON CRANK, SR., RS; DERRICK OSTERVICH, JR. TE: CHRISTYAN AZEVEDO, SR., RS; MAX JUDSON, JR. LT: SHAWAN SINGH, SO. LG: JOHN VIALIZ, SR., RS C: RYAN BURNS, SO. RG: MASON ELDRIDGE, JR. RT: ANDREW OBANDO, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: KEVIN FITZGERALD, JR. DT: JOHN VIALIZ, SR. DT: ANDREW OBANDO, SR.; DANTE FINLEY, JR. DE: CHRISTYAN AZEVEDO, SR. OLB: VINNY CAVALLO, SO. MLB: MASON ELDRIDGE, JR.; MATT DOHERTY, SR OLB: TREVOR AHMED, SR. CB: NAZIR TREADWELL, SO., RS CB: ZIVON CRANK, SR., RS SS: DERRICK OSTERVICH, JR. FS: D.J. THOMSON, SR., 3RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: GEORGE MITCHELL, SR.

Head Coach:

L.J. Clark, 11th season Career Record: 43-56 Assistant Coaches:

Evan Baubles (Assistant HC/OC/OL/DL); Ben Pivetz (WR/DB); Bob Terringo (FB/LB); Darius Hart (QB/S); John Bernask (RB/LB); Kevin Popek (WR/DB); Tim Brown, Mike Muth, Tim Reddan.

Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-3 2019: 2-8 2018: 1-9 2017: 6-5 2016: 7-3

Offense: Shotgun Wing-T

Defense: 3-4 Multiple

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Player to Watch : Andre Peace, WR/CB, Sr.

Wins have been hard to come by for the Piners over the last couple of seasons but they've had a good crop of talent on the roster to make you believe they could turn a corner at any time. Andre Peace is a standout on the team and will be key to bringing Lakewood to where it wants to be. Clark said that Peace is currently being recruited to Pace University and New Haven Player Under the Radar: Jaylen London, LT/DE, Sr.

Both sides of the line will play a vital role in the Piners playing winning football in 2021. Jaylen London is a big piece of the puzzle, perhaps not talked about as much now, but if Lakewood has success he will be a big reason why. London is also being recruited by Division II schools. IMPACT NEWCOMER: David Dominquez, DT, Fr.

On the defensive line, Lakewood has one player from every grade level represented. David Dominquez could be a big sign of positive things to come in the next couple of years in addition to this season by the way he plays on the line. His ability to get into the backfield and make plays will be a differencemaker this season.

LOOKING FOR RESPECT

It's time to put an end to the losing, make a statement and head back into the

playoffs.

Lakewood Piners head coach L.J. Clark hopes to accomplish all that and more in the 2021 season.How do they get there though? What do they have to do to remind the outside world of the kinds of talent they've had come through the program in the last decade?

The Piners are hungry to show they're back and able to make a splash in the playoffs. "We're looking for a little respectability and to just be competitive, we got a chip on our shoulder," Clark told Shore Sports Network. "The last three years haven't been as good as we would have liked and we're just trying to regain some respectability and compete and try to get back into the playoffs."

Heading into the season, Clark is looking to his seniors to help get things going back in the right direction. "My seniors have been doing a very good job of being leaders," Clark said.

He's hoping that long yearning for winning these players haven't tasted much of since middle school has made them hungry enough to set the table for a feast in 2021. (L-R) JAYLEN LONDON (50), LAMIR CLARK (52), J KEYON TIMS (11), ANDRE PEACE AYVON (1) GONZALEZ (3), "This will be their four year and they haven't had a winning record while in high school compared to when they were in 6th, 7th and 8th grade," Clark said. "And growing up, we were in the playoffs every year, won a couple of division championships. They were used to winning and now their legacy is on the line to be in the Lakewood history of saying they didn't really do that much or won that many games in high school so they're trying to get back and draw their own legacy as seniors."

By: Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

Fri. 9/10 @Point Beach 7pm Sat. 9/18 Pinelands 6pm Sat. 9/25 Monmouth 1pm Sat. 10/2 @Keansburg 12pm Sat. 10/9 @Keyport 12pm Sat. 10/16 Manchester 1pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: JAYVON GONZALEZ, JR., 6'2, 185, RS RB: KEYON TIMS, JR., 6'0, 180, RS WR: SOLOMAN BROWN, JR., 6'3, 160 WR: ANDRE PEACE, SR., 5'9, 170, RS TE/FB: ALEXIS MONTES, SR., 5'8, 210 LT: JAYLEN LONDON, SR., 6'1, 240, RS LG: ALEXIS TORRES, JR., 6'0, 225, RS C: LAMIR CLARK, SR., 5'10, 270, RS RG: ALEXIS BAUSTIA, JR., 5'9, 295, RS RT: JOSH RANGEL, JR., 5'10, 280

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: NJAYLEN LONDON, SR., 6'1, 240 DT: RANK ROMERO, JR., 6'1, 210 DT: DAVID DOMINQUEZ, FR., 6'2, 220 DE: ERALDO VINDEL, SO., 6'0, 185 OLB: KEVIN REGALDO, SR., 6'0, 200 ILB: ALEXIS MONTES, SR., 5'8, 210 OLB: KEYON TIMS, JR., 6'0, 180 CB: ANDRE PEACE, SR., 5'9, 170 CB: ANTHONY TUCKER, SO., 5'9, 145 FS: JAYVON GONZALEZ, JR., 6'2, 185 SS: EDGAR SILVA, JR., 5'7, 160, RS

Projected Special Team Starters:

K/P: JAYVON GONZALEZ, JR., 6'2, 185, RS

TOP POSITION GROUP: Offensive Line

Clark praises this group as being "a really good offensive line". They need to be as well for the Piners to be able to have success in the Shotgun WingT offense this season. If they provide the blocks and protection, Lakewood may very well be on their way to a division crown and being able to make some noise in the postseason. BIG SHOES TO FILL: Keyon Tims, RB, Jr.

Haaziq Barksdale was one of the fastest athletes in the Shore Conference last season. His quick legs had a major impact on the Piners football team. Keyon Tims, even in the current offensive setup, has a big role to play in short passes, blocking and being able to run the ball out of the shotgun look.

X-FACTOR: Skill Players

Keyon Tims, Soloman Brown, Andre Peace and Alexis Montes are among those who will be heavily relied upon to make significant gains in their own games this season in order for Lakewood to hit on all their goals. If they all play well, Lakewood should have an easier time running through their schedule.

Head Coach:

Dan Wendel, 3rd season Career Record: 2-15 Assistant Coaches:

Jason McQuay (Def. Coordinator/LB/RB), Clifton Orwick (OL/DL/Special Teams), Malik Wiggins (DB/WR/Special Teams), Billy D. Williams (OLB/RB), Jeff Sfraga (OL/DL), Val Barnaby (Volunteer), Anthony Guarino (Freshman), Rob Micheliche (Freshman), Domenic Miraglia (Freshman), Adam Elsieidy (Athletic Trainer) Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-6 2019: 0-9 2018: 4-5 2017: 7-4 2016: 2-8

Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3

_____________________________________________

Player To Watch:

Julian Jones, Sr., RB Coming off a knee injury from the prior season, Jones played only one side of the ball last year and with Keontae Wiggins commanding the bulk of the carries out of the backfield, Jones focused entirely on playing linebacker in 2020. Although he led the team in tackles and is still capable at the position, Jones is likely to play running back only this season, with Wendel attempting to keep his top back fresh and healthy for the season.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR Lucas Bontempo, Jr., LG/DT The only returning starter on the offensive line, Bontempo is a fierce competitor, especially for a player just beginning the second half of his high school career. He will be a staple on the offensive line and part of a promising front four on defense, playing one of the defensive tackle spots.

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Jeremiah Robles, Sr. (RB/OLB) Robles is gearing up for his first year of varsity football and to this point, he has hinted that he will make a significant impact. He has made a case to get carries at running back, which could allow for Jones to play some defense or stay extra fresh. Robles is also in line for one of the starting outside linebacker spots alongside middle linebacker Eric Crossley and opposite outside linebacker Nick Huisman, which should give Monmouth a front seven with a fairly high ceiling.

OFF THE GROUND

The Monmouth Regional football team is two years removed from a 0-9

season and for the juniors and seniors on the current team, that season is – thankfully – ancient history in their collective mind.

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

Thur. 9/2 @Manchester 7pm Sat. 9/11 Pinelands 12pm Sat. 9/18 @Keansburg 12pm Sat. 9/25 @Lakewood 1pm Sat. 10/2 @Keyport 12pm Sat. 10/9 Point Beach 12pm Sat. 10/16 Point Boro 12pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

( L- R ) NELSON HARRIS (3), LOUKAS PLASTERAS (13), JONATHAN WEIDELMAN (64), FRANKIE HARRIS (2), GERALD WIGGINS (1), PHILIP WHITE (7)

Although last year’s 2-6 campaign was not especially noteworthy beyond the fact that the Falcons got to play eight games in a pandemicplagued season in New Jersey, it was a major step in the right direction for the program and has Monmouth set up to climb into relevance.

Despite losing its two most productive offensive players in quarterback Yassin Moore and running back Keontae Wiggins, as well as 80 percent of its starting offensive line, Monmouth returns the kind of depth necessary to compete through an entire schedule and the Falcons are hopeful the next wave of skill players and linemen are ready to do the job.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP : Dffensive Line Although Monmouth’s offensive line graduated four of its five members from 2020, the defensive line looks like it could be a strength of the team. In addition to Bontempo working the interior of the line, returning senior defensive ends Loukas Plasteras and Nelson Harris-Thomas are an imposing duo to put on either end of the line. Plasteras was second on the team with 45 tackles and Harris-Thomas is settled in with the team after transferring from Mater Dei Prep ahead of last year. Junior Aidan Schilke and sophomore Jaylen Harris are pushing for the other defensive tackle spot.

B IG S HOES TO F ILL : Anthony Jehn, Sr., QB The quarterback position will be different for Monmouth this year and it goes beyond just a new name. Moore was a dual threat at the position and went heavy on the run, while his successor will be cut out of a more traditional mold. Jehn is capable of picking up yards on the ground, but his forte will be managing the offense, reading defenses and distributing the ball to a wide-ranging crop of skill players. X-Factor: Offensive Line While the defensive line has three returning starters leading its effort, the offensive line contains less certainty. Bontempo played as a sophomore, but is still just a junior, meaning the line won’t have a senior with starting experience among its ranks. Center Jonathan Weidelman is the only senior slated to start in 2021, while Schilke, Harris and sophomore David O’Grady compete for the tackle spots. John Panullo and Carter Susser-Dams are in the mix for the right guard spot.

“We return nine starters on defense and the other two starters played some, so we’re excited about that side of the ball,” third-year Monmouth coach Dan Wendel said. “Obviously, replacing Yassin and Keontae is going to be a challenge, but those two were guys who progressed throughout their career and really took off as seniors and I think we have a lot of athletic guys who fit that description and they are looking for this to be their time.”

The schedule could also give Monmouth a chance to rack up some wins, with the Falcons playing three games against Group I schools (Keansburg, Keyport and Point Pleasant Beach) and just two against teams that had a winning record in 2020 (Keansburg and Manchester).

“They are motivated,” Wendel said. “This group has been together on the field, in the weight room and the best thing is they love to be together. They get after each other in practice and when it’s over, they love it and they are even tighter. The juniors and seniors went through the 0-9 season together and they have pushed each other through those tough times. They got a little taste of winning last year and they want more.”

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: ANTHONY JEHN, JR., RS RB: JULIAN JONES, JR., RS; JEREMIAH ROBLES, SR.; XAVION SMITH, SR. FB: ERIC CROSSLEY, JR.; JAYLEN HARRIS, SO. WR: FRANKIE HARRIS-THOMAS, SR., RS; TA’HAJH WIGGINS, JR. WR: GERALD WIGGINS, SR., RS; BRANDON LIGON, SR.; NICK HUISMAN, JR., RS TE: LOUKAS PLASTERAS, SR., RS; NELSON HARRIS-THOMAS, SR. LT: AIDAN SCHILKE, JR. LG: LUCAS BONTEMPO, JR., RS C: JONATHAN WEIDELMAN, SR. RG: JOHN PANNULLO, JR.; CARTER SUSSER-DAMMS, JR. RT: DAVID O’GRADY, SO.; JAYDEN HARRIS, SO.

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: LOUKAS PLASTERAS, SR., RS DT: LUCAS BONTEMPO, JR., RS DT: AIDAN SCHILKE, JR.; JAYLEN HARRIS, SO. DE: NELSON HARRIS-THOMAS, SR., RS OLB: NICK HUISMAN, JR., RS MLB: ERIC CROSSLEY, JR., RS OLB: JEREMIAH ROBLES, SR. CB: GERALD WIGGINS, SR., RS CB: BRANDON LIGON, SR., RS; TA’HAJ WIGGINS, SO. SS: FRANKIE HARRIS-THOMAS, SR., RS FS: PHIL WHITE, SR.; EVAN BOOTH, SO.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: JAYLEN HARRIS, SO. P: LUCAS BONTEMPO, JR

Head Coach:

Matt Fuller, 5th season Career Record: 9-27 Assistant Coaches:

Joe Addelizzi (Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB); Scott Peterka (OL); Mike Keller (QB); Gennaro Balletas (RB/DB); Dan O'Rielly (DL/TE); John Tierney (Freshmen HC); George Martian (Asst. Freshmen Coach); Nick Van Schoick (Asst. Freshmen Coach); Drew Steelman (Middle School Head Coach); Joseph Yglesias (Middle School Asst.); Stacy Childs (athletic trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 2-6 2019: 1-8 2018: 4-5 2017: 2-8 2016: 4-6

Offense: Double Tight, Double Wing Defense: Multiple 3-Man ____________________________________________

Players to Watch : Mike Hall, TE/DE, Jr. and Mehki Hall, TE/DE, Jr.

Hall meet Hall. Mike and Mehki are two of the key players on both sides of the ball for Pinelands, especially with the offensive scheme they're running in 2021. How well they play at tight end and defensive end will determine how long Pinelands can stay in games.

Players Under the Radar: Kenyon White, FB/ILB, Sr., and Jack O'Brien, FB/ILB, Jr.

It's a new offense and Pinelands needs good fullbacks. As the team changes things up a bit, White and O'Brien could be the secret weapons the Wildcats need to scratch across a few wins this season.

IMPACT NEWCOMER: Liam Villinger, RB/OLB, So.

Pinelands is in dire need of a cement wall, a tough cat on defense, someone to step up and help put an an end to the scoring. The Wildcats gave up 237 points in 2020, including 126 in the first three games of the season to Barnegat, Lacey, and Manchester. Villinger could be that young spark this defense needs. BREAKING OUT OF THE CAGE

What were you doing 17 years ago this fall?

It was 2004.

This was the last time the Pinelands Wildcats had a winning season and they've been fighting to break out of their cage ever since hoping to one day see greener pastures.

They've dealt with adversity over the last three seasons alone, including not being able to play any home games. "My program and that school have gone through a lot in the last five years. I took over five years ago and the situation I took over in wasn't the best," Pinelands Coach Matt Fuller tells Shore Sports Network. "Then we started roof construction, building construction, split-schedule, no locker room, no weight room and then a pandemic. So, for these guys to finally kind of settle in and get back to what we call 'normal' as a program and seeing them come together and handle that and help each other out is fantastic."

The closest the Wildcats have come to a .500 in recent years was when they went 4-5 in 2018.

Most of that team is gone, most of the 2021 team are sophomores and juniors. But this is a new season. Clean slate, open cage.

In 2021, there is servant leadership, leading by example. "What I've seen so far is our guys trying to come together and be a family. I've seen older guys trying to coach up and help some of those newer sophomores, giving them tips and walking them through drills when they make a mistake while the coaches are working with another kid," Fuller said. "We're a small team, we've got limited numbers - I think about 35 right now - so we're a close-knit group and that's good to see."

When you don't have much depth, guys are playing both ways and it also presents another challenge -- stay on the field or things can get problematic fast for a team with not

a lot of players. "We do a lot of heavy work in August and once we get (L-R) ANTHONY RUCCI (7), RYAN ALLEN (12), JACK O'BRIEN (1) into the games, it's a lot lighter and a lot less team period and more mental," Fuller said. We try and focus on getting everything taught and installed now (in training camp) and this way when it comes to getting ready for Monmouth (Week 1), it's just mental preparation at that point in time." The Wildcats not only have to focus on staying healthy, but once on the field and playing games, how to execute and starting finding their way out of a cage and into winning games. It's a big-time goal in 2021. "We've set the goal and the bar that we want to get the monkey off of our back and finally get a non-losing season and get a winning season," Fuller said. "The division that we're in is wide-open, anybody could beat anybody.”

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

QB: YAN ALLEN JR., 5'11, 170, RS RB: ANTHONY RUCCI, JR., 6'0, 165 RB: CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170 RB: STEPHEN BORDEN, JR., 5'8, 120 RB: LIAM VILLINGER, SO., 6'0, 170 RB: MICHAEL FRAWLEY, SO., 6'0, 140 FB: JACK O'BRIEN, JR., 5'11, 230 FB: KENYON WHITE, SR., 6'1, 207 TE: MIKE HALL, JR., 6'1, 240 TE: MEHKI HALL, JR., 6'1, 195 OL: DANIEL MCNEMER, SR., 6'0, 240, RS OL: CHRIS CARAVANO, SR., 6'0, 300, RS OL: JOE PUFHAL, SO., 6'2, 280 OL: SAL ESPOSITO, JR., 6'2, 320 OL: ERIC CICCARELLI, SO., 5'11, 170 OL: TYLER GLASS, SO., 6'1, 240

Projected Defensive Starters:

DE: MIKE HALL, JR., 6'1, 240, RS NT: DANIEL MCNEMER, SR., 6'0, 240, RS; HRIS CARAVANO, SR., 6'0, 300, RS DE: MEHKI HALL, JR., 6'1, 195 OLB: CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170 ILB: JACK O'BRIEN, JR., 5'11, 230 ILB: KENYON WHITE, SR., 6'1, 207 OLB: LIAM VILLINGER, SO., 6'0, 170 CB: ANTHONY RUCCI, JR., 6'0, 165 CB: MICHAEL FRAWLEY, SO., 6'0, 140 SS: STEPHEN BORDEN, JR., 5'8, 120 FS: NICK DALEO, SR., 6'1, 180

By: Vin Ebenau

SSN Contributor

Sat. 9/11 @Monmouth 12pm Sat. 9/18 @Lakewood 6pm Fri. 9/24 Keyport 7pm Fri. 10/1 Point Beach 6pm Fri. 10/8 Keansburg 6:30pm Fri. 10/15 @Shore 7pm Fri/Sat 10/22-23 Shore Conference Pods TBD Fri/Sat 10/29-30 Shore Conference Pods TBD

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170/ ETHAN WOODS, SO. 6'2, 180 P: CONNOR BONICKY, JR., 6'0, 170

TOP POSITION GROUP: Running Backs

Six running backs totaled 695 rushing yards for the Wildcats in 2020, most of them (309) coming from Nathan Jeannotte. In 2021, the team, back in a groundand-pound old school offense will certainly look to top that. The running game will dictate whether Pinelands can contend for a division title. BIG SHOES TO FILL: Ryan Allen, QB, Jr.

It's a new offense with a new leader. Connor Harris, who ran the Wildcats flexbone triple-option offense last season, (while also being a three-year starter at linebacker), has graduated. Allen takes over the reins looking to take the offense to the next level. X-FACTOR: Control The Clock

The Wildcats have a young and eager team clawing their way out of the gridiron doldrums and into the light. In order to do that, they need to get everything out of the players on the team, especially the sophomores and juniors, and execute their old-school run-heavy offense. If they win the battle of the clock, they may very well win the game(s).

Head Coach:

Joe Zaccone, 3rd season Career Record: 7-10 Assistant Coaches:

Jeff Bower (Defensive Coordinator/DB/RB); Brandon Gross (Offensive Coordinator/DL/OL); Josh Yates (Special Teams Coordinator/DB/QB); Michael McGee (LB/Wings); Michael Pellicane (LB/WR); Cali Whedon (Athletic Trainer). Team Record Last Five Years: 2020: 0-7 2019: 7-3 2018: 0-9 2017: 7-5 2016: 6-5

Offense: Delaware Wing-T Defense: 4-3

Player To Watch: Andrew Laumbach, Sr., RB/DE The 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior will be in the thick of everything Point Beach does as a running back in its Wing-T scheme and a defensive end in its 4-3 alignment.

PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR Connor DeLorenzo, Sr., Wing/SS The wing backs have traditionally had a lot of success in Point Beach’s prior seasons running the Wing-T and DeLorenzo (6-foot-1, 185) could be next in line. He’ll also start in the secondary at strong safety

I MPACT N EWCOMER : Colin Matuschat, Sr., TE/DE Matuschat (6-foot-1, 205) gives Point Beach some more size up front on both sides of the ball where he is slated to start at defensive end and also see significant time at tight end.

T OP P OSITION G ROUP : Linebackers With Joe Beley, Roman Grauso and Dawson MacPherson all back as returning starters, the second level of Point Beach’s defense will be the strength.

ON THE UPSWING

The last four seasons of Point Pleasant Beach football have been the

definition of a roller coaster ride.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Thur. 9/2 @ Jackson Lib. 7pm Fri. 9/10 Lakewood 7pm Sat. 9/18 @ Keyport 12pm Fri. 9/24 Keansburg 7pm Fri. 10/1 @ Pinelands 6pm Sat. 10/9 @ Monmouth 12pm Sat. 10/23 @ Keansburg 12pm Fri. 10/29 Keyport 7pm

( L- R ) OMAN GRAUSO (27), ROBERT DEY (54), ANDREW LAUMBACH (1), CONNOR DELORENZO (10), JOE BELEY (9), DAWSON MACPHERSON (8)

In the final season under hall of fame head coach John Wagner in 2016, the Garnet Gulls won seven games and reached the Central Jersey Group 1 championship game. The following year, they went 0-9. Then, in the first season under current head coach Joe Zaccone, Beach picked itself up off the canvas and enjoyed a resurgent 7-3 season. Then there was last year, an 0-7 campaign during a pandemic-shortened season.

But there are silver linings. The Garnet Gulls had a handful of impactful seniors who led the way last season but the rest of the team was young and/or inexperienced. Those players were thrown into adversity on both sides of the ball and the plan is that they can parlay those growing pains into a resurgent season.

A major change will occur on the offensive side of the ball where Point Beach will run the Delaware Wing-T offense after running the spread in 2019 and a multiple offense last season. The Gulls ran the Wing-T under Wagner and it served them very well. It’s a common offense for small schools to run.

Junior Joe Beley returns as the starting quarterback to spearhead a backfield that has three returning starters. Senior Andrew Laumbach (6-foot-2, 200) and junior Dawson MacPherson are both returning starters while the wing backs will be senior Connor DeLorenzo and junior Jake Mullins.

The pass-catching group includes junior Ryan Oreste and senior Kyle Simpson as the wide receivers and junior Roman Grauso (a returning starter) and senior Colin Matuschat as the tight ends.

The offensive line is an entirely new fivesome of starters but there is pretty

B IG S HOES TO F ILL : Pass Rushers Josh Ramos led Point Beach’s defense with 60 tackles and five sacks last season so the Garnet Gulls will look to find someone to step up and fill the void. X-Factor: Staying Healthy/New Offensive Scheme Injuries can wreck any team, especially a small school with limited depth. And after two years of running some version of a spread offense, the Gulls will move to a Wing-T. That’s a fairly drastic change so it bears watching that transition unfold.

The offensive line is an entirely new fivesome of starters but there is pretty good size across the board. Sophomore Jamie Setrakian (6-foot-3, 260) is the left tackle, junior Rob Dey (6-foot, 225) is the left guard, senior Tom Nasdeo (6-foot, 250) is the center, junior David Fant (5-foot-11, 225) is the right guard and senior Ryley Thomas (5-foot-11, 195) is the right tackle.

Point Beach also has four returning starters in its 4-3 defense. The strength is at the second level where all three linebackers are returning starters. Grauso is the middle linebacker while Beley and MacPherson are the outside linebackers.

Laumbach, a returning starter, is the anchor on the defensive line from his spot at defensive end. He’ll be joined by Dey and Thomas as the defensive tackles and Matuschat as the opposite defensive end. The secondary is a collection of four new starters with Oreste and Mullins as the cornerbacks, DeLorenzo as the strong safety, and Simpson at free safety.

The National Division should be very competitive with Keansburg, Keyport, Lakewood, Monmouth Regional and Pinelands joining Point Beach. The small schools do have to contend with Group 3 schools Lakewood, Monmouth and Pinelands, but those teams have struggled over the past few years which is why they are in the National Division in the first place.

With lower numbers and less depth, Group 1 schools are more vulnerable to the usual pitfalls of high school football. The bottom can drop out in a hurry, but the opposite as also true. Point Beach has rebounded from a winless season to return to the playoffs as recently as 2019. The plan this year is to do exactly that.

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 4

QB: JOE BELEY, JR., RS RB: DAWSON MACPHERSON, JR., RS; ANDREW LAUMBACH, SR., RS WINGS: CONNOR DELORENZO, SR.; JAKE MULLINS, JR. WR: RYAN ORESTE, JR.; KYLE SIMPSON, SR. TE: ROMAN GRAUSO, JR., RS; COLIN MATUSCHAT, SR. LT: JAMIE SETRAKIAN, SO. LG: ROB DEY, JR. C: TOM NASDEO, SR. RG: DAVID FANT, JR RT: RYLEY THOMAS, SR.

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 4

DE: ANDREW LAUMBACH, SR., RS DT: ROB DEY, JR. DT: RYLEY THOMAS, SR. DE: COLIN MATUSCHAT, SR. OLB: JOE BELEY, JR., RS MLB: ROMAN GRAUSO, JR., RS OLB: DAWSON MACPHERSON, JR., RS CB: RYAN ORESTE, JR. CB: AKE MULLINS, JR. SS: CONNOR DELORENZO, SR. FS: KYLE SIMPSON, SR.

Projected Special Team Starters:

K: CONNOR LOUGHRAN, SO P: DAWSON MACPHERSON, JR., RS