Independence Division........... Pages

HEAD COACH: Jeff Rainess, 7th season

CAREER RECORD: 31-25 ASSISTANT COACHES:

John T. Principe (Asst. Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator/LB); John Kaye (QB/RB); John Polivka (WR;) Mike Dorsi (DL); Charlie Marsh (DB); Steve Leo (P/K); David Sherman (Freshman); Scott Cannon (Freshman); Steve Nelson (Quality Control); Dave Katz (Athletic Trainer).

2021: 3-6 2020: 6-1 2019: 6-4 2018: 8-2 2017: 6-4

Players To Watch:

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

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

Top Position Groups:

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

Oct. 21 vs. Raritan The schools are less than five miles apart so this is a natural rivalry. It's called "The Battle of the Border" for a reason. Holmdel has won the last five meetings so you can be sure Raritan would like some payback.

By: Kevin Williams

SSN Director

Following four straight winning seasons, Holmdel slumped a bit in 2021 when a tougher schedule against bigger schools took its toll and they finished 3-6.

FRIDAY 9/1 @OCEAN FRIDAY 9/9 ST. JOHN VIANNEY FRIDAY 9/16 POINT BORO SATURDAY 9/24 @MONMOUTH FRIDAY 9/30 MATAWAN SATURDAY 10/8 @MANASQUAN FRIDAY 10/14 @RED BANK

FRIDAY 10/21 RARITAN

(L-R) DYLAN L AGANA, MARC DIETZ, MATT TEMPONE, JACK PODESTA , TIM HAGGERTY, BRAYDEN SAVAGE

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

The new starting quarterback is junior Brayden Savage and while Holmdel has been known as a running team under head coach Jeff Rainess, Savage will likely have plenty of opportunities to team up with talented senior receiver Matt Tempone. Also looking to catch passes are juniors Brandon Rooney and Malik Taskier and senior Trey Tulenko along with junior tight end Andrew Piscatelli.

Senior Ryan Hammer (5’8, 200) returns at center along with guards Marc Dietz (5’10, 240 Sr.) and Casey Brew (5’10, 210 Jr.). Back at one tackle spot is junior Dante Calcaterra (6’1, 240) while promising junior Nick Bachman (6’3, 255) will be the other tackle and the only new starter. The leader of the defense the last two years was linebacker Thomas Sardo, an SSN Second Team All-Shore selection last season and a First Team All-Shore selection as a junior. He has graduated and filling his inside spot will likely be junior Connor Fields. The other projected starting linebackers are also first-time starters in seniors John Steele and Dylan Lagana. There will be many new faces up front although Dietz returns and will line up at one end spot along with senior Jack Podesta,

J R . K C ONNOR M ENDINI

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

The defensive backfield is loaded with experience as Taskier, Collyer, and junior Will Gilfillan were all starters and joining them will be Tempone which makes for a solid unit.

Junior Connor Mendini returns to handle both the kicking and punting duties.

Rainess, now in his seventh season at Holmdel, has done a superb job of turning around a program that went from without a winning record from 2008 through 2015. He has done so by getting players to believe in themselves and knowing what it takes to have success. This year’s team may be young and inexperienced in places but Rainess says they are a “very together group on and off the field”, which is a good place to start.

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

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

Projected Defensive Starters:

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: J. Price, 12th season

CAREER RECORD: 70-45 ASSISTANT COACHES:

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

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

FRIDAY 9/9 @POINT BORO

7PM SATURDAY 9/17 RARITAN 2PM FRIDAY 9/23 @ST. JOHN VIANNEY 7PM FRIDAY 9/30 @MANCHESTER 7PM SATURDAY 10/8 HOLMDEL 1PM SATURDAY 10/15 SHORE 1PM SATURDAY 10/22 @MONMOUTH 12PM THURSDAY 11/24 WALL 11AM

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

2021: 8-8 2020: 5-3 2019: 4-6 2018: 8-3 2017: 7-4

Players To Watch:

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

Player Under the Radar:

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

Impact Newcomer:

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

Rivalry Game:

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

SR. RB JHAMIER HOWARD

(L-R) JHAMIER HOWARD, BRETT PATTEN, JACK DETTLINGER, MATT O'D ONNELL

Five starters return on offense in Manasquan's multiplepro look and the Warriors have two outstanding seniors to lead the way in quarterback Brett Patten and running back Jhamier Howard. Patten was a First Team All-Shore selection last season when he threw for 1,592 yards and 25 touchdowns with just six interceptions. He also ran for eight touchdowns as the Warriors averaged 27.7 points per game. Howard ran for 544 yards and seven touchdowns, added three receiving touchdowns, and returned a kick for a touchdown.

Don't let his stats fool you, though. Howard had just 87 carries last season as the Manasquan passing game took center stage. He has the ability to be one of the very best running backs in the Shore Conference. Patten's top target last season was First Team All-Shore selection Cole Kozlowski, and his graduation leaves a void at the wide receiver position. Senior Jack Dettlinger (6-foot-5, 185) has been in the rotation and leads the group of pass catchers that also includes senior Cael Driscoll, juniors Luke Ramire and Matt Koenig, and sophomore Cadem Eastmond. Senior Torey Falkinburg will also see time in the backfield either at fullback or running back. Senior Matt O'Donnell is a returning starter at tight end while the offensive line returns two starters in senior center James Gilmore (6-2, 280) and junior left guard Noah Mammeri. Senior Matt Langasky and junior Terrance Marks (6-3, 235) are at left tackle, senior Ethan Harvey and junior Brian Lee are at right guard, and juniors Jack Mead and Anthony Lofreddo are at right tackle. Sophomore Tom Martucci could also see time at left guard.

Among the standouts lost to graduation on the defensive side include lineman JJ Cavanagh, linebacker Ryan Burns, plus Kozlowski and Robert Pendergist in the defensive backfield. Four starters are back in Manaquan's 4-3 defense; O'Donnell at defensive end, Driscoll at linebacker, and Howard and Dettlinger in the secondary.

O'Donnell leads the group of defensive linemen along with Mead at the other defensive end spot and Mammeri and Gilmore as the defensive tackles. Lofreddo and Marks are also in the mix at defensive end while juniors Steve Bird and Tom Martin are in the rotation at defensive tackle.

manasquan Continued Page 74

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

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

A reliable kicker is always a welcome luxury but certainly not a given for most teams. Dettlinger is one of the top returning kickers in the Shore and is coming off a junior season in which he converged 35 of 38 extra points and connected on two field goals.

Last season Manasquan finished second to top-ranked Red Bank Catholic in the Constitution Division and ahead of Raritan, Red Bank, and Ocean. The Warriors are now in the Independence Division with rival Point Boro, Raritan, Holmdel, St. John Vianney, and Monmouth Regional.

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 4

Projected Special Team Starters:

SR. QB BRETT PATTEN

HEAD COACH: Dan Wendel,, 4th season

CAREER RECORD: 8-19 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Jason McQuay (Def. Coordinator/LB/RB), Rich Mosca (Def. Coordinator/OL/DL), Malik Wiggins (Special Teams/WR/DB), Mario Fragale (OL/DL), Billy D. Williams (RB/OLB), Andrew Faccone (Video), Anthony Guarino (Freshman), Jonathan Ciavarra (Freshman), Adam Elsieidy (Athletic Trainer)

2021: 6-4 2020: 2-6 2019: 0-9 2018: 4-5 2017: 7-4

Player To Watch:

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

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

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

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

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

For the two seasons prior to 2021, the Monmouth Regional football team put in the hard work without a lot of results. Its up-and-coming standouts, however, remained undeterred and made sure 2022 was a transformational season for the team.

FRIDAY 9/2 RED BANK

7PM FRIDAY 9/9 @RARITAN 7PM FRIDAY 9/16 @ST. JOHN VIANNEY 7PM SATURDAY 9/24 HOLMDEL 12PM FRIDAY 9/30 @SHORE 7PM FRIDAY 10/7 @POINT BORO 7PM SATURDAY 10/15 PINELANDS 12PM SATURDAY 10/22 MANASQUAN 12PM

(L-R) TAHAJ WIGGINS (4), JULIAN JONES (26), ANTHONY JEHN (12), NICK HUISMAN (11) & LUCAS BOMTEMPO (57)

With top 10 producers returning at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, the Falcons won’t be satisfied with last year’s accomplishments.

Quarterback Anthony Jehn and running back Julian Jones return as senior leaders and dynamic playmakers for a Monmouth team that has designs on improving on last year’s 6-4 record and NJSIAA Playoff appearance, even as the schedule gets tougher and the word is out that Monmouth is a team to deal with in the Shore Conference.

“The confidence these kids built last year really carried them into the offseason and summer workouts,” fourth-year Monmouth coach Dan Wendel said. “From the time they came in, they have always been willing to compete and last year gave the confidence to know that when they compete and do the right things, they will get results.”

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

“We were able to install the offense a lot quicker this year because of how many guys we have back, so there is an opportunity to expand the playbook a little bit more with this group,” Wendel said. “We still want to play to our strengths, which I think led to some of our success last year, but any time you can give good players more opportunities to make plays, it’s something you have to consider and these guys are all-in.”

Monmouth also has several other statistical standouts back. Senior Eric Crossley is back at fullback and middle linebacker after leading the team with 84 tackles in 2022, while the Falcons’ top two sack leaders – Nick Huisman (five) and Lucas Bomtempo (four) – also return to the defense.

“The great thing about this group is you can throw them into situations and they will figure it out,” Wendel said. “In past years, you knew there would be problems that would arise and you didn’t know how guys would deal with it because they hadn’t really experienced that adversity before. We started to see that growth last year and I think it’s even better this year. Tough situations are going to come up and I have a lot of confidence that this group will be able to handle them.”

XFactor: Chemistry More than any position or player, it is the close-knit nature of his team that has Wendel excited about the possibilities in 2022. In addition to being an experienced group, this senior class is the first to come into the program as freshmen with Wendel as the head coach, so they are his first four-year class since he was promoted from offensive coordinator to the head job in 2019. That group also saw the varsity team go 0-9 in their first year and helped the Falcons get to 6-4 a year ago, so it has put in the work and seen the payoff. Rivalry Game: Friday, Oct. 7 at Point Boro Monmouth does not have an obvious geographical rival on this year’s schedule, but it does have a psychological one. Point Boro has handled the Falcons in recent years and the Panthers figure to be a title contender in Group II again this season. On the way to a South Jersey Group II championship in 2021, the Panthers beat Monmouth during the regular season, 49-6, then bounced the Falcons in the first round of the playoffs, 34-14. Point Boro and Pinelands are the only teams on this year’s schedule that Monmouth played last year, so the many returning players on the team remember playing Point Boro, especially because it was the team that ended their season. The schedule is much tougher this year leading up to that game, so either Monmouth will be looking to validate an eye-opening start to their season or it could also be in desperate need of a win to keep any postseason hope alive.

SR. JULIAN JONES

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

Returning Starters: 6

HEAD COACH: Brian Staub, 5th season

CAREER RECORD: 18-18 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Shane O’Connor (Defensive Coordinator); Dave Johnson (Special Teams Coordinator); John Mattos (Special Teams Coordinator); Ryan Canary (OL); Dan Drzymkowski (LB); Kyle Ryan (OL); Nick Cipot (DL); Eddie Kendall (DL); Tom Orrok (RB); John McDonald (FB/OLB); John Madden (Athletic Trainer)

2021: 10-2 2020: 2-4 2019: 3-6 2018: 3-6 2017: 11-1

Players To Watch:

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

Players Under the Radar:

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

Top Position Groups:

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

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

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Point Boro is coming off a 10-2 season that included a division title and the program's fourth NJSIAA sectional championship, but you wouldn't know it by talking to any of the Panthers' returning starters.

THURSDAY 9/1 NEPTUNE FRIDAY 9/9 MANASQUAN FRIDAY 9/16 @HOLMDEL FRIDAY 9/23 @RARITAN FRIDAY 9/30 TOMS RIVER EAST FRIDAY 10/7 MONMOUTH

7PM FRIDAY 10/14 @BARNEGAT 7PM FRIDAY 10/21 @ST. JOHN VIANNEY 7PM

"We're putting the pedal to the metal and not taking anything for granted," said senior lineman Cole Skinner. "Coming off a state championship puts a target on your back. We're pretending like we didn't do anything last year." "We know we have a tougher schedule with bigger schools to play, and we're going to have to work that much harder," said senior running back/linebacker Tyler Gordon."

The Panthers captured the South Jersey Group 2 championship last season and came within one point of winning a regional championship game in a heartbreaking loss to Haddonfield. A total of 16 starters return from that championship squad with impact players all over the field. The Panthers are talented, experienced, and just as angry as last season when they were trying to end a string of three losing seasons. The way last season ended has helped them keep that underdog mindset despite entering the season as a top-10 team in the Shore Conference.

Seven starters return in Point Boro's tripleoption attack that led the Shore Conference in scoring last season at 35.5 points per game. The Panthers did lose quarterback Charlie Vitale, a First Team All-Shore selection, to graduation, but the team is more than confident that junior Matt Oliphant can step in and thrive. Oliphant played slot back last season and quickly established himself as a big-play threat with 477 yards rushing and 13 total touchdowns on an average of 7.1 yards per carry. He still has to prove he can master the nuances of the offense as well as Vitale did, but his athleticism alone should make for some big numbers.

The other four members of the backfield are all returning starters. Junior Jake Croce will be entering his third year as a starter at 'A' back and is coming off a breakout season in which he rushed for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior slot back Connor Cilento is a three-year returning starter and posted an absurd 12.5 yards per carry with 573 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Senior Sam Muraglia is also a returning slot back and Gordon is another 'A' back who ran for seven touchdowns a season ago.

If all goes according to plan, Point Boro won't be throwing the ball very often. When they throw, they expect to score or at least pick up a huge chunk of yardage, and the go-to receiver will be senior Brian Orio, a returning starter. Seniors Brandon Sloan (6-foot-3), Eric Anilonis (6-foot-4), and Tommy Morris along with juniors Wyatt Dewysockie and Brayden Forfar round out the group of wideouts. Senior Aiden Ward will play tight end when the formation calls for one.

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

While Point Boro's offense was its headliner last season its defense also had a phenomenal season finishing sixth in the Shore allowing 13.7 points per game. Nine starters return, including the entire front eight, from a unit that c r e a t e d

(TOP L-R) CHARLES DAVISON (55), JJ BENNETT (36), MATT OLIPHANT (11), SAM MURAYLIC (15) & C OLE SKINNER (72) (B OTTOM L-R) C ONNOR CILENTO (3), C ONNOR REYNOLDS (56), AIDEN WARD (45), T YLER GORDON (25) & JAKE CROCE (40)

turnovers and got to the quarterback at a high rate. The defensive line is formidable with three-year starter Connor Reynolds and returning starter Aiden Ward at defensive end. They each tied for the team lead with seven sacks last season. Davison returns as a starter at defensive tackle while Smith and Skinner will rotate at the other defensive tackle spot. Larr, Hynes, and sophomore Nick Jankovich are also at defensive end and sophomore Slade Samaritano could see time at defensive tackle. Senior JJ Bennett led the team in tackles with 92 stops last season and returns as a starting inside linebacker. Gordon will be right next to him after posting 66 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 interceptions last season. Senior Maddox Samaritano is the other starting linebacker with seniors Jack Stencel and Declan Pratt and sophomore Dylan Reitmeyere as backups. The outside linebacker position is flexible to operate on the edge or as more of a strong safety, and both Croce (2 INTs) and Muraglia return as starters. Senior Tyler Criscuolo and sophomore Colin Obser are also in the mix at outside linebacker.

In the secondary, Oliphant is a returning starter at cornerback and Cilento (2 INTs) is back for his third year as the starting safety. Orio is the other cornerback with Dewysockie, Forfar, and juniors Brian Simoes and Jayson Bennett on the depth chart, as well.

Forfar was the team's kicker last season as a sophomore and the Panthers also have senior Bobby Cooper as an experienced kicker who handled kickoffs last season. Oliphant is the punter for the second year in a row with Orio also capable of handling the punting duties.

The schedule is tougher this year, both in the division with Manasquan, Holmdel, Raritan, St. John Vianney, and Monmouth Regional and with games against Barnegat, Toms River East, and Neptune. The Panthers have what it takes to win a state championship, it's just a matter of executing for 48 minutes each and every week. "We have that championship mindset," Gordon said. "We know what has to be done and we're going to do it."

JR. QB MATT OLIPHANT Projected Offensive Starters:

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

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 9

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: Anthony Petruzzi, 13th season

CAREER RECORD: 57-61 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Chris Damian (Off. Coordinator/QB/RB/DB), Tyler Murphy (DL), Matt Dempsey (OL), Joe Schroeck (DB), Nick Mahoney (Slots/WR), Keith Rescorl (Special Teams/DL), Chris Vurchio (Freshman), Jonathan Rodriguez (Freshman), Nicholas Sparacello (Freshman), Mike Desocio (Athletic Trainer)

2021: 6-5 2020: 61 2019: 5-4 2018: 5-4 2017: 4-6

Player To Watch:

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

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

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

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

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

Anthony Petruzzi would love for his team to get off to a fast start this season, but when some of Raritan’s greatest finishes to the high school football season have come after rocky starts, maybe there is something in the struggle that makes the Rockets take off when it matters.

(L-R) JACK COLEMAN (49), DAN CALICARI (2), KIERAN FALZON (33), MATT AGAR (1) & JOE MURPHY (19)

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

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

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

Last year’s schedule was a big reason why

Raritan both suffered some early losses while also maintaining a power-point total that was enough to draw the No. 1 seed in its section. The schedule structure is similar, with a non-public and Group IV opponent on the schedule, but instead of Red Bank Catholic and Central

Regional, this year includes St. John Vianney and Toms River South. Beyond those two opponents, Raritan will have to deal with several fellow Group II hopefuls, including Point Pleasant Boro, Holmdel and Monmouth Regional.

As the Rockets look to launch on time at

Matawan on Sept. 1, they will still have the bigger picture in mind. The Rockets were four quarters from a sectional title last year and with so many key pieces back, the goal is to find a way back to the championship game and finish the job.

“It’s a pretty experienced team overall and obviously they are pretty motivated after last year,” Petruzzi said. “Most of the roster is seniors and juniors and with the seniors, it’s either guys who have starting experience or guys who have been waiting their turn and are hungry for the opportunity. We’re still working out some kinks and it’s never a completely smooth process, but we like our group and once we get into late October, these guys know what it takes to win games.”

THURSDAY 9/1 @MATAWAN FRIDAY 9/9 MONMOUTH SATURDAY 9/17 @MANASQUAN FRIDAY 9/23 POINT BORO

2PM 7PM FRIDAY 9/30 OCEAN 7PM FRIDAY 10/7 @ST. JOHN VIANNEY 7PM FRIDAY 10/14 TOMS RIVER SOUTH 7PM FRIDAY 10/21 @HOLMDEL 7PM

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 6

Jaxon Tsap, Jr., RT A big reason for Raritan’s promising potential on the offensive line is Tsap, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound junior who will essentially be replacing standout 2021 senior Jason Trotta. The Raritan offensive line returns a pair of versatile senior starters in Stephen McCabe and Tommy Jeleniewski – both of whom are switching positions for this season – and if Tsap can hit the ground running on the right side of the line, the Rockets should be a well-oiled machine on offense, even with a new quarterback. “He is a guy who is in the mold of a Jason Trotta and eventually, that’s what we’re hoping he can become: a big, physical right tackle,” Petruzzi said.

Projected Special Team Starters:

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

HEAD COACH: Jeff Papcun, 1st season

CAREER RECORD: 0-0 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Dan Fierro (Off. Coordinator/WR/CB), Mike Alberque (QB/DB), Derek Depascale (Special Teams/WR/SS), Ed Hernandez (Strength & Conditioning/RB/LB), Ryan Waltz (QB/DE), Shannon Hoadley (OL/DL), Lou Liberator (Freshman/WR/DB), Tyler Lucas (Freshman/RB/LB), Andrew Pender (Freshman/OL/DL), Paul Cocozziello (Freshman/QB/DB), Gabby Tantillo (Athletic Trainer) Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 4-7 2020: 5-4 2019: 4-5 2018: 5-5. 2017: 10-1

Player To Watch:

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

Player Under the Radar:

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

Top Position Groups:

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

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

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

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

SATURDAY 8/27 RBC (@ OCEAN CITY HS) 7:30PM

SATURDAY 9/3 @COLTS NECK 12PM

FRIDAY 9/9 @HOLMDEL FRIDAY 9/16 MONMOUTH FRIDAY 9/23 MANASQUAN SATURDAY 10/1 @MARLBORO FRIDAY 10/7 RARITAN FRIDAY 10/21 POINT BORO 7PM

(L-R) ZACH S CULLY (56), MIKE FOLEY (8), KYLE VERRIEST (13) & CHRISTIAN BUCHANAN

First-year head coach Jeff Papcun is no different in that regard, but as a coach who was on staff for part of that run, he knows what those teams had working for them beyond just the immense talent. Regardless of what talent walks into or away from St. John Vianney, Papcun wants to keep those intangibles constant now that he is in charge.

“We’re really trying to stay on top of them to do the little things,” Papcun said. “We have been really focused on staying disciplined with every detail, right down to the uniform – even at practice. That’s how you establish a culture of winning and we want our players to value the little things, because in my experience, those little things are what has won us and lost us games.”

To hit the ground running under their new head coach in 2022, St. John Vianney will be looking to bounce back from a 3-7 season in 2021 in which the Lancers dropped their final four games. Four of the seven losses came by a one-score margin and the other three were to Donovan Catholic, Wall and Seton Hall Prep.

“Going back to coach (Andy Carlstrom) and even before that, there has always been really good talent at St. John Vianney,” Papcun said. “What separated the 2017 team and the teams of that era was the team concept and how much those guys did the little things. I haven’t seen a team closer than that group was and that’s what we’re trying to get back to.”

SR. C ZACH S CULLY

Matt Defelice (Sr., RT/DT) and Mike Foley (Sr., QB/OLB) St. John Vianney lost a trio of standout players to transfers, with quarterback Antonio Rosato, defensive end Dylan Seay and lineman Makel Davis all in different programs this season. Defelice and Foley are capable varsity players who have been in the trenches before, so while they will have to help make up for a lot of the lost skill and production, they are ready to handle it. Foley is a physical quarterback who will keep the ball from time-to-time when St. John Vianney runs its option, while also returning to his outside linebacker spot on defense. Defelice, meanwhile, is moving into starting jobs on both lines where Davis was a significant presence over the past two seasons. Senior Aaron Can Trease is also in the running for time at quarterback in competition with Foley.

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

This season, the Lancers will not face a schedule quite as challenging as the one that made them 3-7 a year ago, but they will have to open up against a perennial contender for the No. 1 ranking in the Shore Conference in Red Bank Catholic.

There are some losses to overcome – both to graduation and transfers – and the team will be somewhat lacking in starting experience, but Papcun is excited about the talent on hand and how those players are responding to the revamped culture he is trying to establish.

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

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 3

Projected Special Team Starters:

SR. RB/LB CHRISTIAN BUCHANAN