Freedom Division........................ Pages

HEAD COACH: Walt Currie, 16th season

CAREER RECORD: 81-74 ASSISTANT COACHES:

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

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

Player To Watch:

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

Player Under the Radar:

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

Impact Newcomers:

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

Rivalry Game:

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

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

Last year, Brick Memorial entered the season with a senior-laden group of linemen tasked with leading the way for a talented yet unproven group of skill players. Fast forward 12 months and the script has been completely flipped.

THURSDAY 9/1 @JACKSON MEMORIAL 6PM FRIDAY 9/9 RED BANK 6PM FRIDAY 9/16 @OCEAN 7PM FRIDAY 9/23 NEPTUNE 6PM FRIDAY 9/30 FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP 6PM FRIDAY 10/7 TOMS RIVER SOUTH 6PM FRIDAY 10/14 @CENTRAL 7PM SATURDAY 10/22 @BRICK 12PM

(L-R) JEREMIAH CRISPIN (5), ELIJAH BENJAMIN (1), C ONNOR DIETZ (8) & JAYDEN RIVERA (55)

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

Dietz is one of six returning starters in Brick Memorial's option offense and enters the season with high expectations after a breakout sophomore season. He was fifth in the Shore Conference in rushing with 1,368 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns and 16th in the Shore with 1,010 yards passing and five touchdowns. His 130 total points were fourth in the Shore and set a new Brick Memorial single-season record. Additionally, he and Freehold quarterback Kamore Gill were the only two players to both pass and rush for 1,000 yards each. If he progresses at the expected rate he should turn in another big season. "Being up to speed with the varsity level means I'm definitely a lot more comfortable this year," Dietz said. "I've spent a lot of time working on my throwing and my footwork and being able to make decisions faster."

The running back position will feature sophomore Kevin Andrews and junior Nicco Maribo. At wide receiver, senior Jeremiah Crispin is a returning starter along with senior Eli Benjamin with junior Jasaan Walker also in the mix. The tight ends are senior Joe Nolan, a returning starter, and freshman Trey Tallmadge, the latter a highly-touted J R . QB C ONNOR D IETZ

S R .RS J AYDEN R IVERA

ninth-grader who is the younger brother of former Brick All-Shore linebacker Richie Tallmadge and Brick Memorial two-time wrestling state champion Evan Tallmadge. The offensive line will once again be comprised entirely of seniors, but whereas last season all five were returning starters, this year four of the five are first-year starters. Senior Jayden Rivera is a returning starter at left tackle and senior left guard Ben Wooley (6-4, 250) slides inside after starting at tight end last season. Senior Jordan Lizardi is the center, senior Armando Vazquez is the right guard, and senior Jayden Aponte is the right tackle. Most offenses go as far as their line can take them so it will be critical for this group to gel quickly and allow Brick Memorial's skill players to find time and space. Five starters return in Brick Memorial's 4-3 base defense. The defensive line features Vazquez and Wooley at defensive end and Rivera, a returning starter, and senior Rich Gardner as the defensive tackles. The middle linebacker is senior Edwin Vargas and the outside linebackers are Nolan and senior Ibn Taylor. Nolan is a returning starter. Maribo will also see time at outside linebacker. Benjamin and Crispin (2 INTs) are returning starters at cornerback, Dietz returns as the free safety, and senior Anthony Schamber is the strong safety.

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

Divisional realignment has Brick Memorial moving from the highlycompetitive Independence Division (Brick, Lacey, Howell, Middletown North) to the new-look Freedom Division with Brick, Toms River South, Red Bank, Ocean, and Neptune. "It seems like everybody is excited to be here and that's all that matters to me," Dietz said. "The energy level is way up now that the season is almost here."

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 6

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 5

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: Len Zdanowicz, 8th season

CAREER RECORD: 40-31 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Matt Fuller (Offensive coordinator/QB); Brian McNamara (Defensive coordinator/LB); Andrew Cruz (OL); John Dolan (WR); Bob Grace (RB); Joe Smyth (DL); Chad Dougherty (LB); John Prato (DB); Kurt Wieboldt (Special teams/kickers); Jared Kight (assistant); Jack Bush (video coordinator); Christian Malta (Defensive asst.); Jay Groschel (Freshmen Head Coach/OC), Chris Blackburn (DC); Pete Fusco (athletic trainer) Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 4-5 2020: 2-5 2019: 3-6 2018: 83 2017: 6-5

Player To Watch:

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

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

Impact Newcomer:

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

Oct. 22 vs. Brick Memorial This year's edition of the Battle of Brick has an extra layer to it now that it will take place during Week 8, the final week of the regular season. A playoff spot, playoff positioning, and even a division title could be on the line when the Dragons and Mustangs square off at Keller Memorial Field. Brick won last season's game, 36-18, and has dominated the series over the past decade.

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor THURSDAY 9/1 MARLBORO FRIDAY 9/9 TOMS RIVER SOUTH FRIDAY 9/16 @NEPTUNE FRIDAY 9/23 @RED BANK

FRIDAY 9/30 @CENTRAL FRIDAY 10/7 OCEAN FRIDAY 10/14 @LACEY

With just a handful of starters back in the fold for the 2022 season, there are plenty of question marks surrounding the Brick Dragons football team. But just because there aren't many recognizable names doesn't mean the expectations have changed for one of the most tradition-rich schools in the Shore Conference.

SATURDAY 10/22 BRICK MEMORIAL 12PM

A group of important seniors paired with some promising underclassmen have the Dragons ready to compete for a title in what looks to be a very competitive Freedom Division. And, as always, a return to the playoffs is always a goal for a program that has won seven NJSIAA sectional championships and several more before the current playoff model took shape.

Brick's offense features senior returning starter AJ Grygiel as the team's quarterback. Junior Christian Booker will serve as the backup. Grygiel will orchestrate a multi-faceted scheme that returns a total of six starters. The backfield also includes junior returning starter Jake Toye at Hback along with senior Chris Salvato, plus juniors Travis Trempy and Aidan Dvorak at running back. In the passing game, junior Johnny Poukish and senior Ethan Christiansen are the main wide receivers and sophomore Jayden Johnson and senior Logan Donnelly are slated to line up in the slot.

At tight end, senior Tyson Lopez (6-1, 235) returns as the starter with junior Ezra Meyers also at the position. The left side of the offensive line is a clear strength with a pair of senior returning starters - Michael Pormigiano at left tackle and Colin Wilson at left guard. The center is senior Abdul Rahimi and the right guard is also a returning starter in junior Will Walsh. At right tackle is senior Ray Wood (6-2, 240). Adding depth to the offensive line are sophomore Chris Quick and junior Juan Navarette at tackle, juniors Alex

Azevado and Vincent Vargas at guard, and junior Aidan Lowenstein at center. Defense has long been a hallmark of Brick football and the Dragons had an aboveaverage unit last season that finished 14th in the Shore allowing 18.3 points per game. Four starters return with two of them being along the defensive line. Toye is a returning starter at defensive end and Pormigiano is a returner at defensive tackle. The rest of the defensive ends are Lopez, Salvato, Wood, and senior Gabe Batt, and rounding ( L- R ) T YSON L OPEZ (89), M ICHAEL P ORMIGIANO (64), AJ G RYGIEL (14) & C OLIN W ILSON (58) out the group of defensive tackles are Rahimi, Lowenstein, Navaratte, Brandon O'Hearn, and John DeVaughn. Walsh and Wilson are both returning starters at linebacker with Meyers set to also start. Trempy, senior Mike Rufano, and sophomore Sean Savannah could also see playing time at linebacker. The secondary consistent of Christiansen, Donnelly, Grygiel, and Johnson as starters with Booker, senior Julian Beltran, freshman Germaine Rice, senior Jose Flippen, and Ryan Chapman also in the mix. Division realignment has Brick in the Freedom Division with rivals Brick Memorial and Toms River South, plus Ocean, Neptune, and Red Bank.

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters: 6

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 4

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: Brian Duffy, 2nd season

CAREER RECORD: 4-5 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Jeremy Balina (Def. Coordinator), Mike Seber (Special Teams/QB), Shane Bigelow (OL/DL), John Pacowski (DL), Frank Iachetta (OL/DL), Netanis Bean (RB/DB), Mysonn Ledet (RB/DB), Mike Mahoney (WR/OLB), Ron Puryear (Film), Mike Randolph (Director Football Operations), Amanda Kelly (Athletic Trainer)

2021: 4-5 2020: 2-5 2019: 6-4 2018: 5-5 2017: 0-10

Player To Watch:

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

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

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

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

Oct. 8 vs. Red Bank The Neptune seniors and juniors will welcome their former coach, Shane Fallon, to Neptune in early October. Fallon lasted only one season at Neptune before leaving the Scarlet Fliers for Red Bank following the 2020 season. Neptune was the most impacted program by COVID restrictions and the schedule was challenging, to say the least, leading to a 2-5 finish. Since Fallon’s departure, Duffy has come in and helped bring a blend of calm and fire to the program and his players will surely be excited to show their old coach what he is missing out on.

By: Matt Manlet

SSN Senior Editor THURSDAY 9/1 @POINT BORO FRIDAY 9/9 OCEAN FRIDAY 9/16 BRICK 7PM

FRIDAY 9/23 @BRICK MEMORIAL 6PM

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

SATURDAY 10/8 RED BANK

1PM FRIDAY 10/14 @LONG BRANCH 7PM FRIDAY 10/21 @TOMS RIVER SOUTH 6PM THURSDAY 11/24 ASBURY PARK 10AM

After a 0-3 start to 2021, Neptune went 4-2 over its final six games and with a slew of proven talent returning for 2022, the Scarlet Fliers are looking to use their strong finish as a springboard to a big upcoming season.

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

Strict district COVID restrictions limited practice time before the 2020 season, so the young Scarlet Fliers had some catching up to do over the last calendar year and the furious finish suggests the program is indeed over that 2020 setback. It also doesn’t hurt that they will have some leaders back all over the field, enough speed emerging in an inexperienced receiving corps and a noteworthy amount of line talent for a program that is typically thin at that spot.

Duffy is a former offensive lineman and is eager to see what this year’s group can do while blocking for senior running back Davon Craft and senior quarterback Davionne Pearson. De’Ondre Banks, Jayden Rodriguez and junior Daniel Laughton are returning starters on the line and sophomore Adon Davis and senior Jalen Weeden will occupy the right side of the line. “I’m very happy with the line, I think we’re progressing in that part of the game,” Duffy said. “That’s always been a problem here: we have athletes, but we don’t have enough linemen, so we’re starting to get guys who know what position they have to play and they’re (L-R) DE’ONDRE BANKS (50), DAVON CRAFT (9), DAVIONNE PEARSON (5), ANTHONY BANKS (8) & JAYDEN RODRIGUEZ (70) buying into it.” With so many pieces already in place and plenty of optimism at practice coming off last season’s 4-2 finish, Neptune’s expectation is to hit the ground running in 2022 and carry that momentum all the way into the NJSIAA Group III Playoffs. “I’d like to think 4-5 is never acceptable for me, but coming off the COVID year and still dealing with that, being a first-year coach, trying to revive the program, I was happy with that,” Duffy said. “The kids started to see the results of what we’re doing: working hard, coming to practice, staying together and they started reaping the benefits.”

Projected Offensive Starters:

(RS=returning starter, 3RS=3rd-year returning starter) Returning Starters:6

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 2

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: Don Klein, 16th season CAREER RECORD: 81-68-1 ASSISTANT COACHES:

RJ Read (Offensive Coordinator): Phil Greene (Defensive Coordinator); Rich Read (OL); Dean Athans (Freshman/WR); Jason Wombaugh (OL); Jim Simonelli (Special Teams Coordinator/DB); Cornell Key (Strength & Conditioning); Kaitlin Zimmerman (Athletic Trainer)

By: Bob Badders

SSN Managing Editor

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

THURSDAY 9/1 HOLMDEL FRIDAY 9/9 @NEPTUNE

7PM 7PM FRIDAY 9/16 BRICK MEMORIAL 7PM FRIDAY 9/23 @TOMS RIVER SOUTH 6PM FRIDAY 9/30 @RARITAN 7PM FRIDAY 10/7 @BRICK 7PM FRIDAY 10/14 MIDDLETOWN NORTH 7PM FRIDAY 10/21 RED BANK 7PM

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

Player To Watch:

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

Player to Watch, Part 2:

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

Impact Newcomer:

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

Rivalry Game:

Sept. 9 at Neptune The Spartans and Scarlet Fliers are proximity rivals who clashed for many years in the Class B North division. This will be an important Week 2 game with both teams trying to get off to a fast start with the hopes of rebounding from tough seasons. (L-R) SHANE GARRETT (35), CRAIG FLANNIGAN (25) & TYLER D OUGLAS (8)

Following an 8-1 season in 2019, Ocean went 3-3 during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and then stumbled to a 2-8 record last season. Nearly the entire team returns this season and collectively they are ready to turn the corner.

"Overall, I think just the experience coming back will make a big difference," said senior tight end/defensive end Shane Garrett. "We started a lot of young guys last year and guys who maybe weren't ready for that environment. But now that they've seen it first hand, they're ready."

Garrett and senior quarterback Tyler Douglas have both been on the field playing in varsity games since their freshmen seasons, and they are just two of over a dozen players returning to the fold after seeing time last season. For the first time in a few years, Ocean has a roster that is both talented and experienced, and that has raised the bar for everyone in the program. "We know what is expected," Douglas said. If Ocean is to return to the postseason and contend for the Freedom Division title it will take a complete effort, but Douglas is unquestionably their star player and the team's V8 engine. He saw the field as a defensive back and a punter as a freshman and took over as the team's starting quarterback the following season. Since then, he has blossomed into an FBS recruit who is verbally committed to Temple University. Last year, Douglas was an SSN Third Team All-Shore selection for a season in which he threw for 881 yards and nine touchdowns and ran for 815 yards and eight touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 64 tackles and three interceptions on defense. "The things he does on the field are all natural and it's unique," Garrett said. "He can help us wins games in a lot of ways."

Also in the backfield are junior returning starter Nick Iacouzzi and senior Caleb Thompson at running back. Senior CJ Flannigan will be entering his third year as a starting receiver and will be joined by sophomore James Sobieski, who also started last season. Flannigan caught 14 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. The group also gets a boost from Neptune transfer Mateo Andrews, a senior who averaged an eye-opening 25 yards per reception last season with 15 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Garrett (6-2, 235) is a three-year returning starter at tight end and will be joined by senior Ben Trench.

The offensive line has three returning starters and they occupy the interior of the line. Junior Nick Caruso (6-2,

285) is the center, junior Giancarlo Palazzolo (5-11, 220) is the left guard, and junior Tommy Iacouzzi (6-0, 210) is the right guard. Senior Edwin Garcia-

Tellez (5-10, 200) is the left tackle and junior Reuvi Israeli (5-10, 220) is the right tackle. Ten of 11 starters return on defense as the Spartans will try to improve on the 24.3 points per game they allowed last year. All four linemen return with Trench and senior Jayceon Webster at defensive end and Garrett and Caruso at defensive tackle. Garrett was a Third Team All-Shore selection last year. The linebackers have junior Ben Girard (79 tackles) at outside linebacker and junior Willie Canavan (69 tackles) at middle linebacker. The other outside linebacker spot is between juniors Stephen Falco and Michael Poniros, the latter of whom is a standout wrestler for the Spartans. All four members of the secondary are returning starters with Sobieski and Thompson as the corners, Douglas as the strong safety, and Flannigan as the free safety. Douglas had 64 tackles and three interceptions last year, Flannigan had 63 tackles and two interceptions, and Thompson had two interceptions.

Douglas will relinquish the kicking and punting duties this season. Either Poniros or junior Michael Sorrentino will be the kicker and Poniros will be the punter.

Whereas last season Red Bank Catholic was the clear favorite in the division and Manasquan and Raritan made deep playoff runs, respectively, this year's Freedom Division looks to be very competitive with Ocean, Brick, Brick Memorial, Neptune, Red Bank, and Toms River South. With everything the Spartans return this season, there's no reason they can't contend for the top spot

Projected Offensive Starters:

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

Projected Defensive Starters:

Returning Starters: 10

Projected Special Team Starters:

HEAD COACH: Shane Fallon, 2nd season

CAREER RECORD: 112-63 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Noel Kavanagh (Asst. HC/Off. Coordinator/QB), Bill Pietsch (Def. Coordinator/MLB), John Legere (Special Teams/DB), Chris Barnes (RB/DB), Jess Mass (OL), Tyler Karalewich (DL), Adam Bobertz (WR/Freshman), Chris LeRoy (OLB/Freshman), Jack Provine (Strength & Conditioning), Christina Emerich (Athletic Trainer), Leo Olsen (Director of Football Operations) Team Record Last Five Years:

2021: 4-7 2020: 2-4 2019: 7-4 2018: 7-3 2017: 2-8

Player To Watch:

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

Player Under the Radar:

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

Skill Positions In addition to Olsen at quarterback, Red Bank has the ingredients on hand to have an explosive offense. The established players are there, with receivers Ky’Yam Martin and Lamar Hicks both returning and junior Jah’Cire Jones returning in the backfield. Martin was the team’s second-leading receiver in 2021 with 25 catches for 437 yards and five touchdowns, while Jones returns to the backfield poised for a breakout season at tailback. “We’ve got two senior wide receivers in Lamar Hicks and Ky’Yam Martin who are very dangerous and can score on any play where they get their hands on the ball,” Fallon said. “Ja’Cire Jones just has good vision, he is running hard and he is taking what the defense gives him. He is being very patient as a runner and with his speed, that’s a very good thing for him.” The Bucs also have some emerging skill players, with juniors Myles Moore and Gunnar Eckerstrom also playing in the backfield and junior Liam Stack joining the receiving corps. Jones, Eckerstrom, Stack and Moore are all part of a deep group of defensive backs as well, so Red Bank’s athleticism should translate on both sides of the ball.

By: Matt Manley

SSN Senior Editor

FRIDAY 9/2 @MONMOUTH FRIDAY 9/9 @BRICK MEMORIAL FRIDAY 9/16 TOMS RIVER SOUTH FRIDAY 9/23 BRICK SATURDAY 10/8 @NEPTUNE FRIDAY 10/14 HOLMDEL FRIDAY 10/21 @OCEAN WEDNESDAY 11/23 LONG BRANCH

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

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

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

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

(L-R) HANK DAL PRA (72), LAMAR HICKS (1), PIERCE OLSEN (18), BRENDAN LAUGHLIN (11) & KY’YAM MARTIN

X-Factor:

The Junior Jump Teams that develop a deep class of players from freshman to senior year tend see the greatest improvement from sophomore to junior year, at least according to conventional wisdom of coaching. If Red Bank is on that time table, the Bucs could be in for a significant step forward in 2021 thanks to a junior class that got a great deal of varsity experience a year ago and has enough talent around the field to make a collective impact. Red Bank is looking at eight junior starters on the defensive side of the ball, six on the offensive side and plenty more depth from the Class of 2024 as well. Throw in some seniors in key spots and the Bucs have the makings of a team ready to break out.

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

improve on a unit that gave up a shade under 27 points per game in 2021.

“Last year, at various points, we were starting six sophomores and playing 11 sophomores,” Fallon said. “We’ve got some strong senior leadership this year and our sophomores are now juniors, so we’ve got a ton of juniors out on the field with some seniors sprinkled in and we like that chemistry. If we stay healthy, we will be very competitive every week against our schedule.”

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

Returning Starters: 7

HEAD COACH: Matt Martin, 1ST season

CAREER RECORD: 0-0 ASSISTANT COACHES:

Bill Rankin (QB/Offensive Coordinator); Vinny Arminio (DB/Defensive Coordinator); Bill McDonnell (RB/LB); Joe Kelly LB); Jim Dempsey (DL); Tom Malek (DB); Rich Stratton (OL); Kyle Austin (OL); Darrius Hart (WR); Dan Crashewsky (Athletic Trainer).

2021: 3-7 2020: 6-2 2019: 4-6 2018: 3-8 2017: 2-8

Player To Watch:

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

Top Position Groups:

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

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

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

By: Kevin Williams

SSN Director

THURSDAY 9/1 TOMS RIVER EAST

It’s a new era at Toms River South where Matt Martin takes over as head coach after spending the last 11 seasons as an assistant to his uncle, Ron Signorino Jr.

FRIDAY 9/9 @BRICK FRIDAY 9/16 @RED BANK FRIDAY 9/23 OCEAN FRIDAY 9/30 TOMS RIVER NORTH FRIDAY 10/7 @BRICK MEMORIAL FRIDAY 10/14 @RARITAN FRIDAY 10/21 NEPTUNE

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

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

James Alexander returns at quarterback following a sophomore season in which he took over as the starter and threw for 415 yards and two touchdowns. Gone is leading receiver Gavin Migliori but senior Dylan Lee returns and the new group includes juniors Jordan Jones and Cooper Greitz and sophomores Danny Pierson, Jake Henehan, and Joe Pompilio. Dennis Forbes, a 6foot-3 junior, is among the tight end candidates along with senior Dante Flanagan and junior Jarrod Johnson.

The running game should be in good hands with senior Devon Bond, who ran for 557 yards and four touchdowns in 2021 and has big play potential. Seniors Mike Erli and Joel Small also return to what is among the deeper position groups on the team.

Returning starters Donovan Wilkinson, a 6-foot-

5, 280-pound sophomore left tackle, senior center James King (6’3, 250), and right guard Dave Lazzaro (5’9, 210) anchor the offensive line with junior Ethan Whittaker, and sophomores Gunnar Schwartz, Nick Mueller, and Joel Soto also battling for starting spots. Sophomore Phil Bentivenga will handle the kicking tasks and Jarrod Johnson will be the punter. The defense must improve after allowing over 27 points a game last season and among the five returning starters are four linebackers. Sophomore Laolu Akinlolu and senior Joel Small (92 tackles last season) line up on the outside with seniors Niko Crudup (60 tackles in 2021) and Lazzaro to share the inside spot in the Indians 3-3 formation. Up front will be Wilkinson and Johnson at defensive end while King will be the nose tackle. Lee, Jones, junior Mason Pyle, and sophomore Damir Nelson are all in the mix at cornerback while Bond returns at safety along with senior Karol Castillo, Pierson, Justin Coston (Jr.), and Jake Henehan (Soph.). Erli & Bentivegna are expected to see time at what South calls the "Jack" position, which is a combination of a strong safety and a linebacker.

Martin is focused on building a program that will make fans happy and, just as important, make those in the building proud. He has emphasized to his players that they are student-athletes and the student part comes first. How quickly they learn that and the new schemes put in place may hold a key to the 2022 season.

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

Projected Special Team Starters: