The 2025 season was one for the ages at Brick Memorial, as the Mustangs captured the third sectional championship in program history before falling 14-12 to eventual Group 4 state champion Winslow in the state semifinals capping an outstanding 10-3 campaign.

Replacing that team will be no easy task. Brick Memorial graduated one of the finest senior classes in program history, highlighted by All-State quarterback Jason Lajara, All-State wide receiver Nyzier Matthews, All-State linebacker Trey Tallmadge, and a host of All-Shore standouts. The Mustangs also enter a new era on the sidelines after longtime head coach Walt Currie stepped down, concluding his tenure with 117 victories and two sectional championships. Although he is no longer the head coach, Currie will remain on the staff as Brick Memorial’s defensive backs coach.

New head coach James Mahoney provides continuity after being promoted from offensive coordinator. While the Mustangs graduated a remarkable senior class, the torch has been passed to a new generation. Brick Memorial returns 11 starters, led by a powerful offensive and defensive front, and is confident in its next wave of skill-position talent, many of whom spent last season developing behind veteran stars and are now poised to make an impact.

The Mustangs will once again compete in a loaded Class A South division that features Donovan Catholic, Toms River North, Southern, and several other perennial contenders. While many of the names and faces have changed, Brick Memorial remains determined to contend for a division championship and make another deep postseason run.

Offense

The Mustangs return five starters from an offense that averaged a blistering 33.2 points per game last season while totaling 2,163 rushing yards and 2,772 passing yards.

Senior Tyler Pierce (5-10, 165) has big shoes to fill at quarterback, taking over after a pair of record-setting All-State signal-callers in Jason Lajara, who started the past two seasons, and Connor Dietz, who held the job for the previous three. Although his varsity experience has been limited, Pierce impressed in his opportunities last season, completing 8 of 10 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown while adding 49 rushing yards and another score on nine carries. Mahoney has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks, giving the Mustangs confidence that Pierce is ready to thrive in the system.

After making an impact on defense last season, senior Colin Schoellkopf (6-0, 195) is slated to step into the lead role at running back. Junior Nymir Goodwin (5-9, 150) and senior Jack Marotta (5-10, 170) will also factor into the rushing attack.

Senior Shawn Fowler (5-10, 160) returns as Brick Memorial’s top receiving threat after catching 22 passes for 518 yards and four touchdowns on his way to Second Team All-Shore honors last season. The Mustangs have plenty of competition for the remaining receiver spots, with seniors Casey Pierce (5-10, 165) and Devin Mingalone (5-10, 170), juniors Javon Ellison (6-2, 175) and Danny Talty (5-9, 165), and highly regarded freshman Zyion Weaver (5-7, 150) all expected to compete for significant roles.

Senior Joe Livio (6-4, 230), who holds an offer from Stonehill and was a Second Team All-Shore selection in 2025, returns at tight end after catching 18 passes for 356 yards and four touchdowns last season. Junior Shea Salerno (6-0, 220) will also see time at the position.

The Mustangs return three starters along the offensive line, a unit expected to be one of the team’s biggest strengths. Senior Jaxon Ellis (6-1, 240) is back for his third season as the starting left guard after earning First Team All-Shore honors, while senior Logan Perry (6-2, 225), a Second Team All-Class C South selection last year, returns at left tackle and senior Jaxon Pacheco (6-2, 300) is back at right tackle.

The center position remains up for grabs between senior Marc Gambaro (5-10, 250) and junior Zakir Moss (6-1, 300). If Moss wins the job, Gambaro will compete with senior Gabe Do Amaral (6-1, 220) for the starting spot at right guard.

Senior Jack Marotta (5-10, 170) returns as the Mustangs’ kicker after converting 45 of 56 extra-point attempts and earning Second Team All-Class A South honors last season. He will also handle the punting duties.

Defense

The Mustangs return six starters from a defense that allowed 16.1 points per game last season.

Ellis and Livio return as starters at defensive end. The former tallied 44 tackles last season, while the latter added 37 tackles. Pacheco, who holds an offer from Rhode Island and earned Second Team All-Shore honors last year, returns as a starter at defensive tackle after recording 41 tackles and seven sacks. The other defensive tackle spot will be filled by a combination of Gambaro, Moss, and junior Luis Hernandez (6-1, 260).

Schoellkopf returns at one inside linebacker spot after recording 51 tackles, three sacks, and an interception on his way to Second Team All-Class A South honors last season. The other starting position is up for grabs following the graduation of Shore Sports Insider Defensive Player of the Year Trey Tallmadge, with Mingalone, Do Amaral, and junior Karter Seaburg (5-10, 175) expected to battle for the job.

Marotta returns at strong safety for the third consecutive season after recording 46 tackles and three interceptions last year. Casey Pierce is projected to start at weak safety, while Ellison and Tyler Pierce will compete for the starting job at free safety.

Fowler returns as a three-year starter at cornerback after totaling 23 tackles and an interception last season. The other cornerback spot is up for grabs, with Goodwin, Weaver, and Talty set to compete for the starting job during camp.

 

Brick Memorial at a glance 

Head coach: James Mahoney, 1st season

Career record: 0-0

2025 record: 10-3

Offense: Spread Option

Defense: 4-2-5

 

Coaching Staff

Defensive Coordinator/DT: Ryan Graham

Special Teams Coordinator/TE: Pete Walski

OL: Bill Brunner, Paul Walski

WR: Keith Farr

RB: Andy Cammarano

DE: Mike Mahoney

DB: Walt Currie, Luke Frauenheim, Jimmy Bright

DB/ST: Keith Bruno

LB: Richie Tallmadge

Freshman RB/DE: Rob Manso

Freshman OL/DB: Rob Brown

Freshman WR/LB: Nikolas Brzeczkowski

Freshman OL/DT: Ray Franklin

Freshman QB/DB: Jayden Lajara

Athletic Trainer: Sue Penrod

Circle the Date: Sept. 11 vs. Donovan Catholic

A fourth-quarter touchdown and two-point conversion by the Griffins handed Brick Memorial a heartbreaking one-point loss last season, costing the Mustangs the outright Class A South title. This year’s rematch once again projects to have significant implications in the race for the division championship.

Newcomer to Watch: Nymir Goodwin, Jr., RB/DB

Goodwin, the younger brother of departed All-State wide receiver Nyzier Matthews, is one of several new skill-position players expected to step into prominent roles as the Mustangs replace one of the finest senior classes in program history.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/27	Wall
9/3	at Brick
9/11	Donovan Catholic
9/18	Toms River North
9/25	at Point Boro
10/2	Neptune
10/9	at Jackson
10/16	at Rumson-Fair Haven
10/23	Southern