The Blue Bishops were back in the hunt in 2025. Following two straight losing seasons, Asbury Park posted a 5-4 record and returned to the state playoffs, with three of its four losses coming against larger-school opponents.

While the Blue Bishops graduated several impact players, including 1,600-yard rusher Amiere Massie, they return 15 starters, giving them plenty of reason for optimism. Asbury Park is still a young team, but its youth is now battle-tested after being thrust into major roles last season, and the Blue Bishops have developed quality depth along both lines.

One challenge the Blue Bishops will have to navigate is competing in Class D North as the division’s lone Group 1 school. With Group 4 programs like Colts Neck and Long Branch on the schedule, Asbury Park will face a significant numbers disadvantage each week.

Offense

The Blue Bishops return seven starters from an offense that averaged 27.3 points per game last season while totaling 2,206 rushing yards and 327 passing yards.

Sophomore Braylon Johnson (6-0, 160) moves to quarterback after seeing snaps at running back last season. He is the son of head coach Will Johnson, who starred at quarterback for the Blue Bishops and led the program to back-to-back sectional championships in 2007 and 2008.

Junior Nimiere Massie will take over as the featured running back, following in the footsteps of Amiere Massie, who was a First Team All-Shore selection a year ago.

Sophomores Kevan Crawford (5-11, 160) and Cameron Berardesco (5-10, 165) are projected to start at receiver after seeing significant varsity snaps on defense last season.

The remaining starting wide receivers and the starting tight end position will be determined in camp.

Senior Israel Villegas (6-3, 245) returns as the starting left tackle, while senior Kenny Joseph (6-2, 245) anchors the right side. Senior Jaydin Handy (5-8, 190) will be the left guard, while the right guard position will be decided in camp between junior Elani Johnson (5-8, 230) and senior Jay’Denn Vasquez (6-1, 215). Junior Eniya Johnson (5-7, 230) returns as the starter at center after earning Second Team All-Class D North honors in 2025.

The kicking and punting roles will be determined in camp.

Defense

The Blue Bishops return eight starters from a unit that allowed 25.7 points per game last season.

Joseph and Villegas return as the starting defensive ends. Joseph recorded 37 tackles and a team-high four sacks last season, while Villegas added 31 tackles on his way to First Team All-Class D North honors. Elani Johnson (5-8, 230), a Second Team All-Class D North pick, returns at defensive tackle after compiling 18 tackles and a sack a year ago. Vasquez is projected to start at the other defensive tackle spot.

Senior Ahmari Mitchell (5-10, 190), a First Team All-Class D North selection, anchors the middle linebacker spot after leading the team with 60 tackles and adding an interception last season. The outside linebacker spot will be occupied by one of freshman Xavier Liranzo or Jayon Alford.

Braylon Johnson, a Second Team All-Class D North pick, returns at nickel after recording 31 tackles and an interception last season. Berardesco returns at cornerback after tallying 21 tackles and two interceptions a year ago, while junior Divine Washington (6-1, 155) is back at the opposite corner after making 16 tackles.

Crawford will be the strong safety after recording 16 tackles and an interception on his way to Second Team All-Class D North honors last year, while Massie is projected to start at free safety.

 

Asbury Park at a glance 

Head coach: Will Johnson, 3rd season

Career record: 8-10

2025 record: 5-4

Offense: Multiple

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator/WR/DB: Jaedon Stephens

Special Teams Coordinator/RB/DB: Daquane Bland-Bennett

OL/DL: Josh Handy

Circle the Date: Oct. 9 vs Long Branch

Despite meeting 96 times in a rivalry that began in 1904, the Blue Bishops and Green Wave have not squared off since Long Branch edged Asbury Park, 14-13, in 1997. Twenty-nine years later, the rivals will finally meet again as members of Class D North, giving the Blue Bishops a chance to avenge that one-point defeat.

Newcomer to Watch: Xavier Liranzo, Fr., WR/LB

Liranzo is one of a few freshmen in the mix for starting spots. He will compete at both wide receiver and linebacker.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/27	Newton
9/3	at Neptune
9/11	Barnegat
9/18	Colts Neck
9/24	at Monmouth
10/2	Keyport
10/9	Long Branch
10/17	at Lakewood
10/24	at Manchester