The 2025 season marked a significant step forward for Monmouth. After struggling to a 1-9 finish in 2024, the Falcons bounced back to post a respectable 5-5 record. They were also more competitive from week to week, with two of their losses coming by one score and two others decided by just two scores. The improved results and tighter margins showed just how much progress the Falcons made in one season.

The Falcons return 14 full-time starters along with a wealth of experienced players who saw significant action last season, allowing Monmouth to build on last year’s progress and continue the program’s upward trajectory.

Monmouth moves from the now-defunct Class D South to Class D North, where the Falcons should have as good a chance as anyone to contend for the division title. They will battle Asbury Park, Barnegat, Colts Neck, Long Branch, and Manchester for the Class D North crown.

Offense

The Falcons return six full-time starters from an offense that averaged 21.4 points per game last season while totaling 1,358 rushing yards and 1,721 passing yards.

Junior Ryan Corwin (6-2, 165) returns for his third season as the starting quarterback after earning First Team All-Class D South honors a year ago. Corwin threw for 1,721 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 105 yards and three scores on the ground.

The Falcons will have to replace 1,200-yard rusher Tyler Gustafson, who graduated. Seniors Aiden Trocchia (5-11, 185) and Calvin Morrison (5-8, 165), junior Brandon Thompson, sophomore Mason Evans, and freshman Conall Hicks are among those in the mix for carries. However none recorded a rushing attempt last season.

Junior Liam Faulkner returns at wide receiver after making 14 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown a year ago. Senior Sam Jackson (6-0, 190) is also back after hauling in six passes for 67 yards, while senior Malik Thompson (6-0, 175) flashed big-play ability with two catches for 107 yards. Senior Eddie Seggara (5-11, 170) and juniors Na’kiem Carson (5-9, 155) and Lucas Rac will also compete for playing time at wideout.

Junior Donovan Hicks is the top returning receiving threat after recording 20 receptions for 334 yards and five touchdowns at tight end a year ago. Senior Deshan Carter (6-4, 170) and junior Matt Baffige are also in the mix at that spot.

The offensive line brings back a wealth of experience with four returning starters, led by four-year starter Jaden Hall (6-0, 280) at left guard. Junior Ryan Fleury (5-9, 205), a three-year starter, is back at right guard, while junior Kristian Lang (6-1, 325), a Second Team All-Class D South selection, returns at right tackle and senior RJ Lettice (5-11, 315), another three-year starter and Second Team All-Class D South pick, anchors the unit at center. Seniors Coy Reid and Luke Thomas (6-0, 220) and junior Kollin Kennedy will compete for the starting job at left tackle.

Senior Sal Bruno returns to handle the kicking duties, while Jackson is back as the Falcons’ punter.

Defense

The Falcons return eight full-time starters from a defense that allowed 19.5 points per game last season.

The Falcons return plenty of experience along the defensive front, led by Fleury, a First Team All-Class D South pick, and Jackson at defensive end. Fleury recorded 27 tackles and a sack last season, while Jackson finished with 28 tackles and three sacks, earning Second Team All-Class D South honors. Hall, a four-year starter and First Team All-Class D South selection, is back at defensive tackle after registering 39 tackles and a sack. He will be joined inside by junior Amari Roach (5-10, 225), who totaled 27 tackles and two sacks on his way to Second Team All-Class D South honors last season.

The Falcons also boast plenty of experience at linebacker. Trocchia, a Second Team All-Class D South honoree, returns as a three-year starter on the outside after recording 42 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions last season. Opposite him is fellow three-year starter and Second Team All-Class D South pick Baffige, who finished with 54 tackles and a sack. Donovan Hicks anchors the unit in the middle as another three-year starter after leading the team with 64 tackles while adding a sack and an interception on his way to First Team All-Class D South honors.

Senior James Hicks steps into a starting role at cornerback after recording 11 tackles and an interception last season, while senior Tajir Fitch is projected to start on the opposite side. Seggara and Rac will also be in the mix for playing time at cornerback.

The Falcons return a pair of three-year starters at safety. Faulkner is back at strong safety after recording 52 tackles and two interceptions on his way to First Team All-Class D South honors last season. At the same time, senior Sal Bruno (5-11, 165), also a First Team All-Class D South selection, returns at free safety after finishing with 49 tackles.

Monmouth at a glance 

Head coach: Dan Wendel, 8th season

Career record: 22-45

2025 record: 5-5

Offense: Spread

Defense: 4-2-5

Coaching Staff

TE/LB: Anthony Guarino

RB/DB: Billy D. Williams

OL: Jeff Sfraga

DL: Jonathan Ciavarra

DL: Mario Fragale

WR/OLB: Phil White

OL: Rob Merola

Video: Andrew Faccone

Athletic Trainer: Adam Elsieidy

Circle the Date: Oct. 9 at Barnegat

The Falcons opened last season with a 21-13 loss to the Bengals. With both teams now competing in Class D North, this year’s matchup could carry significant weight in the race for the division title.

Newcomer to Watch: Eddie Segarra, Sr., WR/DB

Segarra is making the transition from the diamond to the gridiron after pitching and playing outfield for Monmouth’s baseball team. The Falcons hope his speed and ability to track the ball will translate to the football field, where he has an opportunity to earn a starting role on both sides of the ball.

Schedule