The 2025 season marked the second straight year Central finished with an 8-2 record. The Golden Eagles dominated most of their competition in their wins, with seven of their eight victories coming by 15 points or more. Their lone close call victory was a 20-17 upset over Middletown North, which went on to reach the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional final.

Central’s only two setbacks came in a 37-0 loss to Southern early in the season and a disappointing 24-14 defeat to Northern Burlington in the opening round of the South Jersey Group 4 state playoffs.

After back-to-back 8-2 seasons, the Golden Eagles enter 2026 with golden ambitions and two goals in particular that have eluded them despite their recent success. Central is seeking its first outright division title since 2021 after sharing the division crown in 2024 and losing out to Southern in 2025. The Golden Eagles are also looking to end a lengthy postseason drought and earn their first state tournament victory since 2014.

With Southern moving up to Class A South, Central enters the season as the favorite on paper in Class B South. The Golden Eagles return 16 starters and will look to capitalize on that experience as they battle Brick, Lacey, Pinelands, Toms River East, and Toms River South for the division title.

Offense

The Golden Eagles return eight starters from an offense that averaged 25 points per game last season while totaling 1,775 rushing yards and 1,443 passing yards.

Central will have a new face under center after graduating last year’s starting quarterback, Jacob Halpin. Junior Isaiah Troiano (5-11, 170), who saw time on defense last season, will step into the starting role and take over the Golden Eagles’ offense.

Senior JJ Twohig (5-9, 185), a Second Team All-Class B South pick steps into the role of primary running back after rushing for 311 yards and a touchdown as the spell back last season. Defensive standout Gus Copes (6-1, 190) is also expected to take on a larger role in the backfield and give the Golden Eagles another option in the running game.

Wide receiver should be a major strength for the Golden Eagles, who return senior CJ Yates (6-1, 190), a Monmouth University commit and Second Team All-Shore selection from a year ago. Last season, Yates led the team with 34 receptions for 511 yards and three touchdowns while also making an impact out of the backfield, rushing for 165 yards and three scores.

Senior Zyshun Carroll (5-9, 160) also returns at wideout after hauling in 13 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns last season while adding 177 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Senior Dom Prasad (6-3, 170) gives the Golden Eagles another proven target on the outside after catching 15 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns while also adding a rushing score on his way to Second Team All-Class B South honors.

The Golden Eagles also have plenty of depth in the receiving corps, with five other players in the mix: senior Mason Smith (5-9, 175), juniors Blake Zullo (5-9, 170), Furio Nastasi (6-1, 175), and Austin Vandeboos (6-1, 195), along with sophomore Charlie Krzeczkowski (6-1, 175).

Junior Colton Jarvis (6-1, 190) will step into the starting role at tight end following the graduation of Elijah Reeder, who is now continuing his career at Penn State.

Senior Jon Kale (5-10, 250), a Second Team All-Class B South selection, returns at center to anchor an experienced offensive line. Juniors Jaden Clark (6-6, 260) and Luke Jones (6-2, 240) return at left and right tackle, respectively, while senior Macaih Lee (6-2, 280) steps in at left guard and junior William Schastny (5-11, 260) takes over at right guard. Senior OJ Walker (6-2, 270) will also be in the mix along the interior, while junior Jake Aguiar (6-2, 250) provides additional depth at tackle.

The kicking and punting duties will be determined in camp.

Defense

The Golden Eagles return eight starters from a defense that allowed 12.7 points per game last season.

Clark will man one defensive end spot, while junior Lucas Devany (5-11, 185) returns at the other after recording 26 tackles and a sack last season. Junior JT Paden (5-11, 250) returns at defensive tackle after registering 22 tackles a year ago, while Lee will line up alongside him on the interior after contributing five tackles last season. Also in the mix along the defensive line are senior defensive ends Aiden Conway-Childs (6-1, 185) and Brian Lobue (5-9, 175), while Kale and junior Vern Douglas (5-10, 260) provide additional depth at defensive tackle.

Copes returns at outside linebacker following a breakout season in which he earned Second Team All-Shore honors after he led the Golden Eagles with 133 tackles, including 23 for loss, while forcing three fumbles. Twohig returns at inside linebacker after registering 75 tackles last season and will be joined by Gio Sweeney (5-11, 185), who steps into a starting role after making 10 tackles in limited action a year ago. Juniors Chris Fallon (5-10, 180) and Justin Testa (5-9, 180), along with sophomore Pat Carnevale (5-11, 180), will also be part of the linebacker rotation.

Carroll returns at one cornerback spot after recording 26 tackles and a team-high four interceptions on his way to Third Team All-Shore honors last season, while Yates returns on the opposite side after also making 26 tackles and picking off three passes. Smith is back at strong safety after tallying 19 tackles a year ago on his way to Second Team All-Class B South honors, while Troiano steps in at free safety after contributing 12 tackles last season. Zullo, Krzeczkowski, junior Danny Hinton (5-9, 180), and sophomore Nakeen Milligan (5-9, 160) will also be in the mix for playing time in the secondary.

Central at a glance 

Head coach: Jarrett Pidgeon, 7th season

Career record: 31-26

2025 record: 8-2

Offense: Multiple

Defense: Multiple

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator: Frank Backle

OL/DL: Brandon Voss

DE/WR: James Plummer

QB/DB: Kyle Watson

WR/DB: Alex Lunn

RB/OLB: Mike Bickford

Offensive/Defensive Assistant: Pat Reilly

Offensive/Defensive Assistant: Dennis Pidgeon

Circle the Date: Oct. 2 at Southern

The Golden Eagles’ 37-0 loss to Southern was their lone lopsided defeat of the 2025 season and ultimately cost them the division title. Although this year’s matchup will be a non-division game with Southern moving up to Class A South, Central will have plenty of motivation as it looks to avenge last season’s loss and make a statement against the Rams.

Newcomer to Watch: Isaiah Troiano, Jr., QB/DB

Central will be putting plenty on the shoulders of its new starting quarterback. Not only will Troiano be asked to serve as the Golden Eagles’ field general on offense, but he will also be their last line of defense as the starting free safety, a dual role that speaks volumes about the coaching staff’s trust and confidence in him.

Schedule