Atlantic Physical Therapy Week 8 Shore Conference Football Previews and Picks

The final week of the regular season has arrived for public school teams across New Jersey, and plenty remains at stake. For teams sitting on the playoff bubble, this weekend represents one last opportunity to strengthen their postseason résumés and secure a spot in the NJSIAA playoffs. Meanwhile, teams that have already punched their tickets will look to improve their seeding, secure home-field advantage and position themselves for a deep postseason run. While public schools will wrap up their regular seasons this weekend, non-public schools have one more week remaining before turning their attention to the playoffs.

This year’s picks and previews are sponsored by Dave Manzo and Atlantic Physical Therapy.

With more than 30 convenient locations throughout New Jersey, Atlantic Physical Therapy Center provides personalized, patient-focused care to help people of all ages recover from injuries, manage pain, and get back to doing what they love. Their licensed physical therapists offer individualized treatment, along with services such as sports rehabilitation, dry needling, cupping, kinesiology taping, concussion management, and a variety of wellness and performance programs designed to help athletes recover, perform, and stay healthy.

Whether you’re working your way back from an injury or looking to perform at your best, Atlantic Physical Therapy Center is committed to helping you come back stronger and more confident than before.

We thank Atlantic Physical Therapy Center for its support of Shore Conference football and Shore Sports Insider.

Now, onto our Week 8 picks and previews.

	Stump	Smith	Crouthamel	Yeserski	Manzo
THURSDAY
Raritan at Neptune	Raritan	Raritan	Raritan	Raritan	Raritan
FRIDAY
Manalapan at Holmdel	Holmdel	Holmdel	Holmdel	Manalapan	Holmdel
Wall at RBC	RBC	RBC	RBC	RBC	RBC
SJV at RFH	RFH	RFH	RFH	RFH	RFH
Southern at Brick Mem.	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial	Brick Memorial
TR North at Donovan	Donovan	Donovan	Donovan	Donovan	Donovan
Jackson at Point Boro	Point Boro	Point Boro	Point Boro	Point Boro	Point Boro
Midd South at Matawan	Midd South	Midd South	Midd South	Midd South	Midd South
Free. Twp. at Midd North	Midd North	Midd North	Midd North	Midd North	Midd North
Manasquan at Shore	Manasquan	Manasquan	Manasquan	Manasquan	Manasquan
Lacey at Brick	Brick	Brick	Brick	Brick	Lacey
Central at TR East	Central	Central	Central	Central	Central
TR South at Pinelands	Pinelands	Pinelands	Pinelands	Pinelands	Pinelands
Marlboro at Red Bank	Marlboro	Marlboro	Marlboro	Marlboro	Marlboro
Howell at Ocean	Ocean	Ocean	Ocean	Ocean	Howell
Lakewood at Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach	Point Beach
Barnegat at Long Branch	Barnegat	Barnegat	Barnegat	Barnegat	Barnegat
SATURDAY
Keyport at Free. Boro	Freehold Boro	Keyport	Keyport	Freehold Boro	Keyport
New Egypt at Keansburg	Keansburg	New Egypt	New Egypt	New Egypt	Keansburg
Asbury Park at Manchester	Asbury Park	Asbury Park	Asbury Park	Asbury Park	Asbury Park
Monmouth at Colts Neck	Monmouth	Monmouth	Monmouth	Monmouth	Monmouth
Last week	19-2	19-2	17-4	16-5	18-3
Season record	130-46	139-37	125-51	125-51	131-45

Previews

Raritan at Neptune, Thursday at 6 p.m.

Raritan enters the final week of the regular season with its playoff hopes on the line, needing a victory over Neptune to ensure a spot in the South Group 2 playoffs. The Rockets have dropped two straight games, falling to Ocean 31-28 and Holmdel 49-26, and will look to get back on track against a Neptune team that has lost six consecutive games. The Scarlet Fliers, meanwhile, will be looking to play spoiler and close out a difficult season on a positive note.

Raritan’s pistol flexbone offense has produced 1,838 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns this season. Senior Eric Berg leads the ground attack with 729 yards and 11 touchdowns on 100 carries, while senior quarterback Parker Needham has added 447 yards and seven touchdowns rushing. Senior Marko Brown has also been productive with 370 yards and two scores. Needham has thrown for 764 yards and seven touchdowns, giving the Rockets another dimension offensively. Junior Louis Zwiedinger leads the receiving corps with 272 yards and three touchdowns.

Neptune has struggled to find consistency but has shown flashes of offensive potential behind senior quarterback Caleb Brown. Brown has thrown for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns while adding a team-high 612 rushing yards and six scores. However, the Scarlet Fliers are dealing with injuries to two of their top offensive weapons. Senior Jason Whittaker, who leads the team with 431 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and Hassin McMillian, who has contributed 266 receiving yards and three scores, both missed last week’s 34-0 loss to Manasquan. Their availability could play a significant role in Neptune’s ability to move the football against Raritan.

Raritan enters as the favorite, particularly with its ability to control the clock through a rushing attack that averages nearly 230 yards per game. Neptune will need to limit the Rockets’ ground game and generate explosive plays behind Brown to have a chance at the upset. With a postseason berth hanging in the balance, Raritan has plenty of motivation to finish the regular season with a victory.

 

No. 12 Manalapan at No. 10 Holmdel, Friday at 7 p.m.

Two ranked teams with contrasting offensive philosophies will square off in a matchup that carries significant state playoff seeding implications for both programs. Manalapan enters riding a two-game winning streak after snapping a four-game skid with victories over St. John Vianney (32-29) and Central (35-7). Holmdel has won two of its last three games, including a 49-26 victory over Raritan last week. Both teams will be looking to improve their postseason positioning, but the biggest question could be which offense dictates the tempo.

Manalapan will look to slow the game down, control time of possession and lean on a rushing attack that has accumulated 1,544 yards this season. Senior running back Nick Palmieri has been the workhorse for the Braves, rushing for 816 yards and 10 touchdowns on 126 carries. Senior quarterback Cameron Desfosse provides another rushing threat with 405 yards and four touchdowns while also throwing for 1,026 yards and nine scores against just two interceptions. Senior Ethan Fogelstrom has added 275 rushing yards and has 84 total tackles on defense. Manalapan’s ability to sustain long drives and keep Holmdel’s explosive offense on the sidelines could be the deciding factor.

Holmdel, meanwhile, will look to push the pace with its no-huddle offense and put pressure on Manalapan’s defense through the air. Sophomore quarterback Tommy Fletcher has thrown for 1,219 yards and 13 touchdowns, with junior wide receiver Anthony Serini producing as his clear favorite target with 34 receptions for 610 yards and five scores. Sophomore Charles Murphy has added 331 receiving yards and five touchdowns, while senior Michael Todisco provides another dangerous weapon with 229 receiving yards and 281 rushing yards. The Hornets have accumulated 1,482 passing yards as a team and have the ability to strike quickly, making them a difficult matchup for defenses that struggle to contain multiple receiving threats.

 

No. 8 Wall at No. 1 Red Bank Catholic, Friday at 7 p.m.

Wall faces its toughest challenge of the regular season when it travels to Count Basie Field to take on a Red Bank Catholic team coming off its biggest victory of the year. The Caseys knocked off previously unbeaten and top-ranked Donovan Catholic 24-10 last week, extending their winning streak against Shore Conference opponents and reaffirming their status as the Shore Conference’s premier program. Wall has won two straight games, defeating Holmdel 14-13 and Jackson 28-0, but enters as a heavy underdog against an RBC team that has won four of its last five games.

One of the more intriguing storylines involves Wall senior quarterback Franny Scaramellino, who returns to Count Basie Field after transferring from Wall to Red Bank Catholic and then back to Wall prior to the 2025 season. Scaramellino has thrown for 560 yards and four touchdowns while adding 255 yards rushing. The Crimson Knights rely heavily on junior running back Mike Boulard, who has rushed for 795 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 carries. Wall will need to establish its ground game and control time of possession to keep RBC’s explosive offense off the field. Defensively, senior linebacker Christos Tsandiotis leads the Crimson Knights with 71 tackles.

Red Bank Catholic features one of the Shore Conference’s most productive rushing attacks, led by sophomore Gabe Kemp, who has rushed for 1,319 yards and 15 touchdowns on 202 carries. Kemp ran for 147 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s victory over Donovan Catholic and has been the centerpiece of an offense that has accumulated 2,115 rushing yards. Sophomore quarterback Rahmir Rivera has thrown for 1,189 yards and 11 touchdowns, with juniors Jason Berecsky (459 yards, five touchdowns) and Ethan Kennedy (406 yards, four touchdowns) providing dangerous options in the passing game. Defensively, senior linebacker Luke Scaturro leads the Caseys with 105 tackles and 13 tackles for loss.

RBC holds a significant advantage in offensive firepower and overall depth, making the Caseys the clear favorite. Wall’s best chance will be to limit Kemp’s production, avoid turnovers and turn the game into a low-scoring defensive battle. The Crimson Knights have shown they can compete in close games, but slowing down an RBC offense that has scored at least 24 points in every game this season will be a difficult assignment. With the state playoffs approaching, both teams will also be looking to strengthen their postseason positioning.

 

St. John Vianney at No. 4 Rumson-Fair Haven, Friday at 7 p.m.

After opening the season with five consecutive victories, Rumson-Fair Haven has dropped three straight games. However, the Bulldogs’ recent struggles have come against the Shore Conference’s top three teams in Donovan Catholic, Red Bank Catholic and Brick Memorial. Rumson has remained competitive in its last two games, falling to RBC 31-28 and Brick Memorial 48-41, and will look to snap its losing streak against a St. John Vianney team coming off a convincing 43-7 victory over Brick. The Bulldogs enter as the favorites but will need to regain their winning form before the start of the state playoffs.

Rumson’s offense has been explosive behind junior quarterback Brady Williams, who has thrown for 1,911 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 437 rushing yards and nine scores. Senior running back Ryder Izzo has rushed for 787 yards and nine touchdowns, giving the Bulldogs a balanced offensive attack. Williams has several dangerous weapons in the passing game, including junior Cole Spoonire, who has 633 receiving yards and four touchdowns, and junior Michael Capra, who has caught 44 passes for 540 yards and seven scores. Rumson has scored 69 points over its last two games, but defensive struggles have prevented the Bulldogs from turning those performances into victories.

St. John Vianney has endured an up-and-down season against a difficult schedule but has shown the ability to compete with quality opponents. The Lancers defeated Wall 12-7 and nearly defeated Manalapan before falling 32-29. Senior Lucas Farah leads the rushing attack with 393 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Anthony Petracca has thrown for 607 yards and eight scores. Will Calcagno has also contributed 297 passing yards and five touchdowns. Sophomore Jaheim Worthy has caught 16 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns, while junior Kaji Brown has added 178 receiving yards. Defensively, junior Zach Silverman leads the Lancers with 77 tackles.

Rumson enters with a significant advantage offensively and should be able to move the football against a St. John Vianney defense that has struggled against some of the Shore Conference’s stronger opponents. The biggest concern for the Bulldogs will be tightening up defensively after allowing 130 points over their last three games. St. John Vianney will need to establish its rushing attack, limit explosive plays and capitalize on turnovers to keep the game competitive. With the state playoffs approaching, Rumson will be looking to end its losing streak and regain momentum after a difficult three-game stretch.

 

No. 6 Southern at No. 3 Brick Memorial, Friday at 6 p.m.

Brick Memorial has established itself as the Shore Conference’s top public-school program at the moment, but the Mustangs have another opportunity to strengthen their claim as the area’s best public school when they face Southern. The Mustangs have won five consecutive games since their only loss to Donovan Catholic, including an impressive 48-41 victory over Rumson-Fair Haven last week. However, undefeated Middletown North has emerged as another contender for the top public-school ranking after defeating Southern 21-20 last week. With the Lions continuing to win, Brick Memorial will be looking to make another statement against a quality opponent.

The Mustangs feature a balanced offensive attack led by senior quarterback Tyler Pierce, who has thrown for 1,162 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 566 rushing yards and five scores. Senior running back Colin Schoellkopf has been the centerpiece of the ground game, rushing for 920 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries. Senior Shawn Fowler has contributed 245 rushing yards and five touchdowns while adding 271 receiving yards and four scores. Senior tight end Joe Livio leads the team with 316 receiving yards, giving Pierce another reliable option in the passing game. Brick Memorial has accumulated 1,794 rushing yards and has the ability to wear down opponents while also generating explosive plays.

Southern will look to rebound from its narrow loss to Middletown North behind an offense that has shown the ability to attack defenses through both the air and on the ground. Senior quarterback Carson Abbato has thrown for 1,337 yards and 10 touchdowns against just one interception, with senior wide receiver Chris Raub emerging as his primary target with 28 receptions for 571 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior running back Levi Foote has rushed for 621 yards and seven scores, while junior Niko Iliescu has added 256 yards and four touchdowns. The Rams have also been strong defensively, led by Niko Iliescu and his 77 tackles, along with his twin Lukas Iliescu, who has recorded 64 tackles and two interceptions.

Brick Memorial enters as the favorite, but Southern has the offensive weapons and defensive talent to make this a competitive matchup. The Rams will need to limit Schoellkopf’s production and prevent Pierce from extending plays, while the Mustangs must contain Abbato and avoid giving up explosive passes to Raub. Southern has already demonstrated its ability to compete with some of the Shore Conference’s top teams, but Brick Memorial’s recent momentum and offensive balance give the Mustangs the edge. With Middletown North still unbeaten, another impressive victory would help Brick Memorial reinforce its standing as the Shore Conference’s top public-school team heading into the state playoffs.

 

No. 7 Toms River North at No. 2 Donovan Catholic, Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Donovan Catholic will look to take out its frustrations on crosstown rival Toms River North after suffering its first loss of the season to Red Bank Catholic last week. The Griffins entered that showdown undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the Shore Conference before falling 24-10 to the Caseys. Now, Donovan will look to bounce back against a Mariners team that has won six of eight games, including a 42-0 shutout of rival Toms River South last week. The Griffins enter as the favorites, but Toms River North has the talent and physicality to make this an intriguing matchup between two of Ocean County’s strongest programs.

Donovan Catholic’s offense revolves around senior running back Alex Staten, who has rushed for 1,120 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 110 carries. Staten has been one of the Shore Conference’s most explosive players, averaging more than 10 yards per carry. Senior quarterback Kahden Davis has thrown for 1,191 yards and 12 touchdowns while adding 252 rushing yards and five scores. Senior wide receiver Aidan Kelly leads the receiving corps with 33 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns, while Nyron Snerling and TJ Hunter provide additional threats in the passing game. The Griffins have accumulated 1,641 rushing yards and will look to reestablish their offensive rhythm after being held to a season-low 10 points against RBC.

Toms River North features a run-heavy offense that has accumulated 2,078 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. Senior running back Lucas Elias leads the Mariners with 851 yards and seven touchdowns, while senior Wesley Tanner has added 767 yards and a team-high 10 rushing scores. Senior quarterback Cole Garrison, who has rushed for 438 yards and five touchdowns, returned from injury in last week’s victory over Toms River South, providing a boost to the Mariners’ offense. However, Toms River North was without senior linebacker Jack Baker, whose availability remains a concern heading into this matchup. Sophomore linebacker Finn Boland leads the Mariners defensively with 103 tackles and 20 tackles for loss, while junior Kam’ron Morse has added 79 tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss.

Donovan Catholic enters with the advantage, but Toms River North’s physical rushing attack could present challenges if the Mariners can control the line of scrimmage and sustain long drives. The Griffins will need to contain Elias and Tanner while preventing Garrison from making plays with his legs. On the other side, Toms River North faces the difficult task of slowing down Staten and a Donovan offense capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. The Griffins will be eager to respond after losing their No. 1 ranking, and a convincing victory over their crosstown rival would help restore momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

 

Jackson at No. 9 Point Boro, Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Point Boro and Jackson enter the final week of the regular season looking to accomplish something neither team has managed this year: win a Class A South game. Both teams are 0-4 in divisional play after navigating a difficult schedule that includes Donovan Catholic, Brick Memorial, Southern and Toms River North. The Panthers enter as the favorites after snapping a two-game losing streak with a 35-7 victory over Ocean last week, while Jackson has dropped six straight games since opening the season 2-0. Beyond earning their first division victory, both teams will be looking to improve their positioning for the upcoming state playoffs.

Point Boro’s triple-option offense has produced 1,740 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season, led by senior quarterback Jake Clayton. Clayton has rushed for 784 yards and 11 touchdowns on 133 carries while throwing for 235 yards and four scores. Senior fullback DJ Albanese has contributed 265 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while sophomore Owen Hart has added 192 yards and a score. The Panthers have faced some of the Shore Conference’s strongest defenses this season but have remained competitive in several losses, falling to Toms River North 14-7, Southern 21-14 and Brick Memorial 27-20. Defensively, senior linebacker DJ Albanese leads the team with 69 tackles, while senior Mason Morris has recorded 61 tackles and 12 tackles for loss.

Jackson has struggled offensively during its six-game losing streak, scoring seven points or fewer in four of those contests. Senior running back Farrin Blake leads the Jaguars with 374 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while sophomore Brayden Ramos has added 337 yards and a score. Sophomore quarterback Brooklyn Mann has rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown while throwing for 169 yards. Jackson has accumulated 915 rushing yards as a team but has struggled to establish a consistent passing attack, making it difficult to keep pace with higher-scoring opponents. The Jaguars will need to find success on the ground and avoid falling behind early against a Point Boro offense capable of controlling the clock.

Point Boro holds the advantage with its experienced rushing attack and a defense that has held several quality opponents in check. Jackson will need to slow down Clayton and force the Panthers into passing situations to have a chance at pulling off the upset. The Jaguars have struggled defensively in recent weeks, allowing at least 28 points in five of their last six games, which could create opportunities for Point Boro’s triple-option attack. With playoff seeding implications for both teams, the Panthers will look to finish the regular season at 5-4 and build momentum heading into the postseason.

 

No. 11 Middletown South at Matawan, Friday at 6 p.m.

Matawan head coach Matt Walsh will face a familiar opponent on Friday night when the Huskies square off against Middletown South, the school where he once played. Beyond the personal connection, the matchup carries significant postseason implications for two teams looking to strengthen their playoff positioning in the final week of the public school regular season. Matawan has turned its season around after a 1-4 start, winning three consecutive games over Marlboro, Shore and Toms River East. Middletown South has also found success after a difficult start, winning four of its last five games, including a 13-7 victory over Marlboro last weekend.

The Huskies have found their rhythm offensively behind junior quarterback BlairCarter Gagneron, who has thrown for 1,318 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Cayson Williams is once again as his favorite target this season with 48 receptions for 606 yards and four touchdowns, while senior tight end Kevin Auguste has added 272 receiving yards and four scores. Junior running back Sean Euell provides balance with 624 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Matawan has scored 94 points during its three-game winning streak, including a season-high 48 against Toms River East last Friday.

Middletown South will look to establish its ground game behind senior running back Justin Rosato, who has rushed for 829 yards and nine touchdowns on 128 carries. Senior quarterback Jack Schneider has completed 64 of 98 passes for 835 yards and five touchdowns, with senior Owen Maguire leading the receiving corps with 24 catches for 348 yards. The Eagles have also received a boost from their special teams, as Maguire has returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this season and sophomore linebacker Anthony Locasio returned a blocked field goal 80 yards for the game-winning touchdown in last week’s 13-7 win over Marlboro. Defensively, Middletown South has allowed just 19 combined points in its last two games.

Middletown South enters as the favorite, having defeated all three common opponents by larger margins than Matawan. The Eagles beat Freehold Township 42-14, Shore 31-7 and Manasquan 21-17, while the Huskies lost to Freehold Township and Manasquan before defeating Shore. Matawan will need its passing attack to challenge a Middletown South defense that has been difficult to score against in recent weeks. With the Huskies fighting to improve their North Group 3 playoff position and the Eagles looking to do the same in North Group 4, both teams have plenty at stake in Friday’s regular-season finale.

 

Freehold Township at No. 5 Middletown North, Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Middletown North has been one of the biggest stories in the Shore Conference this season, and the Lions will look to keep their unbeaten record intact when they face Freehold Township in their regular-season finale. Head coach Steve Bush’s squad has found multiple ways to win, combining a balanced offensive attack with a defense that has allowed just 72 points through six games. The Lions are coming off their toughest test of the season, a 21-20 victory over Southern that preserved their perfect record. Freehold Township, meanwhile, enters the matchup with renewed confidence after defeating rival Howell 35-20 last weekend.

The Lions have plenty of weapons on offense, starting with senior running back Matthew Belenko, who has rushed for 641 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior quarterback Derek Grasso has been equally effective through the air, completing 63 of 99 passes for 1,095 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Danny Sigler and junior Anthony Christiani have formed a dangerous receiving combination, accounting for 874 yards and eight touchdowns. Middletown North’s ability to move the ball both on the ground and through the air makes it difficult for opposing defenses to focus on taking away one aspect of its offense.

Freehold Township will counter with an aerial attack that has produced more than 2,000 passing yards this season. Senior quarterback Dakota Lasater returned from a two-game absence due to injury last weekend and will make his second consecutive start against the Lions. Lasater has thrown for 1,617 yards and 14 touchdowns, with senior Jake Schultzel doing most of the damage as his most dangerous target. Schultzel has caught 37 passes for 754 yards and 10 touchdowns, including seven receptions for 181 yards and three scores against Howell. Junior Elijah Msomi and senior Mikey Lorenzo give the Patriots additional options in the passing game.

Middletown North is the heavy favorite, but Freehold Township’s passing attack presents an interesting challenge for a Lions defense that has been outstanding throughout the season. Senior linebacker Kade Little anchors the defense with 53 tackles, while senior defensive back MJ Parulis has contributed three sacks and an interception. North will look to dominate possession with Belenko and keep Lasater from finding a rhythm through the air. A victory would give the Lions a perfect 7-0 record heading into the playoffs, strengthen their pursuit of a No. 1 seed and keep them in contention for the outright Class B North title.

 

Manasquan at Shore, Friday at 7 p.m.

Two of the Shore Conference’s most productive running backs will go head-to-head on Friday night when Manasquan travels to face Shore. The Blue Devils are led by senior Cole Torres, the program’s all-time leading rusher, while the Warriors feature senior Dax Klein, who has been the focal point of their offense throughout the season. Manasquan has hit its stride at the right time, posting consecutive shutouts over Freehold Township (41-0) and Neptune (34-0). Shore snapped a two-game losing streak with a 42-14 victory over Keyport last weekend and will attempt to carry that offensive success into a much tougher matchup.

Torres has been the driving force behind Shore’s offense, rushing for 956 yards and nine touchdowns on 151 carries. The senior is coming off a monster performance against Keyport in which he rushed for 258 yards and three touchdowns to become the Blue Devils’ career rushing leader. Senior quarterback Logan Clark has provided balance through the air, completing 55 of 79 passes for 578 yards and six touchdowns. Shore has relied heavily on its ground game this season, and establishing Torres early will be critical against a Manasquan defense that has not allowed a point in eight consecutive quarters.

Manasquan has been equally dependent on its rushing attack, with Klein accumulating 814 yards and 11 touchdowns on 143 carries. Senior quarterback Kyle Dow has made the most of his opportunities in the passing game, throwing seven touchdowns without an interception. Junior wide receiver Connor Lalli has been his favorite target, hauling in 23 receptions for 351 yards and six touchdowns.

The Warriors are the clear favorite, particularly when comparing how the two teams have performed against common opponents. Manasquan blanked Matawan 28-0 and Freehold Township 41-0, while Shore lost to Matawan 26-10 and defeated Freehold Township 27-7. The Blue Devils’ best chance at an upset will be controlling the clock behind Torres and preventing Manasquan from establishing an early lead. With both teams seeking to improve their playoff positioning, Friday’s matchup could ultimately be decided by which defense does a better job containing the opposing team’s featured running back.

 

Lacey at Brick, Friday at 6 p.m.

Brick has alternated wins and losses over its last five games, most recently suffering a 43-7 defeat against St. John Vianney. Lacey, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak with a 33-14 victory over New Egypt last week. The Green Dragons have been more competitive against common opponents and enter the matchup as the favorite, although the Lions have shown they can be difficult to score against when their defense is playing well.

Brick’s offense has been almost exclusively focused on running the football, accumulating 1,160 rushing yards compared to just 245 through the air. Senior Rowan Foy leads the Green Dragons with 403 yards and three touchdowns, while junior Tyshawn Corbett has contributed 275 yards and two scores. Junior Jaylen Johnson and junior Kole Perrine have also been involved in the ground game, giving Brick several options to distribute carries. Defensively, senior Cian Foy and senior Rowan Foy have combined for 175 tackles, providing experience and physicality on a unit that will be tasked with slowing down Lacey’s rushing attack.

Lacey has struggled to generate consistent offense, scoring seven points or fewer in five of its eight games. Sophomore running back Taven Santonasso has been the Lions’ most productive weapon with 426 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while junior Hunter Stillwell has added 189 yards. Senior quarterback Joseph Geiger has completed 46 of 102 passes for 470 yards, with senior Strummer Caputo leading the receiving corps with 159 yards. The Lions have been at their best when they can establish their ground game and avoid obvious passing situations, something that will be especially important against a Brick defense that has picked off five passes this season.

The difference in this matchup could come down to which team can sustain drives and avoid costly mistakes. Brick has the stronger résumé, having defeated Central 14-7 and Toms River South 21-14, two teams that beat Lacey by a combined 55 points. The Lions, however, have recorded two shutouts this season and will hope their defense can keep them within striking distance. With both offenses relying heavily on the run, field position and turnovers could prove especially important in a game that figures to feature limited passing.

 

Central at Toms River East, Friday at 6 p.m.

Two teams looking to finish a difficult regular season on a positive note will square off when Central and Toms River East meet in a Class B South matchup. Both teams enter the final week of the regular season with identical 1-7 records, having struggled to generate consistent offense throughout the year. Central’s lone victory came in a 20-0 shutout of Lacey, while Toms River East opened its season with a 42-0 win over Manchester before dropping seven consecutive games.

Central has shown more balance offensively, accumulating 1,416 rushing yards and 769 passing yards through eight games. Senior running back JJ Twohig leads the Golden Eagles with 348 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while junior Abel Martinez has added 270 yards and a score. Central will look to establish its ground game against a Toms River East defense that has allowed at least 28 points in four consecutive games.

The Raiders have relied heavily on junior Logan Harrison and junior quarterback JoJo Totten to move the football. Harrison has rushed for 379 yards and three touchdowns, while Totten has contributed 380 rushing yards and four scores to go along with 429 passing yards and four touchdowns. Toms River East has struggled to find offensive consistency, having been shut out three times this season, but its 21-point performance against Brick two weeks ago demonstrated its ability to move the ball when things are clicking. Defensively, junior linebacker Anthony Bonich leads the Raiders with 62 tackles and seven tackles for loss.

 

Toms River South at Pinelands, Friday at 6 p.m.

The Class B South championship will be on the line when undefeated Pinelands takes on Toms River South in one of the biggest games of the final week of the regular season. The Wildcats can capture the division title outright with a victory, while the Indians can earn a share of the championship by handing Pinelands its first loss of the season. Pinelands has been one of the Shore Conference’s biggest surprises, opening the year with eight consecutive victories behind a dominant defense that has recorded five shutouts and allowed just 19 points all season. Toms River South, meanwhile, has won five games and has an opportunity to claim a division championship despite coming off a 42-0 loss to rival Toms River North.

Pinelands has the offensive weapons to complement its outstanding defense, led by junior running back RJ Clark and senior quarterback JJ Jenkins. Clark has rushed for 812 yards and 14 touchdowns, while Jenkins has thrown for 892 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception. Senior wide receiver Anthony Bonds has emerged as one of the Shore Conference’s most dangerous receiving threats with 556 yards and six touchdowns, giving the Wildcats a legitimate big-play threat through the air. Defensively, junior linebacker Montrell Carter has been a force with 85 tackles, 9.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, anchoring a unit that has surrendered just one touchdown over its last three games.

For Toms River South to pull off the upset, the Indians will need a strong performance from senior running back Kavon Metellus, who has rushed for 586 yards and 10 touchdowns. Junior quarterback Xavier Santiago has provided a passing threat with 916 yards and eight touchdowns, connecting frequently with junior Darrien Giordano, who leads the team with 341 receiving yards and two scores. The Indians have shown the ability to put points on the board, scoring at least 34 points in three of their five victories, but moving the football against Pinelands will be their toughest challenge yet. Junior defensive back Hamza Hollingshead, who leads Toms River South with five interceptions, could also play an important role in creating opportunities for the offense.

 

Marlboro at Red Bank, Friday at 6:30 p.m.

An outright division championship is within Marlboro’s grasp as the Mustangs prepare to face Red Bank. Marlboro has already secured at least a share of the championship with a perfect 4-0 record in divisional play, but a victory over the Bucs would allow the Mustangs to finish the job without having to share the crown. Red Bank, however, has been playing some of its best football lately, winning three consecutive games after a 1-3 start. The Bucs have defeated Howell, Neptune and Long Branch during their winning streak and will look to spoil Marlboro’s championship celebration.

Marlboro’s offense has been powered by senior running back Shaqur Richardson, who has rushed for 648 yards and five touchdowns on 152 carries. Senior quarterback Nick Dimino has provided a dual-threat presence with 675 passing yards and seven touchdowns to go along with 369 rushing yards and six scores. Senior wide receiver James Torres has been his top target with 219 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Mustangs have demonstrated their ability to win high-scoring contests, including a 37-30 victory over Raritan, but have struggled offensively in two of their last three games, scoring just 13 points in a loss to Matawan and seven points in a loss to Middletown South.

Red Bank will counter with a balanced offensive attack led by senior quarterback Brett Laude and senior running back Joe Henry. Laude has thrown for 768 yards and eight touchdowns, while Henry has rushed for 535 yards and two scores. Senior wide receiver Kaden Jackson is the Bucs’ leading receiving threat with 298 yards, while also contributing two interceptions defensively. Red Bank’s defense has been particularly impressive during its recent surge, allowing just 27 points over its last three games. Junior linebacker Colton Hughes leads the team with 69 tackles, while senior Nate Borenius has recorded 65 tackles and two interceptions.

Although Marlboro has more at stake in the division standings, Red Bank’s recent momentum makes this a dangerous matchup for the Mustangs. The Bucs have won their last two games by a combined score of 59-27, while Marlboro is coming off a heartbreaking 13-7 loss to Middletown South on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown on the final play. Marlboro remains the favorite behind its productive rushing attack and the playmaking ability of Dimino, but the Mustangs will need a better offensive showing to put away a Red Bank team that has steadily improved throughout the season.

 

Howell at Ocean, Friday at 7 p.m.

Ocean’s hopes of capturing a share of the Class C North championship will come down to the final week of the regular season, as the Spartans need a victory over Howell and a Marlboro loss to Red Bank to finish tied atop the division standings. Ocean has put together an impressive turnaround after dropping two of its first three games, winning four of its last five contests to remain in the championship picture. The Spartans are coming off a 35-7 loss to Point Boro, but will look to rebound against a Howell team that has dropped consecutive games to Marlboro and Freehold Township. The Rebels, meanwhile, are trying to get back to .500 and improve their positioning heading into the state playoffs.

Howell has relied on the passing combination of senior quarterback Connor Acker and senior wide receivers John Bertan and Jackson Behn to generate offense. Acker has thrown for 847 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interceptions, while Bertan leads the Rebels with 374 receiving yards and Behn has hauled in seven touchdown passes. Senior running back Tim O’Rourke has provided balance with 468 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Howell has demonstrated its ability to put points on the board, scoring 38 against both Neptune and Jackson, but has struggled to maintain that production against stronger opponents.

Ocean’s offensive approach has been built around its rushing attack, with senior quarterback Jake Garrett and sophomore running back Brayln Thompson leading the way. Garrett has rushed for 496 yards and nine touchdowns while throwing for another 544 yards and four scores. Thompson has added 472 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, giving the Spartans another dangerous option out of the backfield. Senior wide receiver Justin Farina leads the team with 231 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, senior linebacker Jake Volek has recorded 77 tackles, while senior defensive lineman Taejon Nevins has been disrupted up front with 18 tackles for a loss and six sacks.

Ocean enters as the favorite, but Howell’s ability to stretch the field through the passing game could create problems for the Spartans if Acker has time to operate. The Rebels will need to find a way to slow down Ocean’s rushing attack, which has produced 1,217 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. The Spartans also have a potential difference-maker in junior kicker Aidan Zacharczyk, who has converted six of seven field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder. With a possible division championship and valuable playoff positioning on the line, Ocean has plenty to play for, while Howell has an opportunity to close its regular season with a victory over a quality opponent.

 

Lakewood at Point Beach, Friday at 7 p.m.

Point Beach has been on a roll since suffering its only loss of the season to Shore in Week 1, rattling off five consecutive victories and capturing at least a share of the Class C South championship. The Garnet Gulls will be overwhelming favorites to clinch the division outright when they face winless Lakewood, which has struggled on both sides of the football throughout the season. Point Beach has been particularly dominant over its last three games, outscoring Freehold Boro, Keansburg and Manchester by a combined 148-18. Lakewood, meanwhile, has surrendered at least 31 points in every game and has yet to score more than 14 points in a contest.

The Garnet Gulls have overwhelmed opponents with a powerful rushing attack that has produced 1,822 yards and 28 touchdowns. Junior Thomas Aiosa leads the team with 546 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, while senior Danny Neal has added 529 yards and eight scores. Junior fullback Gage Boyle has been equally productive with 523 yards and eight touchdowns. Junior quarterback Billy Cavanaugh has also been efficient when called upon, throwing for 625 yards and nine touchdowns. Point Beach’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and generate explosive plays has made its offense difficult to contain.

Lakewood’s offense has struggled to establish any consistency, managing just 307 rushing yards and 298 passing yards in its reported statistics, which are missing one game. Junior quarterback Carlito Anderson has thrown for 248 yards and a touchdown, while senior Rias Sanchez leads the rushing attack with 132 yards and a score. Junior Kasheem Diawara has been the Piners’ most productive receiver with 143 yards and a touchdown. Lakewood will face a particularly difficult challenge against a Point Beach defense led by Boyle at linebacker, who has recorded 70 tackles.

 

Barnegat at Long Branch, Friday at 6 p.m.

Barnegat’s hopes of earning a share of the Class D North championship are still alive heading into the final week of the regular season, but the Bengals will need some help to make it happen. After opening the season with six consecutive victories, Barnegat has dropped back-to-back games against Monmouth and Pinelands, leaving the Bengals needing a victory over Long Branch and a Colts Neck upset of undefeated Monmouth to claim a share of the division title. Barnegat will be a heavy favorite against a Long Branch team that has lost four straight games and struggled to find consistency throughout the season.

The Bengals have relied on a productive rushing attack led by junior Ryan Fitzpatrick, who has accumulated 513 yards and six touchdowns, and senior Chris Santero, who has added 288 yards and four scores. Freshman quarterback Zach McCrohan has provided a passing threat with 363 yards and five touchdowns, while sophomore Chancellor Joseph has emerged as his favorite target with 215 receiving yards and three scores. Barnegat’s offense was particularly explosive during its six-game winning streak, scoring at least 34 points in four contests, but has managed just 23 combined points in losses to Monmouth and Pinelands. The Bengals will look to regain their offensive rhythm against a Long Branch defense that has surrendered at least 24 points in six of its eight games.

Long Branch has struggled to move the football consistently, averaging fewer than 11 points per game. Senior running back Julian Otey has provided a bright spot with 251 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Senior Uzziah Puryear has contributed 130 rushing yards and two scores, while senior quarterback Jordan Gaudious has thrown for 180 yards and a touchdown. The Green Wave’s offense has been limited to seven points or fewer in five games this season, making it difficult to keep pace with opponents. Defensively, Long Branch will need a strong performance to contain Barnegat’s rushing attack and prevent the Bengals from controlling the game early.

 

Keyport at Freehold Boro, Saturday at Noon

A pair of one-win teams will have an opportunity to finish the regular season on a positive note when Keyport takes on Freehold Boro. Both programs have endured difficult campaigns, with Keyport dropping five consecutive games since defeating Lakewood 40-14 in Week 2, while Freehold Boro’s lone victory came in a 36-8 win over Lakewood two weeks ago.

Keyport’s offense has revolved around senior quarterback Marshall Collangelo, who has thrown for 625 yards and eight touchdowns while completing 52 of 110 passes. Senior running back Jermaine Finch leads the ground attack with 313 yards and four touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Chris Herrara has been Collangelo’s most productive target with 205 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while senior John Dane has contributed 178 yards and three scores. The Red Raiders have demonstrated their ability to move the football, particularly in a 48-34 loss to New Egypt, but defensive struggles have prevented them from turning those performances into victories.

Freehold Boro has leaned heavily on its passing game, with sophomore quarterback Adrian KrKuti throwing for 949 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore wide receiver Reed Bennett leads the Colonials with 219 receiving yards, while senior Michael Tracey has contributed 204 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Prince Taylor has added 157 receiving yards and two scores, giving Freehold Boro several options through the air. The Colonials have had considerably less success running the football, totaling just 228 rushing yards, which has made sustaining drives difficult. Defensively, senior Carson Fusco has recorded 44 tackles and six tackles for loss, while sophomore John Minucci has added 27 tackles.

Keyport enters as a slight favorite based on its more balanced offensive production, but Freehold Boro’s passing attack could make this an entertaining contest between two teams that have struggled defensively. The Red Raiders have allowed 226 points in seven games, while the Colonials have surrendered 292 points through eight contests, leaving both offenses with opportunities to put together productive performances. Freehold Boro will need KrKuti to avoid turnovers and find success through the air, while Keyport will look to establish Finch on the ground and create opportunities for Collangelo in the passing game.

 

New Egypt at Keansburg, Saturday at Noon

New Egypt has an opportunity to finish the regular season with a winning record when the Warriors square off against Keansburg in a Class C South matchup. The Warriors have alternated wins and losses over their last four games, most recently suffering a 33-14 defeat to Lacey after putting up a season-high 48 points against Keyport the previous week. Keansburg, meanwhile, has dropped three consecutive games following a three-game winning streak that brought the Titans above .500. Both teams have shown the ability to score points, setting up a matchup that could feature plenty of offense as they look to close out the regular season on a positive note.

New Egypt has leaned heavily on junior quarterback Thomas Marabuto, who has been responsible for much of the Warriors’ offensive production. Marabuto has thrown for 1,053 yards and nine touchdowns with just two interceptions while adding 719 rushing yards and nine scores, making him a difficult player to contain. Junior wide receiver Joe Snyder continues to be his favorite target with 448 receiving yards and four touchdowns, while senior Kaiden Grosso has contributed 171 receiving yards. The Warriors have surpassed 1,000 yards both rushing and passing this season, giving them the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways.

Keansburg has its own dangerous offensive combination in junior quarterback Mason Rand and junior running back Taurian Black. Rand has thrown for 996 yards and eight touchdowns, while Black has rushed for 690 yards and 14 scores, accounting for nearly all of the Titans’ rushing touchdowns. Keansburg has demonstrated its offensive potential in victories over Freehold Boro, Lakewood and Keyport, scoring at least 30 points in each contest. However, the Titans have struggled defensively, allowing 112 points over their last three games. Senior Mikey Clayton and junior Anthony Rodriguez have been among the team’s defensive leaders, with Clayton recording 40 tackles and three sacks and Rodriguez contributing 44 tackles.

New Egypt enters as a slight favorite behind Marabuto’s dual-threat ability and an offense that has been more balanced throughout the season. Keansburg, however, has enough firepower with Rand and Black to make this a competitive contest, particularly if the Titans can establish their rushing attack early. Both defenses have been vulnerable against productive offenses, making turnovers and red-zone execution potentially decisive factors.

 

Asbury Park at Manchester, Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

After opening the season with five consecutive losses, Asbury Park has completely changed the direction of its season with three straight victories and will look to keep that momentum going against Manchester. The Blue Bishops have defeated Keyport, Long Branch and Lakewood during their winning streak, outscoring those opponents 88-27. Manchester, meanwhile, has endured a difficult stretch, losing four of its last five games, including a 54-6 defeat to Point Beach last Thursday.

The Blue Bishops have found success behind sophomore Kevan Crawford, who has emerged as their leading offensive weapon with 549 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 88 carries. Junior Cameron Beradesco has provided another threat with 234 rushing yards and two scores, while sophomore Braylon Johnson has thrown for 321 yards and six touchdowns. Beradesco has also been a dangerous receiving target, accounting for 224 yards and four touchdowns. Asbury Park’s offense has shown considerable improvement during its winning streak, culminating in a season-high 45 points against Lakewood last weekend.

Manchester will look to junior quarterback Trevor Freyer to lead its offense after he has accounted for the majority of the Hawks’ production this season. Freyer has rushed for 497 yards and three touchdowns while throwing for 241 yards and three scores. The Hawks have struggled to establish much offensive balance, totaling just 654 rushing yards and 241 passing yards through eight games. Defensively, junior Ryan Hetzel leads Manchester with 46 tackles, while senior Desmond Askew has contributed five sacks and five tackles for loss. The Hawks will need a strong defensive effort to contain Crawford.

Asbury Park enters as the favorite based on its recent improvement and the offensive production it has generated over the last three weeks. Manchester has allowed at least 35 points in six games this season, and the Hawks will need to limit explosive plays to keep the Blue Bishops within reach. For Asbury Park, a fourth consecutive victory would be a significant accomplishment after its difficult start and provide a strong finish to the regular season. Manchester will look to play spoiler and end its own campaign with a much-needed victory.

 

Monmouth at Colts Neck, Saturday at 11 a.m.

An outright Class D North championship and an undefeated regular season are within reach for Monmouth as the Falcons prepare for a showdown with Colts Neck that carries major implications for both teams. Monmouth has already clinched at least a share of the division title, but a victory would allow the Falcons to claim the crown outright and complete a perfect 9-0 regular season. Colts Neck, meanwhile, has an opportunity to create a three-way tie atop the division standings with a victory, which would also give Barnegat a share of the championship if the Bengals defeat Long Branch. The Cougars have won their last two games by a combined score of 84-7, but taking down unbeaten Monmouth will require their best performance of the season.

Monmouth has been dominant on both sides of the football, outscoring its opponents 272-65 through eight games. Junior quarterback Ryan Corwin has been outstanding, completing 68 of 122 passes for 1,141 yards and 17 touchdowns against just two interceptions while adding six rushing touchdowns. His favorite target has been junior Donovan Hicks, who has caught 24 passes for 391 yards and six touchdowns, while junior Liam Faulkner has contributed 224 receiving yards and four scores. The Falcons also feature a dangerous rushing attack led by junior Brandon Thompson, who has 546 yards and seven touchdowns, and freshman Conall Hicks, who has added 506 yards and three scores. Defensively, Monmouth has been equally impressive, with junior Ryan Fleury recording 13 tackles for loss and four sacks to lead a unit allowing just over eight points per game.

Colts Neck will look to establish its running game behind sophomore Trevor Baum, who has rushed for 568 yards and 11 touchdowns, and junior Mike Arminante, who has added 329 yards and five scores. The Cougars have rushed for 1,153 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, giving them an opportunity to control possession and keep Monmouth’s explosive offense off the field. Junior quarterback Chace Staback has provided a spark through the air with 527 passing yards and six touchdowns without an interception, while senior Alex Policastro has emerged as a dangerous receiving threat with 287 yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, sophomore Mike Lombardi leads the Cougars with 63 tackles, while Arminante has contributed 49 tackles. Colts Neck will need that group to deliver against the most productive offense it has faced in division play.

The Falcons enter as heavy favorites, having won every game by at least two touchdowns while displaying the offensive balance and defensive consistency that have made them one of the Shore Conference’s biggest surprises this season. Colts Neck has shown improvement in recent weeks, but its losses to Barnegat, Marlboro and Ocean suggest the Cougars will have their hands full against a Monmouth team playing its best football. For Colts Neck, pulling off the upset would turn an up-and-down season into a division championship campaign and deny Monmouth sole possession of the division title. The Falcons, however, have an opportunity to finish what they started and enter the state playoffs unbeaten with the Class D North championship all to themselves.