Atlantic Physical Therapy Shore Conference Football Preseason Top 12
On Thursday just before 10 a.m., captains for Manchester and West Deptford will walk to midfield at Ocean City High School’s Carey Stadium for the coin toss, and minutes later the ball will be in the air to officially kick off the 2024 season.
Finally, high school football is on the horizon.
August is the time for hopes and dreams, a period when every program around the state has a clean slate and nothing but opportunity in front of them, whether that be competing for a state championship, turning around a struggling program, or enjoying one last ride with lifelong friends and teammates. This time of year I routinely think about a statement my former colleague and Shore Conference media legend Kevin Williams often made. “The football team can set the tone for the entire school year”. I could not agree more.
The last time we put fingers to keys on Shore Conference football rankings was in December when Red Bank Catholic stood tall as the No. 1 team in the Shore following its 14-7 win over DePaul in the NJSIAA Non-Public B state final. Donovan Catholic reached the Non-Public A semifinals for the first time in program history and finished at No. 2, while Toms River North completed a historic two-year run by repeating as Group 5 state champions behind an iconic senior class led by quarterback Micah Ford. Rumson-Fair Haven continued to have a magic touch in the postseason by surging to the Group 2 final before falling to Westwood in overtime. Point Boro and Marlboro also reached sectional finals.
How this season culminates is anyone’s guess, and that’s the beauty of the journey. The next 13 weeks will feature ups and downs, twists and turns, stories of triumph and heartbreak, and everything in between. We can’t wait to chronicle it all.
Before we get to the rankings, we want to thank all the coaches, administrators, athletes, parents and fans from our Shore Conference communities for their support these past two weeks as we’ve forged ahead with the inception of Shore Sports Insider. Scott Stump and I are excited to dive headlong into another season on the gridiron and deliver compelling, in-depth coverage of Shore Conference football. The Shore is a special place we are fortunate to call home.
Now, let’s get to the inaugural Shore Sports Insider Preseason Football Top 12.
1. Toms River North (12-2 last season; final ranking: No. 3)
By the narrowest of margins, the two-time defending Group 5 state champion Mariners begin the season at the top of the Shore Conference. Toms River North said goodbye to an unforgettable senior class that led the way to a pair of state championships and a 26-2 record over the past two seasons. Players like two-time NJ Player of the Year Micah Ford (Stanford), do-it-all threat Jeremiah Pruitt, lockdown corner Tareq Council, offensive tackle Justin Kaye, running back Josh Moore, and linebackers Anthony Rodriguez and Christian Olivieri are not easily replaced, but the Mariners are still stocked with plenty of talent. It’s an excellent senior class that gets to emerge from the relative shadows and try to lead North to a third straight state crown. Senior quarterback T.J. Valerio dazzled in a close loss to Red Bank Catholic last season after Ford exited with an injury and is primed to run the power spread offense at a high level. Senior running back Mordecai Ford was electric in mop-up duty and now gets a chance to shine in the spotlight. Senior speedster Nasir Jackson and senior Cam Thomas lead the wideouts while Rutgers-bound 6-foot-7, 330-pound tackle Jaelyne Matthews is one of the top offensive line recruits in the country and leads a line that will be physical and imposing. Defensively, the Mariners were tremendous last season and bring back two potent edge rushers in seniors Blaise Boland and Eddie Slosky, who combined for 16.5 sacks and 46 tackles for loss last season. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 at Downingtown East (Pa.).
2. Red Bank Catholic (10-1 last season; final ranking: No. 1)
The Caseys claimed their fourth Non-Public B state title and second in three seasons last year with a 14-7 win over DePaul en route to finishing as the No. 1 team in the Shore. They drop one spot to begin this season because, as consistent as RBC has been over the past decade-plus, there will be several talented yet inexperienced players suiting up to begin the year. Graduation hit the Caseys hard with stars like wide receiver/defensive back Emanuel Ross (Syracuse), linebacker Davin Brewton (Pittsburgh), offensive tackle Tyler Burnham (Delaware), two-way line standout Lorenzo Portella (Lehigh), and defensive end Logan Graham (Merrimack) matriculating to the college level. Returning to lead the way is senior quarterback Frankie Williams, a returning All-Shore selection and veteran signal caller with FBS interest who has won games with his arm, legs, and smarts. His big-game experience and poise will serve the Caseys well against a challenging schedule that includes Don Bosco Prep and Paramus Catholic in out-of-conference games. Senior linebacker Jamie Gutridge had a breakout season last year and is back to lead a defense that has been among the Shore’s best for several years. Sophomore two-way lineman Lorenzo Tartamella is a breakout candidate after starting at defensive end as a freshman. First game: Thursday, Aug. 29 at Middletown (Del.)
3. Rumson-Fair Haven (8-5 last season; final ranking: No. 4)
The Bulldogs’ propensity for postseason success continued last season when they entered the playoffs at 4-4 before winning thrilling games vs. Haddonfield in the sectional final and against Willingboro in the Group 2 semifinals. They took Westwood to overtime before falling in the Group 2 state final. The road may have some bumps along the way, but Rumson finds itself in the thick of the championship race more often than not. Senior quarterback Owen O’Toole is back to lead the offense in his third year as a starter with junior running back Kellen Murray primed for a big season and senior wideout Nick Thomas leading the group of pass catchers. Senior linebacker Austin Kiernan and senior defensive back Jacob Tobias lead a defense that shows up in big moments. Rumson was dealt a blow, however, when standout two-way junior lineman Jack Harris transferred to Bergen Catholic. The Bulldogs don’t have a star-studded roster but the sum of their parts combined with top-notch coaching should produce another successful season at Borden Stadium. First game: Friday, Sept. 6 vs. No. 5 Point Boro.
4. Donovan Catholic (9-3 last season; final ranking: No. 2)
It was a tumultuous offseason for the Griffins with multiple players transferring out of the program, including running back Najee Calhoun (Bergen Catholic), wide receiver/defensive back Emanuel Gerena (Holy Spirit), two-way lineman Lou Dibiase (Point Boro) and quarterback Zach LaBarca (St. John Vianney). Still, Donovan has a talented roster led by one of the best coaches in the Shore in Dan Curcione, so writing them off as a contender would be an unwise choice. Senior wide receiver Michael Thomas III, a Rutgers commit, is back to lead the way along with standout offensive linemen Kai Pritchard and James Aldrich and linebackers Joe Czerwinski, Luke Vernieri and Jayden Nascimento. The Griffins have a gauntlet of a schedule with a nonconference game against St. Augustine, a strong Class A South slate, and nondivisional games versus Rumson-Fair Haven and Red Bank Catholic. The Griffins were also realigned to Non-Public B this season, which could mean a second matchup with defending champion RBC in the playoffs. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 at St. Augustine.
5. Point Boro (9-2 last season; final ranking: No. 5)
The Panthers have re-established themselves as a force to be reckoned with over the past three years with a 26-5 record, a sectional championship and three appearances in a sectional final. Their season came to an end via a heartbreaking loss to Willingboro in the Central Jersey Group 2 title game last November, so the returners are eager to make another run at a sectional championship and chase an overall Group 2 crown. Replacing all-time leading rusher Jake Croce and star quarterback Matt Oliphant is a Herculean task and it remains to be seen how their triple-option offense will look with sophomore Jake Clayton taking over under center. Clayton started at running back and in the secondary last season and is a dynamic three-sport star who was a state medalist wrestler and a standout baseball player. Senior Lou Dibiase transferred in from Donovan Catholic and bolsters both the offensive and defensive lines, while senior linebacker Colin Obser leads a defense that flies to the football and thrives on forcing turnovers. Point Boro proved it could compete against larger schools last year when it tied Colts Neck for the Colonial Division title and they’ll be tested at an even higher level in the revamped Class A South division. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Steinert.
6. Brick Memorial (10-1 last season; final ranking: No. 11)
It was a resurgent 2023 season for the Mustangs, who started the season 10-0 before being upended by Long Branch in the Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals. Record-breaking quarterback Connor Dietz put himself at the top of nearly every offensive category in program history but is now at American International College, so his production will certainly be missed. Fortunately for the Mustangs, they have a promising heir apparent with junior quarterback Jason Lajara, who shined in his one appearance last season by throwing for 266 yards and two touchdowns in relief of Dietz during a win over Freehold. He has plenty of weapons around him with senior running back Kevin Andrews, junior wide receivers Nyier Matthews, Nazeer Whittaker and Ricky Dillon, junior tight end Trey Tallmage, and an experienced line featuring 6-foot-7 senior Ben Szuba and senior returning starters Joe Cunningham, Aidan Crawford and Austin Edward. Tallmadge was an All-Shore linebacker last season and leads a defense that was a top 1o unit last season. First game: Thursday, Aug. 29 at Allentown.
7. Middletown South (5-5 last season; final ranking: No. 6)
A new era has begun at The Swamp with Marc Tomo, the Eagles’ former defensive coordinator, taking over for Shore Conference Hall of Famer Steve Antonucci when he resigned after 26 seasons, 220 career wins and six NJSIAA sectional titles. Program stalwarts like quarterback/defensive back/kicker Jake Czwakiel, menacing linebacker Colin Gallagher, running back Donovan Summey, and safety Owen Richter have graduated so the Eagles will rely on a veteran offensive line while breaking in new starters at the skill positions. Seniors Gio Massagli, Michael Toth, Ryan Harden and Matt Germek anchor the offensive line with seniors Brendan Sliva and Liam Curley taking over at running back. The defense figures to play with the same tone and intensity that has become the program’s hallmark. This could be an ambitious initial ranking for the Eagles given the multitude of question marks, but the program has earned the benefit of the doubt from us. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Cherokee at Egg Harbor Township HS (Battle at the Beach showcase)
8. Jackson Memorial (7-2 last season; final ranking: No. 12)
The Jaguars shared the Freedom Division championship with Marlboro last season before being eliminated by Long Branch in the first round of the Central Jersey Group 4 playoffs. Defense once again led the way for the Jags as they finished second in scoring defense at 9.3 points per game. The revelation of the season came in the form of now-junior running back Jonah Glenn, who rushed for 1,454 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. He is the Shore Conference’s leading returning rusher among running backs and gives Jackson a star to lead their traditionally strong power running game. If the Jaguars can find balance on offense and continue to field one of the Shore’s top defenses they will be a load to handle in Class A South. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 vs. North Brunswick.
9. Manalapan (4-5 last season; final ranking: NR)
The Braves were a polarizing team last season with a huge upset win over Point Boro and a deflating loss to a two-win Raritan team, plus an overtime loss to Jackson Memorial and two losses by four points or less. Inconsistency plagued them for much of the season but they showed flashes on both sides of the ball and will bring back enough key starters to spark a turnaround. Senior quarterback Ryan Dougherty threw for 1,372 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while the running back combo of senior Jason Rodriguez and junior Ah’sere Woolfolk combined for nine touchdowns and just under 1,000 yards. Senior Jackson Pfister is a three-year starter at receiver and senior left guard Reggie Bennett anchors the offensive line entering his third year as a starter. The Braves also have seven returning starters on defense and are especially strong at linebacker with seniors Dennis Healy, Anthony Hammel and Vin Difilippo. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 at Piscataway.
10. Freehold Township (7-4 last season; final ranking: NR)
The Patriots posted their first winning season since 2017 and stunned top-seeded North Brunswick in the first round of the Central Jersey Group 5 playoffs, posting just the fourth season of seven or more wins in program history. Senior quarterback Nick Cardone was the breakout star, operating head coach Cory Davies’ pass-heavy attack at a high level and finishing with a conference-leading 2.327 yards and 24 touchdowns. Senior Noah Cancela is the top returning wideout, senior Ethan Rifkin and sophomore Jayden Vera anchor the offensive line while senior defensive end Braden Larkin leads the defense. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 at Toms River South.
11. Holmdel (9-1 last season; final ranking: No. 9)
Holmdel also has a new head coach with Noel Kavanagh earning his first head coaching job after several stops as an assistant. He takes over for Jeff Rainess, who led the Hornets to 41 wins in his eight seasons, including a 9-1 mark and a division title last season. The split-back veer offense the Hornets operated under Rainess has given way to a spread offense that will be piloted by standout junior Jack Cannon, who had a great sophomore season and is an exceptional athlete who also starred on the lacrosse field. Backfield mate Matt Iulo, a senior running back, also returns as a starter along with senior center Demetri Lazarou. Just three starters return on offense and four on defense thanks to a large 2023 senior class, however, so it remains to be seen if Holmdel can duplicate its success from last season. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Long Branch.
12. St. John Vianney (3-7 last season; final ranking: NR)
The final spot in the rankings is usually between a handful of teams and it was no different this time. The Lancers get the call at No. 12 because of an intriguing roster that includes talented returners and some key transfers. Well-traveled head coach Bobby Acosta previously led Monmouth Regional to a school-record eight wins and a division title in 2006 and was recently the head coach at IMG Academy. Sophomore running back Adbul Turray averaged 7.4 yards per carry last season and boasts FBS offers from Syracuse and West Virginia. Also returning are senior receivers/defensive backs Dante Campagna, Jahmere James and Dirk Hohenkirk, junior quarterback Thomas Foley, and sophomore offensive lineman/linebacker Donny Sosa. Junior quarterback Zach LaBarca transferred in from Donovan Catholic while junior lineman Robert Yakuvchuk transferred from Brick. After a 3-7 season last fall, it’s not out of the question the Lancers could rise to the top of a Class C North division that also features Holmdel, Manalapan, Manasquan, Raritan and Wall. First game: Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Carteret.
Keep an Eye On
Colts Neck (6-4 last season; final ranking: No. 8): The Cougars earned a share of a division title last season but graduated almost every starter, including all-time leading rusher Chris Scully.
Long Branch (6-5 last season; final ranking: No. 10): Ben Wooley takes over as head coach of the Green Wave as they come off a trip to a sectional final. They’ll need to replace key players such as quarterback Earnest Reevey and running back Da’Von Craft and will be led by seniors Joseph Corley, Tyler Taylor, Aulander Daniels, Nehemiah Lambert and Miguel Maldonado
Toms River South (6-3 last season; final ranking: NR): The Indians won their first division title since 2002 and return key players like running back/linebacker Jake Henehan, running back/defensive back Damir Nelson, linebacker Laolu Akinlolu, 6-foot-3, 315-pound offensive lineman Nick Mueller and wide receiver/defensive back Danny Pierson.
Marlboro (8-3 last season; final ranking: No. 7): The Mustangs put together one of the best seasons in program history by tying for a division title and reaching the Central Jersey Group 5 championship game behind an outstanding senior class. With standouts like Matt Cassidy, Mike Consolazio, John Moskowich, Rob Kenyon and Nick Scaff having graduated, Marlboro has several holes to fill in order to remain a contending team.
Brick (6-5 last season; final ranking: NR): Former Matawan and Allentown head coach Jay Graber takes over at the helm of the Green Dragons and inherits a roster that includes dynamic offensive threats Jayden Johnson, Justice Morgan and Germaine Rice.
Shore (6-4 last season; final ranking: NR): After a 17-year run at Ocean Township, former Blue Devils player Don Klein takes over for Hall of Fame head coach Mark Costantino. Key returners include senior running back/linebacker Brendan O’Brien, quarterback Josh Moeller, defensive lineman Xavier Moro and linebacker Tommy Schroeder.
Manasquan (5-5 last season; final ranking: NR): Junior tight end Jack O’Reilly, senior linemen Adam Murphy and Pat Loxley, junior lineman Liam Opatosky, senior linebacker Jackson Battaglia and senior wide receiver/ defensive back Caden Eastmond are the top returners leading a Warriors team looking to add to its conference-record haul of 12 NJSIAA sectional titles.
Wall (4-7 last season; final ranking: NR): Now that it is out of the old American Division with the likes of Toms River North, RBC, Rumson, Middletown South and Donovan Catholic, Wall looks to rebound from consecutive 4-7 seasons. Senior running back Mason Adam and linemen Mateo Masotti, Talon Struble and Ted Guenther lead the offense while an experienced defense returns nine starters.
