After a resurgent 9-2 season in 2025 and a trip to the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals put the Scarlet Fliers back on the map, Neptune enters 2026 looking to prove they can sustain last year’s success.

With 12 starters returning, the Scarlet Fliers have the experience to build on that breakthrough, even as they face a significantly more challenging schedule.

Neptune has been promoted to Class C North, where it will square off against larger schools such as Howell and Marlboro. The non-divisional slate offers little relief, featuring tests against Brick Memorial, Manasquan, and defending Group 4 state champion Winslow. While Winslow will look different under new leadership following head coach Bill Belton’s departure for St. Augustine, adding a program of that caliber to the schedule is a testament to the newfound confidence and ambition surrounding the Scarlet Fliers.

Offense

The Scarlet Fliers return seven starters from an offense that averaged a blistering 32.3 points per game last season while totaling 2,763 rushing yards and 1,141 passing yards.

Senior Caleb Brown-Mason (6-0, 160), a Second Team All-Shore selection a year ago, returns for his third season as Neptune’s starting quarterback. Brown-Mason established himself as one of the Shore Conference’s top dual-threat quarterbacks in 2025, rushing for 1,283 yards and throwing for 1,100 more while accounting for 30 total touchdowns.

Senior Kingston Pinnock (5-7, 220), a Third Team All-Shore honoree last season, returns as Neptune’s workhorse at running back after rushing for 746 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. He’ll be complemented by junior Georandy Johnson (5-9, 170) and sophomore Alonzo Stewart (5-11, 225).

Senior wide receivers Daaron Lynch (6-0, 165), a First Team All-D North selection in 2025, and Hassin McMillian (5-9, 170) return as starters in Neptune’s four-receiver spread offense. Lynch hauled in 24 receptions for 381 yards and seven touchdowns, while McMillian caught 17 passes for 250 yards and six touchdowns.

Senior Jason Whittaker (5-11, 165), who transferred from Asbury Park, and junior Dion Burton (6-3, 185) are projected to round out the starting unit. Seniors Dom Territo (5-11, 175) and juniors Kamar Parker (5-10, 170), Carl Hunter (5-9, 170), and Liam Ordino-Garney (5-10, 170) will also compete for playing time, giving the Scarlet Fliers one of the deeper receiving corps in the Shore Conference.

Neptune returns three senior starters along the offensive line in left tackle Steven Borges (6-1, 215), left guard Jason Camilus (6-0, 235), and right tackle James Blount (6-1, 195). They are expected to be joined by fellow seniors Jusiah Brooks (5-9, 280) at center and Javon Lezin (6-2, 235) at right guard, giving the Scarlet Fliers a veteran line. Several other linemen will compete for playing time and provide depth.

Junior Jake Waldmann will handle the kicking duties after connecting on 22-of-25 extra points a year ago, while Whittaker will be the punter.

Defense

The Scarlet Fliers return five starters from a defense that allowed 16.4 points per game last season.

The defensive line returns just one starter and faces the challenge of replacing First Team All-Shore selection Koen Johnson, who led the Shore Conference with 32 tackles for loss last season. Senior Hatcher Gartley (6-0, 235) returns as the lone starter at tackle. He is expected to be joined inside by junior Bryce Graham (5-10, 240), while junior Jamel Luckey (6-1, 175) projects to start at defensive end. Junior Kiy’ceir Pinnock (5-10, 260) and sophomores Thomas Ellis (6-2, 235) and Jamal Rowe (6-3, 225) will also compete for snaps up front.

Senior Devonte Raphael (5-10, 200) is projected to start at one outside linebacker spot, with Stewart penciled in on the opposite side. Blount and junior Kymeir Pinnock (5-9, 175) will also compete for playing time on the outside.

Inside, Kingston Pinnock returns as a starter, while junior Jaylen Mayo (5-11, 215) is projected to claim the other starting spot. Junior Alexis Oliver (5-10, 215) and freshman Hunter Mundy (5-9, 165) provide additional depth and will push for playing time.

Neptune returns an experienced secondary led by senior cornerbacks McMillian, a First Team All-Class D North selection who recorded four interceptions in 2025, and Lynch, along with free safety Brown-Mason. Whittaker is expected to step into the starting strong safety role. Senior Ja’zaar Brown (5-10, 160), Johnson, Parker, and Ordino-Garney are also expected to compete for starting roles and rotational snaps in the defensive backfield.

 

Neptune at a glance 

Head coach: Mike Seber, 4th season

Career record: 16-14

2025 record: 9-2

Offense: Spread

Defense: 4-2-5

 

Coaching Staff

Defensive Coordinator: Frank Iachetta

Offensive Coordinator/OL: Mike Kasten

Special Teams Coordinator/WR: Jaheim Woods

RB/DB: Derek Bender

DL: Vini Iachetta

OL: Frank Martuscelli

Speed Trainer/WR: Bernard Morrison

LB’s: Mi’juat Berry

DL: Erik Berger

Film: Ronald Puryear

Athletic Trainer: Amanda Kelly

Circle the Date: Oct. 17 at Manasquan

With many of this year’s seniors having been thrust into the starting lineup as sophomores two seasons ago, Neptune opened that campaign with a 33-0 loss at Manasquan. After finishing 5-5 that year, the Scarlet Fliers responded with a 9-2 season in 2025. Now, a rematch two years later with the Warriors presents an opportunity for the seniors to come full circle with a win.

Newcomer to Watch: Jason Whittaker, Sr., WR/DB

A transfer from rival Asbury Park, Whittaker brings experience at both quarterback and wide receiver. With Brown-Mason firmly entrenched under center, Whittaker is expected to provide the Scarlet Fliers with another dynamic playmaker on the outside while also bolstering the secondary with his versatility and athleticism.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/29	Winslow (at Rowan)
9/3	Asbury Park
9/10	at Marlboro
9/18	at Howell
9/25	Ocean
10/2	at Brick Memorial
10/10	Red Bank
10/17	at Manasquan
10/23	Raritan