Last season did not unfold as Keyport had hoped. The Red Raiders finished 1-9, with the lone bright spot coming in a 51-20 victory over rival Keansburg. After reaching the state playoffs with an 8-2 record in 2023, Keyport now enters 2026 looking to get back on track after consecutive one-win seasons.

There is reason for optimism that Keyport can get back on track this season, with a three-year starting quarterback returning alongside a good-sized group in the trenches.

Keyport will compete in Class C South, where it will face larger schools in Freehold Boro and Lakewood along with similarly sized opponents Point Beach, New Egypt, and rival Keansburg.

Offense

The Red Raiders return six starters from an offense that averaged 19.6 points per game last season while totaling 1,125 rushing yards and 802 passing yards.

Senior Marshall Colangelo (6-4, 180) returns for his third season as the starting quarterback, once again directing the Red Raiders’ Wing-T offense. Last season, Colangelo threw for 772 yards and five touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns.

Senior Jermaine Finch (5-8, 200) is expected to assume the lead role in the backfield after splitting carries last season, when he rushed for 279 yards and a touchdown. Senior Noah Megna (5-7, 170) and junior Justin Way (5-8, 160) will also be in the mix in the backfield.

Seniors John Dane (6-1, 175) and Chris Herrera (5-11, 180), along with junior Luke Fredericks (6-0, 165), are expected to comprise the Red Raiders’ receiving corps.

Megna will also see time at tight end alongside senior Steven D’Agastino (5-10, 175) and junior Mike Capuano (5-8, 175).

The Red Raiders return three starters on the offensive line led by junior Jacob Roomey (5-10, 225), a three-year starter at right tackle who earned First Team All-Class D South honors last year. Junior Reeshi Ghandi (5-10, 220) returns as the starter at right guard, while senior Tyler Tuberion (5-11, 235) returns at left tackle. Junior Darius Finley (5-10, 250) will take over at left guard. Senior Luigi Gil (5-9, 225) will be the center.

Herrera will handle both the kicking and punting duties.

Defense

The Red Raiders return six starters from a unit that allowed 36.7 points per game last season.

Roomey is projected to start at one defensive end, with junior Devin Tanglao (6-0, 185) lining up opposite him. Sophomore Valley Auvea (5-9, 265) is expected to start at one defensive tackle spot, while seniors Max Szczepaniak (6-2, 275) and Gabe Carbone (5-7, 255) will battle for the other starting position.

Fredericks returns at outside linebacker after earning Second Team All-Class D South honors last season. Megna is projected to start on the opposite side, while Finch slides inside to middle linebacker after garnering Second Team All-Class D South recognition as a defensive lineman a year ago.

Colangelo is projected to start at one cornerback spot, with Way returning opposite him after earning First Team All-Class D South honors last season. Herrera is back at strong safety following a First Team All-Class D South campaign, while Dane returns as the starter at free safety.

 

Keyport at a glance 

Head coach: Charlie Marsh, 3rd season 

Career record: 2-18

2025 record: 1-9

Offense: Wing T

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator/OL: John Kaye

Defensive Coordinator/DB: Jimmy Maguire

QB: Pete Miller

WR: Scott Davis

DL: Yubir Rojas

OL/DL: Balde Rojas

DB: Ezra Hill

OL/DL: John Thornton

Athletic Trainer: Kelly O’Connell

 

Circle the Date: Oct. 24 at Freehold Boro

The regular-season finale will pit Keyport against an opponent it led 24-8 at halftime last season before surrendering a second-half comeback in a heartbreaking 28-24 defeat on a fourth-quarter touchdown pass. The Red Raiders will have an opportunity to avenge that loss in a Class C South showdown

Newcomer to Watch: Valley Auvea, So., DL

After seeing limited action as a freshman, Auvea is primed for a larger role as the Red Raiders’ starting defensive tackle, where he will be counted on to clog running lanes and generate a pass rush.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/28	at Whippany Park
9/5	Monmouth
9/12	at Lakewood
9/19	Point Beach
9/26	at Keansburg
10/2	at Asbury Park
10/10	New Egypt
10/17	Shore
10/24	at Freehold Boro