Big Shoes: 2025 Lakewood Football Preview

Story by Eric Thaler
Special Contributor, Shore Sports Insider

The biggest question facing Lakewood heading into the 2025 season is how the Piners will replace Class C South Offensive Player of the Year Rahmel Anderson. Anderson capped off a historic career with a school-record 2,244 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in 2024—his second consecutive 2,000-yard season.

Anderson graduated with a program-best 4,426 career rushing yards and as a senior, he averaged 7.8 yards per carry on 286 attempts to anchor Lakewood’s offensive identity for the past two years.

While those are massive shoes to fill, senior Zion Jones is ready to shoulder the full workload in the backfield this season. Now up to 190 pounds, Jones is physically prepared to take on the lead role. In 2024, he quietly put together a strong season of his own with 787 yards on 104 carries, showing similar efficiency to that of Anderson. With an offseason to grow into the position and the offense once again committed to the run game, Jones gives reason for optimism as Lakewood looks to continue its dominant ground attack.

Lakewood returns six starters on offense, but the most notable change comes under center with sophomore Abel Martinez taking over at quarterback. At 5-10, 160 pounds, Martinez’s athleticism gives the Piners flexibility—expect him to be utilized creatively in the run game to complement the ground-heavy scheme.

In the passing game, Cris Rosario will serve as the senior leader in the wide receiver room. A Second Team All-Class C South selection in 2024, Rosario’s 6-4, 220-pound frame makes him a reliable target, especially valuable for a developing quarterback. Kasheem Diawara and Tyreese Jones round out the group. While they may still be finding their footing at the varsity level, both are in the same class as Martinez, giving this young trio valuable time to build chemistry and grow into a more dynamic passing attack in seasons to come.

Lakewood coach L.J. Clark emphasizes that the future success of the program will depend heavily on the continued development of the sophomores who earned meaningful minutes in 2024. With many of them stepping into expanded roles, their progression will be key as the team builds toward sustained competitiveness. Clark also noted that health will be critical, as depth remains a concern across most position groups due to the program’s smaller overall roster size.

Looking ahead, the offense will soon be fully handed over to the underclassmen, especially after senior leaders like Jones, Rosario, and three starting offensive linemen graduate following the 2025 season. How quickly the younger core matures will determine whether Lakewood can remain competitive in the years to come.

Clark also cited the offensive line will be a key strength heading into the 2025 season. With several seasoned upperclassmen returning, expectations are high for this veteran unit to set the tone. Up front, senior Victor Nava will serve as the anchor at left tackle, bringing both size and leadership at 285 pounds. He’ll be joined by Jaserie Brown at left guard, sophomore Joel Hernandez at center, Gio Salazar at right guard, and Anthony Campos at right tackle. Nava, Brown, and Campos—all seniors—were instrumental in last year’s dominant rushing attack.

While the group does lose Adrian Rodriguez, a First Team All-C South selection in 2024, the overall continuity and experience of the returning starters offer plenty of optimism. The offensive line will carry a significant burden this year, as the team’s offensive success will largely depend on the leverage they create in the trenches and how well they open up opportunities for the backfield and skill players.

On the defensive side, Lakewood returns eight starters, giving the unit a strong foundation—though there is youth in the secondary. Up front, they’ll be tough to move with a trio of big-bodied linemen in Carlos Camargo (6-0, 260 pounds) at defensive tackle, Alex Salazar (5-10, 230 pounds) at nose tackle, and Angel Ruiz (6-0, 200 pounds) also playing inside. All three have been flagged as vital new pieces, expected to play significant roles in controlling the line of scrimmage and anchoring a physical defensive front.

The linebacker unit also returns with valuable experience and playmaking potential. On the edge, Cris Rosario brings a commanding presence at 6-4, 225 pounds. Clark has high expectations for Rosario, who has already shown flashes of elite talent and is drawing active college recruiting interest. On the interior, Jonathan Gonzalez will be joined by sophomore Jason Wallace, a rising underclassman whom Clark is equally excited about.

The secondary is young but promising, with two sophomore cornerbacks in Dante Clark and Kasheem Diawara stepping into starting roles. Behind them, Dre Brooks—also a sophomore—will play strong safety, while Carlito Andrson holds down the free safety position. Despite the inexperience, Clark remains optimistic about the secondary, singling out both Clark and Diawara for their skill and potential.

After opening the 2024 season with a 3-0 start, the Piners finished 4-6, but expectations for 2025 remain high. The goal is clear: compete for a Class C South title and return to the postseason. With key returners across the roster and a strong foundation of underclassmen developing, Lakewood is poised to take the next step this fall.

Lakewood at a Glance

Head coach: L.J. Clark, 15th Season

2024 record: 4-6

Offense: Power Spread

Defense: Multiple/ 3-4

 

Coaching Staff

Assistant Head Coach: Bob Terringo

Defensive Coordinator: Nick Cussaneli

Quarterbacks: Kevin Popek

Running Backs: Nick Cussaneli

Wide Receivers: Tim Brown

Offensive Line: Bob Terringo

Defensive Line: Nick Cussaneli

Linebackers: Bob Terringo

Defensive Back: Kevin Popek

Safety: Tim Brown

Athletic Trainer: Brent Theriault

Circle the Date: Friday Sept. 26th, Barnegat

As mentioned earlier, the Piners could enter this matchup at 4-0 (2-0). A win here would put them in the driver’s seat for the Class C South title. While Lakewood took tough losses to both Barnegat and Pinelands last season, the landscape looks very different in 2025.

Barnegat will be without standout two-way player Cole Toddings, Stephen Griffin, and Myquan Rush-Esdaile, while Pinelands loses Jaden Hadzovic, Jaimin Parkinson, and Ty Kline. All three programs are undergoing major transitions, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

If Lakewood can tighten up defensively—specifically by reducing their 34.0 points allowed per game from last season—there’s no reason they can’t compete in every matchup. The offense has the firepower. Now it’s about complementing it with stops. If the defense holds up, the Piners will be right in the thick of the title race.

Newcomer Watch: Jason Wallace, So., LB; Carlito Anderson, So., FS

With several key departures from the 2024 squad, the defense becomes even more critical for Lakewood’s success in 2025. Clark is looking for a breakout year from sophomore linebacker Jason Wallace, who will be paired inside with returning starter Jonathan Gonzalez to anchor the middle of the defense.

In the secondary, Clark is especially high on Carlito Anderson at free safety, believing he has the tools to make a major impact this season. With such a young defensive backfield, Anderson’s rapid development could be pivotal—not just for this year’s team, but for the future foundation of the program. If Lakewood’s young talent can mature quickly, the defense has the potential to surprise.

SCHEDULE

Date                    Team                 Time

Thursday 8/28  at JP Stevens     6 p.m.

Saturday 9/6      Keyport              1 p.m.

Saturday 9/13    Pinelands           1 p.m.

Friday 9/19         at TR East          6 p.m.

Friday 9/26         at Barnegat        6:30 p.m.

Friday 10/3         at New Egypt     6:30 p.m.

Friday 10/10       at Point Beach   7 p.m.

Saturday 10/18  Keansburg          1 p.m.

Saturday 10/25  Lacey                   1 p.m.

Saturday 11/1      at Freehold Boro 12 p.m.