The 2025 season featured its share of highs and lows for Toms River East, which finished with a 5-5 record. The Raiders’ biggest highlight came in Class C South, where they went a perfect 4-0 and capped their run with a 6-0 victory over Pinelands in the final week of the regular season to clinch the division title. The season also included some tough setbacks, including lopsided losses to rival Toms River North and Donovan Catholic, along with a narrow defeat to rival Toms River South.

The Raiders were hit hard by graduation and return just nine starters from last season’s squad. After capturing the Class C South title a year ago, Toms River East has been promoted to Class B South, where it will compete against Brick, Central, Lacey, Pinelands and Toms River South. With a number of new faces stepping into larger roles, the Raiders’ goal is to remain competitive and establish themselves in their new division. Despite the move up, the Raiders will look to build on last year’s success and make another run at a division title.

Offense

The Raiders return five starters from an offense that averaged 11.5 points per game last season while totaling 1,281 rushing yards and 477 passing yards.

Senior Tyler Kline is projected to take over as the Raiders’ starting quarterback. After not attempting a pass at the varsity level last season, Kline will give opponents a new look as he gets his first opportunity to lead the Raiders’ offense. Junior JoJo Totten is also in the mix for the starting job.

The Raiders have several experienced options to lean on in the backfield. Senior Colin Heale (5-10, 200) returns after rushing for 151 yards and a touchdown in limited action last season, while junior Logan Harrison (5-8, 155) is back after totaling 374 yards and a touchdown on the ground and earning First Team All-Class C South honors. Junior Ryan Mazza (5-11, 175) will also factor into the rotation after gaining some varsity experience a year ago.

Senior Austin Sanok (5-10, 165) returns to lead the Raiders’ receiving corps after catching seven passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns last season. Senior Sal Timpani is projected to step into a starting role, while junior Tyler Mendes (6-0, 160) also returns after contributing four receptions for 44 yards a year ago.

Senior Bryan Manzo is projected to take over as the Raiders’ starting tight end, while junior Braeden Lonergan (6-0, 195) will also compete for playing time at the position.

The Raiders will feature a senior-heavy offensive line, with Joe Cirillo penciled in at left tackle, Peter Deleon at left guard, Christian Westlund at center, Kyle Ho at right guard and Robert Brandshagen at right tackle. Senior Kamari Troy and juniors Nuriel Padilla, Andrew Dragone, Charlie Sohl and Jackson O’Brien (6-2, 265) will also be in the mix for playing time up front.

Totten and Mazza will compete for both the kicking and punting duties.

Defense

The Raiders return four starters from a defense that allowed 17.5 points per game last season.

Troy, O’Brien, Deleon and Cirillo are projected to anchor the defensive line, though their specific positions are still to be determined. Cirillo led the group with 12 tackles last year. Padilla, Dragone, Sohl and senior Cody Lowe (6-2, 200) are also expected to factor into the rotation up front.

Junior Anthony Bonich, a First Team All-Class C South selection, returns to lead the linebacking corps after recording 59 tackles last season. He will be joined by Heale, who totaled 31 tackles a year ago, and Lonergan, who is projected to step into a starting role. Manzo, Mazza, and sophomore Braden Raslowsky are also in the mix.

Sanok returns as a starter at cornerback after recording 20 tackles and two interceptions on his way to First Team All-Class C South honors last season. Senior Antonio DeAngelo is projected to start on the opposite side, while Mendes and Timpani will also be in the mix for playing time.

Junior Christian Rodriguez returns as the starter at strong safety after recording 23 tackles last season, while senior Nate Richardson is projected to take over at free safety. Harrison and junior Dylan Rutzler will also be in the mix for playing time at safety.

 

Toms River East at a glance 

Head coach: Kyle Sandberg, 11th season

Career record: 32-64

2025 record: 5-5

Offense: Pro

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Defensive Coordinator: Mario Steriti

OL/DL: Nick Florio

DL/OL: Frank Giannetti

QB/LB: Nick Zaza

WR/DB: Nick Totten

FO: April Florie

AFC: Jimmy Doyle

AFC: Frank Lord

AFC: Keith Smicklo

Athletic Trainer: Kristen Dilloian, TK Kleber

Circle the Date: Sept. 18 at Toms River South

The Raiders let a winnable game against rival Toms River South slip away on their home field last season, surrendering a fourth-quarter touchdown in a 14-10 loss. This time around, Toms River East will look to return the favor when it travels to Detwiler Stadium for another rivalry showdown.

Newcomer to Watch: Tyler Kline, Sr., QB

Kline is projected to take over for departed quarterback Brayden Flanagan and will get his first opportunity to lead the Raiders’ offense. As a first-year starter, he will be counted on to manage the offense effectively and provide steady play under center.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/27	Manchester
9/3	at Toms River North
9/11	at Lacey
9/18	at Toms River South
9/25	Pinelands
10/2	at Raritan
10/9	Brick
10/16	Matawan
10/23	Central