One touchdown was all that separated Pinelands from a breakthrough season. The Wildcats finished 6-4 after suffering a heartbreaking 6-0 loss to Toms River East in a winner-take-all Class C South championship game during the final week of the regular season. The defeat not only cost Pinelands the division title but also kept the Wildcats out of the state playoffs.

Rather than dwell on last season’s disappointment, Pinelands has plenty of reasons for optimism entering 2026. With 16 starters returning, the Wildcats are looking to claw their way back into the division title race. Pinelands has never finished below .500 under head coach John Tierney, a testament to the program’s new level of consistency.

Pinelands makes the jump to Class B South, where it will be tested by divisional opponents Brick, Central, Toms River East, and the rest of a competitive field.

Offense

The Wildcats return eight starters from an offense that averaged 16.6 points per game last season while totaling 1,578 rushing yards and 962 passing yards.

Senior JJ Jenkins (5-11, 185) returns at quarterback after a productive first season as the starter, throwing for 906 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 397 yards and six more scores, earning First Team All-Class C South honors in the process.

Junior RJ Clark, a First Team All-Class C South selection in 2025, returns as the Wildcats’ lead running back after rushing for a team-high 538 yards and four touchdowns last season. Also in the mix at running back will be fellow juniors Lucas DeDru (5-8, 170), Mark Samuels (5-8, 165), and Montrel Carter (5-11, 210), who are all expected to factor into the rushing attack.

Senior Anthony Bonds (5-10, 180) returns as a three-year starter at wide receiver after hauling in 23 receptions for 350 yards and four touchdowns last season on his way to First Team All-Class C South honors. He’ll once again team up with fellow senior Dom Colosi (5-7, 170), who was also named a First Team All-Class C South selection after he led the Wildcats with 36 receptions for 376 yards and two touchdowns. Juniors Liam Fence (6-0, 155) and Alex Hickey (5-10, 160) round out the receiving corps.

Senior Jimmy McCutcheon (6-2, 210), a Second Team All-Class C South pick in 2025, returns as the Wildcats’ starting tight end after serving primarily as a blocker last season. Junior Ralph Kline (6-2, 205) will also see time at the position.

The Wildcats return four starters along a big, experienced offensive line that should be one of the team’s strengths. Senior Seth Ramirez (6-0, 310) is back for his third season as the starting right guard, while senior Moses Barango (6-3, 315) returns at right tackle, junior Will Brooks (5-10, 230) is back at center, and senior Landon Allmen (5-10, 260) returns at left guard. Ramirez and Barango were both Second Team All-Class C South selections last year.

Junior Luke Dunaj (6-4, 270) is projected to take over at left tackle, while senior Nick Bliem (6-0, 220) and junior Wes Eastburn (5-11, 260) provide depth and competition on the interior.

Colosi will step in and handle both the kicking and punting duties.

Defense

The Wildcats return eight starters from a defense that allowed 12.7 points per game last season.

McCutcheon returns as a starter at defensive end after recording 16 tackles last season. Kline will also see time in the defensive end rotation.

Senior Brody Rawa (5-9, 155), a standout wrestler for Pinelands, returns at defensive tackle after registering 23 tackles and earning Second Team All-Class C South honors a year ago. Bliem, Ramirez, and junior Infinite McLeod (6-3, 295) are all expected to compete for starting roles and rotational snaps along the interior defensive line.

Senior Owen Taylor (5-11, 180), a 2025 Second Team All-Class C South selection, returns as a starter at inside linebacker after recording 40 tackles last season. He’ll be joined by senior Shane Rider (6-1, 175) in the middle of the defense.

Junior Paul Veneri (5-10, 195) returns at one outside linebacker spot after leading the Wildcats with 99 tackles last season. Carter is back opposite him after recording 85 tackles and 3.5 sacks a year ago, giving Pinelands an experienced duo on the outside who were both First Team All-Class C South picks last year.

Pinelands boasts plenty of experience in the secondary, led by a pair of three-year starters at cornerback in senior Sam Kilasi (6-0, 165) and Clark. Kilasi recorded 49 tackles and three interceptions on his way to First Team All-Class C North honors last season, while Clark added 13 tackles and two interceptions.

Seniors AJ O’Brien and Greg Borden also return as the starting safeties after finishing as Second Team All-Class C South selections a year ago. O’Brien finished with 43 tackles last season, while Borden contributed 31 tackles and an interception.

 

Pinelands at a glance 

Head coach: John Tierney, 5th season

Career record: 23-18

2025 record: 6-4

Offense: Multiple I

Defense: 3-4

 

Coaching Staff

Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/LB: Joe Adelizzi

Special Teams Coordinator/TE: Pete Walski

QB: Mike Keller

OL: Scott Peterka

RB/DL: Matt Milden

WR/DB: Andrew Schulz

Volunteer: Vemba Bukula

Freshman: Danny O’Reilly

Freshman: Tubby Wyatt

Motivational: Joe Introna

Athletic Trainer: Stacey Childs

Circle the Date: Sept. 25 at Toms River East

Revenge will be on Pinelands’ mind when the Wildcats travel to Toms River East. The Raiders spoiled Pinelands’ bid for its first division championship since 1987 with a 6-0 victory last season, a loss that also kept the Wildcats out of the state playoffs.

Newcomer to Watch: Luke Dunaj, Jr., OL

The lone new starter on the offensive line, Dunaj steps in at left tackle, where he’ll be tasked with protecting Jenkins while opening running lanes for the Wildcats’ backfield.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/29	Collingswood (at Rowan)
9/4	at Freehold Boro
9/11	Brick
9/17	Lacey
9/25	at Toms River East
10/2	Lakewood
10/9	at Central
10/16	at Barnegat
10/23	Toms River South