Cougars Den: 2025 Colts Neck Football Preview

After suffering their first losing season since 2018, Colts Neck hopes that the 2024 season was an aberration.  Returning a total of 14 starters, Head Coach Matt Ahearn feels this could be a turnaround season for the Cougars. “We have the experience, flexibility, and depth at most positions. If we get up to speed in camp and get off to a fast start, we can have a successful season.”

On offense, coach Ahearn will turn the keys over to quarterback Davy Robbins (Jr, 5’10, 180), who will look to spark a dormant passing attack.  The leading rusher from 2024, Bryson Royal (Sr, 5’9, 190) returns to lead the backfield. Royal rushed 36 times for 172 yards and one TD, while catching 4 passes for 60 yards. Spelling Royal in the backfield will be Joe Pignatelli (Sr, 5’10, 220). A trio of second-year starters lead the wide receiving corps.  Evan Kish (Sr, 5’10, 175), Aiden Bain (Sr, 6’2, 200), and RJ Conover (Sr, 5’10, 180) will look to make life easy for Robbins. Rotating in at wide receiver will be Evan Duffy (Sr, 5’10, 170), Mike Gross (St, 5’8, 150), Nico Zecchino (Jr, 5’9, 160), James Scully (Jr, 5’8, 180), Alex Policastro (Jr. 5’10, 190), Alex Baum (Jr, 5’10, 180), and Zavion Tabron (Sr, 6’1, 170).

The offensive line returns only 2 starters, but they have the size to protect Robbins. Left tackle looks to be a battle between AJ Sanchez (Jr, 6’2, 240) and Miles Baum (Jr. 5’10, 220). Left guard Joe Montecalvo (Jr. 5’10, 265), center Andrew Resinger (Sr, 6’1, 270), and right guard Logan Bavaro (Sr, 6’3, 290) will anchor the interior of the line. Starting at right tackle will be either Justin Maugeri (Jr, 6’2,250) or Ryan Ugarte (Sr, 6’2, 280).  Kyle Li (Jr, 6’2, 210) returns as a third-year starter at TE.  He will be backed up by Christian Cagley (Sr, 5’10, 210).

Cagley and Pignatelli will man the senior-dominated defensive line at the end positions while Ugarte and Bavaro will look to be stout against the run at the defensive tackle positions. The starting outside linebackers will be Bain and Policastro while Baum will run the defense from the middle linebacker spot.  The defensive backfield returns three two-year starters. Zecchino and Conover will man the cornerback positions while the strong safety will be Alex Baum and the free safety will be Scully.

Kish will be counted on to handle the place-kicking and punting duties for the Cougars.

 

Cougars at a Glance

Head Coach: Matt Ahearn

Career Record: 37-30

2024 Record: 1-9

Offense: Multiple I

Defense: 4-2-5

Coaching Staff

DC/LB/RB: Shawn Scully

STC/OL/DL: Dom Pollifrone

Head JV/DB/WR: Brenden Wei

Asst STC/TE/DE: Colin O’Hara

Asst Varsity: Doug Zockoll

Head Freshman: Joe Pipoli

Asst Freshman: Joe Giacalone

Asst Freshman: Anthony Lombardi

Athletic Trainer: Jamie Skolka

 

Circle the Data: September 20 at Long Branch 12 p.m.

The Cougars go on the road to face the Green Wave, who defeated Colts Neck 28-20 last season, giving Long Branch their only win in 2024.

Newcomer to Watch: Davy Robbins, Jr., 5’10” 180

The Cougars new quarterback will be operating under center in the I-Formation. His ability to complete passes on bootlegs, three-step dropbacks, and 5-step dropbacks will help keep the defense from stacking the box against the run.

Stat to Know

The Cougars need to find a replacement for tackling machine James Bertan, who was near the top of the Shore Conference with 109 total tackles in 2024.

Schedule

8/28     @Marlboro          7:00pm

9/6        Freehold Twp     11:00am

9/13      Red Bank Reg     11:00am

9/20     @Long Branch    12:00pm

9/26     @Matawan            6:00pm

10/4     @Freehold Boro   2:00pm

10/11    Shore                      11:00am

10/18    Ocean  Twp          11:00am

10/25   @Manasquan        1:00pm