Defending the Crown: 2025 Toms River North Football Preview
Coming into the 2025 season, Toms River North Head Coach Dave Oizerowitz feels a different kind of pressure—but it’s not from the outside. “When you have a veteran group [like 2024] and you’ve accomplished something [before] and that group returns, you do feel that pressure,” he said. “You feel the pressure to produce, and last year we exceeded that.”
After leading a senior-heavy squad to a third straight Group 5 state title, Oizerowitz now shifts back to a developmental mindset with a younger roster in 2025. Still, his tone is far from cautious. It’s energized. “When you have a young group, I really enjoy that,” he said. “You’re getting back to the base fundamentals of what needs to be done. And it’s new and it’s fresh and there’s no limit to the expectations of your teams.”
Despite graduating a historic senior class—eight First Team All-Shore selections including, quarterback T.J. Valerio, and Shore Sports Insider Defensive Player of the Year Blaise Boland—the belief in the program’s culture remains unchanged. “Our kids from top to bottom haven’t lost much at any level,” Oizerowitz added. “Our kids know how to win and [carry] a winning culture.”
That mindset is echoed by standout linebacker Jack Baker, one of the team’s top returning players: “It’s a next-man-up mentality,” he said. “[We have] a lot of new faces, but they’re all ready to work. Brady [Cicala] and I are working to keep the energy high and maintain a high level of output. Day by day, getting better every practice.”
Toms River North ended 2024 as the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference and among the top teams in New Jersey. The Mariners capped off a perfect season with a dominant 41-14 win over Union City in the Group 5 final—securing their third consecutive state championship. Over the last three seasons, the program has compiled an astounding 40-2 overall record, an active winning streak at 19 games and a 39-game winning streak against public school opponents. They also went undefeated in Class A South play to secure another division crown. Though Oizerowitz admits the roster may not be as “loaded” as in years past, the expectations haven’t changed—because the standard at Toms River North never does.
Offense
Toms River North will see a changing of the guard at quarterback following the graduation of standout senior T.J. Valerio. In his first year as a starter, Valerio earned First Team All-Shore Conference honors and was named the A-South Offensive Player of the Year. He broke the single-season school passing record with 2,427 yards—ranking top three in the conference—and threw 30 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 841 yards and eight touchdowns, completing 73% of his passes with just four interceptions on 191 attempts.
While sophomore Cole Garrison was used in key short-yardage and keeper packages late in the season—racking up 407 rushing yards and seven touchdowns—many assumed he would step into the starting quarterback role in 2025. Instead, the coaching staff handed the reins to junior Logan Brill (6-2, 195), a multi-sport athlete and sharpshooting guard on the basketball team. Garrison, now expected to be the offense’s top receiving threat, will be a central piece in Brill’s supporting cast. The coaching staff is already high on Brill, citing him as one of the team’s top newcomers. While the Mariners appear to have found their next quarterback, a critical piece of the puzzle will be developing additional weapons around Garrison—preventing defenses from focusing solely on him and ensuring the offense maintains the explosive balance that has defined recent seasons.
Toms River North also loses several key play makers from last season’s championship offense, including Mordecai Ford, Camryn Thomas, Nasir Jackson, Jaelyne Matthews, and Hathem Hooranyi. Ford, a First Team All-Shore and First Team All A-South selection at running back, was one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the Shore. He rushed for 695 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also catching 32 passes for 414 yards and seven scores.
With Ford’s graduation, junior Lucas Elias (5-6, 155) is expected to take over as the starting running back. Elias was efficient in limited action last season, totaling 258 yards and four touchdowns. His 38 carries were only 10% of the team’s last season, but he has experience in the backfield. Backing him up will be Wesley Tanner (5-9, 185), who, like Elias, has seen what it takes to compete at a championship level. Senior Cam Alagna (5-10, 190) will also contribute in the backfield as the team’s fullback.
Wide receiver is another area that will look drastically different in 2025. Camryn Thomas, a First Team All-Shore and First Team All A-South selection, was one of the premier two-way players in the Shore Conference. He led the Mariners with 37 receptions for 806 yards and eight touchdowns—averaging a staggering 21.8 yards per catch. Nasir Jackson, another First Team All-Shore selection on defense at cornerback, was also dangerous on offense, hauling in 36 passes for 756 yards and eight touchdowns.
Cole Garrison now steps in as the leader of the pass-catching unit for Toms River North. As a sophomore, he was named Second Team All-Shore Conference and First Team All A-South as an athlete for his contributions on both sides of the ball. He caught 19 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns while also serving as a dynamic running threat when inserted at quarterback. Garrison rushed for 407 yards and seven touchdowns on the season, becoming a dominant force in the state playoff run. He ran for 130 yards and three touchdowns in the sectional final win over Rancocas Valley, followed by 84 yards and two scores in the Group 5 championship game against Union City. Now up to 5-9, 185 pounds, Garrison is expected to be the No. 1 option in the passing game this season. He’s one of just three returning offensive starters—and the only returning skill-position player. He is receiving interest from both DI and FCS programs.
Joining him in the receiver room are several newcomers. Junior Wesley Tanner, who will also see time at running back, is a strong candidate to emerge as the second option. Tanner has already caught the attention of the staff and was named one of the team’s top newcomers. Sophomore Jared Brown (5-10, 155), freshman Jazier Frazier (5-9, 155), and junior Arlo Olivier (5-10, 185) round out the group.
The Mariners also have the luxury of using senior Jack Baker (6-2, 235) as a tight end when needed, adding a reliable target with size and strength for new quarterback Logan Brill. Though primarily known for his dominance at linebacker, Baker can provide matchup problems on offense. This kind of two-way versatility isn’t new for North—last year, defensive standouts Blaise Boland and Eddie Slosky occasionally caught passes to extend drives and catch defenses off guard.
The offensive line will feature two returning starters, with the unit primarily made up of upperclassmen. The group does lose standout Ja’Elyne Matthews, a First Team All-Shore Conference and First Team All A-South selection who was one of the top offensive line recruits in the state. He is now at Florida State. The Mariners also graduated Hathem Hooranyi, a Second Team All-Shore and First Team All A-South selection.
Returning to anchor the line is sophomore Robert Rossano, who earned Second Team All A-South honors as a freshman and is already projected as one of the top offensive linemen in the conference this season. The other returning starter is senior Dom Manochio (6-2, 265), who will reprise his role at left tackle. Junior Christian Davis-Joseph (6-2, 245) is projected to start at left guard, with senior Declan Roonan (6-1, 245) set to take over at center. Sophomore Patrick Williams (6-3, 275), the biggest lineman on the roster, will slide in at right tackle. Seniors Mike Glockner and junior John Rodriguez provide valuable depth across the line.
North will also have to replace its longtime staple at kicker. Yianni Papanikolas set a state record last season with 180 career extra points made. He converted 54 of 56 PATs and went 3-for-5 on field goals, earning Third Team All-Shore Conference and First Team All A-South honors.
Among the biggest questions for the Mariners entering 2025 are whether the team can quickly overcome its overall inexperience and how the new group of linemen will perform on both sides of the ball. North has long relied on dominant line play to open up the playbook, fuel offensive production, and shut down opposing offenses. Replicating that in the trenches will be crucial to continuing their championship-caliber success.
Defense
Just like the offense, the defense returns only three starters, and the most glaring question is how the unit will replace Blaise Boland. The First Team All-Shore Conference, First Team All A-South, A-South Defensive Player of the Year, and Shore Sports Insider Defensive Player of the Year was an absolute game-wrecker for the Shore Conference’s No. 1 defense.
Boland led the team with 115 tackles, had a Shore Conference-best 28.5 tackles for loss, and a conference-leading 9.5 sacks. He also forced five fumbles and recovered one. He consistently delivered in the biggest moments, flipping the momentum in the sectional final against Rancocas Valley with 11 tackles (three for loss) and two sacks. Facing a Wing-T offense featuring two 1,000-yard rushers, Boland was relentless—constantly pressuring the quarterback and shutting down the run. In the Group 5 state championship against Union City, he sealed the win with a blindside hit that forced a fumble, which Jaelyne Matthews recovered, preventing the game from becoming a one-score contest.
Boland finished his career with 232 tackles, 60.5 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks—cementing his legacy as one of the most prolific pass rushers in Toms River North history. Head Coach Dave Oizerowitz called him “elite,” adding: “He studies the tackles he plays against and he sets them up. We gave him more freedom than probably any other edge rusher we’ve had because we trusted him. He’s as good a kid as we’ve ever had on defense.”
The Mariners also lost Eddie Slosky, a First Team All-Shore Conference and First Team All A-South selection, who played opposite Boland on the defensive line. Slosky posted an impressive stat line of 86 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. They also graduate Hathem Hooranyi, who anchored the middle of the defensive line with 68 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
This season, sophomore Rob Rossano (6-2, 275) and junior Christian Davis-Joseph (6-2, 245) are the projected starters at defensive end, with Mike Glockner and Judah Williams also in the mix. At nose tackle, sophomore Patrick Williams (6-3, 275) will step into a starting role, with freshman Gabe Medina backing him up.
The inside linebacker unit remains a major strength for Toms River North, with both of its standout underclassmen returning: Jack Baker and Brady Cicala. Jack Baker, a First Team All-Shore Conference and First Team All A-South selection, had a breakout sophomore season with 106 tackles, 22 tackles for loss (tied for second in the Shore), 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He’s already drawing interest from Power 4 and Ivy League programs and holds an offer from Syracuse.
Brady Cicala, a Second Team All-Shore and First Team All A-South selection, had 109 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery. He closed 2024 with a dominant showing in the Group 5 title game, posting 12 tackles and 1.5 for loss against Union City. With the graduation of several high-impact defensive playmakers, Cicala’s snap count is expected to increase, putting him in a prime position to build on last year’s numbers. Alongside Baker, he forms one of the top returning linebacker duos in the Shore Conference. Both players came up through a system that continues to churn out elite defensive talent. Having been in the room with stars like Blaise Boland, they know the level of effort and preparation required to anchor a championship-caliber defense. Last season, Toms River North was the only team in the Shore to produce three players with 100+ tackles — a testament to the scheme and its execution.
At outside linebacker, freshman Finn Boland and sophomore Kam Morse — both younger brothers of recent North standouts — are projected to start and carry on the family legacy.
The secondary will undergo a near-complete overhaul in 2025, with Cole Garrison as the lone returning starter. Garrison, who will start at strong safety, is projected to be one of the top defensive backs in the Shore Conference this season. His leadership and versatility will be critical for a unit replacing a wealth of talent.
Toms River North must fill the void left by Nasir Jackson, a First Team All-Shore and First Team All A-South selection. Jackson was a dynamic two-way player who tallied 48 tackles, a conference-leading six interceptions, and a fumble return touchdown. He had two pick-sixes in the sectional final win over Rancocas Valley, showcasing his ability to change the game in an instant.
Also gone is Mekai Morse, a Third Team All-Shore and First Team All A-South selection who recorded 89 tackles, two interceptions, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Cam Thomas, another two-way contributor, graduated as well, and projected starting defensive back Jael Hester — a Second Team All A-South selection — has transferred to Donovan Catholic.
Junior Tarell Council (6-0, 175) and freshman Jazier Frazier (5-9, 155) are projected to start at cornerback, with Council already recognized as one of the team’s top newcomers. Junior Wesley Tanner will take over at free safety. Jared Brown and Gabe Nickens add depth to the position group.
Outlook
HC Oizerowitz emphasizes that the foundation of this team lies in its championship culture and work ethic. While the players are fully aware of who they’ve lost from last year’s historic roster, they’ve embraced the challenge and have been hard at work preparing for the season ahead. The formula for success, according to Oizerowitz, is straightforward: stay focused on the present and continue to develop on a week-by-week basis. The program’s goals remain unchanged — contend for the division title, qualify for the playoffs, and make another run at sectional and state championships.
North remains in the ultra-competitive Class A South, facing another daunting schedule. Along with division foes Point Boro and Brick Memorial, they’ll take on a retooled Donovan Catholic squad and the new-look Jackson Township team formed from the merger of Jackson Memorial and Liberty. Non-conference opponents include perennial powers Rumson-Fair Haven and Red Bank Catholic.
Last season, the Mariners averaged 37.6 points per game, second only to Rumson in the Shore Conference. While some regression on offense may be expected due to key losses, the potential remains. On defense, they were historically dominant, allowing a conference-best 7.9 points per game with five shutouts. Even with major departures, the defense enters 2025 with more known returning production than the offense. That said, with a schedule this demanding, the offense will need to produce enough to keep pace — especially early in the season as the new starters gain experience.
North at a Glance
Head Coach: Dave Oizerowitz, 13th Season
Career record: 106-49
2024 record: 14-0
Offense: Power Spread
Defense: Multiple 3-4
Coaching Staff
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Oizerowitz
Defensive Coordinator: Joe Oizerowitz
Special Teams Coordinator: Gabe Roonan
Quarter Backs: Anthony Penna
Running Backs: Greg Elias
Wide Receivers: Mike Oizerowitz
Offensive Line: Bill Dowd
Defensive Line: Bill Dowd
Inside Linebackers: Charlie Henry
Outside Linebackers: Gabe Roonan
Defensive Backs: Joe Oizerowitz
Athletic Trainer: Jake McCartney
Circle the Date: Sept. 12 Donovan Catholic
Toms River North shut out Donovan Catholic last season while putting up 31 points offensively, but this year’s matchup brings a much different challenge. Donovan has undergone a complete overhaul, headlined by the arrival of Kahden Davis, a three-star quarterback who transferred in from Seton Hall Prep. At 6-foot, 205 pounds, Davis holds offers from ACC and Big Ten programs and brings a dynamic element to the Griffins’ offense.
He’ll be joined in the backfield by Alex Staten, a transfer from Ocean who rushed for seven touchdowns last season and will now run behind Kai Pritchard, one of the top offensive linemen in the Shore Conference and an Illinois commit. Donovan also added more firepower with transfers like Nyron Snerling and Jael Hester, who came over from North.
Despite Donovan’s new-look roster, Toms River North holds the edge in program stability and postseason success. The Mariners’ linebackers and defensive front will be key to setting the tone. If they can pressure Davis and speed up his decision-making, as they’ve done to so many quarterbacks in the past, it could disrupt the Griffins’ rhythm. Similarly, containing Staten and limiting the run game will force Donovan into a one-dimensional attack, allowing North’s secondary to capitalize on any miscues.
Newcomer to Watch: Logan Brill, Jr., QB
Brill steps in at quarterback following a lineage of highly successful Toms River North signal-callers — many of whom thrived despite limited prior starting experience. With a background in basketball, Brill’s vision and court awareness could translate well into reading defenses and making wise decisions under pressure. He’s already had some carries as a runner, and that element of his game is likely to expand given the recent success of dual-threat quarterbacks in North’s offensive scheme.
However, unlike his predecessors, Brill won’t have the luxury of an experienced offensive line in front of him. How the offense adjusts to that — whether through quicker reads, short passing concepts, or a more run-heavy approach — will be key to maintaining the unit’s efficiency. Fortunately for Brill, the Mariners coaching staff has consistently maximized talent at the position, and they have the right system in place for both him and this young roster to succeed.
SCHEDULE
Date Team Time
Thursday 8/28 at RBC 7 p.m.
Friday 9/5 at TR East 6 p.m.
Friday 9/12 at Donovan Cath. 6:30 p.m.
Friday 9/19 Brick Mem. 6 p.m.
Friday 9/26 Southern 6 p.m.
Friday 10/3 at TR South 6 p.m.
Friday 10/10 Jackson Twp. 6 p.m.
Friday 10/17 Rumson FH 6 p.m.
Friday 10/24 at Point Boro 6:30 p.m.
