Hoist the Colors: 2025 Toms River East Football Preview
After an opening night victory against Barnegat, the 2024 season appeared to have potential for Toms River East. Unfortunately for the Raiders, the wheels fell off against three-time defending Group 5 state champion Toms River North and they were never able to recover finishing the season 2-8. The good news for Toms River East is that they return 12 starters including 9 on defense who are ready to showcase a strong brand of physicality.
The Raiders will compete against the likes of Lacey, Lakewood, Pinelands, and Barnegat in what should be a very competitive, but winnable Class C-South Division.
Offense
The Raiders averaged just 9.4 points per game a year ago, but the 2025 offense has been almost completely replenished with new faces.
The quarterback will be Brayden Flanagan (Sr., 5’10”, 185). The running back committee will feature Brandon Siebert (Sr., 5’8″, 170), Luke Brush, and Colin Heale (Jr., 5’10”, 175).
The Raiders will use numerous wide receivers in their spread offense including Michael Garrabrant, Colin Cummings, Austin Sanok (Jr., 5’9″, 155), and sophomore Tyler Mendes.
The left tackle will be returning 2nd Team All-Division selection Shamus O’Grady (Sr., 6’4″, 255). Another 2nd Team All-Division selection returns at center in Nico Giannetti (Sr., 6’1″, 255). Junior Peter DeLeon will take over at left guard while Kyle Ho will line up at right guard. Sophomore Jackson O’Brien will be the right tackle.
Senior Antonio Ellis will be the placekicker.
Defense
The Raiders allowed 31.3 points per game a year ago, but they are projected to be significantly improved as they return 9 players with experience.
O’Grady will return at one defensive tackle position while senior Justin Mirto and senior Jacob Humphrey will align at the other defensive tackle spots in the odd front.
The outside linebackers will be Siebert and senior Ben Standfast. The inside linebackers are projected to be Brush and senior Owen Huttemann.
In the secondary, the safeties will be seniors Colin Cummings and Nick Caruso (5’11”, 150). The cornerbacks will be Garrabrant and senior Dylan Ramirez.
Siebert will handle the punting duties.
Toms River East at a glance
Head coach: Kyle Sandberg, 10th season
Career record: 27-59
2024 record: 2-8
Offense: Spread
Defense: Multiple
Coaching Staff
DB/WR: Dan Cicala
AFC: Rob Dietlmeier
FO: April Florie
OL/DL: Nick Florio
DL/OL: Frank Giannetti
HFC: Steve Petrosino
AFC: Keith Smicklo
Defensive Coordinator: Mario Steriti
QB/LB: Nick Zaza
Athletic Trainer: Kristen Dilloian
Circle the Date: Aug. 28 at Manchester
A week 0 tilt against a rebuilding Manchester team presents itself as an opportunity to start the season 1-0 and build some momentum. If the Raiders can win that match-up, it will go a long way towards putting together a winning season.
Newcomer to Watch: Brayden Flanagan, Sr., QB
Flanagan steps into the starting quarterback role for the first time as a senior. His performance will go a long way towards improving a unit that struggled significantly in 2024.
Schedule
| Date | Opponent | |||
| 08-28 | @ Manchester | |||
| 09-05 | Toms River North | |||
| 09-12 | @ Barnegat | |||
| 09-19 | Lakewood | |||
| 09-26 | @ Monmouth | |||
| 10-03 | @ Donovan Catholic | |||
| 10-10 | Lacey | |||
| 10-17
10-24 |
Toms River South
@ Pinelands |
