The Braves put together a solid season in 2025, finishing 7-4 and taking care of business against every opponent they were favored to beat. The missing piece, however, was a signature victory.

No team endured more heartbreaking defeats. Manalapan’s four losses came by a combined 11 points, including a one-point loss to Tottenville (N.Y.), a three-point defeat to Wall, a one-point setback against Donovan Catholic, and a six-point loss to Middletown North in the Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals. A play or two in the opposite direction here and there could have dramatically changed the Braves’ season.

With 10 starters returning, the Braves have the experience and talent to learn how to finish and turn last season’s narrow defeats into victories and take the next step in 2026.

It won’t come easy, however, as Manalapan has been promoted to the loaded Class A North division, where it will face perennial powers Red Bank Catholic, Rumson-Fair Haven, Wall, and a host of other formidable opponents.

Offense

The Braves return six starters from an offense that averaged 28.4 points per game last season while totaling 2,488 rushing yards and 1,642 passing yards.

Senior Cameron Desfosse (6-2, 180) returns as the starting quarterback after passing for 1,634 yards and 16 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 347 yards and two touchdowns on his way to Second Team All-Shore honors a year ago.

Senior Nick Palmieri (5-9, 180), a Sacred Heart lacrosse commit, will move to tailback after starting the past two seasons at wingback in Manalapan’s shotgun Wing T offense. Palmieri rushed for 693 yards and six touchdowns last season while sharing carries with the departed Ahsere Woolfolk and others and was selected Second Team All-Shore.

Senior Tommy Donaway (5-9, 165) is projected to step into one wingback spot, while senior Ethan Fogelstrom (6-1, 210) will man the other after moving over from tight end, where he started last season.

Seniors Cooper Savage (5-11, 180) and Justin Carlson (5-9, 170) are expected to split time at wide receiver. Savage hauled in 21 receptions for 263 yards last season and was a Second Team All-Class B North selection.

Senior Anthony Relay (5-11, 185) is projected to step into the starting tight end role, while junior Chase Osmun (5-10, 190) will also see playing time in two-tight end sets.

The Braves underwent significant turnover along the offensive line and return just one starter in senior Giovanni Catania (5-10, 230), who shifts from left tackle to right tackle this season. Junior Chris Cruz (5-10, 230) is projected to start at right guard, while junior Ryan Zalewski (6-0, 220) is expected to take over at center. Junior Gabe Habrack (6-1, 210) is the frontrunner at left guard, and senior Christiano Alvez (6-0, 235) is projected to start at left tackle.

Senior Brandon Kaplan (5-7, 160) returns as the placekicker after converting on his lone field goal and 18-of-25 extra points last season. Savage will handle the punting duties. Zaleski will be the long snapper.

Defense

The Braves return six starters from a defense that allowed 16.9 points per game last season.

Fogelstrom moves to defensive end after starting the past two seasons at linebacker. He recorded 67 tackles and three sacks last season and is expected to anchor the edge after earning Second Team All-Shore honors in 2025. Habrack is projected to start opposite him, while junior Mike Papagiannakis (5-11, 230) is slated to take over at nose guard. Juniors Vincent Palmiotto (6-1, 210) and Aiden Lynch (6-2, 240) will also be part of the defensive line rotation.

Palmieri returns as a three-year starter at inside linebacker after recording 81 tackles last season. Senior Donnie Rocco Sosa (5-11, 220) is back alongside him after totaling 80 tackles a year ago and earning First Team All-Class B North honors, giving the Braves one of the Shore Conference’s most experienced inside linebacker duos.

Both outside linebacker spots are up for grabs, with seniors Relay and Savage, along with juniors Luke Mettrick (5-8, 175) and Michael Gelicke (5-10, 175), all competing for the starting jobs.

Donaway returns as the starter at one cornerback spot after recording 13 tackles and an interception last season. Senior Joe Rinaldi (5-9, 165) and junior Xander Roberts (5-10, 160) are competing for the other cornerback position.

Junior PJ Pape (5-9, 165), a Second Team All-Class B South selection, returns as one of the Braves’ starting safeties after totaling 40 tackles and two interceptions last season, while senior Nate Feiss (5-10, 165) is projected to start alongside him.

 

Manalapan at a glance 

Head coach: Dom Lepore, 7th season

Career record: 63-93

2025 record: 7-4

Offense: Gun T

Defense: 3-4

 

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator: Anthony Cialdella

Defensive Coordinator: Brian Ballentine

Special Teams Coordinator/DL: Andrew Jones

RB/OLB: Lou Profera

DB/WR: Lou Mazzarisi

WR/DB: John Carlson

QB: Michael Heckel

S&C/ST: Cody Wiener

Freshman: Michael Lind

Freshman: Reggie Grant Sr.

Freshman: Kyle Earley

Freshman: Frank Iliano

Freshman: Phil Marcantonio

Freshman: Paulie Santomarco

 

Circle the Date: Sept. 10 at Wall

Former Manalapan head coach Ed Gurrieri and Wall have had the Braves’ number over the past two seasons. A victory over the Crimson Knights would represent another significant step forward for the Braves and could provide the signature win that narrowly eluded Manalapan a year ago.

Newcomer to Watch: Anthony Relay, Sr., TE

Relay will be called upon to take over the starting tight end role following Fogelstrom’s move to the backfield. While he has the potential to contribute as a receiver, his biggest responsibility will be serving as a physical presence at the point of attack and helping capture the edge in the running game.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/27	Hillsborough
9/3	Marlboro
9/10	at Wall
9/18	Red Bank Catholic
9/25	at Rumson-Fair Haven
10/2	Toms River North
10/9	St. John Vianney
10/16	at Central
10/23	at Holmdel