Through no fault of their own, Southern found itself in a Class B South division where the Rams were simply a cut above the competition. They overwhelmed their four divisional opponents by a combined 148-14 en route to a division championship. Southern also proved its mettle outside of divisional play, defeating Class A South contenders Jackson and Toms River North while pushing the Shore Conference’s eventual top-ranked public school Brick Memorial to the brink in a 19-14 loss. The Rams finished 9-2 overall ending their season with a loss to Kingsway in the South Jersey Group 5 semifinals.

The biggest storyline of the offseason was the retirement of longtime head coach Chuck Donohue Sr., who amassed 290 career victories across four schools during a legendary coaching career. Stepping into his place is Matt Abbato, who has been promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach and will guide the Rams into a new era.

Southern’s success earned the Rams a promotion to Class A South, where they’ll face Jackson, Toms River North, and Brick Memorial while adding Point Boro and Donovan Catholic to their schedule. Although Southern graduated a significant amount of talent—most notably along the offensive line and throughout the secondary—the cupboard is far from bare. The Rams bring back several high-impact players, welcome the return of a difference-maker who did not play football last season, and have added a promising newcomer who could make an immediate impact.

Offense

The Rams return three starters from an offense that averaged 28.5 points per game last season while totaling 1,699 rushing yards and 1,490 passing yards.

Senior Carson Abbato (6-1, 190) returns for his second season as the Rams’ starting quarterback after throwing for 1,442 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 167 rushing yards and two scores last fall. The 2025 Class B South Offensive Player of the Year and son of first-year head coach Matt Abbato, Carson brings invaluable experience and a deep understanding of the offense that should help provide stability as Southern transitions into a new era.

Junior Niko Iliescu (5-10, 225) is expected to step into the featured running back role after rushing for 382 yards and seven touchdowns in limited opportunities last season. Also expected to see carries are senior Levi Foote (6-0, 225), a returning defensive starter from 2024 who is back with the football team after sitting out last season to focus on wrestling, along with senior Jack Ramsey (5-10, 180) and junior Sawyer Grose (5-10, 180).

Senior Chris Raub (5-9, 180) returns as Southern’s top receiving threat after leading the Rams with 33 receptions for 641 yards and six touchdowns last season, earning Second Team All-Shore honors. He’ll be joined in the starting lineup by senior Luke Iorio (6-1, 185), who started on defense last season, and junior Cole Celeste (6-1, 175). Freshman Mason O’Brien (6-0, 185) is a newcomer to watch, while senior Julian Rott (6-1, 165) provides additional depth.

Junior Lukas Iliescu (6-0, 200) returns as the Rams’ starting tight end, a versatile position in Southern’s offense that also incorporates fullback and H-back responsibilities. A First Team All-Class B South selection last season, Iliescu hauled in 13 receptions for 216 yards and three touchdowns and will once again be a key piece in both the running and passing games.

The Rams will feature an entirely rebuilt offensive line, making the development of chemistry a priority heading into the season. Senior John McGinnis (6-1, 225), who started on defense last season, is projected to play left tackle, while senior Logan Smith (6-0, 210) is expected to start at right guard. Senior Dan Pena (6-1, 240) is also projected to earn a starting role. The remaining two positions are still up for grabs, with seniors Liam Barker (5-10, 185) and Jacob Hook (6-4, 250) competing alongside juniors Mason Pavao (5-10, 225) and Parker Kriews (6-0, 230) for the final starting spots.

Celeste returns as Southern’s starting kicker and punter after an outstanding 2025 season. He converted all 22 of his extra-point attempts, made two field goals—including a Shore Conference season-long 45-yarder—and averaged 40.0 yards per punt, giving the Rams one of the conference’s top specialists.

Defense

The Rams return five starters from a unit that allowed 8.4 points per game last season.

Foote returns to his starting role on the edge after a one-year hiatus from football. During his last season in 2024, he totaled 23 tackles, two sacks, a team-high four fumble recoveries, and returned two of those recoveries for touchdowns. He’ll be paired with Ramsey on the opposite edge.

Junior Jayden Krug (5-10, 200) is set to anchor the Rams’ 50 front as the starting nose guard. At defensive tackle, McGinnis returns after earning Second Team All-Class B South honors by recording 24 tackles and an unusual two interceptions for a defensive lineman last season. Smith is projected to start alongside him.

Twin brothers Niko and Lukas Iliescu return to lead the Rams’ linebacker corps. Niko earned First Team All-Class B South honors after totaling 51 tackles, four sacks, and one interception last season, while Lukas added 47 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Together, the brothers provide Southern with an experienced and productive tandem in the heart of the defense.

Iorio is the lone returning starter in the secondary after recording 45 tackles, five sacks, and one interception from his strong safety position last season. Celeste, Gross, and junior TJ Kelly (5-9, 160) are expected to compete for the other safety spot.

Both cornerback positions remain up for grabs, with a five-player battle expected throughout camp. Senior Noah Perna (6-0, 175), a standout on Southern’s basketball team, returns to football for the first time since middle school and headlines the group as an intriguing prospect. He’ll compete alongside Rott, Raub, junior JC Jones (5-9, 160), and junior Kaelen Gordon (5-9, 165) for the starting jobs on the outside.

 

Southern at a glance 

Head coach: Matt Abbato, 1st season

Career record: 0-0

2025 record: 9-2

Offense: Multiple

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator: Eric Sharkey

RB/DB: CJ Tomeldon

TE/DB: Mik Jinks

OL: Dylan Larson

DL: John Power

QB/OLB: Matt Norman

LB: Dan Abbato

Freshman: Eric Fierro

Freshman: Mike Cioffi

Freshman: Chris Clerico

Freshman: Pat Ramsey

Circle the Date: Oct. 23 at Brick Memorial

Southern stumbled out of the gate in last season’s meeting, falling behind 19-0 before rallying to within five points in a 19-14 loss to Brick Memorial. The defeat ultimately cost the Rams what likely would have been the highest ranking among Shore Conference public schools. Although both teams enter this season with significant roster turnover, the rematch figures to be one of the most important games in the Class A South race.

Newcomer to Watch: Noah Perna, Sr., Defensive Back

Southern’s top basketball player will return to the football field for the first time since his AYF days, giving the Rams an intriguing new athlete in the secondary. Although he’ll be acclimating to the game again after a lengthy absence, Perna has the potential to develop into a valuable coverage defender capable of matching up with opposing receivers.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/29	Bridgeton (at Ocean City)
9/4	Belmont Charter PA
9/10	at Jackson
9/18	Point Boro
9/25	at Donovan Catholic
10/2	Central
10/9	Toms River North
10/16	at Middletown North
10/23	at Brick Memorial