On the Way Up: 2024 Neptune Football Preview
A potentially electric group of skill players and an experienced line has Neptune optimistic it can bring a streak of four straight losing seasons to a screeching halt.
After becoming the Scarlet Fliers’ fourth new head coach in five seasons last year, Mike Seber is back to bring some stability to a group brimming with possibility. Neptune is also hoping to reap the benefits of having to play two freshmen and seven sophomores regularly last season, who return as experienced veterans.
Neptune is looking to take a big leap forward offensively after finishing second to last in the Shore Conference last season at 10.2 points per game. The Scarlet Fliers’ spread offense returns sophomore Caleb Brown-Mason, who will be the quarterback after picking up 214 total yards and 2 touchdowns as a running back as a freshman.
“He’s got the demeanor, that swagger,” Seber said. “He started both sides of the ball as a freshman. He’s eating up coaching.”
Neptune football is looking for a return to its usual winning ways in 2024. (Photo by Scott Stump)
Brown-Mason is also being coached by a Scarlet Fliers great, former All-Shore quarterback Jaheem Woods, who is a police officer in Neptune and has joined the Fliers’ staff.
Dynamic sophomore Daaron Lynch, who played quarterback last year, has moved to wide receiver after totaling 614 total yards and 5 touchdowns as a freshman.
“He’s a great athlete, and receiver is more natural for him,” Seber said.
Junior Jeremiah Montgomery, senior Cameron Stukes and junior Kemar Archer should all see carries at running back. Sophomore Zy’air Robinson, senior Dazior Bethea and junior William Holland round out the receiving corps.
Two starters are back on the offensive line, led by junior right guard Koen Johnson, a key returner who started both ways last season before being sidelined by a broken hand. Malachi Matson (6-2, 260) is a returning starter at left tackle, where senior Kimani Wallace should also see time.
Sophomore James Blount will be the left guard, senior Jason Peavy is at right tackle, and 265-pound sophomore Steven Borges will be the center. Junior Jaraiya Jean (6-2, 230) returns as a formidable blocker at tight end. Sophomore Hunter Gartley will handle the kicking, while Brown-Mason will also be the punter.
“Up front, we’re pretty good,” Seber said. “The key is just minimizing mistakes. We were in third-and-8 or more on 70% of our possessions last year, and a lot of that was because of penalties.”
Defensively, the Scarlet Fliers have impressive size up front. Johnson and Jean (41 tackles, 7.5 sacks) are the defensive ends, with the 260-pound Matson returning as a starter at defensive tackle and junior Michael Martinez at the other tackle spot.
Robinson, junior Michael MacLennan (55 tackles) and junior Jeremiah Montgomery are all returning starters at linebacker. In the secondary, Stukes and Archer are both returning starters at cornerback. Junior Marcus Green will be the strong safety, with Bethea also seeing time there, and sophomore Hassin McMillian will be at free safety, where Lynch will also get minutes.
The newly realigned divisions offer a lot of potential for a turnaround season for Neptune. The Group 3 Scarlet Fliers are in Class D South, where every other team is a smaller Group I school – Keansburg, Keyport, New Egypt, Point Beach, Shore Regional and Thanksgiving rival Asbury Park.
At a Glance
Head coach: Mike Seber, second season
Career record: 2-7
2023 record: 2-7
Offense: Spread
Defense: 40 front
Coaching Staff
Defensive coordinator/DL: Frank Iachetta
QB/special teams coordinator: Jaheem Woods
OL: Tom Walsh
RB/DB: Mysonn Ledet
RB/LB: Netanis Bean
OL/JV: Frank Martucelli
WR/JV: Bernard Morrison
Player relations: Mike Randolph
Site director: Rodney Morris
Film coordinator: Ronald Puryear
Athletic trainer: Amanda Kelly
Circle the Date: Sept. 6 vs. Keyport.
The Red Raiders have won two straight division titles and boast two of the most explosive players in the Shore in senior wideout Andrei Matthew and junior running back Mekai Henderson. If Neptune has any designs on the Class D South title, it starts here.
Rookie watch: Caleb Brown-Mason, So., QB
Brown-Mason is settling into a new position and has dynamic ability as a dual threat after playing running back last season.
Stat to Know
Neptune is one of the oldest programs in the Shore Conference. The Scarlet Fliers won their first state title back in 1911.
SCHEDULE
| Saturday 8/31 | @Manasquan | 1 p.m. | ||
| Friday 9/6 | Keyport | 6:30 p.m. | ||
| Saturday 9/14 | @Keansburg | Noon | ||
| Friday 9/20 | @New Egypt | 6:30 p.m. | ||
| Saturday 10/5 | Point Beach | 1 p.m. | ||
| Thursday 10/10 | Shore | 6 p.m. | ||
| Friday 10/18 | @Pinelands | 6 p.m. | ||
| Saturday 11/23 | Asbury Park | 10 a.m. |
