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Next Man Up: 2026 Lacey Football Preview

Shore Sports Insider|July 19, 2026|Last Updated July 19, 2026

Despite a 4-6 record in 2025, Lacey entered the offseason with renewed optimism after ending the year on a two-game winning streak. That excitement took a major hit in the spring when rising senior running back Joey Davis suffered a torn ACL that will sideline him for his entire senior season.

Davis rushed for a team-high 1,044 yards and 13 touchdowns on 143 carries last season and entered this season with more than 2,000 career rushing yards and 24 touchdowns before suffering the season-ending injury, leaving a significant void in the Lions’ backfield.

With 11 starters returning, the Lions will lean on their experience and embrace a next-man-up mentality as they look to overcome the loss of their star running back and build on the momentum they established late last season.

The Lions will compete in a solid Class B South division that includes rival Central, Brick, and Toms River East, among others.

Offense

The Lions return five starters from an offense that averaged 15.5 points per game last season while totaling 1,801 rushing yards and 323 passing yards.

Senior Joe Geiger (6-1, 175) will take over as the full-time starter at quarterback after seeing limited action at the position last season. Geiger was a Second Team All-Class C South selection at receiver last year.

Seniors Jake Sturman (5-9, 189) and Sean Vargas (5-7, 160) will split carries at running back to compensate for the loss of Davis. Jake is the son of Jeff Sturman who was a standout running back and linebacker for the Lions from 1982-84.

The receiving core will consist of seniors Strummer Caputo (6-1, 168) and Nick Baran (6-1, 180), in addition to juniors Ethan Kuncken (5-9, 140) and AJ D’Angelo (5-8, 140).

Senior Alex Talbot (6-3, 210) will align at tight end.

Junior Logan Gumbaz (6-2, 210), who earned First Team All-Class C South honors last year, will start at left tackle, while senior Aiden Bottomily (6-0, 258) will start opposite him. Senior Sean Gurski (5-11, 240), a 2025 First Team All-Class C South selection, will be the left guard, while senior Kevin O’Connor (5-11, 245) will start opposite him. Senior Corey Lobdell (5-7, 224) will be the center. Corey’s father, Dave, was a starting guard and linebacker on the 1991 and 1992 Lacey teams.

Junior Mason Przemielewski (6-0, 175) will punt and kick.

Defense

The Lions return six starters from a defense that allowed 17.6 points per game last season.

Gumbaz returns as the starter at one defensive end spot after recording 32 tackles and two sacks last season. Talbot is back opposite him after totaling 31 tackles and two sacks on his way to First Team All-Class C South honors a year ago. Gurski is projected to start at one defensive tackle position, while junior Bryce Sauter (6-0, 238) is expected to start alongside him.

Junior Brett Brewer (5-10, 170) returns as the Lions’ starting middle linebacker after recording 37 tackles on his way to Second Team All-Class C South honors last season. Sturman, who totaled 41 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss and earned First Team All-Class C South honors a year ago, and junior Carter Jukubzak (5-11, 181) will start at the outside linebacker positions.

Kuncken and Vargas will each start at cornerback. Junior Hunter Stillwell (5-8, 145) will start at strong safety, while sophomore Liam DeAngelis (5-9, 145) will step in at free safety.

Lacey at a glance

Head coach: Lou Vircillo, 46th season

Career record: 316-187-3

2025 record: 4-6

Offense: Spread

Defense: 3-4 Multiple

Coaching Staff

Associate Head Coach/H-Backs/Special Teams Coordinator: Mike Stuppiello

Defensive Coordinator/LB/RB: Brian Ballatine

WR: Joe Tobin

OL/LB: Matt Kiefer

OL/DL: Charlie Monanian

DB: Christ Demarest

Freshman: Gennaro Balletta

Freshman: Anthony Talerico

Circle the Date: Sept. 26 vs. Central

The Lions have dropped each of the last two meetings with the Golden Eagles and will be looking for revenge this fall. With both teams now competing in Class B South, the rivalry matchup carries even greater importance in what could prove to be a pivotal divisional game.

Newcomer to Watch: Joe Geiger, Sr., QB

Although Geiger played receiver last year, he will assume the full-time starting quarterback role in 2026. With workhorse running back Joey Davis out for the season, Geiger’s importance in the passing game will be significantly magnified.