Off the Leash: 2025 Matawan Football Preview

Story by Eric Thaler
Special Contributor, Shore Sports Insider

With the 2025 season quickly approaching, the Matawan football team enters a new chapter as the Shore Conference undergoes a major realignment. Now part of the Class C North division, Matawan finds itself in a restructured division that brings a fresh slate of matchups and a more balanced competitive landscape.

At the top level, Matawan will not have to face the division leaders from last year, with Middletown North (5-0 division record) and Freehold Township (4-1) no longer in the field. Long Branch and Colts Neck shift over from Class A North after both endured tough 1-8 campaigns against elite competition. Joining them is Shore Regional, fresh off a remarkable 10–1 season, including a 6–0 run in division play and a trip to the Group 1 Central finals. Rounding out the group are Manasquan and Red Bank.

After back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023, the Huskies fell short in 2024, finishing outside the postseason picture. The Huskies scored 15.9 points per game but hit the 20-point mark in four games, going 2–2 in those matchups.

Matawan returns six starters on offense and five on defense, providing a mix of experience and opportunity for emerging talent. The largest piece missing from the 2024 team is offensive lineman Jayden Elijah. He is at Rutgers this season after earning First Team All-B North and Second Team All-Shore Conference selections a year ago. Elijah paved the way for 1,800 yards on the ground for the Huskies in 2024.

Another main contributor was running back Colin Palumbo, who averaged a highly efficient 9.7 yards per carry for 786 yards and nine touchdowns last year on his way to a First Team All-B North selection as well.

On the defensive side, Matawan must replace a pair of impact linebackers in Jaylen Williams and Morganblake Gagneron, who earned First Team and Second Team All-B North recognition, respectively. Their graduations leave a sizable void in the middle of the defense, both in terms of production and leadership. Additionally, the departure ofAm’ir Martinez removes another key piece of the front seven.

In addition to navigating a new division, Matawan will also be breaking in a new starting quarterback in BlairCarter Gagneron. Early signs have been encouraging. During summer 7-on-7 tournaments, coach Matt Walsh praised Gagneron’s poise, highlighting his ability to move through progressions, deliver the ball on time, and—perhaps most importantly—take what the defense gives him rather than forcing risky throws.

Walsh acknowledged the youth across the roster as the team’s biggest challenge heading into 2025, but remains optimistic about the offense’s potential. One reason for that confidence is the return of Welman Crooms, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards last season. A reliable and explosive weapon, Crooms will once again be the centerpiece of the passing game. He’ll be joined by Damien Marsh, another returning target who impressed throughout the summer.

Outside of Gagneron, the Huskies’ offensive unit will lean on a pair of promising sophomores to step into key skill roles. Sean Euell takes over duties in the backfield, looking to carry forward the success of Matawan’s ground game after the departure of Palumbo. Meanwhile, Cayson Williams will step into a veteran wide receiver room, adding youth and depth.

Up front, the offensive line will be the most veteran unit on the field—a crucial element for an offense relying on young skill players. The group features a solid mix of juniors and seniors, with the experience needed to protect their first-year starting quarterback and pave the way for a new-look running attack.

Gavin Miller (right guard) and Jacob Lauricella (right tackle) bring proven varsity experience to the trenches, though both will be adjusting to new positions in 2025. Andras Haramasz, another returning contributor, adds stability to the unit, while J.J. Oshin shifts to center, and Hunter Mendoza locks down the left tackle spot.On defense, the Huskies will rely on a youthful front four that features some familiar names pulling double duty in the trenches. Offensive linemen Andras Haramasz and J.J. Oshin will rotate in on the defensive line, providing needed experience and size up front. They will be joined by Kevin Auguste, who will take over at defensive end, and sophomore Tyson Spann, an emerging talent expected to contribute at defensive tackle.

The linebacker corps—once a strength for Matawan—was hit hardest by graduation, losing stalwarts Colin Palumbo and Jaylen Williams, both of whom were highly disruptive and consistent tacklers. In their place, the Huskies will turn to a pair of sophomores, Sean Euell and Joe Martucci, to take over in the middle of the defense. The two young linebackers have big shoes to fill, not just in terms of production, but also in leadership and field awareness.

The secondary continues to undergo transition, but it remains one of the more promising units on Matawan’s defense heading into 2025. Despite the loss of key contributors Alliu and Bodin, the back end of the defense still features experienced playmakers and emerging talent capable of holding the line. Leading the group is Welman Crooms, who shifts from cornerback to safety, bringing athleticism, leadership, and high-level experience to the heart of the secondary. Alongside Crooms is returning starter Alexander Liss, another battle-tested safety with plenty of varsity exposure and a strong understanding of the defensive system.

On the outside, Nelson Velez and Zach Johnson step into starting roles at corner. Both are relatively new to the lineup but bring encouraging upside. With Crooms and Liss providing veteran support over the top, Velez and Johnson will have the opportunity to grow into their roles without having to shoulder the entire load early.

Matawan at a Glance

Head coach: Matt Walsh, second season

Career record: 2-8

2024 record: 2-8

Offense: Multiple

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator: Brian Duffy

Quarterbacks: Matt Walsh

Wide Receivers: Bobby Wietecha

Special Teams Coordinator: Bobby Wietecha

Running Backs: Joe Martucci

Offensive Line: Brian Duffy

Defensive Line: Sam Turner

Linebackers: Joe Martucci

Secondary: Shawn Ramcheran

Athletic Trainer: Matt Goetz

Circle the Date: Oct. 10 vs. Long Branch

At this point in the season, the Huskies will face a pivotal three-game stretch that could very well define their 2025 campaign: consecutive matchups against Colts Neck, Raritan, and Long Branch. Fortunately for Matawan, all three contests will take place at home. If the Huskies can build early momentum and stay healthy, there’s a realistic path to entering this stretch at 4–2 overall and 2-1 within the division. This could set the stage for a potential high-stakes finale against Shore Regional that could decide the Class C North title, in what will be a closely contested division.

Newcomer to Watch: Cayson Williams, So., Wide Receiver

Sophomore wide receiver Cayson Williams is poised to become the future of Matawan’s pass-catching corps as the program looks ahead beyond 2025. With senior standouts Welman Crooms and Damien Marsh set to graduate after this season, Williams is poised to take on a much larger role—and he’s already in a great position to grow alongside sophomore quarterback BlairCarter Gagneron, with whom he shares the same graduating class.

That continuity between quarterback and receiver is invaluable, giving the duo time to build chemistry and timing over the next two seasons. While Crooms is expected to command a majority of the defensive attention this year, Williams will benefit from that, likely drawing softer coverage and more single-coverage matchups. That opens the door for him to flash his skill set and earn valuable varsity reps in meaningful moments.

SCHEDULE

Date                   Team                          Time

Friday 8/29        at Hightstown             6 p.m.

Friday 9/5          at Ocean                        7 p.m.

Friday 9/12        Manasquan                  6 p.m.

Friday 9/19        at Red Bank                 6:30 p.m.

Friday 9/26        Colts Neck                   6 p.m.

Friday 10/3        Raritan                         6 p.m.

Friday 10/10      Long Branch               6 p.m.

Friday 10/17      at Midd. North           7 p.m.

Friday 10/24      at Shore                      7 p.m.