Barnegat started last season 2-0 and ended it with consecutive wins, but a 1-5 stretch in the middle of the year ultimately left them with a 5-5 record. Two of those five losses came by a single touchdown.

With 14 starters returning, the Bengals will lean on its experience, particularly at the skill positions, as it looks to navigate a wide-open Class D North division that includes Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Long Branch, Manchester, and Monmouth.

Offense

The Bengals return seven starters from an offense that averaged 18.5 points per game last season while totaling 1,389 rushing yards and 897 passing yards.

Senior Nick Malinowski (6-0, 200) takes over at quarterback following the graduation of three-year starter Jack Haviland. A returning starter at linebacker, Malinowski also contributed at wide receiver last season. Haviland carried the ball a team-high 103 times last season, so it is same to assume Malinowski will be featured heavily as a runner.

Senior Chris Santero (5-11, 185), a Second Team All-Class C South selection last year, returns as the starting running back after rushing for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Ryan Fitzpatrick (5-6, 155), who rushed for 241 yards and two touchdowns last season, and senior ZiMere Jackson (5-9, 190) provide additional depth in the backfield and should also see carries. Senior Josh Kawka (5-8, 200) returns as the starter at the H-Back position.

All three starting wide receivers from last year return including senior Charlie Bryant (5-11, 165), junior Justin Fitzpatrick (5-9, 145), and sophomore Calvin Fair (6-1, 190). Fair hauled in 12 receptions for a team-high 245 receiving yards last season, as he earned Second Team All-Class C South honors.

Senior Emir Robles Mendoza (5-11, 190) is projected to take over as the starting tight end.

The Bengals return two starters on an offensive line that features plenty of size in senior right tackle Patrick Small (6-2, 265) and senior center Joshua Kozak (6-0, 280). Junior Vincent Polito (5-9, 245) is expected to start at right guard, junior Jake Thorton (5-10, 240) at left guard, and junior Charlie Black (6-0, 200) at left tackle.

Senior Anthony Dringus returns as the starting kicker after earning Second Team All-Class C South honors last season by converting 21 of his 25 extra-point attempts. Jackson returns as the punter.

Defense

The Bengals return seven starters from a defense that allowed 16.9 points per game last season.

Small returns at strongside defensive end after posting 73 tackles and earning First Team All-Class C North honors for the second straight year. Jackson takes over at weakside defensive end, Black is projected to start at defensive tackle, and Thorton returns at nose guard.

Malinowski returns at Mike linebacker after posting 49 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks en route to Second Team All-Class C South honors. Kawka returns at Will linebacker following a 42-tackle campaign, while Robles Mendoza takes over at Sam linebacker.

The Bengals return three starters in the secondary, where sophomore Chancellor Joseph (6-1, 160), a Second Team All-Class C South selection as a freshman last season, and Bryant will line up at cornerback, while Santero returns at strong safety. Fair is projected to take over at free safety.

 

Barnegat at a glance 

Head coach: Paul Covine, 6th season

Career record: 23-27

2025 record: 5-5

Offense: Multiple Spread

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator/OL: Mike Leone

Special Teams Coordinator/DB: Jake Schmitz

Director of Football Operations/RB: Andrew Petruzzi

DL: Jim Dempsey

QB: Kevin Smith

WR: Brian Fitzpatrick

Freshman: Zach Andrews

Middle School: Zack Oliver

Middle School: Rob Jorgensen

Volunteer: Tom Black

Volunteer: Teddy Wilson

Volunteer: Mike Burke

Volunteer: Corri Feazell

Circle the Date: Oct. 16 vs Pinelands

A fourth-quarter touchdown was the difference in the Bengals’ 21-14 loss to the Wildcats last season. This late-season showdown could carry significant postseason implications for both teams.

Newcomer to Watch: Charlie Black, Jr., OL/DL

Black will rarely leave the field on Friday nights. The first-year starter is tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side at left tackle in Barnegat’s spread offense, anchoring the interior of the defensive line at defensive tackle, and serving as the team’s long snapper on extra points and punts.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/28	at Absegami
9/3	Lakewood
9/11	at Asbury Park
9/18	Manchester
9/25	at Colts Neck
10/1	at New Egypt
10/9	Monmouth
10/16	Pinelands
10/23	at Long Branch