Take Two: 2025 New Egypt Football Preview
Entering the Shore Conference for the first time is a challenging task. The athletic director has more schools to deal with and coaches have to game plan for a challenging schedule that has no days off with the level of competition.
When New Egypt joined the Shore Conference last season after finishing 3-9 in the West Jersey Football League, expectations were modest. As one of the smallest public schools in the conference, few predicted the Warriors would have the season that they had. However, they exceeded expectations, improving their record and finishing above .500 with a solid 5-4 season. The Warriors will look to improve on that win total in their second season as a member of the Shore Conference.
Head Coach Steve Fence has a lot to look forward to in his 10th season at New Egypt with his two leading rushers and leading receiver returning for their senior seasons. Lucas Burgos and Eddie Novatkowski combined for 1,156 rushing yards on the ground and 9 touchdowns. Senior Clyde Ferris led the team with 238 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns and Burgos added 128 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
“Burgo’s versatility allows him to be a threat from the slot and running back spot while Ferris will stretch the field and hopes to make one-on-one match-ups,” Fence said. “Eddie has put on 20 pounds in the offseason and has worked so hard in the weight room.”
The Warriors will lean on their senior leadership early in the season as they break in a young new quarterback. Sophomore Thomas Marabuto will take over under center following the graduation of Caleb Kowaleski, who threw for 566 yards last season. Marabuto will be tasked with managing the offense and continuing the momentum New Egypt built last year.
“Marabuto brings us the ability to stretch the field and has had a very good preseason utilizing his weapons and sharing the ball around,” said Fence of his quarterback. “He is a quiet kid who leads through example and understanding the offense at such a young age.”
On the defensive side of the ball, New Egypt returns eight starters, led by Novatkowski at the linebacker position. In all five of the Warriors’ victories last season, their opponents were held to seven points or fewer.
The Warriors will also have to fill the void left by leading tackler Aiden Healy, who recorded 69 tackles last season, as well as Steven Meleg, who was tied for second on the team with 46. With both key defenders gone, New Egypt will turn to a few young, new faces to line up alongside Novatkowski at the linebacker positions, hoping the young talent can step up quickly.
New Egypt plays five teams that they faced last season, going 3-2 against those teams during the regular season. The Warriors open up against Shore who beat them during the regular season and the opening round of the Central Jersey Group 1 Tournament. Shore beat them 32-0 during the regular season, ending the Warriors four game winning streak. The Blue Devils then shut out New Egypt again in the opening round of the sectional tournament 21-0.
New Egypt outscored Keansburg, Keyport and Asbury Park 71-19 in their three wins. In all three wins last year, the Warriors rushing attack could not be stopped. Burgos rushed for a career-high 218 yards in the Asbury Park win and had 141 rushing yards against Keanbsurg. Novatkowski also set a career-high with 181 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Keyport.
New Egypt At A Glance
Head Coach: Steven Fence, 10th Season
Career Record: 40-45
2024 Record: 5-4
Offense: Spread
Defense: 3-3 Stack
Coaching Staff
Defensive Coordinator: Amani Richardson
Special Teams Coordinator/Defensive Line: Alex Sempervive
Running Backs: John Marabuto
Offensive Line: Matt Soles
Linebackers: Drew Clugsten
Secondary/Wide Receiver: Vic Ferreria
Quarterback: Devin Tomei
Athletic Trainer: Jim Sawicki
Circle the Date: 9/12 at Point Beach
A battle between the two smallest public schools in the Shore Conference. Point Beach defeated New Egypt 28-14 last year on two long rushes for touchdowns in the second half over 30 yards each. New Egypt will look to shore up their defense in the second half this year and get revenge for last season’s defeat.
Rookie Watch: Thomas Marabuto, So., QB
Marabuto will be taking over at quarterback after the graduation of Caleb Kowaleski. Only a sophomore, Marabuto will have to show his maturity and poise as he leads New Egypt on the offensive side of the ball.
Stat to Know
Returning Seniors Lucas Burgos and Eddie Novatkowski combined for 1,156 of New Egypt’s 1,336 rushing yards last season.
Schedule
Date Team Time
Friday 9/5 Shore 6 p.m.
Friday 9/12 @ Point Beach 7 p.m.
Friday 9/19 @ Pinelands 6 p.m.
Friday 9/27 @ Keansburg 12 p.m.
Friday 10/3 Lakewood 6:30 p.m.
Friday 10/10 Keyport 6 p.m.
Friday 10/17 @ Asbury Park 5 p.m.
Friday 10/24 Monmouth 6 p.m.
