The comeback is greater than the setback: 2025 Keyport Football Preview

In many situations, most people would agree that two is better than one.  This rings true in the town of Keyport, where football is played as a cooperative sport, drawing students from one of its rivals on the Bayshore, Henry Hudson Regional.  One would think this would be problematic considering the history between the two schools, but Head Coach Charlie Marsh paints a different picture. “Four Bayshore towns (Keyport, Union Beach, Highlands, and Atlantic Highlands) and 2 high schools bring together student-athletes from various walks of life to be a football family that has each other’s backs through thick and thin.”

Coming off a 1-9 season, their worst in many years, Coach Marsh is looking to bring back optimism to the “Pearl of the Bayshore.”

“We need to build confidence early. We are a largely inexperienced squad, but they are a tight-knit squad that is very coachable”, said Marsh.

Keyport returns only three starters on offense from last season, but two of those are at key skill positions. Quarterback Marshall Colangelo (Jr, 6’3, 170) and running back Mekai Henderson (Sr, 5’10, 175) look to build off of their first season as starters.  Joining Henderson in the backfield of the Delaware Wing-T offense will be Jermaine Bardon (Sr, 5’9, 170) and Jermain Finch (Jr, 5’9, 220). The lone starting receiver in the Wing-T will be Emmanuel Kay-Flagg (Sr, 6’1, 180).

The offensive line returns one starter in right guard Jacob Roomey (So, 5’10, 215), a road-grater who had a great freshman season. Starting at left tacklle will be a big freshman, Justin Mingo (6’3, 220). Opposite Mingo at right tackle will be Max Szczepaniak (6’1, 220).  The left guard spot will be held down by Matteo Mosca (Sr, 6’1, 180). Anchoring the line at center is Tyler Tuberion (Jr, 5’11, 215).  Another newcomer along the line will be tight end Noah Megna (Jr, 5’8, 170). How quickly this line gels will play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of the offense this season.

The defense, run out of a 4-2-5 formation, returns two starters. The defensive line will have a combination of speed and size, led by defensive end Mateo Mosca. The other defensive end spot will be determined after a battle in training camp. The interior line will be stout, led by defensive tackles Szczepaniak and Gabe Carbone (Jr, 5’9, 245).  The inside linebacker position will be occupied by a 2nd-year starter in Henderson.  Two new faces, Justin Way (So, 5’7, 155) and Chris Hererra (Jr, 6′, 180),  will be counted on at the outside linebacker position.

At cornerback, Kay-Flagg is the lone experienced returner in the defensive backfield. He will be joined on the outside by Colangelo. Together, these two big, athletic bodies will look to slow down opposing wide receivers.  Two hard-hitting first-year starters will be at the safety positions. Bardon will occupy the strong safety spot, while John Dane (Jr, 6′, 165) will roam the secondary as the free safety.

Marshall Colangelo, the starting quarterback and cornerback, will also be counted on to handle the placekicking and punting duties for the Red Raiders

 

Keyport at a Glance

Head Coach: Charlie Marsh

Career Record: 1-9

2024 Record: 1-9

Offense: Delaware Wing-T

Defense: 4-2-5

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator: John Kaye

Defensive Coordinator: Jimmy Maguire

Quarterbacks: Pete Miller

Wide Receivers: Scott Davis

Offensive Line: John Kaye, Jerry Hourihan, Nick Christathakis

Defensive Line: Yubir Rojas, Jerry Hourihan, Nick Christathakis, Jake Weber

Linebackers: Andre Hodge

Defensive Backs: Jimmy Maguire, Ezra Hill

Athletic Trainer: Kelly O’Donnell

 

Circle the Date: September 20th at Keansburg 12:00 p.m.

The always intense Bayshore rivalry takes place early in the season. Keyport’s lone win in 2024 was a 31-7 victory over the Titans.

 

Newcomers to Watch

Justin Mingo OL/DL 6’2” 220
Noah Megna TE/LB 5’7” 170
Justin Way RB/DB 5’7” 155
Liam Mytnick RB/LB 5’9” 165
Valley Auvea OL/DL 5’9” 225

 

Stat to Know

Keyport, with an enrollment of only 325 students, once had the career rushing leader in the state of New Jersey.  Kenny “The Moose” Cattouse racked up 6,720 career rushing yards, and held the state rushing title from 2003-2011.

 

Schedule

Date                    Team                    Time

Sat 8/30              Manville                  12:00pm

Sat 9/6                @Lakewood            12:00pm

Sat 9/13               Monmouth             12:00pm

Sat 9/20              @Keansburg          12:00pm

Sat 9/27               Pt. Beach                12:00pm

Fri 10/3               Asbury Park           12:00pm

Fri 10/10              @New Egypt          6:30pm

Sat 10/18            Freehold Boro        12:00pm

Fri 10/24            @Barnegat               6:30pm