There were high expectations for the Jackson Township football program in 2025 following the merger of Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty. That potential was never fully realized in Year 1, however, as the Jaguars finished 3-7, including three losses in one-score games.

The transition presented challenges that extended well beyond the football field. Many students entered a completely new school environment, coaches had to adjust to new colleagues and philosophies, and players were tasked with building chemistry on short notice. It became clear that bringing two programs together would take time to fully mesh.

Now, with a full year together and an offseason strength program behind them, the hope is that the Jaguars are finally on the same page and ready to tap into the potential that surrounded the program from the start.

The road won’t be easy, as Jackson remains in the difficult Class A South division, where it will square off against Southern, Point Boro, Donovan Catholic, Toms River North and Brick Memorial.

Offense

The Jaguars return five starters from an offense that averaged 19.5 points per game last season, rushed for 2,023 yards and passed for 566 yards.

Senior Dom Bylecki (5-11, 175) steps in at quarterback for the graduated Mason Ciccariello. A standout on the Jackson lacrosse team, Bylecki brings athleticism to the position and gives the Jaguars a potential dual-threat option under center.

The Jaguars graduated more than 1,700 yards of rushing production between Jonah Glenn and Jio Kabiri, leaving a significant void in the backfield. Senior Farrin Blake (5-11, 185) will be tasked with replacing much of that production, while sophomore Brayden Ramos (6-0, 195) is also expected to see carries.

Jackson returns a pair of senior starters at wide receiver in Ashton Martinez (5-9, 175) and Jordan Jones (6-0, 165), giving Bylecki two experienced targets in the passing game. Sophomore Sha’Zir Taylor (6-1, 170) will round out the starting group at receiver.

Senior Dave Howard (6-0, 215) takes over as the starting tight end after seeing time on defense last year.

The Jaguars return three starters along the offensive line, headlined by three-year starting senior right tackle Jomar Rodriguez (6-1, 220) who was named a Second Team All-Class A South selection last year. Senior Marc Lovacco (6-0, 240) returns at right guard, while senior Gavin Wolf (5-11, 260) is back at center. Senior Sam Ibe (5-11, 235) steps in at left guard, with junior Matt Mercer (6-3, 245) taking over at left tackle.

Junior Anthony Salais (5-9, 175) and sophomore Anthony Delpome (5-8, 140) are competing for the starting job at kicker. Delpome is also in the mix at punter, where he is competing with junior Hunter Nieratko (5-10, 160).

Defense

The Jaguars return five starters from a defense that allowed 21.4 points per game last season.

Rodriguez returns at one defensive end spot after recording 23 tackles a year ago. Howard and junior Danny Bivins (6-2, 215) are also in the mix after both seeing action last season, while sophomore Steven Fostek (5-11, 195) will be part of the rotation.

On the interior, Lovacco and Ibe are penciled in as the starters at defensive tackle. Senior Adrian Portorreal (5-10, 240) and sophomore Logan Mannino (6-3, 325) will provide additional depth in the rotation.

 

Jackson at a glance 

Head coach: Vin Mistretta, 9th season

Career record: 49-40

2025 record: 3-7

Offense: Multiple I

Defense: 4-3

 

Coaching Staff

Offensive Coordinator: Matt Spader

RB: Mike Chmura

OL: Matt Schmidt

OL: Matt Soles

FB: Ryan Azzolini

WR: Derek Catron

DL: Walt Krystopik

DL: Sean Thornton

LB: Jim Sharples

DB: Jimmy Lopez

Athletic Trainer: Nicolle Figaro, Chris Grande

 

Circle the Date: Sept. 10 vs. Southern

The Jaguars dropped a 10-7 decision to the Rams on the road a year ago. While both teams have experienced plenty of roster turnover, the rematch at home gives Jackson an opportunity to gain an early edge in the division race and build confidence for the season ahead.

Newcomer to Watch: Dom Bylecki, Sr., QB

Bylecki will look to give the Jaguars more balance on offense after they were predominantly ground-oriented a year ago. While Jackson will continue to favor the run out of its Multiple I formation, success in the play-action game could open up the offense and make the Jaguars more difficult to defend.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
8/27	at Ocean
9/4	at Toms River South
9/10	Southern
9/18	Donovan Catholic
9/25	at Toms River North
10/2	Howell
10/9	Brick Memorial
10/16	at Wall
10/23	at Point Boro