The Cougars finished the previous season with a 2-7 record, yet the team showed marked improvement with victories over Long Branch and Freehold Boro. Building on that momentum, the squad returns 12 starters and is determined to restore the winning form that defined their run from 2019 through 2023.
This fall the team will compete in Class D North, facing rivals such as Asbury Park, Barnegat, Long Branch, Manchester, and Monmouth for a division title. The opening battle arrives on Aug. 27 at Marlboro, and a win there could set the tone for a season that fans hope will echo the program’s recent successes.
Offensive firepower and quarterback competition
The offense brings back five starters and averaged 15.9 points per game in 2025. Three juniors are vying for the quarterback role, while returning lead back Mike Arminante will anchor the backfield alongside seniors Vito Apisa and Jaylen Jackson. Sophomore Mike Lombardi is slated to start at inside linebacker but also contends for running back duties, adding depth to a versatile attack.
Defensively, the Cougars return seven starters and limited opponents to 27.3 points per game last season. Defensive ends Kyle Li and Miles Baum headline a unit that aims to tighten the line and generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Head coach Matt Ahearn, now in his ninth year with the program, carries a career record of 39-37. His steady presence and familiarity with the roster provide continuity as the team blends youthful talent with seasoned veterans.
Looking ahead
If the Cougars can translate preseason optimism into early wins, especially on the road at Marlboro, they may rediscover the competitive edge that characterized their best seasons. The blend of experienced linemen, a refreshed backfield, and a defense hungry for improvement positions the team to contend for a division title and re‑establish its place among the league’s elite.