The Middletown South Eagles wrapped up the 2025 season with a 4‑7 record, a far cry from the dominance they enjoyed in earlier decades. Yet the numbers hide a story of resilience: the team finished the year with a 21.5‑point defensive average and an 18.5‑point offensive output, showing flashes of the balance that once defined the program.
A Season of Transition
For the first time since 2015 the Eagles have been realigned to Class B North, leaving behind the Shore Conference’s top division after four seasons. Their 2026 slate includes road tests against Manasquan, Matawan and Holmdel, a schedule designed to test the new roster while giving the team a chance to climb back into contention.
The 2025 campaign also marked the end of a 10‑year sectional title drought, the longest since the program’s 1989 championship run. A 28‑19 loss to Middletown North in the Central Jersey Group 4 playoffs and a 7‑6 setback on Thanksgiving added urgency to the offseason, prompting the coaching staff to focus on continuity and experience.
Key Returners and New Faces
Senior running back Justin Rosato returns as the centerpiece of the offense after posting 926 rushing yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, earning Second Team All‑Shore honors. He will be joined in the backfield by junior Connor Leon, who is expected to shoulder a larger role alongside Rosato. At quarterback, senior Jack Schneider steps into the starting role for the first time, having spent last season as a backup to Luca Donofrio.
The receiving corps will be anchored by senior Owen Maguire, a three‑year starter who caught 30 passes for 396 yards and two touchdowns last year. Senior Anthony Bennett, a Second Team All‑Class A North selection, returns at tight end and outside linebacker, adding versatility on both sides of the ball. Defensively, senior Beckett White is the lone returning starter on the defensive line, having recorded 23 tackles and four sacks in 2025.
The secondary will feature three‑year starters Justin Rosato, Mike Mullane and Ryan Cerminaro, providing continuity and leadership in the backfield. On the defensive side, Ryan Kraft, who saw limited action a year ago, is expected to contribute more heavily after offseason development.
Coaching Outlook
Head coach Marc Tomi enters his third season with a career record of 8‑14, a record that reflects both the challenges of rebuilding and the promise of a more cohesive unit. Tomi has emphasized discipline in practice and a balanced attack that leverages the returning talent while integrating younger players into key roles.
The Thanksgiving Rivalry
The Eagles will meet Middletown North on November 26 in the annual Thanksgiving showdown, a game that has become a barometer for local pride. A victory would not only reclaim bragging rights but also serve as a psychological boost as the team looks to translate early-season progress into a deeper playoff run.