The Point Boro Panthers are looking to turn the page after a 4‑5 campaign in 2025, a season that left the smallest school in Class A South with a modest record but a foundation to build upon.
Head coach Brian Staub, now in his ninth year, returns with a career ledger of 50‑29 and a roster that brings back 12 starters, giving the team both continuity and the depth that younger grades have begun to fill.
Key Returning Players
At quarterback, senior Jake Clayton will take the snap for the third straight year, while junior Jaxin Corino sits ready as the backup, providing a solid one‑two punch under center.
Fullback DJ Albanese is back after a productive offseason, and sophomore Julius Reeves is expected to push for the starting role, adding competition to the backfield.
Slotback Nick Spanola, who overcame a torn ACL to return, will be a key weapon on offense, and freshman Max Steinhandler has already drawn attention from several FBS programs as he prepares to start at left tackle.
The receiving corps will be anchored by seniors Max Puglisi and Dylan Comstock, with juniors Will Crain, Jack Quick and sophomore Mason Williams also in the mix, creating a deep and versatile set of options for Clayton.
A Grueling Schedule
Defensively, the Panthers return seven starters from a unit that allowed just 15.7 points per game last season, including senior cornerbacks Lorenzo Natoli and Lincoln Blasi, junior safety Jaxin Corino, and sophomore free safety Owen Hart.
The secondary will also feature returning starter senior Lorenzo Natoli paired with sophomore Lincoln Blasi, while Corino slides into strong safety and Hart remains at free safety, giving the defense a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Kicker Jack Sullivan returns to handle special teams duties, and the coaching staff hopes the continuity on both sides of the ball will translate into more wins.
The schedule is stacked with tough matchups, beginning with a September 25 showdown against Brick Memorial and continuing through contests with Sterling, Manasquan, Toms River North, Southern, Lacey, Donovan Catholic, Ocean and Jackson.
Among the early tests, a clash with Brick Memorial on September 25 will be a litmus test for the Panthers, while games against Donovan Catholic and Lacey could shape the team's momentum later in the season.
With a blend of seasoned seniors, promising underclassmen and a coaching staff that knows how to win, the Panthers are poised to make a deeper run in 2026, and the community is eager to see how far this renewed squad can go.