2015 In Review: The Bulldogs were 10-2, winning the Central Jersey Group 3 championship by beating Red Bank, after beating Matawan and Rahway. They scored 320 points for a 26.67 average, while allowing 92 for a 7.67 average, including five shutouts. Wins included Raritan, Matawan, and Manasquan, while their losses were to St. John Vianney and Shore.

Departures: LB Max Pfrang - Wagner, DB Mike Caruso - Bucknell, G James Oncea - Johns Hopkins, DE/NG Ian Clarke - lacrosse at Pace, DE Ian Clarke - lacrosse at Pace, DE Matt Waters - lacrosse at Delaware, DB Griffin Schultz - lacrosse

Offense: Rumson-Fair Haven runs a multiple two and one back sets, returning four starters and two others who started games. Quarterback has a three-year starter in senior Mike O’Connor (6-foot-0, 195) and running back has another returning starter, senior Matt Vecchiarelli (5-foot-11, 190). Junior Gavin Pomphrey (5-foot-9, 190) and others will also see time. Senior Bryan Hess (5-foot-10, 170) was a big part of the offense last year, but may miss the season with an injury suffered playing lacrosse.

Wide receiver has junior Tyler Pierson (6-foot-4, 200) and others playing. Pierson started some games. Returning starter Elijah McAlister (6-foot-6, 215), a junior, will miss the season with a torn ACL. The tight end will be Colin Pavlik (6-foot-2, 215), who saw action.

Two starters return to the line and another who played. The returning starters are senior guard Tim Leonard (6-foot-4, 295) and junior tackle Nate Raphan (6-foot-3, 320). The other tackle, junior Justin Johnson (6-foot-2, 220), played some. Center and the remaining guard have not been decided.

Defense: The Bulldogs run a multiple 4-3 and return four starters and three others who started. Senior Liam Adams (6-foot-0, 240) is back at tackle, while junior Chase Pfrang (6-foot-2, 210) and senior Jack Woods (6-foot-0, 195) are the ends and both started some games. Nose guard has three players competing.

Middle linebacker brings back senior three-year starter Mike Ruane (6-foot-1, 220), while four players are auditioning at outside linebacker.

Returning to the secondary are senior cornerback Pat Russo (5-foot-10, 180) and senior strong safety Mike Murdock (5-foot-10, 195). Free safety has senior James Melia (5-foot-11, 205), who started some games at linebacker. The other cornerback will be senior Jake Giannota (5-9, 180). There are others who will rotate in.

Special Teams: Kicker and punter has a three-year starter in senior Tom Chapia. The return men have yet to be decided.

Schedule:

Friday, 9/9, Raritan at home, 7PM

9/16-17, Bye Week

Friday, 9/23, Holmdel at home, 7PM

Friday, 9/30, at Middletown South, 7PM

Friday, 10/7, at Matawan, 7PM

Friday, 10/14, St. John Vianney, 7PM

Friday, 10/21, at Red Bank, 7PM

Saturday, 10/29, at Monmouth, 12PM

Friday, 11/4, Carteret at home, 7PM

Wednesday, 11/23, at Shore, 7PM

Concerns: Injuries are the biggest concern, especially when they have already lost McAlister and Hess.

Recruits: O’Connor committed to Colgate and Ruane to UMass. Leonard has 1-AA interest. Chapin could be a 1-AA kicker or punter. The others are D3 types.

Coach’s Comments: “We have a lot coming back. We have kept the coaching staff together. We are keeping the same system for the kids and want to keep things the same.” - Head Coach Jerry Schulte