RBR ‘Working Hard’ Toward a Successful Season

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By Jim Hintelmann
LITTLE SILVER – Although Red Bank Regional’s football program has been down in recent years, the last winning season was in 2004, coach Nick Giglio is optimistic and expects to improve on last year’s 1-9 record.
“We had opportunities to win three or four more games last year but just fell short,” Giglio said. Five of the losses were by 11 points or less. The lone win was a double-overtime triumph over Neptune.
“The work ethic is very good and the kids are working hard and have a good attitude,” said Giglio. “If we stay healthy, we should by OK.”
The best of the returnees is junior wide receiver-safety Sadiq Palmer, who caught 27 passes for more than 400 yards and six touchdowns.
“Palmer is very competitive and hates to lose,” Giglio said. “He has a great ability to go up and get the ball and he was one of our leading tacklers last year.”
Returning at quarterback is Jack Navitsky, who has looked good in the preseason.
“Jack is progressing nicely,” Giglio said. “He’s very coachable and is a team leader.”
Red Bank will run out of a Spread Winged T offense with halfbacks Trevor Riley and Alim Godsey handling most of the rushing duties. Jimmy Ferrogine will be the fullback.
“So far they are doing a good job offensively,” Giglio said.
Tight ends will be Palmer and Matt Reardon with Teddy Mitchell at wide receiver and Sean Naiman starting at tight end with Ricky Wild, Matt Karr and Phil Bonano sharing time at tackle. Starting guards will be Connor McCarthy and Colin Young with Zach Carrano at center.
Red Bank will be using a 3-5-3 defense with Matt Cressen at nose guard, backed up by Tyriik Murad. Wild and Naiman are the starting defensive ends.
Riley, Godsey, Ferrogine, Kelly Lynch, Brian Fagan and Chris Outterbridge all will get plenty of playing time at linebacker.
Palmer, Reardon, Devon Barnes and Mitchell are in the secondary while Jack O’Connor will both kick and punt.
“Our defense lacks size,” Giglio said. “We lost a lot of kids from last year and have a lot of newcomers. They have talent and I look for them to improve as the season goes along.”
Red Bank is playing in the rugged B Division North with teams like Red Bank Catholic, Ocean Township, Long Branch and Colts Neck. The Bucs open their season Friday, Sept. 12 when they play host to Wall.
RBR 2014 Football Schedule
Sept. 12, Home vs. Wall, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20, Away vs. Colts Neck, 1 p.m.
Oct. 2, Away vs. Neptune, 7 p.m.
Oct. 10, Home vs. Raritan, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, Away vs. RBC, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24, Home vs. Ocean, 7 p.m.
Oct. 31, Away vs. Holmdel, 7 p.m.
Nov. 7, Home vs. Manchester, 7 p.m.
Nov. 27, Away vs. Long Branch, 10:30 a.m.
For the Red Bank Regional 2014 football roster, click here: Red Bank Regional 2014 Football Roster.