By Rich Chrampanis
RED BANK CATHOLIC CASEYS
Head Coach: Mike Lange (sixth season)
2023 Record: 10-1, Non-Public “B” State Champion
Offense: 27.09 points scored per game
Defense: 13.09 points allowed per game
RED BANK – Three straight trips to MetLife and two state titles in that span have elevated Red Band Catholic into much more than a Shore Conference power. And the RBC-DePaul Catholic rivalry has been an epic trilogy. While a fourth straight meeting in the state final might be a little tougher with schools like Donovan Catholic and Pope John moving down to the Non-Public B ranks and the Caseys seeing an influx of young talent coming, head coach Mike Lange has shown that he can quickly mold young talent into seasoned veterans throughout the year.
“We don’t have a huge senior class and not a lot of returning guys,” Lange said. “But I think the core guys have been through the battles over the years in the big games and that’s what we’re going to lean on, their experience and leadership through these parts.”
“We have a lot of young talent. It’s just getting them battle-tested as quickly as possible.”
Frankie Williams has produced over 4,000 yards of offense, accounting for 45 total touchdowns and only five interceptions. Williams should be getting more accolades as one of New Jersey’s top quarterbacks. He’s ready to embrace the challenge of leading a young offensive line along with new skill players.
“My main thing is we got a younger team so just leadership and helping those young guys out,” Williams said. “Obviously the leadership is going to be huge.”
Matt Lonczak ran for 369 yards and three touchdowns a year ago and is ready to step up with the other seniors to lead. He’ll lead the stable of running backs.
“We got a lot of young guys that are really talented,” Lonczak said. “We just need to pull them together and show them what it means to really be a team and play gritty, hard, smart, fast and physical.”
Now at Syracuse, Emanuel Ross caught 45 percent of Williams’ passes last year. The Caseys will spread the wealth more with a trio of junior playmakers, starting with Williams’ younger brother Johnny Williams, along with Dan Zabora and Chris Gibson. Look for Jamie Gutridge to step into the role previously occupied by current Pitt Panther Davin Brewton. Gutridge will play both ways, getting touches in the backfield, but his calling card will be defense. He’s got a motor and flies to the football. After 96 tackles and two sacks for the state champs in 2023, Gutridge will no doubt set the tone for the newcomers on defense with a strong message.
“If you make a mistake, make it at 100%, don’t go half speed and go hit somebody,” Gutridge said. “I want you to go crash him and that’s how we’re going to rock out all year long. (We have) got to be a gritty team; gritty, smart and we’ll get the job done.”
Lorenzo Tartamella made an impact as a freshman, emerging as one of the top young defensive ends in the state. Syracuse and Duke are the latest to offer Tartamella a space on their roster. He’s had six D1 offers with many more on the horizon.
Once again RBC has put together a fantastic schedule. For the first time ever, the Caseys will play out of state when they open the season against Delaware’s Middletown High, followed by Don Bosco Prep coming to Count Basie in Week 1. Paramus Catholic and Donovan Catholic late in the season allow RBC to get postseason flavor before the road to MetLife begins.
“I think it’s just what the bar is now. Our kids expect it,” Lange said.
“Our kids just expect big games and week in and week out and we’re excited for the challenges. I think it’s just going to be a battle every week and having those guys come here (from Delaware) just makes that much more excitement for the year.”
Red Bank Catholic 2024 Football Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Middletown (DE)
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Don Bosco Prep
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Long Branch
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Colts Neck
Saturday, Sept. 28 at Marlboro
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven
Friday, Oct. 18 vs. Paramus Catholic
Friday, Oct. 25 at Middletown South
The article originally appeared in the August 22 – 28, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
