By Rich Chrampanis
TOMS RIVER – Red Bank Catholic reminded everyone why it sits atop the Shore Conference Friday night.
Gabe Kemp rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns, and the Caseys (5-2) held New Jersey’s fourth-ranked team to 197 total yards in a 24-10 victory at Donovan Catholic (7-1). The showdown between the Shore’s top two teams featured long, physical scoring drives and a resurgent RBC defense that made the biggest plays when it mattered most.
“We were picked underdogs. And we ran with it,” RBC head coach Mike Lange said. “I’m just so proud of these guys.”
The Caseys established their approach immediately. Starting at their own 4-yard line, RBC marched 96 yards in 15 plays, taking nearly five minutes off the clock. Rahmir Rivera connected with Ethan Kennedy for a crucial 30-yard gain on third down before Kemp finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run.
Rivera completed 13 of 16 passes, repeatedly finding answers on third down and keeping Donovan Catholic’s offense on the sideline. The Griffins responded with a drive that produced Sal Reynoso’s 30-yard field goal in the second quarter. RBC added a 34-yard field goal from Simon Picinich in the final minute of the half to take a 10-3 lead into the break.
The Caseys opened the second half with another punishing possession. RBC covered 80 yards in 15 plays, draining 6:28 off the clock before Kemp scored from 1 yard out for a 17-3 advantage.
Donovan Catholic answered with its biggest special teams play of the night. Jael Hester’s 71-yard kickoff return set up the Griffins at the RBC 28. Kahden Davis then found Chris McLaren for an 8-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-10 with 3:22 remaining in the third quarter.
The Griffins threatened to tie the game on their next possession, advancing to the RBC 25 before the Caseys delivered a decisive fourth-down stop. Asher Cummins applied pressure, and Luke Scaturro finished the play with a sack to turn the ball over on downs.
RBC took control from there. Another sustained drive ended with Kemp’s third short touchdown run, extending the lead to 24-10. Cummins and TJ Walsh helped close out a defensive performance that marked a dramatic turnaround for the Caseys. Cummins had a tremendous game with four tackles for loss and two sacks.
After surrendering 62 points and more than 800 yards over the previous two weeks, RBC limited Donovan Catholic to one touchdown and 197 total yards.
“Ultimately, our guys rose to the occasion,” Lange said. “And that’s what Red Bank Catholic football is.”
Kemp’s latest performance pushed the sophomore to 1,319 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns with two weeks remaining in the regular season. After fighting for yards behind an outstanding offensive line, he made sure his blockers received credit.
“I can’t thank my O-line enough,” Kemp said. “Those guys are like my best friends. I think I’ve got to take them out to a steak dinner.”
For Kemp and the Caseys, the matchup carried plenty of personal motivation.
“Everyone picked against us, so I knew it was really personal,” he said.
RBC has two regular-season games remaining with Wall and Top 5-ranked St. Peter’s Prep at home. The Caseys could square off with Donovan Catholic again in the Non-Public B state playoffs.
The article originally appeared in the October 22 – 28, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
