WEST LONG BRANCH – Shore Regional football has a reputation as one of the best small-school programs in New Jersey. The Blue Devils have made it to the sectional finals 12 times, winning seven championships. Last year, Shore left the Group 1 ranks and was bumped up to Group 2. Shore strung together a five-game win streak before losing a 7-0 game at Cinnaminson in the first round of the state playoffs.
There are 16 holes to fill when it comes to starting spots in the Shore Regional lineup but an undefeated junior varsity program in 2018 is moving up to try and continue the Blue Devils success.
Head Coach: Mark Costantino
(28th Season)
2018 Record: 7-3
Offense: 29.9 points scored per game Defense:10.2 points allowed per game
Running back and defensive back Shane McLaughlin was not part of the JV dominance. As a sophomore, McLaughlin was a big contributor on the varsity level.
“This year our young guys have had to step up to the task,” McLaughlin said. “Our JV coaches are fantastic and have prepared everyone very well. We are all learning new concepts and things are looking good. The biggest thing for us is to keep playing hard and tough.”
An all-division selection at defensive back, McLaughlin will be a factor in all three facets of the game for Shore. He had a 72-yard punt return for a TD last year against Matawan and should get more touches on the offensive side of the ball. McLaughlin was on the summer recruiting circuit competing in camps at Monmouth, Boston College, Yale and Lafayette. McLaughlin is also a great teammate, quick to heap praise on his teammates who are working hard beside him in August workouts.
“We have many kids playing a huge role in our offense and defense this year,” McLaughlin said. “Junior Mike McGhee, our starting quarterback has stepped up greatly and looks very comfortable running the offense and throwing the ball. Senior Terry Carlstrom (WR/DB) possesses all the skills for an athletic receiver and will play a large role in our air game. He also plays a big role at cornerback. Sophomore Jamie Mazzacco is stepping up to a middle linebacker role as well as playing in the backfield for us. Seniors Danny Kelly and Jake Shirley will also hold our edge at outside linebacker as well as mixing in the backfield. On the line, seniors Sam Weber and Joey Graci will hold down the tackle positions. They will help lead a strong, young line.”
The Blue Devils take a step up to the Patriot Division where the Group 1 school will be the smallest in enrollment against the likes of much bigger schools Monmouth Regional and Ocean Township. Playing up will serve Shore well when it comes to power points and they will certainly be ready when the Group 1 state playoffs roll around.
SHORE REGIONAL BLUE DEVILS
KEY RETURNERS:
Terry Carlstrom, Senior, RB/WR/DB, 5’10”, 175 lbs.
Shane McLaughlin, Junior, RB/LB/DB, 6’0”, 190 lbs.
Danny Kelly, Senior, RB/DB, 5’8”, 150 lbs.
Jake Shirley, Senior, RB/LB, 5’11”, 155 lbs.
KEY NEWCOMERS:
Mike McGhee, Junior, QB/LB, 5’10”, 160 lbs.
Jamie Mazzacco, Sophomore, RB/MLB, 5’9”, 175 lbs.
Sam Weber, Senior, OL/DL, 6’4”, 300 lbs.
Joe Graci, Senior, OL/DL, 6’3”, 265 lbs.
Namir Jones, Sophomore, OL/DL, 5’8”, 259 lbs.
Alex Tyler, Junior, OL/DL, 5’10”, 180 lbs.
Cade Torres, Junior, TE/DL/P, 6’0”, 200 lbs.
Nick Soyer, Junior, OL, 5’9”, 210 lbs.
Trevor Crochet, Junior, RB/DB, 5’11”, 180 lbs.
Brendan Bauer, Junior, TE/DL, 5’10”, 165 lbs.
Jake Pinto, Junior, WR/LB, 5’8”, 150 lbs.
SHORE REGIONAL
2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 6 at Asbury Park
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Holmdel
Friday, Sept. 20 at Barnegat
Friday, Sept. 27 at Point Pleasant Boro
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Ocean Township
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Monmouth Regional Friday, Oct. 18 vs. Raritan
Friday, Oct. 25 at Matawan
GAME TO WATCH
FRIDAY, SEPT. 13
HOME GAME VS. HOLMDEL
Go ahead and take the air out of the footballs. We’ll see a fascinating chess match with the Hornets’ triple-option squaring off against the wing-T of the Blue Devils. Of course, there’s no betting in high school football but considering the William Hill Sports Book at Monmouth Park is just about a mile away, we’ll go ahead and set the over/under at five for the number of total passes thrown in this one.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Photo courtesy Mike McGhee
MIKE MCGHEE
JUNIOR QB/LB
McGhee was one of the top sophomore wrestlers in the state with a 28-2 record and 12 pinfalls. One of his two losses was to eventual state champ Lucas Revano of Camden Catholic. While wrestling at 145 pounds, McGhee is up in weight for football season and will look to lead the offense at quarterback while serving as part of the Blue Devils linebacking corps.
