HOLMDEL – The 20 Holmdel football seniors from the Class of 2019 left an indelible mark on a football program that had little in the history books. With back-to-back winning seasons and the second playoff win in school history, it would be easy for head coach Jeff Rainess to be cautious and talk about rebuilding, especially with a step up in the overall schedule.
Head Coach: Jeff Rainess
(4th year)
2018 Record: 8-2
Offense: 34.1 points scored per game Defense: 7.9 points allowed per game
But the 13 Hornet seniors in the Class of 2020 bring the experience of the recent success and are determined to show that they can leave a mark of their own.
“It’s not lost on these guys that last year’s unit got a lot of press and got a lot of credit for the stuff that we did,” Rainess said. “From a coaching perspective, we feel like this is the most important year we’ve had so far. We knew we had that big class from last year and now let’s see if we can replicate the process without those guys.”
Holmdel’s bread and butter will continue to be the triple-option which the Hornets showed last year can be unstoppable when executed well. John Tomasulo is the new trigger man at quarterback and Cameron LaMountain is a great downhill runner who has the talent to fill the void of 1,000-yard rusher Dean Gallo. The line features a lot of newcomers with plenty of size, headlined by seniors Joe Mancino (6’2”, 290 lbs.) and Matt Reddington (6’2”, 230 lbs.).
“We got a lot of young guys stepping up on the line this year but they’re huge,” running back Cameron LaMountain said. “They’ve been doing a great job in the weight room and I’m looking forward to seeing them.”
Tomasulo has more than QB duties as he’ll step in for Mac Byrne in the secondary at safety. Nick Bauman is a playmaker at linebacker and he’ll be joined by Joe D’Acunto. Holmdel’s defense was tremendous in 2018, giving up just over a touchdown per game. It will be a daunting task to match that production but the Hornets will look to swarm to the ball.
“I think this team is a lot more team-oriented rather than last year which had a couple of star players,” senior Joe D’Acunto said. “We’re focused on all 11 guys on the ball all day. Coach is really emphasizing having fun while working hard and keeping up the intensity.”
Photo by Rich Chrampanis
One visit to Hornets football practice shows there is anything but a “woe is me” attitude. The energy is infectious as players enjoy competitive drills while at the same time working hard to get ready for the season. A school that is known for soccer, tennis and golf is starting to become a football school. And based on the attitude and the numbers, the Hornets come into 2019 with a chip on their shoulder, but with a smile on their face.
“I’m so excited to see this group,” Rainess said. “I know it’s weird to say in Holmdel, but they are a lunch-pail mentality type of group. They come to the weight room and work hard. They like busting each other’s chops and have a good time and when the whistle blows they get after it.”
HOLMDEL 2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 13 at Shore Regional
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Donovan Catholic
Friday, Sept. 27 at Red Bank Regional
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Lacey
Friday, Oct. 11 at Central Regional
Saturday, Oct. 19 at Manasquan
Friday, Oct. 25 vs. Raritan
Friday, Nov. 1 vs. Freehold Boro
GAME TO WATCH
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27 ROAD GAME AT RED BANK REGIONAL
Coach Rainess is pretty good at motivating his troops 24/7, but he won’t have to work too hard when the Hornets travel to Little Silver for Week 3. RBR pulled off a stunner on the road with a last-minute Jack Chamberlain touchdown pass to give the Bucs a 28-26 win over the Hornets last season. Holmdel would go on to roll off seven straight wins after that heartbreaker. Both teams are in rebuild mode and it has the potential to go down to the wire once again.
PLAYER TO WATCH
CAMERON LAMOUNTAIN
SENIOR RUNNING BACK
After 708 yards and six touchdowns playing second fiddle to Dean Gallo, LaMountain should be even more of a mountain of a man in his senior season. LaMountain has perhaps the most experience of last year’s amazing season and he knows what it takes to win games. If he can lead like he runs, Holmdel can be in the conversation for a third consecutive winning season.
