Mater Dei Prep Has Eyes on the Prize

By Jay Cook

MIDDLETOWN – Folks around the Shore Conference know how complete Mater Dei Prep’s football program has become under fourth-year head coach Dino Mangiero.

Not only have the Seraphs gone 30-4 in his first three seasons, but they played in two state championship games and won the school’s first title in 2017.

However, it wasn’t until last year that Mangiero’s team was actually viewed as a threat to North Jersey’s private schools who typically control the Non-Public Group 3 state bracket. The Seraphs pulled off the playoff upset of the year last season when they defeated the reigning state champions DePaul Catholic, 28-23, in nail-biting fashion at DePaul’s home field in Wayne. Mater Dei Prep then turned around to face fellow Shore Conference squad Red Bank Catholic in the state championship, but fell 14-10.

You can bet last year’s near-championship run will fuel the Seraphs in 2019.

“We’re really excited,” said senior Clarence Lewis, a Notre Dame commit. “Actually, our coaches drill the score into our minds, 14-10. We’re definitely working hard to get back to that stage and win it all this year.”

“Everybody’s focused and staying in the playbook,” said running back Malik Ingram. “We know what happened. We just put that behind us and keep moving forward.”

Mater Dei Prep has blossomed into a football factory under Mangiero’s tutelage, equally pumping out wins and Division I talent. This year is no different. Lewis is arguably the most talented player to ever don a Seraph uniform. The two-way star, who committed to Notre Dame in mid-June, is one of New Jersey’s most talented defensive backs. He’ll also be one of, if not the, top receiving option on what figures to be yet another explosive offense.

“I’m the type of leader that leads by example,” explained Lewis. “I’m not a loud guy but I like to work hard and do the right things in practice.”

Lewis is just one piece of this team, however. After rushing for 1,914 yards and 22 touchdowns, hard-nosed running back Malik Ingram is back for his senior season. He’s proven to be one of New Jersey’s most physical ball carriers.

Khurram Simpson, a senior defensive lineman, committed to James Madison University this summer after performing well at numerous regional showcase events. He and fellow pass rusher Dominic Guidice will be a dynamic one-two punch coming off the edge.

In terms of new faces, the most notable belong to additions on the offensive side of the ball. Mark Ciccotelli, the head coach who brought St. John Vianney out of the doldrums of the Shore Conference earlier this decade, returns to his old Monmouth County stomping grounds as Mater Dei Prep’s offensive coordinator for 2019. His most recent stint was as head coach of Scotch Plains-Fanwood.

The Seraphs also welcome their quarterback of the foreseeable future into the fold, too. Alex Brown, a sophomore transfer from St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, will have plenty of eyes on him as his career progresses.

Spirits are high in Middletown this season and for good reason; Mater Dei Prep yet again has the tools to shock the state.

MATER DEI PREP2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Saturday, Sept. 7 vs. Brick Township
Saturday, Sept. 14 vs. Jackson Memorial
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Freehold Boro Friday,
Sept. 28 at St. John Vianney
Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. Wall
Friday, Oct. 11 at Rumson-Fair Haven
Saturday, Oct. 19 vs. St. Thomas More (CT.)
Friday, Oct. 25 at Middletown North
Saturday, Nov. 2 vs. Manalapan

GAME TO WATCH

SATURDAY, NOV. 2 HOME GAME VS. MANALAPAN

In recent years, Mater Dei Prep has steamrolled through its regular season with many games decided before halftime. There’s no question the Seraphs schedule is beefed up thanks in large part to the new Shore Conference divisional alignment. Coach Ed Guerreri’s Manalapan Braves are a traditional Group 5 power that will give Mater Dei an ideal tune-up leading up to their quest to return to MetLife Stadium and finish the mission.

PLAYER TO WATCH

MALIK INGRAM SENIOR RUNNING BACK

Ingram has been one of the Shore’s best backs over the last two years and it has earned him college scholarship offers from Army, Navy, Colgate and Central Connecticut State. Three of his senior teammates have already given verbal commitments and with a big senior season there’s no question Ingram is going to be the fourth player on that list; it could be a Power 5 school if he peaks in his senior season.