By Rich Chrampanis
LITTLE SILVER – Tyler Karalewich made an immediate impact in his first season as Red Bank Regional’s head football coach, leading the Buccaneers to a 5-4 record and a share of the Shore Conference C North Division title. Coach TK’s infectious energy resonated from the sidelines to the stands under the Friday Night Lights.
Now, Karalewich wants that enthusiasm to spread throughout the entire community.
Continuing a tradition started by former head coach Shane Fallon, the RBR varsity football team welcomed the Red Bank AYF (American Youth Football) program to Buccaneer Stadium for a night of drills, instruction and inspiration.
“It’s just great to have all of our AYF programs out here,” Karalewich said. “From 7U up to 11U, it shows them how they can grow from being a 7-year-old all the way to a senior at RBR. They can be a Buc from age 7 to 18.”
Although the Bucs don’t officially begin preseason practice until Aug. 10, the entire varsity roster came out weeks early to spend an evening working side-by-side with the next generation of Buccaneers.
“It’s really fun to get the kids out here and get the community involved,” senior quarterback Brett Laude said. “We’ve had lower numbers the last few years, so it’s awesome to see so many kids playing football and getting excited about becoming part of this program.”
After an hour of drills, the evening wrapped up with the youngest players running offensive plays against the RBR starters. Eight-year-old Prize Rogers brought everyone to their feet when he raced into the end zone for a touchdown before sticking a flawless back handspring that would have impressed any gymnast.
“That backflip was no joke,” senior wide receiver Caden Jackson said with a laugh. “I wasn’t expecting that. It’s just awesome seeing all the little kids come over to us, being so positive and really engaging with us.”
The night carried a deeper meaning beyond football.
Players and coaches from both Red Bank AYF and RBR came together to honor Terry Haupt Jr., who was fatally struck by a New Jersey Transit train near the Red Bank station May 13. Haupt left a lasting impact on both programs, making the gathering an especially meaningful opportunity for players of all ages to celebrate his memory.
“He did AYF for seven or eight years,” Karalewich said. “He volunteered there on the weekends. He was connected to our football program, but Terry really transcended sports. He was close with everybody in the building, athletes and nonathletes alike. He embodied what our school spirit is. He was a friend to everyone. He excelled at track, and we wish we could have seen everything he was capable of accomplishing. He’s going to be a symbol for us – remembering all the good things about him and using that as motivation throughout the season.”
Following the clinic, every AYF and RBR player placed a commemorative helmet sticker featuring the initials “TH” and the words “Always a Buc” on their helmets. The tribute will remain with them throughout the 2026 season.
“Everybody is definitely going to be playing for him,” senior safety Nate Borenius said. “We’ll always remember him because he loved the game so much. He was never negative. He was always making jokes. I’ve never heard anyone say a bad thing about him. He was just a lovable kid.”
The tragedy shook the entire Red Bank Regional community and brought an already close-knit football team even closer.
“There’s so much to know about Terry,” senior defensive back Ahmare Bonus said. “Personally, I’ll always remember the funny jokes he told. Every time I was around him, it was just a great time. Whenever I think about him, I think about all the positive things he did for me.”
As the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season, Karalewich hopes the young players who shared the field with the varsity squad will soon be filling the stands on Friday nights before eventually taking the field themselves.
“It’s all about our community,” Karalewich said. “It’s bigger than football. It’s about embracing each other, embracing our commitment to the community and embracing the Exit 109 mindset that we have here in Red Bank, Little Silver and Shrewsbury.”
The article originally appeared in the August 6 – 12, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
