By Rich Chrampanis
SAINT JOHN VIANNEY LANCERS
Head Coach: Bobby Acosta (first season)
2023 Record: 3-7
Offense: 16.4 points scored per game
Defense: 22.3 points allowed per game
HOLMDEL – Bobby Acosta has made 13 stops in high school and college coaching, most notably at national powerhouse IMG Academy in Florida where he coached Michigan national champ and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Acosta is ready to plant roots in Holmdel and build a championship program at St. John Vianney.
“IMG was simple,” Acosta said. “We took the best kids (from) across the country – across the world, in fact – and we had to teach them how to be a team, a brotherhood.
Acosta looks to follow that playbook at SJV. “I think we can definitely attract the top kids in New Jersey, especially in Monmouth County, Ocean County, and offer them an opportunity to get a great education, faith-based, and have an opportunity to play for championships in the future.”
Zach LaBarca has transferred from Donovan Catholic and is in line to take over the Lancer’s offense at quarterback. Last year’s QB, Tom Foley, is athletic and will find a spot to play on both sides of the ball.
SJV already has a high-profile recruit: Running back Abdul Turay has picked up four Division I offers as a freshman, including Syracuse and West Virginia. Turay should emerge as one of the Shore’s top rushers and models his game after an NFL legend.
“Me, personally, all-time, I like Barry Sanders,” Turay said. “I usually watched him when I was a young person, that’s… one of the reasons why I wear 20. Barry Sanders, he’s an inspiration for me, so I copy his game a little, try to be more shifty and balanced, burst through the holes and stuff.”
It wasn’t that long ago that SJV was a top 10-ranked team in New Jersey. Now, Acosta brought in University of Delaware All-American and Lancer grad Johnny Buchanan to work with the defense and special teams.
“We talked about this whole experience when he first got here. Acosta said. “I want 25 Johnny Buchanans and I think that’s what we’re looking for, for the future people that want to come here.”
The Lancers will play nine straight public schools in 2024 before wrapping up the regular season against St. Joe Metuchen as they begin building the blocks to join the Non-Public powers across the state. With seven starters on offense and nine back on defense, St. John Vianney is still a young team, but has picked up valuable varsity experience along the way. Acosta has brought a high-paced energy to practice, and the young Lancers are clearly feeding off their new coach. There’s a lot of cause for optimism that SJV can jump up from last year’s three-win mark.
“Man, I love it so far,” junior DJ Carter said. “It’s hard working. We’ve got nice grit. I wouldn’t ask for anything more. Coach Acosta has brought something wonderful to this team.”
St. John Vianney 2024 Football Schedule
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Carteret
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Marlboro
Friday, Sept. 13 at Holmdel
Friday, Sept. 20 at Wall
Friday, Sept. 27 at Manalapan
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Middletown North
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Manasquan
Friday, Oct. 18 at Matawan
The article originally appeared in the August 22 – 28, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
