2017 football preview

Even with Micah Clark and Jamaal Beaty off to Rutgers, the St. John Vianney offensive line looks like the potential anchor of an experienced team that has its collective eye fixed on a state title.

Mater Dei capped a 12-0 2016 season with a last-second win in the NJSIAA Non-Public Group II final. With quarterback George Pearson back and a beefed up schedule, the Seraphs hope to be even better this year.

Loaded with senior talent and pair of promising sophomore running backs, Long Branch has the look of a team about to break out in 2017.

A new head coach and a plethora of new starters has Neptune refocused and preparing to reclaim its place among the contenders in Class A North.

Marlboro lost one half of its two-headed monster at running back, but Johnny Helff returns to the backfield for a Mustangs team looking to continue its rise in A North.

After winning three straight games to cap its 2016 season, Colts Neck has its sights set on a fast start to 2016 in a rugged Class A North division.

Keansburg's experienced crop of skill players will look to offset a young line on both sides of the ball as the Titans attempt to ascend up the ranks in a B Central division loaded with recent state champions.

Financial problems in the school district jeopardized the football program in 2017, but the Piners are back, focused and primed to make a run a B South and NJSIAA titles.

Keyport reached the Central Jersey Group I semifinals in 2015 and the championship game last season. In 2017, the Red Raiders aim to take the last step and win a state title.

Ashante Worthy's move from running back to quarterback transformed Freehold Boro last season and with Worthy now cemented at the position, the Colonials are thinking big in 2017.

With completely new lines on offense and defense, Wall will lean on returning quarterback Eddie Scott and a handful of other returnees to mount a defense of its South Jersey Group III championship.

After winning the Central Jersey Group I championship last year, Asbury Park believes it is at the beginning of another run of state titles.