football preview

Several key returning starters, including standout quarterback/wide receiver combo Eddie Morales III and Naz Brantley, have Howell looking at a championship run in 2017.

With head coach Dan Curcione now leading the program, along with offensive coordinator Chip LaBarca Jr., the Griffins look to make strides after a winless season.

A veteran group that reached a sectional final last season returns with its sights set on hoisting the Central Jersey Group I championship among its Class B Central rivals.

Toms River North graduated an all-time senior class, but there's still plenty of talent remaining and emerging as the Mariners plan to contend in 2017.

With key starters back on both sides of the ball, Brick Memorial is aiming to bounce back from a rare losing season.

Toms River South will try to snap a losing streak and turn their fortunes around in 2017.

A standout junior class has Brick one again thinking big entering the 2017 season.

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.