football preview

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.

With several starters back on both sides of the ball, Pinelands hopes to continue its upward trend and make a run at a playoff spot in the first year under head coach Matt Fuller.

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.

Rumson enters 2017 trying to become just the second Shore Conference team to win five straight NJSIAA sectional championships.

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

New head coach Larry Nikola and defensive coordinator Charlie Diskin are taking Monmouth Regional in a new direction, one they hope will lead the Falcons to the NJSIAA playoffs.

With stability finally in the coaching staff, Holmdel hopes to take a leap forward in 2017 with a team filled with junior talent.

Once Southern got its new offense down pat last season, it surged in the second half to reach the playoffs. The Rams are hoping to carry that momentum into the 2017 season and challenge for the Class A South division title.