By RICH FISHER
Contributing Editor
A six-win season that included a state playoff berth would be a good campaign for some programs, but Red Bank Catholic has gone beyond “some program” status in recent years.
After going 31-4 with two state titles and three trips to the NJSIAA Non-Public B finals in coach Mike Lange’s first three full seasons, the Caseys dropped to 6-4 in 2024 and were one-and-done in the states.
“Obviously our expectations are always higher than what last year was,” Lange said. “We learned internally what we have to do better. It started with a good off-season, a good lifting program. The kids worked hard, they got the right mindset going in the summer. It’s a credit to them.
“You’re seeing the product of some really tough practices in July and August paying off. We’ve got a long way to go but we’ve checked every box so far.”
That summer work has gotten the RBC Universe back in order. The Caseys opened the season by defeating Toms River North, 21-0, which snapped New Jersey’s longest active win streak at 19.
RBC built off that win and carries a 4-0 record into its Sep. 26 Clash of the Titans when the Caseys – ranked No. 1 in the Shore Conference and 10th in the state – host No. 2/No. 17 Holmdel (3-0). The game will go far in determining the Shore Conference A North champion.
It is the teams’ first meeting since 2013, when RBC took a 62-10 win. Don’t expect that kind of blowout this time as Holmdel’s Dartmouth-bound quarterback Jack Cannon is dangerous with his arms and legs.
“I’m impressed with him on film,” Lange said. “Coach (Noel) Kavanaugh has done a nice job. They have a good nucleus; they present challenges on both sides of the ball but obviously the quarterback is a catalyst for them.”
Freshman Gabe Kemp has rushed for 489 yards and four touchdowns in Red Bank Catholic’s first four games this season. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Harms/jharmsphotography.com
RBC has its own standout quarterback along with an explosive running back, and both are freshmen from Montvale who have played together since age 11. Rahmir Rivera has completed 76 percent of his passes for 712 yards and eight touchdowns with just one interception. Gabe Kemp has rushed for 489 yards and four TDs and averages 6.8 yards per carry.
Facing the pressure of a lot of hype entering their first game, both 9th-graders excelled in the win over Toms River North.
“Any coach will tell you, they’re nervous going into a game that big with freshmen,” Lange said. “They’re talented kids. They’re very mature for their age. They’re pretty cool, calm and collected. We built off what we did in Week Zero and put more stuff on their plate.”
In assessing Rivera, the coach called him a mature, smart and cerebral quarterback with a savvy pocket presence whose “arm strength is off the charts.”
“He’s hard-working, likes to learn,” Lange added. “A lot of things we do are predicated on what the quarterback decides and he’s made some really good decisions. He’s throwing to the right guys and hands off to the guys he’s supposed to.”
As for Kemp, pound-for-pound he is as good as it gets.
“He’s not the biggest guy in the world but he has the ability to run between the tackles and he’ll get tough yards,” Lange said. “You give him a crease and he’ll go the distance. He’s a home run hitter for us.”
And while the youngsters are getting the headlines, Lange is quick to point out the veterans have led the way such as captains Danny Zabora, Lorenzo Tartamella and Johnny Williams.
RBC senior captain Danny Zabora has been outstanding at wide receiver and strong safety this season. Twitter photo
“Credit to those guys who have guided us the right way – guys who played here multiple years kind of pushing the sled with how we do things,” the coach said. “But for those young guys I’m very happy for their success. I think it puts a vote of confidence in them as we go forward.”
The freshmen are helped by a veteran offensive line that returned four regulars. The unit features left tackle Jordan Key, left guard Joe Amadeo, centers Caden Sternlieb and Hayden Woolley, right guard Christian Peter and right tackle Tartamella.
“We probably go seven deep rotating guys in there and they’ve done a nice job,” Lange said.
Air Force commit Zabora (15 catches, 308 yards, 4 TDs) and sophomore Jason Berecsky (16 catches, 181 yards, 2 TDs) have been Rivera’s main targets.
The defense has been equally outstanding, allowing just 15 points and posting two shut outs.
“We’re bigger and our team speed is where we always want to be to,” Lange said. “We play a lot of fresh bodies, probably play about 20 kids on defense throughout a game. Guys are constantly getting quick breaks then going back in. That makes us play faster which is something we’ve always done when we’ve had our very good years. You’re seeing a lot of contributions across the board there.”
Lange considers junior defensive end Tartamella and strong safety Zabora as the defensive leaders. Tartamella has 24 tackles, eight for losses, and three sacks. Zabora has 23 tackles and three interceptions.
“We had nine guys back on defense,” Lange said, “but I think those guys are leading the way.”
Junior linebacker Luke Scaturro (41 tackles) and junior free safety Kieran McGonnell (31 tackles) pace the team in tackles, while sophomore end Asher Cummins has eight tackles for loss and a team-high four sacks.
It has been a group effort that must maintain as the schedule gets no easier. After Holmdel, RBC has St. John Vianney, a league game with Rumson-Fair Haven and No. 15 state ranked Paramus Catholic.
“We’re gonna find out some stuff the next couple weeks,” Lange said. “It’s (a schedule) we always wanted. That’s why our kids come here. We look forward to the challenge and hopefully it helps us for the playoffs.”