By Jason Rivera | Correspondent

The Red Bank Catholic Caseys rolled to a 49-0 win against the Toms River East Raiders in the last game of their undefeated season Nov. 4.

Star running back John DiStefano had another monster game with 198 yards rushing and four touchdowns.  DiStefano has been playing well all season and head coach James Portela had great things to say about the athlete, both on and off the field.

“John is such a great hard working and humble kid.  He plays with great desire and is so unassuming.  We feel lucky to have him,” Portela said.

Portela also points to DiStefano’s willingness to share credit, saying, “He will also be the first to tell you that our offensive line, tight ends, receivers, fullbacks and quarterback all have a big role in his success.  When everyone does their part and doesn’t care who gets the accolades you can have great success.”

For Portela, “everyone” includes quarterback Ryan Spahr, who was 6 for 8 for 120 yards, and sophomore running back Larry Radaelli, who played his first varsity game of more than 100 yards rushing.

Friday night’s home game was also senior appreciation night for the Caseys.  The team’s 18 seniors were honored for everything they’ve given to the program.  “We are very thankful that we were able to give something back and let them enjoy a victory on this night,” Portela said.

The team gets great support from the school community, Portela observed. He said, “They are great kids that work hard.  Our program is moving in a great direction and I think a lot of that has to do with the great direction we get from Msgr. Lowery [pastor and school director], Mr. Abatamarco [principal] and Mr. Montano [athletic director],” Portela said.  “You will never hear any of them speak about winning but rather making sure the kids are learning valuable life lessons. I think when you approach things that way it leads to success.”

The Caseys finish the regular season 8-0 and have likely earned a home playoff game in the South Jersey Non-Public Group 3 Tournament.  Although they had a big win Friday, the Caseys still look to improve for the first round of the playoffs.

Coach Portela has a positive outlook.  “We’re extremely happy with our players’ efforts but we don’t think that we have played our best football yet.  Hopefully that is still to come.  We try to get better every week, every practice, every repetition, and if we keep doing that then we are moving in the right direction.”