RBC squad has high hopes this season

BY VIN RAPOLLA
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY JERRY WOLKOWITZ staff Both Donald Brown (above) and quarterback Kyle Brandon (below) are back to lead the Caseys on the gridiron this season as the RBC team looks to put together a winning season and challenge for a division title. With a large contingent of returning starters this season, Red Bank Catholic head football coach Frank Edgerly is feeling optimistic about the start of the 2004 campaign.

“We’ve got a bunch of returners coming back, 14 starters, said Edgerly. “We have a high degree of optimism for 2004.”

Last season, the Caseys finished their season with a record of 4-6, a record that could have easily gone the other way.

“We have a group of guys who know how it feels to get so close,” said Edgerly. “Last season could have easily gone 8-2.”

The inability to win close games is one thing Edgerly and the team will look to improve on this season. They know that the ability to win tight contests is what separates the top teams from the rest of the pack.

“We’ve played too many tight games,” the coach said. “We have to pull games out late, or find a way to pull them out.”

Returning for the Caseys are a handful of experienced seniors. Donald Brown, though, is the one everyone is keying on. Brown is the team’s running back and cornerback, and promises to be one of the Shore’s most electrifying players once again this year.

“He’s our big gun,” said Edgerly. “He’s already received seven Division I offers.”

Much of the Caseys’ success offensively will depend on Brown’s ability to make the big play — something he has displayed a penchant for over the course of his career. Casey opponents know they need to slow him down in order to knock off RBC.

Knowing is one thing — executing that game plan is another.

Also returning for their senior year are quarterback Kyle Brandon, tackle/linebacker Justin Keenan, offensive lineman/defensive lineman Mario Fragale, and tight end/defensive end Michael Kelly.

The Caseys will also receive contributions from a number of returning juniors. This group includes Ryan Kalish, a wide receiver and safety who also is the team’s backup quarterback; Taso Fotinos, a running back/defensive end; and Stephen Giampiccolo, a fullback and defensive end.

In order for the Caseys to be successful in ’04, Edgerly and the Caseys will look to improve on both sides of the ball.

“Last year we were pretty good on offense, but we can always get better,” said Edgerly. “We’d also like to steadily improve on defense, try to continue to make strides.”

RBC will open their season at home against Manchester on Sept. 10. Playing in a highly competitive division, Edgerly and the Caseys are going into the season with the mentality that every game is a must-win, since even an 8-2 season does not guarantee a spot in the state playoffs.

“In our division, every game is a big game,” said Edgerly. “Our biggest game is always the next game.”

RBC has the horses to get the job done, including one of the top play-makers in the Shore Conference in Brown. All that’s left is execution, staying healthy, and perhaps a little bit of luck along the way.