By Matthew Rocco
The Red Bank Regional High School football team has been tested time and again this season, and the Buccaneers are better for it.
Their latest test came in a matchup against Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School — a defending state title winner. Bulldogs quarterback Jack Volker ignited his team’s offense, throwing for over 100 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-7 victory.
But the loss won’t deter a Buccaneers team that is focused on strengthening its game in 2016 — a year after saying goodbye to a large senior class.
“I said early in the season, this is a team that will play better football later in the year, and I think that’s where we are. We’re learning from these early-season experiences,” head coach Nick Giglio said. “Even though the season is halfway over, we’re still improving.”
The Buccaneers have fought through a difficult schedule. Red Bank Regional lost its season opener to John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. Its third game was a loss to St. John Vianney High School, which improved to 7-0 by defeating Red Bank Catholic High School last week.
Despite coming off a successful 2015 season, the Buccaneers were faced with the tall task of replacing the veterans that led Red Bank to 11 straight wins and an appearance in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group III finals, where they lost to the Bulldogs.
Giglio believes the best way to improve is by getting on the field and facing the best competition in the Shore Conference.
The team is looking forward to a Thanksgiving Day bout with Long Branch High School, a high-profile game that will be another valuable experience.
“We are a team that needed to gain experiences. We only have a few players that have gained those experiences to build upon last year’s team. We knew it was going to take game situations. They need to experience those game situations for themselves,” Giglio said.
The Buccaneers (3-3) are younger this season, but they also have talented veterans. One of those veterans is running back and linebacker Chris Outterbridge, who has made an impact on both sides of the football.
“Chris is definitely one of those kids that has experience. He had to be our leader on and off the field, and he is. We’re a better team because of that. Guys are playing up to his level, which is awesome,” Giglio said.
For the Bulldogs, last week’s game was a chance to rebound from their loss to undefeated St. John Vianney High School.
The Bulldogs got off to a fast start. On just the second play on offense, Volker — filling in for an injured Mike O’Connor — connected with receiver Trevor Caruso for a 69-yard touchdown in the air.
Later in the first quarter, linebacker Mike Ruane burst through the line and forced a fumble by Red Bank Regional quarterback Stephen Navitsky. The turnover gave the Bulldogs a first-and-goal on the 3-yard line. Volker capitalized, finding Tyler Peirson in the end zone for his second touchdown pass.
Rumson-Fair Haven held its 14-0 lead into halftime. On the first drive of the third quarter, running back Alex Malijan was Volker’s target for a short pass that turned into a 38-yard play. The Bulldogs tacked on another touchdown when Volker handed the ball to senior running back Matt Vecchiarelli for a 6-yard score.
The Buccaneers got on the board on the ensuing kickoff. Chris Brannagan returned the ball 95 yards for a touchdown.
The Bulldogs (4-2) are winning games with their defense this season. They have allowed just 49 points through six games, making the Bulldogs one of the best defenses in the state this season. Rumson-Fair Haven also has three shutouts to its credit.
Rumson-Fair Haven will travel to Monmouth Regional High School Oct. 29, while Red Bank Regional is scheduled to play rival Red Bank Catholic High School on the road.