Mike McDonough was a wide receiver last year. He'll split time at end and tailback. Jason DeGennaro is one of the fastest athletes in Ocean County. Ryan Murray, who will probably replace Gaynor at quarterback next year, will play wide receiver this fall and is a sure-handed pass catcher. All of which suits the Toms River East defensive unit just fine.
Fewer passes mean less clock stoppages and short games.
Toms River East will need to improve at linebacker, where only one starter returns. But the defensive line is expected to be solid and the secondary is athletic. We're going to have to do a few things and learn a few things. But we'll put the kids in the right spots and try an take things away from people. The Raiders, who open at No. 2 Manalapan tomorrow night, may well be the Shore Conference sleeper team.