Holmdel H.S. 2024 Football Preview

HOLMDEL, NJ -- The Holmdel football team will play its first game under new head coach Noel Kavanagh on Friday night at home against Long Branch at 6 p.m.

The Hornets posted a 9-1 record under outgoing coach Jeff Rainess, who was at Holmdel for eight seasons before stepping down. Holmdel's only loss in 2023 was to Camden in the Central Jersey, Group 3 semifinals.

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Junior quarterback Jack Cannon is back to lead the offense after completing 68% of his 76 passes for 10 touchdowns with only two interceptions in his sophomore season.

There's an excellent chance that Cannon will put up more than 76 aerials this season -- perhaps a lot more -- since Kavanagh is switching from the veer offense that Rainess ran to a more wide-open spread formation this season.

Senior running back Matt Iulo returns, as well, after tying Cannon for the team lead in rushing TDs in 2023 with seven.

But Iulo and Cannon will be operating behind an offensive line with four new starters. Senior center Demetri Lazarou is the only returning starter up front. Wideout Frankie Serini could thrive in the new offense.

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Holmdel allowed an average of less than five points per game last season, but six of the starters on defense in 2024 will be new. The holdovers on that side of the ball are junior linebackers Alex Reyes (a tight end on offense) and Peter Berardi, senior end Cipriano Bodnar and corners Jack Powers and Trey Critchley.

The Hornets will follow the matchup against Long Branch with a road game against Ocean Township on Friday, Sept. 6.

HOLMDEL 2024 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

08-30    Long Branch
09-06    @ Ocean Twp.
09-13    St. John Vianney
09-20    Manasquan
09-27    @ Wall
10-11    Raritan
10-18    @ Monmouth
10-25    @ Manalapan

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