After showing flashes of brilliance throughout the 2025 campaign, Matawan enters the 2026 season with far greater expectations. Last year’s squad featured a youthful roster loaded with sophomores, and while the team experienced its share of growing pains, it also proved capable of competing with some of New Jersey’s best programs.
The Huskies finished 6-5, highlighted by impressive victories over nationally respected Manasquan and Somerville during the Central Jersey Group 3 playoffs. However, inconsistency also defined the season, as surprising losses to Hightstown, Shore, and three other opponents prevented Matawan from making an even deeper postseason run.
Now, with 17 returning starters and a roster dominated by experienced juniors alongside veteran seniors, Matawan appears ready to transform potential into production. The combination of physical development, game experience, and roster continuity gives the Huskies a legitimate opportunity to compete for both the Class B North title and their first sectional championship since 2014.
Tougher Competition Awaits in Class B North
The challenge becomes even greater this fall as Matawan moves into the highly competitive Class B North division.
The Huskies will face a demanding schedule that includes:
- Shore
- Middletown South
- Middletown North
- Freehold Township
- Manasquan
With a roster that’s older, stronger, and more confident than a year ago, Matawan believes it has the talent to thrive against elite competition.
Offensive Preview
Matawan returns eight offensive starters from a unit that averaged 23.8 points per game while producing nearly 3,600 total offensive yards last season.
BlairCarter Gagneron Leads the Offense
Junior quarterback BlairCarter Gagneron (5-10, 180) enters 2026 as one of the Shore Conference’s premier signal-callers.
Following an outstanding sophomore campaign, the Third Team All-Shore selection threw for:
- 1,804 passing yards
- 13 touchdown passes
He also contributed significantly on the ground with:
- 283 rushing yards
- 8 rushing touchdowns
With another offseason of development, Gagneron is expected to take another major step forward.
Balanced Running Attack
Junior running back Sean Euell (5-10, 195) returns after rushing for 631 yards and four touchdowns despite sharing carries last season.
Supporting the rushing attack are:
- Senior Andre Martin (5-8, 160)
- Junior Jayvion Duverne (5-10, 180)
The trio provides Matawan with depth and versatility in the backfield.
Elite Receiving Talent
One of the biggest reasons for optimism is star wide receiver Cayson Williams (6-4, 205).
After earning First Team All-Shore honors as a sophomore, Williams finished 2025 with:
- 37 receptions
- 742 receiving yards
- 10 touchdowns
His breakout season has already attracted Division I recruiting attention, making him one of New Jersey’s top receiver prospects.
Joining Williams is Alan Sparks-Jackson (6-4, 180), who transitions into a starting offensive role after primarily playing defense last year. His combination of size, athleticism, and catch radius gives Gagneron another dangerous target.
Junior Zach Johnson (5-10, 170) adds experience and reliability after gaining valuable varsity playing time last season.
Tight Ends Add Size
- Senior Kevin Auguste (6-4, 215) returns after serving mainly as a blocker in 2025.
- Junior Gavin Hernandez (6-3, 185) will also contribute, providing Matawan with two athletic tight ends capable of creating matchup problems.
Experienced Offensive Line
The Huskies bring back a veteran offensive line anchored by junior left tackle Jayden Waters (6-5, 275).
The projected starters include:
- LT — Jayden Waters
- LG — Shenouda Salib
- C — Jack Lorig
- RG — Andras Haramasz
- RT — Erik Ritter
Three-year starter Andras Haramasz provides valuable leadership, while Erik Ritter (6-3, 280) gives Matawan tremendous size on the right side.Senior Mark Fanelli returns as both kicker and punter.
Defensive Preview
Nine starters return from a defense that surrendered just 18.1 points per game in 2025.
Defensive Line
Senior defensive end JJ Oshin (6-0, 210) headlines the front after recording:
- 62 tackles
- 4.5 sacks
His breakout campaign earned Second Team All-Class C North honors,Peter Brown starts opposite Oshin, while Tyson Spann returns inside after posting 49 tackles last season.
Athletic Linebackers
Senior Kevin Auguste leads the linebacker unit after recording:
- 77 tackles
- 13.5 tackles for loss
- 6.5 sacks
- His performance earned First Team All-Class C North recognition.
- Lining up opposite him is standout receiver Cayson Williams, whose athleticism makes him equally dangerous on defense.
- Inside, Sean Euell returns after collecting 63 tackles and earning Second Team All-Class C South honors.
- Junior Joe Martucci complements him after contributing 42 tackles last year, giving Matawan one of its most experienced position groups.
Secondary
The Huskies possess plenty of playmakers in the defensive backfield.
Cornerback Alan Sparks-Jackson recorded:
- 33 tackles
- Team-high 4 interceptions
- His ball-hawking ability earned him Second Team All-Class C North honors.
- He’ll be joined by Ace Jackson (6-2, 170) at the opposite corner position.
- At safety, Zach Johnson returns after making 50 tackles and earning all-division honors.
- Juniors Dylan Sierra and Khalid Jones will compete for the free safety role.
Matawan Football at a Glance
Head Coach: Matt Walsh (3rd season)
Career Record: 8-12
2025 Record: 6-5
Offense: Multiple Spread
Defense: Multiple
Coaching Staff
- Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line — Brian Duffy
- Special Teams Coordinator / Wide Receivers — Bobby Wietecha
- Running Backs — Joe Martucci
- Defensive Line — Sam Turner
- Linebackers — Nick Hartigan
- Defensive Backs — Shawn Ramcheran
- Freshman Coach — Matt Hughes
- Freshman Coach — Colin O’Hara
- Freshman Coach — Michael Meola
Game to Watch
September 25 vs. Middletown North
One of the most anticipated games on Matawan’s schedule comes against Middletown North.
The Huskies narrowly lost 23-21 last season after falling short on a two-point conversion attempt. With both teams expected to contend for the Class B North championship, this matchup could play a major role in determining the division race.
For Matawan, winning games like this is the next step toward becoming a true championship contender.
Newcomer to Watch
Erik Ritter | Junior | Offensive Line
Standing 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, Ritter immediately becomes the largest player on Matawan’s offensive line.
His size and physicality should strengthen the trenches, helping protect quarterback BlairCarter Gagneron while opening running lanes. If Ritter develops as expected, he could become a key reason the Huskies elevate their offense from one of the Shore’s best to one of New Jersey’s elite units.
2026 Matawan Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Aug. 27 | River Dell |
| Sept. 3 | Raritan |
| Sept. 12 | at Manasquan |
| Sept. 18 | at Freehold Township |
| Sept. 25 | Middletown North |
| Oct. 2 | at Marlboro |
| Oct. 9 | Shore |
| Oct. 16 | at Toms River East |
| Oct. 23 | Middletown South |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the expectations for Matawan Football in 2026?
Matawan enters the 2026 season with high expectations after returning 17 starters. The Huskies are viewed as strong contenders for both the Class B North division title and a deep playoff run.
Who is Matawan’s starting quarterback in 2026?
Junior BlairCarter Gagneron returns as the starting quarterback after an impressive sophomore season in which he threw for 1,804 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding eight rushing scores.
Which players should fans watch this season?
Key players include quarterback BlairCarter Gagneron, wide receiver Cayson Williams, linebacker Kevin Auguste, running back Sean Euell, and offensive lineman Erik Ritter.
Why is the 2026 season important for Matawan Football?
The 2026 campaign is significant because the Huskies have an experienced roster with championship potential and are aiming to win their first sectional title since 2014.
What makes Matawan’s offense dangerous in 2026?
The Huskies feature a balanced offense led by an experienced quarterback, talented playmakers at wide receiver and running back, and a veteran offensive line capable of creating big plays.
Who are Matawan Football’s biggest opponents in 2026?
Matawan faces a challenging Class B North schedule featuring Manasquan, Middletown North, Middletown South, Shore, and Freehold Township, making every conference game crucial.
Conclusion
Matawan enters the 2026 season with one of its most experienced and talented rosters in recent years. With 17 returning starters, a proven quarterback in BlairCarter Gagneron, elite playmakers on both sides of the ball, and a veteran coaching staff, the Huskies have all the ingredients to compete for a Class B North championship. While the schedule presents significant challenges, this mature and battle-tested group appears ready to turn last season’s promise into a championship-caliber campaign.