The 2024 football season for the Freehold Township Patriots concluded on November 1st, and it was a season full of highs and lows. Managing another consecutive playoff berth, the Patriots finished the season with a 5-5 record, finishing 2nd in the B-North Division. While not as high as in previous years, the Patriots still managed to achieve great accomplishments throughout the season, beginning with…

Game 1: @Toms River South: 35-12 Win 

The offense scored 5 touchdowns, Nick Cardone going for 16/32 with 265 yards and 4 TDS, with the defense holding the Indians to 12 points. Plus the first Week 0 win in school history? An overall great performance by the Patriots as they head into Howell next week.

Game 2: @ Howell: 33-42 Loss

Still scoring 30+ and only losing by a toe-tap touchdown, unfortunately. Close game, but more must be done next week, the following weeks begin division play for the Patriots. 

Game 3: @ Ocean Township: 21-20 Win (OT)

Very close game, but they still won on a Nick Cardone walk-off running TD. First divisional win, and more to come after that.

Game 4: @RBHS: 24-22 Win

Managing to win on a walk-off field goal after three different attempts is very much a difficult task, but not difficult enough for Jimmy Russo. And finally getting to come home after a 3-1 record after four straight away games is a big advantage for the Patriots.

Game 5: Vs Matawan: 34-21 Win

First home game, first home victory. It was a solid performance by the entire team, managing another 30+ point game and winning by more than one score. Just one more way game, and it’s all home, all the way from here.

Game 6: @ Marlboro: 21-22 Loss

And now we lose to a game-winning field goal, but still a very close game against a ranked opponent. Huge game next week as the Battle for the Duke commences!

Game 7: Battle for the Duke! Vs Freehold Boro: 32-20 Win

And it’s not even close. Retaining the Duke for another year and proving that Freehold Township High School rules over Freehold once again. Another overall great victory, scoring another 30+ against our rivals.

Game 8: Vs Manalapan: 19-55 Loss

It was not a great game, but putting up a fight in the second half was still impressive. It was just one of those games, unfortunately. 

Game 9: Vs Middletown North: 19-45 Loss

And another heartbreaker loss. Still being able to fight back in the second half is still impressive, but once again, just another one of those games.

Playoffs Round 1: @ Hillsborough: 20-49 Loss

And unfortunately, the playoff matchup was once again, another one of those games. Still showed heart in the second half once again, but unfortunately, that would be the season for the Patriots.

Major Accomplishments:

• Winning First Week 0 Game in School History
• Nick Cardone accomplished over 5000 passing yards in his career, the most in school history. 
• Retained win streak against Freehold Boro in the “Battle of the Duke”, 3 Game Win Streak currently for the Patriots

Stat Leaders:

Offense:

• QB Nick Cardone: 2503 Yds, 181/375(0.58% Comp Percent), 13.8 Yds Avg, 27 Tds/10 Ints, 98.4 QB Rating
• RB Justin Tamai: 66 Atmps, 330 Rushing Yds, 5.5 Yds Per Carry, 4 Tds, 197 Receiving Yds, 2 Tds
• WR Noah Cancela: 76 Recs, 1015 Yds, 13.4 Yds Per Carry, 11 Tds

Defense:

• LB Jake Minniear: 58 Solo Tackles, 41 Assist Tackles, 5 QB Hurries, 3 Sacks, 1 FMB Recovery
• LB Johnathan Kokotis: 51 Solo Tackles, 36 Assist Tackles, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Sack, 2 Ints, 1 FMB Recovery
• DB Jake Rattiner: 25 Solo Tackles, 31 Assist Tackles, 3 QB Hurries, 1 Sack