Most scholastic football programs would love to win a championship of some sort every few years. But for Middletown South to go two seasons without a championship, seems like a lifetime.
The last time Middletown South went two straight years without either an NJSIAA sectional championship or a Shore Conference divisional title was 1993-94. The Eagles have not gone three straight years without a championship since 1983-85.
"Our coaches all the time talk about what's going to be our legacy," Campbell said. "What are we going to be known for?"
Four of Middletown South's five losses the last two seasons were to three teams that went a combined 35-1 with three sectional championship.
"We want a ring, and I think this is the year to do it," said offensive right tackle Steve Coluccio.
"Sometimes you need to learn how to lose before you learn how to win," Middletown South coach Steve Antonucci said.
Middletown South appears poised for a return to its championship ways. Antonucci said seven starters return on offense and eight on defense.
The biggest question facing the Eagles is replacing the graduated Ryan Mullan as the QB in the flexbone, triple option alignment.
Junior Scott Meeker, who quarterbacked the Eagles' junior varsity team to a winning record last season, will be the starter.
"He reminds me somewhat of Brendan Kennedy (who quarterbacked the Eagles to a 12-0 record in 2001)," Antonucci said. "He's long and lanky."
"It's a tough offense to run, but it's all about how you react," Meeker said.
Middletown South also has to replace starting running backs Matt Martino and Chris Bunge. Talented junior Andrew Suarez, who played receiver and slotback last season, and talented sophomore Tim McArdle will be the main running back threats. Both have big-play ability.
Four starters, led by Coluccio, Travis Sodon and Dylan Zimmerman, who all started two seasons ago as sophomores, return on the offensive line.
Defensively, Martino and Bunge, who were both Asbury Park Press All-Shore first team selections, will have to be replaced.
However, end Nick Bricker, tackle Joe Roibal, inside linebackers Campbell and Matt Saulnier, outside linebacker Connor Gilbert and defensive backs Rob Benedetto, Suarez and Dave Elkhatib all return.