Newark Returns Offensive Core

Program Outlook

Newark enters the 2026 season in Class D after a 6–11 finish in 2025. The Reds showed flashes of competitiveness throughout the year, playing five games decided within five goals. With most of last season’s scoring returning and a relatively small senior class lost to graduation, Newark begins the season with continuity on offense as it looks to improve overall consistency.

Coaching Transition

Nick Casal begins his first season as head coach at Newark. His scholastic record stands at 0–0 as he takes over the program. This season marks a transition on the sideline, paired with a roster that already has meaningful varsity experience and established contributors. Coach Casal is excited about the new season. "I’ve been involved in lacrosse for many years as both a player and a coach, and the game has played a major role in shaping who I am. I’m passionate about teaching the fundamentals, building strong team culture, and helping players develop both on and off the field. I’m excited to join the program and look forward to growing the game while supporting our athletes this season."

Roster Overview

Newark graduated four seniors, including contributors at midfield, defense, and in goal. Despite those losses, the roster returns three rising seniors and seven juniors, giving the team a solid core of upperclass experience. The absence of sophomores listed highlights a roster that will lean heavily on returning players who logged significant minutes last season.

Returning Award Winners

Several returning players earned All-League recognition in 2025 and form the backbone of the lineup. Sam Underhill returns after a standout season with 84 goals and 14 assists, earning All-League Second Team Attack honors. Evan Shulla also returns following a 49-goal, 15-assist campaign and All-League Third Team Attack recognition. On the defensive end, Darrien Streeter and Haidyn Walters return after earning All-League honors. This group accounts for a large share of Newark’s returning production.

Statistical Overview

In 2025, Newark scored 164 goals and allowed 245, averaging 9.6 goals per game while giving up 14.4 goals against. The Reds return 146 goals, accounting for 89 percent of last season’s total, along with 38 assists, representing 73 percent of the assist production. Newark recorded four wins by five or more goals and played five games decided within five goals, reflecting a season with competitive stretches and room for growth.

Games This Year

The 2026 schedule features a blend of league and non-league contests. League games, designated as FLE matchups, include games against Livonia-Avon-Geneseo, Geneva, Pal-Mac, and Wayne. These games will serve as key measuring points within league play. The remainder of the schedule consists of NL matchups against teams such as Aquinas, Jordan Elbridge, Brockport, Bloomfield-Honeoye, Midlakes, Marcus Whitman, and Haverling.

Season Focus

With a first-year head coach and nearly all of its offensive production returning, Newark enters the season focused on translating experience into improved results. Continuity among returning scorers provides a foundation as the Reds begin the 2026 campaign.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

Stories are planned for each of the teams in Section V and will be released, a few at a time, between now and the start of the playing season. The stories will remain on the front page for about one week and then will be available in the NEWS archive. There will be links for all the published stories HERE and a link will also be available on each TEAM PAGE.