By COLIN MORRIS

Correspondent

@colinmorris_media on Instagram

cmorris70@icloud.com

For Eastern Regional High football coach Lionel Bolen, it’s been nothing but an uphill grind. 

But as Bolen enters year No. 6 with the Vikings, he said he has nothing but optimism for a program he’s built from the ground up. 

Considering the Vikings had yet to achieve a winning record during his tenure, 2025 was a statement year. Eastern finished 6-4, and hanging tough against eventual sectional finalist Kingsway Regional in the opening round of the state playoffs opened some eyes around South Jersey. The Vikings have to wait an extra day to get started with the 2026 season, as inclement weather forced the postponement of their Week 0 matchup at Hunterdon Central to Friday at 6 p.m.

Bolen, a 2001 graduate of Rancocas Valley and a former safety at Notre Dame from 2001-2005, accepted the Eastern job in March of 2021. He was a long-time assistant and school counselor for nine years prior. 

There were some growing pains, as evidenced by the 7-21 start for Bolen in his first three years with the program, but the 11-9 record in the last two seasons is a building block for 2026. And as some programs around South Jersey took major hits from graduation in June, Eastern was not one of them, as the Vikings graduated only 13 seniors from last year’s squad.

“We’re able to bring back a lot of guys,” Bolen said. “Some positions we upgraded in, some positions we kind of stayed the same. But we have some guys filling those spots that are ready to step up and make a contribution to the team.” 

A position that left a big question mark on the depth chart following the 2025 season — quarterback. That was, until former St. Joseph Academy signal caller Anthony Salamone elected to transfer back home to Voorhees. 

Salamone, a 3-year starter for the Wildcats, had more than 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns last year while leading St. Joseph Academy to a 7-2 record. For his career, Salamone has more than 2,800 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, and has added another six rushing touchdowns. He’ll replace former Eastern quarterback Nick Curreri, who passed for nearly 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns a year ago.

“It’s been a great few weeks. It’s been very good hospitality with all the guys, welcoming me into the team,” Salamone said. “It’s just been a good start to camp and I’m ready to work.”

“From Day One, you could always tell he had that leadership ability,” Bolen replied, when asked about his new QB1. “Played quarterback all his life, he talks the verbiage. He carries himself like a quarterback. A guy that’s done it and been there. A lot of guys are gravitating toward that and they’re excited to get him on the field.”

Bolen and the Vikings will enter this season with their third starting quarterback in three years, as two years ago it was Logan Dawson, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in baseball after he graduated in 2025.  

Following a successful 2025 campaign and a second-place finish in the West Jersey Football League’s Freedom division, Eastern bumps up into the Continental. The Vikings will be in with the likes of Lenape, Cherry Hill East, Northern Burlington, Williamstown and Pennsauken.

Here’s a look at the 2026 schedule:

August 28 @ Hunterdon Central | 6pm

*Sept. 3 vs Cherry Hill East | 6pm

Sept. 10 vs Atlantic City | 6pm

*Sept. 18 @ Northern Burlington | 6pm

*Sept. 25 @ Lenape | 6pm

October 2 vs Paul VI | 6pm

October 9 @ Rancocas Valley | 6pm

*October 16 vs Pennsauken | 6pm

*October 22 @ Williamstown | 6pm

*divisional matchup 

THE SKINNY: Obviously a step up from the 2025 WJFL Freedom division opponents, but Eastern is back in the powerhouse conversation. A tremendous amount of confidence has been shown not just by coach Bolen, but his entire staff in this Vikings squad. Adding Salamone to this team, including the critical returners like WR/DB Terry Cook and LB Brayden Dove, Eastern seems ready for the biggest stages in South Jersey.

— Colin Morris