When the Barnegat High School football team emerged from the locker room and ran onto its field for the start of its Shore Conference Patriot Division title clash with Mater Dei Prep on Oct. 5, the Bengals gave every indicator they were ready to tussle.

At the center of the field, as the Seraphs’ players chattered from their sideline, several Bengals clapped their hands with excitement about the upcoming action, while others glared at the opposing squad with their game faces set to stun.