Scanning the High School Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:
Let the playoffs begin.
No fewer than 18 schools will begin their quest to become state champions. The shore is well represented with 3 programs earning top seeds; Middletown South(CJ3), Asbury Park(CJ1) and Matawan(CJ2). Mid. South’s road to the finals may include #4 seed, Neptune, in round 2. Ocean(#3) is in the bottom bracket in this group, and has lost 2 of their last 3 going in. Asbury draws Shore Reg. in a rematch of a week 1 game won by AP, 13-10. The very tough South Jersey Group 4 will have 2 shore powers in TR East(#3) and TR North(#5). The good thing about their seeds is that, if they win, East and North will not meet until the finals.
The rampaging Lacey Lions, winners of 6 in a row, with 5 shutouts, received a #3 seed and have an excellent chance of getting to the finals. Hammonton is the #1 seed here. Brick Memorial, the defending CJ4 champ, won a big game on Friday night(37-34 vs. East Brunswick), to qualify as a #6 seed, and will have to win on the road, if they are to get their 3rd championship. To me, Howell(#2) is the team to beat in that section and with wins by them and BM, they would meet in the semi’s. Middletown North(#8) will also compete in this Group. Manasquan(#3), draws a shore opponent in Keyport. This will not be easy for the defending CJ2 champs, as they would probably get Rumson in round 2 if they escape Keyport.
This Group also has Matawan(#1), Raritan(#5), Long Branch(#4) and Rumson(#2) in it. Bet the house, that a shore school will win this section. RBC(#8) will get the #1 team in the state(Don Bosco), in the 1st round of Non-Public 4.
If I had to make some picks here in the 1st round, I would say there are 6 possible winners out there to take home the trophy on the weekend of Dec.4,5,6. More than likely, 3 or 4 will be celebrating. Let’s see how week 1 plays out, and next week I’ll tell you who will survive the 3 rounds.
A quick review of week 9:
The undefeated! Middletown South(8-0) and Rumson(8-0) had byes and were able to rest up for the States. TR East(8-0) easily defeated Old Bridge by a 41-21 score, as Nico Steriti continues to have a huge year, with 4 more TDs. By the way, the Raiders lead the shore in points scored with 283, that’s 35 points per game. Enough said!
Manasquan was knocked from the unbeaten ranks by Long Branch by a 21-14 score. Unfortunately, the story of this game was not who played well, but who did not play for the Blue Warriors. Manasquan sat 8 key players, due to breaking of team rules. Some of those who did not play were; C.J. Davis(starting QB), Neal Sterling(Receiver and DB), Dan Sullivan(DE), Ryan Dullea(Center), Kevin Callahan(Receiver/DB).
I am not taking anything away from Long Branch’s victory, but obviously these players could have made a difference. I credit head coach Pete Cahill for the fortitude to make this tough decision. All are expected to play this week. Long Branch also had to deal with problems of their own. QB Miles Schuler missed most of the week of practice, as he attended the funeral of his grandmom in California. Also Billy George, did not practice all week with a badly bruised bone in his knee. Both players played Friday night and Schuler was the difference, as he ran for 195 yards, including a 84 yard TD run, and passed for 116 yards including a TD of 55 yards to Ezra Kelly.
Head Coach Pete Cahill, said it best; “Miles is a legitimate Division 1 kid. He’s the second fastest kid in New Jersey”.
1 loss teams!
TR North had to sweat a little vs. Jackson, but a 4th quarter rally earned them a 17-7 victory. North’s defense, co-ordinater by Dave Oizerowitz, continues to play lights out. They have given up only 21 points all year, and as the old saying goes, DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. It won’t be easy for the Mariners in SJ4, with the likes of Cherokee(possible 2nd round opponent) and cross town rival TR East, but the Mariners have been there before and know what it takes to win the whole thing.
By the way, don’t forget, the Raiders and Mariners have a date on Thanksgiving. Could they play 2 weeks in a row? Howell had an easy tune-up with Southern(37-19), as Jimmy Ryan threw for 387 yards and 4TDs. With the summer weather we are experiencing, the Rebels just may go a long way in CJ 4. Matawan ran for 399 yards as they rolled over Bishop Ahr 52-29. They got them the #1 seed in CJ 2. The Huskies are hot at the right time of the year. Manasquan and Asbury Park are the other 1 loss teams and they were mentioned up top.
How about Mon Don’s game! They put 73 points on the board against Metuchen, who by the way scored 45 on their own. QB Kevin Carter had himself a career day running for 210 yards and passing for 141 more yards. Carter ran for 5 TDs and threw for another. All in all the 2 squads combined for 1,101 yards of offense with 713 in the first half and 31 first downs. Yes, the defensive co-ordinators, missed the bus for this one! The scoreboard ground crew was last seen putting new lights in the board, as some blew out after this one.
Let’s give Calvin Thompson and his Point Pleasant Boro Panthers some credit. They opened the season with 4 straight losses, included in that streak was a 7 point loss, a 3 point loss and another 7 point loss. Very easily they could have packed it in at that point. Now they stand at 3-5, with 2 winnable games left, they could finish at 5-5. That would be quite an accomplishment for the Panthers. Nice job keeping them together.
Top Ten-week of Nov. 9th.
1-Middletown South(8-0) #1 seed in CJ3. Looking for another championship to put in their trophy case.
2-TR East(8-0) #3 seed in SJ 4. The Raiders are looking for their 1st State championship in school history. This is a tough group, but I believe the Raiders are ready to take the next step.
3-Howell(7-1) #2 seed in CJ 4. Open against Montgomery who is 5-4 on the season.
4-TR North(7-1) Great defense, must be tough on the road in playoffs. #5 seed in SJ 4.
5-Matawan(7-1) Only loss to RBC. The Huskies are for real. #1 seed in CJ 1.
6-Rumson(8-0) They have answered all comers. Now they begin their second season. #2 seed in CJ 2.
7-Lacey(6-2) Hottest team in shore right now. 6 straight wins and 5 shutouts in a row. #3 seed in SJ 3.
8-Manasquan(7-1) Perfect season over with loss to Long Branch last week. Sometimes losses are good, we shall see.
9-Long Branch(6-2) I know they just beat the team up above, but they have 2 losses to Ocean and Matawan. They are battle tested, with most of their games close and that will aid them down the line.
10-Asbury Park(7-1) Looking for 3 in a row in CJ 1. They are top seed and that will get them 2 home games and maybe 3 depending on where they play for the championship.
Just missed: RBC(5-3), Ocean(6-2), Raritan(6-2), Keyport(6-2), Wall(6-2)and Neptune(6-2)
The Shore Sports Network will broadcast the Washington Twp. at TR East 1st round game Friday night at 7pm at the home of the Raiders. Also join us on Thursday night for 2 hours of high school football talk at Boston’s in Toms River. We are on from 6-8pm every Thursday, except Thanksgiving week. Coaches, players, reporters and MU Head Coach Kevin Callahan join us every week. If you can’t come down, tune us in on 1160am or 1310am or on line at shoresportsnetwork.com.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Weekend of 10/23 + 10/24
Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:
With just 2 weeks left before the playoff cut-off date(Nov 7th), it’s time to look at who is in, and who must win, in the next 2 weeks, to have that chance to put a state championship trophy in the showcase. If I had to put a number out there this week, it would be 18 schools in and 5 more with a chance to make it. Let’s look closely at the groups.
South Jersey Group 4:
TR East(7-0) is in and looks like a 1,2 or 3 seed. The picture will clear after next week, but with a 1 or 2 seed for the Raiders, that would mean home games, and that’s important in this group, with the likes of Cherokee, Egg Harbor, Washington Twp., Williamstown all having great years. TR North(5-1) will make it and have to fight on the road this year. They have a big one with Piscataway(4-3) this week and that will determine their seed. Southern, who made their great run last year, only to lose in the finals, doesn’t look like they will get another chance this year, and they will be on the outside looking in.
South Jersey Group 3:
Lacey will make it, and could get a home game, if they care of business against Middletown North and Freehold Boro in the next 2 weeks. Those are both tough games, so if they are to get a top 4 seed, they would have earned it. Believe it or not, Manchester(3-3) with their upset over RBC, have given themselves a chance at the playoffs. With Monmouth Reg. and Jax Liberty left, they must win 1 of them and qualify at 4-4, and then see where they fall. You must first qualify and then see what happens.
South Jersey Group 2:
Barnegat(2-4) is still is alive, but barely. Obviously, they must win their last 2 against Point Boro and Lakewood(both winnable games) to qualify, and then see if they can get into the top 8. A shot for the better than 2-4 Bengals.
Central Jersey Group 4:
Howell(7-0), will be a 1,2 or 3 seed with Hunterton Central and Sayreville being the challengers. Howell will travel to Sayreville this week in a key cross-over game to help determine top seed. Brick Memorial(3-4) is not out of it yet. They must beat East Brunswick(5-2) on November 6th to qualify and then get some help to try and defend their championship, which they won last year. Middletown North(4-2) will make it, if they win 1 of their 2 remaining games vs. Lacey(4-2) and South Brunswick(2-4).
Central Jersey Group 3:
No less than 4 schools can qualify here. Mid South, Ocean, Freehold Boro, and Neptune look good, with Wall, Brick and Jax Liberty still with a fighting chance. Too many good games left, to make a call here.
Central Jersey Group 2:
This will be Shore Wars revisited as Rumson, Raritan, Keyport, Long Branch, Manasquan and Matawan all look like they should get in. Seeds will be a key factor here, with match-ups going a long way in determining a winner.
Central Jersey Group 1:
Asbury Park(5-1) will have a chance at making it 3 in a row. Shore(3-4), which has been up and down this year, can still make it, but must beat Point Beach to get to 4-4. Keansburg(3-3) must win 1 of 2(Keyport and Dunellen) to qualify and then get help. Dunellen, looks like the best shot for them.
Non-Pub. Group 4:
RBC(4-3) will make it despite the upset loss to Manchester last week. Tough group, as always, with the likes of Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter’s, Camden Catholic, Seton Hall and Paul VI.
That’s a quick look at what the playoff picture looks like, at this point, with 2 weeks to go. After next week’s games we may get a better look at who’s in and who’s out. Now let’s look at last week’s key games.
In one of 3 Sunday games, the Huskies of Matawan(5-1) upset previously unbeaten Ocean(5-1), 24-7. Early in the 1st quarter, Matawan used a flea-flicker, which led to a 47 yard TD, and never looked back as they moved to 5-1 on the year. Playmaker MacArthur Underwood, scored twice, on runs of 65, 2 yards and added a 26 yard interception return for a TD to lead Matawan. No time to relax, as Matawan travels to Long Branch on Sat. for an important Liberty match-up.
In another Sunday contest, Middletown South’s(7-0) outstanding defense held Neptune(4-2) to 66 total yards as they shutout the Fliers 16-0. This suffocating defense is the best in the shore and the Eagles, led by Sean Campbell, showed everyone that they are the favorite in CJ Group 3. Sunday they clinched at least a tie in the Federal Division and may very well see Neptune again in the States.
Wall(4-2)10-7 over Jax Liberty(3-3). Tim Mullooly’s 18 yard field goal with 9 min. left, gave the Crimson Knights the “W”. Maurice Washington ran for 194 yards and Fred Sprengel caught his 4th TD pass of the year, as the Knight’s kept their playoff hopes alive. Not only did Mullooly and Washington have great games, but they were crowned co-homecoming kings at half-time ceremonies. A pretty good night for these two players.
TR East(7-0) 24-6 over Mid North(4-2). How much more does Nico Steriti have to do to solidify his “player of the year” award? All the senior did Friday night was run for 176 yards and 2 TDs, catch 4 passes for 74 yards and a TD and play an outstanding game on defense. The pass came at the 7 second mark of the 1st half on a double reverse pass thrown by Joey Clarizio. Steriti leads the shore in rushing(1039 yards) and has scored 20 TDs in his 7 games so far in 2009. I have said it all season long; this club is on a mission to win a State Championship, and nothing has changed my mind!
Howell(6-0) 37-27 over Brick Memorial(3-4). The Rebels “ran” over the Stangs in a game in which they only threw for 204 yards. I say that because they average close to 300 yards in the air. With this added run game success, they will be tough to beat in the playoffs. Up next is a trip to CJ 4 power, Sayreville.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(7-0) Did nothing to hurt their #1 ranking with 16-0 victory over Neptune. Great defense and defense wins championships!
2-Howell(6-0) Beat Brick Mem. 37-27 and proved they are best team in American Division. Great offense and offense excites fans.
3-TR East(7-0) On a mission to win a State Championship. Clinched outright title in Constitution Division.
4-Manasquan(6-0) Took care of SJ V on Sunday. Steady, goes about its business each week. Solid “O” and solid “D”.
5-TR North(5-1) Only loss was #2 Howell. Lives on its great defense.
6-Rumson(7-0) Another week another win for “Dawgs”. Have answered all comers. Solid team.
7-Matawan(5-1) Big win over previously unbeaten Ocean. Great athletes.
8-Ocean(5-1) First loss of season for “Big Red” on Sunday against Matawan. Big playmakers held in check by Huskie defense.
9-Raritan(5-1) Another 5-1 team that the “General” has back on track after tough Matawan loss earlier in season.
10-Long Branch(5-1) Chance to make a move up rankings with Matawan and Manasquan coming up.
Beat of rest:
Lacey(4-2) Watch out for the Lions. 4 in a row for them.
Asbury Park(5-1) Lone loss to undefeated Rumson.
Keyport(5-1) Also lost to Rumson.
Neptune(4-2) Hanging by a thread.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River for the High School football show. 6-8 PM every Thursday. Coaches, players and much more. Game of week is RBC at Ocean on Friday night 7PM.
With just 2 weeks left before the playoff cut-off date(Nov 7th), it’s time to look at who is in, and who must win, in the next 2 weeks, to have that chance to put a state championship trophy in the showcase. If I had to put a number out there this week, it would be 18 schools in and 5 more with a chance to make it. Let’s look closely at the groups.
South Jersey Group 4:
TR East(7-0) is in and looks like a 1,2 or 3 seed. The picture will clear after next week, but with a 1 or 2 seed for the Raiders, that would mean home games, and that’s important in this group, with the likes of Cherokee, Egg Harbor, Washington Twp., Williamstown all having great years. TR North(5-1) will make it and have to fight on the road this year. They have a big one with Piscataway(4-3) this week and that will determine their seed. Southern, who made their great run last year, only to lose in the finals, doesn’t look like they will get another chance this year, and they will be on the outside looking in.
South Jersey Group 3:
Lacey will make it, and could get a home game, if they care of business against Middletown North and Freehold Boro in the next 2 weeks. Those are both tough games, so if they are to get a top 4 seed, they would have earned it. Believe it or not, Manchester(3-3) with their upset over RBC, have given themselves a chance at the playoffs. With Monmouth Reg. and Jax Liberty left, they must win 1 of them and qualify at 4-4, and then see where they fall. You must first qualify and then see what happens.
South Jersey Group 2:
Barnegat(2-4) is still is alive, but barely. Obviously, they must win their last 2 against Point Boro and Lakewood(both winnable games) to qualify, and then see if they can get into the top 8. A shot for the better than 2-4 Bengals.
Central Jersey Group 4:
Howell(7-0), will be a 1,2 or 3 seed with Hunterton Central and Sayreville being the challengers. Howell will travel to Sayreville this week in a key cross-over game to help determine top seed. Brick Memorial(3-4) is not out of it yet. They must beat East Brunswick(5-2) on November 6th to qualify and then get some help to try and defend their championship, which they won last year. Middletown North(4-2) will make it, if they win 1 of their 2 remaining games vs. Lacey(4-2) and South Brunswick(2-4).
Central Jersey Group 3:
No less than 4 schools can qualify here. Mid South, Ocean, Freehold Boro, and Neptune look good, with Wall, Brick and Jax Liberty still with a fighting chance. Too many good games left, to make a call here.
Central Jersey Group 2:
This will be Shore Wars revisited as Rumson, Raritan, Keyport, Long Branch, Manasquan and Matawan all look like they should get in. Seeds will be a key factor here, with match-ups going a long way in determining a winner.
Central Jersey Group 1:
Asbury Park(5-1) will have a chance at making it 3 in a row. Shore(3-4), which has been up and down this year, can still make it, but must beat Point Beach to get to 4-4. Keansburg(3-3) must win 1 of 2(Keyport and Dunellen) to qualify and then get help. Dunellen, looks like the best shot for them.
Non-Pub. Group 4:
RBC(4-3) will make it despite the upset loss to Manchester last week. Tough group, as always, with the likes of Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter’s, Camden Catholic, Seton Hall and Paul VI.
That’s a quick look at what the playoff picture looks like, at this point, with 2 weeks to go. After next week’s games we may get a better look at who’s in and who’s out. Now let’s look at last week’s key games.
In one of 3 Sunday games, the Huskies of Matawan(5-1) upset previously unbeaten Ocean(5-1), 24-7. Early in the 1st quarter, Matawan used a flea-flicker, which led to a 47 yard TD, and never looked back as they moved to 5-1 on the year. Playmaker MacArthur Underwood, scored twice, on runs of 65, 2 yards and added a 26 yard interception return for a TD to lead Matawan. No time to relax, as Matawan travels to Long Branch on Sat. for an important Liberty match-up.
In another Sunday contest, Middletown South’s(7-0) outstanding defense held Neptune(4-2) to 66 total yards as they shutout the Fliers 16-0. This suffocating defense is the best in the shore and the Eagles, led by Sean Campbell, showed everyone that they are the favorite in CJ Group 3. Sunday they clinched at least a tie in the Federal Division and may very well see Neptune again in the States.
Wall(4-2)10-7 over Jax Liberty(3-3). Tim Mullooly’s 18 yard field goal with 9 min. left, gave the Crimson Knights the “W”. Maurice Washington ran for 194 yards and Fred Sprengel caught his 4th TD pass of the year, as the Knight’s kept their playoff hopes alive. Not only did Mullooly and Washington have great games, but they were crowned co-homecoming kings at half-time ceremonies. A pretty good night for these two players.
TR East(7-0) 24-6 over Mid North(4-2). How much more does Nico Steriti have to do to solidify his “player of the year” award? All the senior did Friday night was run for 176 yards and 2 TDs, catch 4 passes for 74 yards and a TD and play an outstanding game on defense. The pass came at the 7 second mark of the 1st half on a double reverse pass thrown by Joey Clarizio. Steriti leads the shore in rushing(1039 yards) and has scored 20 TDs in his 7 games so far in 2009. I have said it all season long; this club is on a mission to win a State Championship, and nothing has changed my mind!
Howell(6-0) 37-27 over Brick Memorial(3-4). The Rebels “ran” over the Stangs in a game in which they only threw for 204 yards. I say that because they average close to 300 yards in the air. With this added run game success, they will be tough to beat in the playoffs. Up next is a trip to CJ 4 power, Sayreville.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(7-0) Did nothing to hurt their #1 ranking with 16-0 victory over Neptune. Great defense and defense wins championships!
2-Howell(6-0) Beat Brick Mem. 37-27 and proved they are best team in American Division. Great offense and offense excites fans.
3-TR East(7-0) On a mission to win a State Championship. Clinched outright title in Constitution Division.
4-Manasquan(6-0) Took care of SJ V on Sunday. Steady, goes about its business each week. Solid “O” and solid “D”.
5-TR North(5-1) Only loss was #2 Howell. Lives on its great defense.
6-Rumson(7-0) Another week another win for “Dawgs”. Have answered all comers. Solid team.
7-Matawan(5-1) Big win over previously unbeaten Ocean. Great athletes.
8-Ocean(5-1) First loss of season for “Big Red” on Sunday against Matawan. Big playmakers held in check by Huskie defense.
9-Raritan(5-1) Another 5-1 team that the “General” has back on track after tough Matawan loss earlier in season.
10-Long Branch(5-1) Chance to make a move up rankings with Matawan and Manasquan coming up.
Beat of rest:
Lacey(4-2) Watch out for the Lions. 4 in a row for them.
Asbury Park(5-1) Lone loss to undefeated Rumson.
Keyport(5-1) Also lost to Rumson.
Neptune(4-2) Hanging by a thread.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River for the High School football show. 6-8 PM every Thursday. Coaches, players and much more. Game of week is RBC at Ocean on Friday night 7PM.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Weekend of 10/16 + 10/17
Scanning the High School football scene with Ed Sarluca:
While week 6 certainly wasn’t a good all-around football weekend for “our” local teams; Giants get embarrassed 48-27, Jets lose 16-13 as Mark Sanchez throws 5 picks, Eagles lose a yawner 13-9 to lowly Oakland, and Rutgers loses on ESPN to Pitt 24-17, it wasn’t a total loss. I hope you had a chance to listen to Monmouth University’s impressive 42-20 victory over Sacred Heart Univ. on the shore sports network, as freshmen QB Kyle Frazier threw for 4 TDs and Dave Sinisi ran for 135 yards as Monmouth evened their record at 3-3. While the big boys might not have had their best weekend, numerous local high school teams are gearing up for what may be a big run at State Championships. Let’s look at some of the big games of week 6.
Let’s start with Oceans(5-0) big win over Long Branch(5-1). The “Big Red” ran for 319 yards, and survived a late Long Branch comeback, to win it 24-21. Little used junior RB Kevin Rodgers(158 yds. and 2 TDs) made an impressive impact as the “Spartans”, led by Sr. George Sofield, dominated the line of scrimmage and have set themselves up for what looks like a huge game this week vs. Matawan. Long Branch was led by QB Miles Schuler, who accounted for 251 of his teams 273 yards.
Rumson(6-0) and Keyport(4-1) played their hearts out, with Rumson winning in 2 overtime periods, 24-21. Kicker Tucker Smith’s 17 yard field goal won it for the “Bulldogs”, as his first attempt in the first OT was blocked. Fighting a slight groin injury, Smith kicked very little during the week leading up to Saturday’s effort, but the leading kicker in the shore was true, from a severe angle, and allowed the “Dawgs” to continue their dream season. Rumson has come out clean after games vs. Asbury Park, Shore, and Keyport. That’s not an easy stretch to get through. Now they must just beat winless Mater Dei and 1 win Point Beach, to enter the CJ Group 2 playoffs undefeated.
Manasquan(5-0), TR East(6-0), Middletown South(6-0) and Howell(5-0), all remained undefeated, along with Ocean and Rumson and look like sure fire playoff contenders.
Some notable performances in week 6 which deserves mention.
First and foremost was Junior QB Nick SanGiacomo of Barnegat(2-3). Nick, the strong arm QB, threw for 315 yards and 3 TDs in Barnegat’s come from behind 28-23 victory over S J Vianney(2-3). SanGiacomo threw for 225 of those yards in the second half when Barnegat completed their comeback win. Nick is going to be a highly recruited Div. 1 athlete next year, and the offers have begun already, as Tulane University has committed to him. The Bengals already have Senior TE Jarrett Darmstatter, who has been hurt, but is expected to return soon, being recruited by numerous Div 1 schools.
Mon Don’s(2-3) upset of Shore Reg.(2-4) could define the Griffin season. Their high powered offense has not been stopped all year; let’s see if they can move it against the rugged defense of Keyport, at home Friday night.
Manalapan(1-4) picked up their first win of season with an upset of Brick Memorial(3-3). This loss all but knocked the “Stangs” out of any American Division chances and severely hurt their chances of defending their CJ Group 4 championship, which they won last year. The “Mustangs” get Howell(5-0) this week in their homecoming game. We will broadcast this game this week from Brick Memorial.
RBC(4-2) won their 4th in a row. Watch out for the “Casey’s”.
Red Bank(2-4), under new Head Coach Nick Giglio, won for the second time and posted a shutout, 34-0 over JFK Iselin.
Lacey(3-2) has won 3 in a row and are rolling into the playoff picture in SJ Group 3.
Point Boro(1-5) won their first of the year with a 34-14 win over Holmdel(2-4)
TR North(4-1) had a tough time, but prevailed over Southern,14-0. North’s Drew Kollman threw his first TD pass of his career, off of a flanker option pass. Nice call by Mariner coaching staff, at a time in which they were struggling to score.
Jax Liberty(3-2) made school history with their 3rd win. This young 3rd year program, under Tim Osborn, has made huge strides this year and are looking for a winning season. It won’t be easy, but it is within their grasp.
Matawan(4-1), Raritan(4-1), Asbury Park(4-1) and Neptune(4-1) all won and have set up big games in the next few weeks.
Quotable Quotes:
“You have got to be successful by stopping Keyport on first down and putting them in second and long and third and long situations.”(Shane Fallon, Rumson Head Coach and Rumson QB in 1989, the last time Rumson started 6-0.)
“People look at us and saw what our record was. You can’t hide it. We actually had a good preseason and had high hopes. We thought we would have won some games by now.”(Kevin Cruz, Manalapan wide receiver, who caught 8 balls and 2 TD passes in their 33-22 win over Brick Mem.)
“We celebrated pretty good on the field when their kick missed, it was a pretty good win for us.”( Matt Filosa-Jackson Liberty RB who ran for 151 yards and 3 TDs in Liberty’s 36-35 OT win over Central)
“Neal is a force, an impact player on both sides of the ball. Neal is a weapon. Our makeup is usually to run the football, but we are going to try to get Neal the ball a few times every game.”(Head Coach Pete Cahill on his WR/DB Neal Sterling.)
“Craig is much more mature. He is always confident. His physicality has helped him become one heck of a runner. Craig becoming a runner was part of our plan. He’s starting to be a rusher, but he’s still a capable passer. (Head Coach Lou Vircillo on Junior QB Craig Cicardo.)
Top Ten-Week of Oct 19th:
1-Middletown South(6-0) Took care of Wall 26-9. Upcoming big one at Neptune on Saturday afternoon.
2-Howell(5-0) Coming off bye week, can go a long way to division title with a “W” this week at Brick Memorial.
3-TR East(6-0) Friday for all the mables in Constitution Division at home vs. Middletown North.
4-Ocean(5-0) Impressive in its 24-21 win over Long Branch. Doesn’t get any easier with trip to Matawan on Sat. night.
5-Manasquan(5-0) All they do is win. Raritan and Long Branch are waiting for “Big Blue” in 2 weeks.
6-TR North(4-1) Sloppy, but effiencent win vs. Southern Reg-14-0. Defense is one of best in shore.
7- Rumson(6-0) Great win vs. Keyport. They completed a 3 game stretch vs. Asbury Park, Shore and Keyport. That’s impressive.
8-Neptune(4-1) Put up 47 points this week. Points will be a lot tougher to come by this week when they entertain Mid South on Sat. afternoon.
9-Long Branch(5-1) Great effort in losing against Ocean. Must recover with bye week and then Matawan and Manasquan in last 2 weeks before playoffs.
10-Matawan(4-1) This sets up a top ten game with Ocean this week. Which Matawan team shows up?
Just missed:
Keyport(4-1) Tough loss to Rumson, proved they can play with top teams.
Raritan(4-1) Jessie Raymond and Bennett Jackson have had great seasons.
RBC(4-2) 4 straight for them
Asbury Park(4-1) they have recovered from loss to Rumson.
Middletown North(4-1) Surprise team will get to prove they belong in elite 10 as they play TR East on Friday night.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in TR for Thursday night football show. Joining us will be Nick SanGiacomo, Barnegat’s outstanding QB, among other guests. 6-8 Thursday on 1160am,1310am or shoresportsnetwork.com on the net.
While week 6 certainly wasn’t a good all-around football weekend for “our” local teams; Giants get embarrassed 48-27, Jets lose 16-13 as Mark Sanchez throws 5 picks, Eagles lose a yawner 13-9 to lowly Oakland, and Rutgers loses on ESPN to Pitt 24-17, it wasn’t a total loss. I hope you had a chance to listen to Monmouth University’s impressive 42-20 victory over Sacred Heart Univ. on the shore sports network, as freshmen QB Kyle Frazier threw for 4 TDs and Dave Sinisi ran for 135 yards as Monmouth evened their record at 3-3. While the big boys might not have had their best weekend, numerous local high school teams are gearing up for what may be a big run at State Championships. Let’s look at some of the big games of week 6.
Let’s start with Oceans(5-0) big win over Long Branch(5-1). The “Big Red” ran for 319 yards, and survived a late Long Branch comeback, to win it 24-21. Little used junior RB Kevin Rodgers(158 yds. and 2 TDs) made an impressive impact as the “Spartans”, led by Sr. George Sofield, dominated the line of scrimmage and have set themselves up for what looks like a huge game this week vs. Matawan. Long Branch was led by QB Miles Schuler, who accounted for 251 of his teams 273 yards.
Rumson(6-0) and Keyport(4-1) played their hearts out, with Rumson winning in 2 overtime periods, 24-21. Kicker Tucker Smith’s 17 yard field goal won it for the “Bulldogs”, as his first attempt in the first OT was blocked. Fighting a slight groin injury, Smith kicked very little during the week leading up to Saturday’s effort, but the leading kicker in the shore was true, from a severe angle, and allowed the “Dawgs” to continue their dream season. Rumson has come out clean after games vs. Asbury Park, Shore, and Keyport. That’s not an easy stretch to get through. Now they must just beat winless Mater Dei and 1 win Point Beach, to enter the CJ Group 2 playoffs undefeated.
Manasquan(5-0), TR East(6-0), Middletown South(6-0) and Howell(5-0), all remained undefeated, along with Ocean and Rumson and look like sure fire playoff contenders.
Some notable performances in week 6 which deserves mention.
First and foremost was Junior QB Nick SanGiacomo of Barnegat(2-3). Nick, the strong arm QB, threw for 315 yards and 3 TDs in Barnegat’s come from behind 28-23 victory over S J Vianney(2-3). SanGiacomo threw for 225 of those yards in the second half when Barnegat completed their comeback win. Nick is going to be a highly recruited Div. 1 athlete next year, and the offers have begun already, as Tulane University has committed to him. The Bengals already have Senior TE Jarrett Darmstatter, who has been hurt, but is expected to return soon, being recruited by numerous Div 1 schools.
Mon Don’s(2-3) upset of Shore Reg.(2-4) could define the Griffin season. Their high powered offense has not been stopped all year; let’s see if they can move it against the rugged defense of Keyport, at home Friday night.
Manalapan(1-4) picked up their first win of season with an upset of Brick Memorial(3-3). This loss all but knocked the “Stangs” out of any American Division chances and severely hurt their chances of defending their CJ Group 4 championship, which they won last year. The “Mustangs” get Howell(5-0) this week in their homecoming game. We will broadcast this game this week from Brick Memorial.
RBC(4-2) won their 4th in a row. Watch out for the “Casey’s”.
Red Bank(2-4), under new Head Coach Nick Giglio, won for the second time and posted a shutout, 34-0 over JFK Iselin.
Lacey(3-2) has won 3 in a row and are rolling into the playoff picture in SJ Group 3.
Point Boro(1-5) won their first of the year with a 34-14 win over Holmdel(2-4)
TR North(4-1) had a tough time, but prevailed over Southern,14-0. North’s Drew Kollman threw his first TD pass of his career, off of a flanker option pass. Nice call by Mariner coaching staff, at a time in which they were struggling to score.
Jax Liberty(3-2) made school history with their 3rd win. This young 3rd year program, under Tim Osborn, has made huge strides this year and are looking for a winning season. It won’t be easy, but it is within their grasp.
Matawan(4-1), Raritan(4-1), Asbury Park(4-1) and Neptune(4-1) all won and have set up big games in the next few weeks.
Quotable Quotes:
“You have got to be successful by stopping Keyport on first down and putting them in second and long and third and long situations.”(Shane Fallon, Rumson Head Coach and Rumson QB in 1989, the last time Rumson started 6-0.)
“People look at us and saw what our record was. You can’t hide it. We actually had a good preseason and had high hopes. We thought we would have won some games by now.”(Kevin Cruz, Manalapan wide receiver, who caught 8 balls and 2 TD passes in their 33-22 win over Brick Mem.)
“We celebrated pretty good on the field when their kick missed, it was a pretty good win for us.”( Matt Filosa-Jackson Liberty RB who ran for 151 yards and 3 TDs in Liberty’s 36-35 OT win over Central)
“Neal is a force, an impact player on both sides of the ball. Neal is a weapon. Our makeup is usually to run the football, but we are going to try to get Neal the ball a few times every game.”(Head Coach Pete Cahill on his WR/DB Neal Sterling.)
“Craig is much more mature. He is always confident. His physicality has helped him become one heck of a runner. Craig becoming a runner was part of our plan. He’s starting to be a rusher, but he’s still a capable passer. (Head Coach Lou Vircillo on Junior QB Craig Cicardo.)
Top Ten-Week of Oct 19th:
1-Middletown South(6-0) Took care of Wall 26-9. Upcoming big one at Neptune on Saturday afternoon.
2-Howell(5-0) Coming off bye week, can go a long way to division title with a “W” this week at Brick Memorial.
3-TR East(6-0) Friday for all the mables in Constitution Division at home vs. Middletown North.
4-Ocean(5-0) Impressive in its 24-21 win over Long Branch. Doesn’t get any easier with trip to Matawan on Sat. night.
5-Manasquan(5-0) All they do is win. Raritan and Long Branch are waiting for “Big Blue” in 2 weeks.
6-TR North(4-1) Sloppy, but effiencent win vs. Southern Reg-14-0. Defense is one of best in shore.
7- Rumson(6-0) Great win vs. Keyport. They completed a 3 game stretch vs. Asbury Park, Shore and Keyport. That’s impressive.
8-Neptune(4-1) Put up 47 points this week. Points will be a lot tougher to come by this week when they entertain Mid South on Sat. afternoon.
9-Long Branch(5-1) Great effort in losing against Ocean. Must recover with bye week and then Matawan and Manasquan in last 2 weeks before playoffs.
10-Matawan(4-1) This sets up a top ten game with Ocean this week. Which Matawan team shows up?
Just missed:
Keyport(4-1) Tough loss to Rumson, proved they can play with top teams.
Raritan(4-1) Jessie Raymond and Bennett Jackson have had great seasons.
RBC(4-2) 4 straight for them
Asbury Park(4-1) they have recovered from loss to Rumson.
Middletown North(4-1) Surprise team will get to prove they belong in elite 10 as they play TR East on Friday night.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in TR for Thursday night football show. Joining us will be Nick SanGiacomo, Barnegat’s outstanding QB, among other guests. 6-8 Thursday on 1160am,1310am or shoresportsnetwork.com on the net.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Weekend Of 10/9 + 10/10
Week 5 has come and gone, and several teams have set themselves up for key contests in the coming weeks. Let’s break it down by divisions:
American-The winner looks like it will come from the camp of either Howell or TR North. North took care of Brick Memorial rather easily(34-7) and Howell put up 48 points in a game in which they threw for 437 yards, against Manalapan. If Howell beats Brick Mem., 2 weeks from now, they will win that division. If Memorial can pull off the upset it might create a 3 way tie among the 3 schools.
Constitution- TR East has a strangle hold on the title, as they demolished Marlboro 54-0. Nico and Mario Steriti continue to wreck havoc on the rest of the shore. If Mom continues to feed this team, there’s no telling how far they can go.
Federal- Looks like this one will come down to Oct. 24th when Mid South travels to Neptune with the trophy on line. Both must be careful not to get tripped up next week. Mid South has the toughest of games as they get Wall while Neptune gets winless Lakewood.
Liberty-Although Ocean is 4-0, they have played only 1 conf. game, a win against Manchester. They enter the meat-grinder for their next 3, as they travel to Long Branch and Matawan and then get RBC at home. That’s not an easy road to a championship, and if they win it they will have earned it. Of course those 3 other teams all have their eyes on the prize also. It’s too early to predict this one. Some great weeks are ahead in the Liberty Division.
National-This one will come down to a Halloween afternoon(Oct 31st) at Manasquan, when Raritan comes calling. Manasquan is still un-defeated(4-0), while Raritan’s only blemish is a non-con. loss to Matawan.
Patriot-This week-Rumson(5-0) and Keyport(4-0), for the championship, at the home of the Red Raiders. There is nothing like an afternoon game at Keyport with everything on the line. As the band and fans travel down Jackson St. to the field, the tension begins to build. Mike Ciccotelli, has made many trips down that road in his 32 years as the head man of the Raiders. Will this one be a championship walk? We shall see.
That summarizes the divisions as we head to week 6. While many schools are fighting for championships, there is also one eye on the State Playoffs. We are quickly approaching the cut-off date of November 7th(8 games). More to come, on that subject, next week. Let’s look at some of last week’s key games.
As mentioned earlier, TR North took care of Brick Memorial rather handily, 34-7. The story of this game was North QB Demetri Davis. While everyone in the shore was wondering if he could throw the football, he answered that question in a major way. Davis threw for 131 yards on a 9-10, 2 TD, performance. He also ran for 2 TDs and 89 yards. Not a bad night for our “player of the game”. Memorial put up a fight in the 1st half, but the Mariners turned up the heat in half number 2 and won easily. North now become BM fans in 2 weeks, when the Stangs face Howell. A win vs. the Rebels will probably create a 3 way tie, a loss gives the title to Howell.
In a big one in Monmouth County, the Rumson Bulldogs beat Shore Reg. 20-12. Coming off of their big Asbury Park win last week, the “Dawgs”, were primed for an upset. RB John Riley(90 yds.) and QB Sean Burke( 2 TD passes), led them this week. Coming off a game in which he was replaced by Junior QB Mike Villapiano, Burke was 11-15 for 130 yards to go with his 2 TD passes. Rumson travels to Keyport this Sat. afternoon which may decide the Patriot division.
Manasquan(4-0) got a solid performance from QB CJ Davis as he threw for 2 and ran for 1 in a 21-14 win over Barnegat. With a nice big target in Neal Sterling(6’4” 220 lbs.), Davis has enjoyed a great start throwing the football. How about 33 for 54(61%) for 490 yds. and 6 TDs, not a bad start for the 1st year QB. Squan have their eye on the prize, with big games vs. Raritan(division game) and Long Branch(non-con) coming up latter in year.
Teams to keep an eye on: Lacey(2-2) 2 straight and schedule is in their favor. RBC(3-2) 3 straight and playing well. Keyport(4-0) flying under radar all year. Middletown North(4-1) who would have thought they would have 4 wins at this point of season?
Quotable Quotes:
“They beat us bad last year, and Applegate had a great game. We know Brick is a hardcore football program, and they always give us a good fight. We just wanted to contain Applegate, get after him on every play and frustrate him a bit. If we did that, and ran the ball well, we knew we could win today.” (Mike Suppiello-defensive standout for Lacey on the game plan for beating Brick)
“I thought I did all right. I threw 4 picks, that’s never good. We still won though.” (Sophomore QB Kevin Phillips after his first full game as Freehold QB, in which he threw 2 TD passes, leading the Colonials to a 28-14 win over Jackson Liberty)
“I had a lot of free time today and I was able to think about it. I thought about all the faces I’ve seen over the years. Some of them aren’t even alive today.” (Head Coach Chuck Donahue-Southern, on his 200th career victory- a 34-6 win over Jackson)
”I really did not know what we were getting when we got off the bus. During the week, we practiced well, but you never know until you take the field. But I’m happy with the performance they put in. It was a trap game and they did not fall for it.” (Head Coach Steve Antonucci- Middletown South on his team’s 49-0 victory over Central.)
As mentioned above, special congratulations from the shore sports network to one of the good guys around the shore in Chuck Donahue. The head man at Southern picked up his 200th career victory with a win over Jackson on Friday night. Chuck has been at it for 36 years.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South-(5-0)- Solid 49-0 win over Central. Kyle Bunge had 3TDs and 136 yards rushing. Next up Wall.
2-Howell(5-0)- Ellie Blue(now that’s a football name) scored 3 TDs(the first of his career) as the Rebels won 48-21 over Manalapan. Bye week for Will Hayes to heel from his concussion. They will need him down the line.
3- TR East(5-0)- the Raiders are playing well and have set their goals high-a state championship. It would be the school’s first. Nico and Mario Steriti continue to excel and Charlie Diskin is improving each week in the air. Next up Colts Neck, who beat the Raiders last year. Not this year!
4- Ocean(4-0) Coming off a 49-7 win over Colonia, the “Big Red” travel to undefeated Long Branch in the marquee game of the week. Brandon Robinson is a stud, but the “Wave” defense is tough. Should be a great game.
5-Manasquan(4-0)- CJ Davis accounted for 3 TDs in Manasquan’s 21-14 win over Barnegat. Crossover contest vs. Middlesex this week, as they tune-up for big games coming up.
6- Long Branch(5-0)- Big match-up with cross town rival Ocean his Saturday. Miles Shuler threw for 2 and rushed for 1, as the “Wave” cruised 50-7 over South Plainfield.
7- TR North(3-1)- Demetri Davis had a big night as North defeated Brick Mem. 34-7. Next up is Southern Reg. coming off a huge win over Jackson Memorial.
8-Neptune(3-1)- Coming off a bye week, they face winless Lakewood. That one will be ugly and the Fliers just have to take care of business, get the “W” and get out of there injury free. Middletown South game is 2 weeks away.
9-Rumson(5-0)- Sean Burke, who was replaced last week, returned to throw 2 TD passes, to beat Shore 20-12. Keyport will be a hostile place to play this Saturday.
10-Keyport(4-0)- Why not put the “Red Raiders” in the top ten. No longer under the “Sarluca” radar screen. Hopefully, for them, it won’t be a 1 week placing.
Just missed:
Matawan(3-1) Will face Ocean and Long Branch after Manchester this week.
Raritan(3-1) Any team with Bennett Jackson and Jessie Raymond on it, deserves to be mentioned.
RBC(3-2) Watch out for the Casey’s.
Asbury Park(3-1) Beat Mon Don 48-21 last week. Still smarting from Rumson loss.
Middletown North(4-1) This has been one of the surprise teams of year so far. They will face TR East on Oct 23rd.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River for out 2 hour football show. Joining us this week will be Southern Reg head coach Chuck Donahue among other guests from around the shore. 1160am, 1310, or on line on the shoresportsnetwork.com. Game of the week is Southern at TR North Friday night at 7pm
American-The winner looks like it will come from the camp of either Howell or TR North. North took care of Brick Memorial rather easily(34-7) and Howell put up 48 points in a game in which they threw for 437 yards, against Manalapan. If Howell beats Brick Mem., 2 weeks from now, they will win that division. If Memorial can pull off the upset it might create a 3 way tie among the 3 schools.
Constitution- TR East has a strangle hold on the title, as they demolished Marlboro 54-0. Nico and Mario Steriti continue to wreck havoc on the rest of the shore. If Mom continues to feed this team, there’s no telling how far they can go.
Federal- Looks like this one will come down to Oct. 24th when Mid South travels to Neptune with the trophy on line. Both must be careful not to get tripped up next week. Mid South has the toughest of games as they get Wall while Neptune gets winless Lakewood.
Liberty-Although Ocean is 4-0, they have played only 1 conf. game, a win against Manchester. They enter the meat-grinder for their next 3, as they travel to Long Branch and Matawan and then get RBC at home. That’s not an easy road to a championship, and if they win it they will have earned it. Of course those 3 other teams all have their eyes on the prize also. It’s too early to predict this one. Some great weeks are ahead in the Liberty Division.
National-This one will come down to a Halloween afternoon(Oct 31st) at Manasquan, when Raritan comes calling. Manasquan is still un-defeated(4-0), while Raritan’s only blemish is a non-con. loss to Matawan.
Patriot-This week-Rumson(5-0) and Keyport(4-0), for the championship, at the home of the Red Raiders. There is nothing like an afternoon game at Keyport with everything on the line. As the band and fans travel down Jackson St. to the field, the tension begins to build. Mike Ciccotelli, has made many trips down that road in his 32 years as the head man of the Raiders. Will this one be a championship walk? We shall see.
That summarizes the divisions as we head to week 6. While many schools are fighting for championships, there is also one eye on the State Playoffs. We are quickly approaching the cut-off date of November 7th(8 games). More to come, on that subject, next week. Let’s look at some of last week’s key games.
As mentioned earlier, TR North took care of Brick Memorial rather handily, 34-7. The story of this game was North QB Demetri Davis. While everyone in the shore was wondering if he could throw the football, he answered that question in a major way. Davis threw for 131 yards on a 9-10, 2 TD, performance. He also ran for 2 TDs and 89 yards. Not a bad night for our “player of the game”. Memorial put up a fight in the 1st half, but the Mariners turned up the heat in half number 2 and won easily. North now become BM fans in 2 weeks, when the Stangs face Howell. A win vs. the Rebels will probably create a 3 way tie, a loss gives the title to Howell.
In a big one in Monmouth County, the Rumson Bulldogs beat Shore Reg. 20-12. Coming off of their big Asbury Park win last week, the “Dawgs”, were primed for an upset. RB John Riley(90 yds.) and QB Sean Burke( 2 TD passes), led them this week. Coming off a game in which he was replaced by Junior QB Mike Villapiano, Burke was 11-15 for 130 yards to go with his 2 TD passes. Rumson travels to Keyport this Sat. afternoon which may decide the Patriot division.
Manasquan(4-0) got a solid performance from QB CJ Davis as he threw for 2 and ran for 1 in a 21-14 win over Barnegat. With a nice big target in Neal Sterling(6’4” 220 lbs.), Davis has enjoyed a great start throwing the football. How about 33 for 54(61%) for 490 yds. and 6 TDs, not a bad start for the 1st year QB. Squan have their eye on the prize, with big games vs. Raritan(division game) and Long Branch(non-con) coming up latter in year.
Teams to keep an eye on: Lacey(2-2) 2 straight and schedule is in their favor. RBC(3-2) 3 straight and playing well. Keyport(4-0) flying under radar all year. Middletown North(4-1) who would have thought they would have 4 wins at this point of season?
Quotable Quotes:
“They beat us bad last year, and Applegate had a great game. We know Brick is a hardcore football program, and they always give us a good fight. We just wanted to contain Applegate, get after him on every play and frustrate him a bit. If we did that, and ran the ball well, we knew we could win today.” (Mike Suppiello-defensive standout for Lacey on the game plan for beating Brick)
“I thought I did all right. I threw 4 picks, that’s never good. We still won though.” (Sophomore QB Kevin Phillips after his first full game as Freehold QB, in which he threw 2 TD passes, leading the Colonials to a 28-14 win over Jackson Liberty)
“I had a lot of free time today and I was able to think about it. I thought about all the faces I’ve seen over the years. Some of them aren’t even alive today.” (Head Coach Chuck Donahue-Southern, on his 200th career victory- a 34-6 win over Jackson)
”I really did not know what we were getting when we got off the bus. During the week, we practiced well, but you never know until you take the field. But I’m happy with the performance they put in. It was a trap game and they did not fall for it.” (Head Coach Steve Antonucci- Middletown South on his team’s 49-0 victory over Central.)
As mentioned above, special congratulations from the shore sports network to one of the good guys around the shore in Chuck Donahue. The head man at Southern picked up his 200th career victory with a win over Jackson on Friday night. Chuck has been at it for 36 years.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South-(5-0)- Solid 49-0 win over Central. Kyle Bunge had 3TDs and 136 yards rushing. Next up Wall.
2-Howell(5-0)- Ellie Blue(now that’s a football name) scored 3 TDs(the first of his career) as the Rebels won 48-21 over Manalapan. Bye week for Will Hayes to heel from his concussion. They will need him down the line.
3- TR East(5-0)- the Raiders are playing well and have set their goals high-a state championship. It would be the school’s first. Nico and Mario Steriti continue to excel and Charlie Diskin is improving each week in the air. Next up Colts Neck, who beat the Raiders last year. Not this year!
4- Ocean(4-0) Coming off a 49-7 win over Colonia, the “Big Red” travel to undefeated Long Branch in the marquee game of the week. Brandon Robinson is a stud, but the “Wave” defense is tough. Should be a great game.
5-Manasquan(4-0)- CJ Davis accounted for 3 TDs in Manasquan’s 21-14 win over Barnegat. Crossover contest vs. Middlesex this week, as they tune-up for big games coming up.
6- Long Branch(5-0)- Big match-up with cross town rival Ocean his Saturday. Miles Shuler threw for 2 and rushed for 1, as the “Wave” cruised 50-7 over South Plainfield.
7- TR North(3-1)- Demetri Davis had a big night as North defeated Brick Mem. 34-7. Next up is Southern Reg. coming off a huge win over Jackson Memorial.
8-Neptune(3-1)- Coming off a bye week, they face winless Lakewood. That one will be ugly and the Fliers just have to take care of business, get the “W” and get out of there injury free. Middletown South game is 2 weeks away.
9-Rumson(5-0)- Sean Burke, who was replaced last week, returned to throw 2 TD passes, to beat Shore 20-12. Keyport will be a hostile place to play this Saturday.
10-Keyport(4-0)- Why not put the “Red Raiders” in the top ten. No longer under the “Sarluca” radar screen. Hopefully, for them, it won’t be a 1 week placing.
Just missed:
Matawan(3-1) Will face Ocean and Long Branch after Manchester this week.
Raritan(3-1) Any team with Bennett Jackson and Jessie Raymond on it, deserves to be mentioned.
RBC(3-2) Watch out for the Casey’s.
Asbury Park(3-1) Beat Mon Don 48-21 last week. Still smarting from Rumson loss.
Middletown North(4-1) This has been one of the surprise teams of year so far. They will face TR East on Oct 23rd.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River for out 2 hour football show. Joining us this week will be Southern Reg head coach Chuck Donahue among other guests from around the shore. 1160am, 1310, or on line on the shoresportsnetwork.com. Game of the week is Southern at TR North Friday night at 7pm
Monday, October 5, 2009
Weekend of 10/2 + 10/3
Scanning the high school football scene with Ed Sarluca: Week 4
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(4-0) A sloppy but quality “W”(21-10) against Freehold Boro at the swamp. Freehold turned it over 6 times to “give” Mid South the ball game. Despite 4 turnovers themselves, the Eagles continue their undefeated season. Next up is Central who rushed for over 500 yards vs. Lakewood on Sunday.
2-Howell(4-0) Huge 7-3 win over Toms River North gives the Rebels a leg up in American Division. They still have to face a tough Brick Memorial team in 3 weeks, but Jimmy Ryan and company look and play like champions.
3-Toms River East(4-0) The Raiders have just about clinched the Constitution Division with their easy 37-7 lopsided victory over Brick. 2 easy ones, with Marlboro and Colts Neck and then their last major challenge in division play when they face Mid North at home. This week, Dan Wasilick returned the opening KO 83 yards and they never looked back.
4-Ocean(3-0) A not real good Colonia team faces the “Big Red” this week, coming off their bye week and then we will see how good this team is, with games against Long Branch, Matawan and RBC. If they run that table, they will be the favorite in CJ Group 3.
5-Manasquan(3-0) The “Big Blue” continues to roll with a 28-6 win over previously undefeated Pinelands. They should continue to take care of business until they get Raritan and Long Branch in week 7&8.
6-Long Branch(4-0) The “Green Wave” just keeps rolling along with a stingy defense and enough offense to keep the wins coming. South Plainfield up next and the meat grinder starts with Ocean, Matawan and Manasquan on the schedule.
7-Neptune(3-1) A very impressive shutout(39-0) of previously un-scored upon Wall has made me a believer and they enter the top ten this week. Charlie Davis had a night to remember with 4 TDs and 227 total yards as the Fliers built a 39-0 lead at the half and then pulled the dogs. Neptune will rest this week on their bye , then face winless Lakewood and then the big one with Mid South on Oct 24.
8-Toms River North(2-1) This is a team which I can’t get a read on. A big powerful offensive line, skill at all the key positions and they can’t score! 2 games in a row without an offensive TD, that won’t get it done in the American Division. Now they must hope someone beats Howell or their championship dreams are over. Next up provides no rest for the Mariners as they travel to Brick Memorial on Friday night.
9-Brick Memorial(3-1) With only a loss to undefeated Sayreville, the Mustangs enter the meat of their schedule with TR North, Manalapan and Howell in the next 3 weeks. A come from behind overtime win(21-14) this week vs. Jackson sets them up for another run at the CJ Group 4 playoffs.
10-Rumson(4-0) What an impressive victory over Asbury Park this week. The 26-18 win gets them into the top ten. Using the double pass to score the go ahead TD in the 4th quarter, the Bulldogs made a statement on Saturday. John Riley(130 rushing yds.) was very good on the ground and super soph Mike Villapiano led the “Dawgs” from the QB position.
Best of the rest:
Keyport(3-0) The Red Raiders continue to fly low and continue to win. 42-7 over Point Beach on Friday night has set up a huge one on Oct 17th vs. Rumson.
Raritan(3-1) One loss will not define their season. Nice bounce back win over winless Point Boro by a 42-7 score.
Matawan(3-1) Well what can you say, after the big win against Raritan last week, they lay the egg this week vs. RBC and find themselves on the outside looking in.
RBC(2-2) Watch out for the Casey’s, they are getting better each week.
Asbury Park(2-1) Should get back on track in next few weeks, after the loss to Rumson.
A potentially bad weather weekend turned out to be another bad forecast by the experts, as the rains and winds stayed away and we saw some interesting results.
Toms River East made a bold statement to the rest of the Constitution Division as they rolled over Brick, 37-7. The Raiders, in my opinion, will be 8-0 going into the SJ Group 4 playoffs. That’s important, because that should get them 1 or 2 home playoff games. It’s never too early to start thinking about the playoffs.
Middletown South, turned 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions by Freehold Boro into a 21-10 victory at the “swamp”. That set the Eagles up for the Oct 24th matchup with Neptune, which will decide the Federal Division. QB Scott Meeker continues to impress as he threw 2 TD passes in the victory.
Neptune’s 39-0 demolition of Wall will be remembered as the night RB Charlie Davis came of age. Davis scored 2 on the ground, 1 in the air and 1 more via an interception return, as the Fliers rolled for 339 yards of total offense, most of which came in the 1st half!
I had the pleasure to take a ride to Asbury Park on Saturday afternoon, not to see the “Boss”, but to witness Rumson’s 26-18 win over the Bishops. Using the double pass, which began with a flare from Soph QB Mike Villapiano to Ian Moore, and then to Jack Wise, for the 30 yard TD score, the “Dawgs” made a statement in the Patriot Division. They now control their destiny, if they want that crown.
With my wife understanding that this is football season, I also took in the Howell’s 7-3 victory over Toms River North on Sat. night. With everyone raving about the Howell offense, it was defense that won this one for the Rebels. As head coach Cory Davies knows, this season will be defined by his defense, not his offense. They are an under-rated bunch, which bent, but did not break. TR North’s plight is simple; they must find a way to get into the end zone. They move the ball with ease, but 1 or 2 mistakes per drive, and they are forced to settle for 3 points or turn it over on downs. Their excellent defense has been carrying them so far.
Congratulations to Nick Giglio of Red Bank for picking up his first victory at his new school. Nick was a very successful head coach at Point Beach HS and I am rooting for him to turn the Red Bank program around. With his work ethic and personality, that will be a given.
Keansburg’s come from behind win over Mon. Don.(16-13) was extra special to head Coach Brian Kmak. Kmak spent most of Saturday afternoon’s game at the hospital with his daughter who was taken to the emergency room on Friday night. When his daughter was cleared to return home, Kmak, rushed to the game and saw the last few moments of the Titan win. In his absence, assistant coaches Tom O’Keefe and George Kostas ran the team. I love happy endings!
Congratulations to Allentown’s John Amabile who picked up his 2nd win of the year with a 42-0 rout of Marist. Allentown won all of 2 games in the last 3 years. Why did I know he would surpass that total in just 3 games of his first season?
A special sad mention to family and friends of SJ V player Dan Falco, who died this past week of a non-football related illness. Also, the ever successful shore head coaches Mike and Mark Ciccotelli, as well as another brother Steve, lost their father last week, at the age of 87. Sal Ciccotelli was so proud of his 3 sons, all of which have had successful coaching careers around the state. The prayers of all players and coaches around the shore go out to the families of Dan and the Ciccotelli’s.
Some notable quotes of week 4:
“I feel especially happy for the seniors. They went through some down years, but they stuck it out and deserve this.” (Head Coach Nick Giglio on his team’s 28-6 victory over Dunellen.)
“The start of the season was a true test of our character. It was refreshing to see all of the hard work pay off today. A.J. had a big game. The offensive line gave him time to throw, that was the key.”(Head Coach Sal Spampanato of Monmouth Reg. on his team’s 53-14 win over South Plainfield.)
“Turnovers are tempo-setters. That’s what we did, we set the tempo for the rest of the game.” (Jake Flaherty, DB at RBC on the 20-7 upset win over Matawan. Flaherty had a 26 yd. interception return for a TD.)
“We all call him the “Waterbug”, and the Waterbug busted one out there”. (Nico Steriti on team-mate Dan Wasilick’s 83 yard TD on the opening kickoff of TR East’s 37-7 in over Brick.)
“Every team practices a 2-minute offense, our backs were against the wall and we found a way to move the ball.” (Head Coach Walt Currie of Brick Mem. on his team’s game tying TD in the last 2 minutes of regulation time. The “Stangs” won it in overtime 21-14.)
A big one in the American Division as TR North visits Brick Mem. on Friday night. Join us at shoresportsnetwork.com, as we broadcast this important game. 1160am, 1310am and 105.7 The Hawk will have the game on. Also join us at Boston’s on Thursday night for our 2 hour talk show, featured this week will be coaches Walt Currie and Chip LaBarca Jr, along with key players from their teams. That’s 6-8 pm on Thursday also on shoresportsnetwork.com.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(4-0) A sloppy but quality “W”(21-10) against Freehold Boro at the swamp. Freehold turned it over 6 times to “give” Mid South the ball game. Despite 4 turnovers themselves, the Eagles continue their undefeated season. Next up is Central who rushed for over 500 yards vs. Lakewood on Sunday.
2-Howell(4-0) Huge 7-3 win over Toms River North gives the Rebels a leg up in American Division. They still have to face a tough Brick Memorial team in 3 weeks, but Jimmy Ryan and company look and play like champions.
3-Toms River East(4-0) The Raiders have just about clinched the Constitution Division with their easy 37-7 lopsided victory over Brick. 2 easy ones, with Marlboro and Colts Neck and then their last major challenge in division play when they face Mid North at home. This week, Dan Wasilick returned the opening KO 83 yards and they never looked back.
4-Ocean(3-0) A not real good Colonia team faces the “Big Red” this week, coming off their bye week and then we will see how good this team is, with games against Long Branch, Matawan and RBC. If they run that table, they will be the favorite in CJ Group 3.
5-Manasquan(3-0) The “Big Blue” continues to roll with a 28-6 win over previously undefeated Pinelands. They should continue to take care of business until they get Raritan and Long Branch in week 7&8.
6-Long Branch(4-0) The “Green Wave” just keeps rolling along with a stingy defense and enough offense to keep the wins coming. South Plainfield up next and the meat grinder starts with Ocean, Matawan and Manasquan on the schedule.
7-Neptune(3-1) A very impressive shutout(39-0) of previously un-scored upon Wall has made me a believer and they enter the top ten this week. Charlie Davis had a night to remember with 4 TDs and 227 total yards as the Fliers built a 39-0 lead at the half and then pulled the dogs. Neptune will rest this week on their bye , then face winless Lakewood and then the big one with Mid South on Oct 24.
8-Toms River North(2-1) This is a team which I can’t get a read on. A big powerful offensive line, skill at all the key positions and they can’t score! 2 games in a row without an offensive TD, that won’t get it done in the American Division. Now they must hope someone beats Howell or their championship dreams are over. Next up provides no rest for the Mariners as they travel to Brick Memorial on Friday night.
9-Brick Memorial(3-1) With only a loss to undefeated Sayreville, the Mustangs enter the meat of their schedule with TR North, Manalapan and Howell in the next 3 weeks. A come from behind overtime win(21-14) this week vs. Jackson sets them up for another run at the CJ Group 4 playoffs.
10-Rumson(4-0) What an impressive victory over Asbury Park this week. The 26-18 win gets them into the top ten. Using the double pass to score the go ahead TD in the 4th quarter, the Bulldogs made a statement on Saturday. John Riley(130 rushing yds.) was very good on the ground and super soph Mike Villapiano led the “Dawgs” from the QB position.
Best of the rest:
Keyport(3-0) The Red Raiders continue to fly low and continue to win. 42-7 over Point Beach on Friday night has set up a huge one on Oct 17th vs. Rumson.
Raritan(3-1) One loss will not define their season. Nice bounce back win over winless Point Boro by a 42-7 score.
Matawan(3-1) Well what can you say, after the big win against Raritan last week, they lay the egg this week vs. RBC and find themselves on the outside looking in.
RBC(2-2) Watch out for the Casey’s, they are getting better each week.
Asbury Park(2-1) Should get back on track in next few weeks, after the loss to Rumson.
A potentially bad weather weekend turned out to be another bad forecast by the experts, as the rains and winds stayed away and we saw some interesting results.
Toms River East made a bold statement to the rest of the Constitution Division as they rolled over Brick, 37-7. The Raiders, in my opinion, will be 8-0 going into the SJ Group 4 playoffs. That’s important, because that should get them 1 or 2 home playoff games. It’s never too early to start thinking about the playoffs.
Middletown South, turned 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions by Freehold Boro into a 21-10 victory at the “swamp”. That set the Eagles up for the Oct 24th matchup with Neptune, which will decide the Federal Division. QB Scott Meeker continues to impress as he threw 2 TD passes in the victory.
Neptune’s 39-0 demolition of Wall will be remembered as the night RB Charlie Davis came of age. Davis scored 2 on the ground, 1 in the air and 1 more via an interception return, as the Fliers rolled for 339 yards of total offense, most of which came in the 1st half!
I had the pleasure to take a ride to Asbury Park on Saturday afternoon, not to see the “Boss”, but to witness Rumson’s 26-18 win over the Bishops. Using the double pass, which began with a flare from Soph QB Mike Villapiano to Ian Moore, and then to Jack Wise, for the 30 yard TD score, the “Dawgs” made a statement in the Patriot Division. They now control their destiny, if they want that crown.
With my wife understanding that this is football season, I also took in the Howell’s 7-3 victory over Toms River North on Sat. night. With everyone raving about the Howell offense, it was defense that won this one for the Rebels. As head coach Cory Davies knows, this season will be defined by his defense, not his offense. They are an under-rated bunch, which bent, but did not break. TR North’s plight is simple; they must find a way to get into the end zone. They move the ball with ease, but 1 or 2 mistakes per drive, and they are forced to settle for 3 points or turn it over on downs. Their excellent defense has been carrying them so far.
Congratulations to Nick Giglio of Red Bank for picking up his first victory at his new school. Nick was a very successful head coach at Point Beach HS and I am rooting for him to turn the Red Bank program around. With his work ethic and personality, that will be a given.
Keansburg’s come from behind win over Mon. Don.(16-13) was extra special to head Coach Brian Kmak. Kmak spent most of Saturday afternoon’s game at the hospital with his daughter who was taken to the emergency room on Friday night. When his daughter was cleared to return home, Kmak, rushed to the game and saw the last few moments of the Titan win. In his absence, assistant coaches Tom O’Keefe and George Kostas ran the team. I love happy endings!
Congratulations to Allentown’s John Amabile who picked up his 2nd win of the year with a 42-0 rout of Marist. Allentown won all of 2 games in the last 3 years. Why did I know he would surpass that total in just 3 games of his first season?
A special sad mention to family and friends of SJ V player Dan Falco, who died this past week of a non-football related illness. Also, the ever successful shore head coaches Mike and Mark Ciccotelli, as well as another brother Steve, lost their father last week, at the age of 87. Sal Ciccotelli was so proud of his 3 sons, all of which have had successful coaching careers around the state. The prayers of all players and coaches around the shore go out to the families of Dan and the Ciccotelli’s.
Some notable quotes of week 4:
“I feel especially happy for the seniors. They went through some down years, but they stuck it out and deserve this.” (Head Coach Nick Giglio on his team’s 28-6 victory over Dunellen.)
“The start of the season was a true test of our character. It was refreshing to see all of the hard work pay off today. A.J. had a big game. The offensive line gave him time to throw, that was the key.”(Head Coach Sal Spampanato of Monmouth Reg. on his team’s 53-14 win over South Plainfield.)
“Turnovers are tempo-setters. That’s what we did, we set the tempo for the rest of the game.” (Jake Flaherty, DB at RBC on the 20-7 upset win over Matawan. Flaherty had a 26 yd. interception return for a TD.)
“We all call him the “Waterbug”, and the Waterbug busted one out there”. (Nico Steriti on team-mate Dan Wasilick’s 83 yard TD on the opening kickoff of TR East’s 37-7 in over Brick.)
“Every team practices a 2-minute offense, our backs were against the wall and we found a way to move the ball.” (Head Coach Walt Currie of Brick Mem. on his team’s game tying TD in the last 2 minutes of regulation time. The “Stangs” won it in overtime 21-14.)
A big one in the American Division as TR North visits Brick Mem. on Friday night. Join us at shoresportsnetwork.com, as we broadcast this important game. 1160am, 1310am and 105.7 The Hawk will have the game on. Also join us at Boston’s on Thursday night for our 2 hour talk show, featured this week will be coaches Walt Currie and Chip LaBarca Jr, along with key players from their teams. That’s 6-8 pm on Thursday also on shoresportsnetwork.com.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Weekend of 9/25 + 9/26
Scanning the high school football scene with Ed Sarluca:
Offensive football was the name of the game in week 3, with no fewer than 12 teams putting up 30 points or more. This will not make defensive co-coordinators too happy as they begin to prepare for these teams down the road. Leading the offensive explosion was Asbury Park(2-0), who put up 53 in a blowout win over Mater Dei. The Raiders of Toms River East(3-0) put 48 on the board against cross town rival TR South. These two teams remained undefeated, with big games coming up for both teams. Mid South(3-0) continues undefeated, and scored 38 points in their shutout win over Jackson Liberty. Mid South now gets to avenge a loss last year in CJ Group 3 finals vs. Freehold Boro, as they host the Colonials on Friday night at home. That one will be on the radio, if you can’t make it to the game.(1160am, 1310 am, as well as 105.7 the Hawk Also for out of area fans, you can follow us on shoresportsnetwork.com.
The big game of week 3 was the blowout victory by Matawan over Raritan(30-7). In a game most people thought would be a close, the Huskies led from start to finish and proved that they are the real deal in 2009. Holding Raritan ace RB Jessie Raymond to 75 yards and Notre Dame bound Bennett Jackson to 5 catches for 57 yards, the Huskies used their outstanding QB Jared Allison( 1TD run & 1TD pass) and McArthur Underwood(82 run for TD) as big play weapons in a statement type game of the early season. Matawan now gets to revenge a 2008 loss to RBC, which still bothers Matawan. Look for them to take care of business this Friday at RBC.
The Toms River East Raiders ran wild over the under-manned TR South Indians. Playing without key personal, the Indians(0-3) were no match for the explosive Raiders. Nico Steriti, who was my pre-season choice for player of the year, certainly did nothing to hurt his chances at winning that award. All Nico did was run for 3 TDs(4, 1, & 30 yds.), catch a TD pass of 22 yds., from QB Charlie Diskin, and scored on defense as he returned an interception for 102 yards. Those 5 TDs, give him 10 on the year, in 3 games. This week, the Raiders travel to Brick and can just about wrap up the Constitution Division title, with a “W” against the 2-1 Dragons.
TR North(2-0) continues to win, with a methodical 19-0 victory over winless Manalapan. They used 2 interception returns for TDs and now set their sights on the undefeated Rebels of Howell(3-0). That game has been set for Sat. night at 7pm at North, so it’s a good chance for everyone around the shore to see a football game that will pit the brute force and power of the Mariners vs. the finesse air attack of Howell. There are no programs around the state, which are polar opposites of each other, than these 2 teams.
Ocean(3-0) continues to use a stingy defense and timely scoring, as they march through their schedule. Games against Long Branch(3-0) and Matawan(3-0), which will both be on the road, loom in Oct. as Liberty Conference deciders.
Manasquan(2-0) took care of Holmdel(1-2) early and often as they ripped the Hornets 35-0 on Sat. afternoon. The Big Blue will play the season without 1500 yard rusher Lorenzo Venable, who has quit the team. With Jimmy Stovall and Zach Ogden running from the tailback position, they have not seen any drop off from the production they are used to getting from their running game. The “Squan” travel to undefeated Pinelands(2-0) this Friday night in a big National Division game.
Rumson(3-0) is the team that is flying under the radar. They will get a chance to fly high this week, when they visit Asbury Park(2-0) in a key Patriot Div. game. QBs Sean Burke and Mike Villapiano are 2 names you better become familiar with, because they can play. Burke returns from a broken ankle that occurred last year in mid-season, and caused him to miss half the season. Tucker Smith is one of the shores top kickers. There could be a lot of fireworks on Sat afternoon.
One player I would like to mention is Kevin Carter from Mon Don. This receiver turned into an option QB has picked up the offense rather well. All he has done in Mon Don’s 1-1 start is rush for 494 yards, score 7 TDs and throw for 2 TDs. Not bad for a converted receiver. I would say that he and Mike DiGuilmi(Brick Mem.) have adjusted well to running the triple option attacks of their respective teams.
Quotable Quotes:
“It doesn’t get any better defensively. All the credit goes to Al (Tirpack). He does a great job preparing the kids to play week to week” (Chris Barnes-Wall(2-0) in their 35-0 win over South Plainfield.)
“They’re both hard-workers. They’re both going to give you everything they can give. Neither one is blessed with many physical attributes, but they understand their role.” (Head Coach Pete Cahill-Manasquan on RBs Zach Ogden and Jimmy Stovall)
“It wasn’t pretty, but this is our second road game, without playing at home, and we came into this off a bye week, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. We certainly didn’t execute well offensively. Demetri(Davis) ran the ball well but when we had other things opening up for us we didn’t connect.” (Head Coach Chip LaBarca-TR North on his team’s 19-0 win at Manalapan)
This and that:
Congratulations to Skip Edwards of SJ V, who picked up his first victory(28-21 over Point Boro), at that school.
Point Pleasant Boro is off to a 0-3 start. Playing without 2 way star Zach Hayden, they lost to SJ V 28-21 last week. This week they get a hungry Raritan team eager to get back on the field after their loss to Matawan.
Brick Memorials(2-1) offense is one of the best in the shore. They run for 328 yards a game, while averaging 393 yds. a game. If they get their defense straightened out, watch out for this team.
Neptune vs. Wall this week at Neptune—a big game for both teams.
Brick(2-1) shutout previously unbeaten Mid North 3-0 on Friday night. A 25 yard field goal by Brick’s Pat Kearns won it for Pat Dowling’s Dragon’s.
Long Branch’s Miles Shuler returned for the Wave in their 20-7 win vs. Monmouth. He ran for 2 TDs and threw for 1 score.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(3-0) Money is on the table this week vs. Freehold Boro, who defeated the Eagles at Rutgers in last year’s CJ G 3 finals.
2-Howell(3-0) Easily their biggest game in 2 years as they travel to TR North on Saturday night.
3-Ocean(3-0) Defense is excellent, offense has Brandon Robinson.
4-Matawan(3-0) Game-breakers up and down the lineup. McArthur Underwood is a star in the making!
5-TR East(3-0) Nico(sr) and Mario(soph) are the last of the 4 Steriti brothers. Shore conf. coaches can breathe a sigh of relief.
6-Manasquan(2-0) Will the loss of Venable bring this team together—I think so!
7-TR North(2-0) Their 19-0 win last week sets up a battle in American Div. vs. Howell (Sat. night at 7pm).
8-Long Branch(3-0) Ocean shutout Manchester last week, the Wave may make it 2 weeks in a row that Hawks don’t score. QB Miles Schuler is back and healthy.
9-Asbury Park(2-0) Scored 53 last week. A tougher opponent in Rumson this week.
10-Brick Memorial(2-1) Only team in top ten with a loss. Hard to keep them out with the offense they have produced in 3 weeks. Lone loss to Sayreville is 3-0 in early season.
Just missed:
Rumson(3-0)-win and you’re in next week!
Neptune(2-1) Danger ahead in unbeaten Wall(2-0)
Keyport(2-0) Another team under the radar.
Freehold Boro(2-1) Chance to hop back into top ten with a “W” at Mid South.
Raritan(2-1) One loss does not define this good team.
Join us at Boston’s this Thursday night for 2 hours of high school football at 6-8pm. Freehold Boro vs. Mid South (Friday 7pm on 1160am, 1310am, and 105.7fm the Hawk) or shoresportsnetwork.com.
Offensive football was the name of the game in week 3, with no fewer than 12 teams putting up 30 points or more. This will not make defensive co-coordinators too happy as they begin to prepare for these teams down the road. Leading the offensive explosion was Asbury Park(2-0), who put up 53 in a blowout win over Mater Dei. The Raiders of Toms River East(3-0) put 48 on the board against cross town rival TR South. These two teams remained undefeated, with big games coming up for both teams. Mid South(3-0) continues undefeated, and scored 38 points in their shutout win over Jackson Liberty. Mid South now gets to avenge a loss last year in CJ Group 3 finals vs. Freehold Boro, as they host the Colonials on Friday night at home. That one will be on the radio, if you can’t make it to the game.(1160am, 1310 am, as well as 105.7 the Hawk Also for out of area fans, you can follow us on shoresportsnetwork.com.
The big game of week 3 was the blowout victory by Matawan over Raritan(30-7). In a game most people thought would be a close, the Huskies led from start to finish and proved that they are the real deal in 2009. Holding Raritan ace RB Jessie Raymond to 75 yards and Notre Dame bound Bennett Jackson to 5 catches for 57 yards, the Huskies used their outstanding QB Jared Allison( 1TD run & 1TD pass) and McArthur Underwood(82 run for TD) as big play weapons in a statement type game of the early season. Matawan now gets to revenge a 2008 loss to RBC, which still bothers Matawan. Look for them to take care of business this Friday at RBC.
The Toms River East Raiders ran wild over the under-manned TR South Indians. Playing without key personal, the Indians(0-3) were no match for the explosive Raiders. Nico Steriti, who was my pre-season choice for player of the year, certainly did nothing to hurt his chances at winning that award. All Nico did was run for 3 TDs(4, 1, & 30 yds.), catch a TD pass of 22 yds., from QB Charlie Diskin, and scored on defense as he returned an interception for 102 yards. Those 5 TDs, give him 10 on the year, in 3 games. This week, the Raiders travel to Brick and can just about wrap up the Constitution Division title, with a “W” against the 2-1 Dragons.
TR North(2-0) continues to win, with a methodical 19-0 victory over winless Manalapan. They used 2 interception returns for TDs and now set their sights on the undefeated Rebels of Howell(3-0). That game has been set for Sat. night at 7pm at North, so it’s a good chance for everyone around the shore to see a football game that will pit the brute force and power of the Mariners vs. the finesse air attack of Howell. There are no programs around the state, which are polar opposites of each other, than these 2 teams.
Ocean(3-0) continues to use a stingy defense and timely scoring, as they march through their schedule. Games against Long Branch(3-0) and Matawan(3-0), which will both be on the road, loom in Oct. as Liberty Conference deciders.
Manasquan(2-0) took care of Holmdel(1-2) early and often as they ripped the Hornets 35-0 on Sat. afternoon. The Big Blue will play the season without 1500 yard rusher Lorenzo Venable, who has quit the team. With Jimmy Stovall and Zach Ogden running from the tailback position, they have not seen any drop off from the production they are used to getting from their running game. The “Squan” travel to undefeated Pinelands(2-0) this Friday night in a big National Division game.
Rumson(3-0) is the team that is flying under the radar. They will get a chance to fly high this week, when they visit Asbury Park(2-0) in a key Patriot Div. game. QBs Sean Burke and Mike Villapiano are 2 names you better become familiar with, because they can play. Burke returns from a broken ankle that occurred last year in mid-season, and caused him to miss half the season. Tucker Smith is one of the shores top kickers. There could be a lot of fireworks on Sat afternoon.
One player I would like to mention is Kevin Carter from Mon Don. This receiver turned into an option QB has picked up the offense rather well. All he has done in Mon Don’s 1-1 start is rush for 494 yards, score 7 TDs and throw for 2 TDs. Not bad for a converted receiver. I would say that he and Mike DiGuilmi(Brick Mem.) have adjusted well to running the triple option attacks of their respective teams.
Quotable Quotes:
“It doesn’t get any better defensively. All the credit goes to Al (Tirpack). He does a great job preparing the kids to play week to week” (Chris Barnes-Wall(2-0) in their 35-0 win over South Plainfield.)
“They’re both hard-workers. They’re both going to give you everything they can give. Neither one is blessed with many physical attributes, but they understand their role.” (Head Coach Pete Cahill-Manasquan on RBs Zach Ogden and Jimmy Stovall)
“It wasn’t pretty, but this is our second road game, without playing at home, and we came into this off a bye week, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. We certainly didn’t execute well offensively. Demetri(Davis) ran the ball well but when we had other things opening up for us we didn’t connect.” (Head Coach Chip LaBarca-TR North on his team’s 19-0 win at Manalapan)
This and that:
Congratulations to Skip Edwards of SJ V, who picked up his first victory(28-21 over Point Boro), at that school.
Point Pleasant Boro is off to a 0-3 start. Playing without 2 way star Zach Hayden, they lost to SJ V 28-21 last week. This week they get a hungry Raritan team eager to get back on the field after their loss to Matawan.
Brick Memorials(2-1) offense is one of the best in the shore. They run for 328 yards a game, while averaging 393 yds. a game. If they get their defense straightened out, watch out for this team.
Neptune vs. Wall this week at Neptune—a big game for both teams.
Brick(2-1) shutout previously unbeaten Mid North 3-0 on Friday night. A 25 yard field goal by Brick’s Pat Kearns won it for Pat Dowling’s Dragon’s.
Long Branch’s Miles Shuler returned for the Wave in their 20-7 win vs. Monmouth. He ran for 2 TDs and threw for 1 score.
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(3-0) Money is on the table this week vs. Freehold Boro, who defeated the Eagles at Rutgers in last year’s CJ G 3 finals.
2-Howell(3-0) Easily their biggest game in 2 years as they travel to TR North on Saturday night.
3-Ocean(3-0) Defense is excellent, offense has Brandon Robinson.
4-Matawan(3-0) Game-breakers up and down the lineup. McArthur Underwood is a star in the making!
5-TR East(3-0) Nico(sr) and Mario(soph) are the last of the 4 Steriti brothers. Shore conf. coaches can breathe a sigh of relief.
6-Manasquan(2-0) Will the loss of Venable bring this team together—I think so!
7-TR North(2-0) Their 19-0 win last week sets up a battle in American Div. vs. Howell (Sat. night at 7pm).
8-Long Branch(3-0) Ocean shutout Manchester last week, the Wave may make it 2 weeks in a row that Hawks don’t score. QB Miles Schuler is back and healthy.
9-Asbury Park(2-0) Scored 53 last week. A tougher opponent in Rumson this week.
10-Brick Memorial(2-1) Only team in top ten with a loss. Hard to keep them out with the offense they have produced in 3 weeks. Lone loss to Sayreville is 3-0 in early season.
Just missed:
Rumson(3-0)-win and you’re in next week!
Neptune(2-1) Danger ahead in unbeaten Wall(2-0)
Keyport(2-0) Another team under the radar.
Freehold Boro(2-1) Chance to hop back into top ten with a “W” at Mid South.
Raritan(2-1) One loss does not define this good team.
Join us at Boston’s this Thursday night for 2 hours of high school football at 6-8pm. Freehold Boro vs. Mid South (Friday 7pm on 1160am, 1310am, and 105.7fm the Hawk) or shoresportsnetwork.com.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Weekend of 9/18 + 9/19
Scanning the high school football scene with Ed Sarluca:
Week 2 has come and gone, and a new #1 team has risen to the top. With previous #1 Freehold Boro going down to Neptune 26-20 in overtime, it allows Middletown South(2-0) to climb one notch to the top spot. Meanwhile Asbury Park(1-0) and Manasquan(1-0) opened defense of their state championships with close, challenging games, but both came away winners in their first games. No teams like those first week byes and the Warriors and Bishops showed a little rust, but wins are wins, and both will use those tough games to only get better. Raritan(2-0) and Matawan(2-0) will collide this week in Raritan, with the winner on their way to the states. This will be a huge out of league match-up worth a whole bunch of quality points. Coach Bob Generelli, of Raritan, has his Rockets primed and ready to take on the speed and power of Matawan and head coach Joe Martucci. Matawan has put up 92 points, while holding their first 2 opponents to 9 pts. Raritan has put 83 points on the board in their first 2. We may very well see a shoot-out in this one. In another big game this weekend, Manchester(1-0) will travel to “Big Red” territory to meet Ocean(2-0), who has looked very impressive in the early season. Coach Don Klein has one of the top game breakers in the shore in Brandon Robinson, while the Hawks will counter with All-American athlete Jimmy Lawson, who anchors a stout defense.
Let’s look at some of last week’s games.
Neptune 26 Freehold Boro 22(OT): Sloppy can best describe this contest. 10 turnovers(5 each) by both teams made this one an exciting game that needed an overtime session to decide it. More known for his basketball skills, Isaias Calderon scored 3 times, including the game winner in OT, to lead the Fliers to their biggest win since they beat undefeated Asbury Park last year on Turkey Day.
Freehold Boro, up 8 pts., were playing without their best RB Tezzy Thorpe(injury) and best LB Rakim Thorpe(suspension) had the game put away, but a roughing the kicker penalty gave Neptune new life and they used it to tie it up with 3:27 left on a successful 2 pt. conversion after Calderon’s 2nd TD. I have a feeling these 2 may meet again come playoff time.
A little further north, Asbury Park(1-0) had all they can handle against a good Shore Reg.(1-1) team. Jamar Small, Asbury’s new QB, threw for 150 yds., to lead the Bishops to a come from behind victory. Trailing by 3 pts. at the half, Asbury completely dominated the Blue Devils in the 2nd half. Running 32 plays to Shore’s 7, they out gained Shore 184-11, while holding the Devils to 0 first downs, in that dominating second half. Asbury Park’s next big one comes at home against Rumson(2-0) on Oct. 3rd.
Toms River East’s 14-7 victory over Lacey will go a long way in deciding the Constitution Division championship. The Raiders have a leg up in a not real good division. Nico Steriti(116 yds.) and Mario Steriti(107 yds.) in the same backfield can only create nightmares for opposing teams. This combination, combined with Charlie Diskin at QB and a defense that is tough and aggressive will send the Raiders to the playoffs in SJ Group 4. I know, it’s a long way off, but it’s never too early to discuss the playoffs.
This year SJ is a tough as ever with Cherokee, Wash. Twp., Egg Harbor, Pennsauken, Mainland all 2-0 with East and Williamstown and TR North 1-0. That’s 8 solid programs to contend. Let the season unwind.
Quotable Quotes:
“It was phenomenal, it was our night, just like last year in the state semis it was their day.” John Fiore(Neptune head coach) on his team’s 26-22 win over Freehold Boro.
“We had to play through adversity, and that’s what we did.” Marquise Johnson(Asbury Park LB/RB) on his teams come from behind victory over Shore.
“That just takes so much pressure off my back knowing that other kids on this football team can get into the end zone.” Nico Steriti(TR East RB) on a Diskin to Cardini TD pass to decide the Lacey game.
“That kid is a special athlete. Defending any triple option is tough on its own, but when a player like Carter is involved it just becomes that more of a challenge.” Shane Fallon(Rumson head coach on trying to stop Mon Don QB Kevin Carter in Rumson’s 38-20 win)
“We were willing to play. We have seen lights worse than this but we understand the officials’ point of view. Obviously, I don’t want to put my kids at risk.” Brian Russo(Woodbridge head coach referring to the lights mal-functioning at Howell’s 37-7 suspended game) The game was ruled over, the following day.
“That’s just Brandon being Brandon. We evaluated in the off-season what we wanted to do with him, and we thought he needed to get more touches. He’s a special athlete and he’s a special player, and you were able to see tonight what he’s capable of.” Don Klein(Ocean head coach on his star RB/WR Brandon Robinson)
"This is a tough bunch of kids, we knew they would bounce back. In the first half, both sides of the ball played well, in the second half we did enough to win.” Walt Currie(Brick Memorial head coach, on his team’s 38-21 win over Southern)
“The corners bit, the safety bit, and C.J. made a great throw.” Ryland McTighe( Manasquan WR/C on his 71 yard TD reception from QB C.J. Davis in Squan’s 13-10 win over Point Boro)
Some key injuries to keep an eye on: Andrew Suarez(Mid South’s 2 way star-possible knee injury). Chris Chiarelli(Colts Neck QB- leg injury). Miles Schuler(Long Branch QB-thumb injury). Ryan Malleck(Point Boro WR/S/kicker- leg injury). Tezzy Thorpe(Freehold Boro RB- knee injury, has not been on field yet). Rob Whitfield(TR South RB/DB-shoulder injury)
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(2-0)- beat New Brunswick 27-6 in week 2. One more tune up before big one in 2 weeks vs. Freehold Boro, who beat the Eagles in last year’s CJ Group 3 finals.
2-Howell(2-0)-Easily beat Woodbridge 37-7 in 3 quarters of action(lights went out). Jackson this week, and the back to back with TR North and Brick Memorial.
3-Long Branch(2-0)-hard fought 14-7 win over RBC(0-2). Toughest games are at end of year.
4-Ocean(2-0)-I like the “Big Red”. While everyone talks about their offense, take a look on the defensive side. They took care of Brick, holding them to 5 rushing yds., and have given up just 1 TD on “D”.
5-Raritan(2-0)- Another solid team that is getting better each week. Big one this week, Matawan at home, Friday night.
6-TR North(1-0)- Early bye week did not please Chip LaBarca. The Mariner’s are back to work this week at Manalapan, then they get Howell and Brick Memorial back to back.
7-Asbury Park(1-0)- Tough win vs a tough opponent(Shore-13-10). Rumson in 2 week will be the test.
8-Toms River East(2-0)-Took care of primary challenge in Constitution Div. Lacey 14-7 on Thursday afternoon. Be careful of let down vs. arch-rival TR South this week.
9-Manasquan(1-0)- This may be a bit low for this team, but they will have the chance to climb the ladder.
10-Matawan(2-0)- We will see this week vs. Raritan.
Best of rest:
Neptune(1-1) I know they had the biggest win of weekend, but too many other good teams ahead of them.
Freehold Boro(1-1) It was tough to drop them out of top ten, but look who’s ahead of them and tell me who doesn’t deserve to be there.
Brick Memorial(1-1) Powerful offense(close to 900 yards in 2 games), but must get their “D” going.
Rumson(2-0) They are sneaking up on all the above.
Keyport(2-0) See Rumson comment. Oct 17 match-up with Rumson.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza in Toms River for our 2 hour football show from 6PM-8PM. Live at Boston’s will be head coach Charlie Diskin of East and star RB Nico Steriti. They will be joined by other guest on the phone.
This week’s game of week is TR South vs. TR East at 7pm Friday night on 1160 WOBM AM, Fox Sports 1310 and 105.7 The Hawk. You can also check us on line at shoresportsnetwork.com.
Week 2 has come and gone, and a new #1 team has risen to the top. With previous #1 Freehold Boro going down to Neptune 26-20 in overtime, it allows Middletown South(2-0) to climb one notch to the top spot. Meanwhile Asbury Park(1-0) and Manasquan(1-0) opened defense of their state championships with close, challenging games, but both came away winners in their first games. No teams like those first week byes and the Warriors and Bishops showed a little rust, but wins are wins, and both will use those tough games to only get better. Raritan(2-0) and Matawan(2-0) will collide this week in Raritan, with the winner on their way to the states. This will be a huge out of league match-up worth a whole bunch of quality points. Coach Bob Generelli, of Raritan, has his Rockets primed and ready to take on the speed and power of Matawan and head coach Joe Martucci. Matawan has put up 92 points, while holding their first 2 opponents to 9 pts. Raritan has put 83 points on the board in their first 2. We may very well see a shoot-out in this one. In another big game this weekend, Manchester(1-0) will travel to “Big Red” territory to meet Ocean(2-0), who has looked very impressive in the early season. Coach Don Klein has one of the top game breakers in the shore in Brandon Robinson, while the Hawks will counter with All-American athlete Jimmy Lawson, who anchors a stout defense.
Let’s look at some of last week’s games.
Neptune 26 Freehold Boro 22(OT): Sloppy can best describe this contest. 10 turnovers(5 each) by both teams made this one an exciting game that needed an overtime session to decide it. More known for his basketball skills, Isaias Calderon scored 3 times, including the game winner in OT, to lead the Fliers to their biggest win since they beat undefeated Asbury Park last year on Turkey Day.
Freehold Boro, up 8 pts., were playing without their best RB Tezzy Thorpe(injury) and best LB Rakim Thorpe(suspension) had the game put away, but a roughing the kicker penalty gave Neptune new life and they used it to tie it up with 3:27 left on a successful 2 pt. conversion after Calderon’s 2nd TD. I have a feeling these 2 may meet again come playoff time.
A little further north, Asbury Park(1-0) had all they can handle against a good Shore Reg.(1-1) team. Jamar Small, Asbury’s new QB, threw for 150 yds., to lead the Bishops to a come from behind victory. Trailing by 3 pts. at the half, Asbury completely dominated the Blue Devils in the 2nd half. Running 32 plays to Shore’s 7, they out gained Shore 184-11, while holding the Devils to 0 first downs, in that dominating second half. Asbury Park’s next big one comes at home against Rumson(2-0) on Oct. 3rd.
Toms River East’s 14-7 victory over Lacey will go a long way in deciding the Constitution Division championship. The Raiders have a leg up in a not real good division. Nico Steriti(116 yds.) and Mario Steriti(107 yds.) in the same backfield can only create nightmares for opposing teams. This combination, combined with Charlie Diskin at QB and a defense that is tough and aggressive will send the Raiders to the playoffs in SJ Group 4. I know, it’s a long way off, but it’s never too early to discuss the playoffs.
This year SJ is a tough as ever with Cherokee, Wash. Twp., Egg Harbor, Pennsauken, Mainland all 2-0 with East and Williamstown and TR North 1-0. That’s 8 solid programs to contend. Let the season unwind.
Quotable Quotes:
“It was phenomenal, it was our night, just like last year in the state semis it was their day.” John Fiore(Neptune head coach) on his team’s 26-22 win over Freehold Boro.
“We had to play through adversity, and that’s what we did.” Marquise Johnson(Asbury Park LB/RB) on his teams come from behind victory over Shore.
“That just takes so much pressure off my back knowing that other kids on this football team can get into the end zone.” Nico Steriti(TR East RB) on a Diskin to Cardini TD pass to decide the Lacey game.
“That kid is a special athlete. Defending any triple option is tough on its own, but when a player like Carter is involved it just becomes that more of a challenge.” Shane Fallon(Rumson head coach on trying to stop Mon Don QB Kevin Carter in Rumson’s 38-20 win)
“We were willing to play. We have seen lights worse than this but we understand the officials’ point of view. Obviously, I don’t want to put my kids at risk.” Brian Russo(Woodbridge head coach referring to the lights mal-functioning at Howell’s 37-7 suspended game) The game was ruled over, the following day.
“That’s just Brandon being Brandon. We evaluated in the off-season what we wanted to do with him, and we thought he needed to get more touches. He’s a special athlete and he’s a special player, and you were able to see tonight what he’s capable of.” Don Klein(Ocean head coach on his star RB/WR Brandon Robinson)
"This is a tough bunch of kids, we knew they would bounce back. In the first half, both sides of the ball played well, in the second half we did enough to win.” Walt Currie(Brick Memorial head coach, on his team’s 38-21 win over Southern)
“The corners bit, the safety bit, and C.J. made a great throw.” Ryland McTighe( Manasquan WR/C on his 71 yard TD reception from QB C.J. Davis in Squan’s 13-10 win over Point Boro)
Some key injuries to keep an eye on: Andrew Suarez(Mid South’s 2 way star-possible knee injury). Chris Chiarelli(Colts Neck QB- leg injury). Miles Schuler(Long Branch QB-thumb injury). Ryan Malleck(Point Boro WR/S/kicker- leg injury). Tezzy Thorpe(Freehold Boro RB- knee injury, has not been on field yet). Rob Whitfield(TR South RB/DB-shoulder injury)
Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(2-0)- beat New Brunswick 27-6 in week 2. One more tune up before big one in 2 weeks vs. Freehold Boro, who beat the Eagles in last year’s CJ Group 3 finals.
2-Howell(2-0)-Easily beat Woodbridge 37-7 in 3 quarters of action(lights went out). Jackson this week, and the back to back with TR North and Brick Memorial.
3-Long Branch(2-0)-hard fought 14-7 win over RBC(0-2). Toughest games are at end of year.
4-Ocean(2-0)-I like the “Big Red”. While everyone talks about their offense, take a look on the defensive side. They took care of Brick, holding them to 5 rushing yds., and have given up just 1 TD on “D”.
5-Raritan(2-0)- Another solid team that is getting better each week. Big one this week, Matawan at home, Friday night.
6-TR North(1-0)- Early bye week did not please Chip LaBarca. The Mariner’s are back to work this week at Manalapan, then they get Howell and Brick Memorial back to back.
7-Asbury Park(1-0)- Tough win vs a tough opponent(Shore-13-10). Rumson in 2 week will be the test.
8-Toms River East(2-0)-Took care of primary challenge in Constitution Div. Lacey 14-7 on Thursday afternoon. Be careful of let down vs. arch-rival TR South this week.
9-Manasquan(1-0)- This may be a bit low for this team, but they will have the chance to climb the ladder.
10-Matawan(2-0)- We will see this week vs. Raritan.
Best of rest:
Neptune(1-1) I know they had the biggest win of weekend, but too many other good teams ahead of them.
Freehold Boro(1-1) It was tough to drop them out of top ten, but look who’s ahead of them and tell me who doesn’t deserve to be there.
Brick Memorial(1-1) Powerful offense(close to 900 yards in 2 games), but must get their “D” going.
Rumson(2-0) They are sneaking up on all the above.
Keyport(2-0) See Rumson comment. Oct 17 match-up with Rumson.
Join us Thursday night at Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza in Toms River for our 2 hour football show from 6PM-8PM. Live at Boston’s will be head coach Charlie Diskin of East and star RB Nico Steriti. They will be joined by other guest on the phone.
This week’s game of week is TR South vs. TR East at 7pm Friday night on 1160 WOBM AM, Fox Sports 1310 and 105.7 The Hawk. You can also check us on line at shoresportsnetwork.com.
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