The weight rooms around the shore are filled with tanned bodies and sweat. That means one thing; Football season is just around the corner. While most high school teams are putting in some sort of practice time, coaches around the shore are planning that first day of practice. 7 on 7 games, speed camps, college camps around the country, offensive and defensive skill work are just a few of the many facets of what high school football is in the 2000's.
Back in the days of when I was coaching, Sept 1st was the magic date when practice began. State rules forbid any kind of structured practice from the coaches. Well those rules changed drastically 20 or so years ago and now you may practice anytime after the first class graduates in the spring of the preceding year.
So while the many players prepare for 2009 with their coaches, a group of approximately 100 former senior players are working hard on the practice field in Toms River and Matawan in preparation of the 32nd annual all-shore football classic. The game will be played 7 PM Friday night, July 17th at Brick High School. It matches up the best of the best in 2008 in a Monmouth vs Ocean contest. This year the US Army has become a major sponsor, along with All-Shore Media and Millennium Radio. The Shore Sports Network will broadcast he game live on Fox Sports 1310 AM and 105.7 FM, the Hawk. You can also follow the game on your computer streamed at either one of the station websites.
The game is being run by the Shore Football Coaches Foundation led by game director Lou Vircillo, Lacey Townships legendary head coach. Handling the job on the Army end is US Army Capt. Robert Hanratty, who played in this game in 2000, after his senior year at Manalapan HS. This years head coaches are Mark Ciccotelli of Freehold Boro and Chuck Donahue Sr of Southern Reg. While the players prepare themselves under the watchful eyes of a full coaching staff, Vircillo and his staff of coaches work diligently to make this game work. Barnegat's Rob. Davis, the GM of the Ocean squad, and Howell's Cory Davies, Monmouth's GM have worked very hard on the rosters of the two squads. It's not an easy job trying to round up 100+ players in the summer, as most prepare for their up coming college careers.
Games like this, usually always come down to the skill players. Lets start on the Monmouth side and mention a few of the major threats that you will see Friday night. Monmouth is led by Freehold's QB Nick Tyson. Tyson's deep threat and all around great player in Brandon Brown. These two can create headaches to the Ocean defense and must be contained in order for Ocean to win. Mike LaSalla(Manasquan) will back up Tyson. Neptune's RB Michael Peavy is a game breaker any time he touches the football. Looking real good at the running back position in practice this week, has been James Gilburn(Manalapan). On the defensive side two great LB will try to contain the Ocean option attack; Nolan Vill from RBC and Matt Martino from Mid South are good ones and by the way, they are also great running backs. Ocean will counter with a 4 headed QB rotation that could very well be the best combination of talent at the QB spot that any Ocean team has ever had. Brian Staub(Brick Memorial), Shane O'Conner(Point Boro), Jon Curtin(Mon Don) and Kevin Gilmore(TR South) give the Ocean squad versitility on the ground and in the air. Having 4 QBs can also possibly work against them, as Coach Donahue tries to get them playing time. Running out of the Gun, this option attack will make for some interesting play calling from OC Calvin Thompson, out of Point Boro. Up front, the Ocean squad is big, with Andrew Leusteck(Brick) at 6'4" 270lbs, Anthony Delia(Brick Mem.) at 6'3" 280lbs, Aaron Davis(Jackson) at 6'5" 305lbs and Frank Backle(TR East) at 6'3" 290lbs. Zone blocking techniques have been picked up by this crew, and occupying space, to allow QBs and RBs to do what they do has worked in practice. The Monmouth squad will counter with speed and aggressiveness on defense. All in all it figures to be a good one, as most of these games are.
At halftime 4 more inductees into the Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Fame will be honored. I know the recipients, but I'll keep it a secret until Friday night. All I'll say is these great coaches and their families are excited about the honor and are truly deserving. Last year Warren Wolf was the first inductee into the Hall.
I guess we can't really talk about shore high school football without a quick mention of some of the big stories over the winter. There are 3 that I'll mention in this blog. The biggest story, by far, was the retirement of Brick's legend Warren Wolf. After 51 years, the only coach Brick has ever had, decided it was time to leave. I had the honor of personally being invited to his press conference announcing that retirement. There were many well wishers from past teams who came to honor Coach Wolf and his many accomplishments. But unfortunately, the story didn't end that afternoon in Brick's cafeteria. After a long search, Patrick Dowling from Allentown HS, was hired and the fireworks began. Coach Wolf wanted a Brick assistant coach to take over for him, and he did not take the news of Dowling's hire too well. Meeting after meeting was held by the Board of Education to justify the move. Former players and backers of Wolf attended and voiced their opinion. The Board stood firm and upheld Dowling as the head coach. He now begins his term as Brick's head coach with much pressure on his shoulders. The former Brick staff of assistants has moved on, with only 1 former Wolf assistant still on staff. It should make for an interesting season for the Dragon's!
Another move that caught everybody by surprise was the John Amabile to Allentown High School hire. After resigning from St John Vianny after the 2008 season, everyone thought John's Hall of Fame football coaching career was over. Not so fast! If John can turn that program around in the next few years, as some think he may, get the Hall of Fame plaque ready.
Lastly, but certainly not least, was the resigning of RBC's Frank Edgerly for a move to the pros. Frank took a job as the New England Patriots Pro Personnel Scout. Most followers remember just a year ago, at about the same time, Frank resigned to take a job with Rutgers University, only to leave that and come back to coach RBC in 2008. I think this job will last a little longer than the Rutgers job. Good luck coach, you will be missed at RBC and in the shore.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
Final Week Of The Season
Ed Sarluca's Final Top Ten of 2008 season:
1-Freehold Boro(11-1) CJ Group 3 Champs. Beat Middletown South twice. First Championship in school history.
2-RBC(9-1) I'm not sure if this will be a popular decision, but of all teams I saw, my feelings are they are the best of the rest. Unfortunately they lost to St. Peter's Prep in first round of States. Nolan Vill is also my playe of the year.
3-Southern Reg.(10-2) What an effort in SJ Group 4 finals, losing to Mainland 21-14. This was Chuck Donahue's best year ever and the Rams deserve the #3 ranking. They beat a very good TR North team in first round and a good South Jersey team in Cherokee in the semi's. A win against Brick Mem. also highlighted the season.
4-Brick Memorial (9-3) A very convincing win in CJ Group 4 finals(24-0) over Sayreville gave the Stangs their 2nd State Championship. The leader of the Mustangs is Brian Staub, the premier "playmaker" of the shore. He does it on offense and defense. Walt Currie and crew win the States in his second year at head coach.
5-Manasquan(10-2) Another State Championship in their rich tradition. This was Pete Cahill's first as a head coach and the schools 11th overall. Lorenzo Venable had a great afternoon at Rutgers carrying the "Big Blue Warriors" on his back. He rushed for 191 yards and all 3 TDs. Mike LaSalla carried the Big Blue all year and got them into the finals.
6-Asbury Park(11-1) Back to back CJ Group 1 Championships for the Bishops. Will Johnson, George Stephens and Derrell Bell have led them all year and made it look easy on Saturday in their 42-14 win over Metuchen. It was men against boys in that contest and only a loss to Neptune(6-0 on Turkey Day) prevented them from another undefeated season.
7-Middletown South(10-2) A game effort after falling behind 21-0 in the CJ Group 3 finals loss to Freehold Boro(21-14). Ryan Mullan led the comeback with his passing and running. Only 2 losses game at the hands of Freehold Boro in first and last games of the season.
8-Toms River North(8-2) The Mariners were primed for a defense of their 2007 SJ Group 4 title, but Southern had other ideas. The running of Jon Daniels carried the Mariners all year, and he truly had an all-shore year. The Mariner defense was tougher than ever in 2008 and look for them to stay at the top of the American Division. Wins against Southern and Brick Memorial highlighted their year, which brought them an American Division Championship.
9-Point Boro(9-2) Defense was the theme of the 2008 Panthers. A scoreless streak which created 7 shutouts was halted in the playoffs. A fourth quarter comeback by Johnson in semi-finals created a rematch with Manasquan, which everybody wanted to see. QB Shane O'Conner had an all-shore type year.
10-Neptune(8-3) A winvs. Asbury Park gets them into top ten. RB Michael Peevy had himself an all-shore year.
Just missed: Ocean(8-3) Tough loss to Mid. South in CJ 3 semi-finals.
Shore(8-2) Disappointed in the playoffs.
Colts Neck(6-4) Return a top QB and will be tough in 2009.
It was a great year of high school football. I hope you enjoyed the season. We, at the shore sports network, certainly enjoyed bringing you the games and we hope to see you next year. One more football show on Thursday December 11th at 6PM when we will present our 2008 All-Ocean and Monmouth football all-stars.
1-Freehold Boro(11-1) CJ Group 3 Champs. Beat Middletown South twice. First Championship in school history.
2-RBC(9-1) I'm not sure if this will be a popular decision, but of all teams I saw, my feelings are they are the best of the rest. Unfortunately they lost to St. Peter's Prep in first round of States. Nolan Vill is also my playe of the year.
3-Southern Reg.(10-2) What an effort in SJ Group 4 finals, losing to Mainland 21-14. This was Chuck Donahue's best year ever and the Rams deserve the #3 ranking. They beat a very good TR North team in first round and a good South Jersey team in Cherokee in the semi's. A win against Brick Mem. also highlighted the season.
4-Brick Memorial (9-3) A very convincing win in CJ Group 4 finals(24-0) over Sayreville gave the Stangs their 2nd State Championship. The leader of the Mustangs is Brian Staub, the premier "playmaker" of the shore. He does it on offense and defense. Walt Currie and crew win the States in his second year at head coach.
5-Manasquan(10-2) Another State Championship in their rich tradition. This was Pete Cahill's first as a head coach and the schools 11th overall. Lorenzo Venable had a great afternoon at Rutgers carrying the "Big Blue Warriors" on his back. He rushed for 191 yards and all 3 TDs. Mike LaSalla carried the Big Blue all year and got them into the finals.
6-Asbury Park(11-1) Back to back CJ Group 1 Championships for the Bishops. Will Johnson, George Stephens and Derrell Bell have led them all year and made it look easy on Saturday in their 42-14 win over Metuchen. It was men against boys in that contest and only a loss to Neptune(6-0 on Turkey Day) prevented them from another undefeated season.
7-Middletown South(10-2) A game effort after falling behind 21-0 in the CJ Group 3 finals loss to Freehold Boro(21-14). Ryan Mullan led the comeback with his passing and running. Only 2 losses game at the hands of Freehold Boro in first and last games of the season.
8-Toms River North(8-2) The Mariners were primed for a defense of their 2007 SJ Group 4 title, but Southern had other ideas. The running of Jon Daniels carried the Mariners all year, and he truly had an all-shore year. The Mariner defense was tougher than ever in 2008 and look for them to stay at the top of the American Division. Wins against Southern and Brick Memorial highlighted their year, which brought them an American Division Championship.
9-Point Boro(9-2) Defense was the theme of the 2008 Panthers. A scoreless streak which created 7 shutouts was halted in the playoffs. A fourth quarter comeback by Johnson in semi-finals created a rematch with Manasquan, which everybody wanted to see. QB Shane O'Conner had an all-shore type year.
10-Neptune(8-3) A winvs. Asbury Park gets them into top ten. RB Michael Peevy had himself an all-shore year.
Just missed: Ocean(8-3) Tough loss to Mid. South in CJ 3 semi-finals.
Shore(8-2) Disappointed in the playoffs.
Colts Neck(6-4) Return a top QB and will be tough in 2009.
It was a great year of high school football. I hope you enjoyed the season. We, at the shore sports network, certainly enjoyed bringing you the games and we hope to see you next year. One more football show on Thursday December 11th at 6PM when we will present our 2008 All-Ocean and Monmouth football all-stars.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Weekend of November 28 + 29, 2008
If your a follower of my weekly blog, you will understand when I say, I told you it would happen. Look back a week ago when I started with; "Thanksgiving football for championship bound teams are dangerous games and don't be surprised if a few get knocked off this week." No less than 3 of my top 6 teams went down with upset losses to arch rivals teams, including the #1 team, Asbury Park. The Bishops 21 game winning streak came to a crashing end with Neptune's stunning 6-0 win on Thanksgiving morning. Freehold Boro came into the Colts Neck game with a 10-0 record and was soundly beaten 32-15. Brick Memorial was victim #3, when crosstown rival Brick won 34-27. In that contest, neither teams defense showed up, as the teams combined for 627 yards of offense. Lets take a closer look at some of these games:
Asbury Park(10-1) came into this game a huge favorite and left with their 21 game winning streak snapped. Michael Peevy's 12 yard TD run in the 1st quarter was the only scoring the Fliers would need, as they hung on to that 6-0 lead, despite several offensive threats by the Bishops. Asbury was stopped on the 17 and 19 yard lines with big 4th down stops by the Fliers. The TD run by Peevy was set up by a blocked punt, the first of 2 blocks by the Fliers. Asbury Park was 0-5 on fourth down attempts during the contest and was held to 170 total yards and just 7 first downs. Neptune finishes 8-3 on the year, while the Bishops play for their second consecutive CJ 1 championship on Saturday Dec. 6th vs. Metuchen.
Freehold(10-1) upset came at the hands of Mike McArthur's Cougars of Colts Neck. Aided by the return of starting RB Ryan Moore(87 yards) and the passing of Chris Chiarelli(10-14 for 215 yards & 3 TDs), the Cougars were all over the Colonials from the beginning. They took a 20 point first half lead and never looked back. Colts Neck finishes at 6-4 and has a piece of the Constitution Division Championship(3 way tie with Brick & TR East) while Freehold Boro plays for the CJ 3 Championship at 4PM at Rutgers on the 6th of December. Their opponent that day will be Middletown South. The Eagles were challenged on Turkey Day, but prevailed 38-21 over crosstown rival Middletown North. Playing on their new turf field for the first time this year, the Lions put up a fight, holding a 14-10 lead in the first half, but a 21-7 edge in the second half, did them in. The Eagles got 2 TDs from their outstanding defense, despite giving up 267 total yards to the Lions.
The norm on the morning for the majority of these teams, were tired legs and poor execution. To ask these kids to play on such a short turn around from a semi-final game, my be asking too much. Taking nothing away from Brick, Colts Neck or Neptune, but those teams did have 12 days to prepare for their Thanksgiving Day games while their opponets had 5 days, and in the case of Freehold, 4 days. It all goes back to the playoff system and the way it is run. Playing these games after 2 weeks of playoff games is outdated and wrong. The system should be changed and coaches sould realize these games would be better off played 2 weeks prior to when they are played. The situation was more than evident in the Brick Memorial-Brick football game. The Mustangs looked tired and slow, as Brick runners repeatedly ripped through tacklers on their way to the 34-27 victory. Brick ran for 198 yards on the ground and John Applegate threw for 140 more as the Dragons totaled 338 yards. The Stangs(8-3) also ran well on the gound(272 yards), but looked out of gas in the fourth quarter. Th Stangs will play for the CJ 4 title on Saturday December 6th at 7PM at Rutgers. Their opponent will be Sayreville, a team they are 1-1 against, in prior playoff games.
Manasquan(9-2) played the most exciting of all Thanksgiving Day games. Wall(4-6) was a worthy challenge for the "Big Blue", as Squan held on for a thrilling 42-35 OT victory. Wall's Blaze Capanegro ran for 347 yards and 4 TDs in this contest and it wasn't good enough to defet the Warriors. Mike LaSalla threw fro 299 yards and 4 TDs, including the game winner in OT to Ryan McTighe. Capanegro, who may be off to Temple University(full ride offer), was unbelievable on the morning, scoring on runs of 11, 50, 2 and 43, as he consistently kept his team in the game. What a way to end your brillant career at Wall. The "Big Blue" will play for the CJ 2 Championship on Saturday December 6th at 1 PM at Rutgers vs. Johnson Reg. The shore sports network will have a triple header for fans unable to attend the games at Rutgers. Beginning at 1 PM with the CJ 2 game between Manasquan and Johnson, the CJ 3 game betwen Freehold Boro and Middletown South at 4 PM and finish it off with the CJ 4 championship between Brick Memorial and Sayrville at 7 PM. A full day of championship football on 1160AM , 1310AM or on the internet streamed at shoresportsnetwork.com.
Othe games on Turkey Day:
Toms River North 34 Toms River East 7--Jon Daniels runs for 160 yards and 4 TDs.
Southern 34 Barnegat 6--Mike Bonsky returns a KO for 70 yards and also gets one on the ground in the easy "W".
Raritan 37 Holmdel 0--Jessie Raymond scores 3 and Mark Stancati throws fro 201 yards.
Freehold Twp. 27 Howell 13-- Ryan Spadola caught a 87 yard TD pass.
Point Boro 41 Point Beach 14--shane O'Conner threw 3 TD passes in this one.
Manalapan 41 Marlboro 20--James Gilburn runs for 278 yards and 3 TDs.
TR South 17 Lakewood 6--Indians finish 5-5 in Bill Hill's first year.
Lacey-28 Central 7
Ocean 26 Monmouth 0
Top Ten:
1-Southern(10-1) With top team(Asbury Park) going down, they move to top spot. How long will they be there with Mainland coming up in SJ 4 finals.
2-RBC(9-1) I have been saying all year, it's the best team I've seen. Can't make them #1 because of their tough loss to St. Peters Prep., but a loss by Southern, will give them a shot at #1.
3-Middletown South(10-1) Winning and moving up each week. One more chance in CJ 3 finals vs. Freehold Boro, who they loss to in week 1. Reason they are higher in rankings now, they are playing better.
4-Freehold Boro(10-1) Soundly beaten by Colts Neck was not a good loss. they have a chance to move up when they take on Mid. South next Saturday in CJ 3 finals.
5-Asbury Park(10-1) Not a good loss to Neptune, a they were shutout 6-0. 21 game winning streak is over. Will play for CJ 1 title next Saturday at Rutgers.
6-Toms River North(8-2) What could have been, ended with Southern defeat in quarter-final round of SJ 4. Graduate key players, but they did that last year also. They will be as tough next year.
7-Point Boro(9-2) Another team kicking themselves and wondering what could have been, after losing in semi's last week. Extra tough with the way they loss, blowing a 20-0 lead after 3 quarters.
8-Manasquan(9-2) Exciting win on Turkey Day in OT vs. Wall(42-35). Did they show A.L. Johnson some vulnerability in run defense as Blaze Capanegro ran for 347 against them? We shall see on Sturday at Rutgers.
9-Brick Memorial(8-3) Looked like a tired team in loss to Brick on Thursday(34-27). They get another chance at win #9 when they face Sayreville in CJ 4 final at Rutgers at 7PM Saturday.
10-Neptune(8-3) Great win vs. Asbury Park on Turkey Day(6-0). That win gets them the 10 spot over Ocean(8-3) who beat Monmouth Reg.
Just outside top ten:
Ocean(8-3) See above.
Shore(8-2) Nice year for Blue Devils.
Colts Neck(6-4) When you beat Freehold, who get a mention.
Brick(6-4) Could that win vs. Brick Mem. be Coach Wolf's last one(as some believe)?? I doubt it!
Quotable quotes:
"It was a tough game against a good team, but I think we're a good team. I was a little upset when somebody mentioned that we weren't a good team. We won games in the last minute because we had guts. We won this game because we had the heart. I'm very proud of our boys, they ended up on a great note." (Warren Wolf-Brick Head Coach)
"I was happy that he broke the kickoff for a touchdown. His Mom was at the game and I'm sure it was big thrill for him too and it gave us that buffer that I could take starters out and not have to put them back in." (Chuck Donahue-Southern Head Coach on RB Mike Bonsky.)
"You have to convert and we didn't. We got it in there and you have to finish those off. They're going to remember if we win a championship, not what we did today. I tip my hat to Colts Neck, it's a tough situation but they were just better than us today." (Mark Ciccotelli-Freehold Boro Head Coach on his teams 32-15 loss)
"Their good, they are what they are and they do what they do. We didn't play well and some of their kids played very well. It was gut check time and we didn't answer the bell." (Don Sofilkanich-Asbury Park Head Coach on his teams 6-0 loss to Neptune)
"This is the game you'll remember for the rest of your life. You'll come back this time every year, talk about it with all your teammates. This one I'll remember for a really long time." (Mike LaSalla-Manasquan QB on his teams 42-35 win over Wall in OT)
A triple header on the shore sports network this weekend(December 6th) beginning at 1 PM for the CJ 2 championship(Masaquan vs. Metuchen), 4 PM for the CJ 3 championship(Freehold Boro vs. Middletown South) and 7 PM for the CJ 4 championship (Brick Memorial vs. Sayreville). if you can't attend tune in to 1160 or 1310 AM or streamed on the internet on shoresportsnetwork.com.
Asbury Park(10-1) came into this game a huge favorite and left with their 21 game winning streak snapped. Michael Peevy's 12 yard TD run in the 1st quarter was the only scoring the Fliers would need, as they hung on to that 6-0 lead, despite several offensive threats by the Bishops. Asbury was stopped on the 17 and 19 yard lines with big 4th down stops by the Fliers. The TD run by Peevy was set up by a blocked punt, the first of 2 blocks by the Fliers. Asbury Park was 0-5 on fourth down attempts during the contest and was held to 170 total yards and just 7 first downs. Neptune finishes 8-3 on the year, while the Bishops play for their second consecutive CJ 1 championship on Saturday Dec. 6th vs. Metuchen.
Freehold(10-1) upset came at the hands of Mike McArthur's Cougars of Colts Neck. Aided by the return of starting RB Ryan Moore(87 yards) and the passing of Chris Chiarelli(10-14 for 215 yards & 3 TDs), the Cougars were all over the Colonials from the beginning. They took a 20 point first half lead and never looked back. Colts Neck finishes at 6-4 and has a piece of the Constitution Division Championship(3 way tie with Brick & TR East) while Freehold Boro plays for the CJ 3 Championship at 4PM at Rutgers on the 6th of December. Their opponent that day will be Middletown South. The Eagles were challenged on Turkey Day, but prevailed 38-21 over crosstown rival Middletown North. Playing on their new turf field for the first time this year, the Lions put up a fight, holding a 14-10 lead in the first half, but a 21-7 edge in the second half, did them in. The Eagles got 2 TDs from their outstanding defense, despite giving up 267 total yards to the Lions.
The norm on the morning for the majority of these teams, were tired legs and poor execution. To ask these kids to play on such a short turn around from a semi-final game, my be asking too much. Taking nothing away from Brick, Colts Neck or Neptune, but those teams did have 12 days to prepare for their Thanksgiving Day games while their opponets had 5 days, and in the case of Freehold, 4 days. It all goes back to the playoff system and the way it is run. Playing these games after 2 weeks of playoff games is outdated and wrong. The system should be changed and coaches sould realize these games would be better off played 2 weeks prior to when they are played. The situation was more than evident in the Brick Memorial-Brick football game. The Mustangs looked tired and slow, as Brick runners repeatedly ripped through tacklers on their way to the 34-27 victory. Brick ran for 198 yards on the ground and John Applegate threw for 140 more as the Dragons totaled 338 yards. The Stangs(8-3) also ran well on the gound(272 yards), but looked out of gas in the fourth quarter. Th Stangs will play for the CJ 4 title on Saturday December 6th at 7PM at Rutgers. Their opponent will be Sayreville, a team they are 1-1 against, in prior playoff games.
Manasquan(9-2) played the most exciting of all Thanksgiving Day games. Wall(4-6) was a worthy challenge for the "Big Blue", as Squan held on for a thrilling 42-35 OT victory. Wall's Blaze Capanegro ran for 347 yards and 4 TDs in this contest and it wasn't good enough to defet the Warriors. Mike LaSalla threw fro 299 yards and 4 TDs, including the game winner in OT to Ryan McTighe. Capanegro, who may be off to Temple University(full ride offer), was unbelievable on the morning, scoring on runs of 11, 50, 2 and 43, as he consistently kept his team in the game. What a way to end your brillant career at Wall. The "Big Blue" will play for the CJ 2 Championship on Saturday December 6th at 1 PM at Rutgers vs. Johnson Reg. The shore sports network will have a triple header for fans unable to attend the games at Rutgers. Beginning at 1 PM with the CJ 2 game between Manasquan and Johnson, the CJ 3 game betwen Freehold Boro and Middletown South at 4 PM and finish it off with the CJ 4 championship between Brick Memorial and Sayrville at 7 PM. A full day of championship football on 1160AM , 1310AM or on the internet streamed at shoresportsnetwork.com.
Othe games on Turkey Day:
Toms River North 34 Toms River East 7--Jon Daniels runs for 160 yards and 4 TDs.
Southern 34 Barnegat 6--Mike Bonsky returns a KO for 70 yards and also gets one on the ground in the easy "W".
Raritan 37 Holmdel 0--Jessie Raymond scores 3 and Mark Stancati throws fro 201 yards.
Freehold Twp. 27 Howell 13-- Ryan Spadola caught a 87 yard TD pass.
Point Boro 41 Point Beach 14--shane O'Conner threw 3 TD passes in this one.
Manalapan 41 Marlboro 20--James Gilburn runs for 278 yards and 3 TDs.
TR South 17 Lakewood 6--Indians finish 5-5 in Bill Hill's first year.
Lacey-28 Central 7
Ocean 26 Monmouth 0
Top Ten:
1-Southern(10-1) With top team(Asbury Park) going down, they move to top spot. How long will they be there with Mainland coming up in SJ 4 finals.
2-RBC(9-1) I have been saying all year, it's the best team I've seen. Can't make them #1 because of their tough loss to St. Peters Prep., but a loss by Southern, will give them a shot at #1.
3-Middletown South(10-1) Winning and moving up each week. One more chance in CJ 3 finals vs. Freehold Boro, who they loss to in week 1. Reason they are higher in rankings now, they are playing better.
4-Freehold Boro(10-1) Soundly beaten by Colts Neck was not a good loss. they have a chance to move up when they take on Mid. South next Saturday in CJ 3 finals.
5-Asbury Park(10-1) Not a good loss to Neptune, a they were shutout 6-0. 21 game winning streak is over. Will play for CJ 1 title next Saturday at Rutgers.
6-Toms River North(8-2) What could have been, ended with Southern defeat in quarter-final round of SJ 4. Graduate key players, but they did that last year also. They will be as tough next year.
7-Point Boro(9-2) Another team kicking themselves and wondering what could have been, after losing in semi's last week. Extra tough with the way they loss, blowing a 20-0 lead after 3 quarters.
8-Manasquan(9-2) Exciting win on Turkey Day in OT vs. Wall(42-35). Did they show A.L. Johnson some vulnerability in run defense as Blaze Capanegro ran for 347 against them? We shall see on Sturday at Rutgers.
9-Brick Memorial(8-3) Looked like a tired team in loss to Brick on Thursday(34-27). They get another chance at win #9 when they face Sayreville in CJ 4 final at Rutgers at 7PM Saturday.
10-Neptune(8-3) Great win vs. Asbury Park on Turkey Day(6-0). That win gets them the 10 spot over Ocean(8-3) who beat Monmouth Reg.
Just outside top ten:
Ocean(8-3) See above.
Shore(8-2) Nice year for Blue Devils.
Colts Neck(6-4) When you beat Freehold, who get a mention.
Brick(6-4) Could that win vs. Brick Mem. be Coach Wolf's last one(as some believe)?? I doubt it!
Quotable quotes:
"It was a tough game against a good team, but I think we're a good team. I was a little upset when somebody mentioned that we weren't a good team. We won games in the last minute because we had guts. We won this game because we had the heart. I'm very proud of our boys, they ended up on a great note." (Warren Wolf-Brick Head Coach)
"I was happy that he broke the kickoff for a touchdown. His Mom was at the game and I'm sure it was big thrill for him too and it gave us that buffer that I could take starters out and not have to put them back in." (Chuck Donahue-Southern Head Coach on RB Mike Bonsky.)
"You have to convert and we didn't. We got it in there and you have to finish those off. They're going to remember if we win a championship, not what we did today. I tip my hat to Colts Neck, it's a tough situation but they were just better than us today." (Mark Ciccotelli-Freehold Boro Head Coach on his teams 32-15 loss)
"Their good, they are what they are and they do what they do. We didn't play well and some of their kids played very well. It was gut check time and we didn't answer the bell." (Don Sofilkanich-Asbury Park Head Coach on his teams 6-0 loss to Neptune)
"This is the game you'll remember for the rest of your life. You'll come back this time every year, talk about it with all your teammates. This one I'll remember for a really long time." (Mike LaSalla-Manasquan QB on his teams 42-35 win over Wall in OT)
A triple header on the shore sports network this weekend(December 6th) beginning at 1 PM for the CJ 2 championship(Masaquan vs. Metuchen), 4 PM for the CJ 3 championship(Freehold Boro vs. Middletown South) and 7 PM for the CJ 4 championship (Brick Memorial vs. Sayreville). if you can't attend tune in to 1160 or 1310 AM or streamed on the internet on shoresportsnetwork.com.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Weekend Of November 22
Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:
Six remain in their quest for a State Championship. Southern, Brick Memorial, Asbury Park, Middletown South, Freehold Boro and Manasquan all won their semi-final match –ups and will advance to play for a championship. You could see 5 of those schools for the price of one admission at Rutgers University on Saturday December 6th at 10AM(Asbury Park vs. Metuchen), 1PM(Manasquan vs. Johnson), 4PM(Freehold vs. Middletown South and 7PM(Brick Memorial vs. Sayreville). What a day of football for shore fans! Let’s look at how these schools got there:
Southern(9-1) used a TD in the last 36 seconds to tie the score at 7 and send the game into overtime. There, Southern scored first and kicked the point, only to see Cherokee score in their possession, but miss the extra-point, With that miss the Southern players and fans were sent into delirium, and also into the SJ 4 finals. They will face top-seeded Mainland on a date to be determined at Mainland. What a win for Chuck Donahue and the Southern program. They will play for their first championship ever.
Brick Memorial(8-2) got a huge defensive effort, put together by coordinator Pete Brennan, to shut down top seeded South Brunswick 14-7, and make their way into their 3rd CJ 4 championship in the last 6 years. The Mustangs have one title to show for their previous 2 championship games. Walt Currie, has taken this program to the finals, in just his second year at Memorial. Currie took over for the retired Fred Sprengle, who won that lone championship a few years back.
When it comes to championships, no one does it better than Manasquan. The “Big Blue” have 10 championships in their trophy case and will play for #11 next week. They used a Nick Balestieri 75-yard kickoff return for a TD to open the game and then held on to beat Delran 21-20. QB Mike LaSala has played well for the “Blue”, and with RB Lorenzo Venable(115 rushing yards) running the ball, they have a 1-2 punch which will be hard to beat. They will get A.L. Johnson, who stunned Point Boro with 3 fourth quarter TDs(21-20), on Friday night.
Freehold Boro(10-0) and Neptune were scoreless with 3:17 left in their semi-final game, when Brandon Brown took over. Brown, who has 3 punt returns for TDs this year, took a Neptune punt and returned it 58 yards to the Neptune 14. One play later, RB Tezzy Thorpe(152 yards) gave the Colonials the lead with a TD run. Freehold added a TD, which was set up by a Martin Corso interception, and the Colonials were in their first finals ever. They will face Middletown South(9-1) which won a thriller over Ocean(7-3) on a cold, windy night at the “Swamp” in Middletown. 2 years ago, Ocean won a game in the “swamp”, which broke a 43 game home winning streak. With Eagle grad and now Georgia star Knowshon Moreno in attendance; the Eagles used a fourth quarter TD run by Matt Martino and a 22 field goal miss by Ocean, to just get by the “Big Red”. It was a great effort by the Don Klein led Ocean team, which came up just short. Freehold Boro has dealt the Eagles their only loss of the year, which was way back in week 1. The Eagles have run off 9 straight since then and will be tested by Middletown North on Turkey Day. Freehold, also will be tested, by a good Colts Neck team.
Asbury Park(10-0) made it 21 straight wins with their easy 50-6 demolish of Middlesex. George Stephens scored 4 TDs and Derrick Bell returned a punt 75 yards for a TD and the Bishops never were tested. They held a 44-0 lead after 3 quarters and rested the regulars after that. Neptune will try to break the streak on Thanksgiving morning when the host Asbury.
We now take a break from the playoffs, and play our annual Thanksgiving Day football games. These are games when playoff finalist, must be careful not to look ahead, and concentrate on the game at hand. Many a finalist has been knocked off in these games. This is why the playoff system must be changed. To take a week off from playing in a State Final is outdated and wrong. We should play 9 straight games (all counted towards playoff contention) and then 3 consecutive weeks for the playoffs. It a simple plan, one which must eliminate Thanksgiving Day games and that is why we will never do it. My annual rant about the playoffs!
Quotable Quotes from the weekend:
“It’s an indescribable feeling. It’s an unbelievable thing to be in the state championship.” (Glenn Carson-Southern’s outstanding 2 way player and leader of the Rams)
“We heard so much about being the underdog for this game, it really fired us up.” (Mike LaSala-Manasquan QB on their game with Delran)
“We always want to get off to a fast start and finish strong. Our offense didn’t finish as strong as we would have liked, but the defense stepped up. That’s what good teams do, they pick each other up.” (Brian Staub, Brick Mem. QB and 2-way star.)
“It isn’t about getting there, it’s about finishing it.” (Asbury Park senior-Derrick Bell)
“There have been so many people who have had a piece of what we have done this year through the last 5 years. I’m so proud of the kids who stuck behind us and had our backs through tough times.” (Freehold Boro Head Coach Mark Ciccotelli)
Top Ten-Week of November 24th:
1-Asbury Park(10-0) Have been there all year. 21 game winning streak speaks for itself. Neptune, up next, and then a matchup with Metuchen in CJ 1 finals.
2-Southern(9-1) Amazing year for the Rams, find them with a chance to win a title. It won’t be easy as they get Mainland, who is hungry to avenge last year’s loss to North in the finals.
3-Freehold Boro(10-0) They have never won a state football title, they now get that chance, but first a tough one Thanksgiving vs. Colts Neck.
4-Middletown South(9-1) All along, they were hoping for a chance to get back at Freehold for opening night loss. Be careful what you wish for—first up cross-town rival Middletown North, who would love to upset the Eagles.
5-RBC(8-1) The best team not in playoff hunt, must be content with a Liberty Division Championship.
6-Brick Memorial(8-2) Playing very well at the right time. Defense has stepped up, and with potent triple option offense, they will be a tough out in finals vs. Sayreville. First up is a cross0town game with the 5-4 Dragons.
7-Toms River North(7-2) I know they beat up on Mustangs, but the Stangs are still playing and the Mariners were knocked off in quarter-finals by Southern. A game with Toms River East will not be easy for them, as I know they feel they should still be in the hunt to defend their championship.
8-Manasquan(8-2) Wall would love to knock off the Warriors on Turkey Day. Don’t think that will happen, but they must contend with Blaze Capponegro. Big Blue will play for their 11th championship next week.
9-Point Boro(8-2) Tough one to swallow in semi’s. Up 20 -0 entering last quarter, you must win those games! Will take care of Beach Thursday and finish 9-2.
10-Ocean(7-3) A great effort by Big Red is little consolation to them. In my opinion, they played like champions and have nothing to be ashamed of. Ex-coach and Ocean alum Sal Spampanato come calling, with his Monmouth Reg. football team, on Thanksgiving.
Join us live at the Auto-Lenders car dealership in Toms River on Wednesday night this week at 6-8 PM for Turkey Day talk. We will have local coaches and players to talk with.
Six remain in their quest for a State Championship. Southern, Brick Memorial, Asbury Park, Middletown South, Freehold Boro and Manasquan all won their semi-final match –ups and will advance to play for a championship. You could see 5 of those schools for the price of one admission at Rutgers University on Saturday December 6th at 10AM(Asbury Park vs. Metuchen), 1PM(Manasquan vs. Johnson), 4PM(Freehold vs. Middletown South and 7PM(Brick Memorial vs. Sayreville). What a day of football for shore fans! Let’s look at how these schools got there:
Southern(9-1) used a TD in the last 36 seconds to tie the score at 7 and send the game into overtime. There, Southern scored first and kicked the point, only to see Cherokee score in their possession, but miss the extra-point, With that miss the Southern players and fans were sent into delirium, and also into the SJ 4 finals. They will face top-seeded Mainland on a date to be determined at Mainland. What a win for Chuck Donahue and the Southern program. They will play for their first championship ever.
Brick Memorial(8-2) got a huge defensive effort, put together by coordinator Pete Brennan, to shut down top seeded South Brunswick 14-7, and make their way into their 3rd CJ 4 championship in the last 6 years. The Mustangs have one title to show for their previous 2 championship games. Walt Currie, has taken this program to the finals, in just his second year at Memorial. Currie took over for the retired Fred Sprengle, who won that lone championship a few years back.
When it comes to championships, no one does it better than Manasquan. The “Big Blue” have 10 championships in their trophy case and will play for #11 next week. They used a Nick Balestieri 75-yard kickoff return for a TD to open the game and then held on to beat Delran 21-20. QB Mike LaSala has played well for the “Blue”, and with RB Lorenzo Venable(115 rushing yards) running the ball, they have a 1-2 punch which will be hard to beat. They will get A.L. Johnson, who stunned Point Boro with 3 fourth quarter TDs(21-20), on Friday night.
Freehold Boro(10-0) and Neptune were scoreless with 3:17 left in their semi-final game, when Brandon Brown took over. Brown, who has 3 punt returns for TDs this year, took a Neptune punt and returned it 58 yards to the Neptune 14. One play later, RB Tezzy Thorpe(152 yards) gave the Colonials the lead with a TD run. Freehold added a TD, which was set up by a Martin Corso interception, and the Colonials were in their first finals ever. They will face Middletown South(9-1) which won a thriller over Ocean(7-3) on a cold, windy night at the “Swamp” in Middletown. 2 years ago, Ocean won a game in the “swamp”, which broke a 43 game home winning streak. With Eagle grad and now Georgia star Knowshon Moreno in attendance; the Eagles used a fourth quarter TD run by Matt Martino and a 22 field goal miss by Ocean, to just get by the “Big Red”. It was a great effort by the Don Klein led Ocean team, which came up just short. Freehold Boro has dealt the Eagles their only loss of the year, which was way back in week 1. The Eagles have run off 9 straight since then and will be tested by Middletown North on Turkey Day. Freehold, also will be tested, by a good Colts Neck team.
Asbury Park(10-0) made it 21 straight wins with their easy 50-6 demolish of Middlesex. George Stephens scored 4 TDs and Derrick Bell returned a punt 75 yards for a TD and the Bishops never were tested. They held a 44-0 lead after 3 quarters and rested the regulars after that. Neptune will try to break the streak on Thanksgiving morning when the host Asbury.
We now take a break from the playoffs, and play our annual Thanksgiving Day football games. These are games when playoff finalist, must be careful not to look ahead, and concentrate on the game at hand. Many a finalist has been knocked off in these games. This is why the playoff system must be changed. To take a week off from playing in a State Final is outdated and wrong. We should play 9 straight games (all counted towards playoff contention) and then 3 consecutive weeks for the playoffs. It a simple plan, one which must eliminate Thanksgiving Day games and that is why we will never do it. My annual rant about the playoffs!
Quotable Quotes from the weekend:
“It’s an indescribable feeling. It’s an unbelievable thing to be in the state championship.” (Glenn Carson-Southern’s outstanding 2 way player and leader of the Rams)
“We heard so much about being the underdog for this game, it really fired us up.” (Mike LaSala-Manasquan QB on their game with Delran)
“We always want to get off to a fast start and finish strong. Our offense didn’t finish as strong as we would have liked, but the defense stepped up. That’s what good teams do, they pick each other up.” (Brian Staub, Brick Mem. QB and 2-way star.)
“It isn’t about getting there, it’s about finishing it.” (Asbury Park senior-Derrick Bell)
“There have been so many people who have had a piece of what we have done this year through the last 5 years. I’m so proud of the kids who stuck behind us and had our backs through tough times.” (Freehold Boro Head Coach Mark Ciccotelli)
Top Ten-Week of November 24th:
1-Asbury Park(10-0) Have been there all year. 21 game winning streak speaks for itself. Neptune, up next, and then a matchup with Metuchen in CJ 1 finals.
2-Southern(9-1) Amazing year for the Rams, find them with a chance to win a title. It won’t be easy as they get Mainland, who is hungry to avenge last year’s loss to North in the finals.
3-Freehold Boro(10-0) They have never won a state football title, they now get that chance, but first a tough one Thanksgiving vs. Colts Neck.
4-Middletown South(9-1) All along, they were hoping for a chance to get back at Freehold for opening night loss. Be careful what you wish for—first up cross-town rival Middletown North, who would love to upset the Eagles.
5-RBC(8-1) The best team not in playoff hunt, must be content with a Liberty Division Championship.
6-Brick Memorial(8-2) Playing very well at the right time. Defense has stepped up, and with potent triple option offense, they will be a tough out in finals vs. Sayreville. First up is a cross0town game with the 5-4 Dragons.
7-Toms River North(7-2) I know they beat up on Mustangs, but the Stangs are still playing and the Mariners were knocked off in quarter-finals by Southern. A game with Toms River East will not be easy for them, as I know they feel they should still be in the hunt to defend their championship.
8-Manasquan(8-2) Wall would love to knock off the Warriors on Turkey Day. Don’t think that will happen, but they must contend with Blaze Capponegro. Big Blue will play for their 11th championship next week.
9-Point Boro(8-2) Tough one to swallow in semi’s. Up 20 -0 entering last quarter, you must win those games! Will take care of Beach Thursday and finish 9-2.
10-Ocean(7-3) A great effort by Big Red is little consolation to them. In my opinion, they played like champions and have nothing to be ashamed of. Ex-coach and Ocean alum Sal Spampanato come calling, with his Monmouth Reg. football team, on Thanksgiving.
Join us live at the Auto-Lenders car dealership in Toms River on Wednesday night this week at 6-8 PM for Turkey Day talk. We will have local coaches and players to talk with.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Weekend of 11/15/08
Scanning the High School Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:
The quarter-finals have been played and for 9 area schools the dreams live on. Undefeated Asbury Park and Freehold Boro lead the 9 schools into the semi-final round which will be held this coming weekend. Two matchups this weekend will match all shore teams; Middletown South vs. Ocean in CJ 3 and Freehold Boro vs. Neptune in CJ 2. The latter is a rematch of an earlier season game in which Freehold won easily. Brick Memorial will get top seeded South Brunswick in CJ 4, after their thrilling last second field goal beat North Brunswick—10-7. Jordan Loiodice kicked that 27 yarder to get the Stangs into the semi’s. Point Boro was finally scored upon, but took control in the second half and beat Burlington Twp., 41-19. The Panthers now face Johnson in the CJ 2 semi’s. Manasquan also won their contest in CJ 2 with a shutout of Delaware Valley, 28-0. Lacey won another thriller at Ocean City by a 6-0 score in overtime. The Lions get 2nd seeded Hammonton in SJ 3 this weekend. In the marquee matchup of the weekend, Southern Reg. won by a 20-9 score over archrival Toms River North. North, the defending champs in SJ 4 will complete their season vs. Toms River East on Turkey Day. Southern will get 2nd seed Cherokee on Friday night.
Below the results from last weekend’s quarters:
CJ 1:
Asbury Park 14 New Egypt 0
Metuchen 12 Shore 10
CJ 2: Delran 42 Raritan 0
Ocean 9 Monroe 7
Point Boro 41 Burlington Twp. 19
CJ 3:
Mid South 14 New Brunswick 7
Freehold Boro 33
Nottingham 23 Neptune 21 Lawrence 13
CJ 4: Brick Memorial 10 North Brunswick 7
West Wind. South 42 Mid North 22
Sayreville 27 Colts Neck 21
SJ 3 Lacey 6 Ocean City 0(OT)
Triton 28 Brick 7
Non-Public 4:
St Peters Prep 17 RBC 15
SJ 4:
Southern 20 Toms River North 9
Quotable Quotes from the weekend:
“We let our boys know we would face adversity in the playoffs. We took a couple of smacks to the face to wake ourselves up. Nobody scoring on you is not realistic. No, we can refocus.” (Calvin Thompson Head Coach Point Boro)
“This is a program win. We were 4-6 last year. It was hard to take. The day after Thanksgiving, the kids started preparation for this season. To me this game just kind of validates 365 days of hard work they put in.” (Walt Currie-Brick Memorial Head Coach)
“It was a heartbreaker. It was there and we just couldn’t finish it.” (Conner O’Leary- RBC QB on his team’s tough 17-15 loss to St. Peters Prep.)
“It was probably the first time all year, offensively and defensively, that we put complete games together.” (Pete Cahill-Manasquan Head Coach on his first playoff win of his young career as a head coach.)
“I don’t know if I was out of my hard collar yet. If I was, I was in the weight room, lifting and things like that, getting ready for the next season, if there was any chance for me to play.” (Freehold Boro QB Nick Tyson on his broken neck last season.)
“If a program ever had to win a football game, it was today. We had to win this. We could not keep not having an answer.” (Head Coach Chuck Donahue of Southern on his team’s 20-9 win over TR North.)
“They learned how to win a playoff football game today. I always say, the first playoff game is the toughest. It doesn’t come easy; they gave us everything they had tonight. We made some mistakes but the kids kept playing.” (Steve Antonucci, Middletown South Head Coach on his team’s 14-7 win over New Brunswick.)
My new Top Ten:
1-Asbury Park(9-0) Close game, but with RBC losing, they stay #1 for another week. Next up Middlesex on Sat. in Semi's.
2-Southern(8-1) Won the re-match with TRN. Defense wins games and it did so Friday night, holding North to 9 points.
3-Freehold(9-0) Had a scare vs. Nottingham, but come from behind victory gets them a rematch with Neptune in semi's.
4-Middletown South(8-1) 14-7 win over New Brunswick, gets them a shot at defense minded Ocean.
5-Point Boro(8-1) No T. D. streak is over as they give up 19 first half points, but they roll anyway 41-19, to get one step closer to a Manasquan rematch.
6-RBC(8-1) Were they the better team in loss to St. Peters Prep.? Probably, but a loss is a loss.
7-TR North(7-2) Southern finally gets them, and they did it in their own backyard. American Division Champs have nothing to be ashamed of. Finish season on Turkey day vs. TR East.
8-Brick Memorial(7-2) They win one with defense this week and advance to top seeded South Brunswick. One win from finals in CJ 4.
9-Ocean(7-2) Back into top ten, with 9-7 win over Monroe. Now they face a Mid South team with a better "D" then their own.
10-Manasquan(7-2) Impressive shutout win on Sunday, gets them a shot at 42-0 winner Delran, who destroyed Raritan.
Just outside the top ten:
Shore(7-2) Tough loss to Metuchen(12-10)
TR East(6-3) Best team not to make playoffs.
Neptune(7-2) Only losses to Freehold and Middletown South.
Rumson(7-2) Have a shot at RBC on Turkey Day.
Join us on the Auto-Lenders High School Football show on Thursday night at 6Pm for 2 hours of playoff talk. 1160 am or 1310 am or on the net at shoresportsnetwork.com
Friday game this week at Middletown South for the CJ 3 Semi-final matchup with Ocean. 6:45 PM
The quarter-finals have been played and for 9 area schools the dreams live on. Undefeated Asbury Park and Freehold Boro lead the 9 schools into the semi-final round which will be held this coming weekend. Two matchups this weekend will match all shore teams; Middletown South vs. Ocean in CJ 3 and Freehold Boro vs. Neptune in CJ 2. The latter is a rematch of an earlier season game in which Freehold won easily. Brick Memorial will get top seeded South Brunswick in CJ 4, after their thrilling last second field goal beat North Brunswick—10-7. Jordan Loiodice kicked that 27 yarder to get the Stangs into the semi’s. Point Boro was finally scored upon, but took control in the second half and beat Burlington Twp., 41-19. The Panthers now face Johnson in the CJ 2 semi’s. Manasquan also won their contest in CJ 2 with a shutout of Delaware Valley, 28-0. Lacey won another thriller at Ocean City by a 6-0 score in overtime. The Lions get 2nd seeded Hammonton in SJ 3 this weekend. In the marquee matchup of the weekend, Southern Reg. won by a 20-9 score over archrival Toms River North. North, the defending champs in SJ 4 will complete their season vs. Toms River East on Turkey Day. Southern will get 2nd seed Cherokee on Friday night.
Below the results from last weekend’s quarters:
CJ 1:
Asbury Park 14 New Egypt 0
Metuchen 12 Shore 10
CJ 2: Delran 42 Raritan 0
Ocean 9 Monroe 7
Point Boro 41 Burlington Twp. 19
CJ 3:
Mid South 14 New Brunswick 7
Freehold Boro 33
Nottingham 23 Neptune 21 Lawrence 13
CJ 4: Brick Memorial 10 North Brunswick 7
West Wind. South 42 Mid North 22
Sayreville 27 Colts Neck 21
SJ 3 Lacey 6 Ocean City 0(OT)
Triton 28 Brick 7
Non-Public 4:
St Peters Prep 17 RBC 15
SJ 4:
Southern 20 Toms River North 9
Quotable Quotes from the weekend:
“We let our boys know we would face adversity in the playoffs. We took a couple of smacks to the face to wake ourselves up. Nobody scoring on you is not realistic. No, we can refocus.” (Calvin Thompson Head Coach Point Boro)
“This is a program win. We were 4-6 last year. It was hard to take. The day after Thanksgiving, the kids started preparation for this season. To me this game just kind of validates 365 days of hard work they put in.” (Walt Currie-Brick Memorial Head Coach)
“It was a heartbreaker. It was there and we just couldn’t finish it.” (Conner O’Leary- RBC QB on his team’s tough 17-15 loss to St. Peters Prep.)
“It was probably the first time all year, offensively and defensively, that we put complete games together.” (Pete Cahill-Manasquan Head Coach on his first playoff win of his young career as a head coach.)
“I don’t know if I was out of my hard collar yet. If I was, I was in the weight room, lifting and things like that, getting ready for the next season, if there was any chance for me to play.” (Freehold Boro QB Nick Tyson on his broken neck last season.)
“If a program ever had to win a football game, it was today. We had to win this. We could not keep not having an answer.” (Head Coach Chuck Donahue of Southern on his team’s 20-9 win over TR North.)
“They learned how to win a playoff football game today. I always say, the first playoff game is the toughest. It doesn’t come easy; they gave us everything they had tonight. We made some mistakes but the kids kept playing.” (Steve Antonucci, Middletown South Head Coach on his team’s 14-7 win over New Brunswick.)
My new Top Ten:
1-Asbury Park(9-0) Close game, but with RBC losing, they stay #1 for another week. Next up Middlesex on Sat. in Semi's.
2-Southern(8-1) Won the re-match with TRN. Defense wins games and it did so Friday night, holding North to 9 points.
3-Freehold(9-0) Had a scare vs. Nottingham, but come from behind victory gets them a rematch with Neptune in semi's.
4-Middletown South(8-1) 14-7 win over New Brunswick, gets them a shot at defense minded Ocean.
5-Point Boro(8-1) No T. D. streak is over as they give up 19 first half points, but they roll anyway 41-19, to get one step closer to a Manasquan rematch.
6-RBC(8-1) Were they the better team in loss to St. Peters Prep.? Probably, but a loss is a loss.
7-TR North(7-2) Southern finally gets them, and they did it in their own backyard. American Division Champs have nothing to be ashamed of. Finish season on Turkey day vs. TR East.
8-Brick Memorial(7-2) They win one with defense this week and advance to top seeded South Brunswick. One win from finals in CJ 4.
9-Ocean(7-2) Back into top ten, with 9-7 win over Monroe. Now they face a Mid South team with a better "D" then their own.
10-Manasquan(7-2) Impressive shutout win on Sunday, gets them a shot at 42-0 winner Delran, who destroyed Raritan.
Just outside the top ten:
Shore(7-2) Tough loss to Metuchen(12-10)
TR East(6-3) Best team not to make playoffs.
Neptune(7-2) Only losses to Freehold and Middletown South.
Rumson(7-2) Have a shot at RBC on Turkey Day.
Join us on the Auto-Lenders High School Football show on Thursday night at 6Pm for 2 hours of playoff talk. 1160 am or 1310 am or on the net at shoresportsnetwork.com
Friday game this week at Middletown South for the CJ 3 Semi-final matchup with Ocean. 6:45 PM
Monday, November 10, 2008
Week of 11/7 & 11/8
Week 9 has passed and the second season begins next weekend. It is now playoff time! For 17 shore schools, this second season could take them to a State Title. They all will be paired into a bracket of 8 teams in their particular section, winners this weekend advance to the semifinals that will be played the weekend of November 19th and the finals are set for the weekend of December 5th. Rutgers University, again will be the site of some of those finals. Those games will not be decided until Monday of championship week. Here are the breakdowns:
Top seeds went to Asbury Park in CJ 1, Manasquan in CJ 2 and Freehold in CJ 3. Second seeded teams include--- Shore Reg. in CJ 1. Third seeds went to Toms River North in SJ 4, Middletown South in CJ 3, RBC in Non-Public 4 and Point Boro in CJ 2. Brick received a 4th seed in SJ 3, along with Raritan in CJ 2. Also making the States with their seeds in parenthesis are: Brick Memorial(5) in CJ 4, Colts Neck(6) in CJ 4, Lacey(6) in SJ 3, Neptune(5) in CJ 3, Ocean(7) in CJ 3, Middletown North(7) in CJ 4 and Southern in SJ 4. Those are the 17 teams which have made the tournament. Now let’s look at the 1st round: The prime matchup in week one is Southern(7-1) and Toms River North(7-1) in SJ 4. This is a rematch of an earlier season game which TR North won 7-6. With that win North won themselves their second consecutive American Division championship. Many observers thought this was the year the Rams could take down the Mariners; well they now have another chance. It’s a matchup of stars on both sides. Glenn Carson, on his way to Penn State next year, Anthony Stoffolino and Brian Sullivan lead the Rams, while Jon Daniels, Pat Szukics, Mike Henry lead the Mariners. Both teams have impressive defenses and they will survive on that side of the ball if they are to advance. Unlike last year, when North was the pre-tournament favorite, and went on to win it all, this year Mainland is the team to beat. Last year North beat Mainland in the finals 22-19. More about Mainland in the next few weeks. The place to be is Toms River North on Friday night at 7 PM. If you can’t make the game, join us on the shore sports network(1160 AM or 1310 AM) for the radio broadcast of the game.
Asbury Park(8-0), is my #1 team in the shore, and in my opinion the favorite to repeat their 2007 CJ 1 championship. The Bishops are loaded and will not be an easy out for any team they play. I also think it will be an all shore final as Shore(7-1) will make the finals and try to avenge their lone loss of the season in week 1 against Asbury.
CJ 2 is very interesting, with 3 potential semi-finalist, in Raritan(6-2), Manasquan(6-2) and Point Boro(7-1). I predict all to win in week 1, and set up a Squan vs. Raritan semi, which would be interesting. Boro, has been the story of the year so far. They have pitched 7 shutouts and have given up only 3 points all year. Their one loss was to Manasquan(3-0) in week 2.
CJ 3 has 4 shore area schools participating. Freehold(8-0) heads the list, but Middletown South(7-1) is playing the best football of anyone in this bracket at the present time. I know the Eagles were beaten by Freehold in week 1, but that was a long time ago. Anyway you look at it, a Freehold vs. Mid. South game at Rutgers would be worth the admission charge.
CJ 4 is what it is every year, the Shore vs. Mercer County. Brick Memorial(6-2) is the best of the shore in this bracket, but they are not the favorite, that distinction goes to #2 seed West Windsor South(8-0). Middletown North(5-3) won a 3 overtime thriller against Brick on Saturday to get themselves into the round of 8 for the first time since 2000. The 22-14 win put the Lions in at #7 and they get WW South in quarters. Colts Neck(5-3) , smarting from a 40-26 loss at the hands of Brick Memorial on Friday night, will get a favorable matchup with Sareville(7-2). That’s a game the Cougars can win.
In SJ 3 Brick(5-3) and Lacey(4-4) represent the shore, where last year’s champ Shawnee(8-0) is the best again. Lacey, seeded #6, is better off in the bottom part of the bracket, as they will avoid Shawnee until the finals. Lacey lost to Shawnee in last year’s final, 23-20, at home.
RBC(8-0) got the worse possible draw, other than Don Bosco, for them, in St. Peter’s Prep(7-2). St. Peter’s has been in the finals for the last 3 years.
Well, there you have it, 17 schools---each with a dream of a championship ring. How many will make it to championship weekend? One thing we do know, is that the football they play at the shore is among the best in the state. The competition these teams play, have prepared them for this run. 3 wins and the crown is yours.
My new Top Ten:
1-Asbury Park(8-0) Destroyed Holmdel 50-7, on Sat. They enter as top seed in CJ 1.
2-RBC(8-0) Can they compete with the elite of the state? We shall see.
3-Toms River North(7-1) Civil War #37 went to North by a 20-6 score on Friday night. They have a huge rematch with Southern in first round of SJ 4.
4-Southern(7-1) Only loss was to TRN by a 7-6 score in week 5. They get another chance on Friday night.
5-Freehold(8-0) I dropped them a spot because of their struggle against Howell(34-27). Top seeded in CJ 3.
6-Middletown South(7-1) I make them the favorite in CJ 3, even at #3 seed. They can make a move up in the next 4 weeks, as everyone ahead of them, have tough games to play.
7-Point Boro(7-1) 7 shutouts and 3 points given up all year! Mentally, what will happen, when and if a team scores?
8-Brick Memorial(6-2) 418 yards rushing and 25 first downs against a good Colts Neck team, makes the Stangs a legit contender in CJ 4.
9-Shore(7-1) Only blemish was opening day loss to Asbury Park. They may get another chance at Bishops, if they take care of business in first 2 rounds.
10-Raritan(6-2) Another hot team, playing their best football at the right time. They beat Matawan 25-17 on Sat. night to get #4 seed and a home game in CJ 3.
Join us Thursday night for the Auto-lenders High School football show at 6-8 PM on 1160AM or 1310AM or on the internet at shoresportsnetwork.com. We talk high school football for 2 hours and we will break down each state bracket involving shore teams.
Top seeds went to Asbury Park in CJ 1, Manasquan in CJ 2 and Freehold in CJ 3. Second seeded teams include--- Shore Reg. in CJ 1. Third seeds went to Toms River North in SJ 4, Middletown South in CJ 3, RBC in Non-Public 4 and Point Boro in CJ 2. Brick received a 4th seed in SJ 3, along with Raritan in CJ 2. Also making the States with their seeds in parenthesis are: Brick Memorial(5) in CJ 4, Colts Neck(6) in CJ 4, Lacey(6) in SJ 3, Neptune(5) in CJ 3, Ocean(7) in CJ 3, Middletown North(7) in CJ 4 and Southern in SJ 4. Those are the 17 teams which have made the tournament. Now let’s look at the 1st round: The prime matchup in week one is Southern(7-1) and Toms River North(7-1) in SJ 4. This is a rematch of an earlier season game which TR North won 7-6. With that win North won themselves their second consecutive American Division championship. Many observers thought this was the year the Rams could take down the Mariners; well they now have another chance. It’s a matchup of stars on both sides. Glenn Carson, on his way to Penn State next year, Anthony Stoffolino and Brian Sullivan lead the Rams, while Jon Daniels, Pat Szukics, Mike Henry lead the Mariners. Both teams have impressive defenses and they will survive on that side of the ball if they are to advance. Unlike last year, when North was the pre-tournament favorite, and went on to win it all, this year Mainland is the team to beat. Last year North beat Mainland in the finals 22-19. More about Mainland in the next few weeks. The place to be is Toms River North on Friday night at 7 PM. If you can’t make the game, join us on the shore sports network(1160 AM or 1310 AM) for the radio broadcast of the game.
Asbury Park(8-0), is my #1 team in the shore, and in my opinion the favorite to repeat their 2007 CJ 1 championship. The Bishops are loaded and will not be an easy out for any team they play. I also think it will be an all shore final as Shore(7-1) will make the finals and try to avenge their lone loss of the season in week 1 against Asbury.
CJ 2 is very interesting, with 3 potential semi-finalist, in Raritan(6-2), Manasquan(6-2) and Point Boro(7-1). I predict all to win in week 1, and set up a Squan vs. Raritan semi, which would be interesting. Boro, has been the story of the year so far. They have pitched 7 shutouts and have given up only 3 points all year. Their one loss was to Manasquan(3-0) in week 2.
CJ 3 has 4 shore area schools participating. Freehold(8-0) heads the list, but Middletown South(7-1) is playing the best football of anyone in this bracket at the present time. I know the Eagles were beaten by Freehold in week 1, but that was a long time ago. Anyway you look at it, a Freehold vs. Mid. South game at Rutgers would be worth the admission charge.
CJ 4 is what it is every year, the Shore vs. Mercer County. Brick Memorial(6-2) is the best of the shore in this bracket, but they are not the favorite, that distinction goes to #2 seed West Windsor South(8-0). Middletown North(5-3) won a 3 overtime thriller against Brick on Saturday to get themselves into the round of 8 for the first time since 2000. The 22-14 win put the Lions in at #7 and they get WW South in quarters. Colts Neck(5-3) , smarting from a 40-26 loss at the hands of Brick Memorial on Friday night, will get a favorable matchup with Sareville(7-2). That’s a game the Cougars can win.
In SJ 3 Brick(5-3) and Lacey(4-4) represent the shore, where last year’s champ Shawnee(8-0) is the best again. Lacey, seeded #6, is better off in the bottom part of the bracket, as they will avoid Shawnee until the finals. Lacey lost to Shawnee in last year’s final, 23-20, at home.
RBC(8-0) got the worse possible draw, other than Don Bosco, for them, in St. Peter’s Prep(7-2). St. Peter’s has been in the finals for the last 3 years.
Well, there you have it, 17 schools---each with a dream of a championship ring. How many will make it to championship weekend? One thing we do know, is that the football they play at the shore is among the best in the state. The competition these teams play, have prepared them for this run. 3 wins and the crown is yours.
My new Top Ten:
1-Asbury Park(8-0) Destroyed Holmdel 50-7, on Sat. They enter as top seed in CJ 1.
2-RBC(8-0) Can they compete with the elite of the state? We shall see.
3-Toms River North(7-1) Civil War #37 went to North by a 20-6 score on Friday night. They have a huge rematch with Southern in first round of SJ 4.
4-Southern(7-1) Only loss was to TRN by a 7-6 score in week 5. They get another chance on Friday night.
5-Freehold(8-0) I dropped them a spot because of their struggle against Howell(34-27). Top seeded in CJ 3.
6-Middletown South(7-1) I make them the favorite in CJ 3, even at #3 seed. They can make a move up in the next 4 weeks, as everyone ahead of them, have tough games to play.
7-Point Boro(7-1) 7 shutouts and 3 points given up all year! Mentally, what will happen, when and if a team scores?
8-Brick Memorial(6-2) 418 yards rushing and 25 first downs against a good Colts Neck team, makes the Stangs a legit contender in CJ 4.
9-Shore(7-1) Only blemish was opening day loss to Asbury Park. They may get another chance at Bishops, if they take care of business in first 2 rounds.
10-Raritan(6-2) Another hot team, playing their best football at the right time. They beat Matawan 25-17 on Sat. night to get #4 seed and a home game in CJ 3.
Join us Thursday night for the Auto-lenders High School football show at 6-8 PM on 1160AM or 1310AM or on the internet at shoresportsnetwork.com. We talk high school football for 2 hours and we will break down each state bracket involving shore teams.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Weekend Of November 1, 2008
I feel kind of guilty as I sit by the pool in Florida and write my blog for this week, but here goes:
The previous week was truly a championship one. No less than 7 teams have clinched at least a tie for a shore conference championship. They are as follows: Asbury Park(Patriot Division Champs) TR North(clinched at least a tie in American Division) Brick(Clinched at least a tie in Constitution Division) Freehold Boro(Federal Division Championship) RBC(Liberty Division Champs) Point Boro and Manasquan(Clinched a tie for National Division). Lets look at some of key games last week:
Brick- 27 Marlboro- 0--Joe Goble ran for 173 yards and 2 TDs, as Brick(5-2) only attempted 1 pass all afternoon. Brick qualifies for SJ 3 and will get a home game with another "W".
Southern Reg.- 27 Howell- 7--Glenn Carson ran for 110 yards and 3 TDs and was our Surf Taco Player of the Game. Southern remains alive for a rematch with TRN down the road.
Raritan-13 Manasquan-12--Defense in the Red Zone was the name of the game for the Rockets. They can clince a 3 way tie with Point Boro and Manasquan, with a win over winless Holmdel on Turkey Day. Also, with this win, they took a huge step towards playoffs.
Lacey-21 Middletown North-18-- Great upset for the Lion's! Tom Rickmers(130 yards) was the man for Lacey.
Toms River South-24 Colts Neck-19--Nice win for Indians s Kevin Gilmore threw for 229 yards and a TD as the Indians scored with 1:22 left to win it. Loss hurts Colts Neck in CJ 4.
Point Boro-34 Barnegat-0--Whats new, another game, another shutout! The defense has been great all year for the Panthers. They took over top spot in CJ 2 with Squan loss.
Freehold Boro-35 wall-13--Brandon Brown is a true game breaker for Freehold. 2 punt returns for TDs and a pass reception for a TD. Freehold wins their second straight Federal division championship.
Shore-13 Manchester-7--Shore got a scare, but wins it for Mark Costentino 100th career win.
TR North-28 Jackson-0--The Mariners got 138 yards and 2 TDs from RB Jon Daniels. They can't overtake Mainland for top seed in J 4, but a 2 or 3 seed is possible.
Quotable Quotes:
"My wife in the off season said we might have a chance to get 100 this year, but you get in the thick of things and you don't think about it. For us, this is an important time of the year with huge games every week. I'll think about it after the season, but it's really a testament to my coaches through the years, my players, our outstanding administration and the best A.D. in the shore, Jack Levy. It just means I've been around a long time." (Head Coach Mark Costentino(Shore-) on his 100th win)
"It comes to the point with the young kids where it's about how much we trust them. We were planning on using (Johnson), and he broke some runs. He brings something to the table." (Head Coach Don Solfilkanich-Asbury Park on soph RB-LB Marquise Johnson)
"I'm kind of crying a bit. He's one of the best I've seen in my life." (LB Jerome Dean of Raritan on Coach Generelli's 100th win)
Well, I've got to put some more sunscreen on--see you Friday night at TR South for the latest Civil War. TR North vs. TR South---something strange always happens when these 2 teams play.
Check my new Top Ten---some movement at the bottom.
The previous week was truly a championship one. No less than 7 teams have clinched at least a tie for a shore conference championship. They are as follows: Asbury Park(Patriot Division Champs) TR North(clinched at least a tie in American Division) Brick(Clinched at least a tie in Constitution Division) Freehold Boro(Federal Division Championship) RBC(Liberty Division Champs) Point Boro and Manasquan(Clinched a tie for National Division). Lets look at some of key games last week:
Brick- 27 Marlboro- 0--Joe Goble ran for 173 yards and 2 TDs, as Brick(5-2) only attempted 1 pass all afternoon. Brick qualifies for SJ 3 and will get a home game with another "W".
Southern Reg.- 27 Howell- 7--Glenn Carson ran for 110 yards and 3 TDs and was our Surf Taco Player of the Game. Southern remains alive for a rematch with TRN down the road.
Raritan-13 Manasquan-12--Defense in the Red Zone was the name of the game for the Rockets. They can clince a 3 way tie with Point Boro and Manasquan, with a win over winless Holmdel on Turkey Day. Also, with this win, they took a huge step towards playoffs.
Lacey-21 Middletown North-18-- Great upset for the Lion's! Tom Rickmers(130 yards) was the man for Lacey.
Toms River South-24 Colts Neck-19--Nice win for Indians s Kevin Gilmore threw for 229 yards and a TD as the Indians scored with 1:22 left to win it. Loss hurts Colts Neck in CJ 4.
Point Boro-34 Barnegat-0--Whats new, another game, another shutout! The defense has been great all year for the Panthers. They took over top spot in CJ 2 with Squan loss.
Freehold Boro-35 wall-13--Brandon Brown is a true game breaker for Freehold. 2 punt returns for TDs and a pass reception for a TD. Freehold wins their second straight Federal division championship.
Shore-13 Manchester-7--Shore got a scare, but wins it for Mark Costentino 100th career win.
TR North-28 Jackson-0--The Mariners got 138 yards and 2 TDs from RB Jon Daniels. They can't overtake Mainland for top seed in J 4, but a 2 or 3 seed is possible.
Quotable Quotes:
"My wife in the off season said we might have a chance to get 100 this year, but you get in the thick of things and you don't think about it. For us, this is an important time of the year with huge games every week. I'll think about it after the season, but it's really a testament to my coaches through the years, my players, our outstanding administration and the best A.D. in the shore, Jack Levy. It just means I've been around a long time." (Head Coach Mark Costentino(Shore-) on his 100th win)
"It comes to the point with the young kids where it's about how much we trust them. We were planning on using (Johnson), and he broke some runs. He brings something to the table." (Head Coach Don Solfilkanich-Asbury Park on soph RB-LB Marquise Johnson)
"I'm kind of crying a bit. He's one of the best I've seen in my life." (LB Jerome Dean of Raritan on Coach Generelli's 100th win)
Well, I've got to put some more sunscreen on--see you Friday night at TR South for the latest Civil War. TR North vs. TR South---something strange always happens when these 2 teams play.
Check my new Top Ten---some movement at the bottom.
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