Weekend of 9/11 + 9/12

Scanning the High School Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:

Opening week of the 2009 high school season was not without some surprises. The first obstacle some teams had to face was Mother Nature, as heavy rain and wind hit the shore on Thursday night into Friday. Many teams were forced into postponing games to Sat afternoon and night. When this happens the schedule is in chaos with coaches and athletic directors working overtime to fit the scheduled games into the weekend.

First, let me say this; No team likes to postpone games. As a coach you prepare your team in the allotted time and you go to war, especially your first game, in week 1. You build your momentum during the pre-season, you scrimmage other teams, you build your program for that one magic moment--opening night. Then to have to tell your kids you are not playing tonight, we'll practice in the gym, and go tomorrow night. It is the ultimate disappointment to a staff and their team.

Number 1, Freehold Boro, didn't have that problem as they play their home games on Saturday afternoon. Perennial state contender New Brunswick came to town in the first of this seasons "cross-over" games for these two teams. It was not a pleasant ride to the shore for the Zebras, as the Colonials dismantled them from beginning to end. Junior RB Derrick Bender proved to be a very capable replacement for the injured starter, Tezzy Thorpe. All Bender did was rush for 142 yards and score 3 TDs as the Colonials won 34-10. A nice start for #1, as they put behind them a controversial week of possible suspensions and dismissals, and showed everyone they will contend in 2009. By the way, the only player not on the field Saturday was all-shore LB, Rakim Thorpe. Thorpe was not listed on the Freehold roster that was handed out and his status is still unclear.

The shocker(at least from the PNC Arts Center North) was the tremendous win by Howell, over perennial state winner Piscataway. In a game played on Sunday at 11 am at Rutgers, the Rebels air attack was at its best. QB Jimmy Ryan was 20 for 24 for 213 yards and 3 TDs. Maybe this win may have shocked MiddlesexCounty, but I don't live up there. I know what this spread offense can do and no one runs it better than Corey Davies of Howell.

While Freehold was winning, my #2 team went down on Friday night. RBC fans had to be shocked in what they saw Friday night. Monroe, playing on their home turf, made an early season statement in these crossover games as they took apart a RBC and won 14-3. RBC was held to only 77 total yards and gave up 241 to Monroe. New 1st year head coach Jim Portela, saw his new offensive and defensive lines get man-handled all night. You win games up front, and that is where there is work to be done. The Casey's will recover and have a good season, but this will prove to everyone, that it's not easy replacing all-shore caliber players.

The other major story of the weekend was the big win by the Dragon's of Brick and new coach Pat Dowling. Coaching in the shadows of long time legend Warren Wolf, Dowling put together a nice game plan, which used star QB John Applegate and a stable of RBs to easily beat an inexperienced Colts Neck team, 18-3. It was a very nice scene following the game, as the Dowling family was seen celebrating the victory, which somewhat vindicated his hiring. While much of the story was Dowling, the Dragons proved they will be a team others will be leary of.

In another game involving 2 major programs, Middletown South shutdown Lacey 14-0. To hold the Lions scoreless, proves this Eagle defense is outstanding, while the offense unveiled junior QB Scott Meeker ,who threw for 129 yards on a 11 for 20 night. His favorite target was Taylor Rodgers who caught 7 of Meekers passes. Middletown will travel to New Brunswick Thursday night in a short turn around game.

Raritan made a statement on Friday, as they took apart Bishop Ahr 41-6. Jessie Raymond, one of the shores top RBs, ran for 177 yards and 2 TDs. Notre Dame bound Bennett Jackson caught a TD pass and ran for 1 as the Rockets proved they belong in the top ten.

Toms River North completely man-handled cross town rival, Toms River South, running for 301 yards behind a huge college-type offensive line. QB Demetri Davis looks like a new star for the Mariners, as he will direct the attack this year. He ran for 92 of those 301 yards, including a 17 yard TD run. Drew Kollman, Cody Groves and Steve Barroso added RB yardage as North looks for their 3rd straight American Division crown.

Congratulations to the Wall program and Head Coach Chris Barnes. After struggling last year, they begin 2009 with a shutout "W" over Central Reg. A special congratulations to Freddie Sprengel, senior co-capt. and wide receiver, who caught a 44 yard TD pass in the victory. Was anyone happier than Fred Sprengel Sr in the stands? I doubt it.

Coach Steve Sasse of Point Pleasant Beach HS picked up his first win of his career at Beach. The Gull's ripped Mater Dei 35-0 on a night the field was dedicated to Don Fioretti, their former coach who died in July. How special was it for the grand-son of Don, Taylor Fioretti, to throw a TD pass to Kevin Donahue, on this very emotional night. You just can't make this stuff up! Congrats Coach Sasse, you made your mentor proud.

Matawan, a 42-6 winner over Monmouth Reg., and Ocean Twp., 14-6 over Neptune, had impressive wins in week 1. Ocean face Brick in a battle of undefeated teams this Thursday. Because of the Jewish holiday this weekend, many game are being played this Thursday. Check your schedule for your favorite team, and when they are playing. Asbury Park, Manasquan and Jackson Mem. open their seasons this weekend after an opening round bye in week 1.

Here is my revised Top Ten:

1- Freehold Boro-(1-0)- Week 1, 34-10 over New Brunswick. Week 2 is another big one, at Neptune on Thursday night.
2- Middletown South-(1-0)- Shutout Lacey and held them to 49 total yards. They go to New Brunswick on Thursday night.
3-Howell-(1-0)- Great win at Rutgers on Sunday vs Piscataway(26-14). Beware of a let-down, on a short turn around week as they host Woodbridge on Thursday night.
4-Asbury Park-(0-0)- After a bye the Bishops open defense of their championships with a big one at Shore who won their first.
5-Long Branch-(1-0)- Big win over Point Boro on Friday by a13-6 score. Friday at RBC.
6-Ocean-(1-0)- Huge win over Neptune for the "Big Red" in week 1. The 14-6 "W" opened a lot of eyes around the shore. They travel to 1-0 Brick on Thursday.
7-TR North-(1-0) Devastating ground game(301 yards) in a crushing 42-7 win over cross-town rival TR South. Bye week for Mariners this week.
8-Raritan-(1-0) The Rockets are for real this year. They took apart Bishop Ahr 41-6 on Friday night. Prime time players in Bennett Jackson and Jessie Raymond. They host SJ Vianney on Thursday night.
9-TR East-(1-0) Possibly the best RB in the shore-Nico Steriti ran for 215 yards and 4 TDs in a 30-6 win over Southern. Can't rest-at Lacey Friday afternoon at 4pm.
10-Matawan-(1-0) The Huskies put 42 points on board this week in a 42-6 win over Monmouth Reg. This is a dangerous team. Red Bank comes calling on Thursday night.

Join us Thursday night at Boston's in Toms River for the Thursday night football show. If you can't make it down, listen on 1160am, 1310am, or on the internet at shoresportsnetwork.com. Friday night we are at Point Boro as Manasquan opens their season against the Panthers. Beside the above we are also on 105.7-the "Hawk" for your listening pleasure on Friday.