Scanning the High School football scene with Ed Sarluca:
It's hard to believe that we are already in week 4 of the High School football season. You prepare so long and hard during the summer and early fall and before you know it it's week 4. It goes by so quickly, and a good start is important to every team that has playoff aspirations. There are only 10 teams that are still undefeated, as we get into mid-season, when coaches start to look around at other teams in their State bracket. Yes, it's never too early to start thinking about making a run in the playoffs. Although most coaches will tell you, we can't worry about that now, I guarantee you, from past experience, one eye is on who is winning and losing, in your bracket. With that in mind, lets look at the major games of week 3:
Matawan(3-0) made a major statement, that we are still #1, and the team to beat again this year. They demolished a then undefeated Raritan team 45-6. Jared Allison, Cassius Williams McArthur Underwood and Keith Beaty are the big guns for the Huskies.
Lacey(3-0) is on a mission this year. They held Matt McClain(Pinelands RB) to 79 yds. rushing after he had over 300 in each of his first 2 games this year. There are no faults on this team! The offense, defense and kick game are all primed to take it all this year.
Neptune(2-1) proved to everyone that they are a different team under Don Sofilkanich, then they were in past years. They came back from a tough loss vs. RBC to defeat a very good Long Branch team 27-11. It's not easy to go to Ippolito Field and win there, and thats what the Fliers did. There are many weapons on this years team. RB Charles Davis, QB Jaheem Woods and LB Matt Gannon are just a few key bullets in the gun.
Brick Memorial(3-0), playing with some injured players and some sickness that went around camp this week, used a stingy defense and a Mike Diguili 4 yd. TD run in OT to beat TR East. The Raiders, who themselves, were playing without starting QB Joe Clarizio, and several other key starters, who were injured, got outstanding efforts from RB Mario Steriti and fill-in QB Joe Funicelli. to make it close , before the Stangs came back and won it in OT.
Manalapan(2-1) seems to have solved their coaching problems and cruised past Mid. North, 35-0.
Middletown South(2-1) lost their starting QB Scott Meeker to an injury in the 2nd quarter, but backup QB Howie Brey, came in and threw a 38 yd. TD pass to get by Freehold Twp. 17-0.
Freehold Boro(1-2) beat Ocean(0-3) in the battle of 0-2 teams. This has got to be a big disappointment for the "Big Red" to start 0-3. Freehold seem to have righted the ship and will be troublesome to B-North foes.
Congratulations to Red Bank's soph Cooper Gettis, who kicked a 49 yd. field goal in Red Bank's 9-3 loss to Rumson. Jarod Molzon(Lacey) had kicked a 49 yarder last week against Brick.
Point Boro(1-2) got it's first win of the year with a 21-8 victory over Jackson Liberty. Liberty(1-2) had upset Wall last week and everyone thought they were on their way to their first winning season ever, but this game sets them back to square one. C-Central rivals Manasquan and Mon Don will be challenges if Liberty wants to take that next step. Boro got 2 TD catches from Maryland bound Ryan Malleck from backup QB Chuckie Krohn to win it.
TR North(2-1) improves each week and continues to get solid play from QB Demitry Davis. They beat Jackson(1-2) 28-6 this past week, as Davis ran for 3 TDs and threw for another. We will see the Mariner's this week in our game of the week on Friday night as the annual "Civil War"(TR South) takes place. Throw the records out for this one, but North certainly has the edge.
Brick(0-3) did finally get a score, but lost again 33-14 to Manchester. Brick had been shut-out in their first 2 games. Two win less teams(Central 0-3)), face each other this week, so the loser of this one, may be looking at a dismal season.
Keyport(2-1) put up 61 pts. vs. next door neighbor Keansburg. The Burg had a bad day offensively, to say the least. The Red Raiders held them to (-4) total yds., while running for 386 yds themselves. Keansburg has given up 181 points in 3 games---that's 60.3/game---OUCH!
Howell(3-0) has put up 142 points in 3 games(47.3/game).
Lacey(3-0) has given up 7 total points in 3 games(2.3/game)
Freehold Twp.(0-3) has not scored in 2010.
Mater Dei(0-3) has only given up 61(20.3/game) points in their 3 loses, but have only scored 7 total pts.
Brick Memorial(3-0) has given up 13 points(1 TD by 1st unit) in their 3 wins. Last year they gave up 62 points in their first 3 games.
Top Ten: Week 4
1-Matawan(3-0)-Well I was waiting for the Huskies to have a statement game and it happened Friday night. A 45-6 pasting at the hands of previously undefeated Raritan proved to everyone that Matawan is still very deserving of the top spot in the poll. They had 4 TDs of 44 yards or more. Cassius Williams ran for 136 yds. and 2 TDs(one of which was a 95 yd. run), Keith Beaty added 73 yds. and a TD, QB Jared Allison threw a 44 yd. TD pass, and RB McArthur Underwood ran one in from 48 yds. Everybody involved and everyone contributing, thats the way head man Joe Martucci likes it. Matawan ran for 315 yds. on the night while holding Raritan to 100 yds. of total offense and only 4 first downs. Next up for the Huskies is a solid 2-1 Rumson team, next Sat. night at Matawan.
2-Lacey(3-0)- The Lions were tested this week by the shores leading rusher, Matt McClain, of Pinelands. McClain came into the game with 659 yards in his first 2 weeks of actions, however it was a Lion defense he was facing in week 3. Well, a 42-0 rout by Lacey, holding McClain to 79 yds. rushing, and the Lions had another dominating win. Lacey rushed for 256 yds. in the first half alone, before pulling the dogs, as they played the second half under the "mercy" rules. That occurs when you are up by 35 or more points in the second half and Lacey had that lead(35-0) at halftime. Jarrod Molzon led the way with 91 yds., Jake Dabal had 69 yds. and QB Craig Cicardo Jr. had 45 yds and 3 TDs to lead the Lions. Lacey gets another 2-1 team in Manchester this week, before their big one, on the road, vs the 3-0 Bengals of Barnegat(bye week) on Oct. 8th.
3-Brick Memorial(3-0)-The Mustangs played a thriller on the road at Toms River East. Coming from behind, after trailing at halftime by a 7-0 score, the Stangs used a 3rd quarter TD by Vincenzo Diodato from 4 yds. out to tie it at 7, and then in overtime, a Mike DiGuilmi 4 yd. QB sneak to win it for the Mustangs and go to 3-0 on the year. East, playing with backup QB Joe Funicelli(starter Joe Clarizio was out with a concussion), had taken a 7-0 lead into the locker room on a Mario Steriti 3 yd. TD run. The Raiders actually had a chance to win it in regulation, but they missed a 22 yd. field goal at the 2:58 mark of the 4th quarter. DiGuilmi, playing with an injured ankle himself, ran for 107 yds and threw for 47 more to lead the Stangs on offense, while NT Will Wowkanyn, continues to dominate on the defensive side. The Rams of Southern(2-1) visit the Mustangs on Friday night.
4-RBC(2-0)- The Caseys were able to scout Long Branch(RBC bye week), who they will entertain this Friday night. Long Branch lost that Sat. game to Neptune, who RBC had beaten in week 2, so they were able to see a Green Wave team that gave the Fliers all they could handle. This is a big one in the very tough B-North division.
5-Howell(3-0)- The Rebels and QB Ryan Davies continue to roll and fly through the airways with an easy 41-6 win over Marlboro. Davies threw 4 more TD passes(16 in 3 games), 2 of them going to the very dangerous Mike Clark. Clark, seems to be Davies favorite receiver, but with Ryan Handy, Eli Blue and Benton Burdin, you cannot just concentrate on him, and that's what makes the Rebels so tough. Interesting game this week vs. Middletown South(2-1). A great offense vs. an excellent defense, in what may go a long way in determining the A-North title.
6-Neptune(2-1)- The Fliers passed a big test on Sat. afternoon. Coming off a very tough last second loss to RBC in week 2, they had to face a 2-0 Long Branch team, who was looking to make a statement that they too are contenders in the B-North. The Fliers won it 27-11, as they ran for 224 total yards, with Charles Davis(76yds.) and Jaheem Woods(72yds.) leading the way. Long Branch could not run the ball on the Fliers and that made life tough for LB QB, Miles Shuler. Shuler did throw for 175 yds. Neptune gets Freehold Boro who shut out Ocean Twp. 38-0 on Sat.
7-Manalapan(2-1)- The Braves seem to have righted the ship and won easily over Mid North 35-0. It was the 2 big guns for the Braves, Mike Bimonte(131 yds. passing & 3 TD passes) and Josh Firkser(162 rushing yds. & 3 TDs), that led them to the big victory. Manalapan, with their coaching situation behind them, has an easy one this week in win less Freehold Twp., but has Howell, Brick Mem.,and TR North coming up in second half of their season.
8-Middletown South(2-1) The Eagles didn't exactly light up the scoreboard against win less Freehold Twp(0-3), but they did hold them defensively to 5 first downs and 60 total yds., in their 17-0 win. The important news here, is that starting QB Scott Meeker was injured in the 2nd quarter and did not return. This bares watching as you can not lose #1 and be a better football team. Howie Brey replaced Meeker and did throw a TD pass to all-shore receiver Taylor Rodgers for 38 yds. A huge one this week as the run and shoot Howell Rebels(3-0), entertain the Eagles.
9-Asbury Park(3-0) Whenever you win 3 championships in a row and continue to win this year, you will remain in my top ten. They wore down a good Point Beach team and won by a 21-7 score. The score would have been more if it wasn't for 5 consecutive fumbles in the 1st half. This has to be fixed, if the Bishops want to take a shot at 4 in a row. QB Jay'von Britt continues to lead the Bishops, but they must solve the turnover problems(7 fumbles-lost 4), if they are to beat Shore(2-0) this Sat. afternoon(12 noon) at Asbury Park.
10-Long Branch(2-1) The Green Wave put up a good fight vs. Neptune, but came away with a 27-11 loss. Miles Shuler did throw for 175 yds., but the in-ability to get the run game going, puts too much pressure on Shuler. Unfortunately it doesn't get any easier for the Wave as they face RBC(2-0) and Matawan(3-0) in the next 2 weeks. It's make or break time for the Green Wave.
Just outside looking in:
Monmouth(3-0) A tremendous start for the Falcons and head coach Sal Spampanato. The Falcons have some good players and give everyone else in the B-North fits.
Shore Reg.(2-0) The Blue Devils have a chance to crack the top ten with a win over Asbury Park this week.
Barnegat(3-0) QB Nick San Giacomo is the real deal and receiver Mike DeTroia is a big time pass catcher. On a bye this week, as they get ready for Lacey in 2 weeks.
Holmdel(3-0) Would anyone have predicted a 3-0 start for the Hornets? They only won 3 games in the last 2 seasons! Coach Frank Papalia has them playing well. QB Mike Cantelli is their leader.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Weekend of 9/18 In Review
Old Mother nature wrecked havoc on the high school football schedule this weekend. Because of the Jewish holidays and the horrific thunder storm that ripped through the the shore, early Thursday night, games were spread out from Thursday to Sunday, which made for a very interesting week for coaches, players and fans. With games being postponed with visiting teams already at game sites, scheduling problems for district athletic directors were a major concern around the state.
My #1 team(Matawan) did manage to get their game in on Thursday night, because the game was played on the newly turfed field at Count Basie field in Red Bank and although the rain continued, the lightning had stopped. They won that game handily, 28-7, and continue to lead the pack of good teams in the shore. Another crazy example of how storms can disrupt a schedule was at Monmouth Reg., where visiting Freehold Boro had their scheduled 7PM Thursday night start poostponed to 11:30AM Friday morning. There were less people in attendance then you would see at a pre-season scrimmage. Students were in school and not allowed to attend, parents were, of course, at work, there were no cheerleaders, no band and no public address announcer! I, of course, was there to witness a good football team, Monmouth, take it to Freehold Boro 27-19 and up their record to 2-0 on the early season. This allowed me to get to Lakewood to see Mon Don take on the Warren Wolf led Piners in a 3PM game. Mon Don won that one, 35-16, as they evened their record at 1-1 and dropped Lakewood to 0-2. While it was good to see Warren Wolf back on the sidelines, I observed a coach who has taken a backseat to his assistants. While still in control, it was Tommy Carrol and Al LaMura who did most of the coaching on the Piner sideline. Many old Brick football players and coaches were in attendance watching the legend once again, lead a team onto the field, to go to war. The Warren Wolf led Brick program was what other programs strives to be for so many years, and it is very tough to sit back and watch the proud dean of all coaches try to turn around a Lakewood program with few players to work with. I wish only the best of health and success to Warren as he tries to work things out.
After that game, we had our broadcast game of the week at Brick as the Dragons entertained the very good Lions of Lacey. This was a blowout from beginning to end, in a 38-0 rout by Lacey. The Lions are a top ten team in the State and perhaps the best team in the shore. They are my #2 team this week and a little slip-up by Matawan is all Lacey needs to claim the top spot. By the way, up 35-0, in the last minutes of the game, Lacey's Jarrod Molzon, kicked a 49 yard field goal to make it 38-0. I personally didn't like that one, and I'm sure the Dragons will put that one in the memory bank, for sometime in the future. I can understand what head coach Lou Vircillo was trying to do, get Molzon, what is believed to be, a school record for field goal length, but maybe a punt or a 4th down try by the backups, who were in the game at the time, might have been a better move.
The 3 year home winning streak at the "swamp" is over, as the Braves of Manalapan upset the Middletown South Eagles 35-28, in a Sunday contest. It was Oct. of 2007, that the Eagles last lost a home game, so the victory by Manalapan was even more stunning. Throw in the coaching turmoil during the week leading up to the game and you have a major happening. Manalapan ex head coach Tom Gallahue resigned his assistant principals job when he was told he could not have any interaction with the football team. Ed Gurrieri was appointed head coach on September 13th, but Gallahue was still working with the team, until the board stepped in and told him he couldn't do that. His commitment to this years team cannot be questioned, as he is giving up much money to go back to the classroom. This was enough incentive for the Braves to be sky high as they sprinted onto the swamp in Middletown. 5 turnovers by Mid. South in the 1st half did the Eagles in, and Manalapan jumped out to a 20-14 lead in the 1st half. Josh Firkser ran for 224 yds. and 3 TDs(1 via a Mike Bimonte pass) to lead the Braves. Two of his TDs were for 51 and 71 yds. Mid. South QB Scott Meeker threw 4 picks on the afternoon, one of which was returned for a 40 yd. TD. Yes, a huge win for the Braves, and a tough loss for the proud Eagles.
In the big game of the weekend, RBC scored in the last 12 seconds of their game with Neptune to win it 14-7. Jack Tabb caught a 35 yard TD pass for the game winner, and RBC become the early contender in the very tough B-North division, along with Long Branch, who is 2-0 to start the season. This is a division where anyone can beat anyone on any given week, so the Casey's, who have a bye this coming week, can celebrate the huge win, get healthy, and get ready for Long Branch on Oct 1st.
On Sat. night I attended the Brick Memorial vs Jackson game and expected to see a close contest. What I saw surprised me and everyone else that witnessed the complete domination by the Mustangs, in a 35-6 rout. This is a pretty good Jackson team, who were coming off their upset win against Manalapan in week 1. The Stangs scored early and often on their way to a 28-0 halftime lead and then scored early in the 3rd quarter to make it 35-0 and put the "mercy" rule in effect. A TD, late in the game, against the Memorial backups, was the only blemish which prevented their second straight shutout. The Raiders of East will get a shot at Memorial this week in our game of the week, Friday night at 7PM on the Hawk(105.7 FM).
Other impressive 2-0 starts around the shore:
Barnegat got 265 yds. passing and 3 TDs from Nick SanGiacomo, who also ran 1 in as the Bengals beat a game Manchester team, 35-27.
Shore Reg beat Keyport 40-14 as Pat Maggio scored 3 times and ran for 101 yds. Shore has scored 96 pts. in 2 weeks.
Asbury Park put up 64 pts. in a rout of Keansburg, as they led this one 57-0 at the half. Jay'von Britt and Marquise Johnson led the Bishops to the easy win. The Bishop "D" was a fantasy football dream as they scored 3 times on defense and also ran a punt back for a TD. Asbury and Shore in 2 weeks for a possible title in B-Central.
Pinelands received 337 yds. from Matt McClain, who for the second consecutive week, broke the school record for running yds. in a game. Last week he ran for over 300 yds. to set a new record and he broke the record again this week, in a 48-20 rout of Central Reg. Running lanes may be a little tougher this week, as the Cats travel to Lacey for an important B-South game.
Holmdel, led by senior QB Mike Cantelli, beat (0-2) Point Boro 31-21. Congratulations must go to head coach Frank Papalia, as he has developed Cantelli to be a top notch QB and a true leader of this team. Cantelli threw for 239 yds. and rushed for another 90. He was involved in 4 TDs on the day(2 via pass, 1 rushing and he ran a kick back 62 yds. for a TD).
Howell QB Ryan Davies, coming off a record breaking 1st week, threw for 291 yds. in their easy 47-0 victory over winless Freehold Twp. 5 of those passes went for TDs, giving him 12 in 2 games. Pretty good start for the 2-0 Rebels.
Raritan upset Manasquan 24-18, as they scored in the last 26 seconds to win it. Converting twice on 4th down during the winning drive, QB Jared Gurczeski, led the Rockets to the win with a 20 yard TD pass to Kevin Furlong, for the game winner. Raritan gets a shot at Matawan this coming week.
Week 3 Top Ten:
1-Matawan(2-0) The Huskies were the only winner on a rainy Thursday night in the only game played. Red Bank was the victim, 28-7. McArthur Underwood ran for 215 yds. and scored twice. They travel to Raritan this week.
2-Lacey(2-0) The Lions easily beat Brick 38-0 on Friday night. Craig Cicardo Jr threw 3 TD passes for Lacey, who proved they are not one dimensional, with the run. They must face a RB in Pinelands Matt McClain who has rushed for over 300 yds. in each of his teams 2 wins.
3-Brick Memorial(2-0) The Mustangs dominated a 1-0 Jackson Memorial team before winning 35-6. The defense has played great in their first 2 games and must continue that play, as they travel to 1-1 Toms River East(a 16-0 loser to Sayreville) in our Shore Sports Network game of the week on Friday night. QB Mike DiGuilmi leads the Mustangs on offense, and he has a multitude of backs to hand the ball to. Sprint champion Jihaad Howard, Shane Panuska, Jordan Lodice, Vinny Diodato and Jared Eccles are a few of those RB who can carry the ball.
4-RBC(2-0) A very impressive come from behind 14-7 victory over Neptune on Friday night keep the Caseys in the top 5. TE Jack Tabb, with Greg Schiano(Rutgers Head man) watching from the endzone, caught a 35 yd TD pass from Ryan Spahr for the dramatic win. Bye week for them this week, which allows them 2 weeks to get ready for 2-0 Long Branch on Oct 1st.
5- Howell(2-0) QB Ryan Davies continues to put up insane #s via the run and shoot offense of head coach and father Cory Davies. 5 more TD passes this week, to go with his 7 last week and the Rebels are off to a 2-0 start. Mike Clark(5 catches for 154 yds.) looks to be the main target for Davies. Next up is 1-0 Marlboro, who had a bye this week, and were seen in attendance watching the air show!
6-Long Branch(2-0) The Miles Shuler led Green Wave defeated Ocean(0-2) on Friday. Shuler accounted for 240 yds. of the 250 yds. LB had. Big game this week at home on Saturday vs. Neptune(1-1), who come off the tough loss to RBC.
7-Neptune(1-1) Must keep the Fliers in my top ten after their heart-breaking loss to RBC in the last minute of Friday nights game. The Fliers led this one 7-6 until the final 12 seconds. They have a big chance at showing everyone that they are for real, this year, as they get 2-0 Long Branch this week. Ike Calderone and Jaheem Woods lead the Fliers.
8-Manalapan(1-1) Huge win for the Braves on Sunday against Mid South at the "swamp". Josh Firkser ran for 224 yds. against a tough Eagle defense and Tom Barber returned an interception 40 yds. to lead the Braves. Next up Middletown North(0-2) who looks to be in trouble this year.
9-Middletown South(1-1) Tough loss for the Eagles, as they committed 5 turnovers in the 1st half to hand Manalapan the game on Sunday. They led 14-7, as they scored on their first 2 possessions, only to turn it over 5 consecutive times after that, and they never recovered. QB Scott Meeker did throw 4 TDs, but also had 4 picks.
10-Asbury Park(2-0) The Bishops deserve the final spot this week, as they put up 64 points this week, against hapless Keansburg(0-2). Jay'von Britt, Marquise Johnson and Taj Hammary led the Bishops to the 64-6 win. Next up Point Beach, on Friday night. Beach coaches, who had a bye week, saw the onslaught and were, needless to say, very very impressed with the speed of the Bishops. they must slow them down to have a chance Friday night.
Just on the outside looking in:
Raritan(2-0) Nice win over Squan this week.
Barnegat(2-0) Nick SanGiacomo continues to lead the Bengals.
Monmouth(2-0) Very impressive win over Freehold Boro on Friday morning.
Pinelands(2-0) Matt McClain is the leading rusher in the shore after 2 weeks.
My #1 team(Matawan) did manage to get their game in on Thursday night, because the game was played on the newly turfed field at Count Basie field in Red Bank and although the rain continued, the lightning had stopped. They won that game handily, 28-7, and continue to lead the pack of good teams in the shore. Another crazy example of how storms can disrupt a schedule was at Monmouth Reg., where visiting Freehold Boro had their scheduled 7PM Thursday night start poostponed to 11:30AM Friday morning. There were less people in attendance then you would see at a pre-season scrimmage. Students were in school and not allowed to attend, parents were, of course, at work, there were no cheerleaders, no band and no public address announcer! I, of course, was there to witness a good football team, Monmouth, take it to Freehold Boro 27-19 and up their record to 2-0 on the early season. This allowed me to get to Lakewood to see Mon Don take on the Warren Wolf led Piners in a 3PM game. Mon Don won that one, 35-16, as they evened their record at 1-1 and dropped Lakewood to 0-2. While it was good to see Warren Wolf back on the sidelines, I observed a coach who has taken a backseat to his assistants. While still in control, it was Tommy Carrol and Al LaMura who did most of the coaching on the Piner sideline. Many old Brick football players and coaches were in attendance watching the legend once again, lead a team onto the field, to go to war. The Warren Wolf led Brick program was what other programs strives to be for so many years, and it is very tough to sit back and watch the proud dean of all coaches try to turn around a Lakewood program with few players to work with. I wish only the best of health and success to Warren as he tries to work things out.
After that game, we had our broadcast game of the week at Brick as the Dragons entertained the very good Lions of Lacey. This was a blowout from beginning to end, in a 38-0 rout by Lacey. The Lions are a top ten team in the State and perhaps the best team in the shore. They are my #2 team this week and a little slip-up by Matawan is all Lacey needs to claim the top spot. By the way, up 35-0, in the last minutes of the game, Lacey's Jarrod Molzon, kicked a 49 yard field goal to make it 38-0. I personally didn't like that one, and I'm sure the Dragons will put that one in the memory bank, for sometime in the future. I can understand what head coach Lou Vircillo was trying to do, get Molzon, what is believed to be, a school record for field goal length, but maybe a punt or a 4th down try by the backups, who were in the game at the time, might have been a better move.
The 3 year home winning streak at the "swamp" is over, as the Braves of Manalapan upset the Middletown South Eagles 35-28, in a Sunday contest. It was Oct. of 2007, that the Eagles last lost a home game, so the victory by Manalapan was even more stunning. Throw in the coaching turmoil during the week leading up to the game and you have a major happening. Manalapan ex head coach Tom Gallahue resigned his assistant principals job when he was told he could not have any interaction with the football team. Ed Gurrieri was appointed head coach on September 13th, but Gallahue was still working with the team, until the board stepped in and told him he couldn't do that. His commitment to this years team cannot be questioned, as he is giving up much money to go back to the classroom. This was enough incentive for the Braves to be sky high as they sprinted onto the swamp in Middletown. 5 turnovers by Mid. South in the 1st half did the Eagles in, and Manalapan jumped out to a 20-14 lead in the 1st half. Josh Firkser ran for 224 yds. and 3 TDs(1 via a Mike Bimonte pass) to lead the Braves. Two of his TDs were for 51 and 71 yds. Mid. South QB Scott Meeker threw 4 picks on the afternoon, one of which was returned for a 40 yd. TD. Yes, a huge win for the Braves, and a tough loss for the proud Eagles.
In the big game of the weekend, RBC scored in the last 12 seconds of their game with Neptune to win it 14-7. Jack Tabb caught a 35 yard TD pass for the game winner, and RBC become the early contender in the very tough B-North division, along with Long Branch, who is 2-0 to start the season. This is a division where anyone can beat anyone on any given week, so the Casey's, who have a bye this coming week, can celebrate the huge win, get healthy, and get ready for Long Branch on Oct 1st.
On Sat. night I attended the Brick Memorial vs Jackson game and expected to see a close contest. What I saw surprised me and everyone else that witnessed the complete domination by the Mustangs, in a 35-6 rout. This is a pretty good Jackson team, who were coming off their upset win against Manalapan in week 1. The Stangs scored early and often on their way to a 28-0 halftime lead and then scored early in the 3rd quarter to make it 35-0 and put the "mercy" rule in effect. A TD, late in the game, against the Memorial backups, was the only blemish which prevented their second straight shutout. The Raiders of East will get a shot at Memorial this week in our game of the week, Friday night at 7PM on the Hawk(105.7 FM).
Other impressive 2-0 starts around the shore:
Barnegat got 265 yds. passing and 3 TDs from Nick SanGiacomo, who also ran 1 in as the Bengals beat a game Manchester team, 35-27.
Shore Reg beat Keyport 40-14 as Pat Maggio scored 3 times and ran for 101 yds. Shore has scored 96 pts. in 2 weeks.
Asbury Park put up 64 pts. in a rout of Keansburg, as they led this one 57-0 at the half. Jay'von Britt and Marquise Johnson led the Bishops to the easy win. The Bishop "D" was a fantasy football dream as they scored 3 times on defense and also ran a punt back for a TD. Asbury and Shore in 2 weeks for a possible title in B-Central.
Pinelands received 337 yds. from Matt McClain, who for the second consecutive week, broke the school record for running yds. in a game. Last week he ran for over 300 yds. to set a new record and he broke the record again this week, in a 48-20 rout of Central Reg. Running lanes may be a little tougher this week, as the Cats travel to Lacey for an important B-South game.
Holmdel, led by senior QB Mike Cantelli, beat (0-2) Point Boro 31-21. Congratulations must go to head coach Frank Papalia, as he has developed Cantelli to be a top notch QB and a true leader of this team. Cantelli threw for 239 yds. and rushed for another 90. He was involved in 4 TDs on the day(2 via pass, 1 rushing and he ran a kick back 62 yds. for a TD).
Howell QB Ryan Davies, coming off a record breaking 1st week, threw for 291 yds. in their easy 47-0 victory over winless Freehold Twp. 5 of those passes went for TDs, giving him 12 in 2 games. Pretty good start for the 2-0 Rebels.
Raritan upset Manasquan 24-18, as they scored in the last 26 seconds to win it. Converting twice on 4th down during the winning drive, QB Jared Gurczeski, led the Rockets to the win with a 20 yard TD pass to Kevin Furlong, for the game winner. Raritan gets a shot at Matawan this coming week.
Week 3 Top Ten:
1-Matawan(2-0) The Huskies were the only winner on a rainy Thursday night in the only game played. Red Bank was the victim, 28-7. McArthur Underwood ran for 215 yds. and scored twice. They travel to Raritan this week.
2-Lacey(2-0) The Lions easily beat Brick 38-0 on Friday night. Craig Cicardo Jr threw 3 TD passes for Lacey, who proved they are not one dimensional, with the run. They must face a RB in Pinelands Matt McClain who has rushed for over 300 yds. in each of his teams 2 wins.
3-Brick Memorial(2-0) The Mustangs dominated a 1-0 Jackson Memorial team before winning 35-6. The defense has played great in their first 2 games and must continue that play, as they travel to 1-1 Toms River East(a 16-0 loser to Sayreville) in our Shore Sports Network game of the week on Friday night. QB Mike DiGuilmi leads the Mustangs on offense, and he has a multitude of backs to hand the ball to. Sprint champion Jihaad Howard, Shane Panuska, Jordan Lodice, Vinny Diodato and Jared Eccles are a few of those RB who can carry the ball.
4-RBC(2-0) A very impressive come from behind 14-7 victory over Neptune on Friday night keep the Caseys in the top 5. TE Jack Tabb, with Greg Schiano(Rutgers Head man) watching from the endzone, caught a 35 yd TD pass from Ryan Spahr for the dramatic win. Bye week for them this week, which allows them 2 weeks to get ready for 2-0 Long Branch on Oct 1st.
5- Howell(2-0) QB Ryan Davies continues to put up insane #s via the run and shoot offense of head coach and father Cory Davies. 5 more TD passes this week, to go with his 7 last week and the Rebels are off to a 2-0 start. Mike Clark(5 catches for 154 yds.) looks to be the main target for Davies. Next up is 1-0 Marlboro, who had a bye this week, and were seen in attendance watching the air show!
6-Long Branch(2-0) The Miles Shuler led Green Wave defeated Ocean(0-2) on Friday. Shuler accounted for 240 yds. of the 250 yds. LB had. Big game this week at home on Saturday vs. Neptune(1-1), who come off the tough loss to RBC.
7-Neptune(1-1) Must keep the Fliers in my top ten after their heart-breaking loss to RBC in the last minute of Friday nights game. The Fliers led this one 7-6 until the final 12 seconds. They have a big chance at showing everyone that they are for real, this year, as they get 2-0 Long Branch this week. Ike Calderone and Jaheem Woods lead the Fliers.
8-Manalapan(1-1) Huge win for the Braves on Sunday against Mid South at the "swamp". Josh Firkser ran for 224 yds. against a tough Eagle defense and Tom Barber returned an interception 40 yds. to lead the Braves. Next up Middletown North(0-2) who looks to be in trouble this year.
9-Middletown South(1-1) Tough loss for the Eagles, as they committed 5 turnovers in the 1st half to hand Manalapan the game on Sunday. They led 14-7, as they scored on their first 2 possessions, only to turn it over 5 consecutive times after that, and they never recovered. QB Scott Meeker did throw 4 TDs, but also had 4 picks.
10-Asbury Park(2-0) The Bishops deserve the final spot this week, as they put up 64 points this week, against hapless Keansburg(0-2). Jay'von Britt, Marquise Johnson and Taj Hammary led the Bishops to the 64-6 win. Next up Point Beach, on Friday night. Beach coaches, who had a bye week, saw the onslaught and were, needless to say, very very impressed with the speed of the Bishops. they must slow them down to have a chance Friday night.
Just on the outside looking in:
Raritan(2-0) Nice win over Squan this week.
Barnegat(2-0) Nick SanGiacomo continues to lead the Bengals.
Monmouth(2-0) Very impressive win over Freehold Boro on Friday morning.
Pinelands(2-0) Matt McClain is the leading rusher in the shore after 2 weeks.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Scanning The Scene: Weekend of 9/10-9/11/10
Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:
With week one in the books, this looks like every week will look like 4th of July with offensive explosions all around the shore. With good weather and packed house around the shore there was plenty of action to make fans happy. Lets look at just a few of the many good games of week 1.
Lets start with Neptune and new head coach Don Sofilkanich. All they did was put up 62 points against an under-maned Bishop Ahr team, which may get coach a raise in week 1. Rutgers bound Charlie Davis scored early and often(3 times), and put this one out of reach early.
Howell unveiled the latest, of what has been all-shore caliber QBs, when Ryan Davies(who happens to be head coach Cory) made his debut on Saturday night. All Ryan did was throw for 454 yards and 7 TDs. To make it more impressive, he did it against TR North. Nobody has done that to North in quite sometime. 6 different receivers caught his passes. You have heard of receiver and kicker Ryan Handy(he's the lone returner), but Mike Clark(3 TD catches), Jack Gailing, Benton Burdin---who are these guys and where do they find them? Opponents better learn their names, I warn you.
Barnegat's QB Nick SanGiacomo, not to be outdone by Davies, threw for 407 yards and 4 TDs in their upset win over Rumson 34-27. Nick has verbally committed to Tulane Univ. already, but there will be other offers, as this strong armed QB is getting better every week.
In another defensive nightmare, Middletown South threw up 58 on a pretty good Ocean Twp. team. QB Scott Meeker leads the Eagles for the second year in a row. You can read about him below in my Top Ten for this week. Mid. South seems to me, to be playing with a chip on its shoulder this year, still smarting from the finals last year, when Monroe took them down at The College of New Jersey. Why do I believe that they will be back there this year with a different ending?
Keyport HS wins 48-21 over Metuchen, and they pulled the horses in and didn't score in the 4th quarter. Mike Konish and Lamar Hill look like good ones for the Red Raiders. By the way, how old is Mike Ciccotelli, the Red Raider head man? Well I know how old I am, and he replaced me when I left Keyport in 1973 to go to TR North! All Mike does is win, so why should he retire. Keep the "Ws" coming Mike.
In a year where picking an all-shore team will be impossible, Miles Shuler of Long Branch, just might be the best of the best. He led Long Branch to an easy 34-14 win over Colts Neck.
Asbury Park continues to roll along for new old head coach, Matt Ardizzone, who was the head man in 2006 and an assistant from 2007-2009. They beat Highland Park 34-12 as Marquise Johnson leads them this year. he scored 4 times in the win.
Pinelands scores 50 points, as Matt McLain runs for 322 yds. and 4 TDs, including a 90 yarder. I guess I have to mention that they gave up 36 points to Mon Don, in another game that makes defensive coordinators go home at night and throw their playbook away and start over. If only we could get Bob Fiocco to come out of retirement and have a seminar on defensive football! I'll sell the tickets.
In the high-lite game of the week, Lacey beat Wall 27-7. If you didn't thing Craig Cicardo should be mentioned with the great QBs of the state this year, think twice, because he belongs in the conversation. He is the leader of this team and his play could very well make this a memorable one for the Lions.
Brick Memorial's shutout effort over Brick, 34-0, cannot sit well in Dragon territory. They were expected to be better this year and although 1 game does not make a season, the Dragons must now face Lacey, a top ten team in the state! can Coach Dowling keep them together after an 0-2 start. We'll keep our eyes on them. Meanwhile the Stangs continue to run the town under Walt Currie. His offensive game plans continue to give teams nightmares when trying to defense the option attack. The Stangs are shooting for their 5th trip to the finals in the last 8 years. Under Fred Sprengle and Walt Currie, the Stangs are looking for their 5th trip to the state finals in the last 8 years.
Yes a very interesting 1st week of football and if week 1 is any indication, it's going to be a wild year.
Week 2 Top Ten:
1-Matawan(1-0) After a slow start(3-2) halftime lead) the Huskies scored 19 4th quarter points on their way to a 22-12 win over a game Freehold Boro team. perhaps the most interesting aspect of this game was the emergence of freshman QB Kashaun Barnes, who threw 2 TD passes in that 4th quarter, as he replaced Jared Allison, who went down with leg cramps. We all knew this kid could play and now we have seen it when it counts. Week 2 brings a visit to Red Bank on Thur night.
2-Lacey(1-0) A very impressive win for the Lions in one of the marquee games of week, as they beat Wall 27-7 behind the very talented QB Craig Cicardo Jr. Cicardo threw an 80 yard TD pass and ran one in from 1 yard, to lead the Lions. He also rushed for 114 yards, while throwing for 128. Jared Molzon also played well for the Lions who visit Brick on Friday night in a game we will broadcast on the Shore Sports Network.
3-Middletown South(1-0) The Eagles move up 2 spots after demolishing a pretty good Ocean team 58-13. They rolled up 487 yards of total offense on route to the rout. QB Scott Meeker threw 4 TD passes and ran one in to lead the Eagles offensively. This is a team with many weapons and seems to be playing with a chip on their shoulder after the tough loss in last years State finals. Watch out for the Eagles in 2010. Upset loser, but dangerous Manalapan, visits the "swamp" on Thursday night.
4-Brick Memorial(1-0) The "Stangs" were firing in all phases of the game on Friday as they threw a zero at Brick. Holding the Dragons to 26 yards of offense and 1 first down in the 1st half, the Mustangs led by nose guard Will Wowkanyn, showed everyone that this is not a one dimensional offensive team. With a variety of play-makers back on defense, if the Stangs play defense like this all year and get the solid offense that has been a trademark of Walt Currie, they will be tough to handle in 2010. Tougher test Thursday at Jackson, who upset Manalapan over the weekend.
5-Neptune(1-0) The Fliers move up this week with their 62-0 pasting of Bishop Ahr. Charlie Davis returned a punt 50 yds. the first time he touched the football, and that set the tone of the night. 3 TDs later on runs of 10, 27 and a 95 yd. kickoff return and Davis was done for the night. Don Sofilkanach's 1st game as Flier head coach will be tough to forget, but the Fliers don't have too much time to savor it, as they have a date with RBC on Friday night at home.
6-RBC(1-0) As mentioned above, the Casey's travel to Neptune in the high-lite game of week 2. They ventured into the A-South and christened their new turf field as they took care of Southern Reg. fairly easily and recorded a 34-7 win. Andrew Casten rushed for 206 yds. and 3 TDs on a night when the Casey's came out pumped up and proved they are a solid contender in the B-North race. It should be a battle, which very well may decide the championship in the division.
7-Howell(1-0) The Rebels were the most impressive team I saw this weekend! QB Ryan Davies, of Howell, threw for 454 yds. and 7 TDs. Those are amazing #s and if I didn't witness it in person, I wouldn't have believed it. Who did the Rebels pound 48-17--none other than one of the top defensive units of the last 5 years--Toms River North. You just don't do that to the Mariners, plain and simple. The receivers names have changed, but the run and shoot offensive philosophy of the Rebels just gets better with age. I apologize to the Rebels for leaving them out of my thought last week. You made me a believer Saturday night. Short turn around for them as they visit Freehold Twp. on Thursday night.
8-Toms River East(1-0) The Raiders opened up against cross town rival TR South and had some things to prove. They handled the Indians rather easily 40-10, but the score was probably not indicative of the effort the Indians game. For 23 minutes of the 1st half the score was 7-3 Raiders. A double pass with a lateral in the middle gave the Raiders a TD as Mario Steriti threw to Dan Wasilick for 23 yds. with just 47 seconds left before half. that TD seem to take the starch out of South. The Raiders dominated the 2nd half with QB Joe Clarizio showing everyone there, that the Raiders can throw the football this year. It gets a little tougher for them as they have to travel North on the parkway to perennial power Sayreville on Sat. night.
9- Manasquan(1-0) Trailing 11-0 to Point Boro in the 1st half and doing nothing offensively. The Big Blue Warriors scored 3 second half TDs to defeat Boro 21-11. Tariq Turner's int. return for a 32 yard TD nailed down the victory. QB Tyler Saito has a very strong arm, and Zack Ogden is a nice change of pace RB to go with Turner. Squan looks to be in the thick of things in the C-Central division. Manasquan get Raritan on Sat. this week.
10-Jackson(1-0) The Jags get the last spot this week over Long Branch, because of their 15-8 victory over previous #7 Manalapan. The Jags used 116 yards rushing from Junior Brandon Winston, who may be more famous for what he does on a wrestling mat, and came from behind for the win. Jackson has had a rough few years of late for a program that always wins, but this year may vault them back to the top of A-South. They will get a real test Thursday night, at home, when the Stangs of Brick Memorial come visiting.
Teams that are just outside: Long Branch(1-0), Barnegat(1-0) Shore(1-0) Asbury Park(1-0)
With week one in the books, this looks like every week will look like 4th of July with offensive explosions all around the shore. With good weather and packed house around the shore there was plenty of action to make fans happy. Lets look at just a few of the many good games of week 1.
Lets start with Neptune and new head coach Don Sofilkanich. All they did was put up 62 points against an under-maned Bishop Ahr team, which may get coach a raise in week 1. Rutgers bound Charlie Davis scored early and often(3 times), and put this one out of reach early.
Howell unveiled the latest, of what has been all-shore caliber QBs, when Ryan Davies(who happens to be head coach Cory) made his debut on Saturday night. All Ryan did was throw for 454 yards and 7 TDs. To make it more impressive, he did it against TR North. Nobody has done that to North in quite sometime. 6 different receivers caught his passes. You have heard of receiver and kicker Ryan Handy(he's the lone returner), but Mike Clark(3 TD catches), Jack Gailing, Benton Burdin---who are these guys and where do they find them? Opponents better learn their names, I warn you.
Barnegat's QB Nick SanGiacomo, not to be outdone by Davies, threw for 407 yards and 4 TDs in their upset win over Rumson 34-27. Nick has verbally committed to Tulane Univ. already, but there will be other offers, as this strong armed QB is getting better every week.
In another defensive nightmare, Middletown South threw up 58 on a pretty good Ocean Twp. team. QB Scott Meeker leads the Eagles for the second year in a row. You can read about him below in my Top Ten for this week. Mid. South seems to me, to be playing with a chip on its shoulder this year, still smarting from the finals last year, when Monroe took them down at The College of New Jersey. Why do I believe that they will be back there this year with a different ending?
Keyport HS wins 48-21 over Metuchen, and they pulled the horses in and didn't score in the 4th quarter. Mike Konish and Lamar Hill look like good ones for the Red Raiders. By the way, how old is Mike Ciccotelli, the Red Raider head man? Well I know how old I am, and he replaced me when I left Keyport in 1973 to go to TR North! All Mike does is win, so why should he retire. Keep the "Ws" coming Mike.
In a year where picking an all-shore team will be impossible, Miles Shuler of Long Branch, just might be the best of the best. He led Long Branch to an easy 34-14 win over Colts Neck.
Asbury Park continues to roll along for new old head coach, Matt Ardizzone, who was the head man in 2006 and an assistant from 2007-2009. They beat Highland Park 34-12 as Marquise Johnson leads them this year. he scored 4 times in the win.
Pinelands scores 50 points, as Matt McLain runs for 322 yds. and 4 TDs, including a 90 yarder. I guess I have to mention that they gave up 36 points to Mon Don, in another game that makes defensive coordinators go home at night and throw their playbook away and start over. If only we could get Bob Fiocco to come out of retirement and have a seminar on defensive football! I'll sell the tickets.
In the high-lite game of the week, Lacey beat Wall 27-7. If you didn't thing Craig Cicardo should be mentioned with the great QBs of the state this year, think twice, because he belongs in the conversation. He is the leader of this team and his play could very well make this a memorable one for the Lions.
Brick Memorial's shutout effort over Brick, 34-0, cannot sit well in Dragon territory. They were expected to be better this year and although 1 game does not make a season, the Dragons must now face Lacey, a top ten team in the state! can Coach Dowling keep them together after an 0-2 start. We'll keep our eyes on them. Meanwhile the Stangs continue to run the town under Walt Currie. His offensive game plans continue to give teams nightmares when trying to defense the option attack. The Stangs are shooting for their 5th trip to the finals in the last 8 years. Under Fred Sprengle and Walt Currie, the Stangs are looking for their 5th trip to the state finals in the last 8 years.
Yes a very interesting 1st week of football and if week 1 is any indication, it's going to be a wild year.
Week 2 Top Ten:
1-Matawan(1-0) After a slow start(3-2) halftime lead) the Huskies scored 19 4th quarter points on their way to a 22-12 win over a game Freehold Boro team. perhaps the most interesting aspect of this game was the emergence of freshman QB Kashaun Barnes, who threw 2 TD passes in that 4th quarter, as he replaced Jared Allison, who went down with leg cramps. We all knew this kid could play and now we have seen it when it counts. Week 2 brings a visit to Red Bank on Thur night.
2-Lacey(1-0) A very impressive win for the Lions in one of the marquee games of week, as they beat Wall 27-7 behind the very talented QB Craig Cicardo Jr. Cicardo threw an 80 yard TD pass and ran one in from 1 yard, to lead the Lions. He also rushed for 114 yards, while throwing for 128. Jared Molzon also played well for the Lions who visit Brick on Friday night in a game we will broadcast on the Shore Sports Network.
3-Middletown South(1-0) The Eagles move up 2 spots after demolishing a pretty good Ocean team 58-13. They rolled up 487 yards of total offense on route to the rout. QB Scott Meeker threw 4 TD passes and ran one in to lead the Eagles offensively. This is a team with many weapons and seems to be playing with a chip on their shoulder after the tough loss in last years State finals. Watch out for the Eagles in 2010. Upset loser, but dangerous Manalapan, visits the "swamp" on Thursday night.
4-Brick Memorial(1-0) The "Stangs" were firing in all phases of the game on Friday as they threw a zero at Brick. Holding the Dragons to 26 yards of offense and 1 first down in the 1st half, the Mustangs led by nose guard Will Wowkanyn, showed everyone that this is not a one dimensional offensive team. With a variety of play-makers back on defense, if the Stangs play defense like this all year and get the solid offense that has been a trademark of Walt Currie, they will be tough to handle in 2010. Tougher test Thursday at Jackson, who upset Manalapan over the weekend.
5-Neptune(1-0) The Fliers move up this week with their 62-0 pasting of Bishop Ahr. Charlie Davis returned a punt 50 yds. the first time he touched the football, and that set the tone of the night. 3 TDs later on runs of 10, 27 and a 95 yd. kickoff return and Davis was done for the night. Don Sofilkanach's 1st game as Flier head coach will be tough to forget, but the Fliers don't have too much time to savor it, as they have a date with RBC on Friday night at home.
6-RBC(1-0) As mentioned above, the Casey's travel to Neptune in the high-lite game of week 2. They ventured into the A-South and christened their new turf field as they took care of Southern Reg. fairly easily and recorded a 34-7 win. Andrew Casten rushed for 206 yds. and 3 TDs on a night when the Casey's came out pumped up and proved they are a solid contender in the B-North race. It should be a battle, which very well may decide the championship in the division.
7-Howell(1-0) The Rebels were the most impressive team I saw this weekend! QB Ryan Davies, of Howell, threw for 454 yds. and 7 TDs. Those are amazing #s and if I didn't witness it in person, I wouldn't have believed it. Who did the Rebels pound 48-17--none other than one of the top defensive units of the last 5 years--Toms River North. You just don't do that to the Mariners, plain and simple. The receivers names have changed, but the run and shoot offensive philosophy of the Rebels just gets better with age. I apologize to the Rebels for leaving them out of my thought last week. You made me a believer Saturday night. Short turn around for them as they visit Freehold Twp. on Thursday night.
8-Toms River East(1-0) The Raiders opened up against cross town rival TR South and had some things to prove. They handled the Indians rather easily 40-10, but the score was probably not indicative of the effort the Indians game. For 23 minutes of the 1st half the score was 7-3 Raiders. A double pass with a lateral in the middle gave the Raiders a TD as Mario Steriti threw to Dan Wasilick for 23 yds. with just 47 seconds left before half. that TD seem to take the starch out of South. The Raiders dominated the 2nd half with QB Joe Clarizio showing everyone there, that the Raiders can throw the football this year. It gets a little tougher for them as they have to travel North on the parkway to perennial power Sayreville on Sat. night.
9- Manasquan(1-0) Trailing 11-0 to Point Boro in the 1st half and doing nothing offensively. The Big Blue Warriors scored 3 second half TDs to defeat Boro 21-11. Tariq Turner's int. return for a 32 yard TD nailed down the victory. QB Tyler Saito has a very strong arm, and Zack Ogden is a nice change of pace RB to go with Turner. Squan looks to be in the thick of things in the C-Central division. Manasquan get Raritan on Sat. this week.
10-Jackson(1-0) The Jags get the last spot this week over Long Branch, because of their 15-8 victory over previous #7 Manalapan. The Jags used 116 yards rushing from Junior Brandon Winston, who may be more famous for what he does on a wrestling mat, and came from behind for the win. Jackson has had a rough few years of late for a program that always wins, but this year may vault them back to the top of A-South. They will get a real test Thursday night, at home, when the Stangs of Brick Memorial come visiting.
Teams that are just outside: Long Branch(1-0), Barnegat(1-0) Shore(1-0) Asbury Park(1-0)
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Pre Season 2010
What does September mean on the Jersey shore: Cooler nights, the Jerry Lewis MD Telethon, cars heading north on the parkway, the beaches clean and empty and the "Jersey shore crew putting the camera's away for another season. But to us true football fans--it means high school football season is just around the corner! As Darelle Rivas signs a multi-million dollar deal to make all Jet fans happy and the New York Giants get ready to open a new billion dollar stadium, the pro's are set to begin, but my focus with be on whether Matawan HS can continue it's winning ways and win back to back championships, or whether Middletown South can break a 2 year losing streak in the state finals, or whether Brick Memorial can get to their 5th title game in the last 8 years(they have won twice), or whether Head Coach Don Solfilkanack can pull off his magic at Neptune HS as he did at Asbury Park, where he won 3 State Championships in a row, or whether Lacey can run the table to another championship under Lou Vircillo, or whether Manasquan can add to their shore conference 11 State Championships that they have won, or whether Toms River East, with the last of the Steiti brothers(Mario) leading the way, win their first ever State title, or whether Manalapan, with their best team ever, get over the hump and win their first State title. Yes many interesting stories to the 2010 season and we will get it going this Friday night and I will be commenting through-out the season. Hope you enjoy my less than perfect analysis of the games to be played. Lets have some fun this year and my best to all the teams as they approach opening weekend.
The best way to break down the season is with my pre-season top 10: Keep into account, I tried to see as many scrimmages as possible and also realize they don't mean a whole lot as coaches like to play game when other coaches are watching!
1-Matawan- Has to be the #1 team going in since they return many key players from their 2009 State run to their championship. Led by QB Jared Allison and RB McArthur Underwood, the Huskies are loaded with skill players and the program looks to be in good shape for the future. Joe Martucci begins his 26th year as the head coach and he has to be chomping at the bit to start this new season. As mentioned above Allison is a highly recruited athlete, who has set his sites on Rutgers University, where he may possibly move to the secondary or WR. The Huskies will go as he goes, however there are many others to carry the load if necessary. Underwood and RB Keith Beatty are both game breakers and can take it to the house whenver they touch it. Frosh QB Kayshon Barnes has proved that he may be ready sooner than expected, and that may help move Allison around the field. The defense took some graduation hits, but Coach Sam Turner has done an excellent job coordinating this unit and expect them to be as tough as ever. It's yours to lose Huskies.
2-Lacey-All indications show this to be one of Lacey's best teams in years. They return 1200 yard rusher Jake Dabal at RB and have one of the top QB's in the shore to run it's attack in Craig Cicardo Jr. Lou Vircillo, in his 30th year, will run the "D" which always plays tough and they will have to play that way this year as a non-conf. schedule from hell, which include Wall(week 1), Middletown South and Neptune awaits the Lions. Lakewood transfer Tyrell Smith(6'5", 300 lbs.) a junior is Division 1 material and will be tested this year on defense. Mike D'Addario(6'2", 240lbs.) anchors the "O" line. Interested match-up week 1, as they travel to face a tough Wall team.
3-Wall-I think the 2 teams above are clearly the best of the shore. You can throw the rest into a hat and wherever they come out you could have an argument. I'll put Wall at 3 and guess from there. Junior Steve Cluley, a 6'3" 190lb QB, will lead the Knights. He began as a backup last year and took over week 3, and the rest could be history in the making. I look for a big year from him and they need him to come up big. Will Avon at RB will take some of the pressure off Cluley, but with only Matt Pisarchik back on the "O" line, the running game must step up quickly, in order for the Knights to contend. Week 1 vs. Lacey, will not break their season with a loss, however a win will make the shore take notice.
4-Brick Memorial-Coming off another trip to the finals in the States, the Stangs are deep and experienced as they head into the 2010 season. QB Mike DiGuilmi will lead the option attack for the second year. It's always important to have a veteran at the QB position and Mike is a good one. He can run with the best of them, but his passing is where I think he has made the most improvement. A load of RB's led by Juniors Vin Diodato and Jared Eccles, along with Jordan Lodice, Shane Panuska and sprint champion Jihad Howard give Coach Walt Currie many options. Outside receivers include 6'4" Dyan Walsh and Mike Acquaviva. Defense will be better this year in all phases, led by new nose tackle Will Wowkanyn, who will create havoc similar to what Billy Miller did last year for the Stangs.
5-Middletown South-You cannot have a top ten and not have the Eagles in it. Steve Antonucci in his 12th year has put together quite a program. There is only one problem for Mid South--they have lost in the finals the last 2 years, and that doesn't sit well at the "swamp". They were well on their way to another title when they ran into a strong Monroe team which beat them 30-10. That game was not easy to take over the off season and the Eagles will get better from it. QB Scott Meeker(1100 passing and 15 TD's) and Kyle Bunke(1000 rushing) return from last year and will lead them this year. DC Al Bigos, who for my money is one of the best in the shore, Will have LB Matt Saulnier to build around. The Eagles lost their entire "O" line, but that's nothing new for them.
6-Neptune-This could be the best story in the shore this year if Don Sofilkanich can turn the Fliers around and make a run for a State title. Sofilkanich comes over from Asbury Park, where all he did was win 3 State titles in a row, in his 3 years there. Not too bad for the 1st 3 years of his career as a head coach. He will inherit much talent on this Flier team. We can start with Rutgers bound Charlie Davis. He will be the horse in the Delaware Wing T offense Sofilkanich has installed. Ike Calderone, David Gutzmore and new QB Jaheem Woods are big time threats any time they touch it. Defensively they will run a 4-4 and be tested there. It will not be easy for Neptune with Freehold Boro, RBC, Ocean, Long Branch Lacey and Asbury Park on the schedule.
7-Manalapan- If they can straighten out the coaching situation the Braves can be contenders. Tom Gallahue, last years head coach has been elevated to administration. That comes with the deal that he is not allowed to coach in the system. In what I have seen, it looks like he is still the coach even though he is officially a volunteer. Dom LaPore and Eddie Gurrieri are also on the staff and potential "head coaches" But it is about the kids and the Braves certainly have some horses. Mike Bimonte(Rutgers bound) will QB and comes off a 2009 where he threw for 1800 yards and 17 TDs. The RB will be Josh Firkser who ran for 1100 yds. and scored 14 TDs last year. That is 31 TDs between the two dynamic players. That will get fans excited, but defense wins championships and the switch to a 3-4 alignment will dictate how far the Braves go.
8-Toms River East- Only 2 more years for opponents to worry about stopping a Steriti! This year its Mario, who takes over from Nico, who set Raider records last year as a senior. Mario must now carry this Raider team. He will have help with RBs Dan Wasilick, Jake Palmer, Devin Kennedy and Eric Rokisky. Vinny Arminio at TE, can catch the ball, if new QB Joe Clarizio can get it to him. Cory Cardini is also a threat outside at WR. Coach Jim Dempsey will coordinate the defense this year. The Raiders must have made somebody pretty mad when they were dishing out the schedule--Besides the always tough A-South, the Raiders will play RBC, Lacey and Sayreville outside their division. Not easy, if the Raiders are to win their first state title.
9-RBC-Well if you ever attend a game at RBC on their new turf field, be sure to bring an autograph book. They have son's of past star's and players you just may want a signature from. Lets start with Josh Klecko, yes that former Jet will be there watching his son play football. How about Greg Golden, son of current head coach of Temple University and former Notre Dame alumnus. He just just try to make a game or 2 when his schedule permits. Then there's senior TE/LB Jack Tabb, who most observers feel could very well be a future NFL player. He has had 20 or so Div. 1 offers already and the season hasn't started yet. Enough said, there are others, like Mike Dorsi who will run the ball and play LB, and Joe Coscarelli who is only a junior and has size to be a college lineman. Does this personnel translate to wins. Well head coach Jim Portela, in his 2nd year, certainly hopes so. A 6-4 season last year in which 3 loses were to 3 state champions could have been the experience he was looking for. A great schedule awaits the Casey's. The B-North powers like Ocean, Freehold, Long Branch,Neptune and non-conf. foes TR East, Rumson, and Southern Reg. will test the Casey's. If they get there they will earn it.
10-Toms River North-You can't have a top Ten without the Mariners in it. This program has been one of the top ones in the shore under former coaches Bob Fiocco, Bob Nanni and now Chip LaBarca Jr. Throw in DC Dave Oizerowitz(I should get a gold star if I spell his name correctly), an excellent staff and you have a great program. Dave is right up there with the best as far as designing the "D" and the Mariners rely heavily on that side of the ball. Demetri Davis returns at the QB slot for North and has reunited with Anthony Carrington, who was at North his soph year, transfered to Lakewood his Junior year and now is back at North his senior year---did you follow that? I guess the officials who decide those matters did. Cody Groves will be the main runner behind Davis. Up front Steve Franco returns to the "O" line--all 6'4" 310 lbs of him. everybody else will be new. How far North goes will ride with Davis and the Mariner "D".
Well I know what your saying. Where is Manasquan, Ocean, Rumson and Freehold Boro among others. Well its a top ten, not 14 or 15. You must draw the line in the sand somewhere. Anyway, you know what they say--it's not where you start, it's where you finish. Yes the oldest of football BS.
Let me mention just a few of the top players in those just outside top ten: Ocean has Greg Moore and Kevin Rodgers running the ball. Squan has Tyler Saito at QB and Tariq Turner, who is a man running the ball. Rumson has one of the top receivers in the shore in Jack Wise and throwing him the ball will be Mike Villapiano. Sterry Codrington and Derrick Bender will lead Freehold Boro.
Be sure to catch the St Barnabas High School Football Show at Boston's in Toms River from 7-9 PM each and every Thursday.Kevin Williams, Matt Harmon and myself will interview coaches, players, Kevin Callahan(MU head coach) and media members each week. Check the schedule each week, as some shows will run Wed night if we are broadcasting a football game on Thursday, such as week 2. By the way all games and shows will be on 105.7 the Hawk on the FM dial this year.
Our opener takes us to Toms River South for the annual rival game with Toms River East. 7PM Friday night.
The best way to break down the season is with my pre-season top 10: Keep into account, I tried to see as many scrimmages as possible and also realize they don't mean a whole lot as coaches like to play game when other coaches are watching!
1-Matawan- Has to be the #1 team going in since they return many key players from their 2009 State run to their championship. Led by QB Jared Allison and RB McArthur Underwood, the Huskies are loaded with skill players and the program looks to be in good shape for the future. Joe Martucci begins his 26th year as the head coach and he has to be chomping at the bit to start this new season. As mentioned above Allison is a highly recruited athlete, who has set his sites on Rutgers University, where he may possibly move to the secondary or WR. The Huskies will go as he goes, however there are many others to carry the load if necessary. Underwood and RB Keith Beatty are both game breakers and can take it to the house whenver they touch it. Frosh QB Kayshon Barnes has proved that he may be ready sooner than expected, and that may help move Allison around the field. The defense took some graduation hits, but Coach Sam Turner has done an excellent job coordinating this unit and expect them to be as tough as ever. It's yours to lose Huskies.
2-Lacey-All indications show this to be one of Lacey's best teams in years. They return 1200 yard rusher Jake Dabal at RB and have one of the top QB's in the shore to run it's attack in Craig Cicardo Jr. Lou Vircillo, in his 30th year, will run the "D" which always plays tough and they will have to play that way this year as a non-conf. schedule from hell, which include Wall(week 1), Middletown South and Neptune awaits the Lions. Lakewood transfer Tyrell Smith(6'5", 300 lbs.) a junior is Division 1 material and will be tested this year on defense. Mike D'Addario(6'2", 240lbs.) anchors the "O" line. Interested match-up week 1, as they travel to face a tough Wall team.
3-Wall-I think the 2 teams above are clearly the best of the shore. You can throw the rest into a hat and wherever they come out you could have an argument. I'll put Wall at 3 and guess from there. Junior Steve Cluley, a 6'3" 190lb QB, will lead the Knights. He began as a backup last year and took over week 3, and the rest could be history in the making. I look for a big year from him and they need him to come up big. Will Avon at RB will take some of the pressure off Cluley, but with only Matt Pisarchik back on the "O" line, the running game must step up quickly, in order for the Knights to contend. Week 1 vs. Lacey, will not break their season with a loss, however a win will make the shore take notice.
4-Brick Memorial-Coming off another trip to the finals in the States, the Stangs are deep and experienced as they head into the 2010 season. QB Mike DiGuilmi will lead the option attack for the second year. It's always important to have a veteran at the QB position and Mike is a good one. He can run with the best of them, but his passing is where I think he has made the most improvement. A load of RB's led by Juniors Vin Diodato and Jared Eccles, along with Jordan Lodice, Shane Panuska and sprint champion Jihad Howard give Coach Walt Currie many options. Outside receivers include 6'4" Dyan Walsh and Mike Acquaviva. Defense will be better this year in all phases, led by new nose tackle Will Wowkanyn, who will create havoc similar to what Billy Miller did last year for the Stangs.
5-Middletown South-You cannot have a top ten and not have the Eagles in it. Steve Antonucci in his 12th year has put together quite a program. There is only one problem for Mid South--they have lost in the finals the last 2 years, and that doesn't sit well at the "swamp". They were well on their way to another title when they ran into a strong Monroe team which beat them 30-10. That game was not easy to take over the off season and the Eagles will get better from it. QB Scott Meeker(1100 passing and 15 TD's) and Kyle Bunke(1000 rushing) return from last year and will lead them this year. DC Al Bigos, who for my money is one of the best in the shore, Will have LB Matt Saulnier to build around. The Eagles lost their entire "O" line, but that's nothing new for them.
6-Neptune-This could be the best story in the shore this year if Don Sofilkanich can turn the Fliers around and make a run for a State title. Sofilkanich comes over from Asbury Park, where all he did was win 3 State titles in a row, in his 3 years there. Not too bad for the 1st 3 years of his career as a head coach. He will inherit much talent on this Flier team. We can start with Rutgers bound Charlie Davis. He will be the horse in the Delaware Wing T offense Sofilkanich has installed. Ike Calderone, David Gutzmore and new QB Jaheem Woods are big time threats any time they touch it. Defensively they will run a 4-4 and be tested there. It will not be easy for Neptune with Freehold Boro, RBC, Ocean, Long Branch Lacey and Asbury Park on the schedule.
7-Manalapan- If they can straighten out the coaching situation the Braves can be contenders. Tom Gallahue, last years head coach has been elevated to administration. That comes with the deal that he is not allowed to coach in the system. In what I have seen, it looks like he is still the coach even though he is officially a volunteer. Dom LaPore and Eddie Gurrieri are also on the staff and potential "head coaches" But it is about the kids and the Braves certainly have some horses. Mike Bimonte(Rutgers bound) will QB and comes off a 2009 where he threw for 1800 yards and 17 TDs. The RB will be Josh Firkser who ran for 1100 yds. and scored 14 TDs last year. That is 31 TDs between the two dynamic players. That will get fans excited, but defense wins championships and the switch to a 3-4 alignment will dictate how far the Braves go.
8-Toms River East- Only 2 more years for opponents to worry about stopping a Steriti! This year its Mario, who takes over from Nico, who set Raider records last year as a senior. Mario must now carry this Raider team. He will have help with RBs Dan Wasilick, Jake Palmer, Devin Kennedy and Eric Rokisky. Vinny Arminio at TE, can catch the ball, if new QB Joe Clarizio can get it to him. Cory Cardini is also a threat outside at WR. Coach Jim Dempsey will coordinate the defense this year. The Raiders must have made somebody pretty mad when they were dishing out the schedule--Besides the always tough A-South, the Raiders will play RBC, Lacey and Sayreville outside their division. Not easy, if the Raiders are to win their first state title.
9-RBC-Well if you ever attend a game at RBC on their new turf field, be sure to bring an autograph book. They have son's of past star's and players you just may want a signature from. Lets start with Josh Klecko, yes that former Jet will be there watching his son play football. How about Greg Golden, son of current head coach of Temple University and former Notre Dame alumnus. He just just try to make a game or 2 when his schedule permits. Then there's senior TE/LB Jack Tabb, who most observers feel could very well be a future NFL player. He has had 20 or so Div. 1 offers already and the season hasn't started yet. Enough said, there are others, like Mike Dorsi who will run the ball and play LB, and Joe Coscarelli who is only a junior and has size to be a college lineman. Does this personnel translate to wins. Well head coach Jim Portela, in his 2nd year, certainly hopes so. A 6-4 season last year in which 3 loses were to 3 state champions could have been the experience he was looking for. A great schedule awaits the Casey's. The B-North powers like Ocean, Freehold, Long Branch,Neptune and non-conf. foes TR East, Rumson, and Southern Reg. will test the Casey's. If they get there they will earn it.
10-Toms River North-You can't have a top Ten without the Mariners in it. This program has been one of the top ones in the shore under former coaches Bob Fiocco, Bob Nanni and now Chip LaBarca Jr. Throw in DC Dave Oizerowitz(I should get a gold star if I spell his name correctly), an excellent staff and you have a great program. Dave is right up there with the best as far as designing the "D" and the Mariners rely heavily on that side of the ball. Demetri Davis returns at the QB slot for North and has reunited with Anthony Carrington, who was at North his soph year, transfered to Lakewood his Junior year and now is back at North his senior year---did you follow that? I guess the officials who decide those matters did. Cody Groves will be the main runner behind Davis. Up front Steve Franco returns to the "O" line--all 6'4" 310 lbs of him. everybody else will be new. How far North goes will ride with Davis and the Mariner "D".
Well I know what your saying. Where is Manasquan, Ocean, Rumson and Freehold Boro among others. Well its a top ten, not 14 or 15. You must draw the line in the sand somewhere. Anyway, you know what they say--it's not where you start, it's where you finish. Yes the oldest of football BS.
Let me mention just a few of the top players in those just outside top ten: Ocean has Greg Moore and Kevin Rodgers running the ball. Squan has Tyler Saito at QB and Tariq Turner, who is a man running the ball. Rumson has one of the top receivers in the shore in Jack Wise and throwing him the ball will be Mike Villapiano. Sterry Codrington and Derrick Bender will lead Freehold Boro.
Be sure to catch the St Barnabas High School Football Show at Boston's in Toms River from 7-9 PM each and every Thursday.Kevin Williams, Matt Harmon and myself will interview coaches, players, Kevin Callahan(MU head coach) and media members each week. Check the schedule each week, as some shows will run Wed night if we are broadcasting a football game on Thursday, such as week 2. By the way all games and shows will be on 105.7 the Hawk on the FM dial this year.
Our opener takes us to Toms River South for the annual rival game with Toms River East. 7PM Friday night.
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