Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:
The Shore Conference has 7 divisions and you play for a championship in each. This year the powers that be went back to the traditional A, B, C, divisions that had been changed a few years back after 9/11.
We have played 7 weeks of football and we now have begun to crown champions. This week, Brick Memorial(A-South) and Lacey(B-South), won out-right championships. Matawan(A-Central) and Manalapan(A-North) have clinched at least a tie, and just need to win their remaining game to win their divisions out-right. Manalapan need to beat a 2-4 Marlboro, and Matawan needs to defeat 3-3 St John Vianney. Both of those games will take place after 2 rounds of the State championship have been played. That's a story for another day, so don't get me started on that archaic scenario. Lets take a closer look at the 2 teams that have claimed their championships.
Lacey(7-0) and currently #2 in Shore) easily defeated winless Central 42-6. Playing without one of their key play-makers in Jarrod Malzon, who is nursing an ankle injury, the Lions used a blocked punt by Dave Vieira, which he himself returned for a 46 yd. TD, to take a 14-6 lead and they never looked back. Ironically, Molzon just last week, blocked a TR East field goal and returned it for a TD, in hard fought victory over the Raiders. QB Craig Cicardo leads the Lions offense along with RB Jake Dabal and Malzon, when he's healthy, and they were at the top of their game Friday night as Lacey took the title home. Cicardo threw for 3 TDs and Dabal ran for 2 scores to put the game away. Lacey leads this intense rivalry 22-7. Lacey now begins a 2 game regular season stretch which will test the Lions and their #2 ranking. They get Neptune and Middletown South before they start their South Jersey Group 3 title run. Only the first 8 games count toward playoff calculations, so the Mid South game will have no bearing on Lacey's playoff numbers.
The other big game was Brick Memorial's(6-1) exciting win over TR North(5-2) by a 14-10 final score. The Mustangs used a 5 yard TD run by QB Mike DiGuilmi with 4:19 left in regulation time, to take the 14-10 lead, and then hung on as the Mariners would not die. Demetri Davis, who was great all night, led North down the field and they had a chance to win it, but the Stang defense held on a 4th down pass attempt, to clinch the victory. The Memorial defense, co-ordinated by Pete Brennan, has been great all year; and Friday night, against a very good North offense, they played another great game. Led by nose guard Will Wowkanyn, who is a very real defensive player of the year candidate, DTs Russ Clayton and Rich Kuhn, a LB crew of Jarred Eccles, Vincenco Diodato, Matt Hoffman, and Logan Smith, secondary players like Shane Panuska, Ray Contrucci and Tom Tressito, and Mike Acquaviva, this is a defense which is one of the best at the shore. They are in the middle of a 4 game stretch that includes upcoming games against Manalapan and Howell. Last week they lost to Middletown South, 13-3. The Stangs are looking to get to their 3rd Central Jersey Group 4 Championship game final in a row. They have 2 CJ Group 4 championships, the last one in 2008.
Congrats to Coach Steve Sciarappa and his Mater Dei Prep team, who won their first game of the year, a 7-6 victory over Point Beach. It was their first win over a shore conference team in almost 4 years! An apparent tipped block of a Beach field goal attempt with 10 seconds left, preserved the win for the Seraphs.
Pinelands and Manchester were involved in a 2 overtime shootout on Friday night. Pinelands prevailed 41-40, as Manchester's Joe Johnson, was stopped on a 2-point attempt, on the 1 yard line in OT #2. This game featured two of the premier backs in the shore this year: Matt McLain of Pinelands and Joe Johnson of the Hawks. McLain, in the victory, ran for 236 yards and 2 TDs, while Johnson ran for 357 yards and 3 TDs. The two backs combined for 66 carries on the night. Pinelands WR Jacob Hartman caught 2 TD passes from QB Mike Keller, to help on offense. McLain now has a school single season record of 1533 yards, with at least 4 games still to play. Johnson, a junior, has 1091 yards on the year, as the Hawks and Pinelands both look to make a run in the playoffs.
Manalapan used RB Josh Firkser early and often in their 54-27 pasting of Howell. Firkser ran for 317 yards and 7 TDs(both school records), as the Braves clinched, at least a tie, for the A-North title. The Braves only have to defeat Marlboro on Turkey week to win it outright. The Braves rolled up 430 yards on offense, while holding Howell to (-36) yards rushing and limiting star QB Ryan Davies to 3 TD passes. Davies, now has 29 TD passes on the year as he looks to shatter all the passing records in the shore conference, for a single season. The Braves get a shot at the top team in A-South, as they travel to Brick Memorial on Friday night.
Wall(4-2), made it 4 in a row as they shut down Mon Don 33-6. Wall was efficient on the ground, with 276 yards, and controlled this one from start to finish. The Knights are on a collision course, with Manasquan, on Turkey Day,for the C-Central title.
Speaking of Manasquan, RB Tariq Turner, returned from an ankle injury, and ran for 290 yards and scored TDs on runs of 72, 65, and 83 yds. That gives Turner 1035 yards on the year to go with his 12 TDs. Manasquan(5-1) plays at Holmdel and home against winless Lakewood, before the playoff cutoff date. Looks like another run at a title for the Big Blue Warriors.
Rumson(5-2) is playing very well now, and won 21-20 vs. Raritan this past weekend. The Bulldogs had to rally with 2 second half TDs to win this one, and make it 3 wins in a row. QB Mike Villapiano, who had 3 turnovers in the first half, played much better in half number 2 and led them to the victory. RB Conner Riley had the game winner(26 yds.), at the 3:41 mark of the 4th quarter, and kicker Ben Albainy's extra point gave them the win. Bye week for the Bulldogs, and then a big non-conference match-up with Asbury Park, on playoff cutoff week.
Bad loss for Keyport(5-2) against Carteret--31-28. The Red Raiders were in good shape in CJ Group 1, now with the loss, they must sweat it out. They have a bye week and then face a 3-4 Highland Park team that Shore Reg. beat, 42-25, this past week. 6-2 will give them a shot in the playoffs.
With Mater Dei winning, the winless teams has shrunk to 4. Lakewood, Keansburg, Central and TR South have yet to taste victory in 2010. Central plays at Lakewood this week, so that number gets reduced by 1 this week.
Top Ten-week 8:
1-Matawan(7-0)- Clinched A-Central title with their 49-14 win over Holmdel.
2-Lacey(7-0)-Won B-South title with their 42-6 beating of Central.
3-Manalapan(5-1)-Clinched a tie in A-North, with their 54-27 victory over Howell. Play at Brick Memorial Friday night.
4-Middletown South(5-1)-Was idle this week, return with non-conference game against Brick, and then in 2 weeks, play Lacey, in a huge non-conference game.
5-Brick Memorial(6-1)-Won A-South title with a hard fought 14-10 victory over rival TR North. Homecoming night Friday night as they host Manalapan.
6- Freehold Boro(4-2)-A deserving bye week for Freehold as they come back with Colts Neck this week.
7-RBC(5-1)-A little more convincing win vs. Monmouth(48-6). Was this was the real Casey team?
8-Manasquan(5-1)- I am a believer of the Warriors and Tariq Turner. At Holmdel this week.
9-Neptune(4-2)-Nice win vs. Ocean by a 33-21 score. Charlie Davis continues to lead the Fliers.
10-TR North(5-2)- I know Howell beat North on opening night, but the Mariners get my #10 spot over the Rebels, because I think they are playing much better at this point of the season.
Just missed Top Ten:
Shore( 5-1) Continue, what could be, an outstanding season.
Howell(4-3) Still a dangerous team.
Wall(4-2) Have won 4 in a row, and are rolling.
Rumson(5-2) Have won 3 in a row.
Barnegat(4-2) Have righted the cage after facing Matawan and Lacey in back to back weeks.
Pinelands(4-2) Huge win vs. Manchester in double OT. RB Matt McLain is one of top stories of year.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Weekend of 10/15-10/10
Scanning the High School football scene with Ed Sarluca:
Lets start week 6 results with, what turned out to be, a great defensive football game. Middletown South held Brick Memorial to 106 yards of total offense and knocked off the previously unbeaten Mustangs, 13-3. Brick Memorials defense was almost as good, as the Eagles had only 146 yards on the night, but it was turnovers that determined this one. The Stangs had lost 3 fumbles and a pass interception, one of which occurred on the games first play from scrimmage, which the Eagles converted into a TD, just 1:38 into the game. That was the only time anyone managed to get into the endzone. Middletown South, also fumbled 7 times, but lost only one of those fumbles. That was the difference. Two things came out of this game; the Eagles will be very tough in Central Jersey Group 3 playoffs, and the Stangs have a good enough defense to make a good run in Central Jersey Group 4. Last year both teams lost in the finals of their respective groups. I think the old adage,offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships, holds true to these 2 teams.
In another great game on Saturday afternoon, Neptune beat Monmouth 21-19. In this one the Fliers proved that they will also will be a contender in CJ Group 3, with Mid South. They went to their big back Charles Davis in this one, and he produced big time. Davis was hurt just before halftime, and it looked as if he was done for the day, and so was Neptunes chances. The score was 14-10 Neptune at that point, and Davis thought he had broken a bone in his leg, but doctors said in the locerroom, that it was a severe bone bruise and it was up to him in the 2nd half. Well, Davis was in there on play #2 of the 2nd half and latter that quarter his TD run of 59 yards, gave Neptune a 21-13 lead, they never reliquished. This sets up the Fliers(3-2) for a possible run in the playoffs. They have Ocean(1-5) next week, but a tough non-conference battle with unbeteaten Lacey on Oct. 30th, then finish with Colts Neck(1-5), before the cut-off date. They have to win 2 of those games to have a chance.
TR North continues to roll, after an opening season loss to Howell. 5 in a row for the Mariners(5-1), with an easy 27-7 victory over Southern(2-3), and it sets up an A-South championship contest this Friday with Brick Memorial. The Mustangs can win it outright with a win, while North still would have to beat TR East on Turkey Day for the title. Even though the Shore Sports Network will be working the Lacey at Central game on Friday, I will be a special correspondent at the BM vs TRN game and give live up-dates from Memorial. It's the first time we have tried something like this, hope we can work it out.
Manalapan continues to roll with a 40-8 win over Middlesex County representive Old Bridge(2-3). These cross-over games continue to be dominated by the Shore, and this was another indication of their dominace. Mike Bimonte threw for 196 yds. and a pair of TDs, and Josh Firkser scored 3 TDs on his way to 122 yds on the night. The Braves are still unbeaten in A-North and have their big one with Howell this week at home. Manalapan(4-1) have already beaten Mid. South earlier this year.
Freehold Boro(4-2) continues to be the hottest team in the Shore, as they made it 4 in a row, with a 33-7 pasting of Long Branch. The Colonials are led by QB Sterry Codrington, RB Derrick Bender and Rec. Jazzmar Clax. After having won 2 straight OT games(RBC and Neptune), they won this one with a 26 point second half. Bye week this week, then Colts Neck and Mon Don before cutoff date. This is another CJ Group 3 participant. Think that's a tough bracket?
Manchester(4-2) has been one of the big surprises of the year. They beat a pretty tough Jackson Liberty team on Friday as RB Joe Johnson had himself a career night in the 30-14 victory. Joe ran for 225 yds and 4 TDs to lead the Hawks. That could very well get you on the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Thursday night football show. Congrats to Head Coach Gerald O'Donnell and his Hawks.
Ocean(1-5), a 27-0 winner over Brick(2-4) and Freehold Twp(1-4), a 14-0 winner over Marlboro, broke into the win column for the first time this year.
Rumson(4-2) had a big win over Holmdel by a 35-7 score. The Bulldogs have set themselves up for a CJ Group 2 playoff berth and a possible rematch with Matawan.
Keyport(5-1) beat Asbury Park(4-2), 26-7. The Red Raiders used a 93 yd. TD run by Jordan Edmonds with 4:49 left to clinch the win. Keyport, Shore and Asbury, all play in CJ Group 1 and have faced each other already this year, and could very well face each other again in the playoffs.
Lets look at this weeks Top Ten:
1-Matawan(6-0)-Well now you know I'm a flip-flopper. I had moved Matawan out of the top spot 2 weeks ago, but as you can see, I am not afraid to move them right back up there. Lacey has some-what struggled the last 2 weeks vs. Barnegat and TR East, and although they won those games and remain unbeaten, I used the common opponent card here. Matawan routed Barnegat 49-14, while Lacey beat them 28-7 2 weeks ago. I know the Lion fans will be mad at me, but I can handle the heat. Matawan is on a mission to win their second consecutive championship and I don't think anyone stands in their way.
2-Lacey(6-0)- It's tough to drop to #2 off a 27-0 shutout of a Group 4 school like TR East, but I was at this game and the score is no indication of what happen. Sure the Lion "D" was tough and held East to only 133 yds and held Mario Steriti to just 32 of those yds., but the score was 0-0 with just a few seconds left before half, when one of the freakish plays of the year occurred. Jarrod Molzon was attempting a 42-yard field goal into a stiff wind and the Raiders blocked the kick. The ball rolled behind the LOS(25 yd. line) and was picked up by Molzon and run in for a 34 yard TD to make it 7-0 at the half. The Raiders were stunned, and they never recovered. Good teams make their own breaks, but the Raiders certainly deserved a better fate. Lacey will play for an outright B-South championship this Friday night vs. Central.
3-Manalapan(4-1)-The Braves have settled down and are on their way to what could be their most successful season ever. The Braves have been to the CJ Group 4 finals once(a loss to Brick Mem.), and they are looking to make a return trip this year. They face a big test this week when the throw happy Rebels of Howell come to visit on Friday night.
4-Middletown South(5-1)- See write-up above for the Eagles, but after a second week loss to tough Manalapan, they have settled down, regrouped, gotten their starting QB Scott Meeker back from a broken leg, and are on their way to another shot in CJ Group 3. For their Brick Mem. win, they get a bye week.
5-Brick Memorial(5-1)-Can't drop the Stangs too far down, as they proved they have the defense to go all the way this year. The loss to Mid South was tough to absorb, but head man Walt Currie will rally the troups for this weeks A-South championship game with TR North. It's a pretty easy fix in Stang land, the Memorial offense must get better. Mike DiGuilmi must make better reads in the Stang triple option attack and they must take care of the ball. 4 turnovers vs. Mid South cost Memorial the ballgame. Next up, at home, Friday night, vs. TR North with a championship on the line.
6-Freehold Boro(4-2)-Hottest team in shore as we go to week 7. They have won 4 in a row, including Neptune, RBC and Long Branch in consecutive weeks. That is quite an accomplishment after opening with 2 losses. Bye week this week and then two sub .500 teams in Colts Neck and Mon Don.
7-TR North(5-1)-Another hot team, with 5 in a row. QB Demetri Davis is the Mariners all everything. He plays "O", "D", special teams, sells programs before the game, and I thought I saw him drive the bus to Southern last Friday night! Seriously, this kid is an all-shore player. Where they put him remains to be seen, but he belongs on the team. The running game is one of the tops in the shore, with Davis, RB Cody Groves, RB Chris Hunter all contributing on a weekly basis. They rolled up 337 yds. against Southern Reg., as they cruised to a 27-7 win last Friday. Wide-out Anthony Carrington, provides a deep pass threat, that must be respected, even though he has only caught a few passes. Next up, they travel to Brick Mem. for an important class A-South game.
8-RBC(4-1)- The Casey's struggled again in their 14-7 win over a 1-5 Colts Neck team. It wasn't until RB Andrew Casten ran one in from 6 yards out with 4:15 left, that the Casey's could celebrate. Casten only ran for 54 yards on the day, but his TD capped the come-from behind win for RBC. The Casey's have a tough one at home Friday night when Monmouth Reg. come calling.
9-Manasquan(4-1)-The Warriors had a bye last week and were able to scout Jackson Liberty, who they play this week. They are coming off a hard fought 7-6 win over Shore 2 weeks ago.
10-Howell(4-2)-The Rebels offense was kept off the field by the defending CJ Group 4 champions, East Brunswick Bears. The Bears did not attempt a pass in their 21-13 win over the Rebels. They did however run for 276 yards and 17 first downs. Long, time consuming drives is the game plan to beat Howell and East Brunswick did that very well. Keeping Ryan Davies off the field, seems to be the only way to beat the Rebels, as he has eye-popping #s when they are able to throw. Davies only had 91 yds. in the air, and 1 TD pass. He had thrown for 25 TD passes in his previous 5 games. It doesn't get any easier for the Rebels, as they go to #3 Manalapan(4-1), who seem to be getting better each week.
Just outside looking in:
Shore(4-1) Nice convincing win vs. 4-2 South River by a 48-7 score.
Keyport(5-1) Another hot team who beat 3 time champion Asbury Park, 26-7.
Neptune(3-2) Can play with anyone. Charles Davis is the real deal.
Rumson(4-2) Nice win over Holmdel.
Manchester(4-2) 5'7' junior RB Joe Johnson is leading the Hawks to a playoff berth.
Wall(3-2) 3 in a row for the Knights have set them up nicely for second half of season.
Lets start week 6 results with, what turned out to be, a great defensive football game. Middletown South held Brick Memorial to 106 yards of total offense and knocked off the previously unbeaten Mustangs, 13-3. Brick Memorials defense was almost as good, as the Eagles had only 146 yards on the night, but it was turnovers that determined this one. The Stangs had lost 3 fumbles and a pass interception, one of which occurred on the games first play from scrimmage, which the Eagles converted into a TD, just 1:38 into the game. That was the only time anyone managed to get into the endzone. Middletown South, also fumbled 7 times, but lost only one of those fumbles. That was the difference. Two things came out of this game; the Eagles will be very tough in Central Jersey Group 3 playoffs, and the Stangs have a good enough defense to make a good run in Central Jersey Group 4. Last year both teams lost in the finals of their respective groups. I think the old adage,offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships, holds true to these 2 teams.
In another great game on Saturday afternoon, Neptune beat Monmouth 21-19. In this one the Fliers proved that they will also will be a contender in CJ Group 3, with Mid South. They went to their big back Charles Davis in this one, and he produced big time. Davis was hurt just before halftime, and it looked as if he was done for the day, and so was Neptunes chances. The score was 14-10 Neptune at that point, and Davis thought he had broken a bone in his leg, but doctors said in the locerroom, that it was a severe bone bruise and it was up to him in the 2nd half. Well, Davis was in there on play #2 of the 2nd half and latter that quarter his TD run of 59 yards, gave Neptune a 21-13 lead, they never reliquished. This sets up the Fliers(3-2) for a possible run in the playoffs. They have Ocean(1-5) next week, but a tough non-conference battle with unbeteaten Lacey on Oct. 30th, then finish with Colts Neck(1-5), before the cut-off date. They have to win 2 of those games to have a chance.
TR North continues to roll, after an opening season loss to Howell. 5 in a row for the Mariners(5-1), with an easy 27-7 victory over Southern(2-3), and it sets up an A-South championship contest this Friday with Brick Memorial. The Mustangs can win it outright with a win, while North still would have to beat TR East on Turkey Day for the title. Even though the Shore Sports Network will be working the Lacey at Central game on Friday, I will be a special correspondent at the BM vs TRN game and give live up-dates from Memorial. It's the first time we have tried something like this, hope we can work it out.
Manalapan continues to roll with a 40-8 win over Middlesex County representive Old Bridge(2-3). These cross-over games continue to be dominated by the Shore, and this was another indication of their dominace. Mike Bimonte threw for 196 yds. and a pair of TDs, and Josh Firkser scored 3 TDs on his way to 122 yds on the night. The Braves are still unbeaten in A-North and have their big one with Howell this week at home. Manalapan(4-1) have already beaten Mid. South earlier this year.
Freehold Boro(4-2) continues to be the hottest team in the Shore, as they made it 4 in a row, with a 33-7 pasting of Long Branch. The Colonials are led by QB Sterry Codrington, RB Derrick Bender and Rec. Jazzmar Clax. After having won 2 straight OT games(RBC and Neptune), they won this one with a 26 point second half. Bye week this week, then Colts Neck and Mon Don before cutoff date. This is another CJ Group 3 participant. Think that's a tough bracket?
Manchester(4-2) has been one of the big surprises of the year. They beat a pretty tough Jackson Liberty team on Friday as RB Joe Johnson had himself a career night in the 30-14 victory. Joe ran for 225 yds and 4 TDs to lead the Hawks. That could very well get you on the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Thursday night football show. Congrats to Head Coach Gerald O'Donnell and his Hawks.
Ocean(1-5), a 27-0 winner over Brick(2-4) and Freehold Twp(1-4), a 14-0 winner over Marlboro, broke into the win column for the first time this year.
Rumson(4-2) had a big win over Holmdel by a 35-7 score. The Bulldogs have set themselves up for a CJ Group 2 playoff berth and a possible rematch with Matawan.
Keyport(5-1) beat Asbury Park(4-2), 26-7. The Red Raiders used a 93 yd. TD run by Jordan Edmonds with 4:49 left to clinch the win. Keyport, Shore and Asbury, all play in CJ Group 1 and have faced each other already this year, and could very well face each other again in the playoffs.
Lets look at this weeks Top Ten:
1-Matawan(6-0)-Well now you know I'm a flip-flopper. I had moved Matawan out of the top spot 2 weeks ago, but as you can see, I am not afraid to move them right back up there. Lacey has some-what struggled the last 2 weeks vs. Barnegat and TR East, and although they won those games and remain unbeaten, I used the common opponent card here. Matawan routed Barnegat 49-14, while Lacey beat them 28-7 2 weeks ago. I know the Lion fans will be mad at me, but I can handle the heat. Matawan is on a mission to win their second consecutive championship and I don't think anyone stands in their way.
2-Lacey(6-0)- It's tough to drop to #2 off a 27-0 shutout of a Group 4 school like TR East, but I was at this game and the score is no indication of what happen. Sure the Lion "D" was tough and held East to only 133 yds and held Mario Steriti to just 32 of those yds., but the score was 0-0 with just a few seconds left before half, when one of the freakish plays of the year occurred. Jarrod Molzon was attempting a 42-yard field goal into a stiff wind and the Raiders blocked the kick. The ball rolled behind the LOS(25 yd. line) and was picked up by Molzon and run in for a 34 yard TD to make it 7-0 at the half. The Raiders were stunned, and they never recovered. Good teams make their own breaks, but the Raiders certainly deserved a better fate. Lacey will play for an outright B-South championship this Friday night vs. Central.
3-Manalapan(4-1)-The Braves have settled down and are on their way to what could be their most successful season ever. The Braves have been to the CJ Group 4 finals once(a loss to Brick Mem.), and they are looking to make a return trip this year. They face a big test this week when the throw happy Rebels of Howell come to visit on Friday night.
4-Middletown South(5-1)- See write-up above for the Eagles, but after a second week loss to tough Manalapan, they have settled down, regrouped, gotten their starting QB Scott Meeker back from a broken leg, and are on their way to another shot in CJ Group 3. For their Brick Mem. win, they get a bye week.
5-Brick Memorial(5-1)-Can't drop the Stangs too far down, as they proved they have the defense to go all the way this year. The loss to Mid South was tough to absorb, but head man Walt Currie will rally the troups for this weeks A-South championship game with TR North. It's a pretty easy fix in Stang land, the Memorial offense must get better. Mike DiGuilmi must make better reads in the Stang triple option attack and they must take care of the ball. 4 turnovers vs. Mid South cost Memorial the ballgame. Next up, at home, Friday night, vs. TR North with a championship on the line.
6-Freehold Boro(4-2)-Hottest team in shore as we go to week 7. They have won 4 in a row, including Neptune, RBC and Long Branch in consecutive weeks. That is quite an accomplishment after opening with 2 losses. Bye week this week and then two sub .500 teams in Colts Neck and Mon Don.
7-TR North(5-1)-Another hot team, with 5 in a row. QB Demetri Davis is the Mariners all everything. He plays "O", "D", special teams, sells programs before the game, and I thought I saw him drive the bus to Southern last Friday night! Seriously, this kid is an all-shore player. Where they put him remains to be seen, but he belongs on the team. The running game is one of the tops in the shore, with Davis, RB Cody Groves, RB Chris Hunter all contributing on a weekly basis. They rolled up 337 yds. against Southern Reg., as they cruised to a 27-7 win last Friday. Wide-out Anthony Carrington, provides a deep pass threat, that must be respected, even though he has only caught a few passes. Next up, they travel to Brick Mem. for an important class A-South game.
8-RBC(4-1)- The Casey's struggled again in their 14-7 win over a 1-5 Colts Neck team. It wasn't until RB Andrew Casten ran one in from 6 yards out with 4:15 left, that the Casey's could celebrate. Casten only ran for 54 yards on the day, but his TD capped the come-from behind win for RBC. The Casey's have a tough one at home Friday night when Monmouth Reg. come calling.
9-Manasquan(4-1)-The Warriors had a bye last week and were able to scout Jackson Liberty, who they play this week. They are coming off a hard fought 7-6 win over Shore 2 weeks ago.
10-Howell(4-2)-The Rebels offense was kept off the field by the defending CJ Group 4 champions, East Brunswick Bears. The Bears did not attempt a pass in their 21-13 win over the Rebels. They did however run for 276 yards and 17 first downs. Long, time consuming drives is the game plan to beat Howell and East Brunswick did that very well. Keeping Ryan Davies off the field, seems to be the only way to beat the Rebels, as he has eye-popping #s when they are able to throw. Davies only had 91 yds. in the air, and 1 TD pass. He had thrown for 25 TD passes in his previous 5 games. It doesn't get any easier for the Rebels, as they go to #3 Manalapan(4-1), who seem to be getting better each week.
Just outside looking in:
Shore(4-1) Nice convincing win vs. 4-2 South River by a 48-7 score.
Keyport(5-1) Another hot team who beat 3 time champion Asbury Park, 26-7.
Neptune(3-2) Can play with anyone. Charles Davis is the real deal.
Rumson(4-2) Nice win over Holmdel.
Manchester(4-2) 5'7' junior RB Joe Johnson is leading the Hawks to a playoff berth.
Wall(3-2) 3 in a row for the Knights have set them up nicely for second half of season.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Weekend of 10/8 + 10/9
Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:
Week 5 has come and gone and the top 3 remain the same. Lacey, Matawan and Brick Memorial all continue unbeaten in 2010. As a matter of fact, they are the only 3 teams without a loss, as we turn the corner of this season and head to the playoffs. Lacey, my #1 team, has clinched at least a tie in the B-South. They are only a win away from winning it outright, and that will be decided vs. Central Reg in a few weeks. Lacey beat a pretty good Barnegat team 28-7 on Friday night, in a game we did on the Shore Sports Network. Matawan,struggled again on defense against Long Branch, but hung on for a 34-31 win, while Brick Memorial had the easiest of times vs. TR South in a 35-0 blowout of the win less Indians. On the other side of the fence, there are still 7 teams that have yet to break into the win category. They are Freehold Twp., Lakewood, Mater Dei Prep, TR South, Keansburg, Central and Ocean. Only Ocean is a surprise here, as they were predicted to make a run in B-North. Keansburg plays Mater Dei, Lakewood plays TR South, so somebody gets a win there. Freehold Twp. plays Marlboro and Mid North; they are winable games. Central plays Lakewood, someone wins here. Ocean has a shot against Brick this week, but their last 3 are tough ones, in Neptune, RBC and Monmouth, so they better get that "W" this week. Of course, all these teams will play a 10th game, against a still undetermined team assigned by the State as we start the playoffs.
Let's look at the playoff possibilities as we get to week 6.
Last year the shore won 2 championships(Matawan and Asbury Park). I say we win at least that many again this year, with the possibility of 5. My prediction will probably change, but after 5 weeks, that what I see. Lets look down the road.
Central 4 has Brick Mem., Manalapan, and Howell who should make it.
Central 3 has Mid South, Neptune, Freehold Boro and Wall who have a shot.
Central 2 has Matawan, Monmouth, Manasquan, Rumson, Holmdel, Long Branch, Raritan and Red Bank who are all still alive. This section will become a littler clearer in the next 2 weeks.
Central 1 has Shore, Asbury Park and Keyport who should make it.
South 4 has has TR North, Southern and TR East who have a shot. The winner of this weeks Southern vs TR North game gets a foot in the playoff door.
South 3 has Lacey and Jax Liberty who are still alive.
South 2 has Barnegat and Manchester who will have a shot.
Non. Pub. 4 has RBC
Non. Pub. 3 has Mon Don if they can qualify with 4 wins(they have 2 now), Point Boro, Wall and Freehold await. They have to beat 2 of them.
More to follow in the next few weeks as the playoff picture becomes a little clearer.
Week 6 Top Ten:
1-Lacey(5-0)- It wasn't a very pretty win, but you know what they say; any win is a good win. Lacey's 28-7 win over previously unbeaten Barnegat(3-1) keeps them on top of the Shore Sports Network top ten. With the Bengals down 21-7 late in the 3rd quarter, Jarrod Molzon's picked off a Nick SanGiacomo pass and returned it 95 yards for a TD, which iced the victory, for the Lions. SanGiacomo left the game following that play, with a hip pointer injury, and the Bengals were done for the night. It was a good effort for the Bengals, however they just could not capitalize on 4 Lacey turnovers, as they suffered their first loss of the year. As a reward for the loss, they get to play the #2 team in my poll--Matawan(5-0) this coming week. Not an easy 2 weeks for the upstart Bengals, but after this week the schedule settles down, so I expect them to make a run at the South Jersey Group 2 State title. Lacey moves up in class and plays TR East(2-2), in a big quality point non-conference game for both teams.
2-Matawan(5-0)-The defense of both Long Branch and Matawan took the weekend off, as the Huskies won a close one,34-31. Playing without outstanding RB McArthur Underwood, who was out with a broken rib, Matawan built up a commanding lead, only to see the Green Wave come back to make it close. Miles Shuler, the outstanding QB from Long Branch ran for 129 yds. and threw for another 108, as he tried to lead the Wave back, with 3 fourth quarter TDs(2 in the air and one on the ground). It was too little, too late for Long Branch, as the Huskies continue undefeated. Up next is Barnegat in a non-conference tilt.
3-Brick Memorial(5-0)-The Mustangs put up 35 first half points and cruised to their 5th in a row against a Toms River South team that has been decimated with injuries and mistakes. Using 5 different players to score TDs, the Stangs churned out 282 yds. on offense(mostly in 1st half), and held South to just 134 total yds.(mostly in 2nd half). Pulling their starters in the second quarter and playing the entire second half with the "mercy" rule in effect, the Mustangs now set their sights on a visit to the "swamp" and Middletown South(4-1), this Friday night at 7PM. A big non-conference game, with many State power points on the line, the Stangs outstanding defense(1 TD given up in 5 games) will be tested by Andrew Suarez and the Eagle offense. This begins a stretch of difficult games for Brick Memorial, that includes Mid South, TR North, Manalapan and Howell, all top ten teams having outstanding seasons, as are Mustangs. A combined record of 15-4 for those teams will surely challenge the Stangs.
4-Manalapan(3-1)-The Braves(bye week) move to the 4th spot because RBC lost their first game of the year to Freehold Boro in OT, 26-25. Manalapan has been led by RB Josh Firkser and QB Mike Bimonte. Bimonte has verbally committed to Rutgers University and Firkser led the shore in rushing yds.(744) after 4 weeks. The Braves play a cross-over game vs. Old Bridge this week.
5-Middletown South(4-1)-The Eagles have put up back to back wins after losing to Mananapan 35-28 in week 2, for their only loss of the year. Andrew Suarez has become the primary RB and is beginning to ge comfortable in that roll. He ran for 103 yds. and scored 2 TDs as the Eagles cruised to a 42-19 win over Marlboro. Kyle Bunge and backup QB Howie Brey also played well for the Eagles as they led this one 35-14 at the half. This was one of those sandwich games for Mid South, as they had played Howell last week and play Brick Mem., this week. To look ahead would have been easy, but Head Coach Steve Antonucci has them playing as good as they have all year. It will be the battle of option football, this week, when the Mustangs invade the "swamp".
6-Howell(4-1)-Coming off a 38-14 loss to Mid South, last week, the Rebels came back with a vengeance and a 54-19 pasting of Middletown North(1-4). Ryan Davies threw for 8 TD passes, 5 of them to Mike Clark, as they scored early and often and took a 47-12 lead after 3 quarters. Clark, has become the primary target of Davies and the 2 have combined for 21 catches and 11 TDs in the first 5 games. Davies numbers are off the chart--94-127 for 1723 yds.(344/game), and 25 TD passes. Only Mid South has been able to somewhat slow him up, and he still threw for 349 yds. in that loss. The Rebels have a big cross-over game vs. East Brunswick(3-1), the defending Central Group 4 champions. This game is a possible preview for Howell, Manalapan and Brick Memorial, all of which should make the field in CJ 4 this year. Of course Howell will also play at Manalapan(week 7) and Brick Memorial(week 9), before the playoff cutoff date. Big games for sure.
7-Freehold Boro(3-2)-The Colonials make the biggest of jumps into the top ten, with their thrilling 26-25 OT win over previously unbeaten RBC(3-1). Mike Hembling went from goat to hero as he kicked the extra point in OT to win it for freehold. Hembling had missed an extra point after a last min. TD in the 4th quarter which would have given Freehold the win in regulation. That's 3 wins in a row for the Colonials, who blocked a Ryan Spahr extra point after RBC had scored first in OT, to set up Hembling's game winner. freehold Boro opened the season with back to back losses to Matawan and Monmouth, but they have recovered to win 3 straight and get themselves back into the B-North race. Another tough one for them this week, as they travel to Long Branch(2-3, but very dangerous), on Friday night at 6PM.
8-RBC(3-1)-Tough one for the Caseys, as they drop a 26-25 OT thriller to Freehold Boro. A missed extra point in OT did the Caseys in, as they outgained the Colonials(364 yds. to 245 yds.), but came out on the losing end. A costly running into the kicker penalty at the 3:06 mark of the 4th quarter, gave the ball back to the Colonials, and they scored, but missed the extra point, to send it into OT. In OT, RBC scored first, missed the point, only to see Derrick Bender score from 22yards out and Mike Hembling kick the extra point to win it. RBC travels to Colts Neck for a Sat. afternoon game this week.
9-TR North(4-1)- It wasn't easy for the Mariners, but they pulled out a hard fought 14-6 win over the 1-4 Cougers of Colts Neck. QB/CB Demitri Davis iced it with his second interception of the game, which came on a third down call, from the North 1 yard line, with little time left. Davis, who is getting better each week, also ran for 133 of his 159 rushing yards in the second half to lead the Mariners on offense. Davis scored both of the Mariner TDs in the 2nd half to win it and give the Mariners their 4th straight win. Up next for North is a trip to Southern Reg. next Friday night, which is our game of the week. 2 weeks ahead is a trip to Brick Mem, which very well may decide the A-South championship.
10-Manasquan(4-1)-A hard fough 7-6 win over previously unbeaten Shore Reg.(3-1), get the Warriors into the top ten for the first time this year. A blocked extra point in the first quarter and a missed field goal, from 32 yards in the 4th quarter, did the Blue Devils in, as they could not survive and they pick up their first loss of the year. Manasquan, playing without their leading rusher in Tariq Turner(injured in 1st quarter), for 3 quarters, just couldn't put together any offense, but came away with the win anyway. Turner ran for 300 yards last week vs. Metuchen, and was on his way to another big night, with 93 yards rushing in the 1st quarter, and then the injury(ankle), occurred. Manasquan controlled the ball for most of the 1st half, after Shore scored on their first possession. Shore ran the ball only 4 times in the last 16 minutes of the 1st half. Next up for Squan is a bye week, before Jackson Liberty comes calling on Oct 23rd.
Just outside looking in:
Shore(3-1) Good enough to be in top ten, but no room.
Keyport(4-1) They are rolling now.
Barnegat(3-1) After seeing them live, they are the real deal.
Asbury Park(4-1) Nice recovery after their first loss.
TR East(2-2) The Raiders will be heard from before this season ends.
Neptune(2-2) A dangerous 2-2 team.
Week 5 has come and gone and the top 3 remain the same. Lacey, Matawan and Brick Memorial all continue unbeaten in 2010. As a matter of fact, they are the only 3 teams without a loss, as we turn the corner of this season and head to the playoffs. Lacey, my #1 team, has clinched at least a tie in the B-South. They are only a win away from winning it outright, and that will be decided vs. Central Reg in a few weeks. Lacey beat a pretty good Barnegat team 28-7 on Friday night, in a game we did on the Shore Sports Network. Matawan,struggled again on defense against Long Branch, but hung on for a 34-31 win, while Brick Memorial had the easiest of times vs. TR South in a 35-0 blowout of the win less Indians. On the other side of the fence, there are still 7 teams that have yet to break into the win category. They are Freehold Twp., Lakewood, Mater Dei Prep, TR South, Keansburg, Central and Ocean. Only Ocean is a surprise here, as they were predicted to make a run in B-North. Keansburg plays Mater Dei, Lakewood plays TR South, so somebody gets a win there. Freehold Twp. plays Marlboro and Mid North; they are winable games. Central plays Lakewood, someone wins here. Ocean has a shot against Brick this week, but their last 3 are tough ones, in Neptune, RBC and Monmouth, so they better get that "W" this week. Of course, all these teams will play a 10th game, against a still undetermined team assigned by the State as we start the playoffs.
Let's look at the playoff possibilities as we get to week 6.
Last year the shore won 2 championships(Matawan and Asbury Park). I say we win at least that many again this year, with the possibility of 5. My prediction will probably change, but after 5 weeks, that what I see. Lets look down the road.
Central 4 has Brick Mem., Manalapan, and Howell who should make it.
Central 3 has Mid South, Neptune, Freehold Boro and Wall who have a shot.
Central 2 has Matawan, Monmouth, Manasquan, Rumson, Holmdel, Long Branch, Raritan and Red Bank who are all still alive. This section will become a littler clearer in the next 2 weeks.
Central 1 has Shore, Asbury Park and Keyport who should make it.
South 4 has has TR North, Southern and TR East who have a shot. The winner of this weeks Southern vs TR North game gets a foot in the playoff door.
South 3 has Lacey and Jax Liberty who are still alive.
South 2 has Barnegat and Manchester who will have a shot.
Non. Pub. 4 has RBC
Non. Pub. 3 has Mon Don if they can qualify with 4 wins(they have 2 now), Point Boro, Wall and Freehold await. They have to beat 2 of them.
More to follow in the next few weeks as the playoff picture becomes a little clearer.
Week 6 Top Ten:
1-Lacey(5-0)- It wasn't a very pretty win, but you know what they say; any win is a good win. Lacey's 28-7 win over previously unbeaten Barnegat(3-1) keeps them on top of the Shore Sports Network top ten. With the Bengals down 21-7 late in the 3rd quarter, Jarrod Molzon's picked off a Nick SanGiacomo pass and returned it 95 yards for a TD, which iced the victory, for the Lions. SanGiacomo left the game following that play, with a hip pointer injury, and the Bengals were done for the night. It was a good effort for the Bengals, however they just could not capitalize on 4 Lacey turnovers, as they suffered their first loss of the year. As a reward for the loss, they get to play the #2 team in my poll--Matawan(5-0) this coming week. Not an easy 2 weeks for the upstart Bengals, but after this week the schedule settles down, so I expect them to make a run at the South Jersey Group 2 State title. Lacey moves up in class and plays TR East(2-2), in a big quality point non-conference game for both teams.
2-Matawan(5-0)-The defense of both Long Branch and Matawan took the weekend off, as the Huskies won a close one,34-31. Playing without outstanding RB McArthur Underwood, who was out with a broken rib, Matawan built up a commanding lead, only to see the Green Wave come back to make it close. Miles Shuler, the outstanding QB from Long Branch ran for 129 yds. and threw for another 108, as he tried to lead the Wave back, with 3 fourth quarter TDs(2 in the air and one on the ground). It was too little, too late for Long Branch, as the Huskies continue undefeated. Up next is Barnegat in a non-conference tilt.
3-Brick Memorial(5-0)-The Mustangs put up 35 first half points and cruised to their 5th in a row against a Toms River South team that has been decimated with injuries and mistakes. Using 5 different players to score TDs, the Stangs churned out 282 yds. on offense(mostly in 1st half), and held South to just 134 total yds.(mostly in 2nd half). Pulling their starters in the second quarter and playing the entire second half with the "mercy" rule in effect, the Mustangs now set their sights on a visit to the "swamp" and Middletown South(4-1), this Friday night at 7PM. A big non-conference game, with many State power points on the line, the Stangs outstanding defense(1 TD given up in 5 games) will be tested by Andrew Suarez and the Eagle offense. This begins a stretch of difficult games for Brick Memorial, that includes Mid South, TR North, Manalapan and Howell, all top ten teams having outstanding seasons, as are Mustangs. A combined record of 15-4 for those teams will surely challenge the Stangs.
4-Manalapan(3-1)-The Braves(bye week) move to the 4th spot because RBC lost their first game of the year to Freehold Boro in OT, 26-25. Manalapan has been led by RB Josh Firkser and QB Mike Bimonte. Bimonte has verbally committed to Rutgers University and Firkser led the shore in rushing yds.(744) after 4 weeks. The Braves play a cross-over game vs. Old Bridge this week.
5-Middletown South(4-1)-The Eagles have put up back to back wins after losing to Mananapan 35-28 in week 2, for their only loss of the year. Andrew Suarez has become the primary RB and is beginning to ge comfortable in that roll. He ran for 103 yds. and scored 2 TDs as the Eagles cruised to a 42-19 win over Marlboro. Kyle Bunge and backup QB Howie Brey also played well for the Eagles as they led this one 35-14 at the half. This was one of those sandwich games for Mid South, as they had played Howell last week and play Brick Mem., this week. To look ahead would have been easy, but Head Coach Steve Antonucci has them playing as good as they have all year. It will be the battle of option football, this week, when the Mustangs invade the "swamp".
6-Howell(4-1)-Coming off a 38-14 loss to Mid South, last week, the Rebels came back with a vengeance and a 54-19 pasting of Middletown North(1-4). Ryan Davies threw for 8 TD passes, 5 of them to Mike Clark, as they scored early and often and took a 47-12 lead after 3 quarters. Clark, has become the primary target of Davies and the 2 have combined for 21 catches and 11 TDs in the first 5 games. Davies numbers are off the chart--94-127 for 1723 yds.(344/game), and 25 TD passes. Only Mid South has been able to somewhat slow him up, and he still threw for 349 yds. in that loss. The Rebels have a big cross-over game vs. East Brunswick(3-1), the defending Central Group 4 champions. This game is a possible preview for Howell, Manalapan and Brick Memorial, all of which should make the field in CJ 4 this year. Of course Howell will also play at Manalapan(week 7) and Brick Memorial(week 9), before the playoff cutoff date. Big games for sure.
7-Freehold Boro(3-2)-The Colonials make the biggest of jumps into the top ten, with their thrilling 26-25 OT win over previously unbeaten RBC(3-1). Mike Hembling went from goat to hero as he kicked the extra point in OT to win it for freehold. Hembling had missed an extra point after a last min. TD in the 4th quarter which would have given Freehold the win in regulation. That's 3 wins in a row for the Colonials, who blocked a Ryan Spahr extra point after RBC had scored first in OT, to set up Hembling's game winner. freehold Boro opened the season with back to back losses to Matawan and Monmouth, but they have recovered to win 3 straight and get themselves back into the B-North race. Another tough one for them this week, as they travel to Long Branch(2-3, but very dangerous), on Friday night at 6PM.
8-RBC(3-1)-Tough one for the Caseys, as they drop a 26-25 OT thriller to Freehold Boro. A missed extra point in OT did the Caseys in, as they outgained the Colonials(364 yds. to 245 yds.), but came out on the losing end. A costly running into the kicker penalty at the 3:06 mark of the 4th quarter, gave the ball back to the Colonials, and they scored, but missed the extra point, to send it into OT. In OT, RBC scored first, missed the point, only to see Derrick Bender score from 22yards out and Mike Hembling kick the extra point to win it. RBC travels to Colts Neck for a Sat. afternoon game this week.
9-TR North(4-1)- It wasn't easy for the Mariners, but they pulled out a hard fought 14-6 win over the 1-4 Cougers of Colts Neck. QB/CB Demitri Davis iced it with his second interception of the game, which came on a third down call, from the North 1 yard line, with little time left. Davis, who is getting better each week, also ran for 133 of his 159 rushing yards in the second half to lead the Mariners on offense. Davis scored both of the Mariner TDs in the 2nd half to win it and give the Mariners their 4th straight win. Up next for North is a trip to Southern Reg. next Friday night, which is our game of the week. 2 weeks ahead is a trip to Brick Mem, which very well may decide the A-South championship.
10-Manasquan(4-1)-A hard fough 7-6 win over previously unbeaten Shore Reg.(3-1), get the Warriors into the top ten for the first time this year. A blocked extra point in the first quarter and a missed field goal, from 32 yards in the 4th quarter, did the Blue Devils in, as they could not survive and they pick up their first loss of the year. Manasquan, playing without their leading rusher in Tariq Turner(injured in 1st quarter), for 3 quarters, just couldn't put together any offense, but came away with the win anyway. Turner ran for 300 yards last week vs. Metuchen, and was on his way to another big night, with 93 yards rushing in the 1st quarter, and then the injury(ankle), occurred. Manasquan controlled the ball for most of the 1st half, after Shore scored on their first possession. Shore ran the ball only 4 times in the last 16 minutes of the 1st half. Next up for Squan is a bye week, before Jackson Liberty comes calling on Oct 23rd.
Just outside looking in:
Shore(3-1) Good enough to be in top ten, but no room.
Keyport(4-1) They are rolling now.
Barnegat(3-1) After seeing them live, they are the real deal.
Asbury Park(4-1) Nice recovery after their first loss.
TR East(2-2) The Raiders will be heard from before this season ends.
Neptune(2-2) A dangerous 2-2 team.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Weekend of 10/1 - 10/2
Interesting week 4 to say the least. The big one took place on Sat. night in Howell, as the Middletown South Eagles(3-1) came to town with a chip on their shoulder, to play the undefeated Rebels and their run and shoot offense that had been unstoppable in the first 3 weeks. After a very moving pre-game ceremony, led by Head Coach Cory Davies, to honor the sudden death of 3 members of the "Howell football family", the teams took the field and played with mutual respect for each other. Middletown South had a terrific game plan, which they executed without mistakes, to come away with a 38-14 victory. The offensive line was the difference for the Eagles, and although they were without starting QB Scott Meeker, Howie Brey stepped in and they never missed a beat. Defensively, the Eagles were better, no doubt, sacking Howell QB Ryan Davies 8 times and holding him to 1 TD pass on the night. He had thrown for 16, in 3 games, prior to Sat night. Packed house, beautiful night, moving ceremony, and a good football game, it doesn't get any better than that.
In another game I was at the Blue Devils of Shore(3-0) upset the Bishops of Asbury Park(3-1), 14-7. Shore was in complete control of this one from start to the 3 min mark of the 4th quarter. They led 14-0, before Asbury began their comeback, which saw them score once, and drive for a game tying TD, until Evan Ruane intercepted a Jay'von Britt pass with seconds left to ice it for Shore. They now lead the B-Central, having beaten the 2 top threats, in Keyport and Asbury Park, and should cruise to a title.
Lacey(4-0), my new #1 team(see top ten below) cruised to a 41-6 win over Manchester. The Lions have a big one this week as they travel to 3-0 Barnegat and face Nick SanGiacomo, one of the leading QBs in the State. SanGiaComo is headed to Tulane University next fall and I am sure he watched his future school beat Rutgers on Sat. afternoon in New Brunswick.
In some other games to not:
Freehold Boro(2-2) beat Neptune(2-2) in OT, as Mike Hembling kicked a 33 yd. field goal to win it for Freehold Boro. Neptune did not attempt a field goal from the 4 yd. line, which would have sent the game into a second OT, but instead went for the TD and was stopped by the Freehold "D".
Brick(1-3) recorded their first win of the year against Central(0-4), by a 23-7 score.
Ocean(0-4) loss their 4th straight, in what has been a very disappointing year for the "Big Red". Colts Neck(1-3) beat them 21-7
Jax Liberty(2-2) bounced back with a win over Mon Don(1-3) by a 13-6 score. Interesting fact; Mon Don's, starting Sophomore QB(Trevor Signorino), is Ron Signorino Jr's son and also the grandson of Hall of Famer, Ron Signorino Sr. Both Jr and Sr coach at Mon Don, therefore, making the threesome a rare combination of a family unit on the same team. You won't see that on to many teams around the country.
Red Bank(2-2) beat unbeaten Holmdel(3-1) 24-21, as Casey Calmon kicked the game winner(26 yds.), with no time left. My apologies to Casey, as I had the wrong name last week, when he kicked a 49 yarder.
Point Beach(2-2) had a nice shutout win(28-0) over win less Keansburg(0-4). Tyler Fioretti ran for 175 yds. including TD runs of 83 and 67 yds. Kyle Samarantano also went 80 yds. for a score, as the Gulls dominated the Titans.
The East Raiders(2-2) are getting healthy and that's good news for Charlie Diskin. QB Joe Claizio came back after a week(concussion), and scored the winning TD in the final min to defeat Jackson(1-3), 14-7.
Keyport(3-1) put up 41 pts. and look like a good bet to make the Central 1 playoffs. They beat win less Mater Dei Prep, 41-0.
Wall(2-2) beat Point Boro(1-3) 49-24 in anything but a defensive struggle. Junior QB Steve Cluley threw for 172 yds. and 3 TDs.
Top Ten week 5:
1-Lacey(4-0)-This was not an easy task to move Matawan out of the top spot, but I honestly feel that the Lion's are the best of the best at this point. Another easy win over Manchester(41-6), the Lion's have given up only 13 points in their 4 wins, which ties them with Brick Memorial, for fewest points given up in the shore. Perhaps, my reasoning for moving the Lion's up to the top spot, was to give Barnegat a little more incentive this week, as they now face #1 Lacey.
2-Matawan(4-0)-With no disrespect for Matawan, they move down a spot, even though they won Sat. night over Rumson(2-2) by a 48-21 score. Here is my reasoning for the drop: They gave up 371 yards of total offense to Rumson, including 19 first downs(which shows that Rumson controlled the ball at times during the game). The Huskies did roll up 463 yds. of their own, and did put up 48 pts., but I just felt it was time to elevate the Lions and drop the Huskies one spot. Matawan gets a Green Wave team, smarting from 2 straight losses, this week.
3-Brick Memorial(4-0)-Another shutout for the Mustangs as they continue to show a much improved defense in 2010. As mentioned above, they have given up only 13 pts., 6 of those points can be attributed to the seconds, in a blowout win(35-6) vs. Jackson. While the offense has not been what Walt Currie wants it to be, they have scored 110 pts.(27 1/2 per game), and they have displayed a variety of players that can contribute. QB Mike DiGuilmi, RB/kicker Jordan Lodice, RB Shane Panuska, RB Vince Diodato, RB Jahaad Howard, WR Dylan Walsh, have all been a part of the offense in different weeks. The Stangs look for win #5 against T R South next week.
4-RBC(3-0)-Another team making a claim for #1 are the Casey's. They completely outplayed Long Branch, on their way to a 45-6 victory. 196 rushing yards and 4 TDs, from RB Andrew Casten, included TD runs of 59 yds. twice and 26 and 14 yds. Head Coach Jim Potela credited his defensive line of Josh Klecko, Joe Coscarelli, Matt Paolillo, and Doug Whitlock, for putting the pressure on sprint champion/ QB Miles Shuler for the defensive effort his team had on Long Branch. QB Ryan Spahr, has played well in leading the offense, with TE Jack Tabb, being his main target. RBC gets a very hot Freehold Boro team, who have won 2 straight, on Sat afternoon, on the road.
5-Manalapan(3-1)-The Braves move up 2 spots from #7 last week, with their hard fought 20-14 win over win less Freehold Twp. Josh Firkser ran for 196 yds. and scored twice in the win. Manalapan had built a 14-0 lead, only to see Freehold Twp. come back with 2 TDs, to tie it in the 4th quarter. That's when Reggie Hodge-Grant answered with a 79 yard KO return to the 12 yd. line, to set up Firkser's second TD and game winner. Bye week for the Braves, as they get ready for some tough games in the second half, as Howell. Brick Mem., and TR North await.
6-Middletown South(3-1)-Just when you thought the Eagles were in a little bit of injury trouble, they show you what type of "program" they have, with a 38-14 victory over previously unbeaten Howell. Playing without starting QB Scott Meeker(broken fibula) and starting LB Matt Saulnier(dislocated knee), the Eagles used good old fashion smash mouth, run the ball at you, football to delight the faithful fans who made the trip to Howell. I, also witnessed close up, what this years Eagle team is all about. Using 7 offensive line-men up front for much of the time(no TE-all line-men) and one wide-out(Taylor Rodgers), Tail Back Andrew Suarez, was the beneficiary of the big guys up front, as he ran for 137 yds., including a 40 yd.TD. Suarez, coming back from a season ending knee injury, last year, was turned loose for the first time this year, and he responded with flying colors. He also ran back a KO for 86 yds. which broke Howell's back in the first half, and on defense, he played corner against the dymanic Howell run and shoot offense. Yes, a full night of football for Suarez and the rest of the Eagles, and they once again, as if they had to, show the shore, that they are not quite dead, just yet. Marlboro(1-2), next up for the Eagles.
7-Howell(3-1)-The Rebels, on a night they honored their fallen hero's, in a tear filled pre-game ceremony, just couldn't respond to the Eagle attack on offense, and the relentless pressure that the Middletown South defense put on QB Ryan Davies. Davies, who came in as the shore's leading QB, was sacked 8 times, for 76 yds. of losses. He did throw for 349 yds. and a TD, but was constantly under pressure from the Eagles. Seeing a variety of coverages and blitz packages, the Eagle "D" came up big, and all those in attendance were impressed. Howell, did put up a fight, but too many 1st half points did them in. Howell will entertain Middletown North(1-3) on Friday night.
8-TR North(3-1)-The Mariners have run off 3 straight wins behind their leader and QB Demetri Davis. With these wins they enter the top ten for the first time this year. Davis ran for 149 yds. and 3 TDs propelling the Mariners to an easy 42-10 win over cross town rival TR South. The Mariners have won the "civil war" 9 straight years, even though the Indians lead the overall series 23-15-1. Davis, running out of the spread offense, which was created for him, by Head Coach Chip LaBarca Jr. gets more comfortable each week. The Mariners are on a roll right now, and it couldn't come at a better time, as they have some big games coming up. Up-coming is Colts Neck this week, then Southern, before what should be, for all the marbles in A-South, a trip to the Mustangs on Oct 22nd.
9-Shore(3-0)-Another new-comer to the top ten are the Blue Devils. They won at Asbury Park, and that just doesn't happen very often. The Bishops had not lost to a Group 1 school since 2006 and it was Shores first win over the Bishops since Sept. 16th of 2006. Playing a very dangerous Asbury Park team, the Devils used a Evan Ruane interception to ice the game with seconds left. Asbury was mounting a fourth quarter comeback, which saw them score at the 2:32 mark of the quarter, to cut the lead to 14-7, and then they got the ball back with 1:38 left, and were moving downfield, before Ruane's pick. Running behind Mark Coleman(85 yds.), Pat Maggio(62 yds.) and a 23 yd. TD pass to Maggio from Ruane, the Devils now are in the drivers seat for the Class B-Central title. Interesting non-conference match-up with Manasquan this week.
10-Barnegat(3-0)-The Bengals were idle this week, but hop into my top ten this week with their undefeated record. They have a pressure game this week against my #1 team, Lacey, in a home-coming contest that is one of the biggest Barnegat has played in their young existence. Everyone is waiting to watch QB Nick SanGiacomo go up against one of the top defenses in the shore, in Lacey. Are the Bengals ready for this one? We shall see, in person, as this is our game of the week, and we will broadcast this one on Friday at 7PM, on the "Hawk"(105.7FM).
Just on the outside looking in:
Manasquan(3-1) have a chance to jump in vs. Shore this week.
Keyport(3-1) Always a team to watch in Group 1.
TR East(2-2) The Raiders are getting their injured back and are a dangerous team.
Asbury Park(3-1) Not used to losing, they will be back.
Neptune(2-1) Best 2-2 team in shore, without a doubt.
Freehold Boro(2-2) Have come back from 0-2 start.
In another game I was at the Blue Devils of Shore(3-0) upset the Bishops of Asbury Park(3-1), 14-7. Shore was in complete control of this one from start to the 3 min mark of the 4th quarter. They led 14-0, before Asbury began their comeback, which saw them score once, and drive for a game tying TD, until Evan Ruane intercepted a Jay'von Britt pass with seconds left to ice it for Shore. They now lead the B-Central, having beaten the 2 top threats, in Keyport and Asbury Park, and should cruise to a title.
Lacey(4-0), my new #1 team(see top ten below) cruised to a 41-6 win over Manchester. The Lions have a big one this week as they travel to 3-0 Barnegat and face Nick SanGiacomo, one of the leading QBs in the State. SanGiaComo is headed to Tulane University next fall and I am sure he watched his future school beat Rutgers on Sat. afternoon in New Brunswick.
In some other games to not:
Freehold Boro(2-2) beat Neptune(2-2) in OT, as Mike Hembling kicked a 33 yd. field goal to win it for Freehold Boro. Neptune did not attempt a field goal from the 4 yd. line, which would have sent the game into a second OT, but instead went for the TD and was stopped by the Freehold "D".
Brick(1-3) recorded their first win of the year against Central(0-4), by a 23-7 score.
Ocean(0-4) loss their 4th straight, in what has been a very disappointing year for the "Big Red". Colts Neck(1-3) beat them 21-7
Jax Liberty(2-2) bounced back with a win over Mon Don(1-3) by a 13-6 score. Interesting fact; Mon Don's, starting Sophomore QB(Trevor Signorino), is Ron Signorino Jr's son and also the grandson of Hall of Famer, Ron Signorino Sr. Both Jr and Sr coach at Mon Don, therefore, making the threesome a rare combination of a family unit on the same team. You won't see that on to many teams around the country.
Red Bank(2-2) beat unbeaten Holmdel(3-1) 24-21, as Casey Calmon kicked the game winner(26 yds.), with no time left. My apologies to Casey, as I had the wrong name last week, when he kicked a 49 yarder.
Point Beach(2-2) had a nice shutout win(28-0) over win less Keansburg(0-4). Tyler Fioretti ran for 175 yds. including TD runs of 83 and 67 yds. Kyle Samarantano also went 80 yds. for a score, as the Gulls dominated the Titans.
The East Raiders(2-2) are getting healthy and that's good news for Charlie Diskin. QB Joe Claizio came back after a week(concussion), and scored the winning TD in the final min to defeat Jackson(1-3), 14-7.
Keyport(3-1) put up 41 pts. and look like a good bet to make the Central 1 playoffs. They beat win less Mater Dei Prep, 41-0.
Wall(2-2) beat Point Boro(1-3) 49-24 in anything but a defensive struggle. Junior QB Steve Cluley threw for 172 yds. and 3 TDs.
Top Ten week 5:
1-Lacey(4-0)-This was not an easy task to move Matawan out of the top spot, but I honestly feel that the Lion's are the best of the best at this point. Another easy win over Manchester(41-6), the Lion's have given up only 13 points in their 4 wins, which ties them with Brick Memorial, for fewest points given up in the shore. Perhaps, my reasoning for moving the Lion's up to the top spot, was to give Barnegat a little more incentive this week, as they now face #1 Lacey.
2-Matawan(4-0)-With no disrespect for Matawan, they move down a spot, even though they won Sat. night over Rumson(2-2) by a 48-21 score. Here is my reasoning for the drop: They gave up 371 yards of total offense to Rumson, including 19 first downs(which shows that Rumson controlled the ball at times during the game). The Huskies did roll up 463 yds. of their own, and did put up 48 pts., but I just felt it was time to elevate the Lions and drop the Huskies one spot. Matawan gets a Green Wave team, smarting from 2 straight losses, this week.
3-Brick Memorial(4-0)-Another shutout for the Mustangs as they continue to show a much improved defense in 2010. As mentioned above, they have given up only 13 pts., 6 of those points can be attributed to the seconds, in a blowout win(35-6) vs. Jackson. While the offense has not been what Walt Currie wants it to be, they have scored 110 pts.(27 1/2 per game), and they have displayed a variety of players that can contribute. QB Mike DiGuilmi, RB/kicker Jordan Lodice, RB Shane Panuska, RB Vince Diodato, RB Jahaad Howard, WR Dylan Walsh, have all been a part of the offense in different weeks. The Stangs look for win #5 against T R South next week.
4-RBC(3-0)-Another team making a claim for #1 are the Casey's. They completely outplayed Long Branch, on their way to a 45-6 victory. 196 rushing yards and 4 TDs, from RB Andrew Casten, included TD runs of 59 yds. twice and 26 and 14 yds. Head Coach Jim Potela credited his defensive line of Josh Klecko, Joe Coscarelli, Matt Paolillo, and Doug Whitlock, for putting the pressure on sprint champion/ QB Miles Shuler for the defensive effort his team had on Long Branch. QB Ryan Spahr, has played well in leading the offense, with TE Jack Tabb, being his main target. RBC gets a very hot Freehold Boro team, who have won 2 straight, on Sat afternoon, on the road.
5-Manalapan(3-1)-The Braves move up 2 spots from #7 last week, with their hard fought 20-14 win over win less Freehold Twp. Josh Firkser ran for 196 yds. and scored twice in the win. Manalapan had built a 14-0 lead, only to see Freehold Twp. come back with 2 TDs, to tie it in the 4th quarter. That's when Reggie Hodge-Grant answered with a 79 yard KO return to the 12 yd. line, to set up Firkser's second TD and game winner. Bye week for the Braves, as they get ready for some tough games in the second half, as Howell. Brick Mem., and TR North await.
6-Middletown South(3-1)-Just when you thought the Eagles were in a little bit of injury trouble, they show you what type of "program" they have, with a 38-14 victory over previously unbeaten Howell. Playing without starting QB Scott Meeker(broken fibula) and starting LB Matt Saulnier(dislocated knee), the Eagles used good old fashion smash mouth, run the ball at you, football to delight the faithful fans who made the trip to Howell. I, also witnessed close up, what this years Eagle team is all about. Using 7 offensive line-men up front for much of the time(no TE-all line-men) and one wide-out(Taylor Rodgers), Tail Back Andrew Suarez, was the beneficiary of the big guys up front, as he ran for 137 yds., including a 40 yd.TD. Suarez, coming back from a season ending knee injury, last year, was turned loose for the first time this year, and he responded with flying colors. He also ran back a KO for 86 yds. which broke Howell's back in the first half, and on defense, he played corner against the dymanic Howell run and shoot offense. Yes, a full night of football for Suarez and the rest of the Eagles, and they once again, as if they had to, show the shore, that they are not quite dead, just yet. Marlboro(1-2), next up for the Eagles.
7-Howell(3-1)-The Rebels, on a night they honored their fallen hero's, in a tear filled pre-game ceremony, just couldn't respond to the Eagle attack on offense, and the relentless pressure that the Middletown South defense put on QB Ryan Davies. Davies, who came in as the shore's leading QB, was sacked 8 times, for 76 yds. of losses. He did throw for 349 yds. and a TD, but was constantly under pressure from the Eagles. Seeing a variety of coverages and blitz packages, the Eagle "D" came up big, and all those in attendance were impressed. Howell, did put up a fight, but too many 1st half points did them in. Howell will entertain Middletown North(1-3) on Friday night.
8-TR North(3-1)-The Mariners have run off 3 straight wins behind their leader and QB Demetri Davis. With these wins they enter the top ten for the first time this year. Davis ran for 149 yds. and 3 TDs propelling the Mariners to an easy 42-10 win over cross town rival TR South. The Mariners have won the "civil war" 9 straight years, even though the Indians lead the overall series 23-15-1. Davis, running out of the spread offense, which was created for him, by Head Coach Chip LaBarca Jr. gets more comfortable each week. The Mariners are on a roll right now, and it couldn't come at a better time, as they have some big games coming up. Up-coming is Colts Neck this week, then Southern, before what should be, for all the marbles in A-South, a trip to the Mustangs on Oct 22nd.
9-Shore(3-0)-Another new-comer to the top ten are the Blue Devils. They won at Asbury Park, and that just doesn't happen very often. The Bishops had not lost to a Group 1 school since 2006 and it was Shores first win over the Bishops since Sept. 16th of 2006. Playing a very dangerous Asbury Park team, the Devils used a Evan Ruane interception to ice the game with seconds left. Asbury was mounting a fourth quarter comeback, which saw them score at the 2:32 mark of the quarter, to cut the lead to 14-7, and then they got the ball back with 1:38 left, and were moving downfield, before Ruane's pick. Running behind Mark Coleman(85 yds.), Pat Maggio(62 yds.) and a 23 yd. TD pass to Maggio from Ruane, the Devils now are in the drivers seat for the Class B-Central title. Interesting non-conference match-up with Manasquan this week.
10-Barnegat(3-0)-The Bengals were idle this week, but hop into my top ten this week with their undefeated record. They have a pressure game this week against my #1 team, Lacey, in a home-coming contest that is one of the biggest Barnegat has played in their young existence. Everyone is waiting to watch QB Nick SanGiacomo go up against one of the top defenses in the shore, in Lacey. Are the Bengals ready for this one? We shall see, in person, as this is our game of the week, and we will broadcast this one on Friday at 7PM, on the "Hawk"(105.7FM).
Just on the outside looking in:
Manasquan(3-1) have a chance to jump in vs. Shore this week.
Keyport(3-1) Always a team to watch in Group 1.
TR East(2-2) The Raiders are getting their injured back and are a dangerous team.
Asbury Park(3-1) Not used to losing, they will be back.
Neptune(2-1) Best 2-2 team in shore, without a doubt.
Freehold Boro(2-2) Have come back from 0-2 start.
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