Scanning The Scene

Season Wrap Up

2010-12-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca: 2010 wrap up.

Final Football Top Ten-2010

1-Lacey(12-0)-Matawan's upset loss to Rumson, clearly left no doubt as to who is #1. Lacey finishes as the only undefeated team in the shore and won their 4th title on Saturday, with a 56-7 thrashing of Delsea. Offense, defense, special teams were the reasons why Lacey had no trouble with Delsea, and turnovers certainly helped make this one a blow-out. RB Jake Dabal scored 3 times and QB Craig Ciccardo twice, to lead the Lions. Jared Molzon(2 TDs) had his usual all-around game on both sides of the ball and the Lacey defense led by Dave Vieira, Matt Uvegas, Dyan Joslin and Zack Torrell, to mention a few, completely shut down Delsea offense, holding the Cruasders to 1 TD. Defensively the Lions caused 8 turnovers(5 fumbles and 3 picks) and scored one TD on defense, a Torrell fumble return of 8 yards. Congratulations to Lou Vircillo and the 2010 Lacey Lions.

2-Freehold Boro(10-2)-Make it championship #2 for the Colonials as they beat Middletown South 14-12, in the days best game. Freehold concludes a strange season. A season which saw them lose their first 2 games and then win 10 straight, on their way to the title. Coach Mark Ciccotelli squad led 7- 6 at the half and had to hold on as the Eagles had a chance to tie it on a 2-point conversion attempt at the 2:57 mark of the 4th quarter. That conversion was no good and Freehold had it's 2nd championship. Jaxmar Clax scored from 39 yards out late in the 3rd quarter, to make it 14-6, after a weird play, which saw 6'5", 270 lb. DT Ryan Wytanis return a short punt by Scott Meeker, which set up the Clax run. Meeker fielded a bad snap and did a great job just getting the punt off, but it didn't go very far and Wytanis picked it off in the air and returned it 12 yards to mid-field. Steve Antonucci, Mid South's head coach, said it best--"they play football with an attitude". I think that best describes the Colonials. Way to go Freehold.

3-RBC(8-2)-Although they did not play this past weekend, the Caseys move up to the 3rd spot on the strength of their 40-14 victory over CJ Group 2 champs Rumson. They also lost a overtime game to Freehold(26-25). The Caseys lost to finalist Bergen Catholic, who played #1 in the state, Don Bosco, pretty tough before falling in the Non-Public Group 4 finals. This was a season of what could have been, and you cannot hold it against them because they play in the toughest division in the States. If they matched up against anyone in top ten, it would be a ballgame.

4-Rumson(9-3)- The shocker around the state was the upset win by the Bulldogs over previously unbeaten and defending champ, Matawan. The win not only gave Rumson their first ever State Championship, but it will go down as one of the most memorable upsets in the annals of the New Jersey State football championships. QB Mike Villapiano and Conner Riley each ran for plus 100 yards and the Bulldogs controlled the football game, from beginning to end. The win was so one-sided that the Huskies potent offense was held to 2 first downs all day and only 62 yards of total offense! If you told me that, I would have said, you were lying to me. No one at Rutgers(where we were working) could believe what was happening at Kean University, as we kept getting updates in the last few minutes of the game. Then Jared Allison breaks a punt return for 93 yards and a TD, to make it 13-7 with 2:12 left, and everyone held their breathe. Mike Huttner recovered the onside kick by Matawan and Rumson had their championship. Lets give some credit to assistant coach and defensive coordinator Jerry Shultie who devised the game plan that will be watched by many over the winter, to see how they contained the explosive Matawan weapons. One of the great defensive efforts by a team.

5-Matawan(11-1)-The Huskies could not get it done as they fell to Rumson 13-7 in the major upset on championship Saturday. Holding this Matawan team to 2 first downs is nothing short of a miracle, and that's what Rumson did. The Huskies now must begin a new streak next year and they certainly have players coming back to do it. Cassius Williams is the top RB returning in the shore, and QB Kashawn Barnes is going to be a good one. The Huskies will reload in 2011 and will be one of the toughest team around. The big wins this year included Manasquan, Freehold Boro, Rumson(first time around) and Raritan. That's a list of 2 champions and a playoff semi-finalist. Although this loss will sting for awhile, there are no problems in Huskie land.

6-Middletown South(9-3)- The loss to Freehold Boro was the 3rd loss in a row by the Eagles in the finals. Of course they have won it 9 times, so we should not concentrate on those losses, as we all know how hard it is just get to the finals. The Eagles made it close in the last quarter when Rob Dickerson returned a fumble 36 yards for a TD, but missed the 2-point conversion, which would have tied it. That TD game with 2:57 left, but Freehold's DB Rameer Wright, knocked down the 2-point try to send Mid South to defeat. The Eagles complete a season, where they had victories over Howell and Brick Memorial, on their way to the finals.

7-Brick Memorial(9-3)-The Stangs were cut down in their bid for a 3rd championship by a better team-Sayreville(11-1). The final score of 14-0 was not an good indication of how one-sided this one really was. The exceptional play of the Mustang defense kept the Stangs around well into the 4th quarter, as they fumbled away a chance at the 3 yard line late in the game which would have made it 14-7 and a chance. Sure they gave up yardage (239), and offensively, only had 112, but the consistently bad field position, kept the Stang offense in constant trouble. The Bombers were bigger, stronger and faster on this given night and Memorial played well, just to hang around all night. The Stangs will learn from this loss and take away the knowledge of what it will take to get back to the finals. This is a program which has been one of the best in the shore in the last 8 years(5 finals-2 championships), and they won the A-South championship this year. They are here to stay.

8-Manalapan(8-3)-The Braves were beaten by Sayreville in the semi-finals which concluded their season. They won the A-North title and beat Mid South and Howell twice. Coach Tom Gallahue now steps down to go into administration and Eddie Gurrierri takes over full rein, even though he was the head coach this year. The Braves graduate POY RB Josh Firsker and Rutgers bound QB Mike Bimonte.

9-Shore(11-1)-The Blue Devils won the CJ Group 1 title with a very convincing 30-6 win over Dunellen. Evan Ruane and company ran up and down the field on Saturday to the tune of 209 yards. Defensively the Blue Devils were under-rated all year and they held Dunellen, who came in averaging 42 points a game, to 1 TD. The only negative that came out of this one was Mark Coleman, who separated his left shoulder early in 4th quarter. Mark had played great until that point on both sides of the ball, running for 116 yards in the 3 quarters he played, and playing great on "D". RB Pat Maggio ran for 74 more and Shane Carroll caught a TD pass from Ruane, and kicked a 27 yard field goal. All and all, a complete win for the Devils and championship # 5.

10Manasquan(9-2)- The Warriors won the C-Central title to put another championship in the trophy case. They lost to Matawan in the semi's, but their effort was not wasted on this reporter. i thought they played as good as they could have against the high powered Huskies and came up a little short. Their 11 State championships still lead the shore. Their marque wins this year included Wall(7-4) on Turkey Day and Shore Reg(their only loss).

Just missed:

Wall(7-4)-Lost to Freehold Boro in semi-s. Solid year and return top QB next year in Steve Cluley.

TR North(7-3)-A season of what could have been for the Mariners as they missed playoffs(by a point) because of fluke ruling on Mainland, which had to forfeit games they had won. Demetri Davis completes his tremendous career for the Mariners.

Howell(6-4)-Ryan Davies broke passing records in his first varsity season for dad Cory. Only a junior, he will be back to drive defensive coordinators crazy.

Keyport(8-3)-Mike didn't get another championship(he's won 6), however he did have the opportunity to cheer on brother Mark, as Freehold won one. Add in brother Steve(head coach at Scotch Plains/Fanwood) and you have a pretty good coaching family.

Barnegat(6-5)-The Bengals won their first ever playoff game and establish themselves as a program to watch in the future. The 5 year program has done nothing but improve under Rob Davis and his assistants. QB Nick SanGiacomo set school records which will stand for quite awhile. He takes his tools to Tulane University next year. Senior receiver Mike DeTroia led shore in catches on "O" and interceptions on "D".

Manchester(6-4)-A playoff berth this year for the Hawks. RB Joe Johnson returns to lead the Hawks in 2011.

Raritan(6-4)-Nice year for the Rockets as Anthony Petruzzi completes his first year as head coach.

Neptune(6-4)-Don Soficanick completes his first year at Neptune with winning record. Injuries hurt the Fliers all year.

11/24 - 11/28

2010-11-29T08:39:00.001-08:00

Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:

With the Thanksgiving games now complete we can focus on the 7 teams that have one more game to play. Those games, of course, are for State championships. Matawan(CJ-2), Middletown South(CJ-3), Freehold Boro(CJ-3), Brick Memorial(CJ-4), Rumson(CJ-2), Lacey(SJ-3) and Shore(CJ-1) are this years participants in the finals. Each will have a chance, at what each team strives for, when they start those summer practices way back in June and July. Some of these players on these teams have a chance to add another championship to their legacy. Matawan is looking for back to back championships, having won last year against Manasquan, and get championship #6. Lacey looks to complete an undefeated season and put title #4 in the trophy case. It won't be easy for the Lions, as they face Delsea, who have won 8 titles in their history. Brick Memorial is on a streak which has put them in their 3rd straight finals and 5th in the last 7 years. They have 2 titles to show for their previous 4 finals. Middletown South has not won a title since 2006, and are playing in their, unbelievable, 17th finals. They have won 9 times. Shore looks for state title #5, against a good Dunnellen team, while Freehold Boro looks for #2. Rumson is the only team in finals looking for their first championship.

No need to get on the "why do we play games in between playoff games" bandwagon as I have in the past. But until this archaic New Jersey playoff system is changed, we must deal with Thanksgiving Day games. Here is a closer look at some of the contests played this past week:

Brick Memorial and Lacey started the trend that I think more schools will go to in the future; that is play 9 straight games(no Thanksgiving game) and then go into the playoffs. Of course, if they did not make the playoffs, their season would have been over on November 12th. The athletes who play winter sports would have had 2 weeks to rest their bodies and prepare for basketball, wrestling, winter track and any other activity they play. A no-brainer right? Well that's not the way New Jersey looks at it. Change the system once and for all. Instead we play 2 rounds of playoffs and then most of the time, meaningless games, before we resume the playoffs and play a final round. Sure, there are games which are important(Manasquan-Wall, Marlboro-Manalapan), which there were championships to be won. But those games could have been played during the season and perhaps Wall, Manasquan and Manalapan, which all lost in the semi-finals, could have had "full" concentration on the playoffs. Now I'm not saying that was the reason why they lost in the States, but you never know.

Everyone else playing this weekend, with the exception of Rumson, got by with their traditional games. Neptune(6-4) took care of Asbury Park(5-5) in a game which saw the Bishops previous coach(Don Sofilkanich), play against them as Neptunes coach, for the first time. The game ended 31-20 with Junior RB David Gutzmore rushing for 162 yards and 2 TDs. Neptune was plagued with injuries throughout the year or perhaps they would have been playing this week.

Lakewood(3-7) won 3 of it's last 4 to finish Warren Wolf's first year on an up-note. Now the question arises again, whether Warren has coached his last game. He stated in the paper, "he would like to come back for another year". We shall see. The game with Toms River South(0-10) concluded a year which the Indians would like to forget as soon as possible. It was 1963 when the Indians were last win less(before split it was Toms River HS). That's 47 years of mostly winning seasons for South. Ron Signorino Sr came to TR in 1964(1-8) and then went on to have a legendary coaching career there, in 2 terms at the school.

Middletown South(9-2) took care of cross-town rival Middletown North(2-8), by a 20-7 score, while Manalapan wrapped up sole possesion of A-North title with a 47-20 beating of Marlboro. In that contest, Josh Firkser scored 5 more TDs to add to his record breaking offensive year. You can take it to the bank--"Player of the Year" awards will follow. Rumson(8-3) played all their starters against RBC(8-2), but it wasn't enough, as they went down 40-14. The Casey's conclude an outstanding year, even though they were knocked out of State play in round 1.

How about RB Matt McClain of Pinelands. In their 30-28 loss to Barnegat on Turkey Day, Matt ran for 330 yards and 4 TDs. Matt's numbers were all the chart this year, as Pinelands finished 5-5 for the year. Barnegat completes a 6-5 year and their first winning record in the 5 years the school has been open. It also concludes the career of QB Nick SanGiacomo and his outstanding receiver Mike DeTroia. Nick is on his way to Tulane University to continue his football career.

Matawan(11-0) jumped all over SJ Vianney and cruised to a 42-7 score. That was the 1/2 score and despite the somewhat "heat" Joe Martucci and the Huskies took after the Manasquan game, the starters were out of this one early, and the Huskies played the entire second half with back-ups. Classy move Joe, as you get the Huskies ready for Rumson in CJ-2 finals at Rutgers.

Took in the Jackson Memorial-Jackson Liberty game on Wednesday night. In this one, won by Memorial 20-13, I saw what could have been the best hit I have seen all year. It was Memorial's junior cornerback Jimmy Celidonio who hit receiver Jon Morgan, from Liberty, in the backfield creating a fumble, which was picked up by Mike Lopez who fell into the endzone for the game deciding TD. Memorial finishes 6-4, while Liberty was 4-6 this year.

Red Bank(4-6) concludes a nice year for the Nick Giglio led Bucs. Last year the Bucs won 2 games, this year 4, so the improvement in the program is clearly evident. Congratulations to RB Jahmer Bunch who ran for 187 yards and 2 TDs to help give the Bucs their first win over Long Branch(4-6) since 2003. Long Branch, who played the second half without QB Miles Schuler(thigh injury), now must replace one of the best players in the shore in Schuler.

TR North(7-3) beat TR East 24-6 on Turkey Day and ends the career of QB Demetri Davis of North. Davis had himself a great 2010, as he scored twice and threw for one in the easy win. Davis rushed for 100 yards or more in every game this year and his play in the secondary may just get him a spot on the all-shore team. The Mariners were obviously disappointed in not making the playoffs, but the development of the 2010 Mariners was a good coaching job by Chip LaBarca Jr and the rest of his staff.

In a game which we did live on the Shore Sports Network, Manasquan defeated Wall 21-16, to win the C-Central title. The Warriors trailed in this one 10-0 at the half. That's when things got a little wacky. Manasquan took the opening kickoff of the second half and scored in a few plays on a 17 yard run by game MVP Tariq Turner. Then things really got crazy, as 300 lb Jack Cuttrell picked up a loose fumble and ran 51 yards, with sprinters speed into the endzone, and Manasquan had a 14-10 lead, they would never relinquish. Squan's 3rd TD was a 21 yard HB option pass thrown by Tariq Turner which Manasquan's Bryan Abadrabro took away from Wall's Richie Bomenblit. That one iced the game for Manasquan. We have been a part of this game for many years, and it's so refreshing to see two coaching staffs who actually like and respect each other and truely convey that feeling both before and after the game. Great job by both programs, and a special thank you to Head Coaches Chris Barnes and Pete Cahill, for showing everyone how programs should be run. There are many great coaches in the State, none are any better than these two.

Top Ten-Week 13:

1-Matawan(11-0)- The Huskies look to complete back to back CJ-2 championship seasons and their 6th overall. Sat at Kean University vs. Rumson at 3PM.

2-Lacey(11-0)- The Lions look for their 4th title and an undefeated season when they take on Delsea at home on Sat at 1PM.

3-Middletown South(9-2)- The Eagles have 9 titles and look for #10 on Sat at Rutgers vs. Freehold Boro at 1PM.

4-Brick Memorial(9-2)- The Stangs are playing in their 3 straight finals and look for championship #3 at Rutgers on Sat. at 7PM vs Sayrville.

5-Freehold Boro(9-2)- The Colonials are the Shore's "hottest" team, having won 9 straight. They play a tough program and team in Middletown South on Sat at Rutgers at 1PM.

6-RBC(8-2)- The Caseys concluded their outstanding year with a 40-14 win vs. Rumson. RB Andrew Casten is the leader of RBC and one of the top RB in the Shore.

7-Manalapan(8-3)- The Braves will not play for a title, but the 2010 season certainly will be remembered. RB Josh Firsker and QB Mike Bimonte finished their career with a A-North championship.

8-Manasquan(9-2)- Squan won the C-Central with a 20-13 win over Wall on Thanksgiving morning.

9-Shore(10-1)- Shore's only lost was to #8 Squan(7-6). The Blue Deils play at Rutgers at 10AM vs. a tough Dunellen squad.

10-Rumson(8-3)-Have a tough one against the #1 team in my top ten. Next up- Matawan at Kean University at 3PM Sat.

Just missed:

TR North(7-3)-Tough losses to Brick Mem., Manalapan and a bad loss to Howell hurt the Mariners this year.

Keyport(8-3)- Great year for the Red Raiders. Lost to Shore twice.

Wall(7-4)- Played Manasquan and Freehold Boro tough.

Enjoy Championship weekend--hope to see you at Rutgers. Shore Sports Network will broadcast the Brick Memorial vs. Sayreville gane at 7PM Saturday night.

Weekend of 11/19 + 11/20

2010-11-22T16:29:00.000-08:00

Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:

It was a banner day for the shore conference which sets them up for multiple championships on the weekend of Dec 3rd and 4th,2010. Led by 2009 champ Matawan, who disposed of Manasquan on Sat. night by a 26-14 score, the shore will have 7 schools alive on that weekend. Lacey also took care of business in SJ 3, with a 34-14 pasting of Winslow Twp. Mid South had some anxious moments but held on to a 21-13 victory over Hamilton West, while Brick Memorial shut out their 4th opponent of the year in a 37-0 rout of previously 8-1 North Brunswick, in CJ Group 4 The Stangs will play in their 3rd finals in a row, and 5th in the last 7 years, on Sat night(7PM) at Rutgers. Rumson, a 36-0 winner over Carteret, has the task of taking on Matawan in the CJ 2 finals. That one will be played at Kean University on Sat afternoon(3PM). Freehold, won perhaps the best game of the weekend, by edging Wall 20-14. The Colonials will match up with Mid South in CJ 3. Shore Reg looks to be a big favorite in CJ 1coming off their 31-7 victory over the Red Raiders from Keyport. It was the second time the Blue Devils beat them this year. So with 2 all-shore match-ups(CJ 2 and 3) we are guaranteed to have at least 2 winners. We had 2 last year(Asbury Park and Matawan).

Here are the dates, times and places for the finals involving shore conference teams:

Sat-Dec 4th at Kean University: 3PM start Rumson at Matawan(CJ 2)

Sat-Dec 4th at Rutgers University: 10AM- Shore vs Dunellen(CJ 1)

1PM- Freehold Boro at Mid South(CJ 3)

7PM- Sayreville vs Brick Memorial(CJ 4)

Sat-Dec 4th at Lacey Twp.: 1PM- Delsea vs Lacey(SJ 3)

Here's a list of titles won by these participates followed by over-all all time State winners:

Mid South--9

Shore--4

Matawan--4

Lacey--3

Brick Memorial--2

Sayreville--1

Freehold Boro--1

Dunellen--1

Rumson--0

Most State Titles:

1. St. Joseph of Hammonton (19)
2. Pope John (18)
3. Paulsboro (16)
4. St. Joseph of Montvale (14)
5. Bergen Catholic (13)
6. Manasquan (11)
7. Union (10)
8. (tie) Delsea (9)
8. (tie) Don Bosco Prep (9)
8. (tie) Middletown South (9)
8. (tie) South River (9)

Lets look at last weeks game:

Matawan(10-0) was a one man show on Sat. night. It was their main man, Jared Allison, who completely dominated a game which Manasquan(8-2) would have won, if not for Allison. It was a battle of stars, as Squan's Tariq Turner(181 yds/2 TDs), also put on a show for all to see. All Mr. Allison did was run a punt back 84 yards, run one in from 25 yards and finally to win it, he had a spectacular 92 yard TD run. Turner had 2 TDs of 58 and 15 yards to go with his 181 yards. I was on the fence whether to go to this one, as I attended the Freehold Boro, Wall game in the afternoon, but am I glad I did. Turner has me believing he is an all-shore RB, and Allison must be on that team in some capacity. Maybe not the QB, but there are other positions to slot him. Matawan now plays SJ Vianney(4-5) at 1PM on Sat. afternoon, while Squan will have another big one with Wall(7-3), on Thanksgiving morning, at home. These 2 will play for the C-Central title. Manasquan wins it outright with a "W", Wall ties with a win.

Lacey(11-0) used 247 running yards and another 46 through the air, to easily beat Winslow(6-4), 34-14. Craig Ciccardo Jr(96 yds./2TDs) and Jake Dabal(84 yds./1TD) led the Lions on the ground, as they now shoot for their 4th title in their history. In this one, the Lions faced University of Pitt QB recruit Bill Belton(31 for 45/281 yds./2TDs), and did a pretty nice job against him. Lacey will face Delsea at home on Dec 4th at 1PM.

Brick Memorial(9-2) again exerted a defense that has carried them all year. Their 4th shut-out of the year produced 5 turnovers(3 int. and 2 fumbles) over, what was the 20th in the State, 8-1, North Brunswick Raiders. The difference Friday night was the Mustang offense came to play also. QB Mike DiGuilmi(83 rushing yds./3TDs) ran the Stang option attack to perfection as the Stangs rolled up 304 yards rushing. Soph RB Anthony Miller(112 yds./1 TD) also had a big game for Brick Mem. They will face Sayreville (10-1) on Sat. Dec 4th, 7PM at Rutgers.

In other action, Mid South(8-2) struggled somewhat, but beat Hamilton West(7-3) 21-13. The Eagles used RBs Andrew Suarez and Kyle Bunge for 293 yards and 3 TDs, but fumbled twice and threw an int. to keep this one close. This will be 3 straight final appearances for the Eagles, as they look for their 10th title.

Rumson(8-2) of all the teams still left, has the toughest of assignments on Turkey Day weekend, as they face a angry RBC(7-2) team. They must focus on this one before they worry about Matawan on championship weekend. They cruised to a 36-0 victory, as QB Mike Villapiano ran for 119 yds and threw 2 TD passes , to lead the Bulldogs. This one was so dominate that Rumson ran 40 plays in the first half to Carteret's 14. Villapiano was also 16 for 21/161 yds. and 2 TDs, passing.

Shore Reg(9-1) must focus on Point Beach in a Thanksgiving Day game and then look to Dunellen HS in the finals at Rutgers University. A 31-7 win over Keyport(8-3) got the Blue Devils into the finals. It was the second time this season they have defeated the Red Raiders.

Freehold( 8-2) won their 8th straight game with their 20-13 win over Wall. It was the Colonial defense who won this one, as they held Wall running game to 28 yards, and Wall's outstanding passing game to 88 yards. When you put up numbers like that you usually win football games, but that was not the case Sat. Wall hung with Freehold, despite the 259 yds. rushing Freehold had and the 70 yds. passing, but 3 interceptions kept it close, until Freeholds Sterry Codrington ran one in from 61 yds. for the winning score. Codrington ran for 150 yards on the afternoon. Short turn-around for the Colonials, as they play Wed night at Freehold Twp., before the Mid South final.

Manalapan's lost to Sayreville surprised most shore observers, but the Bombers used a 99 yd. interception return against Mike Bimonte, to turn the complextion of their semi-final contest and win it 32-20. Manalapan(7-3) was going in for a 14-2 lead, when the pick occurred and the Braves never recovered. Manalapan now plays Marlboro for the outright A-North title. A loss will tie them with Mid South assuming they beat Mid North on Turkey Day.
Josh Fiskser was held to 70 yards, the first time under a hundred all year. Bimonte did throw for 293 yds. in the losing effort.

Barnegat(5-5) got bombed early and often down in West Deptford. It was ugly in the 56-7 loss. Barnegat needs a victory over Pinelands for winning record in 2010. It also concludes outstanding careers of Nick San Giacomo and Mike DeTroia. SanGiacomo was picked 5 times(2 returned for TDs) on Friday down in Deptford. None the less, he has had a record setting career for the Bengals.

Week 12 top Ten:

1-Matawan(10-0) The huskies won a tough one vs. Manasquan and find themselves in the CJ 2 final for the second year in a row. Next up- SJ Vianney on Sat at Matawan 1PM

2-Lacey(11-0)-Would have been a popular choice down south to move Lacey to #1, but I'll wait and see what happens in the finals. Next up-Delsea in SJ 3 final.

3-Middletown South(8-2)-The Eagles looking for title #10 in CJ 3. Next up Mid North on Turkey Day at the Lions home field.

4-Brick Memorial(9-2)-The Mustangs stingy defense could be the best in the shore! Next up Sayreville at Rutgers in CJ 4 final.

5-Freehold Boro(8-2)-Beat Wall to get the CJ 3 final. Must come back on a short turn around against rival freehold Twp. on Wed night on the road.

6-RBC(7-2)-The Caseys will have a chance against a playoff finalist in Rumson on Thanksgiving Day at Rumson.

7-Manalapn(7-3)-The Braves season will end on Turkey Day against Marlboro. It's not the ending they were looking for.

8-Manasquan(8-2)-Will not get a chance to win title #12 this year. They gave Matawan all they could handle on Sat night. Next up Wall on Turkey Day at home. WOBM radio broadcast at 10:45am.

9-Rumson(8-2) Impressive win vs. Carteret gets them the #9 spot. RBC travels to Rumson on Thanksgiving Day.

10-Shore(9-1) Another impressive win vs. Keyport to get them to Rutgers for a shot at the CJ 1 title. Next up Point Beach at Beach Thanksgiving morning.

Just outside looking in:

Wall(7-3)-A big chance at redemption vs. Manasquan and a piece of C-Central title.
TR North(6-3)-A season of what could have been. Demetri Davis concludes an outstanding senior year.
Keyport(8-3)-An 8 win season for the Mike Ciccotelli led Red Raiders.
Howell(5-4)-Junior QB Ryan Davies has set numerous records this year for the Rebels.

Some of the more interesting games over Thanksgiving weekend:

TR South(0-9) vs Lakewood(2-7)- Piners looking for 3rd win for Warren Wolf, after winning 0 last year.

RBC(7-2) at Rumson(8-2)-Interesting in the fact that Rumson has another to play. remember a few years back when Rumson was in same position??

Asbury Park(5-4) at Neptune(5-4)-Don Sofilkanich faces his old team.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Weekend of 11/12 + 11/13

2010-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

Scanning the H.S. Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:

The first round of the 2010 football State tournament is now history and the shore community can be proud of the 12-6 record the winners put up in round 1. The fact that 3 games involved all-shore match-ups, makes the 12-6 record look even stronger. Led by 2009 Group 2 winner Matawan, the shore will be well represented in the semi-final round. Central 4 has Manalapan and Brick Memorial in opposite brackets, so there is a chance one will make it to the finals. Central 3, has perennial participate and winner, in Middletown South still remaining. The bottom of the Central 3 bracket will be an all-shore match, between 2 teams that have both won 7 straight games--Wall and Freehold Boro. Something has to break here. Central 2, besides Matawan, has Rumson in the opposite side, also contending for a title. Matawan, will now take on Manasquan, who held on, in a wild 33-32 victory over Roselle. The health of Manasquan's outstanding RB Tariq Turner(injured in win), has allot to do with who wins that contest. Central 1 has a rematch which matches Shore and Keyport. Shore easily beat Keyport(40-14), in week 2. South Jersey Group 3 has Lacey, as a solid favorite to go the distance and win it all. South 2 took the biggest hit this past weekend, losing Point Boro and Manchester, but upstart Barnegat hung on for a 29-28 victory to advance. It was the first playoff win ever for the 5 year old program. With round 1 played in perfect weather, who knows what lies ahead for the remaining 12 looking for a State title. Get out to a game this coming weekend, you won't be disappointed.

Here's a list you want to be on:

Championships won and finals played in: 2010 participants.

Manasquan 11 championships 16 finals

Middletown South 9 championships 16 finals

Keyport 6 championships 11 finals

Shore Reg. 4 championships 7 finals

Matawan 4 championships 6 finals

Wall 3 championships 4 finals

Lacey 3 championships 7 finals

Brick Memorial 2 championships 4 finals

Freehold Boro 1 championship 2 finals

Rumson 0 championships 3 finals

Manalapan 0 championships 1 finals

Barnegat 0 championships 0 finals

Lets take a closer look at round 1 games:

Matawan(9-0), in a game I personally saw, used the many weapons they have, and easily beat Monmouth 34-6. QB Jared Allison, RBs Cassius Williams, Keith Beaty, and McArthur Underwood, WR Terry Rodriquez and Austin Davis are just some of the names that come up big each and every week. Yes, Matawan has much offensive fire power, to hurt you any where on the field. Offense sells the tickets, but its the defense that will win a championship for the Huskies. Inside linebacker Andre Hodge is the leader of the Huskie "D", which also has John Faccas and Joe Urciuoli, as well as many of the offensive stars doubling up on defense. Lets give some credit to Monmouth, who was making it's second trip to the playoffs, for playing the Huskies tough and moving the ball at times. Scott Satcher, AJ Visconti and Ty Hester(46 yd. TD run) provided the Falcons with some chances, but not enough to beat the Huskies. Matawan vs Manasquan(full staff in attendance), next week on Saturday night-6PM.

Lacey(10-0) won despite not having a great offensive day. Timber Creek(5-4) gave the Lions a scare in the first half, as they limited Lacey to little yardage, and only 1 first down until the final 30 seconds, when Lacey scored to take a 10-6 lead into the locker-room. The Lions drove nearly 70 yards to score on a Craig Ciccardo to Cameron Blackwell 14-yard TD pass. That clearly deflated Timber Creek as they headed to the locker-room half time break. They were not the same team in half #2, as Lacey shut down their offense and used fumbles and defensive opportunities to seize control and win it 27-6. The Lacey offense must play better this week if they are to advance to the finals. The good news is, Lacey has home games, as long as they play and could win it in their own backyard. Next up is Winslow Twp., another dangerous team of skill players.

In Central 4, Manalapan(7-2) had a "Firsker Family Party" in their 49-14 romp of Howell. Brothers Josh(215 yds. rushing/4 TDs) and Anthony(threw a 23 yd.TD pass/caught a 46 yd.TD pass) had a night that the family will long remember. Remember back just a few weeks ago, Manalapn put up 54 points against Howell in a regular A-North game, and now 49 more(103 total) and you have some remarkable numbers. The 103 total points, in 2 weeks, are more points than Middletown North, Freehold Twp., Toms River South, Mater Dei, and Keansburg have scored in "all" their games this year! That's how impressive the offense has been. Josh Firsker(1769 yds./22 TDs) has become the front-runner for "Offensive Player of the Year" Meanwhile the defense held Ryan Davies to just 2 TD passes(32 on year), as he continues his outstanding junior year. Manalapn now get top seeded Sayreville in the semi's. Expect the Firsker family to show up.

As good a year as Firsker has had offensively, Brick Memorial's NT, Will Wowkanyn, has been just as dominate on the defensive side. Keeping in mind that Wowkanyn is a nose tackle, his numbers are also off the chart. 13 sacks, 60 total tackles, 30 behind the line of scrimmage, numerous forced fumbles, and so many pressures on the QB, that the Stang stats lost count. He is the leader of a Mustang defense that has limited opponents to 64 points(6 1/2 per game) and has the Stangs in the semi-finals for the 3rd consecutive year and 5th time in the last 7 years. Just enough offense provided Brick Mem. to stay in the game, until the defense took over in the 4th quarter. Mike Acquaviva made 2 big catches,(one for a 27 yd. TD) and also picked off one of two interceptions by the Stangs, to take home our player of the game award. Logan Smith picked off the second pass and returned it for a 55 yd. TD to ice it for the Mustangs. Next up is #3 seed North Brunswick, a 36-33 winner over Pennsauken, at home on Friday night. The Shore Sports Network will broadcast that game on 105.7 the "Hawk" at 6:45pm Friday.

Shore Reg(8-1) took care of Highland Park 35-6, for the second time this year(42-25 earlier this year). Mark Coleman(229 yds./2TDs) led a punishing ground attack(417 yds.) and the Blue Devils easily advance to the semi's and will take on another team they have already beaten--Keyport. Shore beat Keyport 40-14 in week 2 of regular season. Standing with Keyport head coach Mike Ciccotelli, on the sidelines of the Freehold Neptune game on Sat afternoon, he told me this rematch will be a different football game. Mike was there supporting his little brother Mark, as he led his Colonial team to a victory over Neptune. Meanwhile back to Shore, can anyone stop this Delaware wing-T offense, that Shore runs so well? Keyport will be the next test

Middletown South(7-2) got their starting QB Scott Meeker back full time just in time for the playoffs. While Meeker was hurt, Howie Brey filled in nicely, until he was hurt in the Lacey game last week. It's hard to believe that Mid South has not won a championship since 2006, and Meeker did his part Friday night at the "swamp" to change that. He threw 2 TD passes on a 8 for 11/143 yd. night, as the Eagles built a 35-0 lead going to locker-room at halftime. Andrew Suarez, Kyle Bunge and Tim McArdle shared the RB carries and it looks like the Eagles are in good position to win another title. With Wall playing Freehold in the other side, we are guaranteed to have at least 1 participant in Central 3. I'm betting it will be an all-shore final with the Eagles.

Congrats to Danny George(Long Branch), who won his 100th game as a head coach. Most of the(84) have come as the head man at LB.

How about the "young" head coach at Lakewwod(2-7), Warren Wolf, who helped the Piners win 2 of the last 3. With winless TR South(0-9) on Turkey Day, 3 wins look like a real possibility for the Piners. Every time Coach Wolf takes the sidelines in the last game of any season, you think about the possibility of it being the last time he coaches a high school football team. We all have been blessed to watch a legend tend to his players year in and year out. Coach, if you decide to hang the whistle up after 2010, we all would understand the decision. It has been a career that every coach, that has coached a game, at any level, envies. After Thanksgiving morning Coach will sit back, have some diner with family, watch some football, talk to his wife and friends, and make a decision on 2011.

Rumson(7-2) got a break after their hard fought 42-13 win on Friday night, when they learned that North Plainfield had been upset and that meant Rumson would be home for their semi-final game vs. Carteret. It's rare when a team has to travel in round 1 and then gets a home game in round 2. QB Mike Villapiano has been the spark to the offense this year and again he was the main man Friday against Ewing(8-2). He ran for 89 yds., which included TDs of 77 yds. and 8 yds., and threw for 77 yds. The offense has jelled in the last few weeks, just in time for a run here at the title. I liked head coach Shane Fallon's comments after the game about playing bigger schools during the regular season, getting them ready for the playoffs. How true that statement is.

Congrats to Central Reg(1-8) for getting their first win of 2010. A 22-20 victory over Highland Reg was the result of Kalyph Hardy running for 301 yards. Hardy has now run for 1545 yards on the year.

Top Ten-week11:

1-Matawan(9-0)- The Huskies deserve the top spot this week, coming off their 34-6 win over Monmouth Reg. in first round of CJ 2 playoffs. Jared Allison moves slowly back to the huddle after each snap, but when it's snapped, it's 100 MPH for Allison and the rest of the Huskies. Squan comes calling Sat night at 6pm.

2-Lacey(10-0)- The Lions got a little scare in the first half vs. Timber Creek, but straighted things out in the locker room at halftime, and cruised to a 27-6 win. Next up Winslow in semi-finals on Sat. afternoon.

3-Middletown South(7-2)- The Eagles playing at the "swamp" is always a tough task! Steinert found that out early as they fell behind 35-0 at the half. Scott Meeker's older brother won 4 championships while he played at South, Scott looks to put one more in the Meeker household in 2010. Next up is Hamilton West on Friday night at the "swamp".

4-Brick Memorial(8-2)- The Stangs used their veracious "D" to turn around a close game and revenge the loss to East Brunswick in last years finals in CJ 4. The Stangs face a tough opponent in North Brunswick, if they are to play in their 3rd consecutive State Final. They get them at home on Friday night. The "Hawk"(105.7) and the Shore Sports Network will broadcast this one at 6:45PM.

5-Manalapan(7-2)- What more could you say about Josh Firsker. He has owned 2010 in the shore conference, and now he takes his game to top seeded Sayreville. Manalapan is looking to win their first State Championship.

6- Freehold Boro(7-2)- 2 wins(regular season and 1st round of States), against always tough Neptune, has given the Colonials a shot at Wall on Sat afternoon in their house. Both teams are coming in with 7 straight wins after 2 losses to open the season. It's amazing how these two teams have mirrored each other. Something has to break on Sat.

7-RBC(7-2)-How much can we penalize RBC in the rankings for a loss to a team that may just beat some bad college teams. Bergen Catholic's 65-34 victory was a classic shootout with the Crusaders scoring 30 points in the 4th quarter to win it going away. The Caseys are a top ten team and will stay in the bottom 5, only because their quest for a title is history. RBC closes out season against semi-finalist Rumson, scheduled for Wednesday night Nov 24th, at 7PM. If Rumson makes the finals in CJ 2, that game may get moved to later in week.

8-Manasquan(8-1)- The Warriors are playing well at the right time, but they needed a little luck on Sat against Roselle to advance to the semi-finals in CJ 2. Roselle(6-3) had missed 2 extra points earlier in the game, and after they scored what could have been the tying TD, to send it into OT, with 0.5 seconds left, they decided to go for the win and a 2-point conversion. Well the Squan defense rose to the occasion and stopped them to preserve the win. Perhaps the Warriors most pressing question will be the health of star RB Tariq Turner, who was injured in the 3rd quarter, and was seen on crutches at the end of the game. I feel, if Manasquan has a chance against Matawan, it's with Turner in the backfield and a ball control offense. It's not brain surgery, you must keep the ball away from the Huskie's explosive weapons, and Manasquans excellent running game can do that. If Turner can't go, it falls on RBs Christian Morgan, and Kodie McNamara, as well as QB Tyle Saito.

9-Wall(7-2)- When do we stop asking the question-who has Wall beaten? Well I heard more than one media personnel whisper that question, and I am not one of them. Wall is rolling like no other team, at the right time. Junior QB Steve Cluley has gotten better each week and the Knights have a good shot at Freehold on Sat. They will have to do it on the road, as it's a 7 vs 3 match-up. Look for the Knights to come out flying on Sat. The defense is also getting better after their 0-2 start. The is also a classic coaching match-up with Chris Barnes and Mark Ciccotelli. Might be the best game of weekend.

10-Shore(8-1)- The Blue Devils are the Group 1 small school that gets little respect. All I know is that they have an offense that has scored 344 points(38/game) and given up only 79(8 1/2/game). Those are big numbers for any size school. Here's the problem for Shore. They are in a bracket with teams that they have beaten already. Highland Park was one, and now Keyport is another. You know what they say--it's always tough to beat a team twice in the same season. Standing with Keyport Head Coach Mike Ciccotelli on the Freehold sideline on Sat. watching the Neptune, Freehold Boro game, he guaranteed me it would be a different game this time around. Now, he didn't say the Red Raiders would win, only that things will be different.

Just outside looking in:

Rumson(7-2) Good enough to be in top ten--not enough spots. Win one more your in.

TR North(6-3) Best team not in playoffs. The Mariners, I feel, are better than at least 5 teams in the SJ 4 playoffs.

Keyport(7-2)They have their second shot at Shore this week in semi's.They lost to Shore 40-14 in week 2.

Barnegat(6-3) They got a break on Sat. when Lower Cape May missed a short field goal(23 yds.) to win it in the waning minutes of their 29-28 victory. It was the first playoff win in Barnegat history. Congrats to Rob Davis who is in his 5th year as the Bengal coach. They take another ride to #1 seed West Deptford on Friday night.

Weekend 11/6 + 11/7/10

2010-11-09T12:33:00.001-08:00

Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:

This is what you play for, a chance to win a State Championship. It's unofficial, until Monday morning when the NJSIAA will make it official, but it looks like 18 teams from the shore conference will play in this years State Tournament. The group is led by defending champ Matawan in CJ Group 2, and they are heavy favorites to do it again. Manasquan stands in the way of the Huskies and another title. The two could meet in the semi-finals. Rumson, also has a nice chance to make some noise in the bottom bracket of that group. Mid South, in CJ Group 3, is another top seed and will look for another trophy to put in their case. Brick Memorial, in CJ Group 4, will look for their 3rd title and try to make their 3rd straight final. A couple of teams, Point Boro and Barnegat, lost this weekend and still managed to get into the SJ Group 2 race. Boro as a #8 seed and Barnegat as a #5 seed. CJ Group 3 has Freehold Boro, Wall and Neptune to go with Mid South, so that group has a good chance to have a shore champ. Shore Reg. is the top seed in CJ Group 1, and have already beaten 2 of the teams in the bracket. Lacey, in SJ Group 3, looks to be a heavy favorite, especially after the very convincing 27-7 victory over Middletown South this past weekend.

Howell got into the CJ Group 4 playoffs with a 14-7 win over Brick Memorial. The bad news is that their #5 seed gets them a rematch with #4 seed Manalapan in week 1. Manalapan defeated Howell 54-27 earlier this year. The winner of that one will probably get #1 seed Sayreville on the road, if Sayreville defeats Rancocus Vally in round 1. Monmouth(CJ Group 3), Keyport(CJ Group 1), and RBC(Non-Public-4), round out the 18 schools who have made it. In the heartbreak category, TR North(1 point) and TR East(2 points) each missed the SJ Group 4 picture. North's fate was decided by a heartbreaking loss to Manalapan in the wanning seconds of their game, as RB Josh Firsker caught a 80 yard TD pass from QB Mike Bimonte to win it 28-24. East lost to RBC 28-0 on Saturday. To further complicate matters in SJ Group 4, Mainland had to forfeit all their wins this year, due to an ineligible player. This helped the #8 seed Absagami gain a berth. Without that decision, North is in.

You want winners: How about finals? Winners will come in a few weeks. These groups involve shore teams. Finals in all, except South Jersey, will be played at Meadowlands, or Rutgers.

CJ Group 1---Shore vs New Egypt

CJ Group 2---Matawan vs Rumson

CJ Group 3---Middletown South vs Wall

CJ Group 4---Brick Memorial vs Manalapan

SJ Group 3---Lacey vs Delsea

SJ Group 2---West Deptford vs Willingboro

Non-Public Group 4---Don Bosco vs Bergen Catholic

Lets look at last weeks key games:

Lacey(9-0) had a statement game as they easily defeated Mid South(6-2), 27-7. The Lions dominated this one,while knocking out a few Eagles along the way. Howie Brey(Eagle QB) went down early(2nd play) in the 2nd half. Scott Meeker had to finish up, Scott is returning from a previous injury, and still is not quite 100%. Lacey used a balanced attack with Jake Dabal, Jarod Molzon and Craig Ciccardo each playing very well. The Lacey defense held the Eagle offense to 55 yards rushing and forced 3 turnovers. Lacey led 27-0 at the end of 3 quarters. Lacey has made a serious case for #1 in the shore, but I'm going to keep Matawan there for at least another week.

Howells(5-3) 14-7 victory over Brick Memorial(7-2) got them into the playoffs. It's always tough for a team that's fate has already been decided, to play a big game. That was the case with Brick Mem., who was playing their 9th game of the season(only 8 count towards playoffs). Howell needed the win, and played better on this day, and held off a 4th quarter rally by the Mustangs. These two have played some memorable games in the last few years and Sat afternoon was no exception. QB Ryan Davies, of Howell, withstood the pressure of Will Wowkanyn and the Mustang "D" to get the victory. Howell now gets a chance to avenge a 54-27 loss to Manalapan earlier in the year, in round 1 of the playoffs.

Neptune(5-3) beat Colts Neck(1-7) 15-14 in 2 overtime sessions, to make it into the playoffs

Monmouth Reg.(4-4) broke a 4 game losing streak with their 26-14 win over Red Bank(3-5). This win gets Monmouth into the playoffs.

Manchester's(5-3) 14-13 win over Point Boro(4-4) got them into the playoffs, while Boro also made it as the #8 seed, despite the loss

Wall(6-2) now has won 6 in a row, and is one of the hot teams in the shore. They get a #7 seed in CJ 3, but the Knights are better than that. Keep and eye on them.

Brick(3-6) won their 3rd game of the season with a 19-7 victory over JFK Iselin. The Dragons have kept it together in Pat Dowlings second year.

Congrats to Mike Smith and the Jackson Jags(4-4) who have evened up their record after a 46-6 victory over Freehold Twp.

Rumson(6-2) knocked Asbury Park(5-3) out of a chance to make a run at 4 State titles in a row, with their 35-7 pasting of the Bishops. There are many teams in CJ 1 happy to see the Bishops outside looking in, as they can beat anyone in that bracket, on any given day.

Week 10 Top Ten:

1-Matawan(8-0)- They sit atop the shore and have a chance to repeat in CJ 2.

2-Lacey(9-0)- The Lions could be 1"B", its that close. Any slip up by Huskies, in playoffs, can vault them to top spot.

3-RBC(7-1)- Only loss was to Freehold Boro 26-25 in OT earlier in year.

4-Middletown South(6-2)- The Eagles have losses to Manalapan(35-25) and Lacey(27-7). I'll keep them ahead of the Braves, because of the 15-8 loss to Jackson(4-4).

5-Brick Memorial(7-2)- The Stangs try to make their 3 finals in a row in CJ4, and 5th in last 7 years. They have 2 titles. Wins against Manalapan and TR North were big. Losses to Mid South(13-3) and Howell(14-7).

6-Manalapn(6-2)-The Braves hold victories over Mid South and Howell and TR North, but lost to Jackson(4-4). You can exchange any of the 4-5-6 teams and get no argument from anyone.

7-Freehold Boro(6-2)-Have won 6 in a row and are a hot team entering plyoffs in CJ 3. Loses are to Matawan(22-2) and Monmouth(27-19).

8-Manasquan(7-1)-The Warriors have cruised along after a 24-18 loss to Raritan(4-4) in week 2.

9-Wall(6-2)-6 wins in a row since losing their first 2 of season. They will play Manasquan on Turkey Day for C-Central title

10- Howell(5-3)-You have to put the Rebels in the top ten, because they have wins vs. Brick Memorial(7-2) and TR North(5-3)

Just outside top ten:

Shore(7-1) The Blue Devils could very well be a top ten team by the end of year.

Rumson(6-2) The Bulldogs may make Matawan sweat in CJ 2.

Manchester(5-3) The Hawks made theri second playoffs in school history.

Keyport(6-2) The Red Raiders are a different team that lost to Shore in week 1.

TR North(5-3) You have to feel for the Mariners, who missed playoffs by a fluke ruling in SJ 4.

Weekend of 10/29-10/30

2010-11-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca-Week 9:

The Top Ten:

1-Matawan(7-0)- Off a bye week the Huskies remain up top despite a big win from #2 Lacey(8-0) over Neptune(4-3). Matawan comes back with a winless New Brunswick team, so they should make it 8-0 and get a top seed in CJ Group 2 and defend their State title they won last year.

2-Lacey(8-0)- Lacey won easily at Neptune(38-0), which really opened allot of eyes around the shore. They now have a monster game at home vs. 6-1 Mid South. having already played 8 games(max allowed before State cutoff) they have already secured the top spot in SJ Group 3. Mid South could get huge power points with a win, not to mention, a move up the poll to the #2 spot, assuming Matawan wins.

3-Middletown South(6-1)-The Eagles demolished Brick,41-6, to move up a spot, as Manalapan(#3 last week), lost to Brick Memorial. The Eagles could really make a statement with a win vs Lacey this week, but it won't be easy. They would like to wrap up a top seed and get at least 2 home games in CJ Group 3, with the finals played at a neutral site(more than likely Rutgers University).

4-Brick Memorial(7-1)-Huge win for the Mustangs over Manalapan by a 21-7 score. Manalapan's all-shore RB, Josh Firsker, was held in check defensively, and the Stangs used a ground control offense with a timely 46 yard TD pass to Jordan Lodice from QB Mike DiGuilmi to win it and secure a #1 or 2 seed in CJ Group 4. the Stangs have completed their schedule as far as the playoffs are concerned. They will play at Howell(4-3) on Friday night, in a game that means so much to the Rebels, as they look for a spot in the same bracket. Will Wowkanyn continues to be a monster on defense for Brick Memorial and he again played outstanding against the Braves. The Mustangs have played in 2 straight finals in that group, winning in 2008 and losing last year in the snow-storm at the College of New Jersey to East Brunswick.

5-RBC(6-1)-The Caseys are rolling at a good time of the year! They easily beat Ocean Twp 33-0 and now focus on TR East(4-3) from the A-South. East needs the game badly to qualify for SJ Group 4 playoffs, while RBC is looking for a good seed in Non-Public group 4.

6-Freehold Boro(5-2)-Not an easy victory for the Colonials when they have to go into OT to beat a 1-6 Colts Neck team, but that's what happen. Freehold has Mon Don(2-5) this week as they go for 6 in a row, after starting out 0-2.

7-Manalapan(5-2)-Could the season be in jeopardy for the Braves after the 21-7 loss to Brick Memorial. They now face a very good TR North team who are coming off a bye and have had 2 weeks to prepare for them.

8-Manasquan(6-1)-The Warriors took care of Holmdel 20-7 and now focus on Colts Neck, who despite being 1-6, have played everyone very tough.

9-TR North(5-2)-Tough one for Mariners, as they face an angry Manalapan team. Both teams need the win to qualify for States; somebody's going home a loser, and very disappointed.

10-Wall(5-2)- The Knights make their way into the top ten for the first time, on the heels of their 49-0 shutout of TR South. That's 5 in a row for Wall, who play a 4-3 Colonia team this week, as they look for a better seed in CJ Group 3.

Just outside looking in:

Shore Reg.(6-1)-looks like #1 seed for the Blue Devils.

Asbury Park(5-2)- Looking for a rematch with Shore in CJ Group 1. Play a 1-7 Metuchen team this week.

Manchester(4-3)-Fighting for a playoff berth, as is Point Boro(4-3) this week. The 2 face each other. Winner has a shot, loser goes home.

Rumson(5-2)-Have won 3 in a row, to fight back into playoff picture. It won't be an easy one this week as they face the Bishops of Asbury Park.

Weekend of 10/22 & 10/23

2010-10-26T08:31:00.001-07:00

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.

Weekend of 10/15-10/10

2010-10-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Weekend of 10/8 + 10/9

2010-10-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Weekend of 10/1 - 10/2

2010-10-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Weekend of 9/25 In Review

2010-09-29T18:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Weekend of 9/18 In Review

2010-09-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Scanning The Scene: Weekend of 9/10-9/11/10

2010-09-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

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)

Pre Season 2010

2010-09-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

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.

Week Of 12/4 + 12/5

2009-12-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Scanning the High School football scene with Ed Sarluca: Final edition.

The 2009 season concluded with 4 championship games, held at 2 sites over the weekend. The loudest roar heard around the shore came on Friday night, from Matawan, with their 28-12 pounding of Manasquan which resulted in a Central Jersey Group 2 championship. The Huskies, who had not won one since 1992, came up big on the biggest of stages. QB Jared Allison was at his best, as he led the Huskies on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. All Allison did was throw for 152 yards and 1 TD, run for 69 yards with a TD, and intercept 2 passes on “D”. Good enough to be voted our “player of the game” and take home the hardware that goes with it. Manasquan, looking for championship #12, never got into the flow of the game, despite 9 penalties by Matawan, which kept the “Warriors” in the game in the 1st half. They were devastated by injuries to key players which hurt their chance at any comeback in the 2nd half. QB C.J Davis went down with a hip pointer in the 1st half and never returned, 2 way demon, Dan Sullivan, went down with a concussion early in 2nd half and never returned and numerous other minor injuries hampered the “Big Blue” all night. With that said, take nothing away from Matawan, which by far, was the better team and deserved to win their championship. They had 350 yards of offense to control the game and win their 5th State title, and 4th under current head coach, Joe Martucci. With the seconds winding down at TCNJ, where the game was played, Matucci’s eyes began to tear, as one assistant coach after another hugged the head man to congratulate him on completion of a mission which began in early summer. Joe has been at it a long time and this victory comes after many years of frustration for him and his teams over the years and no one deserves this trophy more than him. Congratulations to the Huskie’s for getting the job done in 2009 and completing what was a dream season, and to all shore conference opponents; Juniors Jared Allison, RB MacArthur Underwood, RB Keith Beaty, DB Joe Urciuoli, OL John Faccas, among others, all return in 2010.

The biggest surprise of the weekend came on Saturday morning, also at TCNJ, when little known Monroe(11-1) won their first State Championship, as they pounded previously #1 Middletown South 30-10. Outstanding RB Blake Bascom ran for 201 yards and scored 3 times to lead the Falcons to the easy victory. Bascom, who surpassed 100 yards late in the 2nd quarter, ran at will against the best defense the shore had to offer. Remember this was a defense that had only given up 431 yards total on the ground and had yielded only 45 points all year. So dominate, on both sides of the ball, were the Falcons, that the Eagles(11-1) were held to -30 yards in the 2nd half and totaled only 110 yards on the day. 80 of those yards came on 1 drive on their second possession of the morning, but that was it, as QB Scott Meeker was consistently harassed. The Eagles fumbled 6 times losing 2 of them, including 1 on their own ½ yard line, creating a Falcon TD which ended the scoring and also snapped a ball over the punters head which caused a safety. All phases of their game came apart in the 2nd half and as Head Coach Steve Antonucci said following the game-“I think they played with a chip on their shoulder, to be honest with you. Everybody kept saying how good we were and forgot to mention how good they are. Any time you come in here playing defense like we did through-out the year, to give up 30 points in one game, it says a lot about (Monroe). It is unfortunate that it had to end this way”. This team had a great year and should not be judged by this one game. Year in and year out they are among the best in the state and 1 loss will not hurt a program of their stature.

If I said give me the teams in the shore, that have won 3 State Championships in a row—you would list Brick(1981-83), Manasquan(1998-2001) and Middletown South(2003-06). Well add another to that list! Asbury Park became the 4th team in shore conference history to 3-peat, as they won the CJ Group 1 title for the 3rd year in a row. They demolished Highland Park 44-6 at Kean University on Sat. Morning. QB Jamar Small had a career day on defense for the “Blue Bishops”, as he intercepted 3 passes, returning 1 for a 90 yard TD, to close out the rout. He also threw for a TD on offense. Despite a combined 19 penalties being called for 138 yards, it was Asbury’s day from the beginning. Playing against one of the top RBs in the state, Nate Smith, they used a suffocating defense which held him to 108 yards and forced the Owls to put Smith at QB to try and win the game. That move didn’t have the success they had hoped for, as Smith was intercepted 2 times and the chant of “dynasty” began in the Bishop stands. Outstanding RB George Stephens began the second half by returning the kick 98 yards and a TD and the rout was. Stephens has been the leader of the Bishops on the field during this recent run of championships, and he must receive a lot of credit for what they have done. The other main component has been head coach Don Sofilkanich, who came here in 2007 and put together three, 11-1 seasons. Not bad for a coach who commutes back and forth from his teaching job at New Brunswick High School. While the word dynasty should not be used to often, I think it’s justified here. With the Pop-Warner coaches in Asbury Park continuing to turn out championship teams, this is another program that is in good shape for the future. Congrats to Coach Sofilkanich and his accomplishments at Asbury Park.

In the final game of the 2009 season, the “Stangs” of Brick Memorial could not survive the driving snowstorm that hit TCNJ at 3PM and fell to the Bears of East Brunswick 9-0. The Memorial finesse flexbone offense could not get going and the weather only made it that much harder to move the ball. Take nothing away from East Brunswick, who won their second State Championship, as they controlled the Mustangs from the second quarter on. The Stangs had 3 chances inside the Red zone of EB, but came away empty on all 3 possessions, and then the snow, wind, and frozen field turf took over and limited both offenses for the remainder of the game. The second half became a matter of survival as the driving storm only got worse and an East Brunswick TD “iced” the game as they fought off Memorial’s threats to win it and send their fans home in a happy mood. Memorial finishes their season at 7-5 and with their QB, Mike DiGuilmi back for his senior year, the Stangs will be in capable hands next year. The Memorial program, under Fred Sprengel and now Walt Currie, has made it to 4 finals in the last 7 years and show no signs of letting up.

The final Shore Sports Network Top Ten:

1-Matawan(11-1) A dream season ends with a CJ 2 championship, as they handled Manasquan 28-12. With Jared Allison, MacArthur Underwood back for the Huskies, it should not be 17 years between championships again.
2-Toms River East(10-1) Why not the Raiders in this spot? Only loss was to SJ 4 finalist Egg Harbor, who lost to Cherokee 14-0 in finals. Still waiting for the “big” trophy, but a solid season was topped off with a victory over tough TR North.
3-Asbury Park(11-1) 3 consecutive CJ 1 championships and the word “dynasty” has surfaced for the Blue and Black Bishops. Demolished Highland Park 44-6 on Sat. at Kean Univ.
4-Middletown South(11-1) Couldn’t finish the job, as they were humbled by Monroe. The “D” had no answer for RB Blake Bascom as he rushed for 200 yards and 3 TDs.
5-Howell(9-2) Just think if Howell would have made the finals at TCNJ on Sat. and faced the snowstorm with their spread offense. That would have been interesting! Anyway, a great season for Jimmy Ryan and the guys, culminated with an American Division Championship.
6-Toms River North(7-3) Lost to Howell, TR East and Williamstown, that’s a 29-4 cumulative record. QB Demitry Davis is back to give A-South teams fits next year.
7-Brick Memorial(7-5) Not a good indication of what might have been in finals, but both teams were playing in same conditions. Mike DiGuili returns next year to lead flexbone attack.
8-Lacey(8-3) Began season 0-2, and then won 7 straight before losing to Timber Creek in semi-finals of SJ 3. Return all of their skill backs and will be a pre-season top 5 team.
9-Wall(8-2) Beat Manasquan on Turkey Day to finish one spot ahead of them in final poll. Many players back in 2010 and the Knights will be a major player.
10-Manasquan(9-3) Finished with 2 consecutive losses to Wall and Matawan. Injuries hit them hard in finals and they never recovered.

Just missed:
Raritan(8-3) Opponents will be happy to say good-bye to Bennett Jackson and Jessie Raymond!
Ocean(8-3) Losses to Matawan, Monroe and RBC. Solid season for “Big Red”
Rumson(9-2) Solid program, couldn’t finish Manasquan off when they had them beat.
RBC(6-4) Had some big wins(Matawan), but some bad losses(Manchester).

Well, I hope you enjoyed my comments through-out the year. As always, my comments are my opinions, and should be taken that way. As an ex-coach, I know how hard staffs and players work and I only hope the many fans who watch them play, realize the dedication they have. Happy holidays to all. See you next year.

Weekend Of 11/28 + 11/29

2009-12-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

Scanning the High School football scene with Ed Sarluca:

Championship Week: With 5 teams still vying for State Championships, which will be held on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, 38 teams in the shore conference have put the equipment away for the year. I will sum up the 2009 season with a wrap of some of those teams and a look at the 4 games this week that will determine our possible champs.

First let’s look at the championship games:

Friday night will find Manasquan and Matawan hooking up in the CJ Group 2 championship. This has all the makings of a classic. Matawan(10-1) comes in as the #2 team in the shore looking for their 5th title, but first since 1992. Yes it has been a long time since the “Huskies” have been in this situation, but they certainly have the players to get the job done. QB Jarrod Allison, although only a junior, has shown he is the leader of this team. His athletic ability, his poise under fire, and his determination to lead the Huskies to the top has been evident all year. He is ably supported by RB McArthur Underwood, who is a threat to go the distance any time he touches the football. This is an offense that has averaged 33 ½ point a game, and the scary part is; both of the above are both juniors, and will be back next year. Although offense excites the fans, it’s the defense that has impressed me. It is led by defensive coord. and long time assistant coach, Sam Turner. They have playmakers on that side of the ball also. LB Dave Incle, DB Johnny Short, DL Malik Gumbs, and DL Tom Cleary have produced all year and lead a defense that has given up only 10 points a game. They will have to be at their best on Friday night as they face a team in Manasquan that will be looking for a 12th championship, which leads all shore conf. teams in trophies won. The “Big Blue Warriors”(9-2) were knocked off on Turkey Day by rival Wall Twp. by a 31-28 score, but one must look past this game, as it’s always tough to play a game before a championship game. That’s the way they do it in New Jersey, which has been discussed before. My disagreement with the playoff system will have little to do with the outcome of this game, as Squan will have no ill-effects of that loss, when they take the field on Friday at TCNJ at 7PM. Manasquan is led by QB C.J. Davis and the passing attack that they have developed over the course of 2009. He has 3 outstanding big-time receivers in 6’4” Neal Sterling, 6’3” Ryland McTighe, and 6’2” Ryan Casey. All 3 can go up and catch the ball and are dangerous from anywhere on the field. The ground game is led by Zack Ogden, James Stovall and lately, Dan Sullivan. Stovall has been nursing an injury and has not played the last 2 weeks and his return is key to the ground game. Remember, this is a group of runners, which wasn’t counted on at the beginning of the season. They had returning RB Lorenzo Venable (1500 yard and 17 TDs); set to lead the running attack, but Venable quit the team before game 1. When something like that occurs on a team, they can go one of two ways; pack in the season or move on. Well the answer was easy for the above group, as they have not skipped a beat on the ground, and have more than carried the load. Assit. Coach Rich Reed has coordinated the offense to the tune of 24 points per game, while the defense gives up 11pts./game. This is a game which is very close to call. This is the big stage and Manasquan has been here so many times, while Matawan makes infrequent trips to the finals. If Matawan, who at times makes mistakes, can limit those miscues, they will win it, because of their game breaking potential. Do not give Manasquan multiple chances to score, as they will take advantage and run from there. Who has the best defense? I think I’ll go with Matawan, in a very close ball game. We will broadcast this contest on Friday night at 7PM on the Shore Sports Network of 1160am or 1310am or ShoreSportsNetwork.com.

Saturday will have 3 games, all in Central Jersey:
CJ Group 4 has Brick Memorial(7-4) looking for back to back championships against a team in East Brunswick(7-4) that they have already beaten this year, back in week 8, by a 37-34 score. Throw that game out, because it doesn’t mean anything now. The “Mustangs” have found the magic to win in the playoffs this year, as they did last year. They have beaten an undefeated Hunterdon Central team in the first round(21-17), avenged an early season loss to Howell in the semi-finals(31-28) and are playing at a very high level at the right time of the year. Junior QB Mike DiGuilmi has replaced graduated Brian Staub, and has directed the flexbone attack without missing a beat. He is joined in the backfield by 1000yard RB Vinnie Sabba, and Glenn McGinnis. Offensive line coach Bob Merola must get some credit with the much improved line play which has opened the holes for this option attack. With a few underclassmen on that line, and DiGuilmi returning in 2010, it looks like the “Stangs” will continue to be a program that wins. The Mustangs will be looking for their 3rd championship in the last 7 years. The Bears from East Brunswick will provide a formable opponent, as the Marcus Borden led team will go to school after the week 8 loss. Look for a shootout here, with Brick Memorial winning and celebrating their 2nd consecutive championship. This game will also be broadcast from TCNJ on the shore sports network of stations,(1160am or 1310am) or ShoreSportsNetwork.com for fans outside listening area, at 3PM Saturday afternoon.

Middletown South(11-0) looks to win their 10th championship as the travel to TCNJ for an 11am game vs. a very good Monroe team. The story of this one is easy; the shore’s best defense against the offensive minded Monroe Falcons. The Falcons come in at 10-1, scoring 31 ½ points a game. Ironically, their only loss was in week 2 against the above East Brunswick team by a 23-21 score, so they are 2 points from being undefeated. This is a classic match-up of great defense vs. great offense, and you know what they say; offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships! That’s why the Eagles will win their 10th on the strength of a defense that has given up only 45 points on the year, that’s 4pts./game. LB Sean Campbell, DL Nick Bricker, and LB Matt Saulnier lead a suffocating “D” that does not allow you to breathe, let alone score. Although the defense gets the headlines, the offense has done enough to get the Eagles to the championship. Junior QB Scott Meeker has replaced graduated Ryan Mullan and led an offense that also has RB Kyle Bunge to hand the ball to. The loss of Junior playmaker Andrew Suarez to a knee injury early in the year, has allowed others to step up and carry the load. The Eagles score just under 30 pts/game, so they are capable on both sides of the ball. This is a 2 TD game and the Eagles will be celebrating as the Mustangs take the field for their game.

Asbury Park(10-1) looks to make it 3 in a row in CJ Group 1. Led by RB George Stephens, the Bishops will not have an easy time, as they play a pretty good Highland Park(8-3) team for the second time this year. This game will take place at Kean University at 11am on Saturday morning. The Bishops beat Highland Park 20-12, in week 8, as the Owls ran the ball for 274 yards, but game up short, and they must stop Division 1 RB, Nate Smith. This will not be an easy task for the Bishop defense as Smith is very dangerous anywhere on the field. One thing to look at in this contest is the 3 losses that the Owls have. One was to Asbury Park, one was to Keyport(7-3) and the 3rd was to Monmouth Reg.(4-6). All 3 losses have come against shore conf. teams. That doesn’t bode well for the Owls. Look for Asbury to turn up the “D” on Smith and although they may not contain him on every play, they will do enough to win their 3rd straight and we can start using the word ‘dynasty” when we talk about Asbury Park.
There you have a short capsule look at the 4 championship games. Good luck to all 5 teams as they carry the well wishes of all teams in the shore as they represent the best of 2009.

Odds and ends of Turkey Day weekend:
Wall, upsetting Manasquan, 31-28 before 6000 fans on a beautiful Thanksgiving morning. This is the best argument to continue Thanksgiving Day football. Wall finishes 8-2 and makes my top ten and is surely a team of the future.

Toms River East(10-1) beat Toms River North 14-7 on Friday night in front of a huge crowd at East. Nico Steriti finishes his career as the best player in the shore in 2009. A TD pass from Sr. Charlie Diskin to Junior Vinnie Arminio early in the 4th quarter, was the game winner. No State championship for East, but a great season, in which they tied a school record with 10 wins.

Lacey(8-3) playing Central for the last time on Turkey Day(29-13) completes a great year and returns Cicardo, Molzon and Dabel in 2010. Enough to make them a pre-season top ten team.
Howell(9-2) gets a sluggish 20-9 win over Free. Twp. and wins the American Division championship and completes the career of the shores best QB Jimmy Ryan and Rec. Nick Adamo. The championship was their 2nd in 3 years. This program is feared by all teams that have to play them with their wide open spread offense that averaged 28pts/game.

Point Pleasant Boro(5-5), as I predicted, recovered from a 0-4 start to finish .500 on the year. With many underclassmen back, look out for the Panthers in 2010.

Ocean(8-3) completed a very good season with a 34-14 win over Monmouth Reg. Coach Don Klein has a couple of fine RBs, one of which is Greg Moore to go into 2010 with.

Brick Memorial took care of cross-town rival Brick, 34-21 on Friday night as Vinnie Sabba ran for 205 yards and 3 TDs. This was memorable because it was the first Turkey Day when retired Warren Wolf was not on the sidelines.

Raritan(8-3) will graduate 2 of the best players in the shore in Rec./DB Bennett Jackson(Notre Dame) and RB Jessie Raymond(Monmouth University). They brought excitement to shore fans whenever they played.

Mon Don(6-4) completed their season with an unlikely 6-3 win over Manchester. Not unlikely because they won, but because there were only field goals in the game. This concludes the outstanding senior year of QB Kevin Carter who ran the Griffin flexbone offense to perfection.
Bottom line of 2009:

20 teams finished with winning records.
8 teams finished with .500 records.
15 teams under .500 for the year.
2 winless teams in 2009.

Here’s my Top Ten before the playoff finals:
1-Middletown South(11-0) Have answered all comers and look to complete undefeated season with 10th championship title.
2-Matawan(10-1) The year of the Huskie can be completed with a CJ Group 2 title if they defeat Manasquan on Friday night.
3-Toms River East(10-1) Accomplished all goals but the big one, but none the less, they had an incredible season.
4-Manasquan(9-2) Caught looking ahead on Turkey Day? Maybe so, but they lost to a good football team in Wall. Look to win trophy # 12 on Friday night vs. Matawan.
5-Howell(9-2) The Jimmy Ryan career is over and boy was it a good one! Lost to Sayreville and Brick Memorial.
6-Toms River North(8-2) 2 losses have been to 10-1 East and 10-1 Williamstown. Enough said, it was solid season, but disappointing for this perennial playoff contender.
7-Brick Memorial(7-4) Looking for back to back titles in CJ Group 4. The Mustangs seem to play well when it counts. They have won 4 in a row and averaged 31pts./game. The offense is rolling and the defense has played better of late. They will be a tough out in finals.
8-Asbury Park(10-1) Only loss was to Rumson by 26-18 score. Look for 3rd straight in CJ 1.
9-Lacey(8-3) Solid year and all the key players are back. Top Ten preseason team in 2010.
10-Wall(8-2) The best team in shore that did not make the playoffs. I promised Chris Barnes, in my post game interview, that they would find a spot in my top 10. Well here they are; with Soph. QB Steve Cluley calmly going 9-9 for 152 yards, they beat playoff finalist Manasquan 31-28 before 6000 fans on Thanksgiving morning. With many other underclassmen dotting the roster, watch out for the Knights in 2010.

Just outside looking in: Raritan(8-3) RBC(6-4) Ocean(8-3)Neptune(7-4) Long Branch(7-3) Rumson(9-2) Keyport(7-3)

Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River at 6pm as we will preview the 4 State games and talk high school football. For 2 hours. Also catch us on the radio or on line as we broadcast two championship games on Friday night(7pm) and Saturday afternoon(3pm). 1160am or 1310am on the radio or on line at shoresportsnetwork.com. will handle the games

Weekend of 11/20 + 11/21

2009-11-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

Scanning The Scene With Ed Sarluca

We are now in week 11 of Jersey Shore football and the semi-finals of the playoffs are in the books. While 5 teams are still alive to play for a State Championship, 7 teams took a major hit and now must look to Thanksgiving as their last game of the 2009 season. Here is what happened in a wild week of playoff football:

In 2 of the most exciting games you will ever see, Manasquan scores 2 TDs in the last 1:24, on the road, at Rumson to win and advance, 23-11. In the other unbelievable ending, Brick Memorial came back from 28-7, to score 24 unanswered points in the 4th quarter, to stun Howell, 31-28. Let’s break these 2 down.

Manasquan(9-1) had a lead of 9-2, until Rumson(9-1) took the lead with 1:30 left on the clock, 11-9. That’s when the fireworks began. First was a kickoff that Squan’s Zack Ogden fielded on his 5 and went down from a tremendous hit on the Squan 24 yard line. The hit was so dynamic, it knocked Ogden out of the game, as he was carried off the field. With the trainer working on Ogden on the sidelines, QB C.J. Davis hit Ryland McTighe for 28 yards and the “Big Blue” had the ball on the “Bulldog” 48 yard line. 2 plays later, Ogden trotted back onto the field and into the Squan huddle, Davis rolled right and hit a streaking Ogden on the left sideline for a 39 yard gain, and Manasquan had the ball on the 9 yard line. RB Dan Sullivan took care of the rest, with a 9 yard TD carry, and Squan re-took the lead, after just 35 ticks had come off the clock. Corner-back Neal Sterling sealed it with 38 yard pick six and Manasquan had themselves a 23-11 victory, and a chance to play for their 12th State Championship on Dec. 4th at 7PM, on the campus of TCNJ. If you don’t believe what I just told you, you can listen to the calls on the shoresportsnetwork.com, since it was our game of the week.

In the other stunner, Brick Memorial ran 80 plays from scrimmage to Howells 34, they amassed 342 yards on offense to Howell’s 253(including just 7 yards rushing), had 23 first downs to 11 for Howell and scored 24 points in the 4th quarter to stun the Rebels 31-28. This game came down to 1 key play which turned the whole game around. It occurred at the 10:52 mark of the 4th quarter, when a host of Memorial tacklers trapped QB Jimmy Ryan in his own end-zone, for a safety, to make the score 28-16. Howell was never the same after the safety, as Memorial’s Jihaad Howard, ran the ensuing kickoff back 51 yards and 2:26 ticks later, Glenn McGinnis scored to make it 28-23 and Howell was in trouble. Memorial got the ball back with 5:55 left and used all but 8.6 seconds, to score the game winner on a Mike DiGuilmi to Glenn McGinnis TD pass. With Howell trying numerous laterals and backward passes the game finally ended on their own 30yard line, which set off a raucous celebration in the center of the Rebel field. Brick Memorial will try to make it back to back championships in CJ Group 4, as they now play for their 3rd State Championship in the last 7 years.

While these 2 games certainly provided their fans enough excitement to last till, well, to at least Thanksgiving Day, Matawan took care of business early and often and demolished a pretty good Raritan team, 46-7. QB Jarrod Allison and McArthur Underwood proved why they are 2 of the most exciting players in the shore. Underwood ran for 3 TDs in the 1st half, on runs of 5, 15 and 80 and Allison ran for 2TDs and threw for 1 as the Huskies ran for 346 total yards, and held Raritan to only 57 on the ground. Matawan will now try to crack the team with the most championships in the trophy case, Manasquan. This has all the makings of a classic. The methodical, disciplined, controlled offense of Manasquan, vs. the game breaking capabilities of Matawan. Who possesses the best defense, just might decide this one. The Huskies have given up 117 points to Manasquan’s 93. Pretty even there, while Matawan has scored 95 more points on offense, edge to Matawan. Too bad numbers don’t win football games. My pick, you’ll have wait till next week, after Turkey Day games. Manasquan will visit 7-2 Wall, while Matawan will visit S J Vianney. These are obviously trap games for both schools, as their opponents may catch the state final participants looking down the road. Coaches beware; it could be your toughest job of the year.

Asbury Park(9-1) will play for their 3rd CJ Group 1 championship in a row. Quite impressive for a school that wasn’t even on the map, 4 years ago. Asbury Park’s head coach Don Sofilkanich, has done a tremendous job since he has been at Asbury. They have bought into his guidance and leadership and they have moved to the highest level of respect in the shore. RB/S George Stephens continues to impress, and will try to end his career with those 3 championships. He is the leader of the Bishops on the field, and makes them go. Discipline, desire and dedication are 3 words that can best describe Mr. Stephens. I’ll make this call right now. Make some room in the trophy case!

Middletown South(10-0) remains as the only unbeaten team in the shore. They beat Neptune for the 2nd time this year and look to claim their 10th championship in their storied history. With a dominating defense led by LB Sean Campbell, the Eagles have not allowed more than 1 TD in any game this year. They scored all 17 points in the first half and held off Neptune(7-3), 17-6. RB Kyle Bunge and QB Scott Meeker lead an offense that has scored 292 points on the year, that’s almost 30/game. So when people say they are all about defense, look at the offense and you’ll see why they are undefeated. They draw a different opponent this year, in the finals, with Monroe’s win over Ocean by a 31-20 score. Monroe is 9-1 so far this season, and is very capable on offense. Guess what? The Falcons better live in the film room and break down the Eagle defense, or it will be a long afternoon on Dec. 5th.

Those are the 4 teams left from the shore. They carry the best wishes from the other 39 teams who will put the equipment away after this week’s Thanksgiving Day games. Let’s look at some of the tough luck losers this week.

Of all the disappointments over the weekend, none were bigger than the 41-30 loss by Toms River East against Egg Harbor Twp. This was to be the year the Raiders(9-1) got the monkey off their back and win that elusive first championship in school history. They have the best player in the shore(in my opinion), in Nico Steriti, they had a senior led team that came in 9-0 and was playing at a very high level, they had a Constitution Division title already in the bag, Mario Steriti ran the opening kick-off back 76 yards for a TD and they were off and running, they had a lead in the 4th quarter after brother Nico led the Raiders from the “wildcat” formation, to a TD with 9:35 left in the contest, but it just wasn’t meant to be, as the next 13 seconds will be forever on the minds of T R East. Egg Harbor(10-0) returned the kickoff 80 yards for a TD and the Eagles regained the lead 34-30, a lead they would never lose. East would have 1 more chance as they held and forced a punt in the middle of the 4th quarter, but Egg Harbor used a fake punt to pick up a first down and a few minutes later scored from 1yard out for the clinching TD and the 41-30 win. A win that advances them to the SJ Group 4 championship against top seeded Cherokee(10-0). The Raiders must regroup quickly as a good football team and cross-town rival T R North(8-2) awaits on Friday night. Will this loss in the semi’s define T R East’s season? I don’t think so; this is an outstanding program, run very well by Charlie Diskin and his staff. There will be other chances down the road to win that title, but the sting of this loss will hurt for a while. It just wasn’t meant to be in 2009, but you have nothing to be ashamed of. It has been a great season and another lesson has been learned, which will help future Raider players, as this program is on solid ground.

Lacey(7-3) came up on the short end of a 13-2 score against Timber Creek from Gloucester Township. The story here, was turnovers, as Lacey just never recovered from a fumble at the 1 yard line which cost them 6 points and a possible tie at 7-7. After the fumble, Lacey did record a safety to make it 7-2, but a 23 yard run for a score by Timber Creek iced it for the “Chargers”, and they will advance to the finals against a good Hammonton team. Lacey concludes their season against Central on Saturday afternoon, the last time these 2 rivals will play on Thanksgiving weekend.

In non-playoff action, Mon Don used 2 field goals by Anthony Huth to edge Manchester 6-3. This concludes the outstanding season QB Kevin Cater had this year, and also capped a 6-4 season for the Dan Duddy led team. Manchester finished at 5-5.

Pinelands also finished on a winning note, with their 36-32 win over a John Amabile led Allentown team that finished 4-6 in his first season at Allentown. Pinelands 5-5 record was the first time they have finished at .500 in 5 years.

Now the senseless Thanksgiving weekend football games are upon us. Not senseless in the fact that these games are played, but it’s when they are played that bothers me. The archaic system of New Jersey High School football playoffs and the way they are played must be changed. To have to wait 2 weeks to play the finals, just doesn’t make sense! Then you ask a team to play a game in between, makes no sense at all. Believe me, this is not the first time you are hearing this from someone who would like to play 3 weeks in a row, and to further expand the playoffs to get an over-all group champion, but maybe one of these years, the people who make these decisions will figure it out. Enough from my point of view, enjoy your holiday, enjoy your game on Thursday morning or Friday night, whenever your favorite team plays and save some antipasto and stuffed mushrooms for me when I come visit.

Here is this week’s new Top Ten:

1-Middletown South(10-0) The best defense in the shore, makes them the best team in the shore. I’ve had them there all here and see no reason why they don’t end up as #1.

2-Matawan(9-1) Can we now stop the talk about whether this team is for real? They are the real deal, as they pummeled Raritan for the 2nd time this year and cruised into CJ 2 finals. Now they must deal with the shore’s best playoff team in recent history, 11 time champion, Manasquan.

3-Manasquan(9-1) The miracle on “Ridge Road” is what they are calling last Friday night’s victory over a solid Rumson team. When you think you have them down, they rise to the occasion every time. A tough Wall(7-2) team will not be an easy one on Thanksgiving morning.

4-Howell(8-2) Devastating loss to Brick Memorial knocked them from playoffs, but not from being a top five team.

5-T R East(9-1) Another great year ends in disappointment in semi-finals as frustrated Raiders must regroup quickly and face TR North on Friday night.

6-TR North(7-2)What could have been, as they sat and watched last weekend. Can salvage an 8-2 season with a “W” against cross-town rival TR East.

7-Rumson(9-1) Tough team, tough loss to Manasquan which knocked them from playoffs and from unbeaten ranks. Tough closing game against RBC.

8-Brick Memorial(6-4) In last 3 weeks the Mustangs have beaten 3 teams with a combined 25-5 record. They will defend their CJ 4 crown against East Brunswick, a team they have beaten already, but before that face a Brick team looking to finish .500 on year.

9-Asbury Park(9-1) The little giant that gets no respect! They look to win their 3rd straight CJ Group 1 championship.

10-Lacey(7-3) Tough loss at the hands of Timber Creek knocked them out of playoffs, in a game which they just could not get into end-zone. Solid season ends with Central on Sat afternoon.

Just outside looking in: Raritan(7-3) Long Branch(6-3) Neptune(7-3) Ocean(7-3) Wall(7-2)
No Thursday night football show this week because of Turkey Day, but 2 games will be broadcast on shore sports network. Wed night the Jackson Liberty vs. Jackson Memorial game at 6pm and Thursday morning, Wall vs. Manasquan at 11am. Join us on the radio or on line for these 2 games.

Weekend Of 11/13 - 11/15

2009-11-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

Scanning the High School Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:

We started with 18 and we are down to 12, as the first week of the State H.S. playoffs are off and running. With 12 getting by, I would consider it a very successful opening weekend to the 2009 playoffs. There are 3 #1 seeds still alive (Middletown South(9-0), Asbury Park(8-1) and Matawan(8-1)). We are guaranteed at least 1 State winner(CJ 2), where the 4 teams who remain are all from the shore. There will be 3 rematches in the semi-finals. CJ 4 will have an all-shore matchup in the bottom bracket, as Howell(8-1) and Brick Memorial(5-4) will play again this year. Howell won a 37-27 game in Oct. Middletown South and Neptune(7-2) will have a second game in CJ 3, with Mid South having beaten Neptune 16-0 earlier this year. As a matter of fact, Neptune has not beaten Mid South since 1998. Matawan and Raritan(7-2) will go at it again in CJ 2. Matawan won by 30-7 the first time they played. These games show the excellence in shore football, as all except Raritan, beat out of area teams on their way to the semi’s. Rumson(9-0) will put its undefeated record up against a very good Manasquan(8-1) team. This very well may be the best matchup of the weekend, as they are 2 evenly matched teams. Lacey(7-2), had its un-scored upon streak broken on Sat., but prevailed 33-14 over Pemberton. Toms River East(9-0), try’s to win its first championship ever, and they will have to do it on the road, as they travel to #2 seed Egg Harbor(9-0). Ocean(7-2) will travel to Monroe in another CJ 3 game, and Asbury Park(8-1) looks for their 3rd championship in a row in CJ 1 and gets Brearley in the semi’s. We know now, all of these teams are well coached, and are playing their best football of the year, at the right time. The high level of shore football excellence is clearly evident with the quality of the remaining teams. Let’s look how they got there:

Perhaps the biggest upset of the week occurred in Hunterdon Central as the 5-4 Mustangs of Brick Memorial, seeded #6, shocked the #3 seed by a 21-17 score. With time running out, a Mike DiGuilmi to Cody Cutter 40 yard TD pass with 19 seconds remaining was the game winner for the “Stangs”. The Mustangs ran for 410 yards on the night and dominated the Red Devils, but needed the TD pass to win it. The Mustangs seem to rise to the occasion in the playoffs and are the defending CJ 4 champs. It won’t be easy for them to get to the finish line, as they must get by 2 opponent that have beaten them already; Howell and probably #1 seed Sayreville. None the less, Brick Memorial will not be an easy out for either team.

Raritan used 2 picks by Kevin Furlong, both of which, were returned for TDs to upset the #4 seed Green Wave of Long Branch 28-7. Jessie Raymond(174 yards) proved why he is one of the top backs in the shore, as he tore through the Wave repeatedly. Notre Dame bound Bennett Jackson hit a “rocket” screen for 67 yards and a touch, after he had a 91 screen pass called back. Jackson also kicked field goals of 35 and 37 yards. Next up, Raritan gets a rematch with Matawan, who defeated them 30-7 on Sept 25th. Raritan has 1 title in the trophy case, 2004 when they won CJ 2.

In a driving rain storm on Friday night, the Raiders of TR East used Nico Steriti not once, nor twice, but 45 times for 206 yards and 3 TDs. Nico was my pre-season player of the year, and he certainly has made me look good, as he scored his 26th, 27th and 28th TD of the year. Sr. QB Charlie Diskin threw a 23 yard TD to Anthony Chiacchio, to put the game away in the 4th quarter. With winds howling at 40-50 miles per hour and the rain driving sideways into the faces of the Raiders, Diskin hit for 3 of 4 passes in key situations of the game to aid the running of Steriti. #2 seed, Egg Harbor(9-0), is next for the #3 seed Raiders, as they try to win their first championship in the 30 year history of East. If Nico has anything to say about that, the trophy may very well be sitting in the East showcase come December.

The Bishops of Asbury Park may have found a new way to get the ball to power runner George Stephens. As Stephens is closing in on 1000 rushing yards, it was his pass catching ability( 120 yards) on Sat afternoon that led them to a 22-6 win over Shore Reg. Stephens accounted for all 3 TDs vs. Shore, 2 on the ground and 1 in the air. The win was the second time Asbury has beaten Shore(13-10 on opening day) and put them one step closer to their 3rd consecutive CJ 1 championship. Quite a feat for a program that struggled to a 1-9 record 4 years ago. Next up is David Brearley, at home, on Sat. afternoon.

Matawan, the top seed in CJ 2, easily beat New Brunswick on Sat. night 37-13. The Zebra’s had come into this one a hot team and Matawan jumped all over them and never let up. QB Jared Allison ran for 2 TDs and threw 2 TDs to lead the Huskies to the easy victory. Matawan is peaking at the right time, but will have to continue to play well, as Raritan will test them this week. The Huskies took no prisoners(30-7) the first time around, and revenge is on the minds of the Rockets. Matawan is looking for their first title since 1992.

Rumson remains unbeaten with a shutout win over A.L. Johnson 23-0. Always reliable John Riley, ran for 117 yards and a TD and the Bulldog defense held A.L. Johnson to 3 first downs and 50 total yards. The Rumson “D” was so dominate, that Johnson did not have a first down in the 2nd half. They recorded 4 sacks, had 2 turnovers and blocked a punt. Now you see why this team is undefeated! It doesn’t get any easier for them, as 11 time State Champions, Manasquan comes to town on Friday night. Rumson has never won a State title. The Shore Sports Network will broadcast that one on 1160 WOBM AM and Fox Sports 1310 am as well as 105.7 The Hawk.

Lacey, although scored upon, got it going big in the 2nd half, and cruised to a 33-14 win over Pemberton. Jarrod Molzon(213 yards) filling in for Jake Dabal(167 yards) had himself a huge 2nd half, after Dabal left with a pulled muscle in his side. These 2 RBs are only juniors as is QB Craig Cicardo, so the Lions are set for next year, but they aren’t thinking about next year just yet. They have their eyes on the prize this year and are playing very well at the right time. The Lions travel to Timber Creek this week for the semi-finals.

Neptune put 51 on the board vs. Lawrence, as RBs Ike Calderone(118 yards) and Charlie Davis(111 yards) led the Flier attack. Neptune led 37-7 at the half and cruised in the 2nd half and gets a rematch with a team they haven’t beaten since 1998, Middletown South. That streak includes a 16-0 win this year. Neptune last won the state title in 1986.

Playing without their starting QB C.J. Davis, due to disciplinary reasons, Manasquan defense came up big in a 14-7 victory over Keyport on Sunday. Soph QB Tyler Saito filled in admirably for Davis as he threw for 126 yards and had a rushing TD for the Blue Warriors. Manasquan will look for their shore leading 12th championship as they continue the run in CJ 2, when they travel to Rumson on Friday night.

Middletown South, the #1 seed in CJ 3, demolished West Windsor North by a 43-6 score. Kyle Bunge ran for 141 yards and 3 TDs to lead the Eagles to the easy victory. The Eagles have not won the whole thing since 2006, losing to Freehold Boro in last year’s final.

Howell Twp. the #2 seed in CJ 4 playing on Monday night due to field conditions, which didn’t look too bad to me, beat an undermanned Montgomery team 41-18. Jimmy Ryan, the shore’s best QB, threw for 5 TD passes in only 3 quarters of action, as the Rebels parlayed turnovers and field position, into points and more points. Howell continues next Sat. night, at 6pm, against Brick Memorial, a team it beat 37-27 earlier in the year.

Ocean, last won a State title in 2005 under Sal Spampanato, looks to win one with Coach Don Klein, in CJ 3. The shutout victory over Steinert(35-0) gets them to the semi’s against a good Monroe team on the road. Brandon Robinson, Greg Moore and Christian Bailoni, R.J. D’Apolito and Kevin Rodgers lead the “Big Red” in their quest.

Losing last weekend were Toms River North, who put up a game effort vs. Williamstown, who won their first ever state tournament game, 21-13, and Middletown North, who lost to #1 seed Sayreville in CJ 4 by a 21-0 score.

Top Ten-Week 10(Nov. 17th)
1-Middletown South(9-0) Impressive as ever in 1st round. Get a rematch with Neptune(16-0-first time around) who have not beaten them since 1998, enough said!
2-Toms River East(9-0) Got the job done vs. Wash Twp. in horrendous weather on Friday night. Nico Steriti(45 carries for 206 yds. and 3 TDs) proved to everyone he is a candidate for “Player of the Year”.
3-Howell(8-1) finally played their 1st round game after 2 postponements(why the second one on Sunday is a mystery??). Their reward, a rematch with Playoff savvy defending CJ Group 4 champions, Brick Memorial, a 21-17 winner over previously unbeaten, 9-0, Hun. Cen.
4-Matawan(9-1) The Huskies have made a statement that this could be their year back to the championship, which has eluded them, since 1992. They get Raritan, who they have defeated already 30-7, earlier this year.
5-Rumson(9-0) Anyone unbeaten at this point deserves a top 5 spot. The “Dawgs” have answered every caller and now host Manasquan who have won 11 championships in their storied history. This is the game of the week!
6-Toms River North(7-2) The Mariners suffered their 2nd loss of the year vs. Williamstown on Sat. night(21-13). I witnessed the problem that has plagued North throughout the year; a failure to get the ball into the end zone. Drew Kollman was the best player on the field, but he was not enough as the Mariners now set their sights on cross-town rival TR East on Friday Nov. 27 at 7pm at East.
7-Manasquan(-8-1) In a game played on Sunday, the Warriors playing with a back-up at QB, beat Keyport 14-7. This 1st round win gets them a trip to unbeaten Rumson, on Friday night, in the game of the week in the shore.
8-Raritan(7-2) Because of the rain this weekend, I was also able to see this postponed game vs. Long Branch. They were the better team on the field Sat afternoon, as they won 28-7. A rematch with Matawan awaits the Rockets, which will be played Sat. night at 6PM.
9-Lacey(7-2) The Lions scoreless string was snapped, but they took care of Pemberton 33-14 on Sat. afternoon. They now travel to Timber Creek for a semi-final contest.
10-Asbury Park(8-1) The Bishops are more than capable of getting their 3rd straight CJ Group 1 championship this year. Up next is Brearley at home Sat. afternoon at noon.

Just outside looking in:
Ocean(7-2)- Still alive in tough CJ 3. Must visit tough, Monroe HS, this Friday night at 7PM.
Neptune(7-2) they better be ready, as Middletown South awaits a visit on Friday night.
Brick Memorial(5-4) The Mustangs know how to win in the playoffs. Their tough Group 4 schedule has helped them out.
Long Branch(6-3)- I’ll keep them in the almost top ten. One game remains, and that should be a “W” on Turkey day vs. Red Bank.

We received many complimentary comments on our Thursday night interview with Ron Signorino Sr. In case you would like to hear it again, or may have missed it the first time, check it out on line on the audio page at shoresportsnetwork.com, where every Thursday football shows can be heard.

This week at Boston’s we will have on site, none other than the legendary Warren Wolf. Also on the phone line will be former RBC player and now Temple University Head Coach, Al Golden. This is sure to be a great 2 hours of football talk. We will breakdown the 1st round of the State games and look to the semi’s this weekend. That’s Thursday night at 6-8PM at Boston’s Sports bar and Restaurant on the corner of Fischer and Hooper Ave in Toms River.

Weekend of 11/5 + 11/6, 2009

2009-11-11T07:03:00.000-08:00

Scanning the High School Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:

Let the playoffs begin.

No fewer than 18 schools will begin their quest to become state champions. The shore is well represented with 3 programs earning top seeds; Middletown South(CJ3), Asbury Park(CJ1) and Matawan(CJ2). Mid. South’s road to the finals may include #4 seed, Neptune, in round 2. Ocean(#3) is in the bottom bracket in this group, and has lost 2 of their last 3 going in. Asbury draws Shore Reg. in a rematch of a week 1 game won by AP, 13-10. The very tough South Jersey Group 4 will have 2 shore powers in TR East(#3) and TR North(#5). The good thing about their seeds is that, if they win, East and North will not meet until the finals.

The rampaging Lacey Lions, winners of 6 in a row, with 5 shutouts, received a #3 seed and have an excellent chance of getting to the finals. Hammonton is the #1 seed here. Brick Memorial, the defending CJ4 champ, won a big game on Friday night(37-34 vs. East Brunswick), to qualify as a #6 seed, and will have to win on the road, if they are to get their 3rd championship. To me, Howell(#2) is the team to beat in that section and with wins by them and BM, they would meet in the semi’s. Middletown North(#8) will also compete in this Group. Manasquan(#3), draws a shore opponent in Keyport. This will not be easy for the defending CJ2 champs, as they would probably get Rumson in round 2 if they escape Keyport.

This Group also has Matawan(#1), Raritan(#5), Long Branch(#4) and Rumson(#2) in it. Bet the house, that a shore school will win this section. RBC(#8) will get the #1 team in the state(Don Bosco), in the 1st round of Non-Public 4.

If I had to make some picks here in the 1st round, I would say there are 6 possible winners out there to take home the trophy on the weekend of Dec.4,5,6. More than likely, 3 or 4 will be celebrating. Let’s see how week 1 plays out, and next week I’ll tell you who will survive the 3 rounds.

A quick review of week 9:
The undefeated! Middletown South(8-0) and Rumson(8-0) had byes and were able to rest up for the States. TR East(8-0) easily defeated Old Bridge by a 41-21 score, as Nico Steriti continues to have a huge year, with 4 more TDs. By the way, the Raiders lead the shore in points scored with 283, that’s 35 points per game. Enough said!

Manasquan was knocked from the unbeaten ranks by Long Branch by a 21-14 score. Unfortunately, the story of this game was not who played well, but who did not play for the Blue Warriors. Manasquan sat 8 key players, due to breaking of team rules. Some of those who did not play were; C.J. Davis(starting QB), Neal Sterling(Receiver and DB), Dan Sullivan(DE), Ryan Dullea(Center), Kevin Callahan(Receiver/DB).

I am not taking anything away from Long Branch’s victory, but obviously these players could have made a difference. I credit head coach Pete Cahill for the fortitude to make this tough decision. All are expected to play this week. Long Branch also had to deal with problems of their own. QB Miles Schuler missed most of the week of practice, as he attended the funeral of his grandmom in California. Also Billy George, did not practice all week with a badly bruised bone in his knee. Both players played Friday night and Schuler was the difference, as he ran for 195 yards, including a 84 yard TD run, and passed for 116 yards including a TD of 55 yards to Ezra Kelly.

Head Coach Pete Cahill, said it best; “Miles is a legitimate Division 1 kid. He’s the second fastest kid in New Jersey”.

1 loss teams!
TR North had to sweat a little vs. Jackson, but a 4th quarter rally earned them a 17-7 victory. North’s defense, co-ordinater by Dave Oizerowitz, continues to play lights out. They have given up only 21 points all year, and as the old saying goes, DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS. It won’t be easy for the Mariners in SJ4, with the likes of Cherokee(possible 2nd round opponent) and cross town rival TR East, but the Mariners have been there before and know what it takes to win the whole thing.

By the way, don’t forget, the Raiders and Mariners have a date on Thanksgiving. Could they play 2 weeks in a row? Howell had an easy tune-up with Southern(37-19), as Jimmy Ryan threw for 387 yards and 4TDs. With the summer weather we are experiencing, the Rebels just may go a long way in CJ 4. Matawan ran for 399 yards as they rolled over Bishop Ahr 52-29. They got them the #1 seed in CJ 2. The Huskies are hot at the right time of the year. Manasquan and Asbury Park are the other 1 loss teams and they were mentioned up top.

How about Mon Don’s game! They put 73 points on the board against Metuchen, who by the way scored 45 on their own. QB Kevin Carter had himself a career day running for 210 yards and passing for 141 more yards. Carter ran for 5 TDs and threw for another. All in all the 2 squads combined for 1,101 yards of offense with 713 in the first half and 31 first downs. Yes, the defensive co-ordinators, missed the bus for this one! The scoreboard ground crew was last seen putting new lights in the board, as some blew out after this one.

Let’s give Calvin Thompson and his Point Pleasant Boro Panthers some credit. They opened the season with 4 straight losses, included in that streak was a 7 point loss, a 3 point loss and another 7 point loss. Very easily they could have packed it in at that point. Now they stand at 3-5, with 2 winnable games left, they could finish at 5-5. That would be quite an accomplishment for the Panthers. Nice job keeping them together.

Top Ten-week of Nov. 9th.
1-Middletown South(8-0) #1 seed in CJ3. Looking for another championship to put in their trophy case.
2-TR East(8-0) #3 seed in SJ 4. The Raiders are looking for their 1st State championship in school history. This is a tough group, but I believe the Raiders are ready to take the next step.
3-Howell(7-1) #2 seed in CJ 4. Open against Montgomery who is 5-4 on the season.
4-TR North(7-1) Great defense, must be tough on the road in playoffs. #5 seed in SJ 4.
5-Matawan(7-1) Only loss to RBC. The Huskies are for real. #1 seed in CJ 1.
6-Rumson(8-0) They have answered all comers. Now they begin their second season. #2 seed in CJ 2.
7-Lacey(6-2) Hottest team in shore right now. 6 straight wins and 5 shutouts in a row. #3 seed in SJ 3.
8-Manasquan(7-1) Perfect season over with loss to Long Branch last week. Sometimes losses are good, we shall see.
9-Long Branch(6-2) I know they just beat the team up above, but they have 2 losses to Ocean and Matawan. They are battle tested, with most of their games close and that will aid them down the line.
10-Asbury Park(7-1) Looking for 3 in a row in CJ 1. They are top seed and that will get them 2 home games and maybe 3 depending on where they play for the championship.

Just missed: RBC(5-3), Ocean(6-2), Raritan(6-2), Keyport(6-2), Wall(6-2)and Neptune(6-2)
The Shore Sports Network will broadcast the Washington Twp. at TR East 1st round game Friday night at 7pm at the home of the Raiders. Also join us on Thursday night for 2 hours of high school football talk at Boston’s in Toms River. We are on from 6-8pm every Thursday, except Thanksgiving week. Coaches, players, reporters and MU Head Coach Kevin Callahan join us every week. If you can’t come down, tune us in on 1160am or 1310am or on line at shoresportsnetwork.com.

Weekend of 10/23 + 10/24

2009-10-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Scanning the High School Football scene with Ed Sarluca:

With just 2 weeks left before the playoff cut-off date(Nov 7th), it’s time to look at who is in, and who must win, in the next 2 weeks, to have that chance to put a state championship trophy in the showcase. If I had to put a number out there this week, it would be 18 schools in and 5 more with a chance to make it. Let’s look closely at the groups.

South Jersey Group 4:
TR East(7-0) is in and looks like a 1,2 or 3 seed. The picture will clear after next week, but with a 1 or 2 seed for the Raiders, that would mean home games, and that’s important in this group, with the likes of Cherokee, Egg Harbor, Washington Twp., Williamstown all having great years. TR North(5-1) will make it and have to fight on the road this year. They have a big one with Piscataway(4-3) this week and that will determine their seed. Southern, who made their great run last year, only to lose in the finals, doesn’t look like they will get another chance this year, and they will be on the outside looking in.

South Jersey Group 3:
Lacey will make it, and could get a home game, if they care of business against Middletown North and Freehold Boro in the next 2 weeks. Those are both tough games, so if they are to get a top 4 seed, they would have earned it. Believe it or not, Manchester(3-3) with their upset over RBC, have given themselves a chance at the playoffs. With Monmouth Reg. and Jax Liberty left, they must win 1 of them and qualify at 4-4, and then see where they fall. You must first qualify and then see what happens.

South Jersey Group 2:
Barnegat(2-4) is still is alive, but barely. Obviously, they must win their last 2 against Point Boro and Lakewood(both winnable games) to qualify, and then see if they can get into the top 8. A shot for the better than 2-4 Bengals.

Central Jersey Group 4:
Howell(7-0), will be a 1,2 or 3 seed with Hunterton Central and Sayreville being the challengers. Howell will travel to Sayreville this week in a key cross-over game to help determine top seed. Brick Memorial(3-4) is not out of it yet. They must beat East Brunswick(5-2) on November 6th to qualify and then get some help to try and defend their championship, which they won last year. Middletown North(4-2) will make it, if they win 1 of their 2 remaining games vs. Lacey(4-2) and South Brunswick(2-4).

Central Jersey Group 3:
No less than 4 schools can qualify here. Mid South, Ocean, Freehold Boro, and Neptune look good, with Wall, Brick and Jax Liberty still with a fighting chance. Too many good games left, to make a call here.

Central Jersey Group 2:
This will be Shore Wars revisited as Rumson, Raritan, Keyport, Long Branch, Manasquan and Matawan all look like they should get in. Seeds will be a key factor here, with match-ups going a long way in determining a winner.

Central Jersey Group 1:
Asbury Park(5-1) will have a chance at making it 3 in a row. Shore(3-4), which has been up and down this year, can still make it, but must beat Point Beach to get to 4-4. Keansburg(3-3) must win 1 of 2(Keyport and Dunellen) to qualify and then get help. Dunellen, looks like the best shot for them.

Non-Pub. Group 4:
RBC(4-3) will make it despite the upset loss to Manchester last week. Tough group, as always, with the likes of Don Bosco, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter’s, Camden Catholic, Seton Hall and Paul VI.

That’s a quick look at what the playoff picture looks like, at this point, with 2 weeks to go. After next week’s games we may get a better look at who’s in and who’s out. Now let’s look at last week’s key games.

In one of 3 Sunday games, the Huskies of Matawan(5-1) upset previously unbeaten Ocean(5-1), 24-7. Early in the 1st quarter, Matawan used a flea-flicker, which led to a 47 yard TD, and never looked back as they moved to 5-1 on the year. Playmaker MacArthur Underwood, scored twice, on runs of 65, 2 yards and added a 26 yard interception return for a TD to lead Matawan. No time to relax, as Matawan travels to Long Branch on Sat. for an important Liberty match-up.
In another Sunday contest, Middletown South’s(7-0) outstanding defense held Neptune(4-2) to 66 total yards as they shutout the Fliers 16-0. This suffocating defense is the best in the shore and the Eagles, led by Sean Campbell, showed everyone that they are the favorite in CJ Group 3. Sunday they clinched at least a tie in the Federal Division and may very well see Neptune again in the States.

Wall(4-2)10-7 over Jax Liberty(3-3). Tim Mullooly’s 18 yard field goal with 9 min. left, gave the Crimson Knights the “W”. Maurice Washington ran for 194 yards and Fred Sprengel caught his 4th TD pass of the year, as the Knight’s kept their playoff hopes alive. Not only did Mullooly and Washington have great games, but they were crowned co-homecoming kings at half-time ceremonies. A pretty good night for these two players.

TR East(7-0) 24-6 over Mid North(4-2). How much more does Nico Steriti have to do to solidify his “player of the year” award? All the senior did Friday night was run for 176 yards and 2 TDs, catch 4 passes for 74 yards and a TD and play an outstanding game on defense. The pass came at the 7 second mark of the 1st half on a double reverse pass thrown by Joey Clarizio. Steriti leads the shore in rushing(1039 yards) and has scored 20 TDs in his 7 games so far in 2009. I have said it all season long; this club is on a mission to win a State Championship, and nothing has changed my mind!

Howell(6-0) 37-27 over Brick Memorial(3-4). The Rebels “ran” over the Stangs in a game in which they only threw for 204 yards. I say that because they average close to 300 yards in the air. With this added run game success, they will be tough to beat in the playoffs. Up next is a trip to CJ 4 power, Sayreville.

Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(7-0) Did nothing to hurt their #1 ranking with 16-0 victory over Neptune. Great defense and defense wins championships!
2-Howell(6-0) Beat Brick Mem. 37-27 and proved they are best team in American Division. Great offense and offense excites fans.
3-TR East(7-0) On a mission to win a State Championship. Clinched outright title in Constitution Division.
4-Manasquan(6-0) Took care of SJ V on Sunday. Steady, goes about its business each week. Solid “O” and solid “D”.
5-TR North(5-1) Only loss was #2 Howell. Lives on its great defense.
6-Rumson(7-0) Another week another win for “Dawgs”. Have answered all comers. Solid team.
7-Matawan(5-1) Big win over previously unbeaten Ocean. Great athletes.
8-Ocean(5-1) First loss of season for “Big Red” on Sunday against Matawan. Big playmakers held in check by Huskie defense.
9-Raritan(5-1) Another 5-1 team that the “General” has back on track after tough Matawan loss earlier in season.
10-Long Branch(5-1) Chance to make a move up rankings with Matawan and Manasquan coming up.

Beat of rest:
Lacey(4-2) Watch out for the Lions. 4 in a row for them.
Asbury Park(5-1) Lone loss to undefeated Rumson.
Keyport(5-1) Also lost to Rumson.
Neptune(4-2) Hanging by a thread.

Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River for the High School football show. 6-8 PM every Thursday. Coaches, players and much more. Game of week is RBC at Ocean on Friday night 7PM.

Weekend of 10/16 + 10/17

2009-10-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

Scanning the High School football scene with Ed Sarluca:
While week 6 certainly wasn’t a good all-around football weekend for “our” local teams; Giants get embarrassed 48-27, Jets lose 16-13 as Mark Sanchez throws 5 picks, Eagles lose a yawner 13-9 to lowly Oakland, and Rutgers loses on ESPN to Pitt 24-17, it wasn’t a total loss. I hope you had a chance to listen to Monmouth University’s impressive 42-20 victory over Sacred Heart Univ. on the shore sports network, as freshmen QB Kyle Frazier threw for 4 TDs and Dave Sinisi ran for 135 yards as Monmouth evened their record at 3-3. While the big boys might not have had their best weekend, numerous local high school teams are gearing up for what may be a big run at State Championships. Let’s look at some of the big games of week 6.

Let’s start with Oceans(5-0) big win over Long Branch(5-1). The “Big Red” ran for 319 yards, and survived a late Long Branch comeback, to win it 24-21. Little used junior RB Kevin Rodgers(158 yds. and 2 TDs) made an impressive impact as the “Spartans”, led by Sr. George Sofield, dominated the line of scrimmage and have set themselves up for what looks like a huge game this week vs. Matawan. Long Branch was led by QB Miles Schuler, who accounted for 251 of his teams 273 yards.

Rumson(6-0) and Keyport(4-1) played their hearts out, with Rumson winning in 2 overtime periods, 24-21. Kicker Tucker Smith’s 17 yard field goal won it for the “Bulldogs”, as his first attempt in the first OT was blocked. Fighting a slight groin injury, Smith kicked very little during the week leading up to Saturday’s effort, but the leading kicker in the shore was true, from a severe angle, and allowed the “Dawgs” to continue their dream season. Rumson has come out clean after games vs. Asbury Park, Shore, and Keyport. That’s not an easy stretch to get through. Now they must just beat winless Mater Dei and 1 win Point Beach, to enter the CJ Group 2 playoffs undefeated.

Manasquan(5-0), TR East(6-0), Middletown South(6-0) and Howell(5-0), all remained undefeated, along with Ocean and Rumson and look like sure fire playoff contenders.

Some notable performances in week 6 which deserves mention.

First and foremost was Junior QB Nick SanGiacomo of Barnegat(2-3). Nick, the strong arm QB, threw for 315 yards and 3 TDs in Barnegat’s come from behind 28-23 victory over S J Vianney(2-3). SanGiacomo threw for 225 of those yards in the second half when Barnegat completed their comeback win. Nick is going to be a highly recruited Div. 1 athlete next year, and the offers have begun already, as Tulane University has committed to him. The Bengals already have Senior TE Jarrett Darmstatter, who has been hurt, but is expected to return soon, being recruited by numerous Div 1 schools.

Mon Don’s(2-3) upset of Shore Reg.(2-4) could define the Griffin season. Their high powered offense has not been stopped all year; let’s see if they can move it against the rugged defense of Keyport, at home Friday night.

Manalapan(1-4) picked up their first win of season with an upset of Brick Memorial(3-3). This loss all but knocked the “Stangs” out of any American Division chances and severely hurt their chances of defending their CJ Group 4 championship, which they won last year. The “Mustangs” get Howell(5-0) this week in their homecoming game. We will broadcast this game this week from Brick Memorial.

RBC(4-2) won their 4th in a row. Watch out for the “Casey’s”.

Red Bank(2-4), under new Head Coach Nick Giglio, won for the second time and posted a shutout, 34-0 over JFK Iselin.

Lacey(3-2) has won 3 in a row and are rolling into the playoff picture in SJ Group 3.
Point Boro(1-5) won their first of the year with a 34-14 win over Holmdel(2-4)

TR North(4-1) had a tough time, but prevailed over Southern,14-0. North’s Drew Kollman threw his first TD pass of his career, off of a flanker option pass. Nice call by Mariner coaching staff, at a time in which they were struggling to score.

Jax Liberty(3-2) made school history with their 3rd win. This young 3rd year program, under Tim Osborn, has made huge strides this year and are looking for a winning season. It won’t be easy, but it is within their grasp.

Matawan(4-1), Raritan(4-1), Asbury Park(4-1) and Neptune(4-1) all won and have set up big games in the next few weeks.

Quotable Quotes:
“You have got to be successful by stopping Keyport on first down and putting them in second and long and third and long situations.”(Shane Fallon, Rumson Head Coach and Rumson QB in 1989, the last time Rumson started 6-0.)

“People look at us and saw what our record was. You can’t hide it. We actually had a good preseason and had high hopes. We thought we would have won some games by now.”(Kevin Cruz, Manalapan wide receiver, who caught 8 balls and 2 TD passes in their 33-22 win over Brick Mem.)

“We celebrated pretty good on the field when their kick missed, it was a pretty good win for us.”( Matt Filosa-Jackson Liberty RB who ran for 151 yards and 3 TDs in Liberty’s 36-35 OT win over Central)

“Neal is a force, an impact player on both sides of the ball. Neal is a weapon. Our makeup is usually to run the football, but we are going to try to get Neal the ball a few times every game.”(Head Coach Pete Cahill on his WR/DB Neal Sterling.)

“Craig is much more mature. He is always confident. His physicality has helped him become one heck of a runner. Craig becoming a runner was part of our plan. He’s starting to be a rusher, but he’s still a capable passer. (Head Coach Lou Vircillo on Junior QB Craig Cicardo.)

Top Ten-Week of Oct 19th:
1-Middletown South(6-0) Took care of Wall 26-9. Upcoming big one at Neptune on Saturday afternoon.
2-Howell(5-0) Coming off bye week, can go a long way to division title with a “W” this week at Brick Memorial.
3-TR East(6-0) Friday for all the mables in Constitution Division at home vs. Middletown North.
4-Ocean(5-0) Impressive in its 24-21 win over Long Branch. Doesn’t get any easier with trip to Matawan on Sat. night.
5-Manasquan(5-0) All they do is win. Raritan and Long Branch are waiting for “Big Blue” in 2 weeks.
6-TR North(4-1) Sloppy, but effiencent win vs. Southern Reg-14-0. Defense is one of best in shore.
7- Rumson(6-0) Great win vs. Keyport. They completed a 3 game stretch vs. Asbury Park, Shore and Keyport. That’s impressive.
8-Neptune(4-1) Put up 47 points this week. Points will be a lot tougher to come by this week when they entertain Mid South on Sat. afternoon.
9-Long Branch(5-1) Great effort in losing against Ocean. Must recover with bye week and then Matawan and Manasquan in last 2 weeks before playoffs.
10-Matawan(4-1) This sets up a top ten game with Ocean this week. Which Matawan team shows up?

Just missed:
Keyport(4-1) Tough loss to Rumson, proved they can play with top teams.
Raritan(4-1) Jessie Raymond and Bennett Jackson have had great seasons.
RBC(4-2) 4 straight for them
Asbury Park(4-1) they have recovered from loss to Rumson.
Middletown North(4-1) Surprise team will get to prove they belong in elite 10 as they play TR East on Friday night.

Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in TR for Thursday night football show. Joining us will be Nick SanGiacomo, Barnegat’s outstanding QB, among other guests. 6-8 Thursday on 1160am,1310am or shoresportsnetwork.com on the net.

Weekend Of 10/9 + 10/10

2009-10-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

Week 5 has come and gone, and several teams have set themselves up for key contests in the coming weeks. Let’s break it down by divisions:

American-The winner looks like it will come from the camp of either Howell or TR North. North took care of Brick Memorial rather easily(34-7) and Howell put up 48 points in a game in which they threw for 437 yards, against Manalapan. If Howell beats Brick Mem., 2 weeks from now, they will win that division. If Memorial can pull off the upset it might create a 3 way tie among the 3 schools.

Constitution- TR East has a strangle hold on the title, as they demolished Marlboro 54-0. Nico and Mario Steriti continue to wreck havoc on the rest of the shore. If Mom continues to feed this team, there’s no telling how far they can go.

Federal- Looks like this one will come down to Oct. 24th when Mid South travels to Neptune with the trophy on line. Both must be careful not to get tripped up next week. Mid South has the toughest of games as they get Wall while Neptune gets winless Lakewood.

Liberty-Although Ocean is 4-0, they have played only 1 conf. game, a win against Manchester. They enter the meat-grinder for their next 3, as they travel to Long Branch and Matawan and then get RBC at home. That’s not an easy road to a championship, and if they win it they will have earned it. Of course those 3 other teams all have their eyes on the prize also. It’s too early to predict this one. Some great weeks are ahead in the Liberty Division.

National-This one will come down to a Halloween afternoon(Oct 31st) at Manasquan, when Raritan comes calling. Manasquan is still un-defeated(4-0), while Raritan’s only blemish is a non-con. loss to Matawan.

Patriot-This week-Rumson(5-0) and Keyport(4-0), for the championship, at the home of the Red Raiders. There is nothing like an afternoon game at Keyport with everything on the line. As the band and fans travel down Jackson St. to the field, the tension begins to build. Mike Ciccotelli, has made many trips down that road in his 32 years as the head man of the Raiders. Will this one be a championship walk? We shall see.

That summarizes the divisions as we head to week 6. While many schools are fighting for championships, there is also one eye on the State Playoffs. We are quickly approaching the cut-off date of November 7th(8 games). More to come, on that subject, next week. Let’s look at some of last week’s key games.

As mentioned earlier, TR North took care of Brick Memorial rather handily, 34-7. The story of this game was North QB Demetri Davis. While everyone in the shore was wondering if he could throw the football, he answered that question in a major way. Davis threw for 131 yards on a 9-10, 2 TD, performance. He also ran for 2 TDs and 89 yards. Not a bad night for our “player of the game”. Memorial put up a fight in the 1st half, but the Mariners turned up the heat in half number 2 and won easily. North now become BM fans in 2 weeks, when the Stangs face Howell. A win vs. the Rebels will probably create a 3 way tie, a loss gives the title to Howell.

In a big one in Monmouth County, the Rumson Bulldogs beat Shore Reg. 20-12. Coming off of their big Asbury Park win last week, the “Dawgs”, were primed for an upset. RB John Riley(90 yds.) and QB Sean Burke( 2 TD passes), led them this week. Coming off a game in which he was replaced by Junior QB Mike Villapiano, Burke was 11-15 for 130 yards to go with his 2 TD passes. Rumson travels to Keyport this Sat. afternoon which may decide the Patriot division.

Manasquan(4-0) got a solid performance from QB CJ Davis as he threw for 2 and ran for 1 in a 21-14 win over Barnegat. With a nice big target in Neal Sterling(6’4” 220 lbs.), Davis has enjoyed a great start throwing the football. How about 33 for 54(61%) for 490 yds. and 6 TDs, not a bad start for the 1st year QB. Squan have their eye on the prize, with big games vs. Raritan(division game) and Long Branch(non-con) coming up latter in year.

Teams to keep an eye on: Lacey(2-2) 2 straight and schedule is in their favor. RBC(3-2) 3 straight and playing well. Keyport(4-0) flying under radar all year. Middletown North(4-1) who would have thought they would have 4 wins at this point of season?

Quotable Quotes:
“They beat us bad last year, and Applegate had a great game. We know Brick is a hardcore football program, and they always give us a good fight. We just wanted to contain Applegate, get after him on every play and frustrate him a bit. If we did that, and ran the ball well, we knew we could win today.” (Mike Suppiello-defensive standout for Lacey on the game plan for beating Brick)

“I thought I did all right. I threw 4 picks, that’s never good. We still won though.” (Sophomore QB Kevin Phillips after his first full game as Freehold QB, in which he threw 2 TD passes, leading the Colonials to a 28-14 win over Jackson Liberty)

“I had a lot of free time today and I was able to think about it. I thought about all the faces I’ve seen over the years. Some of them aren’t even alive today.” (Head Coach Chuck Donahue-Southern, on his 200th career victory- a 34-6 win over Jackson)

”I really did not know what we were getting when we got off the bus. During the week, we practiced well, but you never know until you take the field. But I’m happy with the performance they put in. It was a trap game and they did not fall for it.” (Head Coach Steve Antonucci- Middletown South on his team’s 49-0 victory over Central.)

As mentioned above, special congratulations from the shore sports network to one of the good guys around the shore in Chuck Donahue. The head man at Southern picked up his 200th career victory with a win over Jackson on Friday night. Chuck has been at it for 36 years.

Top Ten:
1-Middletown South-(5-0)- Solid 49-0 win over Central. Kyle Bunge had 3TDs and 136 yards rushing. Next up Wall.
2-Howell(5-0)- Ellie Blue(now that’s a football name) scored 3 TDs(the first of his career) as the Rebels won 48-21 over Manalapan. Bye week for Will Hayes to heel from his concussion. They will need him down the line.
3- TR East(5-0)- the Raiders are playing well and have set their goals high-a state championship. It would be the school’s first. Nico and Mario Steriti continue to excel and Charlie Diskin is improving each week in the air. Next up Colts Neck, who beat the Raiders last year. Not this year!
4- Ocean(4-0) Coming off a 49-7 win over Colonia, the “Big Red” travel to undefeated Long Branch in the marquee game of the week. Brandon Robinson is a stud, but the “Wave” defense is tough. Should be a great game.
5-Manasquan(4-0)- CJ Davis accounted for 3 TDs in Manasquan’s 21-14 win over Barnegat. Crossover contest vs. Middlesex this week, as they tune-up for big games coming up.
6- Long Branch(5-0)- Big match-up with cross town rival Ocean his Saturday. Miles Shuler threw for 2 and rushed for 1, as the “Wave” cruised 50-7 over South Plainfield.
7- TR North(3-1)- Demetri Davis had a big night as North defeated Brick Mem. 34-7. Next up is Southern Reg. coming off a huge win over Jackson Memorial.
8-Neptune(3-1)- Coming off a bye week, they face winless Lakewood. That one will be ugly and the Fliers just have to take care of business, get the “W” and get out of there injury free. Middletown South game is 2 weeks away.
9-Rumson(5-0)- Sean Burke, who was replaced last week, returned to throw 2 TD passes, to beat Shore 20-12. Keyport will be a hostile place to play this Saturday.
10-Keyport(4-0)- Why not put the “Red Raiders” in the top ten. No longer under the “Sarluca” radar screen. Hopefully, for them, it won’t be a 1 week placing.

Just missed:
Matawan(3-1) Will face Ocean and Long Branch after Manchester this week.
Raritan(3-1) Any team with Bennett Jackson and Jessie Raymond on it, deserves to be mentioned.
RBC(3-2) Watch out for the Casey’s.
Asbury Park(3-1) Beat Mon Don 48-21 last week. Still smarting from Rumson loss.
Middletown North(4-1) This has been one of the surprise teams of year so far. They will face TR East on Oct 23rd.

Join us Thursday night at Boston’s in Toms River for out 2 hour football show. Joining us this week will be Southern Reg head coach Chuck Donahue among other guests from around the shore. 1160am, 1310, or on line on the shoresportsnetwork.com. Game of the week is Southern at TR North Friday night at 7pm

Weekend of 10/2 + 10/3

2009-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

Scanning the high school football scene with Ed Sarluca: Week 4

Top Ten:

1-Middletown South(4-0) A sloppy but quality “W”(21-10) against Freehold Boro at the swamp. Freehold turned it over 6 times to “give” Mid South the ball game. Despite 4 turnovers themselves, the Eagles continue their undefeated season. Next up is Central who rushed for over 500 yards vs. Lakewood on Sunday.

2-Howell(4-0) Huge 7-3 win over Toms River North gives the Rebels a leg up in American Division. They still have to face a tough Brick Memorial team in 3 weeks, but Jimmy Ryan and company look and play like champions.

3-Toms River East(4-0) The Raiders have just about clinched the Constitution Division with their easy 37-7 lopsided victory over Brick. 2 easy ones, with Marlboro and Colts Neck and then their last major challenge in division play when they face Mid North at home. This week, Dan Wasilick returned the opening KO 83 yards and they never looked back.

4-Ocean(3-0) A not real good Colonia team faces the “Big Red” this week, coming off their bye week and then we will see how good this team is, with games against Long Branch, Matawan and RBC. If they run that table, they will be the favorite in CJ Group 3.

5-Manasquan(3-0) The “Big Blue” continues to roll with a 28-6 win over previously undefeated Pinelands. They should continue to take care of business until they get Raritan and Long Branch in week 7&8.

6-Long Branch(4-0) The “Green Wave” just keeps rolling along with a stingy defense and enough offense to keep the wins coming. South Plainfield up next and the meat grinder starts with Ocean, Matawan and Manasquan on the schedule.

7-Neptune(3-1) A very impressive shutout(39-0) of previously un-scored upon Wall has made me a believer and they enter the top ten this week. Charlie Davis had a night to remember with 4 TDs and 227 total yards as the Fliers built a 39-0 lead at the half and then pulled the dogs. Neptune will rest this week on their bye , then face winless Lakewood and then the big one with Mid South on Oct 24.

8-Toms River North(2-1) This is a team which I can’t get a read on. A big powerful offensive line, skill at all the key positions and they can’t score! 2 games in a row without an offensive TD, that won’t get it done in the American Division. Now they must hope someone beats Howell or their championship dreams are over. Next up provides no rest for the Mariners as they travel to Brick Memorial on Friday night.

9-Brick Memorial(3-1) With only a loss to undefeated Sayreville, the Mustangs enter the meat of their schedule with TR North, Manalapan and Howell in the next 3 weeks. A come from behind overtime win(21-14) this week vs. Jackson sets them up for another run at the CJ Group 4 playoffs.

10-Rumson(4-0) What an impressive victory over Asbury Park this week. The 26-18 win gets them into the top ten. Using the double pass to score the go ahead TD in the 4th quarter, the Bulldogs made a statement on Saturday. John Riley(130 rushing yds.) was very good on the ground and super soph Mike Villapiano led the “Dawgs” from the QB position.

Best of the rest:

Keyport(3-0) The Red Raiders continue to fly low and continue to win. 42-7 over Point Beach on Friday night has set up a huge one on Oct 17th vs. Rumson.

Raritan(3-1) One loss will not define their season. Nice bounce back win over winless Point Boro by a 42-7 score.

Matawan(3-1) Well what can you say, after the big win against Raritan last week, they lay the egg this week vs. RBC and find themselves on the outside looking in.

RBC(2-2) Watch out for the Casey’s, they are getting better each week.

Asbury Park(2-1) Should get back on track in next few weeks, after the loss to Rumson.
A potentially bad weather weekend turned out to be another bad forecast by the experts, as the rains and winds stayed away and we saw some interesting results.

Toms River East made a bold statement to the rest of the Constitution Division as they rolled over Brick, 37-7. The Raiders, in my opinion, will be 8-0 going into the SJ Group 4 playoffs. That’s important, because that should get them 1 or 2 home playoff games. It’s never too early to start thinking about the playoffs.

Middletown South, turned 4 fumbles and 2 interceptions by Freehold Boro into a 21-10 victory at the “swamp”. That set the Eagles up for the Oct 24th matchup with Neptune, which will decide the Federal Division. QB Scott Meeker continues to impress as he threw 2 TD passes in the victory.

Neptune’s 39-0 demolition of Wall will be remembered as the night RB Charlie Davis came of age. Davis scored 2 on the ground, 1 in the air and 1 more via an interception return, as the Fliers rolled for 339 yards of total offense, most of which came in the 1st half!

I had the pleasure to take a ride to Asbury Park on Saturday afternoon, not to see the “Boss”, but to witness Rumson’s 26-18 win over the Bishops. Using the double pass, which began with a flare from Soph QB Mike Villapiano to Ian Moore, and then to Jack Wise, for the 30 yard TD score, the “Dawgs” made a statement in the Patriot Division. They now control their destiny, if they want that crown.

With my wife understanding that this is football season, I also took in the Howell’s 7-3 victory over Toms River North on Sat. night. With everyone raving about the Howell offense, it was defense that won this one for the Rebels. As head coach Cory Davies knows, this season will be defined by his defense, not his offense. They are an under-rated bunch, which bent, but did not break. TR North’s plight is simple; they must find a way to get into the end zone. They move the ball with ease, but 1 or 2 mistakes per drive, and they are forced to settle for 3 points or turn it over on downs. Their excellent defense has been carrying them so far.

Congratulations to Nick Giglio of Red Bank for picking up his first victory at his new school. Nick was a very successful head coach at Point Beach HS and I am rooting for him to turn the Red Bank program around. With his work ethic and personality, that will be a given.

Keansburg’s come from behind win over Mon. Don.(16-13) was extra special to head Coach Brian Kmak. Kmak spent most of Saturday afternoon’s game at the hospital with his daughter who was taken to the emergency room on Friday night. When his daughter was cleared to return home, Kmak, rushed to the game and saw the last few moments of the Titan win. In his absence, assistant coaches Tom O’Keefe and George Kostas ran the team. I love happy endings!
Congratulations to Allentown’s John Amabile who picked up his 2nd win of the year with a 42-0 rout of Marist. Allentown won all of 2 games in the last 3 years. Why did I know he would surpass that total in just 3 games of his first season?

A special sad mention to family and friends of SJ V player Dan Falco, who died this past week of a non-football related illness. Also, the ever successful shore head coaches Mike and Mark Ciccotelli, as well as another brother Steve, lost their father last week, at the age of 87. Sal Ciccotelli was so proud of his 3 sons, all of which have had successful coaching careers around the state. The prayers of all players and coaches around the shore go out to the families of Dan and the Ciccotelli’s.

Some notable quotes of week 4:
“I feel especially happy for the seniors. They went through some down years, but they stuck it out and deserve this.” (Head Coach Nick Giglio on his team’s 28-6 victory over Dunellen.)

“The start of the season was a true test of our character. It was refreshing to see all of the hard work pay off today. A.J. had a big game. The offensive line gave him time to throw, that was the key.”(Head Coach Sal Spampanato of Monmouth Reg. on his team’s 53-14 win over South Plainfield.)

“Turnovers are tempo-setters. That’s what we did, we set the tempo for the rest of the game.” (Jake Flaherty, DB at RBC on the 20-7 upset win over Matawan. Flaherty had a 26 yd. interception return for a TD.)

“We all call him the “Waterbug”, and the Waterbug busted one out there”. (Nico Steriti on team-mate Dan Wasilick’s 83 yard TD on the opening kickoff of TR East’s 37-7 in over Brick.)
“Every team practices a 2-minute offense, our backs were against the wall and we found a way to move the ball.” (Head Coach Walt Currie of Brick Mem. on his team’s game tying TD in the last 2 minutes of regulation time. The “Stangs” won it in overtime 21-14.)

A big one in the American Division as TR North visits Brick Mem. on Friday night. Join us at shoresportsnetwork.com, as we broadcast this important game. 1160am, 1310am and 105.7 The Hawk will have the game on. Also join us at Boston’s on Thursday night for our 2 hour talk show, featured this week will be coaches Walt Currie and Chip LaBarca Jr, along with key players from their teams. That’s 6-8 pm on Thursday also on shoresportsnetwork.com.

Weekend of 9/25 + 9/26

2009-09-28T13:05:00.000-07:00

Scanning the high school football scene with Ed Sarluca:

Offensive football was the name of the game in week 3, with no fewer than 12 teams putting up 30 points or more. This will not make defensive co-coordinators too happy as they begin to prepare for these teams down the road. Leading the offensive explosion was Asbury Park(2-0), who put up 53 in a blowout win over Mater Dei. The Raiders of Toms River East(3-0) put 48 on the board against cross town rival TR South. These two teams remained undefeated, with big games coming up for both teams. Mid South(3-0) continues undefeated, and scored 38 points in their shutout win over Jackson Liberty. Mid South now gets to avenge a loss last year in CJ Group 3 finals vs. Freehold Boro, as they host the Colonials on Friday night at home. That one will be on the radio, if you can’t make it to the game.(1160am, 1310 am, as well as 105.7 the Hawk Also for out of area fans, you can follow us on shoresportsnetwork.com.

The big game of week 3 was the blowout victory by Matawan over Raritan(30-7). In a game most people thought would be a close, the Huskies led from start to finish and proved that they are the real deal in 2009. Holding Raritan ace RB Jessie Raymond to 75 yards and Notre Dame bound Bennett Jackson to 5 catches for 57 yards, the Huskies used their outstanding QB Jared Allison( 1TD run & 1TD pass) and McArthur Underwood(82 run for TD) as big play weapons in a statement type game of the early season. Matawan now gets to revenge a 2008 loss to RBC, which still bothers Matawan. Look for them to take care of business this Friday at RBC.

The Toms River East Raiders ran wild over the under-manned TR South Indians. Playing without key personal, the Indians(0-3) were no match for the explosive Raiders. Nico Steriti, who was my pre-season choice for player of the year, certainly did nothing to hurt his chances at winning that award. All Nico did was run for 3 TDs(4, 1, & 30 yds.), catch a TD pass of 22 yds., from QB Charlie Diskin, and scored on defense as he returned an interception for 102 yards. Those 5 TDs, give him 10 on the year, in 3 games. This week, the Raiders travel to Brick and can just about wrap up the Constitution Division title, with a “W” against the 2-1 Dragons.

TR North(2-0) continues to win, with a methodical 19-0 victory over winless Manalapan. They used 2 interception returns for TDs and now set their sights on the undefeated Rebels of Howell(3-0). That game has been set for Sat. night at 7pm at North, so it’s a good chance for everyone around the shore to see a football game that will pit the brute force and power of the Mariners vs. the finesse air attack of Howell. There are no programs around the state, which are polar opposites of each other, than these 2 teams.

Ocean(3-0) continues to use a stingy defense and timely scoring, as they march through their schedule. Games against Long Branch(3-0) and Matawan(3-0), which will both be on the road, loom in Oct. as Liberty Conference deciders.

Manasquan(2-0) took care of Holmdel(1-2) early and often as they ripped the Hornets 35-0 on Sat. afternoon. The Big Blue will play the season without 1500 yard rusher Lorenzo Venable, who has quit the team. With Jimmy Stovall and Zach Ogden running from the tailback position, they have not seen any drop off from the production they are used to getting from their running game. The “Squan” travel to undefeated Pinelands(2-0) this Friday night in a big National Division game.

Rumson(3-0) is the team that is flying under the radar. They will get a chance to fly high this week, when they visit Asbury Park(2-0) in a key Patriot Div. game. QBs Sean Burke and Mike Villapiano are 2 names you better become familiar with, because they can play. Burke returns from a broken ankle that occurred last year in mid-season, and caused him to miss half the season. Tucker Smith is one of the shores top kickers. There could be a lot of fireworks on Sat afternoon.

One player I would like to mention is Kevin Carter from Mon Don. This receiver turned into an option QB has picked up the offense rather well. All he has done in Mon Don’s 1-1 start is rush for 494 yards, score 7 TDs and throw for 2 TDs. Not bad for a converted receiver. I would say that he and Mike DiGuilmi(Brick Mem.) have adjusted well to running the triple option attacks of their respective teams.

Quotable Quotes:

“It doesn’t get any better defensively. All the credit goes to Al (Tirpack). He does a great job preparing the kids to play week to week” (Chris Barnes-Wall(2-0) in their 35-0 win over South Plainfield.)

“They’re both hard-workers. They’re both going to give you everything they can give. Neither one is blessed with many physical attributes, but they understand their role.” (Head Coach Pete Cahill-Manasquan on RBs Zach Ogden and Jimmy Stovall)

“It wasn’t pretty, but this is our second road game, without playing at home, and we came into this off a bye week, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. We certainly didn’t execute well offensively. Demetri(Davis) ran the ball well but when we had other things opening up for us we didn’t connect.” (Head Coach Chip LaBarca-TR North on his team’s 19-0 win at Manalapan)

This and that:

Congratulations to Skip Edwards of SJ V, who picked up his first victory(28-21 over Point Boro), at that school.

Point Pleasant Boro is off to a 0-3 start. Playing without 2 way star Zach Hayden, they lost to SJ V 28-21 last week. This week they get a hungry Raritan team eager to get back on the field after their loss to Matawan.

Brick Memorials(2-1) offense is one of the best in the shore. They run for 328 yards a game, while averaging 393 yds. a game. If they get their defense straightened out, watch out for this team.

Neptune vs. Wall this week at Neptune—a big game for both teams.

Brick(2-1) shutout previously unbeaten Mid North 3-0 on Friday night. A 25 yard field goal by Brick’s Pat Kearns won it for Pat Dowling’s Dragon’s.

Long Branch’s Miles Shuler returned for the Wave in their 20-7 win vs. Monmouth. He ran for 2 TDs and threw for 1 score.

Top Ten:
1-Middletown South(3-0) Money is on the table this week vs. Freehold Boro, who defeated the Eagles at Rutgers in last year’s CJ G 3 finals.
2-Howell(3-0) Easily their biggest game in 2 years as they travel to TR North on Saturday night.
3-Ocean(3-0) Defense is excellent, offense has Brandon Robinson.
4-Matawan(3-0) Game-breakers up and down the lineup. McArthur Underwood is a star in the making!
5-TR East(3-0) Nico(sr) and Mario(soph) are the last of the 4 Steriti brothers. Shore conf. coaches can breathe a sigh of relief.
6-Manasquan(2-0) Will the loss of Venable bring this team together—I think so!
7-TR North(2-0) Their 19-0 win last week sets up a battle in American Div. vs. Howell (Sat. night at 7pm).
8-Long Branch(3-0) Ocean shutout Manchester last week, the Wave may make it 2 weeks in a row that Hawks don’t score. QB Miles Schuler is back and healthy.
9-Asbury Park(2-0) Scored 53 last week. A tougher opponent in Rumson this week.
10-Brick Memorial(2-1) Only team in top ten with a loss. Hard to keep them out with the offense they have produced in 3 weeks. Lone loss to Sayreville is 3-0 in early season.

Just missed:
Rumson(3-0)-win and you’re in next week!
Neptune(2-1) Danger ahead in unbeaten Wall(2-0)
Keyport(2-0) Another team under the radar.
Freehold Boro(2-1) Chance to hop back into top ten with a “W” at Mid South.
Raritan(2-1) One loss does not define this good team.

Join us at Boston’s this Thursday night for 2 hours of high school football at 6-8pm. Freehold Boro vs. Mid South (Friday 7pm on 1160am, 1310am, and 105.7fm the Hawk) or shoresportsnetwork.com.

Weekend of 9/18 + 9/19

2009-09-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Scanning the high school football scene with Ed Sarluca:

Week 2 has come and gone, and a new #1 team has risen to the top. With previous #1 Freehold Boro going down to Neptune 26-20 in overtime, it allows Middletown South(2-0) to climb one notch to the top spot. Meanwhile Asbury Park(1-0) and Manasquan(1-0) opened defense of their state championships with close, challenging games, but both came away winners in their first games. No teams like those first week byes and the Warriors and Bishops showed a little rust, but wins are wins, and both will use those tough games to only get better. Raritan(2-0) and Matawan(2-0) will collide this week in Raritan, with the winner on their way to the states. This will be a huge out of league match-up worth a whole bunch of quality points. Coach Bob Generelli, of Raritan, has his Rockets primed and ready to take on the speed and power of Matawan and head coach Joe Martucci. Matawan has put up 92 points, while holding their first 2 opponents to 9 pts. Raritan has put 83 points on the board in their first 2. We may very well see a shoot-out in this one. In another big game this weekend, Manchester(1-0) will travel to “Big Red” territory to meet Ocean(2-0), who has looked very impressive in the early season. Coach Don Klein has one of the top game breakers in the shore in Brandon Robinson, while the Hawks will counter with All-American athlete Jimmy Lawson, who anchors a stout defense.

Let’s look at some of last week’s games.

Neptune 26 Freehold Boro 22(OT): Sloppy can best describe this contest. 10 turnovers(5 each) by both teams made this one an exciting game that needed an overtime session to decide it. More known for his basketball skills, Isaias Calderon scored 3 times, including the game winner in OT, to lead the Fliers to their biggest win since they beat undefeated Asbury Park last year on Turkey Day.

Freehold Boro, up 8 pts., were playing without their best RB Tezzy Thorpe(injury) and best LB Rakim Thorpe(suspension) had the game put away, but a roughing the kicker penalty gave Neptune new life and they used it to tie it up with 3:27 left on a successful 2 pt. conversion after Calderon’s 2nd TD. I have a feeling these 2 may meet again come playoff time.

A little further north, Asbury Park(1-0) had all they can handle against a good Shore Reg.(1-1) team. Jamar Small, Asbury’s new QB, threw for 150 yds., to lead the Bishops to a come from behind victory. Trailing by 3 pts. at the half, Asbury completely dominated the Blue Devils in the 2nd half. Running 32 plays to Shore’s 7, they out gained Shore 184-11, while holding the Devils to 0 first downs, in that dominating second half. Asbury Park’s next big one comes at home against Rumson(2-0) on Oct. 3rd.

Toms River East’s 14-7 victory over Lacey will go a long way in deciding the Constitution Division championship. The Raiders have a leg up in a not real good division. Nico Steriti(116 yds.) and Mario Steriti(107 yds.) in the same backfield can only create nightmares for opposing teams. This combination, combined with Charlie Diskin at QB and a defense that is tough and aggressive will send the Raiders to the playoffs in SJ Group 4. I know, it’s a long way off, but it’s never too early to discuss the playoffs.

This year SJ is a tough as ever with Cherokee, Wash. Twp., Egg Harbor, Pennsauken, Mainland all 2-0 with East and Williamstown and TR North 1-0. That’s 8 solid programs to contend. Let the season unwind.

Quotable Quotes:

“It was phenomenal, it was our night, just like last year in the state semis it was their day.” John Fiore(Neptune head coach) on his team’s 26-22 win over Freehold Boro.
“We had to play through adversity, and that’s what we did.” Marquise Johnson(Asbury Park LB/RB) on his teams come from behind victory over Shore.

“That just takes so much pressure off my back knowing that other kids on this football team can get into the end zone.” Nico Steriti(TR East RB) on a Diskin to Cardini TD pass to decide the Lacey game.

“That kid is a special athlete. Defending any triple option is tough on its own, but when a player like Carter is involved it just becomes that more of a challenge.” Shane Fallon(Rumson head coach on trying to stop Mon Don QB Kevin Carter in Rumson’s 38-20 win)
“We were willing to play. We have seen lights worse than this but we understand the officials’ point of view. Obviously, I don’t want to put my kids at risk.” Brian Russo(Woodbridge head coach referring to the lights mal-functioning at Howell’s 37-7 suspended game) The game was ruled over, the following day.

“That’s just Brandon being Brandon. We evaluated in the off-season what we wanted to do with him, and we thought he needed to get more touches. He’s a special athlete and he’s a special player, and you were able to see tonight what he’s capable of.” Don Klein(Ocean head coach on his star RB/WR Brandon Robinson)

"This is a tough bunch of kids, we knew they would bounce back. In the first half, both sides of the ball played well, in the second half we did enough to win.” Walt Currie(Brick Memorial head coach, on his team’s 38-21 win over Southern)

“The corners bit, the safety bit, and C.J. made a great throw.” Ryland McTighe( Manasquan WR/C on his 71 yard TD reception from QB C.J. Davis in Squan’s 13-10 win over Point Boro)
Some key injuries to keep an eye on: Andrew Suarez(Mid South’s 2 way star-possible knee injury). Chris Chiarelli(Colts Neck QB- leg injury). Miles Schuler(Long Branch QB-thumb injury). Ryan Malleck(Point Boro WR/S/kicker- leg injury). Tezzy Thorpe(Freehold Boro RB- knee injury, has not been on field yet). Rob Whitfield(TR South RB/DB-shoulder injury)

Top Ten:

1-Middletown South(2-0)- beat New Brunswick 27-6 in week 2. One more tune up before big one in 2 weeks vs. Freehold Boro, who beat the Eagles in last year’s CJ Group 3 finals.
2-Howell(2-0)-Easily beat Woodbridge 37-7 in 3 quarters of action(lights went out). Jackson this week, and the back to back with TR North and Brick Memorial.
3-Long Branch(2-0)-hard fought 14-7 win over RBC(0-2). Toughest games are at end of year.
4-Ocean(2-0)-I like the “Big Red”. While everyone talks about their offense, take a look on the defensive side. They took care of Brick, holding them to 5 rushing yds., and have given up just 1 TD on “D”.
5-Raritan(2-0)- Another solid team that is getting better each week. Big one this week, Matawan at home, Friday night.
6-TR North(1-0)- Early bye week did not please Chip LaBarca. The Mariner’s are back to work this week at Manalapan, then they get Howell and Brick Memorial back to back.
7-Asbury Park(1-0)- Tough win vs a tough opponent(Shore-13-10). Rumson in 2 week will be the test.
8-Toms River East(2-0)-Took care of primary challenge in Constitution Div. Lacey 14-7 on Thursday afternoon. Be careful of let down vs. arch-rival TR South this week.
9-Manasquan(1-0)- This may be a bit low for this team, but they will have the chance to climb the ladder.
10-Matawan(2-0)- We will see this week vs. Raritan.

Best of rest:
Neptune(1-1) I know they had the biggest win of weekend, but too many other good teams ahead of them.
Freehold Boro(1-1) It was tough to drop them out of top ten, but look who’s ahead of them and tell me who doesn’t deserve to be there.
Brick Memorial(1-1) Powerful offense(close to 900 yards in 2 games), but must get their “D” going.
Rumson(2-0) They are sneaking up on all the above.
Keyport(2-0) See Rumson comment. Oct 17 match-up with Rumson.

Join us Thursday night at Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza in Toms River for our 2 hour football show from 6PM-8PM. Live at Boston’s will be head coach Charlie Diskin of East and star RB Nico Steriti. They will be joined by other guest on the phone.

This week’s game of week is TR South vs. TR East at 7pm Friday night on 1160 WOBM AM, Fox Sports 1310 and 105.7 The Hawk. You can also check us on line at shoresportsnetwork.com.

Weekend of 9/11 + 9/12

2009-09-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

Scanning the High School Football Scene with Ed Sarluca:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is my revised Top Ten:

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

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

Let The Season Begin!

2009-09-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

With Jerry Lewis on TV, with his annual MD telethon, that could mean only one thing---another year of high school football is about to begin. It all starts for real on Friday night, with some big games highlighting opening weekend. Many interesting stories are about to unfold on this coming weekend. A football season without Warren Wolf on the sidelines. Most of you who will read this blog, have never seen that happen. We will miss the grey suit and silver hair flowing in the wind. Enjoy your retirement, but don't stay away. John Amabile takes his show to Allentown HS. Although not in the Shore Conf., this will be a must watch this year, and I had to mention it. Can Asbury Park win 3 in a row? Can RBC get over the hump in the playoffs? Can Freehold Boro and Brick Memorial and Manasquan repeat their state runs of last year? You see--many questions to be answered in the next 13 weeks. I'll work my pre-season Top Ten into my Blog this week. Enjoy your favorite team and welcome to the 2009 season.

1-Freehold Boro-Of all the schools I saw in scrimmages, this was the best. Overall speed on offense is outstanding and they have enough letter winners returning to make another run at the title. Look for RB Willie Thomas to have a big year. Defensively, they are led by Rakim Thorpe at LB.

2- RBC- This is a team that has reloaded after a great year last year, when they finished 9-1. Andrew Casten looks to be a big time RB. The key to this year may be who replaces QB Connor O'Leary. That job looks to be filled by Taylor Erdman.

3- Middletown South-How can you have a Top Ten and not include the Eagles? Well, not this year. Sean Campbell returns at LB, where he is a 3 year starter, to lead a aggressive defense. Andrew Suarez provides plenty of speed for the Eagles on offense. Solid team, solid coach.

4-Asbury Park. Back to back Group 1 champs look to be just as good in 2009. RB George Stephens is one of the top backs in the state and he will lead the Blue Bishops. Jamar Smalls at QB, replaces Will Johnson, and will just have to steer this team down the field. Lamar Davenport is a very capable wide receiver.

5-Long Branch-This will be a very dangerous team to play because of their game breaking speed. Miles Shuler, the QB will be one of those burners. They will have a tough opener with Point Boro this week. By the way, it took a while, but the complex at Long Branch is one of the top ones in the shore.

6-Point Boro- Why not put them right here, since they play the team just ahead of them on opening night. 6'5'' Ryan Malleck will be one of the top receivers in the shore. Head Coach Calvin Thompson will have the Panthers ready early, since they come right back with Manasquan in week 2, after the Long Branch opener.

7-Brick Memorial- The returning Central Jersey Group 4 Champs did not get an easy opener this year. They drew Sayreville in a rematch of last years championship game. A game won by BM 24-0. That should be plenty of incentive for the Bombers. Vinny Sabba returns at RB along with Glenn McGinnis and Jarred Aksdal, but the key question mark is Mike DiGuilmi, who will replace all-shore QB Brian Staub. Defense must come along as season progresses.

8-Howell- This American Conf. team will battle with Southern, BM and TR North for bragging rights in the shore's toughest division. Coach Cory Davies has many guns to display and the spread offense is the perfect way to get all the bullets into the gun. This very well could be the best offense in the shore. The schedule was not kind to the Rebels, as they drew State power Piscataway in a game which will be played at 11am next Sunday at Rutgers University as part of a double header.

9- Ocean- The "Big Red" will be heard from this year. They have an excellent 2 way player in Brandon Robinson, who will drive defenses crazy as he lines up all over the field. Coach Don Klein always has his team ready to play and they will be a tough out for anybody on their schedule

10-Toms River North-You can never have a top ten and not have a Toms River school in it. This year, the nod goes to the Mariners. Demetri Davis will run the show for the Mariners, who also have one of the shores best LB in Steve Barrosa, who will also see backfield duty. State power Piscataway is on Mariner schedule in mid-season.

Best of rest:

Manasquan- Pete Cahill begins his 3rd season after taking over following Vic Kabu's death. All Pete did was win another State Championship last year. Can they repeat? It won't be easy, but don't count the Warriors out just yet. Lorenzo Venable seems like he's been around forever and returns at RB. Can they find a QB? Neal Sterling, at 6'5' is a big target on "O".

Raritan- I wanted to put the Rockets in the Top Ten, but no room left. Jessie Raymond returns at RB and the running game is set. Will they be able to throw it down the field?

Toms River East--The Raiders would be in the Top Ten if Nico Steriti had a pre-season. The shores leading RB coming back, has yet to suit up for the Black and Silver. Nursing a calf injury, it remains to be seen if he starts the seaon on the field.

Matawan- This team always seems to self-destruct at some time of the season. They do have a talented QB in Jared Allison and speed is not lacking on this team. Lets see if they can put it all together for long time mentor Joe Martucci, who begins his 25th season.

Rumson-Big and physical can best describe the Bulldog team. A name to keep an eye on is Junior QB Mike Villapianno, the son of former all-pro Phil Villapianno, who according to many observers, is a future star in waiting.

Keport- Mike Ciccotelli, who begins the second longest tenure of any head coach(32 years), looks to come back from 3 straight non winning seasons. 4-6, 4-6, and 5-5 last year does not sit well with this program. DT Bryan Thompson, begins his senior year as their leader.

Lacey- Lou Vircillo(33 years total) has now become the longest tenured shore conf. coach, with the retirement of Warren Wolf and the move of John Amabile to Allentown(non shore conf.). The Lions are always tough and this year they very well may find their way back to the South Jersey Group 3 finals. Junior QB Craig Cicardo will lead the Lions, who will feel the loss of all-shore RB Tom Rickmers early in the season.

Neptune- John Fiore is under some heat at Neptune, not to win, because he has done that, but to win a championship. Talent up and down this team. Jamaal Hubbard is a talented QB, both in the air and on the ground. Transfer Charlie Davis from SJ V will add depth to backfield, who already had Dwayne Gutridge there. Warren Mello can catch the football.

Teams that have to get off early:

Southern Reg., Brick, TR South, Jackson, Wall, Barnegat will have to prove to me they belong with the above teams. Some of them probably do and will prove me wrong, that's what makes high school football such a great sport.

Some interesting sidelights to this season. The Thursday night High School Football Show will again be on every Thursday from 6-8 PM. This year all of the shows will originate from Boston's in Toms River on the corner of Hooper Ave and Fisher Bvd. So why not come down and enjoy the show live, have something to eat and drink, and check out the crew of Matt Harmon, Kevin Williams and yours truly, while we still have our tans. As some of you already know, we will broadcast high school games on Friday night during the regular season, Monmouth University games on Saturdays and New York Jet football on Sundays. Non-stop action all weekend on your dial. Another plus will be the use of 105.7 The Hawk to broadcast our Friday night HS games, along with 1160 AM and 1310 AM. Besides these 3 stations will also will be streamed on your computer and archived for all future listening pleasure. You can't miss us!

Getting Ready For The Gridiron Classic

2009-07-15T05:12:00.000-07:00

The weight rooms around the shore are filled with tanned bodies and sweat. That means one thing; Football season is just around the corner. While most high school teams are putting in some sort of practice time, coaches around the shore are planning that first day of practice. 7 on 7 games, speed camps, college camps around the country, offensive and defensive skill work are just a few of the many facets of what high school football is in the 2000's.

Back in the days of when I was coaching, Sept 1st was the magic date when practice began. State rules forbid any kind of structured practice from the coaches. Well those rules changed drastically 20 or so years ago and now you may practice anytime after the first class graduates in the spring of the preceding year.

So while the many players prepare for 2009 with their coaches, a group of approximately 100 former senior players are working hard on the practice field in Toms River and Matawan in preparation of the 32nd annual all-shore football classic. The game will be played 7 PM Friday night, July 17th at Brick High School. It matches up the best of the best in 2008 in a Monmouth vs Ocean contest. This year the US Army has become a major sponsor, along with All-Shore Media and Millennium Radio. The Shore Sports Network will broadcast he game live on Fox Sports 1310 AM and 105.7 FM, the Hawk. You can also follow the game on your computer streamed at either one of the station websites.

The game is being run by the Shore Football Coaches Foundation led by game director Lou Vircillo, Lacey Townships legendary head coach. Handling the job on the Army end is US Army Capt. Robert Hanratty, who played in this game in 2000, after his senior year at Manalapan HS. This years head coaches are Mark Ciccotelli of Freehold Boro and Chuck Donahue Sr of Southern Reg. While the players prepare themselves under the watchful eyes of a full coaching staff, Vircillo and his staff of coaches work diligently to make this game work. Barnegat's Rob. Davis, the GM of the Ocean squad, and Howell's Cory Davies, Monmouth's GM have worked very hard on the rosters of the two squads. It's not an easy job trying to round up 100+ players in the summer, as most prepare for their up coming college careers.

Games like this, usually always come down to the skill players. Lets start on the Monmouth side and mention a few of the major threats that you will see Friday night. Monmouth is led by Freehold's QB Nick Tyson. Tyson's deep threat and all around great player in Brandon Brown. These two can create headaches to the Ocean defense and must be contained in order for Ocean to win. Mike LaSalla(Manasquan) will back up Tyson. Neptune's RB Michael Peavy is a game breaker any time he touches the football. Looking real good at the running back position in practice this week, has been James Gilburn(Manalapan). On the defensive side two great LB will try to contain the Ocean option attack; Nolan Vill from RBC and Matt Martino from Mid South are good ones and by the way, they are also great running backs. Ocean will counter with a 4 headed QB rotation that could very well be the best combination of talent at the QB spot that any Ocean team has ever had. Brian Staub(Brick Memorial), Shane O'Conner(Point Boro), Jon Curtin(Mon Don) and Kevin Gilmore(TR South) give the Ocean squad versitility on the ground and in the air. Having 4 QBs can also possibly work against them, as Coach Donahue tries to get them playing time. Running out of the Gun, this option attack will make for some interesting play calling from OC Calvin Thompson, out of Point Boro. Up front, the Ocean squad is big, with Andrew Leusteck(Brick) at 6'4" 270lbs, Anthony Delia(Brick Mem.) at 6'3" 280lbs, Aaron Davis(Jackson) at 6'5" 305lbs and Frank Backle(TR East) at 6'3" 290lbs. Zone blocking techniques have been picked up by this crew, and occupying space, to allow QBs and RBs to do what they do has worked in practice. The Monmouth squad will counter with speed and aggressiveness on defense. All in all it figures to be a good one, as most of these games are.

At halftime 4 more inductees into the Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Fame will be honored. I know the recipients, but I'll keep it a secret until Friday night. All I'll say is these great coaches and their families are excited about the honor and are truly deserving. Last year Warren Wolf was the first inductee into the Hall.

I guess we can't really talk about shore high school football without a quick mention of some of the big stories over the winter. There are 3 that I'll mention in this blog. The biggest story, by far, was the retirement of Brick's legend Warren Wolf. After 51 years, the only coach Brick has ever had, decided it was time to leave. I had the honor of personally being invited to his press conference announcing that retirement. There were many well wishers from past teams who came to honor Coach Wolf and his many accomplishments. But unfortunately, the story didn't end that afternoon in Brick's cafeteria. After a long search, Patrick Dowling from Allentown HS, was hired and the fireworks began. Coach Wolf wanted a Brick assistant coach to take over for him, and he did not take the news of Dowling's hire too well. Meeting after meeting was held by the Board of Education to justify the move. Former players and backers of Wolf attended and voiced their opinion. The Board stood firm and upheld Dowling as the head coach. He now begins his term as Brick's head coach with much pressure on his shoulders. The former Brick staff of assistants has moved on, with only 1 former Wolf assistant still on staff. It should make for an interesting season for the Dragon's!

Another move that caught everybody by surprise was the John Amabile to Allentown High School hire. After resigning from St John Vianny after the 2008 season, everyone thought John's Hall of Fame football coaching career was over. Not so fast! If John can turn that program around in the next few years, as some think he may, get the Hall of Fame plaque ready.

Lastly, but certainly not least, was the resigning of RBC's Frank Edgerly for a move to the pros. Frank took a job as the New England Patriots Pro Personnel Scout. Most followers remember just a year ago, at about the same time, Frank resigned to take a job with Rutgers University, only to leave that and come back to coach RBC in 2008. I think this job will last a little longer than the Rutgers job. Good luck coach, you will be missed at RBC and in the shore.