October 25, 2016 Volume-VIII Issue-18
The first thing fans, players, coaches & parents want to know after the big game is always,
”Is this going to be on ?”
?”
Shore Sports Network has established itself as a leader in scholastic sports coverage in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing more video highlight clips, in-depth reporting, feature stories and regular updates than ANY OTHER OUTLET in the area.
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n Get Video Highlights of all the important games that Shore Conference fans will be talking about. n Catch up on the action you might have missed n Watch video clips of everything from the action early in the event to the big finish as well as video interviews with various athletes. n www.shoresportsnetwork.com is the most visited sports site in the Shore Conference during the scholastic year n Follow us on Twitter (over 16,000 followers) and Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news
n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.
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2015 Kyle Kirst Lacrosse Coaches Clinic Honors One of it’s Own
By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor
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he New Jersey Interscholastic High School Lacrosse Association and the New Jersey Interscholastic Officials Association will conduct the second annual Kyle Kirst Coaches Clinic on Sunday October 30 at GoodSports in Wall. The fundraiser will send all proceeds to the Kirst Family Educational Fund for the educational support of his five sons. A longtime and beloved assistant at state power Summit, Kirst passed away in June 2015 at the age of 47, leaving behind a wife and five sons, now ages 18 to 10. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the day of the clinic, Sunday Oct. 30, and the fee is $50 ($45 in advance). Presenters include Manasquan head coach Sean Cunningham, who guided the Warriors to the 2016 NJSIAA South Group II title and an appearance in the Group II final. Manasquan was also a Shore Conference Tournament finalist and the Class B South division
champion. Cunningham, a former star defenseman at Christian Brothers Academy and Fairleigh Dickinson University, will co-present on clearing and riding with Delbarton defensive coach Matt Kovachik, who has been a part of five NJSIAA Tournament of Champions titles with the Green Wave. Ridgewood head coach Mike Pounds will present on goalie play and Rutgers University head coach Brian Brecht will present on skills and drills and pregame planning. Brecht and his staff, along with the entire Scarlet Knights team, will be assisting all presenters throughout the clinic with half- and full-field demonstrations. Matt Schomburg, the president and founder of Fogolax Academy on Long Island, will handle a presentation on face-offs. Concluding the day will be an officiating presentation by Tom Carr and Dave Frick from the New Jersey Interscholastic Officials Association. Carr is the state rules interpreter and is a New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame member. Frick is the president of the New Jersey Officials Association. Additional information can be obtained by contacting either Bob Sheridan at sheridanb27@optonline.com or Harriet Donnelly at hdonnelly@e5marketing.com.
Kirst Children Educational Fund PO Box 1352 Summit, NJ 07901 Tax ID number 26-3962440
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The Gateway Toyota Coaches Corner takes to the road each week, rotating between three popular restaurants and taverns….River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar (Brick), Bum Rogers Crabhouse (South Seaside Park) and Lefty’s Tavern (Barnegat). A team or teams is featured each week and supporters of those teams are invited to come out and catch the show live.
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ateway Toyota of Toms River is teaming up with the Shore Sports Network and 105.7 The Hawk this fall to sponsor the only weekly show devoted exclusively to Shore Conference High School Football. Every Thursday from 7-8pm tune in as hosts Kevin Williams, Ed Sarluca and Bob Badders talk with coaches and players from local team and discuss what’s going on throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties.
Gateway Toyota General Manager Rick Cardwell said the dealership is thrilled to sponsor the show and be part of the excitement that surrounds high school football. “We value being a part of the community and nothing says community more than high school football. It’s a great way to bring people together in local towns and schools and putting our name to this show is a further example of our commitment to the area in which we live and work.” The show airs Thursday from 7-8pm on 105.7 The Hawk and can also be heard at 1057thehawk.com and shoresportsnetwork.com. The program will air each week until December 8. WEEKLY SCHEDULE October 27 Lefty’s Tavern November 3 November 10 November 17
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River Rock Bum Rogers Lefty’s Tavern
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November 24
THANKSGIVING
December 1 December 8
River Rock Bum Rogers
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B y Matt Manley - Senio r S taff Writ er
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a ch wee k , Sh or e Sp or ts N e twor k S oc ce r Wr it er M a tt Ma n le y r e co gni ze s th e top p e rf or m e rs in S hor e C onf e r e nc e boys s occ e r wit h t he N e ur oph y ch ology Re h abi lita t ion S er vi ce s Pla y e rs of t he We e k. S hor e Sp or t s N e two rk will t ab a P la ye r of t he We ek in e ac h o f th e s ix S hor e Co nf e r en c e di vis ion s , wit h on e of t hos e si x t a kin g t he ove r a ll NR S Pla y e r o f th e We e k. With the season beginning on Thursday, Sept. 8, the first two Players of the Week features were drawn from short weeks - Sept. 8 through Sept. 13 and Sept. 14 through Sept. 17. For the remainder of the season, the Players of the Week will be based on games played from Monday through Sunday and each week's selections will be revealed on Monday on shoresportsnetwork.com.
Week-7
Class A South Dan Russo, Jackson Memorial
Marlboro
Russo scored a goal in his team’s 2-0 win over Brick to start the week and scored a goahead goal with seven minutes left in Jackson Memorial’s wild, penalty-kick victory over Raritan during Thursday’s SCT opening round.
O ct. I7 to O ct. 23
P.J. Ringel
A South Honorable Mention: Ben Patti, Jackson Memorial; Brad Bischoff, Southern; Joe Weinstein, Jackson Memorial; Brandon Copeland, Toms River North
Already recognized as a divisional player of the week, Ringel continued his scoring tear last week in three big Marlboro wins. He began the week with a hat trick in a 4-1 win over Neptune, then scored two huge goals in a win over nationally ranked CBA. Although he did not score in Saturday’s 1-0 win o ver Pinelands in the Shore C o n f e r e n c e To u r n a m e n t , R i n g e l a s s i s t e d t h e goal by Brian Dates that proved to be the difference.
Class B North Liam McGregor, Middletown North After assisting a goal in his team’s 2-0 win over Manasquan on Monday, McGregor stepped up for another assist plus a goal of his own in a 2-0 win over Asbury Park Saturday in the Shore Conference Tournament round of 16. B North Honorable Mention: Danny Minze, Middletown South; Jordan Ornowski, Ocean; Joel Burgos, Monmouth; Dan Frisch-Harmon, Wall
For the season, Ringel now has 17 goals for a Marlboro team that is on a Shore-Conference-best 14-game winning streak. Marlboro is one win from matching season-high winning streaks in the c o n f e r e n c e h e l d b y C B A a n d Po i n t B o r o , b o t h o f which sa w their runs end last week.
Class B Central Ronald JeanVilmar, Asbury Park AHaines was a rock during Point Boro’s 15-game winning streak, which ended Saturday against Freehold Township thanks to a pair of goals he senior keeper had little chance of saving. Earlier in the week, Haines pitched well-earned shutouts against Pinelands to clinch the B South title and against St. Rose to advance out of the SCT first round
B North Honorable Mention: Pa trick Kollman, CBA; Adrian Barajas, Freehold Twp.; Ry an Tompkins, Colts Neck; Jon Finocchiaro, Freehold Twp.
B Central Honorable Mention: Cavialy Romulus, Asbury Park; Eben Landau, Asbury Park; Shown Narcisse, Asbury Park; Ricardo Velasco, Keyport
Class B South Tyler Haines, Point Boro
Divisional Players of the Week Class A Central Anthony Arena, Holmdel Arena dominated Saturday’s win over Ocean – a resounding 4-1 result in favor of Holmdel. He scored the first goal a little more than five minutes into the game, set up the corner kick that resulted in the second goal and assisted the team’s fourth goal.
Haines was a rock during Point Boro’s 15-game winning streak, which ended Saturday against Freehold Township thanks to a pair of goals he senior keeper had little chance of saving. Earlier in the week, Haines pitched well-earned shutouts against Pinelands to clinch the B South title and against St. Rose to advance out of the SCT first round. B South Honorable Mention: Liam Kirinovic, Point Boro; Reilly Hunt, Lacey; Jon Michael Pereira, Donovan Catholic; Matt O’Connell, Pinelands
A Central Honorable Mention: Leo Nobrega, Holmdel; Jack Murray, Holmdel; Griffin Hayward, Matawan; Peter Amato, Raritan
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FOR SSN ADVERTISING INFORMATION C ontact: Stev en Me yer 7 32-23 3-4460
s teve.meyer@townsq uaremedia.co m 7
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he Shore Conference Tournament is down to eight teams and the outcome of the first two rounds has certainly shaped the newest version of the Top 10. Although there is a premium on postseason performance, it still is not the only part of the season, which is why a number of teams that are no longer in the SCT maintain standing in the rankings. For many teams, the SCT is the best chance to establish footing for the final top 10 because the state tournament breaks teams up into sections of varying degrees of difficulty. The weaker the bracket, the better a team has to do to climb the rankings. That won’t be a factor for another two weeks, however, as the Shore Conference finishes up crowning a champion this week.
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C hristia n B r others A ca demy
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(I7-I, I3-I) Last Week: I
For the first time this year, CBA’s top spot needs to be justified. Although the Colts did lose their most recent meeting with Marlboro, 3-1, they still won the Class A North division title and played that Marlboro game without senior center back Scott Misson. Those conditions keep CBA at No. 1 for the time being, but now the Shore Conference Tournament final might very well determine the No. 1 ranking to end the year.
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M arlboro (15-1-1, 12-1-1) Last Week: 2
While Marlboro has been the No. 2 team for some time now, the Mustangs have never been that close to actually moving into the No. 1 spot until now. A legitimate 3-1 win over CBA on Wednesday of last week delayed CBA’s division title celebration by a day and set up a potential rubber match in the SCT final if both teams can get there.
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M i d d l e t o w n No r t h (12-3-1, 11-3-0) Last Week: 6
The Lions had a case to be the No. 3 seed in the SCT, but got stuck with the No. 7 seed and now have to face Marlboro in the quarterfinals instead of in the semifinals. It’s bad news for Middletown North, but it’s also bad news for Marlboro, which will have to face a team in the quarterfinals that is much better than most No. 3 seeds.
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(10-5-1, 8-5-1) Last Week: 3
The Patriots won their Shore Conference Tournament round-of-16 game over Point Boro in grand fashion Saturday night, with a couple of highlight-worthy goals by Adrian Barajas and Jon Finocchiaro. With a draw against Marlboro and a resounding win over Wall, the Patriots still have the collection of results to carve out a topfive spot, but they will have to keep winning to hold it down.
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Even after losing to Donovan Catholic to end a 60 start, Toms River South boosted its record to 10-1 before trouble set in. Since that 10-1 opening to the season, the Indians are 2-2-1 over their last five matches, with losses to Toms River North and Jackson Memorial and a scoreless draw against Central. Now that Toms River South is in Central Jersey Group III, the state tournament will give the Indians a chance to assert themselves over some other Shore staples like Ocean and Wall.
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Ja c k s o n M e m o r i a l (10-7-1, 7-7-0) Last Week: Not ranked
Jackson Memorial and Holmdel are neck-andneck for the No. 10 spot, and while Holmdel was the more convincing victor on Saturday, Jackson Memorial tied a Raritan team Thursday that had just defeated Holmdel three days earlier and then beat a ranked opponent in the round of 16. Jackson Memorial also played a chunk of its schedule without Mike Schoener and the senior striker has only recently rounded back into form.
(12-3-1, 12-1-1) Last Week: 5
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(14-4, 12-2) Last Week: Not ranked
The Wildcats have acquitted themselves well all year and bowed out of the Shore Conference Tournament with a hard-fought, 1-0 loss to Marlboro with leading scorer Matt O’Connell sidelined by a back injury. Pinelands scored a resounding win over Shore in the opening round of the SCT and between them and Point Boro, B South has been wellrepresented this year.
( 16-2, 13-1) Last Week: Not ranked
T oms R ive r S outh
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P t. P l e a s a n t B o r o
Although the Panthers were eliminated from the SCT, their resume currently holds up against the teams below them. They won B South with just one loss – to Pinelands in the second game of the season – and lost to Freehold Township, 2-1, on two spectacular goals. They also swept Donovan Catholic by a combined score of 6-0 and the Griffins beat Toms River South earlier in the year.
P inelands
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(11-2-3, 7-2-3) Last Week: 4
For the first time in program history, Matawan reached the SCT quarterfinals, beating Wall in the round of 16 on Saturday. With CBA hosting them in the quarterfinals, Matawan won’t suffer if the run ends there and will go into the state tournament with a chance to build on its historic season. If the Huskies can pull off the upset, they will likely be a top-five lock to end the year regardless of what happens after.
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F r e e h old To wn s h i p .
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oms ive r o r th (12-4, 11-3) Last Week: 10
If not for a loss to a two-win Toms River East team on Monday, Toms River North would have a case to be a top-five team and that remains a possibility down the road. The trouble the Mariners have is that they don’t have to go through any of the teams ranked ahead of them until the SCT semifinals against either CBA or Matawan. They also play in a brutal South Jersey Group IV bracket, so they can certainly boost their stock in that tournament as well.
Dr o p p e d O u t O c ea n ( 12- 4 , 11 - 3 ) L a st W e ek : 7 - Ocean has three wins against tournament teams and two of them are 1-0 wins on own goals. Manasquan (11-4-2, 10-3-1) Last Week: 8 After a tough shootout loss to Holmdel, the Warriors will turn their attention to the South Jersey Group II tournament.
W a ll (11- 5 - 3, 9 - 2- 3) La s t W eek: 9 - The Crimson Knights couldn’t get much going against Matawan in a 1-0 loss, but will have a chance to climb back into the list while playing in an NJSIAA bracket with Ocean and Toms River South.
Top 10 Watchlist Holmdel (8-5-2, 6-5-1) Colts Neck (9-8, 7-7) Manalapan (8-8-1, 6-8-0) Raritan (10-2-4, 7-2-3) Asbury Park (13-2-1, 12-0-0) Central (11-5-2, 9-4-1)
FOR SSN ADVERTISING INFORMATION C o n t a ct : S t e v e n M e y e r 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 46 0
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Toms River North’s Defense Silences Doubters, K e y s V i c t o r y o v e r M i d d l e t o w n So u t h By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor
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up the Xs and Os portion of their play, Toms River North’s players knew if they didn’t get the job done against Middletown South, its offense might not be able to bail them out. Quarterback Mike Husni and company put up 441 yards to make that a moot point, but the Eagles were an opponent that got the attention of the defense in a hurry.
n the week leading up to Toms River North’s biggest game of the season, a showdown on the road against No. 1 Middletown South, a lot was said and written about the Mariners’ defense.
“I told them it’s not going to be easy, that we had to be physical and wrap up,” LaQuaglia said. “We came in focused. We knew this was a big game for us and we had to take it to another level.”
None of it was positive. One of the biggest question marks ahead of the No. 1 vs. No. 2 clash on Friday night was could Toms River North’s maligned defense make a stop, any stop, when it needed to. The Mariners’ offense entered averaging 49.5 points per game, but the unit had no choice but to put up big numbers because the defense was allowing nearly 30 points a game over the last four weeks. Middletown South looked like the team that could finally make Toms River North pay for its lackluster defensive performances. High school teams usually don’t elect to receive after winning the coin toss, especially a team like Middletown South that is built around its defense. Yet that is exactly what the Eagles did. Their plan cleary was to get the ball and go right down the field and score, exposing Toms River North’s glaring weakness.
“A lot of the senior leadership between Nardoza, Cole LaBatch and Pete LaQuaglia did a good job keeping our guys together,” Malek said. “We have five or six kids that have played a lot of football and played in big games. Our kids don’t shy away from the big moment. They were looking forward to this game for quite a while.”
Daryn Blackwell (43), Pete LaQuaglia (56), Billy Dowd & the rest of the TR North defense turnovers with Maldonado and Watts securing interceptions and Briggs recovering a fumble. “I know you don’t see it on the scoreboard, but as a defensive staff – coach Roonan, coach Mo, coach Zaza and coach Oz – we really believed we weren’t that far away,” said Toms River North defensive coordinator Rich Malek. “Part of the problem was just lining up and tackling. I thought we tackled better today, and we raised our level of play. We rose to the moment.”
“We knew what that meant,” said Toms River North senior linebacker Pete LaQuaglia. “And that really fired us up.” The Mariners had allowed 30 or more points in three of their previous four games, but the first drive of the game was the start of a major turnaround. They forced the Eagles to go three-and-out, with junior outside linebacker Ian Briggs getting a key sack on third down. Toms River North got the ball back, took just two plays to score and was on its way to a 41-21 win that cemented its status as the top team in the Shore Conference. The numbers in the box score won’t blow you away. Middletown South did score 21 points and put up 353 yards of offense, but when it mattered most Toms River North’s defense was outstanding. The first drive of TR North Sr the game against the unit resulted in negative yardage. The second ended when senior Bryce Watts, who was sensational at wide receiver with three touchdowns, knocked down a pass on fourth down. The third drive ended with a Mickey Maldonado interception that led to Toms River North’s third touchdown and a 21-0 lead. People questioned whether Toms River North’s defense could make even one or two stops. The Mariners made three in a row to start the game and their offense did the rest to put the game out of reach in the first 12 minutes. “When we stopped them on that first drive something snapped,” said senior nose guard Joe Nardoza. “We had a message to send. There were a lot of people saying we (stink). We heard it from the fans here. We were like, ‘ok we’re going to come out and punch you in the mouth. You can punch back, but we’ll punch harder’.” The biggest difference from the first six weeks was the Mariners’ defense did the little things correctly. They also forced three
“We’ve really put in a lot of work over the last few weeks just fixing fundamentals,” said Toms River North head coach Dave Oizerowitz. “We weren’t getting knocked off the ball, so it wasn’t that we weren’t tough or physical. We weren’t setting edges, weren’t aligning properly and we weren’t tackling chest-tochest.” “Our week of practice, we looked great. We
The Mariners’ offense has been unstoppable because of its array of talent at multiple positions. They get contributions from everybody and make opponents pick (77) who to focus on, then beat you elsewhere. The defense had similar contributions from multiple players that keyed the turnaround. The interior line of Nardoza, LaBatch and Billy Dowd clogged the middle and allowed linebackers Daryn Blackwell, LaQuaglia, Maldonado and Briggs to run free. Cornerbacks Dante Shenkin and Janaire Bradley prevented any big plays over the first three quarters in a secondary that didn’t have the regular services of senior Darrion Carrington, who played only offense. The play of Briggs, in particular, was incredible given the situation. Regular starting outside linebacker Erik Kelly was bizarrely injured while jumping up and down during the pregame excitement. The Mariners had to turn to Briggs, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior, who barely sees the field in practice let alone game situations. He had a sack and a fumble recovery and was as big a part of the win as any defender. “It’s a credit to him because he gets very few snaps in practice,” Malek said. “But he’s a tough kid. As coaches you always look at a player’s size and he probably gets underrated because he’s not a big kid, but he plays his butt off. He played great today.” “That is one of the most miraculous things about tonight,” Oizerowitz said. “I’m in shock. He’s a kid we feel like can be a really good player by next year, but we did not know in the biggest game of the year he would play that well. We found a player tonight.” Having scored over 40 points in all seven games this season, it’s safe to say Toms River North’s offense is a juggernaut that won’t be stopped by any team on its schedule. Slowed down, maybe, but not stopped. The answer to the question of how to beat the Mariners was to attack their suspect defense, get one or two stops or turnovers and win a shootout. If Friday’s performance was the click of the switch going off for the defense, just as it did last season, then the answer of how to beat Toms River North is now radically different.
QB Mike Husni went ones vs. ones the last two weeks to sharpen the blade a little bit, and our defense was getting the better of it. At that point we knew we’d be better against the run. The question was would we tackle. Could we tackle the tailback and tackle in space? For the most part we did an excellent job.” In addition to cleaning
You don’t. by:
Bob Badders
www.shoresportsnetwork.com
TR North Sr RB Parker Day
Photos by:
Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com
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Helmet Fit Important Factor in Concussion Severity in High School Football Players
By Harry A. Bade, III, MD, FACS – profes si on al Orth opaedi c Ass oci ates
A
n improperly fit football helmet is a risk factor for concussion with more severe symptoms and symptoms of longer duration. The entire athletic program, participants, and team athletic trainer should determine proper helmet fit. In 2012, the National Federation of State High School Associations established a helmet fit rule. The rule states that if the helmet can be dislodged from the player’s head, that player must leave the game for a minimum of one play and have the helmet properly adjusted. Athletic trainers report that athletes with poorly fitted helmets averaged more concussion symptoms, and the symptoms lasted for longer than one week more than athletes with properly fitted helmets. Helmet liner data compared the air bladder lining against gel or foam helmet lining. There was a significantly greater rate of loss of consciousness and drowsiness with the gel or foam helmet liners. However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of helmets that fit properly when comparing air bladders vs. gel or foam liners. Most recent research indicates that there is an increased risk of concussion severity and duration if a high school football player’s helmet fits improperly. Neurocognitive testing concluded that the modern helmet technology decreases the risk of concussion in high school football players. Helmet design is also a risk factor for concussion. The newer helmet models associated with few concussions had 40 percent thicker interior padding and additional thick padding over the zygoma and mandible regions which improved helmet fit. They also felt that a properly fit helmet allowed the cervical muscles to dampen the rotational forces which are transmitted from the helmet to the brain and are most responsible for concussions.
Data from the National High School Registry reveals that concussions comprise 13.2 percent of all reported high school sports injuries. This is an increase from 5.5 percent over ten years and is probably related to a better and more honest system of reporting. Risk factors include helmet technology, prior concussion, and increased sports-related contact. Concussions in high school football players wearing an improperly fitted helmet may be of greater severity and longer duration. Data suggests that helmets lined with air bladders can be associated with concussions of longer duration which are most likely related to air leakage, and therefore, team physicians, athletic directors, coaches, athletes, and athletic trainers should be aware of this problem, and all helmets should be adjusted to properly fit before each game.
Harry A. Bade, III, MD, FACS
Founder & Senior Partner, Professional Orthopaedics Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon Board Certified: Orthopaedic Surgery& Sports Medicine
Orthopaedic Residency at: The Hospital for Special Surgery Shoulder Fellowship at: The Hospital for Special Surgery Hand Fellowship at: The Hospital for Special Surgery Microsurgery Fellowship at: Duke Universtiy Medical Center Active member: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Team Physician: Monmouth University, Georgian Court University, Brookdale Community College, & Over 20 area high schools Consultant: New York Giants Clinical and Academic Instructor: Orthopaedic Residency Program at MMC
Maintenance of a properly fitted helmet throughout the season is challenging. Mismatches between the helmet size and the athlete’s head are more associated with the first year or freshman player rather than the veteran who has had several years to adjust his helmet to fit properly. Additionally, hairstyles can change, the player can excessively sweat, or the player may add internal layers of clothing for warmth and lastly, the bladder system may leak and deflate resulting in insufficient fitting. Prior to each game, all who are responsible for the student’s safety are required to verify that all athletes are wearing a helmet that meets the national operating committee on standards for athletic equipment. Every helmet should also have an exterior warning label mentioning avoidable causes and risks for head and neck injuries.
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o w that were halfway home on the
journey to the NJSIAA finals on the first weekend of December, its worth taking a look at what has stood out during this Shore Conference season so far.
Now let’s get to it.
By Scot
Offensive Player of the Year Watch
Mike Husni, Sr., QB, Toms River North
His numbers are ridiculous through seven games. He has 1,304 yards and 18 touchdowns passing and 946 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing for an unbeaten team averaging 48.3 points per game. He is basically Eddie Conti or Andrew Mandeville version 2.0, and in his chance for a signature game against Middletown South he thew for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns and ran for 72 yards. The single-season Shore Conference record for combined touchdowns is 44 by Mater Dei Prep grad Christian Palmer in 2014, which looks like it will be under assault by Husni against a much tougher schedule. He also could be a 2,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher, which I don’t believe has ever been done by a Shore quarterback.
Mike Bickford, Sr., RB, Central
TRN QB,
Mike Husni
Conventional wisdom dictated that Bickford’s numbers would drop with Central moving from B South to rumble with the bigger schools in A South, but that turned out to be completely wrong. Other than a loss to Wall in the week when a depleted Central team found out it was disqualified from the state playoffs due to a fight during a game, Bickford has been dominant. He leads the Shore with 1,339 yards rushing, and that includes a careerhigh 363, 7-touchdown explosion in a win over Brick Memorial. Not too many thought Central would be the main challenger to Toms River North in A South, but that’s the case and Bickford is a huge reason. He also is rewriting the Central record book as he goes on his way to being the all-time leading rusher after already setting the career touchdown record.
Chris Chukweneke, Sr., RB, St. John Vianney
The Villanova recruit has 750 yards and 10 touchdowns on an average of 6.6 yards per carry. If the Lancers keep winning and he keeps putting up
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Manalapan RB,
Naim Mayfield
100-yard games against quality opponents, his name should be in the mix for this when the smoke clears. The main thing is that his numbers probably won’t be as eye-popping as others because the Lancers have so many playmakers, but talk to any coach who’s played them and he will tell you Chukweneke is the real deal.
Naim Mayfield, Jr., RB Luke Corcione, Jr., QB, Manalapan
These two might split the vote for one another because they both have been outstanding for the unbeaten Braves and their rampaging offense. Mayfield has 829 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns on a ridiculous 9 yards per carry, while Corcione is second in the Shore with 1,385 yards passing and 22 touchdown passes. Even more impressive, Corcione has only thrown one interception on 123 attempts.
George Pearson, Jr., QB, Mater Dei Prep
In his first year at the controls for the unbeaten Seraphs, Pearson has been unstoppable. His 20 touchdown passes are second in the Shore, and he has only three picks and 780 yards passing. Plus he usually doesn’t even play the whole game because the Seraphs have routed every opponent they’ve played. He already has multiple FBS offers, and it’s no surprise why. The Seraphs are also second in the Shore at 38.5 points per game.
Donald Glenn, Sr., QB, Middletown North
Glenn has thrown for 1,146 yards and 11 touchdowns against a rugged Class B North schedule. If the Lions can get over the hump against rival Middletown South and put themselves in line for division and/or state titles, the Wagner recruit will be a big reason.
Mike Gawlik, Sr., RB, Jackson Memorial
Gawlik is the first three-time 1,000-yard rusher in Jaguars history as well as the school’s all-time leading rusher and scorer. He has 1,312 yards and 15 touchdowns so far, but his team’s struggles make it an uphill battle for him to get this award unless Jackson Memorial can mount a comeback run to its third straight state title.
Charles Sabbagh, Sr., QB, Freehold Twp.
Wow, a Cory Davies-coached quarterback leading the Shore in passing yards? Stop the presses. Yes, once again the wide open spread passing attack is doing damage, and Sabbagh has been the engine behind it as the Patriots are off to their best start in school history at 6-1. He has thrown for 1,720 yards and 16 touchdowns.
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Midd.
Maxx
Marshall. If the Seraphs win their first state title and go 12-0, that’s about a strong a candidacy as you could have.
Tommy Pearce, So., LB, Manalapan
Pearce is second on the Braves with 54 tackles and has become a force in his first year as a starter. He helped spearhead a shutout of playoff contender Old Bridge and is averaging 10.8 tackles per game. Just like Pierre, if Manalapan goes undefeated, Pearce has to be a strong candidate. The Braves defense is only allowing 10.7 points per game, fourth in the Shore, and has three shutouts.
Josh Lezin, Jr., DL, Lakewood
tt Stum p – Sh ore Sports Network contri butor Husni. Usually the criteria for this award is either the top offensive player on a championship team, or a player who puts up Nintendo numbers to break records like Long Branch running back Dahmiere Willis two years ago. So far, Husni is on pace to have both.
My midseason pick
Wall RB Sean Larkin, Manasquan RB Connor Morgan, Brick WR Ja’sir Taylor, RBC RB Zach Bair, Middletown South RB Anthony Summey, Pt. Boro QB James Fara, Lakewood QB Zyhier Jones, Howell QB Eddie Morales, Raritan RB Vito Aleo, Freehold QB/RB Ashante Worthy, Rumson RB Matt Vecchiarelli, Ocean QB Kenny Pickett, Marlboro RB Cameron Caorsi.
Others deserving mention
Defensive Player of the Year Watch
Maxx Imsho, Sr., LB, Middletown South
An FBS-caliber talent for the Piners, Lezin is one of the best defensive linemen in the Shore. Just ask anyone in B South who has had to tangle with him. A three-year varsity starter, Lezin is the leader of a Piners’ unit that is 14th in the Shore with 18 points allowed and he is among the Shore leaders with 6 sacks.
Pete LaQuaglia, Sr., LB, Toms River North
His 94 tackles lead the Shore, and he has been a consistent bright spot on that side of the ball for the Mariners. Unfortunately for his candidacy in this department, the defense has been up and down and also has been overshadowed by the Mariners’ explosive offense. However, a strong performance, which he and the Mariners had in the win over Middletown South, and continuing through the state playoffs could put him square in the conversation.
Imsho is right there, but the Eagles defense did allow 41 points to Toms River North. Imsho did play well, however. I would give Johnny Buchanan a slight edge because of the head-to-head win over Rumson and Ruane and his strong performance in that game. Honestly, I think it’s still way too early to tell on this one.
My midseason pick
Others to watch
Imsho is the Eagles’ Swiss Army knife. He is versatile enough to stuff the run, rush the passer and drop into coverage against the pass. He is a sideline-to-sideline player. His chance for a major statement is in the games against the high-powered offenses of Toms River North and St. John Vianney. The Eagles lost to Toms River North, but Imsho played very well.
Red Bank’s Chris Outterbridge, Raritan’s Ryan Dickens, Manasquan’s Adam Schreck, Brick’s Dean Helstowski, Middletown North’s Nick Kish.
Division Races
Class A North
Mike Ruane, Sr., LB, Rumson - Fair haven
Manalapan is the clear favorite and has clinched at least a tie. Howell ended Freehold Township’s unbeaten season, but the Patriots can still force a tie with Manalapan when the teams play in Week 9. Howell also has just one division loss with a game against Marlboro coming in Week 9.
One of the most universally-raved about defensive players in the Shore, the UMass recruit is a three-year varsity player and the leader of one of the Shore’s top defenses. Even in a 28-3 loss to St. John Vianney last week, he was all over the field making double-digit tackles, with multiple hits for a loss. If the Bulldogs win their fourth straight state title, you have to think he’s right at the top of the conversation.
Class A Central
St. John Vianney has already clinched a tie for its third straight title thanks to its win over Rumson and needs a win over Monmouth (2-5) to wrap up the outright crown.
Johnny Buchanan, Jr., LB, St. John VianneY
South SS,
x Imsho
The leader of one of the Shore Conference’s best defenses, which just shut down Rumson in a convincing win in which Buchanan had 15 tackles, he has a team-high 85 tackles, including 9 tackles for a loss. The Lancers’ are second in the Shore with only 8.4 points per game allowed. Buchanan’s teammate Nick Densieski also deserves mention with 8 sacks in six games.
Marvin Pierre, Sr., LB, Mater Dei Prep
The FBS prospect is part of a strong front seven for the Seraphs, who lead the Shore with 5.6 points per game allowed this season. Pierre is also one of the most physical running backs in the Shore. He already has offers from Boston College, Bowling Green, Indiana and
Class A South
St. John Vianney has already clinched a tie for its third straight title thanks to its win over Rumson and needs a win over Monmouth (2-5) to wrap up the outright crown.
SJV. RB,
Chris Chukwuneke
Class B North
Middletown South is alone in first place and still has a tough game at Wall on Nov. 4 and then rival Middletown
See
Midseason
page 16
15
M i d s e a s o n from page 15
North on Thanksgiving to close out the crown. Any stumbles by the Eagles, and there could be another team or two with the ability to at least tie them for the title.
Class B Central
Mater Dei Prep has already clinched a tie for the title and can win it outright by beating Point Beach on Nov. 4.
Class B South
Pt. Boro can clinch at least a tie for the title by beating winless Jackson Liberty this week and then could win it outright with a victory over Barnegat on Nov. 4.
Play of the Year
I wouldn’t say there’s been that one jaw-dropping play that everyone is talking about yet, so here is what I think so far.
I’m partial to the Mike Bickford crowd surfing first down just because it’s so bizarre.
I also thought RBC’s Brandon Lombana going over the to scoop up a TD pass and Sean Larkin unloading the halfback bomb to Chevesse Covin for Wall were also memorable.
This James Fara touchdown where he shrugs off a defender for Point Boro and takes it to the house was a good one.
And finally, Marlboro defensive back Justin Marcus doing his Odell Beckham impersonation with the onehanded interception against Neptune may be the best of them all.
Best Game
Toms River North’s 41-21 win over Middletown South had a great atmosphere and featured the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the Shore Conference, but the game was all but decided early in the second half.
over Brick. It’s not every day you see 96 points get put on the board, plus the Mariners put up the highest score any team has ever registered against Brick in its history.
Best newcomer
Tommy Pearce, So., LB, Manalapan
See above in the Defensive POY category for Pearce. He saw some time at the end of last year as a freshman but definitely has taken it to another level this year for the Braves.
Anthony Summey, So., Middletown South
The Shore Conference’s Travelin’ Man landed on the Eagles after starting the preseason at RBC, where he had transferred after spending his freshman year at St. Joseph’sMontvale. He has been Middletown South’s feature back with 500-plus yards rushing.
James Fara, Jr., QB, Point Boro
Taking over the controls of the triple option in his first year as the starting quarterback, Fara has become a star for the unbeaten Panthers. He has 969 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on 8.8 yards per carry and some of his best games have come in Point Boro’s biggest games like the win over Lakewood last weekend.
Zach Bair, Jr., RB, Red Bank Catholic
Bair only had 28 carries as a sophomore but has stepped up into the feature role in a big way with 907 yards rushing and 5 touchdowns on 7.7 yards per carry this year. Junior Nick Brusca also deserves mention as he has combined for 670 yards between rushing and passing after having to step in at quarterback in the third game of the season due to injuries.
Jalen Glenn, Jr., RB, Manchester
Glenn has helped the Hawks surpass their win total from last year with 701 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns so far.
For sheer lunacy, there was Toms River North’s 62-34 win
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Qua ’ jon Everett, Jr., DL, Freehold
Everett has quietly been a force up front with 6.5 sacks this season for the Colonials.
My midseason pick
Given that Pearce is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year in the Shore, I would lean that way.
Most underrated unit Marlboro ’ s offensive line
Sabbagh saw a few snaps as the back-up last year but has exploded in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Patriots to lead the Shore in passing yards through the midway point.
The sophomore has become a punishing fullback in Keyport’s Wing-T with 803 yards and 5 touchdowns in six games for the Red Raiders, who are off to a 6-1 start.
There also is Middletown South’s 14-13 win over Rumson-Fair Haven in a nondivisional game between defending state champions.
Daniels, a transfer from Edison, has formed a nice 1-2 punch in rotating with Matt DeGennaro at quarterback to give the Lancers a dangerous running threat to go with DeGennaro’s downfield throwing ability. He has run for 264 yards and thrown for 542 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Charles Sabbagh, Sr., QB, Freehold Twp.
Devin Wollner, So., RB, Keyport
You can take your pick among Class B North action most weeks. You have RBC’s 30-27 comeback win over Middletown North on a last-second field goal, Middletown South’s 21-14 win over Manasquan on a goal line stand, Middletown North’s 21-20 win over Wall and Wall’s 27-21 comeback win over RBC.
Haaziq Daniels, Jr., QB, St. John Vianney
Russell Ferrisi, So., TE/FB/LB, Mater Dei Prep
One of three Poly Prep transfers who followed new Seraphs coach Dino Mangiero down from New York, Ferrisi has been an impact playmaker on both sides of the ball.
Cole Groschel, So., WR / DB, Brick
There have been many seasons in the last 15 years when Marlboro is lucky to have one player have a 100-yard rushing game in the entire course of a season. This year the Mustangs have had a 100-yard rusher in all seven of their games. Even after star Cameron Caorsi went down with an injury in the first half of their fifth game, senior Johnny Helff stepped right in with three straight 100-yard games thanks to the unit of senior center Riley Keating, junior left tackle Chris Manginelli, junior right guard Anthony Damato, senior right tackle Anthony Mitchell, senior left guard Kyle Dade and tight end Paul Wagner.
Most underrated team Howell
Of the Rebels’ three losses, two are to unbeaten, top-five teams in the Shore (Manalapan and Toms River North) and the other is to a Top 10 Middletown North team. They can put a scare into people with quarterback Eddie Morales at the helm. They hung 34 points on a Manalapan team that had not allowed more than 12 in a game all season and gave the Braves their toughest game of the year thus far. They then handed Freehold Township its first loss of the season with a great defensive effort to allow just 13 points.
The son of Brick head baseball coach Jason Groschel, Cole has 16 catches for 200 yards, has run for more than 100 yards and two scores and is among the Shore Conference leaders with 4 interceptions on defense.
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Midseason
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M i d s e a s o n from page 15
Top storylines of the first half of the season
Transfers, transfers, transfers
Impact newcomers at programs like St. John Vianney, Mater Dei Prep and Middletown South have had people taking sides about the issue of rampant transfers in New Jersey. One side believes it’s unfair for schools to be able to create these super teams with none of these transfers ever sitting out after changing schools, and others are saying to get over it and that’s just the way the world works in New Jersey football across the state now. One thing I think will come to a head like it did in North Jersey is public schools refusing to play these non-public schools that load up with star transfers every year.
Toms River North potentially going down as one of the best offensive teams in Shore history
The Mariners are averaging 48.3 points a game and have been breathtaking to watch. Can they keep it going all the way to a second straight South Jersey Group V title? We’ll see soon enough.
Freehold Township ’ s best start ever
The Patriots, who have only played in two state playoff games in their history and never have won one, are off to a 6-1 start under coach Cory Davies.
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He has worked his magic with the spread offense to make them a contender in Class A North. Now we’ll see if they are ready to take the next step.
Mater Dei Prep living up to the hype
With all the new transfers and head coach Dino Mangiero, big things were predicted for the Seraphs. They have already clinched a tie for their first division title in school and no team has given them a competitive game yet. They are looking to make a serious run at state standard-bearer St. Joseph’sHammonton in the state playoffs.
Players running wild
The running game is alive and well in the Shore, with two backs (Mike Gawlik and Mike Bickford), plus Freehold quarterback Ashante Worthy, already over 1,000 yards halfway through the season. There have been five 300-yard rushing games so far, including three that were individual school records.
The Division of Doom
Class B North looked like it would be an all-out slugfest in the preseason and that has been the case. No. 1 Middletown South has gotten multiple dogfights from division contenders, and there’s seemingly a one-point game that comes down to the final minute every week in this division. There are five teams (Middletown South, Wall, RBC, Manasquan and Middletown North) that have at least four wins at the midpoint.
The return of Manasquan and Wall
The two old Thanksgiving rivals and perennial Shore contenders have had both had two straight losing seasons before this year, but now both only have one loss each as we reach the midpoint. Both of them also look like strong contenders to make runs at state titles.
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SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the Photographers for all their photos seen throught all our Publications and website Photos by: Mark Brown www.b51photography.com
Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com Bill Normile www.billnormile.zenfolio.com Doug Bostwick www.SportShotsWLB.com Robert Samuels www.boofacephotography.com
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Freehold Township Defeats Jackson on Penalty Kicks B y Mat t Manley - Senio r S taff Writ er
I
ts players and coaches had to sweat it out on a brisk autumn afternoon, but the Freehold Township girls soccer team survived Monday and advanced to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals. Sarah Hughes, Nicole Sasso and Anna Priborkina each converted a penalty kick and goalkeeper Ang DeCicco delivered a key save as the Patriots – the No. 2 seed in the Shore Conference Tournament – beat No. 7 Jackson Memorial in a shootout, 3-2, following a 1-1 draw over 100 minutes of game action. Freehold Township grabbed an early lead when Alyssa Reszkowski scored in the
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second minute of the game on a pass from Sasso. Jackson Memorial equalized in the second half, with Madison Taylor finishing off a feed from Emily Jacoby. Freehold Township advances to play No. 3 Toms River North Wednesday in the SCT semifinals at Central Regional High School. The Patriots-Mariners match will be the front end of a semifinal double-header beginning at 5 p.m., with No. 1 Wall vs. No. 5 Colts Neck to follow.
Photos by:
Larry Murphy
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I
t took eight weeks of football, but a major shakeup to the T&T Coast Shore Conference Top 10 is here thanks to a wild Week 7 that saw three ranked teams, including two undefeated squads and the No. 1 team in the Shore, each suffer losses.
Toms River North staked its claim as the top-ranked team in the Shore with a 41-21 win over Middletown South in a marquee matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 2. Howell sent Freehold Township tumbling by knocking the Patriots from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 22-13 win. St. John Vianney secured a 20-point win over rival Red Bank Catholic to remain unbeaten and hand the Caseys their third loss of the season. Manasquan earned its signature win of the season by besting Middletown North, 31-21, while Mater Dei Prep continued to roll with a shutout over Holmdel. Manalapan in Class A North and Point Boro in Class B South improved to 7-0 and clinched at least a tie for their respective division titles.There are just two weeks left in the regular season and for teams that don’t have a bye, this week presents the final opportunity to secure power points that will count toward playoff season. A team’s first eight games count toward the playoffs, with their best seven results in terms of power points going into the final tabulation. There will be some must-win games this week to add to an already dramatic time of year. There is potential for even more movement in next week’s rankings with St. John Vianney heading to Middletown South for a nondivisional showdown, Brick and Central tangling in Class A South and Ocean and Point Boro meeting in another interesting nondivisional game on Friday night.
1
4
To m s R i v e r N o r t h
.
(7-0). Last week: No. 2
Many people thought Toms River North was the No. 1 team from the start of the season, and the Mariners proved it on the field with a 41-21 win over Middletown South in a matchup of the top two ranked teams in the Shore Conference last week. Rutgers-bound senior wideout Bryce Watts had 4 catches for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns and senior quarterback Mike Husni threw for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns while also running for 72 yards as the Mariners won their 17th straight game and ended Middletown South’s own 17-game winning streak. Parker Day had a rushing touchdown and Darrion Carrington caught a touchdown pass as Toms River North’s top-ranked offense rolled up 441 yards of total offense. The defense had its best game of the season, holding Middletown South to seven points through three quarters to help put the game out of reach. Next game: The Mariners host rival Toms River South (2-4) in “The Civil War” on Friday night.
2
M analapan
. (7-0). Last week: No. 3
The Braves move up one spot after a 55-21 win over Neptune where junior quarterback Luke Corcione continued his breakout season by completing 14 of 17 passes for 240 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. Seniors L.J. Holder and Mike Taylor each had two touchdown catches and junior wideout Scott Scherzer had 4 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. Junior running back Naim Mayfield had 70 yards a touchdown and junior fullback Chris Maksimik had 62 yards and a touchdown on just 4 carries. Next game: Manalapan will take part in a high school football showcase on Saturday at Rutgers University where it will take on Piscataway (5-1) at 11 a.m. in a potential Central Jersey Group V playoff preview.
3
.
S t. J ohn V ianney
M iddletown S outh (5-1). Last week: No. 1
The Eagles had their 17-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of Toms River North, 41-21, in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. Senior quarterback Aneesh Agrawal threw a 25yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Joyce, who finished with 8 catches for 108 yards, and a 58-yard touchdown to Jeff Lewandowski. Running back Chaz Alessi added an eight-yard touchdown run. The Eagles could not slow down the Mariners’ offense, however, surrendering 441 yards of offense and the most points against its defense since allowing 41 in a loss to Red Bank Catholic in 2013. Next game: It doesn’t get any easier for Middletown South this week, as it welcomes undefeated and third-ranked St. John Vianney (7-0) to town on Friday night.
5
.
R um s o n - F a ir H a ve n
(4-2). Last week: No. 5
With starting quarterback Mike O’Connor out with turf toe, senior quarterback Jack Volker got his second start of the season and threw a pair of touchdown passes in a 24-7 win over Red Bank in the Battle of Ridge Road. Volker threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to Trevor Caruso and a 6-yard touchdown to Tyler Pierson. Running back Matt Vecchiarelli ran for a six-yard touchdown and Thomas Chapin kicked a 30-yard field goal. Rumson’s defense did not allow a touchdown for the fourth time in six games as Red Bank’s lone score came on a kick return. Next game: The Bulldogs take on Monmouth Regional (2-5) on Saturday afternoon in a Class A Central game.
6
.
M a n a s q ua n (5-1). Last week: not ranked
The Warriors got their signature win of the season with a 31-21 victory over Middletown North thanks to 205 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns on 28 carries from junior running back Connor Morgan. Joey Ostberg added a touchdown when he recovered a fumble off a bad snap into the end zone on a punt, and Adam Schreck kicked a 20-yard field goal. The Warriors’ only loss this season is 21-14 to Middletown South. Next game: Manasquan will host Matawan (1-6) in a nondivisional game on Saturday afternoon.
(7-0). Last week: No. 4
Senior running back Chris Chukwuneke ran for 99 yards and two touchdowns and junior quarterback Haaziq Daniels had a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown to lead the Lancers to a 41-21 win over Red Bank Catholic. Junior Sam East had a pair of touchdowns and junior Zyaire Sterling returned a punt 80 yards for a score. Junior linebacker Johnny Buchanan continued his outstanding season with 16 total tackles. Next game: St. John Vianney has another chance to move up in the rankings when it heads to “The Swamp” to take on Middletown South (5-1) on Friday night.
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.
7
.
W all
8
.
(6-1). Last week: No. 7
Standout senior running back Sean Larkin missed the game with an injury, but the rest of the offense picked up the slack nicely in a 35-14 win over Matawan. Junior quarterback Eddie Scott threw three touchdowns, junior Brady McNally ran for 79 yards and had three total scores and junior Chevesse Covin ran for a game-high 141 yards. Senior wideout R.J. Janeczek caught 5 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. Next game: The Crimson Knights have a bye in Week 8 and return to action in Week 9 with a huge Class B North game against Middletown South.
9
B r ic k
.
(5-2). Last week: No. 10
Senior John Prato stepped in at quarterback for injured starter Anthony Costanza and ran for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 9 carries in a 46-6 win over Lakewood. He also blocked a punt and had two pass breakups at defensive back. Senior Ja’Sir Taylor ran for a 20-yard touchdown and the Dragons had three defensive scores: a 62-yard interception return by Jimmy Leblo, a 74-yard fumble return by Joey Carchio and an 82-yard fumble return by Jay Obenauer. Next week: Brick has a crucial Class A South game at Central (6-1) on Friday night .
10
.
M a t er D ei P r ep
(7-0). Last week: not ranked
The undefeated Seraphs make their debut in the top 10 and are coming off a 41-0 win over Holmdel. Mater Dei has already clinched at least a tie for the Class B Central division title, its first ever, and can win the title outright with a win over Point Beach in Week 9. The Seraphs are currently No. 1 in power points in Non-Public Group II where they are a serious contender to win the program’s first NJSIAA title. Next game: The Seraphs are at home on Saturday afternoon against South River (2-5).
M i dd l et o w n N o r t h
(4-2). Last week: No. 6
Senior quarterback Donald Glenn threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a touchdown, but the Lions fell to Manasquan, 31-21. Senior Dwight Wilkerson and sophomore Connor Robbins each ran for 70 yards and senior wideout Brendan Kube caught 5 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. Brock Zenker had a 20yard touchdown catch. Next game: Middletown North will try to bounce back when it travels to Long Branch (1-5) for a Class B North game on Friday night.
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Other teams to watch: Central (6-1) Howell (4-3) Point Boro (7-0) Raritan (3-3)
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E
ve r y w e ek th i s re gul a r se a so n, S h or e Co nfe r enc e fo ot bal l f ans w il l h av e t he i r ch anc e to vo te f or t he Or t ho pa edi c Ins ti tut e of C entr a l Je r se y /Sh o re S po r ts Net wo r k F oo tba l l P l ay e r of th e We e k o n ou r we bs it e, w it h t ens o f th o usa nds of vo te s ca s t a l r ea dy th is w ee k. The Player of the Week in the Shore Conference for Week 6 was Red Bank Catholic junior quarterback Nick Brusca, who had a career day with 206 yards passing and four touchdowns, plus 42 yards rushing and a touchdown in the Caseys’ 35-20 Shore Conference Class B North win over Long Branch to improve to 4-2. Brusca had a 10-yard touchdown to Max Hazard, ran for a 4-yard score and tossed an 18-yard touchdown to Brandon Lombana in the second quarter. In the fourth quarter he had an 8-yard touchdown pass to Matt Ansell, and finished off his breakout passing game with a 58yard scoring strike to Jaden Key. Brusca started the season as a running back, but with injuries to both Steve Lubischer and Tommy Lang, Brusca was forced to switch positions and become the Caseys’ quarterback. He started out with mainly zone-read running plays with tailback Zack Bair, but the playbook has grown each week as he becomes more comfortable with the position. He entered the Week 6 game against Long Branch with just
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Week-6 10/15/i6
22 passing yards, so his Red Bank Catholic’s eruption through the air increased his season yardage tenfold. He has rushed for 394 yards and five touchdowns this season, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
Nick Brusca
Brusca garnered 47.28 percent of the vote to beat out Holmdel sophomore running back Dean Gallo, who keyed the Hornets’ 19-15 win over Manchester with 143 yards rushing and two touchdowns. St. John Vianney’s Johnny Buchanan was third, followed by Middletown North’s Brendan Kube and Freehold’s Ashante Worthy.
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Jr. QB
Week-5
10/8/i6
Wall. Sr. RB
Sean Larkin
Week-4
10/1/i6
Point Beach. Jr. QB
Luke Frauenheim
Week-3
9/24/i6
Mater Dei Prep. Jr. QB
George Pearson
Week-2
9/i7/i6
Wall. Sr. RB
Sean Larkin
Week-1
9/i0/i6
Jackson Mem. Sr. RB
Mike Gawlik
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Fri
Oct. 28
T. R. South
at
T.R. North
(7pm)
Fri
Nov. 4
Middletown South
at
Wall
(7pm)
Thr
Nov. 24
Wall
at
Manasquan (11am)
NJSIAA Playoffs
TBD
Schedule is subject to change
All games to be broadcast on News Talk Radio & streamed live
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