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Volume 26 • Issue 564

JerseySportingNews.com

10/29/19 - 11/11/19

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RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN FIELD HOCKEY WINS THEIR SIXTH STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Coverage on page 9

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Page 2 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

10/29/19 - 11/11/19

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 3

SEVENTH HEAVEN AS RBC CAPTURE SCT GIRLS SOCCER TITLE

By Eric Braun

WEST LONG BRANCH – This time last season, the Toms River North Mariners girl soccer team pulled off a great run to capture their second Shore Conference Tournament title with a 1-0 win over Red Bank Catholic. Once again the Mariners were on a similar run and once again met the Caseys in the final at Shore Regional on Wednesday night.

Red Bank Catholic entered the championship game as the number three seed and had to do some work to get here. The Caseys earned a first-round bye and then opened with a shutout win over Red Bank Regional, 2-0, and then headed to second-seed Shore Regional.

The Blue Devils took a 2-1 lead in the first half before RBC battled back for a 3-2 win. This set up a rematch against Middletown South, who was the only team to beat the Caseys this season. This time however, the Caseys would come out victorious with a second-half surge to earn a 2-0 win and a trip back to the final.

Toms River North entered the tournament as the fourth seed and also earned an opening-round bye. In the second round, the Mariners struggled with No. 20 Southern Regional and had to get a last-minute goal in regulation to tie it, 1-1, and then scored in the second overtime to keep their title defense alive. In the next round against Saint John Vianney, they needed some more theatrics to advance when they converted on a late penalty kick to take a 2-1 lead. In the semifinal against Freehold Township, they would once again advance on penalty kicks, but this time after a 1-1 tie through double overtime and win on penalty kick shootouts, 4-2, to earn their way back into the final.

Both teams lost a lot to graduation last season, but the underclassmen from Red Bank Catholic still knew this was a revenge game and were determined to keep their winning season intact and on a positive note.

This would be all the scoring Red Bank Catholic needed to walk out of West Long Branch with its the first Shore Conference Tournament title since 2013 and seventh title in program history.

The Caseys were all over Toms River North from the opening whistle, but it took until 12 minutes left in the first half to get the scoring going. Junior Emma Bruther ripped a shot from 25 yards out that rattled the crossbar and sophomore Morgan Cupo headed in the rebound for the 1-0 lead. Red Bank Catholic would waste no time extending their lead when just five minutes later, junior Aubrey Silverman found Bruther open along the left flank and Bruther beat her defender deep in the Mariners’ end then beat the keeper to the upper corner for the 2-0 lead.

“After losing 11 girls to graduation and then having to go through the only team that beat us in Middletown South this year, the girls were super excited to get back here and they felt last year we were the better team but just didn’t score. This time we came out determined to score and we did,� said Red Bank Catholic coach Frank Lawrence.

Bruther, who did not play last season because of Academy soccer, became an immediate impact for the Caseys this season and provided the 1-2 punch along with Cupo. “I felt really good scoring the second goal because we knew as a team they were not going away and after missing a lot of this season due to injury it was just good to get back out here and play,� she said. “We just wanted to play our best and had to keep playing because we knew they were not going to quit and had to keep going until the game was over. Losing to them last year, I knew the feeling, and I knew I didn’t want to go through that again,� said Cupo of the rematch with Toms River North in the final.

When talking about the toughness of Bruther and her battle back from an early season injury, Lawrence added, “You cannot say enough about this kid and her mental toughness. She got hurt early in the season after falling on her knee and had to miss three weeks and when she left, was a starter for us. She battled back and became a major impact for us down the stretch and a major contributor. We decided to bring her off the bench the rest of the season and bring in fresh legs and an immediate scorer.�

Red Bank Catholic will look to continue their great season as they sit at 15-1-1 going into the NJSIAA tournament, where they are the No. 2 seed behind top-ranked Pingry. They already have nine shutouts and 66 goals.

After their lone loss to Middletown South, the Caseys are 11-0-2 and have been on a tear, which is good news for Lawrence heading into their second- round NJSIAA Non-Public A South matchup against either Paul VI or Saint Thomas Aquinas.

RED BANK CATHOLIC’S #13 EMMA BRUTHER

RED BANK CATHOLIC SCT CHAMPIONS Photos by Tom Smith

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Page 4 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

SHORE CONFERENCE GRIDIRON HIGHLIGHTS

by Mike Ready

WEEK FOUR RECAP

Caseys rushed for 270 yards with senior Elijah Jules running by senior running back Andre for 106 yards and junior Kevin Degnan added 103 yards on Johnson and a 1-yard touchdown No. 1 WALL 14, No. 2 MATER DEI PREP 7 the ground on just six carries. run by quarterback Sean Kehley.

The Crimson Knights (5-0, 3-0) moved into the top spot in No. 10 JACKSON MEMORIAL 22, SAINT JOHN VIANNEY 14 Johnson added his fourth score of the rankings after taking down last week’s No. 1 Mater Dei, The Jaguars (3-2, 2-2) made their return to the Top 10 and the game on a 1-yard run to cap 14-7. Wall was trailing, 7-6, late in the fourth quarter when knocked last week’s No. 6 team out of the rankings after the scoring early in the second half they drove 72 yards in ten plays to take a 12-7 lead on holding the Lancers’ (2-2, 1-2) high-powered offense to just for a 27-point lead, 34-7. Johnson junior Casey Larkin’s two-yard burst up the middle. Larkin 14 points.

Jackson’s defensive effort was spearheaded by finished with 187-yards rushing had a 24-yard run on third-and-6 to move into Seraphs (4UConn commit Collin McCarthy, who had a titanic perforon 30 attempts for a 6.3 yards 1, 4-1) territory before senior quarterback Logan Peters went mance with five sacks and eight tackles for loss. Junior runper carry average and four touchdeep to Larkin only to have the ball deflect off his hands ning back Will Towns ran for 146 yards and a touchdown downs. and into the hands of Gus Setteducato, who was tumbling and senior quarterback Lonnie Cebulski added 130-yards No. 7 OCEAN 42, RARITAN 37 to the ground as he caught the ball at the two-yard line. Folrushing and a touchdown while senior Nic Ford returned a In a wild one, the Spartans needed lowing Larkin’s touchdown, Peters then hit sophomore tight fumble 65 yards for a touchdown. to come back from deficits of 21-0 end Blake Rezk for the two-point conversion to take a 14-7 in the second quarter and 24-7 at lead with 1:06 left in the game. Rezk then sacked Mater RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN the half to remain undefeated and Dei quarterback Anthony Brown on first down and Peters WEEK FIVE RECAP clinch at least a share of the Patriot Photo

by Tamara Wooley completed the upset by intercepting Brown to clinch the win.

1 WALL 34,-BRICK MEMORIAL 7 Page 12 Jersey Sporting News • No.3/8/16 3/21/16 Division title. Temple commit Trebor Wall held All-State running back Malik Ingram to 73 yards The Crimson Knights cruised to their six win of the season Pena had a monster second half to rushing on 14 carries and under 200 yards of total offense. and it didn’t take long to get untracked. Senior quarterback quarter. Senior Nasir Thompson recorded nine tackles, fuel the comeback rushing for 223 of his 263 yards rushLarkin ran for 65 yards and a touchdown and senior running Logan Peters threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to senior runone sack and two tackles for loss to lead the defense. ing and four of his High five touchdowns afteror intermission.

PenaStudents School College wanted who back Matt DeSarno added 52 yards on the ground, includning back Dale McNally on the first play from scrimmage No. 5 TOMS RIVER NORTH 43, LONG BRANCH 39 also had three receptions for 76 yards, including a 35-yard ing a 39-yard touchdown. and the top-ranked Knights went on to take a 34-0 lead have a passion for journalism, photography or that saw the lead change In a wild back-and-forth game touchdown reception from senior quarterback Robbie NungNo. 3 DONOVAN CATHOLIC 35, RED BANK REGIONAL 0 at the half. Peters completed 9-of-11 passes for 188 yards four times in the final 3:32, Toms River North (6-1, 4-1) esser in the second high quarter and a 22-yarder from Nungesser The Griffins (5-0, 3-0) ran their season record to 5-0 for the school sports.

Cover key games, conduct and three touchdowns. McNally was the recipient of two of early in the fourth quarter that pulled the Spartans to within survived a scare from Long Branch (2-5, 1-4) and struck first time since 1992 while posting their fourth shutout of the Peters’ scoring tosses adding a second quarter 18-yard TD interviews, take pictures anJake Kazanowsky-to-Dom31-28. He then scored on a 62-yard run to give high-action Ocean the the final blow on a for 10-yard season. Sophomore defensive tackle Dominick Brogna led reception and sophomore Matt Dollive caught a 50-yard lead for good, 35-31.

His 12-yard scoring run pushed the inick Jacobs touchdown pass with 13 seconds left to the defensive effort with eight tackles for loss and two sacks experience that can propel your future career scoring strike from Peters early in the second quarter. Juscore to 42-31 before Raritan scored as time ran out. finally put away the Green Wave while capturing the as the Griffins’ suffocating defense held the Bucs (3-2, 1-2) nior running back Casey Larkin had a 23-yard touchdown in journalism!

No. 8 SOUTHERN 21, MIDDLETOWN NORTH 14 highly competitive American Division title in the process. to 98 yards of total offense. Senior quarterback Ryan Clark run and finished with 91 yards on eight carries and senior Senior quarterback Cole Robinson threw a 6-yard touchhad touchdown runs of one and 14 yards and running backs Kazanowsky threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns Contact JSN at aJSNAttardi@msn.com today! linebacker Will Terry returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown pass to senior Kieran Lang to break 14-14 tie and James Bivins and Nasir Calhoun added TD runs of 10 and and Jacob caught six passes for 66 yards and three down. give the Rams a 21-14 the lead with 2:50 left in the game.

41 yards, respectively, while Dominick Nosero returned a No. 2 RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 21, No. 3 MATER DEI PREP 16 touchdowns. Ray Carlson had two catches for 64 yards Robinson then clinched the game with an interception handpunt 20 yards for another score.

In a game knotted at 14-14 with 2:49 left in the third quarand a touchdown, junior Zach Browne had six receping Southern the outright division title for the third time in No. 4 RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 23, No. 5 MANALAPAN 20 OT ter, junior defensive lineman Jack Kelly gathered in a deflecttions for 64 yards and Jaiden Fraser caught two balls program history and first since 2011.

Sophomore running The Bulldogs rebounded nicely from last week’s crushing ed pass by senior defensive lineman Gordon Forsyth and refor 53 yards. Senior running back Jarod Pruitt ran for 93 back Jaiden Brown rushed for 156 yards and a touchdown double-overtime loss to then-No. 3 Toms River North, deturned it 55 yards for a touchdown and the Bulldogs held off yards. Long Branch senior quarterback Kyle Davidson on 31 attempts while Robinson, who completed 11-of-17 feating No. 5 Manalapan in overtime. Senior quarterback passed for 230 yards and two touchdowns and also ran passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns, also threw a Collin Coles tossed the game-winning 14-yard touchdown 4-yard touchdown to Will Devine, who caught four passes for two scores. Fraser caught four passes for 143 yards pass to junior Luke Devlin on their first possession of overfor 40 yards. The Rams defense held North to 110 yards and Farrar had four receptions for 89 yards and two time to give the Bulldogs (3-2, 3-1) a thrilling win over the of total offense, including just 18 yards rushing as senior touchdowns. Senior Jermaine Corbett returned a kickoff Braves (2-2, 1-2). By Coles gave Rumson its first lead of the Michael Ward defensive tackle Colby Saxton recorded 2.5 sacks to lead 96 yards for a touchdown and returned a fumble for game, 17-10, with seven minutes left on a 21-yard scoring By Michael Rogers the charge. Nate Committee and Hank Gallacher had backThebut season for the Ranney with Boys’ Basketball In their last regular season game, the team a score. strike to Pete Crowley Manalapan answered a long to-back sacks in the fourth quarter with the score tied after was a good one. faced a fierce competitor in Long Branch. drive on its ensuingTeam possession.

Quarterback Sean Kehley MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 20,-5 No.record 6 RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN 3 who finished with a 28 at the Lions recovered a Southern fumble and were driving, but Scottie Lewis converted two free-throws with capped off the drive hitting wide receiver Paul Wojciechowski Eagles quarterback Tyler6th Cuccia and running back Vin 160 pounds and finished in the The team boasted an impressive 22-4 seaDevine ended the Lions’ threat with a crucial interception.

1.8 seconds remaining to give Ranney a 57for a 4-yard touchdown pass to tie the game with 36 secCondito each ran for touchdowns region.

Dan Mullin who finished and linebacker Mark son record, butVincenzo unfortunately fell short aas they No. 9 RED BANK CATHOLIC (BYE WEEK) 55 victory over Long Branch in Long Branch. onds to play. Manalapan kicker Rea boomed Tardy returned an interception 28-4 at 145 pounds and finished40 yards for a touchentered the playoffs.

Within the quarterfinal No. 10 JACKSON MEMORIAL 14, JACKSON LIBERTY 7 46-yard field goal – his second of the game – on the first down South round, Ranney was knocked out by Roselle in the topas6Middletown in the region.

TJ shocked Con- the Bulldogs Friday Long Branch turned the ball over with 18 secpossession of overtime but it wasn’t enough as Coles ended Rumson.27-5 Cuccia ranMike for 85 yards and Condito Catholic with a score of 69-44. lonnight who infinished and onds left in the fourth quarter, leading to the it with his third passing touchdown of the game.

WEEK SIX RECAP 66 inwho the win.

Michael Piperno Shohet finished at 28-6 andkicked a 36-yard field foul on Lewis, who finished with 13 points.

No. 6 OCEAN 39, SHORE REGIONAL 0 No. 1 WALL 41, SAINT JOHN VIANNEY 14 The new coach and players Ranney were able give wasgoal top to 6 in theRumson region.a 3-0 halftime lead while sophoBryan Antoine added a team-high 17 points The Spartans (4-0, 3-0) remained undefeated and ran their Junior quarterback Logan Peters, senior running back to fold into the mix added significantly to their more Geoff Schroeder had 90 yards on seven carries for Ranney and Chris Autino had 11. record to 4-0 for the first time since 2013 drubbing Shore Matt DeSarno and junior running back Casey Larkin ran success throughout the season, but it appears and 8 John Volkerto added 50 yards Regional (2-3, 1-2) in the first meeting between the two With seniors replace next on 14 attempts. Ryan as if those additions will be the building blocks for two touchdowns each as the Crimson Knights (7-0, Ruane hadhas an interception on defense.

Anthony Velazquez scored a game-high 18 schools since 1983. Senior running back Trebor Pena ran year’s team some work to do for a more successful playoff drive next sea- OCEAN 4-0) remained undefeated after beating Colonial DiviTHOMASGeorge MORE (CT) is 37, No. 7 MATER DEI PREP 14 for 134 yards on 15 carries, including touchdown runs of points for Long Branch. Tyree Morris put up butST.Coach optimistic son. sion foe Saint John Vianney (3-3, 2-3) in Holmdel.

Wall 4-1) lost to out-of-state power St. 4, 7, 60 and 8 yards. Senior running back Nasir Thomp10 points. withThe theSeraphs younger(4-3, wrestlers having Photo

by Tom Smith travels to Brick Township son added 38 yards on the ground and ahad four-yard scorLONG BRANCH’S W 170 Friday LBS night and a win there success Thomas (5-0) – ranked fourth in Connecticut. as More the two middle schools Nathaniel Pierre Louis 13 points for fifthclinches the division title for the Knights.

DeSarno broke ing run while juniorseeded linemanRoselle Joe Teresi picked in upits a blocked Ranney trailed 31-29 at halftime, but used a 9 SOUTHERN 14, FREEHOLD Catholic, 69-44 victory thatNo.feed into Long BranchTOWNSHIP both 7 a 51-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter and punt and rumbled 89 yards to give the Spartans 7-0 quarterfinal lead.

17-9 third to swing the game momentum. the Seraphs for aquarter huge non-divisional win. Mater Dei Senior quarterback over fourth-seeded Ranney ina the finished undefeated.Cole AsRobinson’s coach 1-yard fourth-quarLong Larkin Branchscored wrestling has beenrun successful on a 2-yard midway through the Pena put the gameround away of with his 60-yard touchdown run bolted out to a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter on a touchdown run put the Rams the South Jersey, Non-Public B tourGeorge said,ter “We are looking to reload notahead to stay and they underquarter head for coach Danny George (this added was a on the first play of nament the second half. Ocean a 27-7 lead.

Larkin then 36-yard the Preliminary Roundrunning of Finals, 2-yardIntouchdown run by senior backRanney Malik Ingram, in Tinton Falls. was 5-for-5 on wentGeorge on to clinch Constitution rebuild”. Coach wantsthe to give a spe- Division title with the his 26th season) and this year was no difthird-down conversions while Ocean held the Blue Devils to touchdown run early in the fourth quarter before DeSarplayed Brock Township and came up including big. but the Bulldogs scored 21 unanswered points, a Robinsoncoaches also threw a 31-yard cial thanks to win. his assistant in Joe Ke- touchdown pass to ferentnoasclosed the Green finished a 16 3-of-12 on third down just five through theadded air.

Scottie Lewis finished with Volker, 20 points, re- with 67-yard touchdown run by John who16 finished out theWave scoring with a with 4-yard touchdown run.

Matt and Bullock and yards Raheem Carter 12 sophomore running back Jaiden Brown, who rushed agle, John Jasio, and Doug Cornell as coach and 4 record and finished ranked 6th in the The Spartans have points now outscored their opposition, 146-12, bounds seven assists to lead 109 yards on and 11 carries, to pull to them withineighth14-7. Junior each for Roselle Catholic, which led 36No. 2 DONOVAN CATHOLIC 35, LACEY 0 forconsiderable 79 yards andtime had this 36 yards receiving and five tackGeorge missed season including two straight groupThe 4 rankings with many wrestlers wide receiver returned the second-half 17 shutouts. at halftime. seeded Patrick RanneyJamin to a 75-51 victory over 25th- kickoff Griffins (7-0, 5-0) rolled over placing the second-place Liles, a sack and two tackles for loss on defense. Southwhile having a hip replaced.”Their contribuNo. 7 SOUTHERN 27, MARLBORO 7 in the top ten in the region.

Head coach Dan 54 yards setting up Township sophomoreinrunning back Jeff Schroseeded Brick the preliminary ons (5-2, 3-2) to clinch the Liberty Division title – their ern’s defense six for sacks tion was tremendous and I recorded thank them all with senior defensive The Rams (4-1, 3-0) wonAntoine their third row paced to pushRanney George up since the season this third way in byprogram Bryan andgame ScottieinLewis eder’sround 32-yard run to tie theTournament game 26 seconds of touchdown the Shore Conference first summed division title 2012 and hisend J.T. Cornelius accounting for two of them. their season record to 14 4-1points as sophomore running back of their efforts”. with each. into the half.

Mater Dei sophomore quarterback Anthony saying “weThe won two tournaments this season play in Ranney. tory. defense continued its dominant recordNo. 10 JACKSON MEMORIAL 35, FREEHOLD 28 Jaiden Brown continued his assault on Shore Conference Brown, who completed 16-of-27 passes for 187 yards and and finished second ing its fifth shutoutinofthe thedistrict season while allowing just 20 Junior running back Will Towns ran for 230 yards and defenses running for 161first yards andofthree touchdowns In the round playoffs, Ranney on faced off a touchdown, senior wide Clarence Brown a Ranney hit recorded thereceiver first SCT victory in with behind onlyin CBA while reaching points seven games.

Senior quarterback Ryan Clark 24 carries. Brown now has 742-yards scored four touchdowns as the Jaguars built 21-point against St. Rose. rushing and 11 touchfirst-quarter school25-yard history. scoring strike to give the Seraphs a 7-0 the state final against Jackson Meran for 130 yards and a touchdown on 10 attempts and downs while averaging 7.7 yards per carry and also leads fourth-quarter lead and held on to get the win. It was lead. Ingram finished with 94 yards on 17 carries. morial so we had a very exciting also threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Jahdir Lofton, the defense with three interceptions while recording Scottie Lewis recorded 11 points,15 10tackrebounds, No. 4 DONOVAN CATHOLIC 42,19 MANASQUAN 6 Towns’ second 200-plus yard, four-touchdown game of Bryan Antoine had points, seven rebounds season”. who also ran for 71 yards and a touchdown on just five les (14 solo). Seniorfive wide receiver 11assists andWill twoDevane blocks added to leadan fourth-seedThe Griffins improved to 6-0 on thewhich seasonoutscored for the first time the season. He had touchdown runs of 2, 70, 68 and 41 and six assists for Ranney, yard TD run and junior safety to Kwadair intercepted ed Ranney a 74-45Holland victory over 13th-seeded carries. Nasir Calhoun ran for 42 yards on 17 attempts in program history and clinched at least a share of the Libyards while Lonnie Cebulski threw a 52-yard TD pass to Brick Township 50-30 through three quarters.

Some of the wrestlers who had St. Rose in the first round of the South Jersey, two passes. and two touchdowns. erty Division championship theirwhile convincing win over Alex Klatsky had 12 with points, Joe MaZach Novak for the Jags’ other score. success this season were Joe Jasio Non-Public B RIVER tournament No. 8 RED BANK CATHOLIC 21, No. 9 TOMS NORTH 6 in Tinton Falls. the Warriors.

Senior quarterback Ryan Clarkand rushed No. 3 MANALAPAN 20, No. 8 RED BANK CATHOLIC 14 honey chipped in with eight points fourfor 156 who finished withbehind, a record of 33-3 The Caseys (3-2, 2-2) are back in the Top 10 after falling yards assists. on 15 attempts tossed afinished pair of touchdown After falling 14-0, in the first quarter, the Braves James and Geraghty with eight passes featured a balanced offensive at 220 pounds and placed in the points and held off the out of the rankings Ranney in the week two after an impressive win attack to junior tight six endrebounds Ethan Capone.

Junior running back Jahdir (4-2, 3-2) scored 20 unanswered points, and four assists. as River Alex Klatsky had2-1).

23 points four steals over then-No. 3 Toms North (4-1, Seniorand quartertop 12 in the(3-3, state.

John Lofton ran for 45 yards and two touchdowns on six carries Caseys 2-3) in aTomlinson hard-fought game in Manalapan. andfor Bryan Antoine added 10 points, back Ryan Edgerly ran a pair of 1-yard touchdowns andfive rewho finished with a 22-3backs record in Jules and Billy Guidetti and senior Johnson added a 12-yard touchdown RBC senior running Elijah Noah Damian Buono led the way for Brick Township nine assists.

John Crowley threw a 2-yard TD bounds pass to and senior tight end Kevin Bauman.scored run while Andre returned 32 the heavyweight finwith senior 11 points.

JoeLaney Destafano hadan10interception points. had 44- and division 85-yard and touchdown runs, respectively, in 11Bauman, points forjunior St. Rose.

The defense, led by lineman Jake Lauro yards for a score. A win over Lacey this Friday in Toms River ishedthe fourth the region while first in quarter but that was beall the Caseys Photoscould by:muster Arielle Figueredo and junior safety Anthony Borriello, limited the previously clinches the Liberty Division championship for the Griffins. ing a district champ. Lamont Reid the rest of the way. Braves junior Ethan Rodriguiz ignited undefeated Mariners to just 132 yards of total offense. The No. 5 TOMS RIVER NORTH 34, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH 29 the comeback with a 90-yard first-quarter kickoff return Mariners senior running back Jarrod and Vin Rea booted an 18-yard field goal as time ran Quickly gaining popularity are the non-surgical procedures including breast augmenPruitt rushed for 194 yards on 16 carries Surgical out in the first half tummy to cut the Caseys’ points. such as Coolsculpting and Ultherapy. tucks, thighlead lifts, to four procedures and a touchdown averaging 12.1 yards tations/reductions/lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, grafting and men and women are enjoying absolutely Then, on Manalapan’s firstfatplay of its first Both possession per carry as the two teams racked up a facelifts, no Johnson downtime as fat is eliminated in as little as a be performed in his new state-ofofcan the all second half, senior running back Andre combined 813 yards of total offense. The more one-hour Coolsculpting session. Ultherapy surgery center intouchdown a very comfortable, pri- thesingle the surgicalMariners corrections cleft palates, leading led of27-14 at the half behind the-art broke a 70-yard run to give Braves a environment. “My practice offers a full specthe best solution to a non-surgical facelift and him to plastic surgery.

Jake Kazanowsky, who threw for 151 vate17-14 lead. Rea added a late 22-yard fieldisgoal with trum of surgical and non-surgical procedures. can be maintained with a treatment once every yards, touchdown passes of eight yards 2:20 left in regulation and Jake Freedman 2recovered years.

We have our own operating suite on site, Two Dr. Taylor has wonderful blend of arttoand to found Zach the Brown and 26 yards Zach a Surgery botchedCenter, spike which attempt byvery quarterback Rivers I am proud of.” Ryan Edgerly science to heal the patient’s body as well as of soul.

Goodale and touchdown runs three to seal the win.

Dr. Taylor’s office also has a specialized skin care “My goal isand to understand you would like to two yards what by senior Matt Spalletta.

No. 4 OCEAN 28, JACKSON 14 now that department run by medical aesthetician, Audrey Non-surgical procedures areLIBERTY booming achieve andThe create a plan with said Eagles cuttogether the lead to you,” 27-24 on a cosmetic enhancements are no longer hush- Fey. Some clients, particularly teenagers, come to Senior running back Trebor Pena continued his assault Dr. Taylor. “This best done in a compassionate Mike isD’Amato 27-yard field goal and a hush. Women and a growing number of men the office primarily for her personal, supervised on opposing defenses rushing for 171 yards and two and caring environment where you feel comfortVincent Conditto 9-yard run, but Toms are taking advantage of the constantly evolving skin care regimen and treatments. However, able discussing your needs. I have worked hard touchdowns on 14 carries. Senior quarterback Robbie River North answered driving the length treatments that preserve a youthful appearance. most men and women take advantage of both to develop that atmosphere here at Allure Plastic Nungesser threw two touchdown passes as the Spartans of the field with Pruitt capping the drive Facial fillers and injectables are used to revoluDr. Taylor and Audrey’s expertise to achieve opSurgery Center.”

(6-0, 5-0) downed the Panthers (2-4, 2-3) to clinch the The office is conveniently located at to give the Mariners an 11-point, fourth- mize the face and soften lines and jowls. There timal results.

Now being one of Monmouth County’s most Division championship.

Penaneeds, had scoring quarter lead, 35-24. are Patriot many kinds, each suited for specific 194 runs Hwy of 35, Red Bank.

Plastic surgery has the unique ability to enhance a sought after plastic surgeons, Dr. Taylor first disDONOVAN CATHOLIC MANALAPAN 30 anywhere and 42 yards Nungesser threw a No. 6 MANALAPAN 34, LONG BRANCH 19 lasting fromand 6 months to 2 years.

Dr.63-yard touchperson’s self-confidence as well as others’ percepcovered a love of art and science in adolescence EMAIL WRITER EDITOR The Braves led, for 28-7, at theundergohalf behind Taylor down pass to Chris in his thepatients second quarter spends a lot of timeCarasia assessing To learnand more about Dr.HEAD Taylor and his practice Photo by Fran Attardi Photo courtsey of Manalapan HS tions of him/her.

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Jersey Sporting News

Ranney Falls Short in Shore Conference Playoffs

Long Branch Wrestlers Success On The Mat

Meet Dr. John Taylor, MD

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10/29/19 - 11/11/19

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FIELD HOCKEY STANDINGS

RESULTS THRU FRIDAY 10/25/19

A CENTRAL OVERALL Shore Regional 20-1 Red Bank Catholic 14-4 Rumson-Fair Haven 13-4 Manasquan 4-11-2 Raritan 10-9-1 Holmdel 11-8 Monmouth Regional 7-10-2 A NORTH OVERALL Middletown South 15-3-1 Colts Neck 13-2-1 Howell 9-9 Freehold Township 10-10 Freehold Borough 6-11 Manalapan 2-9-2 Long Branch 0-13-2 A SOUTH OVERALL Southern 18-2 Toms River North 12-5-1 Jackson Memorial 12-6-1 Toms River South 8-6-3 Brick Township 11-8 Central Regional 4-10-5 Brick Memorial 4-11-4 Toms River East 2-13-2 B CENTRAL OVERALL Henry Hudson 10-6-1 St. Rose 6-6-3 Trinity Hall 5-8-1 Ranney 4-8-1 Mater Dei 2-11-1 Keyport 0-14 B NORTH OVERALL Wall 14-5 Ocean Township 12-5 Middletown North 8-11 Saint John Vianney 8-9 Red Bank Regional 7-11-2 Matawan 2-12-2 Neptune 2-16 B SOUTH OVERALL Point Pleasant Boro 19-1 Pinelands 15-3-1 Barnegat 16-4-1 Manchester Township 6-10-2 Jackson Liberty 5-11-1 Lacey 4-13-1 Donovan Catholic 7-11 Lakewood 0-15 RED INDICATES DIVISION WINNER

WALL’S GOALIE #92 MIA KEPLER Photo by Fran Attardi

DIV 12-0 9-3 7-3 3-7-1 3-8-1 3-8 1-9-2 DIV 10-1-1 9-1-1 7-5 6-5 4-8 1-8-2 0-9-2 DIV 14-0 10-3-1 8-4-1 5-6-3 6-7 2-7-5 1-9-4 1-11-2 DIV 8-1-1 6-1-2 5-2-1 4-5-1 2-6-1 0-10 DIV 11-1 11-1 7-5 6-6 3-7-2 2-8-2 0-12 DIV 13-0 11-2-1 10-3-1 5-7-2 5-8-1 4-9-1 4-10 0-13

GF 120 76 72 19 46 43 27 GF 73 44 33 40 29 11 7 GF 84 83 38 20 57 16 25 16 GF 76 42 32 30 10 2 GF 87 48 30 35 35 10 23 GF 129 85 73 37 33 22 34 2

GA 3 30 17 61 63 52 65 GA 15 6 32 32 38 32 73 GA 7 46 19 40 44 34 41 83 GA 20 37 51 43 69 119 GA 19 15 45 37 40 44 86 GA 7 29 22 45 51 51 64 125

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 5

Page 6 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

Why (Most) Form Contracts are the Worst

By Noah A. Schwartz, Attorney at Law For individuals and business owners, form contracts are a pain. They’re everywhere. When you stop to think about it, they have invaded every part of our lives. Sure, we expect to see them when we deal with the plumber we had to call at 2:00 in the morning and had no choice but to accept whatever contract was offered. Yes, at this point we expect to see a two-page legal-size form with 8-point typeface at the gym with terms maybe we don’t even read. But now we see them constantly even when we are taking out children to birthday parties and amusement parks.

Not too long ago, my family and I packed into our car and headed over to the local trampoline place (which shall go unnamed), and as a mandatory, non-negotiable condition of using the trampoline park, each of us had to fill out a multiscreen contract. In doing so, each of us had to agree to the exacting terms of an agreement, which felt like we were giving away our very souls.

Packed among all that tiny type is what lawyers call an “exculpatory clause” which means that you agree not to sue if you get hurt or killed. But it is so much more than that. Look at this one from a trampoline park: I, for myself and on behalf of my child(ren) and/or legal ward, heirs, administrators, personal representatives, or assigns, do agree to hold harmless, release and discharge X of and from all claims, demands, causes of action, and legal liability, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, due to X’s ordinary negligence: and I, for myself and on behalf of my child(ren) and/or legal ward, heirs, administrators, personal representatives, or any assigns, further agree that except in the event of X's gross negligence and willful and wanton misconduct, I shall not bring any claims, demands, legal actions and causes of action, against X for any economic and non-economic losses due to bodily injury, death, property damage sustained by me and/or my minor child(ren) that are in any way

associated with X trampoline games or activities. Should X or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this Agreement, I for myself and on behalf of my child(ren), and/or legal ward, heirs, administrators, personal representatives or assigns, agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.

tionally hurt Johnny that the park would be liable for his injuries or death. Last, the clause says that if the parents or Johnny fight the clause, the parents or Johnny will pay the park’s fees and costs they spend in the fight.

Truly remarkable, and under most circumstances, if they knew what the clause said, the parents wouldn’t sign.

But they do.

Now, first of all, does the trampoline park really expect any of its customers, other than maybe lawyers, to have any idea of what any of this means? This is not exactly the most readable of paragraphs; Hemingway doesn’t come to mind. Let’s also not forget that most of the time, when these agreements are presented, it’s not like the customer can take his or her time reading the thing. I know when my excited (or screaming) kids are ready to get on trampolines, the last thing they want is their lawyer father spending 20 minutes performing an on-the-spot analysis of the content and enforceability of an exculpatory clause. So, in practical terms, what we have is a frazzled parent with possibly less than 30 seconds to determine whether or not he is going to let his or her precious children jump on the trampolines they spent 20 minutes getting to, or if they are going to turn around and go home. My bet is there are approximately zero parents that decide to go home, which leads us to what the clause actually says.

In any event, that’s what the clause says. That says nothing of whether the clause is enforceable, which it likely may not be. What that means is that the contract could read exactly as you see above, and whether the parent read the agreement or not, even if they sign, the park might not be able to use the clause. Indeed, clauses like this one are routinely found to be unenforceable.

First, the clause says that it is binding on both the parents and the children. That means that if seven-yearold Johnny gets hurt, he can’t say to the court that he isn’t bound by the agreement because only his parents signed it. Second, the clause “releases” the trampoline park from basically any liability for any injury, or even death, for any reason except for the park’s “gross negligence” or intentional acts, by which the park means it could mess up, or even mess up really badly, but the customer would not be entitled to damages. It would only be if the park did something egregious, or inten-

The flip side from the perspective of the business owner is that businesses sometimes legitimately use these clauses to limit their liability exposure in a whole variety of contexts, often in situations involving risk of personal injury, and, as a general principle, exculpatory clauses can shield a business from liability that it would ordinarily have under the law. Courts don’t like exculpatory clauses but will give effect to ones that comply with the law. The clause has to be enforceable to be of any use, and too many businesses use ones that aren’t. A recent New Jersey appellate division case highlights exactly this scenario.

The facts are simple – a fitness club patron got badly hurt when she was told to get on a treadmill that was already in operation. She got on, and, as you might imagine, she was thrown off the moving treadmill. The trial court said she couldn’t sue and dismissed her complaint because the exculpatory clause barred suits for injuries caused due to the club’s negligence. The appellate division reversed, saying that such exculpatory clauses serve no public purpose and are therefore unenforceable.

There is a key lesson here to be learned by individuals who sign contracts with exculpatory clauses and by businesses that use them: For individuals, the lesson is easy – even if you get roped into signing a contract with an exculpatory clause, the clause is often written such that it’s not enforceable. It’s like it’s not even there.

For businesses, you may very well use exculpatory clauses as part of your comprehensive risk management program. They can be great and help limit the business’s exposure to lawsuits, or at least provide an avenue to a quick dismissal. But for the risk program to work, all the parts have to work. If you have selected an insurance policy under the assumption that your exculpatory clause will be enforceable and a court invalidates it, your risk management program is broken. If you aren’t balancing the use of exculpatory clauses to limit lawsuits against the risk of loss of customers, you might not have a risk management program at all.

Exculpatory clauses and other liability-limiting contractual provisions like arbitration clauses, forum selection clauses, and choice of law clauses are wonderful tools for businesses when used properly. When used as part of a comprehensive risk management plan, they can save you headaches and hard-earned money. When used incorrectly, they are worse than useless because they cost you money. For businesses, when was the last time you went over your form contracts and insurance policies to make sure you’re not losing money?

Noah A. Schwartz is an attorney at Davison·Eastman·Muñoz·Paone, P.A. in the Business Law and Litigation department. He is a litigator specializing in business and real estate disputes with a special emphasis on chancery practice. He may be reached at nschwartz@respondlaw.com or 732.462.7170.

BOYS SOCCER STANDINGS

RESULTS THRU FRIDAY 10/25/19

MANASQUAN’S GOALIE JOE WEINSTEIN Photo by Tom Smith

BOYS SOCCER LOOKING TO BRING HOME MORE HARDWARE TO SHORE AREA

By Eric Braun

Last season the Shore Conference was well represented with Holmdel, Ocean and Christian Brothers Academy all bringing home NJSIAA titles. This season there are 35 of the 46 boys soccer teams from the Shore Conference eager to make their own mark and make their own magical runs at their respective NJSIAA championships.

COLTS NECK

Heading to the NJSIAA tournament is a guarantee for Photo by Eugene teams .500 or better and then by invite after that, unless a school opts out of the tournament. This season there are 26 teams that have earned their outright bids with a record of .500 or better.

Stewart

Those Shore Conference teams making the 2019 NJSIAA boys soccer tournament are: NORTH JERSEY 2 GROUP 3 #9 Matawan

NON-PUBLIC A SOUTH

#2 Christian Brothers #9 Donovan Catholic #10 Red Bank Catholic

NON-PUBLIC B SOUTH #5 Ranney #7 St. Rose #10 Mater Dei Prep

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 1

#10 Point Pleasant Beach #14 Keyport #16 Asbury Park

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 2 #1 Holmdel #3 Monmouth Regional #6 Rumson-Fair Haven #14 Raritan

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 3 #1 Wall #2 Colts Neck #7 Neptune #8 Freehld Boro #10 Middletown North #11 Ocean #12 Brick #13 Red Bank Regional

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 4 #1 Marlboro #4 Freehold Township

#10 Middletown South #13 Long Branch #15 Manalapan

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP 2 #3 Manasquan #7 Barnegat #13 Manchester

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP 3 #6 Pinelands #8 Lacey #15 Toms River South

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP 4 #4 Jackson Memorial #5 Southern Regional #16 Toms River North

A CENTRAL OVERALL Holmdel 14-0-1 Monmouth Regional 14-4 Manasquan 8-5-4 Rumson-Fair Haven 8-6-2 Raritan 7-8-1 Shore Regional 2-13-2 Red Bank Catholic 1-13-2 A NORTH OVERALL Freehold Township 13-5-1 Marlboro 12-3 Long Branch 8-7-2 Christian Brothers 11-3-3 Middletown South 9-4-3 Manalapan 6-7-1 Freehold Borough 8-8-1 Howell 4-11 A SOUTH OVERALL Jackson Memorial 12-2-2 Southern 12-2-2 Toms River South 8-5-2 Toms River East 6-5-5 Toms River North 7-6-1 Brick Township 7-9-1 Brick Memorial 5-8-2 Central Regional 3-14 B CENTRAL OVERALL Ranney 7-6 St. Rose 7-6-3 Point Pleasant Beach 7-6-1 Keyport 8-9 Asbury Park 6-9 Mater Dei 5-11-1 Henry Hudson 2-12 B NORTH OVERALL Wall 13-4 Colts Neck 11-4-1 Matawan 9-6-1 Ocean Township 8-9 Neptune 11-6-1 Middletown North 7-10 Saint John Vianney 3-12-1 Red Bank Regional 6-9-1 B SOUTH OVERALL Pinelands 8-4-1 Barnegat 10-6-1 Manchester Township 10-9 Point Pleasant Boro 7-11-1 Lacey 8-7-3 Donovan Catholic 4-9-2 Lakewood 3-12-2 Jackson Liberty 0-15 RED INDICATES DIVISION WINNER

DIVISION 6-0 4-2 4-2 3-2-1 2-3-1 0-5-1 0-5-1 DIVISION 5-1 5-2 5-2 4-2-1 2-2-2 2-4-1 2-5 0-7 DIVISION 6-0 5-1-1 4-2-1 4-3-1 3-3-1 2-5 2-5 0-7 DIVISION 6-2 4-1-1 5-2-1 4-4 3-3 4-6 0-8 DIVISION 6-1 5-1-1 5-2 4-3 3-4 3-4 1-6 0-6-1 DIVISION 6-0-1 6-1-1 5-2 4-3 3-4-1 2-4-1 1-6-2 0-7

GF 45 54 42 31 34 16 14 GF 42 42 31 42 42 24 35 21 GF 39 35 21 28 22 30 25 16 GF 26 27 27 37 38 25 19 GF 41 35 34 30 49 24 19 21 GF 19 34 34 21 22 16 16 9

GA 11 21 22 23 31 59 66 GA 26 14 20 11 18 26 36 36 GA 17 8 14 27 22 41 30 34 GA 25 31 22 34 35 44 72 GA 13 11 23 38 21 26 55 27 GA 16 37 35 24 27 23 37 52

10/29/19 - 11/11/19

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 7

JACKSON MEMORIAL’S COLLIN MCCARTHY’S STILL TERRORIZING OPPOSING QUARTERBACKS

By Mike Ready

JACKSON – When Vinnie Mistretta took over as Jackson Memorial head coach in 2017, he was vaguely familiar with this rangy defensive end named Collin McCarthy, who had spent most of the previous season on the freshman team battling a foot injury before getting some exposure on the varsity level late in the season on special teams.

“Between his freshman and sophomore years he had a huge growth spurt and just became a dude,” said Mistretta. “He was always a weight-room guy and he went from six-foot-two to six-foot-six that summer and all of a sudden it’s like ‘Holy Cow,’ this is something special.

“Honestly, when I took over you don’t really ever look at a sophomore and say, ‘Alright, we don’t have to worry about that position anymore,’ but with him there was never any debate or doubt. He was doing his job and dominated the position as a sophomore and he’s made it real easy for me having him there the last three years. He’s been a cornerstone there and it will be tough next year when we have to replace him.”

McCarthy’s transformation was astronomical going from a scrawny freshman to a gangly sophomore in a matter of a year.

“When I came in my freshman year I was like fivefoot-10 and by the beginning of sophomore year I was six-foot-six; it was kind of awkward,” said McCarthy. “I was like a 185 pounds so you can just imagine a toothpick with arms. I hit the weight room pretty hard and put on a lot of weight and by my sophomore year I was around 210 pounds.”

McCarthy had a breakout sophomore campaign recording 66 tackles (46 solo), 12 tackles for loss, four sacks and a forced fumble on his way to being named first- team All-Division.

“My sophomore year they needed someone to step up and I thought why not me,” McCarthy said. “And it kind of just took off from there.”

Two years later, McCarthy was now listed as a 6-foot7, 240-pound, three-star recruit and the 48th top

prospect in New Jersey, as well as the 117th rated strong-side defensive end in the nation by 247 Sports.

Following McCarthy’s junior year, he was a unanimous first-team All-Shore selection after putting up huge numbers consisting of 82 tackles and 43 tackles for a loss, which ranked No. 1 in New Jersey and 24th in the nation. McCarthy’s 11 sacks led the Shore Conference and ranked 12th in New Jersey and he also had a forced fumble and fumble recovery to his resume.

“To be completely honest, I didn’t,” said McCarthy when asked if he ever thought he’d blossom into the player he is today. “I was always little and skinny. My dad honestly didn’t think I’d play any college sports. Then all of a sudden I put on weight and started playing good.”

That is definitely an understatement!

“I think last year I made a pretty good statement on what kind of player I am,” McCarthy added. “I think my stats were an eye opener to people that I was the real deal.”

“He was just making game-changing plays time and time again,” said Mistretta. “His athleticism just jumps out; it doesn’t matter who the competition is or who he’s up against – he’s something special and the heart and soul of our defense.”

Apparently, the University of Connecticut saw what Mistretta saw in McCarthy.

Last June following his prodigious junior year, McCarthy gave the University of Connecticut his verbal commitment to continue his academic and athletic career there. McCarthy is following in the footsteps of his father, Mike, who was a star defensive lineman for the Huskies, graduating in 1994.

“Coach Edsall (Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall) and I developed a pretty good bond,” said McCarthy. “He would call me and we would talk about fishing because we both like to fish. And I think it’s kind of cool walking down the hallways and seeing

pictures of my dad on the wall so I’m really proud to be able to continue his legacy there and start my own.”

He had interest from numerous FBS schools, including Pitt, Rutgers, Virginia Tech and Alabama, which he took an official recruiting trip to.

This season, despite being double- and triple-teamed on a game-by-game basis and with teams running away from him, McCarthy has continued his assault on opposing offenses.

After seven games he has 52 tackles (35 solo), 29 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 29 quarterback pressures and a forced fumble.

just got thrown into it and I really didn’t even know my plays,” said McCarthy. “I know what I’m doing now and it all kind of makes sense and it’s nice to be able to help out the team where they need me.

Me and Sean (Keeler) go with the flow and we know what we’re doing. Will’s so fast he’s by you before you know it.”

“He’s more comfortable on the defensive line where he can use his athleticism,” said Mistretta. “But overall he’s grading out as one of the best on our offensive line. So, he’s coming along and really showing he knows what he’s doing – I’ve been impressed.”

As good as a football player McCarthy is, Mistretta feels he’s an even better person.

His 29 TFL are No. 1 in New Jersey and 19th nationally while his 13 sacks lead the state and are 48th in the nation according to MaxPrep.com.

“Collin is a throwback kid,” said Mistretta. “He goes home and he’s fishing or hunting, he’s just loves the outdoors. He’s not into a lot of the stuff today’s kids are all about and that’s a credit to him. He’s an interesting kid, a very nice kid and very humble kid off the field. He’s an extremely hard worker, a captain on the team and a leader, that’s the key.”

“It can be frustrating getting tripledteamed all the time but when teams keep running away from me it makes me lose my mind,” said McCarthy. “But I get really mad at all the holding, that’s my big thing. If you’re going to put three guys on me at least don’t hold me.”

The Jaguars are 5-2 and ranked tenth in the Shore with one game remaining against No. 4 Rumson-Fair Haven, following a bye this week as the regular season winds down and thoughts turn to the playoffs.

Mistretta agrees, “He’s getting doubled and trip l e d every single play and we’re never a team that complains about holding calls, but I’ll tell you what, it’s comical some of things we see on film that is going on against him. He’s putting up all these numbers when everybody knows Collin McCarthy is coming and number 50 is the one you have to worry about, and he’s still performing at this level – that’s pretty incredible.”

Asked to play offensive tackle again this year out of necessity, McCarthy has developed into a standout offensive lineman. He’s opening holes for running back Will Towns, who has developed into one of the top backs in the Shore rushing for 1065 yards and 15 touchdowns averaging 152.1 yards per game this season.

“I’m definitely a lot better at it. Last year I kind of

“We’re looking forward to the playoffs and that’s our goal here every year,” said Mistretta. “We don’t even account for having off time in the first couple of weeks in November. We’re a playoff team traditionally and that’s where we want to live.”

“First of all we need to get all our injured guys healthy,” said McCarthy when asked about a playoff run. “That’s probably the most important thing and then we have to do our assignments and execute the way coach wants us to.”

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Page 8 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

OPPORTUNISTIC HOLMDEL RIDES DEFENSE IN 17-14 WIN OVER RARITAN

By Mike Ready

HOLMDEL – The Hornets used three defensive turnovers and a gameclinching drive that ran the final 2:52 off the clock and Holmdel held on to defeat Raritan, 17-14, Friday night at Rogey Field in Holmdel.

It was Holmdel’s third-straight win over crosstown rival Raritan in the traditional ‘Battle of the Border’ game and the second consecutive win since the game was moved away from Thanksgiving.

Holmdel had lost two in a row after recording quality wins over Red Bank Regional and Lacey, and was in dire need of win to get back on track and preserve their standing in the United Power Rankings (UPR) as the cutoff date for qualifying for the state playoffs approaches.

Things were looking ominous for Holmdel after Raritan (5-3, 4-1) marched 75 yards in 11 plays to pull within a field goal, 17-14, with 2:58 remaining in the game. Senior running back Kevin Haug took a pitch from quarterback Steve Coponi and ran it in around right end from 2-yards out for the score and Ben Hutchins extra point kick was good.

Now clinging to a three-point lead, Holmdel senior running back Thomas Ammirati returned the ensuing kickoff 16 yards to the 30-yard line with just under three minutes to play in the game.

Up to that point, Raritan’s defense had limited the Hornets (4-3, 2-3), who were playing without star running back Cameron LaMountain who was out with an injury, to just 39 total yards in the second half and owned all the momentum after scoring on their previous possession.

Undeterred, the Hornets kept to the script. On third-and-2 from the 38, Ammirati bulled his way up the middle for eight yards and a huge first down. Two plays later, senior Evan Jennings picked up 8 yards and another first down to seal the win with under a minute to play with Raritan now out of timeouts.

“That was huge,” said Jennings of their final possession. “We had to keep the ball and they called my number and I wanted to win so bad for my brothers and my team and we just kept driving and we ran out the clock.

“Coach was like, do you want the ball? And I said, ‘Hell yea, give me that ball.’ I didn’t want to let my teammates down so I just ran as hard as I could. I got stuffed a little bit but my O line kept pushing me and I can’t’ thank them enough. They played a great game; it was just a great effort,” Jennings continued.

Holmdel struck first in the game putting together their best drive of the game going 85 yards in nine plays. Ammirati set up the score racing 48 yards on second-and-9 from the their own 42. Then, on first-and-goal from the 10-yard line, Jennings ran untouched into the end zone for a 7-0 lead with 3:21 left in the first quarter.

Raritan answered on their ensuing possession. Haug returned the kickoff 31 yards to the 41-yard line and the Rockets proceeded to march 69 yards in seven plays to tie the score at seven.

Senior running back Mike Fiore had a big third-down conversion on third-and-2 from the Hornets 37 picking up six yards and first down at the 31. Coponi then found wideout Jaylen Smith on a slant in the end zone for a 31-yard touchdown. Smith made an acrobatic catch leaping high over a defender to make the catch.

The Hornets went three-and-out before punting the ball back to Raritan.

Returner Luke O’Hea lost the ball and it rolled to the 13 before recovering it.

Holmdel then turned its first forced turnover into points to take the lead.

On first-and-10 from the 13, Fiore raced 57 yards around right end giving the Rockets a first down at the Holmdel 30.

Coponi then picked up six on first down; however, on second down, Coponi was strip-sacked by senior linebacker Joe D’Acunto and recovered

by Jennings, who returned it 30 yards for a touchdown down the left sideline giving the Hornets a 14-7 lead with 8:23 left in the half.

Late in the second quarter, Raritan drove to the Holmdel 14-yard line where they were facing a fourth-and-7. Coponi went to Smith again but he was stopped short of the first by junior cornerback Myles Day and D’Acunto turning the ball over to the Hornets, who advanced to their own 31 as time ran out in the half.

On Raritan’s next possession Holmdel’s defense forced another turnover that resulted in points for the Hornets.

Raritan was looking at a second-and-17 at their own 43 after a sevenyard sack of Coponi by senior linebacker Nick Bauman. Coponi then completed a screen pass to O’Hea who had the ball ripped out of his hands by D’Acunto, who then returned it to the 32-yard line of the Rockets.

“Joe (D’Acunto) read the screen perfectly and just tore the ball out and recovered it himself,” said Jennings, who had two recovered fumbles – one for a touchdown. “It was an amazing play by him; he had an amazing game. Our defense is like a family; we just want it, we want to win.”

Seven plays later, Flanagan split the uprights for a 31-yard field goal and a 17-7 lead with 8:10 remaining in the game.

Holmdel received the second-half kickoff and went nowhere on three plays and punted the ball back to Raritan.

Ammirati finished with 74 yards on nine carries and Jennings added 37 yards on 11 attempts while quarterback Christian Donnelly added 48 yards on 15 carries.

The Rockets advanced to the Holmdel 40 but on first down D’Acunto, who had a sack and three forced fumbles, hit Fiore, who then fumbled with Jennings recovering and taking it all the way down to the Raritan 30-yard line.

The Hornets were outgained, 300 to 165, in total yardage in the game but used the three turnovers to their advantage and made enough big plays to get the job done.

“I got to give credit to the turnovers to the coaches,” said Jennings. “We worked hard in drills stripping the ball and stuff like that the last two weeks and obviously it showed up here. We had some huge turnovers to give us this win.”

HOLMDEL’S #34 JOE D’ACUNTO

BATTLE OF THE BORDER TROPHY TO HOLMDEL HEAD COACH Photos by Tom Smith

Holmdel moved to the 15, but on third-and-5, sophomore Keith Walling stopped sophomore running back Jaden Gallo for no gain setting up a fourth-and-5 and a 32-yard field-goal attempt by Flannagan, which was wide left.

Fiore rushed for a game-high 120 yards on 19 carries for the Rockets and O’Hea added 39 yards on six attempts. Coponi completed 6-of-14 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown and ran for 30 yards on five attempts.

“They’re (Raritan) like a five-minute drive away so it’s like a big rivalry,” said Jennings. “It means a lot to us to win that trophy and we’re down a few of our best players so to come together and beat these guys was a huge win, especially coming off a two-game losing streak. We really needed this one.”

10/29/19 - 11/11/19

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 9

BULLDOGS CAPTURE SIXTH STRAIGHT SHORE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONSHIP

By Eric Braun

WEST LONG BRANCH – Another year and another Rumson-Fair Haven versus Shore Regional final to see who brings home the Shore Conference Tournament championship title. The two teams have owned the Shore Conference Tournament championship for the past two decades and this season is no different.

Shore Regional entered the tournament finale with a record of 20-1 having beaten Rumson-Fair Haven twice during the season by scores of 2-0 and 1-0. This drew the Blue Devils the top seed in the tournament and made quick work of Raritan (10-0), Pinelands (8-0) and Pt. Pleasant Boro (1-0). Meanwhile, Rumson-Fair Haven struggled early this season as they lost numbers to graduation and had to adjust to first-year head coach Casey Hanna. With all that aside, the Bulldogs still entered the final with a record of 14-4 record and the No. 3 seed in the tournament.

RFH beat Freehold Township (8-1), Wall (3-2) and Southern Regional (1-0), enroute to the final.

“We graduated a lot of players last season and we had a lot to prove this season with people doubting us and then we got a wake-up call against Shore early and learned to come together and keep our composure throughout the process,” said Hanna about the adjustments they made from the beginning of the season to now.

Shore Regional knows all too well how hard it is to beat a team three times in one season, after falling to Rumson three times last year. This season the Blue Devils were looking to repay the Bulldogs, already having beaten them twice – 2-0 on opening day and 1-0 at the end of September.

After the Shore Conference Tournament championship game was postponed from last Sunday due to rain, both teams were primed and ready to play on this past Saturday at Monmouth University. Playing in front of a large crowd on a beautiful sunny day in October, both teams took to So Sweet A Cat Field for one more crack at each other.

After halftime, the Bulldogs found a second gear that Shore was not up to the task for, as the Bulldogs were on top of every loose ball, making the longer runs and being in the right position. Then just like that, with 27:47 left in the game, Tyler Argilagos took a deep run down the right side of the field and sent a pass across to Helena Stoever who finally broke through the Shore defense and scored the game’s first goal, and also the Bulldogs’ first goal of the season against Shore Regional.

Rumson-Fair Haven took advantage of the momentum shift and kept pounding away at the stingy Blue Devils defense and just three minutes later, with 24:43 remaining, put their second goal of the game in for a 2-0 lead. Meadow Maguire was left alone in the center of the circle and Stoever delivered a perfect pass for Maguire to bury into the net. Shore Regional had no answer for the all-out attack on them and the Bulldogs put the game away with another goal from Sarah MacGillis just three minutes later on a penalty shot.

“The girls were just so hungry after being denied twice against them this season and having a third chance, how can you pass this up. The girls took each game at a time and were excited, then pushing it back a week added to the angst and anticipation,” said a jubilant Hanna after the victory. “Getting the third seed we had an extra chip on our shoulders and had to prove ourselves. At halftime I told the girls not to let the energy down and if we score don’t get comfortable and act like you are losing and keep going.”

our current seniors to send them out on top, is what inspires all of us; it’s an amazing feeling. Playing for Coach Hanna has been amazing. We can relate to her since she is closer to our age and has brought us closer together this season.”

“Getting the first goal against them was such an amazing feeling. They were tough all season long but we kept up the pressure and it paid off,” said Stoever of scoring the game’s first goal. “Then to be able to continue the tradition and legacy that the seniors who left us and then to play for

Shore Regional would get one back later as Lily Santi rifled one from just inside the circle to cut the lead to 3-1. Rumson quickly regrouped and allowed Santi and the Blue Devils no more opportunities, enroute to their sixth straight Shore Conference Tournament championship.

RUMSON’S TYLER ARGILAGOS IN ACTION AGAINST SHORE

The first half was an entertaining back-and-forth contest that saw both teams have their equal share at getting the first goal, but as the time wore down on the first half they were still deadlocked at 0-0.

RUMSON TOPS SHORE 3-1 IN SCT FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONS RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Photos by Eric Braun

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Page 10 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

MANALAPAN’S ANDRE JOHNSON SHOWING WHAT HE’S GOT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BALL

By Mike Ready

MANALAPAN – When Manalapan football’s preseason summer camp opened last August, senior Andre Johnson was penciled in as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart behind senior Nico Santorelli.

Sieczkowski showed his mettle by returning to the starting backfield in the Braves’ CJG V semifinal loss to Sayreville – his final game of his high school football career – and ran for 130 yards on 26 carries in the game.

Santorelli, after all, was a 2018 second-team All-Shore selection at running back following a breakout junior campaign. He ran for 909 yards and 10 touchdowns on 88 carries for a hefty 10.3 yards per carry average and added 121-yards receiving and two touchdowns and was poised to have a monster senior season.

As the 2019 season approached, Santorelli and Johnson both were having excellent preseason camps and were expected to give the Braves another potent one-two punch at running attack this season – until disaster struck.

During a late August practice, the injury bug struck again.

Santorelli went down with a knee injury that was ultimately diagnosed as a torn ACL, sidelining him for the year.

Johnson, a Manalapan native who began his football career at St. Joe’s (Montvale), rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries as a sophomore at St. Joe’s before getting injured. He then decided to return home and transferred to Manalapan at the start of his junior year.

“That was really upsetting to me,” said Johnson. “We grew up playing running back together. The day after, he texted me that he was in the hospital and didn’t know for sure what was going on. After finding out the news that he tore his ACL, I texted him back, ‘I got you’ and that he was passing the torch. I went over to his house after the surgery and he’s doing well but it’s rough for him.”

“I already lived in Manalapan so I already knew everyone, but transferring was still difficult,” said Johnson.

“Learning the playbook took time and adapting to a different environment was hard because St. Joe’s was an all-boys school and Manalapan is co-ed so that was also an adjustment.”

Now thrust into the starting role, Johnson was prepared and he’s taken the bull by the horns and run with it; literally.

Due to NJSIAA transfer regulations, Johnson was required to sit out the first four games last season.

In the meantime, Manalapan was stacked in the backfield with Santorelli and senior Dale Sieczkowski – a 2017 second-team All-Shore selection at linebacker – getting most the touches.

With Santorelli’s blistering speed and Sieczkowski’s powerful bursts, the Braves had their own version of ‘Thunder and Lightning’ and through five games the duo looked invincible.

They were averaging over 200 yards per game between the two of them in those five games. Sieczkowski had rushed for 548 yards and five touchdowns for an average 7.7 yards per carry while Santorelli was averaging a whopping 13.7 yards per carry on 33 attempts for 451 yards and six touchdowns.

MANALAPAN’S ANDRE JOHNSON Photos courtsey of Manalapan HS Sieczkowski, however, was battling injuries and by the sixth game he was forced to sit. In his absence, Johnson worked his way into the running back rotation with Santorelli carrying the load.

Johnson, who already started at cornerback, rushed for 150 yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries backing up Santorelli, while gaining more and more confidence as the season progressed.

“Nico had a tremendous year averaging over 10-yards per carry and his injury was a devastating blow to the team and a significant loss,” said Manalapan head coach Ed Gurrieri. “Andre was always going to play; he was our starting corner and he was also going to get reps in the backfield spelling Nico. We knew he was a hard runner and it’s easy to go in there and run hard for a couple of plays when you’re spelling somebody. But when you’re the guy for the whole game, like Andre is now, and to continually run hard the way he does, it’s a tremendous job by him.”

So far through six games this season, Johnson has rushed for 780 yards and 11 touchdowns on 136 carries and has another 131 yards receiving on 11 catches for a 11.9 yards per catch average.

“We haven’t lost a beat,” said Gurrieri. “Andre’s been one of the best backs in the Shore I believe. He has great vision and is very subtle in his movements and cuts. Sometimes, you don’t think he’s doing much but he’s setting

“After Dale was hurt I got the opportunity to run the ball more,” said Johnson. “That experience helped my vision and my view of the whole field. I saw my improvement and it helped my confidence coming into this season.”

things up and before you know it he’s gone. He’s a home run hitter. He’s our bell cow and he does it for us weekin-and-week-out.”

Johnson was originally slated to be a full-time cornerback and backup to Santorelli in the backfield, but with Santorelli’s season-ending injury, plans changed.

“In the offseason we spoke with Andre,” said Gurrieri.

“We loved the way he moved, we loved his work ethic and everything about him and thought he could be a really good lockdown corner and he really took to it. All summer in the 7-on-7 stuff he did an outstanding job at corner and he’s still doing an outstanding job at corner.

But then when Nico got hurt he took over as the No. 1 running back and he has not missed a beat.

“He doesn’t come off the field,” Gurrieri added. “We’ve had a lot of great backs come through here but those guys were primarily our running back and that was it.

But Andre was a starting corner before Nico got hurt and he’s stayed out there and doesn’t come off the field. He’s outstanding; he’s absolutely one of the best corners in the Shore. His ability to stop-and-start is as good as anybody.”

Now starting at both cornerback, where he has two interception to his credit, and running back, Johnson has risen above the challenge and has excelled at both positions.

“It’s a new experience starting both ways but I knew I could do both and told coach I could,” said Johnson. “It’s rough and a grind but I can handle it. I practiced all summer for it and trained my body for it and I was ready; I like playing both.”

Santorelli was also hobbled in the final two games of the season and in the Braves’ 14-7 win over Hunterdon Central in the first round of the playoffs, Johnson got the start and excelled rushing for 99-yards rushing on 21 carries.

According to Gurrieri, Johnson is a fiery, vocal kind of a leader and his teammates feed off of his style.

“In the playoffs Nico was hurt too, and I took most of the carries in our first-round win,” said Johnson. “And that was different because I never had that many carries in a row before. It was tough but I got through it and we won.”

“I get hyped up at my line all the time,” said Johnson.

“I’m a vocal leader and my teammates like it and respond to it great. I also get my defense fired up and I love it and they love it too.”

SHAPIRO, BRADDOCK CAPTURE SHORE CONFERENCE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Eric Braun

Southern Regional’s Jackson Braddock ran another great race, after capturing the Ocean County championships last week and out ran Shore Conference favorite Shaw Powell of Christian Brothers Academy for the SCT title. What makes this season special for Braddock is that he has something to prove to himself and others after an injury sidelined him for six weeks this past spring.

LAKEWOOD – On a beautiful day for racing at the Jersey Shore, 165 female and 164 male runners took the grounds at Ocean County Park for the 2019 Shore Conference championship 5K race.

Colts Neck sophomore Lilly Shapiro, a newcomer to the Shore Conference cross country scene, has taken the conference by storm this season. Last season as a freshman she ran on the soccer field for Colts Neck, but this year, she took her talents to running cross country.

Braddock suffered a nerve injury in his back that traveled down his legs, preventing him from running spring track due to the pain and discomfort.

After not being able to do much for six weeks, he started biking and cycling this summer and worked with a trainer to get back into form and then in September was finally able to start running 4-5 days a week. With two prestigious wins in the past two weeks, Braddock has proved that he is one of the best in the Shore Conference and state.

Running in tough pack for most of the race, Shapiro made her move in the final 800 meters to capture the second biggest race of the season. She won the Monmouth County Championships last week and now the Shore Conference Tournament championship this week.

“I realized after the first race what the sport was all about and I knew what I could accomplish,” said Shapiro about her move from soccer to cross country. “This feels really good; this is a great group of girls and great competition.”

“Shaw is a great runner and I knew he was going to be hard to catch and I knew it was going to hurt to finish second, but thought it would feel better finishing first,” said Braddock.

Middletown South would top Colts Neck in the team overall championship with a final score of 65. Leading the way for the Eagles were sophomore Lucy Afanasewicz and freshman Reese Fahys, who finished second and third, respectively. The Eagles as a team finished with average time of 18:48:00, which is the second best score at Ocean County Park all-time.

Helping Middletown South to the team title as well were senior Michelle Coyoti, sophomore Lexi Dean, and freshmen Lauren Hutson, Gwen Afanasewicz, and Emma Buthorn. This is the second title in three years for the Eagles, and as a predominantly young squad, they will be looking to continue their winning ways for the next several years.

Of recovering from his injury to run again, Braddock said, “Going into it I was super motivated cause I knew I had a lot of potential and wanted to show everyone what I could do. Each day I get to run I am thankful and don’t take it for granted after not being able to run for a while.”

SOUTHERN’S JACKSON BRADDOCK

Henry Hudson’s Karina Vidal finished second originally, but was disqualified for making contact with Lucy Afanasewicz as they were crossing the finish line, a tough break for a runner that ran extremely hard.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ATHLETE

Lilly Shapiro Lucy Afanasewicz Reese Fahys Hayley Amisano Claudia Zhang Sydney Todd Molly Kate Sabia Tilly O'Connor Natalie Shapiro Emily Levonas

GIRLS TEAM TOP 10

PLACE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

BOYS TOP 10 PLACE

GIRLS TOP 10 PLACE

Christian Brothers captured the team title for the 13th straight season and their 39th overall Shore Conference Tournament championship. The Colts literally ran away with the team title with all their runners finishing in the top 15, including seniors Powell, Troy Hill, Tim Cahill, and Michael Dora, juniors Ben Santo sand Chris DeSousa, and freshman Nicholas Sullivan.

SCHOOL

Colts Neck Middletown South Middletown South Mater Dei Prep Holmdel Monmouth Regional Pt. Pleasant Boro St. Rose Colts Neck Holmdel

SCHOOL

Middletown South Colts Neck Red Bank Catholic Holmdel Southern Regional Red Bank Regional Trinity Hall Rumson-Fair Haven Matawan Pt. Pleasant Boro

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TIME

18:03:00 18:07:00 18:07:00 18:09:00 18:11:00 18:15:00 18:18:00 18:20:00 18:25:00 18:28:00

Jackson Braddock Shaw Powell Troy Hill Matthew Bogdan Robert Hannon Tim Cahill Ben Santos Zachary Zawatski Jeremie Garcia Joseph LoCurcio

BOYS TEAM TOP 10

POINTS 65 92 102 129 190 202 216 279 290 312

ATHLETE

COLTS NECK’S LILLY SHAPIRO Photos by Tom Smith

PLACE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

SCHOOL

TIME

SCHOOL

POINTS

Southern Regional Christian Brothers Christian Brothers Colts Neck Pt Pleasant Beach Christian Brothers Christian Brothers Freehold Township Manalapan Freehold Boro

Christian Brothers Manalapan Colts Neck Freehold Township Southern Regional Middletown North Middletown South Toms River North Jackson Memorial Holmdel

15:07:00 15:13:00 15:16:00 15:21:00 15:41:00 15:41:00 15:44:00 15:45:00 15:51:00 16:03:00

26 118 136 141 170 191 234 274 282 319

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• Jersey Sporting News

Page 11

Rumson-Fair Haven Field Hockey Has A Rookie Coach But The Same Results

By Robert Solomon

P O E N D I N N P O E N A D G I N N R A G G R G

RUMSON – Being a first-year high school head coach is a tough assignment. Filling the shoes of a well respected and loved coach is tougher.

Taking control of a historically successful program and reigning Shore Conference champion is the toughest. It seems that Casey Hanna, the first-year Rumson-Fair Haven field hockey coach, has found a way to make a tough situation a bit easier.

to their biggest rival, Shore, 1-0. The team bounced back, winning seven of their last eight games to finish the season 13-4. With that came a third seed in the Shore Conference Tournament and eventual showdown with Shore in the final.

Hanna definitely sees that the team has gotten stronger as the season progressed. She feels they have strengthened all aspects of their game including, but not limited to, skills, effort, knowledge of the game and working as a cohesive unit.

Hanna was a stand-out player for Ocean City High School, helping the team to a 23-1 record and capturing the New Jersey Group III state championship in 2012.

2ND LOCATION IN HOWELL SEPTEMBER 201 2ND LOCATION IN HOWELL SEPTEMBER 2018

Upon graduation, she moved onto Monmouth University where she continued to excel. She was selected the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015, along with numerous AllMetro Atlantic Athletic Conference first and second team selections, as well as being a member of two All-Metro Atlantic Athletic championship teams.

Rumson-Fair Haven had a game against Bridgewater-Raritan in September. Hanna believes this was their most significant non-tournament game of the season. She explained, “It was our first game against an out-of-conference team. We saw what we could do against another conference. We were able to gauge ourselves in the state of NJ.” They won the game, 3-0.

Her success as a player gave her credentials to be a high school coach, but taking over Julie Brewington’s program was a different ball game. Hanna felt nervous filling Brewington’s shoes but she knew that the program was left in good shape.

“These girls love each other. They are sisters on and off the field. They’re pretty much unstoppable,” Hanna responded when asked about the team’s biggest strength. The girls are definitely a close-knit group of players that are friendly across grade levels, she continued.

When asked what her biggest concern was about taking over the team, the 24-year-old coach said, “I was most nervous with the many changes in my life and being so young to get the girls to respect me.” Her confidence built as she showed the girls the knowledge she had and the skills she possessed. “Once they saw I knew what I was doing and had the skill, they were able to hop on board,” she explained.

“We are family” is taken literally on the Rumson-Fair Haven team as there are three sisters of former players are on the team. Cece Arko, Adeline Horan and Meadow Maguire all had sisters on the team who recently graduated. Maguire is the fourth sister in her family to play field hockey at RFH. Hanna, who played at Ocean City and Monmouth with her sister Kelly, explained that it is special for these players to have played with their sisters. Although none are playing with their sisters this year, Hanna said it helps when you have honest input from your sister in addition to teammates and coaches.

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RUMSON FAIR HAVEN’S HEAD COACH CASEY HANNA Photo by Eric Braun

P O E N D ING N A R G

in addition to a skill set she explained. “I have no doubt in my mind that these girls could do it,” she exclaimed. Actions speak louder than words as the team prepared to play Shore Regional a return to the Shore Conference championship.

This year’s team is led by outstanding players. Maguire and Sarah MacGillis are poised to score as forwards, Swell and Sarah MacGillis roam the midfield. Hierholzer protects the defensive zone as the center fullback and Cecila Newman defends the goal. Of course every successful team has an entire roster of contributors and Rumson-Fair Haven is no different.

2ND LOCATION IN HOWELL SEPTEMBER 2018

The team had a 20-2-1 record in 2018 on its way to a Shore Conference Tournament championship and a trip to the Tournament of Champions semifinal. Nine players from that team were lost to graduation. “Some people thought of a rebuilding year, but I didn’t,” explained Hanna. From freshmen through seniors, a lot of the players stepped into new roles they didn’t have before,” she stated.

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From Basics to Champions

“Hungry,” that is the word Hanna used to describe this year’s team. “The team is hungry to play and win, especially on game days,” she continued.

This might have something to do with the team motto, “Hungry Dogs Hunt Best.” The “dogs” refer to the Rumson-Fair Haven Bulldog mascot.

When asked about how she felt about this year’s team as compared to last year’s, Hanna believes they could be just as successful. It is a mindset

“It is a nice way for the girls to be in the community not only as hockey players but also to give back to the community as well,” explained Hanna.

Hanna believes she should help prepare the girls for the future. She includes team-building exercises in her practices and requires the girls to keep a journal at the beginning of practice. In the journal, the girls reflect on the upcoming practice and set individual goals for themselves. They then, together as a team, set team goals before practice as well. After games there is always a chance for team reflection to identify what went well and what needs to be improved. “These are necessary skills in the working world,” she said.

From Basics to Champions

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The season started out slowly with losses to Shore and Oak Knoll. Both teams are highly ranked and extremely good. Hanna explained that they struggled in those games as a team. They were slow to get familiar with each other in those early games.

The team was more anxious than nervous at the beginning of the Shore Conference Tournament as they began the road to defend their chamIn those first two, the team and coaching staff looked at what Shore and pionship, explained Hanna. “They knew it was going to be a battle but Oak Knoll did right to help them realize and learn what they needed to they didn’t shy away from it. They felt they could do it,” she continued. do to get better. “We saw that we could play at that level, we just needed By winning the first four tournament games and outscoring their oppomore effort,” said Hanna. Sometimes a wake-up call US is needed whenHowell, a 2248 9 South, NJ (Ideal Plaza) • 732-966-3441 nents, 19-3, their confidence is well founded. Hanna identified buckling team is used to winning. It helps the girls to realize how easy it is to lose, down, focusing on everything from basics to being offensive and defensive she explained. minded as the key to beating Shore in the Shore Conference Tournament final. “It is not an easy game and we have to be ready to play the full 60 The team did not hit the snooze button and began to mesh. The victories minutes,” she stated. started to pile up and they won their next six games before falling again

© George Tiedemann/GT Images.

This year’s team is young with only five seniors, nine juniors, three sophomores and one freshman. The talent is there as validated by the five players who have college commitments to play field hockey at the next level.

Seniors Maeve Hierholzer has committed to Lehigh University and Eliana Swell has committed to Georgetown University. Juniors Sarah MacGillis also has committed to Georgetown University; Meadow Maguire has committed to Princeton University and Helena Stoever committed to Sacred Heart University.

The main obstacle the team faced on its road to the Shore Conference Tournament final was “the transition to a new coaching staff and not knowing the team and coaching styles,” according to Hanna. She continued that the girls had to break through the stage of getting to know each other again.

The girls are not only together on the field, but off it as well. They had pasta dinners the night before games and also reached out to help in the community. The girls collected a total of 100 pounds of food for the local food bank, Lunch Break, which provides food, clothing, life skills and fellowship to those in need in Monmouth County and beyond.

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There were some butterflies when she started her first practice. “I was definitely a bit nervous. I probably over planned for practice.” Once she got there, “seeing the girls’ smiling faces and willingness to learn eased the nervousness and anxiety I had,” explained Hanna. She also began to feel more comfortable when she saw the level of the players’ abilities.

She was familiar with the program and had the confidence to be able to continue its success.

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Page 12 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

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10/29/19 - 11/11/19

Page 13

WILHELM, ORRICO LEAD PATRIOTS TO SCT BOYS SOCCER TITLE HEALTH SERVICES

By Eric Braun

WEST LONG BRANCH – On a crisp fall night at Shore Regional’s Robert E. Fenney Field, the fourthseeded Freehold Township Patriots took on No. 15 Manasquan in the Shore Conference Tournament boys soccer championship game.

On paper both teams were the underdogs coming into the tournament with the likes of Holmdel, Marlboro and Jackson Memorial earning the top three spots, first-round byes and the headlines. With the fourth seed, Freehold Township would earn its way into Wednesday night’s final after besting Mater Dei Prep, 4-0, then three one-goal affairs against Rumson, 3-2; Wall, 2-1; and Colts Neck, 1-0, in the semifinal.

After a back-and-forth double-overtime that featured incredible shots and more incredible goalkeeping from both Wilhelm and Weinstein, the championship game was headed to penalty kick shootouts for the first time in Shore Conference Tournament championship game history, rather than crowning co-champions.

Freehold Township would convert on four out of five kicks to capture the championship, 4-3, on penalty kicks. Scoring PKs for Freehold Township were Messenger, Orrico, Evan Savino and the game-winner from Niko Fursik. Scoring for Manasquan were Greenblatt, Tommy Johnson and Chris Pierro.

Both keepers came up with several huge saves in the shootout, as Weinstein made a diving stop to his left for one, and Wilhelm made two superb saves diving to his right for one and then the clincher to his left.

For Manasquan, it took a slightly harder path into the final, having to come from a double-digit draw to earn the 15th seed. The Warriors topped 18thseeded Toms River North, 3-0; took down No. 2 Marlboro, 1-0; went to double-overtime and penalty kicks to beat seventh-seeded Southern Regional; and then beat CBA in the semifinal after another double-overtime and penalty kicks.

“I’m a keeper myself and I have nothing but respect for both keepers. What is going to get lost in this game is Joe Weinstein made two game-saving saves in OT and he is all class,” said Mehl. “As for my keeper, his reactions, saves, and abilities to save PKs… we have ultimate faith in him. Joe has been right up there all season with Wilhelm as the top keepers in the Shore.”

FREEHOLD SCT CHAMPS Photos by Tom Smith Freehold Township entered the final having never lost a Shore Conference Tournament championship game and having won the tournament three times (1987, 2008 and 2014). For Manasquan, this was the school’s first appearance in the Shore Conference Tournament final.

and Bennett Messenger. But when it comes to Zach, I call him nails cause he is a throw back player and no matter the situation he comes up big,” said Freehold Township coach Joshua Mehl.

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The second-half the script was flipped and Manasquan came out as the attacker and just missed on two great runs in the opening minutes. Then the Warriors evened the contest up at 1-1 when senior Drew Greenblatt buried a direct kick from just outside the eighteen to beat keeper John Wilhelm for the equalizer. Manasquan would capitalize late in the game after Freehold Township miskicked the ball out of the box and senior Tyler Guagenty volleyed his shot past Wilhelm for the 2-1 lead.

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With just over 13 minutes to play, Freehold Township pushed everyone forward and was not leaving West Long Branch without a fight. The Patriots offensive pressure would pay off with just over six minutes to play when following a handball in the box, Orrico scored his second goal of the night to even the match at 2-2 following his penalty kick.

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Page 14 Jersey Sporting News • 10/29/19 - 11/11/19

SALT CREEK GRILLE

Adds New Managers This year Salt Creek Grille added two highly skilled and competent managers to its award-winning team. Co-owner Steve Bidgood and General Manager Mark Shopene are pleased to introduce Anthony Ixcot, Assistant Manager, and Joseph Mays, Beverage Manager.

MIDDLETOWN – Mater Dei Prep would like to recognize senior Elizabeth Sheridan of Jackson, as her statement on “Gender Equality” was recently selected by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 2020.) Elizabeth is a seasoned Pathways To Peace UN Youth Representative and a Global Leader. At CSW 2019, Elizabeth was a presenter in the Pathways To Peace workshop, “Building a Culture of Peace,” where she received rave reviews. Elizabeth’s statement to CSW is thoughtful and represents the passion and commitment of a next-generation Peacebuilder.

In her statement, Elizabeth advocates for an integrated intergenerational approach to eliminating gender inequality. Elizabeth writes, “The work of the current generation that is leading the way, coupled with the new and younger generations, will create a strong force for change that has the power to completely and totally reshape the global culture that currently controls the success of women.”

“To remain at the top of the Shore’s dining scene, as Salt Creek Grille has done for over two decades, requires not only a great dining concept but also an exceptional staff who are passionate about the art of hospitality and service,” said Bidgood, who himself was named Restaurateur of the Year by his peers in 2008 by New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “Anthony and Joe have a lot of excellent experience and are fine examples of the best to be found. I am confident that my management team will ensure that our guests are treated well and have a great dining experience each and every time.”

This paper represents an intergenerational approach for the Commission for the Status of Women nine-day United Nations conference held in March 2020. The conference brings together women leaders from all 192 member nations to formulate policy in line with The UN Sustainable Development Goals. Elizabeth was selected by George Anthony based on her proven leadership as a speaker and presenter at previous UN Conferences.

Their overall responsibility is the efficient running and profitability of the restaurant. Ixcot’s specific tasks include recruiting and training staff, staff scheduling, ordering product, maintaining a safe and enjoyable work environment for nearly 100 employees and ensuring a positive guest dining experience. Ixcot, who resides in Red Bank, may also be seen taking photos around the restaurant too.

He’s part of Salt Creek Grille’s social media team and is responsible for capturing some of the many special moments celebrated by guests at the restaurant.

Mays has over a decade of experience in management and bar service most recently with Houlihan’s, a national, privately owned casual restaurant chain.

He is responsible for Salt Creek Grille’s amazing and extensive wine and distilled spirits inventory, its artisan cocktail program, staff scheduling and other managerial tasks. Look for Salt Creek Grille’s new Fall cocktail list. Mays resides in Matawan.

Mater Dei Prep Senior Submits Position Paper to the UN Commission on Gender Equality

“Elizabeth's selection is a significant honor whereas she is representing our school and its platform for excellence to a national and global audience. The position paper should be recognized for its depth and articulation, especially written by such a young global leader. We are very proud of her accomplishments,” said Anthony.

“Be sure to say hello and let them know how they can make your dining experience an exceptional one each and every time you dine with us,” said Bidgood.

Salt Creek Grille is located at 4 Bingham Avenue in Rumson. For more information, call 732-933-9272 or visit www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Tezikiah Gabriel, the Executive Director of UN NGO Pathways To Peace Global organization said, “Elizabeth is a change maker, a leading force for the future! As an active member of the Pathways To Peace team, we recognize the important leadership role you so eloquently express and appreciate your contribution to building a Culture of Peace for all people and generations.”

If Elizabeth’s position paper is selected, she will present it in front of The General Assembly in March, 2020.

GIRLS SOCCER PRIMED GIRLS SOCCER STANDINGS FOR STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS THRU FRIDAY 10/25/19

By Eric Braun

All the hard-work, preseason training, personal training and dedication by players and coaches has sent 37 of the 44 girls soccer teams from the Shore Conference to participate in this year’s NJSIAA girls soccer tournament that kicked off Monday.

Heading to the NJSIAA tournament is a guarantee for teams .500 or better and then by invite after that, unless a school opts out of the tournament. This season there are 24 teams that have earned their outright bids with a record of .500 or better. That’s an incredible number of teams coming out of the Shore Conference.

Those teams making the 2019 NJSIAA girls soccer tournament are: NORTH JERSEY 2 GROUP 2 #1 Middletown South #3 Middletown North #9 Red Bank Regional

NON-PUBLIC A SOUTH

#2 Red Bank Catholic #4 Saint John Vianney #12 Donovan Catholic

NON-PUBLIC B SOUTH #2 St. Rose #10 Trinity Hall #13 Mater Dei Prep

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 1

#1 Shore Regional #12 Point Pleasant Beach

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 2 #1 Wall #3 Rumson-Fair Haven #6 Matawan #11 Holmdel #12 Point Pleasant Boro #14 Manasquan

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH’S #5 ANGIE SHEKIAN

CENTRAL JERSEY GROUP 3 #2 Brick #7 Colts Neck #8 Freehold Boro #9 Ocean #11 Neptune #13 Jackson Liberty

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP 2 #5 Pinelands #12 Barnegat #16 Manchester

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP 3 #4 Toms River East #5 Toms River South #11 Lacey #12 Central

SOUTH JERSEY GROUP 4 #2 Jackson Memorial #7 Toms River North #13 Southern Regional #16 Howell

TOMS RIVER NORTH’S #15 MADISON DIEUGENIO Photos by Tom Smith

A CENTRAL OVERALL DIVISION GF Red Bank Catholic 15-1-1 5-0-1 66 Shore Regional 12-4 5-1 53 Rumson-Fair Haven 9-5-1 4-1-1 41 Holmdel 6-9-1 2-4 25 Manasquan 4-11 2-4 13 Monmouth Regional 5-9-1 1-5 39 Raritan 4-13-1 1-5 18 A NORTH OVERALL DIVISION GF Middletown South 18-0-1 6-0 58 Manalapan 9-3-1 4-1-1 47 Freehold Borough 7-5-2 4-2 18 Freehold Township 12-5-2 3-2-1 56 Howell 5-11 2-4 26 Marlboro 5-11-1 1-5 25 Long Branch 2-16 0-6 22 A SOUTH OVERALL DIVISION GF Jackson Memorial 14-1-1 6-0-1 46 Toms River North 12-4-3 5-1-2 34 Brick Township 11-5-2 4-2-1 30 Toms River South 9-5 4-3 41 Toms River East 8-9 4-4 32 Southern 7-6-1 2-5 46 Central Regional 7-10 2-5 26 Brick Memorial 2-11-2 0-7 18 B CENTRAL OVERALL DIVISION GF St. Rose 15-3 5-0 65 Trinity Hall 8-4-2 5-1 54 Point Pleasant Beach 9-7 4-2 42 Mater Dei 6-13 4-5 43 Keyport 4-9 1-5 38 Ranney 0-12 0-6 5 B NORTH OVERALL DIVISION GF Wall 10-5 6-1 28 Colts Neck 7-6-2 4-2-1 24 Saint John Vianney 8-7-1 4-2-1 28 Middletown North 9-8-1 4-3 41 Red Bank Regional 11-5-1 3-3-1 52 Matawan 9-5-3 1-3-3 48 Ocean Township 7-9-1 2-5 33 Neptune 8-9 1-6 33 B SOUTH OVERALL DIVISION GF Pinelands 12-3 7-0 50 Jackson Liberty 8-9 5-2 41 Barnegat 9-9 4-3 33 Lacey 6-10-2 4-3 42 Donovan Catholic 7-7 3-4 33 Point Pleasant Boro 6-10 3-4 27 Manchester Township 4-15-1 2-5 24 Lakewood 0-11-1 0-7 2 RED INDICATES DIVISION WINNER

GA 14 30 29 34 43 49 49 GA 14 12 13 21 34 37 90 GA 10 16 20 33 28 25 39 42 GA 23 26 23 68 53 64 GA 18 22 23 32 21 23 43 37 GA 18 30 38 49 42 35 67 68

10/29/19 - 11/11/19

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 15

ROMEO THOMAS HELPING COLTS NECK GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS

by Mike Ready

COLTS NECK – In 2013, the Cougars went 10-2 and advanced to the NJSIAA CJG IV final for the first time in program history before losing to No. 1 seed Brick Township, 26-15.

Following that season, however, the Colts Neck program fell on hard times, going 1238 from 2014 to 2018.

After posting a 2-8 record in 2017, the Cougars decided to go in a different direction and hired long-time Red Bank Catholic assistant coach Matt Ahearn to orchestrate a rebuild and turn the struggling program around.

“It was an opportunity to step up and do something I hadn’t done and step out of my comfort zone,” said Ahearn, who coached at RBC for 17 years, the last two as the defensive coordinator after serving as the offensive coordinator the previous seven seasons. “I always knew that the community over here wanted a winning program and I thought it was the right time to take a chance on it.

The community has been great over here; the school, the administration have all been great and we’re having a good time right now.”

The Cougars improved to 3-7 a year ago in Ahearn’s first year as head coach and although they only won three games, the

Cougars showed increasing signs they were heading in the right direction and began to play with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose for the first time in years.

“Definitely,” said senior running back Romeo Thomas when asked if things were different under Ahearn’s leadership. “Practices are a lot more serious and our team is a lot more disciplined and we just execute way better.”

Thomas, a 5-foot-8, 185-pound running back, who missed all of his sophomore season with injuries, had a breakout year for the Cougars out of nowhere, giving them a real threat on offense that legitimized the team’s improvement.

“Not really, no,” said Ahearn when asked if he knew what he had in his future star. “Romeo, who runs a 4.48 40, was a track guy for a long time and was all over the place during the spring and summer competing.

So we really didn’t know much about him football wise coming into the season last year, but he just took the reins and ran with it. We had a couple of other guys we were looking at to start but he was the guy that was better than everyone else and he really took over.”

Even though he was relatively unknown entering his junior season, Thomas was confident in his ability to win the starting job.

“I was pretty confident because I knew how I played,” said Thomas. “I knew I had a great freshman year and I just felt like that would translate to my junior year. There was good competition in summer camp and I worked really hard. All the running backs worked hard, but I guess I just won the job.”

It didn’t take long for Ahearn to realize he had a special player in Thomas. In his first varsity game, Thomas rushed for 130 yards on 16 carries and in his first three games combined, Thomas ran for a combined 435 yards and two touchdowns averaging 7.4 yards per attempt.

Thomas went on to rush for 960 yards and eight touchdowns on 137 carries for a 7.0 yards per carry average while missing two games with injuries.

Following the 2018 season, Thomas was a third-team All-Shore selection as well as a first-team All-Division pick.

“That was something I didn’t expect my junior year,” said Thomas of his postseason awards. “But It was my team and my line that helped me get those awards.”

First-team All-Division senior left tackle Tom Lidondici (6-foot-4, 275 pounds) and 6-foot3, 245-pound senior right tackle Jackson Sparacio were instrumental in Thomas’ success opening tunnel-like holes for him on offensive while anchoring the Cougars defensive line as well.

“They’re really good at opening holes for me and teaching the younger guys on the line what to do,” said Thomas.

“They’re great leaders and I credit all my success to them. Without them I wouldn’t have gained the yards and scored the touchdowns that I have.”

Thomas didn’t rest on his laurels, spending countless hours in the weight room last winter in an attempt to get bigger, stronger and faster.

COLTS NECK’S ROMEO THOMAS Photos coursey of Colts Neck HS

“He was able to learn from last year that he needed to get into the weight room in the offseason and get stronger,” said Ahearn. “And that’s what he did knowing that lifting weights was not only going to help him get stronger but make him more athletic and more durable and that’s what we’ve seen so far this year. It helped him develop upper body strength but it especially helped him in his lower half; he’s got big, strong thighs. His biggest thing is his legs and how he keeps

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them churning and he’s hard to bring down; he’s like a little bowling ball.”

So far this season, Thomas has led the Cougars to a 6-1 overall record and a 3-1 record in the Freedom Division. Colts Neck’s only loss of the season was a four-point loss to division foe Toms River East (7-0, 6-0) in a game in which the Cougars were driving for the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter before fumbling at the East 14-yard line and never getting the ball back. Toms River East clinched the Freedom Division with a win over Lakewood last week while the Cougars have two division games remaining on the schedule.

“The kids have a year under their belts under our coaching staff and coaching styles,” said Ahearn about his team turnaround.

“And they’re understanding the offense and defense we’re running. The kids came in this year and were really receptive to what was going on and have really bought into the program. All our seniors have done a great job with our leadership.”

Thomas had career-highs in rushing yardage (223 yards) and carries (37) with three touchdowns in the Cougars’ 35-6 win over Toms River South, and ran for four touchdowns and 149 yards on just 10 attempts in their 42-0 shutout of Lakewood. Entering Saturday’s game with Neptune, Thomas has rushed for 828 yards and 14 touchdowns averaging 6.8 yards per carry.

Ahearn feels Thomas has grown into a more complete running back this season, “He’s a down-hill runner but he’s become much more patient this year reading his blocks; he’s not a guy that just goes anymore. He used to just hit a hole and go instead of reading his blocks. Now he’s being patient setting his blocks up and when he sees the hole then he’s really going for it. His patience has been the biggest key for him this season.”

“I realized that a lot of teams keyed on me on the outside last season and I had work on my patience to follow my blocks better,” said Thomas. “It’s turned out way better and I can see the field better if I’m patient in my approach.”

Thomas is not a vocal guy. Instead he’s the quiet type that leads by example.

“Romeo is very quiet,” said Ahearn. “The kids always joke that he doesn’t talk much but he just shows up and plays. He’s a military kid, his father’s in the military, so everything is ‘Yes coach, yes coach.’ He’s never disre-

spectful, always has a good attitude about what he’s doing and is a leader on the team.

“He’s been a captain for us every game – we do game-day captains and he’s been a captain since the beginning, so he’s a leadby-example guy. He’ll be in the weight room working hard and on the practice field he’s always putting out 100 percent and obviously on the game field he’s presenting himself as a leader.”

With two divisional games left on the Cougars’ schedule, Thomas’ goal is to qualify for the state playoffs.

“That would be real big,” said Thomas.

“None of the kids on the team, seniors, anyone, have made the playoffs and we want to change that. That would be huge.”

The road to the playoffs continues for the Cougars Saturday with an important home game against division rival Neptune (3-3, 3-1) with the game having major playoff implications for both teams.

UPDATE: Colts Neck lost, 21-17, to Neptune on Saturday in a thrilling game that went down to the final seconds. Thomas rushed for 155 yards on 23 carries, including a 54yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

The Cougars will attempt to rebound next Saturday in their final regular-season game of the season against division foe Jackson Liberty (1-6, 1-4) and secure a spot in the playoffs at the same time.