10-8-19 Issue - 14 Volume XI Shore Sports Network

October 8, 2019 Volume-XI Issue-14

The first thing fans, players, coaches and parents want to know after the big game is always, � � Is this going to be on Shore Sports Network has established itself as a leader in scholastic sports coverage in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing more video highlight clips, in-depth reporting, feature stories and regular updates than ANY OTHER OUTLET in the area.

Shore Sports Network Website Features n

GET VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

of all the important games that Shore Conference fans will be talking about. n Catch up on the action you might have missed n Watch video clips of everything from the action early in the event to the big finish as well as video interviews with various athletes. n www.shoresportsnetwork.com is the most visited sports site in the Shore Conference during the scholastic year n Follow us on Twitter (over 18,000 followers) & Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.

Kevin WILLIAMS

Shore Sports Network Director kevin.williams@townsquaremedia.com

Steve MEYER Shore Sports Network Director High School Division steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

732-233-4460 Managing Editor BOB Badders // bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com

Senior Content Providers MATT Manley // mmanley21@gmail.com GREGG Lerner // glerner3@verizon.net

Shore Sports Network Journal

is published by: Townsquare Media 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753

Copyright 2019 Townsquare Media . All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of Shore Sports Network is prohibited

2

2 0 1 9 Thrive/Eat Clean Bro Friday Night Lights Tee Shirt Toss

T

he Shore Sports Network is delighted to partner with THRIVE Spine & Sports Rehab & EAT CLEAN BRO for this year’s Tee-Shirt Toss. Special Thanks to 3 Piece Printing for supplying this year's T-Shirts.

Each week between the first and second quarters of our Jersey Mike’s Game of the Week broadcast we toss Shore Sports Network/Thrive & Eat Clean Bro tee-shirts into the home stands which have become quite popular, especially with the student sections.

The SSN would like to thank Thrive Spine & Sports Rehab & Eat Clean Bro for sponsoring this weekly promotion & 3 Piece Printing for providing the tee-shirts which will continue throughout the season.

Visit Thrive Spine & Sports Rehab at 600 Warren Ave, Spring Lake 732-359-7440 & EAT CLEAN BRO at www.eatcleanbro.com

3

E

very week this regular season, Jersey Mike’s and Shore Sports Network will be selecting a Team of the Week based on its performance over the past weekend.

H T

ere at Shore Sports Network we spread the wealth and limit a team to one Team of the Week award per season, but we’ve made an exception this week for obvious reasons.

he Jersey Mike’s Team of the Week for Week 4 is Wall, which shocked the Shore Conference when it took down non-public juggernaut Mater Dei Prep, 147, for a monumental victory that propelled the Crimson Knights to the No. 1 spot in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. Shore Sports Network was at practice Tuesday to present the Crimson Knights and head coach Tony Grandinetti with a special game ball to commemorate the victory. Since Wall received the award after Week 2 and was presented a $500 Jersey Mike’s gift card, this week’s gift card will go to the Wall cheerleaders for their support of the football program.

Junior running back Casey Larkin scored on a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:06 left in regulation and junior Logan Peters came away with a game-clinching interception as the Crimson Knights rallied to defeat the Seraphs and put an end to their 21-game regular-season winning streak against Shore Conference teams.

Starting at their own 28-yard line with 5:17 left in the game, Wall drove for the gamewinning touchdown thanks to a pair of big plays. Larkin had a 24-yard run on third-andsix that moved the ball into Mater Dei territory and senior wide receiver Gus Setteducato then came down with an acrobatic 29-yard reception down to the 2-yard line, catching a pass while falling down after it was tipped by Larkin.

After Larkin's touchdown made it 12-7, Peters connected with sophomore tight end Blake Rezk for the 2-point conversion and a 14-7 lead. Mater Dei was tasked with driving for the tying score with just 58 seconds left in the game, but on first down, Rezk sacked Alex Brown for an 11-yard loss. On the next play, Peters got a read on a pass over the middle and dived forward to collect the interception and clinch the victory.

Larkin ran for 65 yards and a touchdown and senior running back Matt DeSarno ran for 52 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The extra point was blocked on DeSarno's touchdown run. Mater Dei answered on the next series when Ingram scored from three yards out to cap a 58-yard drive. Richie Pekmezian added the extra point to give Mater Dei a 7-6 lead.

The score would remain 7-6 until Wall drove for the winning touchdown thanks to the Crimson Knights tenacious defense, which was outstanding in holding Mater Dei star running back Malik Ingram to just 70 yards rushing on 13 carries. The Crimson Knights also limited Brown to 10 of 20 passing for 135 yards and two interceptions.

Rezk had two sacks and also had a fumble recovery as Wall forced three turnovers. Sophomore linebacker Charlie Sasso made eight tackles and had an interception, senior defensive back Dale McNally made 10 tackles, senior defensive end Ian Ackerman had five tackles and one tackle for loss, sophomore linebacker Colin Riley recorded six tackles and one sack and senior safety Jaden Carasquillo also had a sack.

Wall’s perfect first half of the season also includes wins over No. 4 Rumson-Fair Haven and No. 10 Jackson Memorial plus victories over Middletown North and Freehold. The Crimson Knights will look to keep their momentum going when they make the short drive to take on Brick Memorial (1-4) on Friday night.

present the Mariners and head coach Dave Oizerowitz with a special game ball and a $500 Jersey Mike’s gift card.

The Mariners traveled north to Rumson on Friday, Sept. 27 for a pivotal Shore Conference American Division game with the Bulldogs. Toms River North entered the game ranked No. 6 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 while the Rumson checked in at No. 3. Scoreless after one quarter, Toms River North struck first when junior quarterback Jake Kazanowsky connected with senior Ray Carlson on a 67-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

T

he Jersey Mike’s Team of the Week for Week 3 is Toms River North, which came out on top in an instant classic by defeating Rumson-Fair Haven, 22-21 in double overtime, when it successfully converted a gamedeciding two-point conversion. Shore Sports Network was at practice on Tuesday to

W

eek 2 Wall

24-0 over Jackson Mem.

4

Toms River North held that 7-0 lead into the fourth quarter when a 2yard touchdown run by sophomore Geoff Schroeder tied the game at seven and began a wild string of events. The Mariners took a 14-7 lead on an 8-yard touchdown reception by junior Zach Goodale and appeared poised to win in regulation when they stopped Rumson on downs with 1:08 left in the game. Rumson, however, used all three of its timeouts to stop Toms River North and get the ball back at its own 36-yard line with 41 seconds to play.

Rumson quickly moved into Toms River North territory and a 22-yard completion from Collin Coles to Luke Devlin followed by a pass interference call on Toms River North put the ball at the 6-yard line with nine seconds on the clock. On first down, Coles lofted a pass for junior Patrick Jamin, who made a great diving, over-the-shoulder catch for the

W

eek 1 Midd. North

20-13 over Long Branch

touchdown. The extra point by Michael Piperno sent the game to overtime.

Toms River North had the ball first but momentum quickly shifted when senior linebacker Gordon Forsyth intercepted Kazanowsky to end the Mariners’ possession. Rumson then moved the ball to the TRN 2-yard line and looked like it was going to come away with the win on a short field goal. The 20-yard field goal was good, but Toms River North had called a timeout just before the snap. On the second attempt, the Mariners blocked the field goal to keep the game going.

Now in double overtime, Rumson took a 21-14 lead when Coles threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to David Livingston. Toms River North had to respond and did on third-and-13 when Carlson made a terrific one-handed catch on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Kazanowsky. The Mariners were an extra point away from tying the game, but Oizerowitz decided to go for two and the win. Kazanowsky threw for the end zone and the pass deflected off a Rumson defender’s hands and into the arms of senior wideout Dominick Jacob, who hauled in the reception to give the Mariners an incredible 22-21 victory.

Kazanowsky threw for 293 yards and, despite, throwing three interceptions, made clutch throws down the stretch. Carlson played wide receiver for the first time and had a career game with five receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

W

eek 0 Rumson-Fair haven

20-14 Over RBC

5

E

very week this regular season, Shore Conference football fans will have their chance to vote for the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey/ Shore Sports Network Football Player of the Week on our website.

W

eek

3 Player of the Week winner

is T o m s R i v e r N o r t h s e n i o r

R a y C a r l s o n , who played

wide receiver for the first time in his career and turned in a sensational performance to help the Mariners to a thrilling 22-21 double-overtime victory over Rumson-Fair Haven.

A two-year starter in the defensive backfield for the Mariners, Carlson was called upon to join the receiving corps for Toms River North’s crucial Week 3 game at Rumson-Fair Haven. The Mariners have a deep group of pass-catchers, but head coach Dave Oizerowitz saw a mismatch opportunity in empty sets where they could get the speedy Carlson matched up against a linebacker.

The plan worked to perfection as Carlson hauled in five passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

Carlson’s first big play came in the second quarter when he caught a 67-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Jake Kazanowsky to give Toms River North a 7-0 lead. Working out of the left slot and matched up with a linebacker in a five-receiver set, Carlson ran a fade and got behind the entire defense for the

long score.

Rumson tied the game at 14 with four seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime. After Toms River North blocked a field goal that would have won the game in the first overtime, Rumson took a 21-14 lead with a touchdown on its possession of double overtime.

The Mariners responded with a touchdown of their own as on third-and-13, Carlson made a phenomenal one-handed catch for a 28-yard touchdown reception. This time lining up in the right slot, Carlson ran a straight go route, beat his defender and snared the pass with his outstretched right hand just as he crossed the goal line.

A third overtime period was an extra point away from reliable senior Justin Burkert, but Oizerowitz elected to go for the 2-point conversion and the win, and when senior Dominick Jacob caught a deflected pass for the winning points the Mariners emerged victorious in an instant classic.

It was a close race throughout the voting period with Carlson edging Yusuf Ahmed from district rival Toms River East with 21.06 percent of the votes. Marlboro’s Dom Palumbo was right behind in third and Donovan Catholic’s Nasir Calhoun was fourth.

Toms River North sr. WR Ray Carlson

W

eek

2 Player of the Week winner

is S o u t h e r n R e g i o n a l s o . , R B

J a i d e n B r o w n , who ran

for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries and also intercepted two passes on defense to lead the Rams to a 28-14 victory over Howell.

Brown got the scoring started in the first quarter when he broke free on a 59-yard touchdown run. Southern extended its lead to 140 in the opening period when sophomore Nate Committee took a screen pass from Cole Robinson 64 yards for a touchdown. After a Howell touchdown cut the Rams’ lead in half, Brown ripped off another big run, this time a 65-yard jaunt to set up a 4-yard touchdown pass from Robinson to senior tight end JT Cornelius that gave Southern a 21-7 halftime lead. Howell once again pulled to within seven points with a touchdown in the third quarter, but Brown

Southern so. RB Jaiden Brown

6

put the game away for the Rams with a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Brown was the starting running back at Jackson Liberty as a freshman and ran for 929 yards. His family moved to the Southern Regional district prior to this season and he has been a major difference-maker for a Rams team that is 2-1 entering a pivotal Week 3 Constitution Division showdown with Brick Memorial. The 5-foot11, 215-pound sophomore has rushed for 448 yards and five touchdowns on an average of 9.1 yards per carry, going over 100 yards in all three games.

Brown won a very close Player of the Week vote with 13.72 percent of the votes to finish just ahead of Toms River East’s Yusuf Ahmed, Brick Memorial’s Anthony Albanese and Lacey’s Noah Brunatti.

W eek 1

Toms River North sr. linebacker/Kicker Justin Burkert

W eek 0

Point Boro sr. WR/DB Sam Young

7

Fin the Shore Sports Network Top 10, and this time it’s based or the third time in five weeks, there’s a new No. 1 team

on a result almost nobody saw coming.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, Wall made its way to Middletown to take on Mater Dei in a matchup of the top two teams in the Shore Conference, and it was the Crimson Knights who emerged victorious with a 14-7 win spearheaded by a tremendous defensive performance.

With a perfect 5-0 record and wins over Rumson-Fair Haven, Jackson Memorial and now Mater Dei, Wall is the latest No. 1 team in the Shore Conference.

Elsewhere, Red Bank Catholic took down previously undefeated Toms River North, 21-6, for a crucial road victory that has the Caseys back in the Top 10.

Jackson Memorial also returns to the Top 10 after rallying for a 22-14 win over St. John Vianney. The Jaguars’ only losses are to Wall and Mater Dei. Rumson squared off against another ranked opponent in a game that went to overtime, but this time the Bulldogs came out on top with a 23-20 overtime win over Manalapan to move into first place in the American Division. The American Division remains impossible to predict as Long Branch knocked off last week’s No. 10 team, Middletown South, 26-14.

Donovan Catholic, Ocean and Southern all rolled to victories.

Week 5 brings more interesting matchups, including American Division clashes between Long Branch and Manalapan and Toms River North and Middletown South. Southern plays an important Constitution Division game against Middletown North, Ocean and Raritan meet in a game that will likely decide the Patriot Division title while Rumson and Mater Dei square off in another heavyweight showdown. Undefeated Toms River East meets Neptune in a huge Freedom Division game where a win would further the Raiders’ case for a spot in the Top 10.

With all that in mind, let’s get to the latest The Jeep Store/Shore Sports Network Top 10.

Manalapan 2-2

Wall 5-0

A 2-yard touchdown by junior running back Casey Larkin that was set up by an acrobatic 29-yard catch by senior Gus Setteducato with 1:06 left in regulation sent the Crimson Knights to a triumphant 14-7 win over Mater Dei that snapped the Seraphs’ 21-game regular-season winning streak against Shore Conference teams. Senior running back Matt DeSarno had a 38-yard touchdown run and Wall’s defense played outstanding in limiting Mater Dei to just 218 yards and one touchdown. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 at Brick Memorial (1-4)

Mater Dei 4-1

Senior running back Malik Ingram had a 3-yard touchdown run and the Seraph’s defense played a strong game, but a late touchdown by Wall was the difference in a 14-7 defeat at the hands of the Crimson Knights. Mater Dei had not lost to a Shore Conference team in the regular season since 2015. The Seraphs have no time to lick their wounds as they face another top-5 team this week. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 at No. 4 Rumson-Fair Haven (3-2).

Donovan Catholic 5-0

The Griffins’ dominance continued in Week 4 with a 35-0 victory over Red Bank for their fourth shutout of the season. Sophomore defensive tackle Dominick Brogna had eight tackles for loss and one sack to spearhead another suffocating effort on defense. Senior quarterback Ryan Clark ran for two touchdowns, senior running back Nasir Calhoun and junior wide receiver James Bivens ran for one touchdown each and junior Dom Nocero returned a punt for a touchdown. Donovan Catholic is 5-0 for the first time since 1992. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Manasquan (1-3).

8

Rumson-Fair Haven 3-2

Senior quarterback Collin Coles threw the game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass to junior Luke Devlin to give the Bulldogs a thrilling 23-20 overtime victory over Manalapan. Coles also threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Devlin and a 34-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Pete Crowley. Michael Piperno kicked a 28-yard field goal. Rumson’s brutal schedule continues this week against a fellow top-5 team. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 vs. No. 2 Mater Dei Prep (4-1).

The Braves played well but suffered another gutwrenching defeat when they fell to No. 4 RumsonFair Haven, 23-20 in overtime. Manalapan’s losses to Rumson and Toms River North have come by a combined five points. Senior quarterback Sean Kehley threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Matt Benedetti and a 4-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Paul Wojciechowski, the latter of which tied the game at 17 with 31 seconds left in regulation. Junior kicker Vin Rea connected on a pair of 43-yard field goals, which are tied for the longest in the Shore this season. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 vs.

Long Branch (2-3).

Ocean 4-0

Red Bank Catholic 3-2

Senior quarterback Ryan Edgerly ran for two touchdowns and threw another to senior tight end Kevin Bauman to make a fantastic defensive performance stand up as the Caseys defeated Toms River North, 21-6, to hand the Mariners their first loss. The Caseys ran for 270 yards with senior Elijah Jules running for 106 yards and junior Kevin Degnan rushing for 103 yards on just six carries. Bauman along with junior defensive lineman Jake Louro and junior safety Anthony Borriello led a defense that limited Toms River North to just 132 yards of offense. Next game: Friday, Oct. 18 at No. 7 Manalapan.

Senior running back Trebor Pena ran for 135 yards and three touchdowns and the Spartans’ defense pitched its second straight shutout in a 40-0 victory over Shore Regional. Senior running back Nasir Thompson added 48 yards rushing and two touchdowns and junior lineman Joe Teresi returned a blocked field goal 90 yards for a touchdown. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 at Raritan (4-1).

Southern 4-1

Sophomore running back Jaiden Brown continued his tremendous season with 161 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 24 carries to lead Southern to a 27-7 victory over Marlboro. Senior wide receiver Will Devane added an 11-yard touchdown run and junior safety Kwadair Holland intercepted two passes. The Rams are 4-1 for the first time since 2011. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Middletown North (3-2).

Toms River North 4-1

Junior running back Jordan Grey had a 46yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to avoid a shutout, but the Mariners’ offense couldn’t get anything going against a stout Red Bank Catholic defense and fell to the Caseys, 21-6, to suffer their first loss of the season. Grey ran for 73 yards on seven carries. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 at Middletown South (1-3).

Jackson Memorial 3-2

Junior running back Will Towns ran for 146 yards and a touchdown, senior quarterback Lonnie Cebulski ran for 130 yards and a touchdown and senior linebacker Nic Ford returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown as the Jaguars rallied for a 22-14 win over St. John Vianney to take out a ranked team and rejoin the Top 10. Jack McKown kicked an 18-yard field goal and senior defensive end Collin McCarthy had a monstrous game with five sacks and eight tackles for loss. Next game: Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Jackson Liberty (1-3).

9

A Day of the Knights: No. 2 Wall shocks No. 1 Mater Dei with late touchdown

By Bob Badders - Managing Editor

S

aturday afternoon Oct. 5 th was supposed to provide the affirmation of which football team is the best in the Shore Conference, and it did. It just wasn’t the team most expected it to be.

Few if any outside Wall’s program gave the Crimson Knights much of a chance against mighty Mater Dei Prep in a matchup of the top two teams in the Shore, and who could blame them? Mater Dei had demolished every team in its path this season and everything – roster, results, performance against common opponents – pointed toward another Seraphs victory.

Against all odds, however, Wall believed it would win, and the Crimson Knights showed that the only facts which matter are the ones authored between the lines for 48 minutes.

A 2-yard touchdown run by junior running back Casey Larkin with 1:06 to play gave Wall the lead and an interception by junior Logan Peters with 30 seconds left clinched a monumental victory as the Crimson Knights shocked Mater Dei, 14-7, to take down a team many people thought was head and shoulders above the rest of the conference.

“We came in here and I’m pretty sure every single person besides us was doubting us,” Peters said. “You look at their guys compared to our guys and they’re bigger, stronger, but us 11 guys are on the field at all times and we’ve been playing together for a long time. It’s a big bond.

We go out there knowing in our minds we can beat anybody.”

“We knew they had players all over the field but we’re not intimidated by anyone,” Larkin said. “If we have it rolling we feel like we can stop anybody.”

It was an old-school slugfest from start to finish and Wall (5-0, 3-0) never flinched. The Crimson Knights had absorbed Mater Dei’s power punches and a blocked extra point was all the separated the two teams heading into the fourth quarter.

“We were talking about it at halftime, we had made some mistakes in the first half and we were only down one, so we knew if we just fixed those mistakes and we were in the game in the fourth quarter, we would pull it out,” Larkin said.

Still trailing by only one thanks to a tremendous defensive performance, Wall forced Mater Dei to punt and took over at its own 28yard line with 5:17 left in the game. The Knights moved toward midfield on five straight modest running plays before Larkin finally broke one, taking a direct snap and finding room down the left sideline for a 24yard gain. A holding penalty at the end of the run brought it back 10 yards, but Wall was now just 40 yards from the end zone and even closer to being in position to attempt a field goal. They knew it was now or never.

“Casey had a good run that sparked momentum and we were talking in the huddle that this has to be our drive, if we don’t get in here we’re probably going to lose this game,” Peters said. “We were not going to be denied.”

A 9-yard reception by sophomore Matt Dollive moved the ball to the Mater Dei 31-yard line and on the next play Wall made the gamechanging play that turned the tide for good. Peters launched a pass intended for Larkin down the left numbers, but the pass was high and Larkin was only able to get a hand on it, deflecting it up and behind him. Senior wide receiver Gus Setteducato was in the right place at precisely the right time, though, and from his knees corralled the tipped pass for a 29-yard gain down to the 2-yard line. Wall was in business.

“I knew the play was drawn up for Casey to get the ball so I’m just trying to trail him a little bit,” Setteducato said. “Right away I knew the throw was a little high so I tried to get right behind him. I slipped a little but was able to get to my knees and get it.”

“On the first look I saw Casey and didn’t see anyone near him, but I threw it and then saw the safety so I got scared for a second,” Peters said. “And then Casey made the tip on it and I thought it was just incomplete. It was a hell of a catch by Gus.” On the next play, Larkin took a direct snap and plowed his way into the end zone to give Wall the lead. His touchdown run was symbolic of Wall’s play the entire afternoon: relentless.

Larkin was met at the line of scrimmage by a Mater Dei defender, but lowered his shoulder and kept his legs churning to drive his way across the goal line.

Now leading 12-7, the Crimson Knights went for the 2-point conversion and got it when Peters found sophomore tight end Blake Rezk over the middle to push the lead to 14-7.

After returning the kickoff to the 35-yard line, Mater Dei had just 58 seconds to attempt a drive for the tying touchdown and extra point. On first down, Rezk sacked Mater Dei quarterback Alex Brown for an 11-yard loss. The Seraphs hurried to the line and got a play called, but when Brown threw over the middle it was Peters who came down with the catch, diving forward to intercept the pass and seal the win, snapping Mater Dei’s 21-game regular-season winning streak against Shore Conference teams.

“They ran the same play twice in a row,” Peters said. “I saw No. 4 coming across the middle on the first play and once he got sacked I knew they were going to run the same play because they had to get a play off quick. I just sat on it, read it and broke on it.”

Peters’ interception was the exclamation point on a fantastic defensive performance by Wall. The Crimson Knights limited a Mater Dei team that entered Saturday averaging 42.5 points per game to only one touchdown. They limited star running back Malik Ingram to just 70 yards rushing a touchdown on 13 carries one week after he ran for 310 yards and four touchdowns against St. John Vianney. They pressured quarterback Alex Brown throughout the game, forcing him into two interceptions and sacking him four times, twice by Rezk and once each by sophomore linebacker Colin Riley and senior Jaden Carasquillo.

“We talked all week of rallying to the ball,” said Wall head coach Tony Grandinetti. “The game plan was excellent, but really it was just getting 11 hats to the ball.”

Once again, a major theme was Wall outlasting a team with a fourthquarter surge. The Crimson Knights did it in Week 1 in a 14-3 win over Rumson-Fair Haven and against in Week 2 with a 24-0 win over Jackson Memorial where they scored all their points in the final period.

“I think it’s a couple of things,” Grandinetti said. “First, it’s the amount of training these guys do, year-round in the weight room and in the summer it’s relentless. They know in July and August it will help us win in October, November and December and they buy into it. The second thing is they feed off it now. We’ve won big games in the fourth quarter this year and now they feed off that.”

“It’s a mix of both, conditioning and mentality,” Peters said. “Once

10

it’s the fourth quarter we have that knack to make a play. We all want to be the guy who makes a clutch play to win the game, and all of us have that mentality so someone is eventually going to make a play.”

An unsung hero of the win is senior punter Frank Passantino, who prevented Mater Dei from starting any of its drives with great field position.

“It’s been a huge advantage for us all season. I can’t speak highly enough of Frank and what he does in changing field position,” Grandinetti said. “You have to win all three phases and that third phase is special teams and winning the field-position battle.

There’s someone snapping it to him and guys blocking but he’s the one punting the ball and he did an excellent job.”

Wall’s offensive line of Jack Wolter at left tackle, Grant Puharic at left guard, Max Oakley at center, Ian Ackerman at right guard and Brian Byrne was also excellent in paving the way for Wall to run for 141 yards on a very respectable 4.4 yards per carry considering the defense it was opposing. The unit also gave Peters time to throw and kept him from being sacked at all.

Wall made it clear it would be no pushover when it stopped Mater Dei three-and-out on the opening series of the game. The Knights did it again on Mater Dei’s next possession as tackles for loss by Larkin and Ackerman forced another punt. Mater Dei moved to Wall’s 23-yard line on its third drive, but sophomore linebacker Charlie Sasso picked off Brown at the 5-yard line and returned it out to the 30.

From there, Wall went 70 yards in five plays to take a 6-0 lead. A holding penalty on Mater Dei moved the ball to the 40-yard line and runs by Larkin and senior Matt DeSarno put the ball at the Seraphs’ 38yard line. That’s where DeSarno broke free up the middle for a 38-yard touchdown run to give Wall the first score. The extra point was blocked, however.

Mater Dei responded right away with a nine-play, 58-yard drive to take the lead. A 25-yard run by Ingram set up his own 3-yar touchdown run before Richie Pekmezian kicked the extra point to give the Seraphs a 7-6 lead.

Both squads dug in from that point on until Wall was the team to break through in crunch time. The Knights firmly believed they were the best team in the Shore Conference and on Saturday they proved it.

“Confidence was probably the biggest thing,” Setteducato said. “We went into this game thinking we were going to win.

We knew going into the fourth quarter that it was ours.”

11

W

hile there are some new subtleties to this week's top 10, they could very well pale in comparison to what is coming over the next two weeks.

By Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

The end of the regular season and the start of the Shore Conference Tournament merge this week, which is going to give a lot of area teams a tough stretch of games over the next two weeks.

Only three teams got byes into the SCT round of 16 so there are plenty of programs gearing up for three important games in a stretch of five or six days. It is more likely the bottom of the top 10 is where the major change comes at the end of this week but with some big division tilts still on the schedule and the SCT round of 16 on tap for Saturday, no team is totally safe.

Holmdel

(12-0, 5-0)

After a week off, Holmdel returned to action with a 3-0 win over Middletown North for its 48th straight game without a straight-up loss. Assuming they get the game in and beat Red Bank Catholic on Thursday, the Hornets will be going for 50 in a row on Saturday against the winner of Pinelands and Toms River South in the Shore Conference Tournament round of 16.

Freehold Township (9-4, 5-0)

12

Marlboro

Southern

(10-1, 5-1)

(8-2-1, 4-1-1)

Christian Brothers Academy

Long Branch

(5-6-1, 4-2-0)

Wall

Freehold Boro

Jackson Memorial

Colts Neck

(7-3-1, 3-2-1)

(10-2, 5-1)

(11-2, 6-0)

(7-6, 2-5)

(6-3-1, 4-1-1)

13

Knee Pain? Newest & Most Cutting Edge Techniques Now Available in the Jersey Shore area

By Ryan J. Plyler, MD - Professional Orthopaedic Associates

C

alling all coaches and parents…If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, you now have more options than ever.

Advances in orthopaedics are allowing specialty trained surgeons to actually preserve your joints by restoring or transplanting your cartilage!

What is Joint Preservation Surgery?

Joint preservation is just as it sounds. It is surgery to repair the torn cartilage or other tissues in the knee, avoiding the need for joint replacement surgery. But what exactly does that mean? To completely understand the options that now exist we have to address each issue individually. If you have more than one of the following, you can still be a candidate for joint preservation surgery, but you may require more than one procedure to achieve the optimal result for your knee.

I had most of my meniscus removed in the past and am now having pain. What now?

If you have had previous meniscal repair surgery that has failed or had part of your meniscus removed and now find that you have continued pain on that side, you may be a candidate for joint preservation surgery. Depending on the overall health of your knee on MRI, you may be a candidate for a meniscal transplantation surgery. During this surgery, three small incisions are used to insert a new meniscus into your knee to serve as a new shock absorber when you walk and run. The limitations after this surgery are much more minor than those associated with a joint replacement.

I have an area of my cartilage that is thinning and causing my pain?

If you have a defect of the cartilage in your knee in any location including the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), or patella (knee cap), you may be a candidate for joint preservation surgery. If the cartilage defect is small, then it may benefit from a small surgery to clean up the edges. However if the cartilage defect is large, you may be a candidate for MACI (matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation).

What is MACI? MACI is a new surgery that allows an individual to grow their own cartilage cells and have them placed back into their knee to fill a defect. In the first stage, a small surgery is performed to clean up the torn cartilage and a biopsy of your cartilage is taken and sent to a lab (Vericel, Boston, MA).

Your cartilage cells are grown until there are millions of your own cartilage cells available, and they are then placed onto a collagen membrane. During the second surgery your own cartilage cells are stitched and glued back into your knee to fill the cartilage defect. The cartilage cells grow to fill the defect over a 6-12 months period. After this rehab process, you are able to return to all activities without restrictions.

Am I a candidate for joint preservation surgery?

At this time, these procedures are approved for individuals 50 years and younger with an otherwise healthy knee. I like to say that it is like fixing a “pothole on a good road”. Sadly, knees that have already developed substantial amounts of arthritis are not candidates for this type of joint preservation surgery. These individual are better suited with a total replacement.

However, I am excited to be bringing the newest and most cutting edge surgical procedures to the Jersey shore region. I committed to providing the best possible orthopaedic care to my patients, and I will continue to utilize the most advanced and revolutionary surgical techniques to provide the optimal outcomes for my community.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above or would simply like more information about Joint Preservation Surgery, call our specialists at Professional Orthopaedic Associates at 732-530-4949.

Gregg R. Foos, MD, FACS Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Adult & Pediatric Sports Medicine, Cartilage Restoration, Joint Preservation Ryan J. Plyler, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the treatment of the hip, shoulder, and knee, including sports medicine care for all ages, cartilage restoration, and joint preservation. Dr. Plyler joined Professional Orthopaedic Associates in 2019.

FOR SSN ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 14

steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

15

By Bob Badders - Managing Editor

midSEasOn Stand o uTs Collin Coles, Sr., QB

D

ue in large part to the significant division realignment that took effect prior to the season, this has been one of the most unpredictable years in recent memory.

Nearly every division race is still wide open as parity has reigned supreme. The Shore Sports Network Top 10 has already had three different teams ranked No. 1 and undergone more changes than it did during the entire 2018 season. Each week has featured upsets and thrilling, down-tothe-wire games from the Bayshore to the Pine Barrens.

Rumson-Fair Haven: 651 yards passing, 8 TDs

Ryan Ruane, Jr., S Rumson-Fair Haven: 27 tackles, 3 INTs (2 for TDs)

Jake Kazanowsky, Jr., QB Toms River North: 950 yards passing and 10 TDs

Matt Spalletta, Sr., LB Toms River North: 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, 15 QB pressures

Sean Kehley, Sr., QB Manalapan: 705 yards passing, 6 TDs

Andre Johnson, Sr., RB Manalapan: 441 yards rushing, 6 TDs

Kevin Bauman, Sr., TE/DE Red Bank Catholic: 10 rec., 157 yards, 2 TDs, 5.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss.

With five weeks of football in the books and the weather finally starting to make it feel like football season, we’ll dive into the division races, highlight some top players and look ahead to what drama the next eight weeks may provide.

Red Bank Catholic: 35 tackles, 3 sacks,13 tackles for loss

AMERICAN DIVISION

cOLONIAL DIVISION

The Black and Blue Division, The Gauntlet, the SEC-Shore; whatever you want to call it, the top division in the Shore Conference has certainly lived up to the hype. Rumson-Fair Haven, Toms River North, Red Bank Catholic, Manalapan, Long Branch and Middletown South have taken turns throwing haymakers at each other, and through five weeks no team is unscathed.

Rumson (3-2, 3-1) is currently leading the division by percentage points over Toms River North (41, 2-1) even though the Mariners won when the two teams met, 22-21 in double overtime. The Mariners were undefeated before Red Bank Catholic came to town and spoiled their fast start with a 21-7 win but they are still in position to earn at least a share of the division title if they can win their final two division games against Middletown South (Oct. 11) and Long Branch (Oct. 19). Rumson also controls its own destiny as a victory over Middletown South (Oct. 18) would clinch at least a tie for the division crown.

Middletown South (1-3, 1-2) is actually the team that holds the key to unlocking complete anarchy in the division. If the Eagles defeat both Toms River North and Rumson in consecutive weeks it could create a scenario where as many as four teams could tie for the division championship.

The biggest issue for these teams hasn’t been wins and losses – all will almost certainly make the playoffs – it’s been attrition. Injuries have taken their toll on each team to varying degrees. The question each team has is what will they look like when the postseason rolls around. Winning the American Division will be a badge of honor and in some cases more difficult than winning a state title but sacrificing a run at a state title is not something any team is willing to do.

Jake Louro, Jr., DT

The biggest win of the season occurred this past weekend when Wall shocked the Shore with its 14-7 takedown of Mater Dei Prep to move into first place and also take over the No. 1 spot in the Shore Sports Network Top 10. It’s been a marvelous season for the Crimson Knights so far with wins over Rumson and Jackson Memorial also to their credit. Wall has two more division games to go before it can officially claim the division title as it faces St. John Vianney (2-2, 1-2) on Oct. 18 and Brick (2-3, 1-3) on Oct. 25.

If Wall stumbles it will open the door for Mater Dei to grab at least a share of the division title. The Seraphs (4-1, 4-1) have completed their division schedule. Every other team has at least two losses and is out of contention for a division title.

midSEasOn Stand o uTs Casey Larkin, Jr., RB/DB Wall: 420 yards rushing, 5 TDs; 19 tackles, 1 INT (1 for TD)

Ian Ackerman, Sr., OL/DL Wall: 36 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 1 fumble rec.

Will Towns, Jr., RB Jackson Memorial: 719 yards rushing, 6 TDs

16

Eddie Farrell, Sr., LB Middletown North: 57 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss

Lorenzo Chirichella, Jr., QB Freehold Township: 512 yards passing, 3 TDs

Jarrid Markowitz, Sr., LB Freehold Township: 37 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 tackles for loss

Anthony Albanese, Sr., QB Brick Memorial: 829 yards passing and 5 TDs, 255 yards rushing & 3 TDs

Akhi Barksdale, Jr., RB/WR Collin McCarthy, Sr., DE Jackson Memorial: 41 tackles, 13 sacks, 23 tackles for loss

Brick Memorial: 331 yards rushing and 5 TDs, 18 rec. for 212 yards

Mekhi Irving, Sr., WR Brick Memorial: 23 rec. for 394 yards and 5 TDs

Sha’Kim Shuler, Jr., QB

Nick Wright, Jr., QB

Freehold: 423 yards passing and 3 TD, 376 yards rushing & 4 TD

Marlboro: 472 yards passing and 4 TDs, 172 yards rushing and 1 TD

Tyler Ochojski, So., DE

Dom Palumbo, Sr., TE/DE

Freehold: 5 sacks

Marlboro: 5 rec. 173 yards, 2 TDs; 24 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 tackles for loss

Malik Ingram, Sr., RB

Jason Caston, Sr., QB

Mater Dei: 658 yards rushing, 10 TDs

Howell: 615 yards passing and 3 TD, 143 yards rushing and 3 TDs.

Khurram Simpson, Sr., DE

F REEDOM DIVISION

Mater Dei, 30 tackles, 10 sacks, 1 blocked punt

Jayden Bellamy, So., WR/CB St. John Vianney: 16 rec., 286 yards, 2 TDs; 3 INTs on defense

cOnSTI t uTION DIVISION

Toms River East is enjoying its best season in a decade and is off to a 5-0 start, including 4-0 within the division. The Raiders earned a critical road victory over Colts Neck in Week 3 and will try to do it again in Week 5 when they visit Neptune (Oct. 12). Neptune is 2-2 but 2-0 within the division, so Saturday’s game at the Memorial Athletic Complex has first place on the line. If Toms River East wins it will clinch a share of the division title with only a game against winless Lakewood on Oct. 18 remaining. The Raiders have not won a division title since 2009 and have shown great resiliency in already matching their win total from the previous three seasons combined.

A resurgent Southern Regional team sits atop the Constitution Division through five games with a perfect 3-0 division mark and a 4-1 overall record. The Rams’ only defeat came against Toms River North, 17-12, in a nondivisional game. While Southern is off to a great start, much is work remains and the division race is still wide open.

Neptune is in a similar boat although it has experienced championship seasons more recently. The Scarlet Fliers were winless two years ago in the first season under head coach Tarig Holman but bounced back last season to go 5-5 and are trying to take the next step this season. Following losses to Long Branch and Ocean to start the season, Neptune handily defeated Lakewood and Jackson Liberty to get back to .500. A victory over Toms River East would be huge.

Southern will host Middletown North this Friday (Oct. 11) where a victory would clinch at least a share of the division title. Both Middletown North (3-2, 2-1) and Freehold Township (2-3, 2-1) have yet to play Southern and could catch the Rams with victories in their final two division contests, but Southern controls its path. Freehold Township and Southern will meet on Saturday, Oct. 19 in Manahawkin where the Rams could be in position to complete an unbeaten run to the division crown. The Rams have not won a division title since 2011.

Colts Neck (4-1, 2-1) is lurking and will be tied for second with either Toms River East or Neptune after Week 5. The Cougars will be rooting for Neptune on Saturday because they have yet to play the Scarlet Fliers. If Neptune beats Toms River East, Colts Neck would be in position to at least tie for the division title if they can win out in division games against Lakewood, Neptune and Jackson Liberty. Colts Neck has never won a division title.

midSEasOn Stand o uTs

midSEasOn Stand o uTs

Jaiden Brown, So., RB/LB

Yusuf Ahmed, Jr., RB/LB

Southern: 742 yards rushing, 11 TDs; 3 INTs on defense

Toms River East: 36 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sacks

Colby Saxton, Sr., DT

Mike Goodall, Sr., QB

Southern: 25 tackles, 4 sacks, 6 tackles for loss

Seb Cervetto, Sr., DT Southern: 25 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 tackles for loss

Matt Spencer, Sr., WR

Toms River East: 413 yards rushing & 4 TDs

Frankie Giannetti, Sr., RB/LB Toms River East: 205 yards rushing and 6 TDs

Junior Haughton, Jr., RB Neptune

Middletown North: 18 rec., 303 yards, 4 TDs See

Midseason Report

page 20

17

Midseason Report c o n t i n u e d

on page 17

Romeo Thomas, Sr., RB

Mike Kudlacik, Sr., LB

Colts Neck: 658 yards rushing, 9 TDs

Lacey: 25 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles

Tommy Fallon, So., QB

Jack Chamberlain, Sr., QB

Colts Neck: 329 yards passing and 3 TDs, 311 yards rushing & 3 TDs

Red Bank: 419 yards passing and 3 TDs, 311 yards rushing and 6 TDs

Tom Lidondici, Sr., OL/DL:

Will Dal Pra, Sr., LB

Colts Neck: 31 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 tackles for loss

Jimmy Celentano, Sr., LB Jackson Liberty: 41 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT (1 for TD)

Brandon McCormack, Jr., SS Matawan: 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 blocked FG, 1 defensive TD

Red Bank: 43 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 tackles for loss

Imeer Johnson, Jr., LB Central: 22 tackles, 7 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 1 safety

Gunnar Nemeth, Sr., LB Central: 29 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 tackles for loss

PatRIOT DIVISION l IBERTY DIVISION This is the only division that is devoid of any drama. Undefeated Donovan Catholic is head and shoulders above the rest of the division to the tune of 201 points scored, just 14 allowed and four shutouts in five games. The Griffins are ranked No. 3 in the latest Shore Sports Network Top 10. They have been dominant and likely won’t be tested until they host Red Bank Catholic on Oct. 25.

Holmdel (3-1, 2-1) and Lacey (4-1, 2-1) are tied for second place but, in terms of the public-school division title, Holmdel would own the final tiebreaker via its 17-0 win over the Lions in Week 4.

Donovan hosts Manasquan on Oct. 11 and Lacey on Oct. 18 as it looks to close out its first division title since 2013.

midSEasOn Stand o uTs

Ocean is undefeated overall at 4-0 and is also 3-0 in the division while Raritan is 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the division. The Spartans and Rockets will meet this Friday (Oct. 11) and with every other team in the division having at least two losses, the winner will likely claim the division title.

Following Friday’s game, Ocean will play Point Boro and Raritan will face Shore, both on Oct. 18, where one of them can clinch the outright division title. Ocean and Raritan are the only teams who can win even a piece of the Patriot Division title so it’s just a matter of whether one team wins it outright or they are co-champs.

midSEasOn Stand o uTs Trebor Pena, Sr., RB/DB Ocean: 545 yards rushing and 8 TDs; 20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 INTs (1 TD)

Ryan Clark, Sr., QB

Charlie Vitale, So., QB

Donovan Catholic: 545 yards passing and 2 TDs, 486 yards rushing & 12 TDs

Point Boro: 403 yards passing and 5 TDs, 275 yards rushing & 3 TDs

Nasir Calhoun, Sr., RB

Sam Young, Sr., WR

Donovan Catholic: 411 yards rushing, 6 TDs

Point Boro: 13 rec. for 305 yards and 4 TDs

Chris Aldrich, Sr., DE

Mike Fiore, Sr., RB

Donovan Catholic: 33 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 tackles for loss

Raritan: 431 yards rushing, 11 TDs

Steve Coponi, Sr., QB

Cameron LaMountain, Sr., RB

Raritan: 470 yards passing and 3 TD; 214 yards rushing & 3 TD

Holmdel: 311 yards rushing, 5 TDs

Justin Gorski, Sr., RB/DB Lacey: 411 yards rushing and 5 TDs; 29 tackles, 2 INTs See

18

Midseason Report

page 20

19

Midseason Report c o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 1 8

midSEasOn Stand o uTs Shane McLaughlin, Jr., RB

Najier Massey, Jr., WR

Shore: 592 yards rushing and 9 TDs; 12 rec., 197 yards, 4 TDs

Asbury Park: 5 rec. for 240 yards and 3 TDs, 118 yards rushing and 3 TDs

Mike McGhee, Jr., QB

Knajee Alston, Sr., RB

Shore: 512 yards passing, 6 TDs

Asbury Park: 372 yards rushing, 4 TDs

Matt Vernieri, Sr., QB/LB

Jason Sherlock, Sr., DE/WR

Barnegat: 423 yards passing and 2 TDs, 120 yards rushing & 2 TDs; 42 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 1 INT

Griffin Jackstadt, Sr., OL/DL Barnegat: 45 tackles, 1 sack, five tackles for loss

Point Beach: 60 tackles, 2 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble; 16 rec., 149 yards, 2 TDs.

Liam Buday, Sr., RB/LB Point Beach: 317 yards rushing, 4 TDs; 23 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss

Mikal Braithwaite, So., QB Keansburg: 223 yards passing and 3 TDs, 296 yards rushing and 3 TDs

Jorge Ramos, Sr., DE

NaTIONaL DIVISION

Keansburg: 24 tackles, 1 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble

Asbury Park is in the driver’s seat to claim the National Division title, which would be its first since 2008. The Blue Bishops already have a win over second-place Point Beach (4-1, 3-1) and every other team has at least two losses, so if Asbury can defeat Keyport (1-4, 1-3) this Saturday (Oct. 12) and Manchester (1-4, 1-2) on Oct. 18 it will clinch the outright division title.

Keansburg and Manchester are technically still alive to earn a share of the division title, but a lot would have to happen. Manchester would need to beat Point Beach and Asbury in its next two games and have Asbury Park also lose to Keyport. Keansburg would need that to happen and beat Pinelands on Oct. 11. If that scenario somehow comes to fruition all four teams would be tied for the division title.

Andrew Bartlett, Sr., LB Pinelands: 5 INTs

Connor Harris, Jr., LB Pinelands: 40 tackles, 3 sacks, 12 tackles for loss

Troy Alvarez, Jr., QB Keyport: 633 yards passing and 4 TDs, 201 yards rushing and 2 TDs

Jimmy Johns, Sr., QB Manchester: 284 yards passing and 2 TDs, 161 yards rushing, 2 TD

SPECIAL THANKS to all the PHOTOGRAPHERS Who Supplied the GREAT PHOTOS Seen in our publications & Website

20

21

E

very week this regular season, Shore Sports Network & Surf taco will be selecting a boys & girls player of the week based on their performance over the past week. Surf taco will present the winners with a surf taco $25 gift card.

WEEK-4: RARITAN Sr. Joe Seber

R

aritan locked up a Shore Conference Tournament berth with two wins last week and Seber helped lead the way in both. He posted a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Keyport and fired in two goals in a 5-1 win over Shore – revenge for last year’s overtime win for the Blue Devils over the Rockets in the Central Jersey Group II quarterfinals.

C

WEEK-3: PINELANDS Sr. Aileen Cahill

ahill - now a two-time SSN/Surf Taco Player of the Week winner continues to shine for the Wildcats and her last week was just the latest example. The Wildcats senior notched two hat tricks – one vs. Central and another vs. Point Boro – and threw in an assist in each one.

Speaking of last year, Raritan graduated the only five players on last year's SCT quarterfinalist team to score more than one goal and those five - Jake Fortune, Nick Bavaro, Anthony Sparacino, Zack May and Marco Vasta - combined for 32 goals. Despite those heavy scoring losses, the Rockets have kept the ship steady thanks to the efforts of Seber, who leads the team in scoring.

Photo by

Seber (42.8 percent of the vote) won a two-horse race this week by edging runner-up Grady Edwards of Barnegat (41.4) by just 90 votes and will be rewarded with a $25 gift card to Surf Taco.

WEEK-3: MARLBORO Sr. Mike Steinberg

M

arlboro stayed red-hot last week with wins over CBA, Howell and Wall and Steinberg scored a goal in all three one-goal wins He scored early in the Mustangs’ 1-0 win over CBA, scored the winner in a 2-1 win over Howell and converted in the second half of a 1-0 win over Wall on Saturday to increase his season goal total to eight.

WEEK-2: PINELANDS Jr. Johnny Hart

H

art’s hot start has helped Pinelands overcome some significant scoring losses to graduation and the last week-plus has provided plenty of examples.

The junior midfielder scored two picturesque goals in a 2-0 win over Lacey and was one of five different goal-scorers in a 5-1 win over Jackson Liberty later in the week.

In Pinelands' first game this week, Hart's goal was the difference in a 1-0 win at Point Boro.

The junior has scored in each of Pinelands’s first five matches, totaling six goals in those five games.

Hart captured the first Player of the Week award of the 2019 season with 23 percent of the vote, edging Jackson Memoral junior Drew Walenty (19 percent) and Manasquan senior Rich Maloney (18). For winning this week's award, Hart will be awarded a $25 gift card to Surf Taco.

22

DAVID BIGGY/The SandPaper

O

WEEK-2: HOLMDEL Fr. Taylor Bielan

nly a freshman, Bielan's first three games at the high school level were against three of the Shore's toughest programs over the last several years Middletown South, Freehold Township and Shore Regional - and she more than held her own in three Holmdel losses.

Last week, the Hornets hung right with Shore Regional in a big A Central showdown before ultimately falling, 4-3. Bielan proved that she was ready for a big game, scoring two of Holmdel’s three goals in the loss – the first two goals of her high school career.

Bielan also assisted a goal in a 3-1 loss to Middletown South in the season-opener and during the current week, she tallied a goal and an assist in a come-from-behind win over Monmouth Regional.

Bielan won the first Player of the Week poll of 2019 with 37.5 percent of the vote, beating out fellow freshman Gianna Simon of Southern (23 percent). As the readers' choice for Player of the Week, Bielan will receive a $25 gift card to Surf Taco.

23

24

25

WOBM Christmas Classic Announces Dates/Field

By Kevin Williams - Shore Sports Network Director

T

he 36th annual WOBM Christmas Classic returns to the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River this December with the Red Bank Catholic boys and Manchester girls set to defend their titles.

To u r n a m e n t D i r e c t o r a n d Fo u n d e r K e v i n W i l l i a m s h a s a n n o u n c e d t h e 3 2 - t e a m e v e n t w i l l b e g i n o n S a t u r d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 1 w h e n t h e 16 bo ys’ teams play their first round games. The girls division tips off the following day when the 16 teams swing into action.

Fo l l o w i n g a s h o r t b r e a k t h e t o u r n a m e n t r e s u m e s o n T h u r s d a y, D e c e m b e r 2 6 a n d r u n s t h r o u g h M o n d a y, D e c e m b e r 3 0 w h e n t h e

consolation and championship games will be played at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena on the c a m p u s o f To m s R i v e r H i g h S c h o o l N o r t h .

Red Bank Ca tholic is the reigning bo ys champions after beating Marlboro in a thrilling title game a year ago on a last-second basket by MJ Wright. The boys field remains nearly identical to 2018 with the only change being the departure of St. Rose who w i l l b e r e p l a c e d b y Wa l l .

On the girls side Manchester will seek their third straight WOBM crown, having beaten Marlboro last year in the finals. The Hawks also return two-time MVP Destiny Adams who will seek to become the first player in tournament history to win the award three times. Returning to the holiday tournament is Manasquan who fills the spot vacated when Sayreville opted not to return.

FOR SSN ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 26

he Jersey Mike’s Game of the Week returns to the Shore Sports Network this fall with the regular season broadcast schedule to begin on Friday, September 6 when Manalapan visits Middletown South in a battle of American Division opponents.

T

Catholic).

In addition to the regular Friday night broadcasts there is our annual coverage of the Thanksgiving Day meeting between Manasquan and Wall and NJSIAA Playoff games will be added.

Matt Harmon is back as the play-by-play voice of the game broadcasts and will be joined by longtime partners Kevin Williams and Ed Sarluca.

It’s a brand new ballgame for our game The trio have been together for 20 years calling broadcasts as they will all be streamed live on Shore Conference football games in Ocean and shoresportsnetwork.com and through the Shore Monmouth County.

Sports Network mobile app.

Jersey Mike’s returns as the title sponsor of the The schedule features eight of the teams weekly streaming broadcasts and will also ranked on our preseason Top Ten, including two sponsor the popular Team of the Week program games with #1 ranked Red Bank Catholic (October throughout the season. Participating sponsors 4 at Toms River North and October 25 at Donovan include Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, Sansone Jr’s 66 Auto Mall, Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch and RKE Athletic.

@

Middletown South 13

@

Wall 14

Central 21

@

Lacey 34

9/27

Jackson Memorial 28

@

Brick 14

Friday

10/4

Red Bank Catholic. 21

@

Toms River North 6

Friday

10/11

Toms River North

@

Middletown South

Friday

10/18

Neptune

@

Toms River South

Friday

10/25

Red Bank Catholic

@

Donovan Catholic

Friday

11/1

Toms River South

@

Toms River North

Thursday

11/28

Manasquan

@

Wall

Friday

9/6

Manalapan 23

Friday

9/13

Rumson-Fair Haven

Friday

9/20

Friday

3

(11am)

Schedule is subject to change

All games streamed live at shoresportsnetwork.com and on the FREE Shore Sports Network App

27

28

29

30

Award-winning broadcasters Kevin Williams, Ed Sarluca and Bob Badders cover the entire Shore Conference from Matawan to Pinelands. Broadcast live each week the show features players, coaches and a preview of upcoming games.

Wednesday, 7-8pm on 105.7 The Hawk,

1057thehawk.com & shoresportsnetwork.com The only weekly radio and online show that covers Ocean and Monmouth County High School Football

31

32