Jersey Mike’s Team of the Week: Central Regional

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

The Team of the Week for Week Two is Central Regional, which opened some eyes around the Shore Conference when it knocked off defending Class B South champion and previously-fifth-ranked Barnegat, 21-15, on the road on Friday night. The Golden Eagles and head coach Willie Jacobs were presented with a special game ball at practice by Jersey Mike's NJ/NE Area Director Chad Tirpack, a former standout quarterback/defensive back at Wall, on Tuesday. The players were also treated to free Jersey Mike's subs.

The win over the Bengals was a complete team effort as Central bounced back from a season-opening loss to Lakewood. Sophomore running back Mike Bickford ran for 120 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including the game-winner. Defensive back Matt Aires had a one-handed interception in the final two minutes, Brandon Vuono had a blocked extra point, and Jordan Hardy recovered an onside kick that led to the winning touchdown.

“We knew we had a chance if our kids believed, and our kids believed tonight,” Jacobs said after the game. “I knew we had a shot in the second half. Did I know it would go like this? No, I’m still dreaming.”

The Golden Eagles join Neptune as the two recipients thus far of the Jersey Mike's Team of the Week, which is selected by the Shore Sports Network staff.