Mike Gawlik Runs for 215 Yards to Power Jackson Memorial Past Brick in Central Jersey Group IV

BRICK TOWNSHIP -- Junior running back Mike Gawlik ran for 215 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries and Jackson Memorial's defense held Brick to 166 total yards as the defending-champion Jaguars (6-4) upset the Dragons (8-2) 21-7 in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs on Friday night at Keller Memorial Field.

Gawlik ran for a 52-yard touchdown on the first possession of the game to stake the Jaguars to an early 7-0 lead. He added a 1-yard run in the third quarter that gave Jackson a 14-7 advantage. Kyle Johnson also ran for a touchdown for Jackson.

Senior defensive end Tyler Towns had huge game with five tackle for a loss or no gain, a sack and a fumble recovery. Senior defensive tackle Austin Ostrander added a sack and two tackles for loss and junior Zack Lubertazzi also had a strong game with two hits for a loss.

Brick junior Anthony Costanza filled in at quarterback for injured senior Tom Zbranak and thew for 91 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Ja’Sir Taylor  in the second quarter.

Jackson will play at sixth-seeded Steinert in the semifinals. Steinert upset third-seeded Burlington Township 16-7.