Player of the Week: Donovan Catholic’s GianCarlo Stigliano

The fans have spoken, and after only the first varsity football game of his career, Donovan Catholic junior kicker GianCarlo Stigliano is the inaugural Sports Clips Shore Conference Player of the Week coming off his performance in Week Zero.

Stigliano booted the game-winning 35-yard field goal with only nine seconds left in regulation to give Donovan Catholic a 10-7 victory over Pinelands in Class B South to open the season. Stigliano played soccer at Christian Brothers Academy last season before deciding to transfer and play football for the Griffins this fall. He had missed an earlier field-goal attempt but came up clutch when his team needed it most.

With 45 percent of the vote, he just edged out Freehold Township senior running back Matt Pine, who had a career-high four touchdowns, all in the first half, in a 40-20 win over Howell. Pine finished with 126 yards rushing and three touchdowns on only five carries, and also had a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown on defense.

The divisional Players of the Week selected by Shore Sports Network will begin after Week One action as the majority of Shore Conference teams begin this week.

Other Notable Week Zero Performances

Josh Dixon, Sr., RB, Freehold Boro

Dixon erupted for 217 yards rushing and four touchdowns while also intercepting a pass on defense in a 26-14 win over Middletown North.

Eddie Hahn, Jr., QB, Red Bank Catholic

Hahn ran for a career-high 109 yards and three touchdowns on only three carries and also threw for 61 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 55-6 win over Wall.

James McCarthy, So., RB/LB, Middletown South

McCarthy ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns on six carries and also had a sack, another tackle for a loss and an interception that helped set up a touchdown in his first game as a starter as Middletown South beat Marlboro 56-0 in its opener.

Chad Freshnock, Jr., RB, Middletown North

Freshnock was outstanding in a losing effort, rushing for a career-high 250 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-14 loss.