Week 1 is complete and week 2 creates problems for area coaches. Why? Because 0-1 coaches begin to feel the pressure of an 0-2 start and 1-0 coaches work to keep their players grounded, because they think they will never lose. Both scenarios are playing this week for a number of teams around the Shore. Let's look at news and notes from this past week.

Mid South(1-0) goes on road and scores 38 straight points after falling behind 21-3 to South Brunswick. Eagles must work on pass defense this week as they were torched for 3 TD passes in first half.

RBC can play defense! We here about Eddie Hahn and the offense, but there was no Hahn week 1, and all they do is throw a shutout(28-0) at Long Branch. Hahn returns this week after his knee injury.

TR North(1-0) has multiple weapons led by QB Mike Husni(200+ yds of total offense). They get an angry 0-1 Brick Mem. team, on the road, this week

If QB Dan Barker plays like he did in week 1, look out for Jackson Mem.(1-0) to be even better than last year, as the running game with Mike Gawlik and Vinnie Lee is one year older and stronger than last year. If Barker can duplicate what Joe Dimao did last year, watch out.

SJV(1-0) has survived week 1 and will get better each week as they get more familiar with head coach Derek Sininsky on game days. Anthony Brown is the best throwing QB in the Shore.

Manalapan(1-0) has a pair of Soph. RBs in Naim Mayfield and Chris Maksimik(2 TDs each) to re-build their running game around.

Tyler Thompson(175 yds. and 3 TDs) is back and showed no signs of his broken leg which occurred last fall. Ocean is a major threat.

Neptune(0-1) will be headaches for anyone on their schedule.

Amir Tyler(Lakewood(1-0) scored 4 times in their big win over Central.

I witnessed a dominating effort by Brick over Brick Memorial(36-6). The Dragons(1-0), led by 1st year head coach Lenny Zdanowicz, emerged from the game with 2 budding stars. Running backs Ja'sir Taylor and Jay Obenauer led a 343 yard rushing game, as they buried a pretty good Brick Mem team.

Congrats to 3 first year coaches for their first wins at their schools

Lenny Zdanowicz-Brick

Shannon Hoadley-Mater Dei Prep

Derek Sininsky-SJV

Kudos also to Rich Mosca-(Monmouth Reg.), Steve Bush(Mid North), LJ Clark(Lakewood) and Sean Henry(Point Boro) on big opening day wins.

It's was always tough to go to TR South(1-0) to play a football game, but with the new renovations to the Indian field, it's tougher than ever now. New bleachers, a new gigantic press box, new paint and a passionate fan base, has turned Detwiler Field into a nightmare for opposing teams. Congrats to those involved for a very fitting and beautiful pre-game tribute to 9/11, with hero's (first responders) on the field and many more in our memories, from that eventful day, 14 years ago.

Donovan Catholic didn't need busses to get to TR South Friday night, they marched to TRS led by 14 bagpipers, students and fans. Pretty cool. By the way, David Calderon who was helped off field at the end of Friday game, is said to be OK and will play this week. He's a good one.

Freehold Boro ran for 323 yards in a 28-14 win over cross town rival Free. Twp.

QB Jake Burlew(Matawan) filled in admirably for injured star George Pearson. Pearson, not dressed, was on sidelines with a hip injury.

Because of the installation of field turf to Central Reg. field last year, the Eagles played all but 1 game on the road. They reap the rewards this year, with 9 home games!

Sad to say that senior QB Matt Cluley(Wall) is probably loss for the season with a dislocated elbow which was sustained in the first 5 min of Friday's game vs Red Bank. No surgery required on right arm, but a devastating loss to coach Dan Curcione and the Knights.

Also on the injury front; QB Tim Santiago(Brick Mem.) bruised his hand in Saturday's loss, but should be a go for Friday's big A-South contest vs TR North.

Chad Freshnock(Mid North) left with an injury during their big win vs Perth Amboy(41-10), but he's ok and should play this week.

Shore Sports Network will have Len Zdanowicz(Brick), at Water Street Grill this Thursday at 7pm. Join us or listen live on 1160 or 1310am or watch us streamed on SSN.

Big games this week:

Barnegat at Central

Matawan at Rumson

TRN at Brick Mem ( our game of week is on 1160 or 1310am Friday at 7pm)

 

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