(Photo by Steve Meyer).
(Photo by Steve Meyer).
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For the 4 to 5 thousand people who attended the Red Bank/RBC football game last Friday night, consider yourselves very lucky to witness the spectacle of high school football at its best.  No, it wasn't the best game ever played, but the atmosphere was as good as I've ever seen considering the pressure the home team carried on their shoulders to win that game.  The coaches, band, cheerleaders, fans in general and most importantly the student sections of both teams were outstanding and they were into it from a 1/2 hour before the game started until the pandemonium that occurred after the 24-21 Red Bank win when students and fans rushed the field to celebrate Red Bank's biggest win in many a year. Who knows how long into the night the celebration went on in Red Bank, but the winners deserved to celebrate while the Caseys will heal their wounds and be back at it this week. There is too much talent to let one 3 point loss affect what they want out of this season. Remember, they are the defending State champs.  Let's look at the game itself:

I met Shane Bigelow, the offensive line coach at RBR last year when he served as the best man at my daughter Maria's, and now son-in-law Charlie Lupo's wedding.  We talked a little football and he told me to watch out for the Buc's this coming year.  He had some seasoned lineman who were ready to make some noise in 2015.  Well, Friday night it was his linemen who stole the show as they dominated a big defensive front from RBC to the tune of 258 yards rushing, as Alim Godsey (115 yds.), Sadiq Palmer (79 yds.) and Jack Navisky (66 yds.) ran behind Shane's line.  They also protected Navitsky as he threw for 91 yards and 349 total yards on the night, which was the difference in the game.  Linemen sometimes don't get the credit they deserve, but Friday night they carried the Bucs and led them to the huge win.  With the win, the Bucs clinched at least a tie for the B-North championship.  Only Long Branch is left for Red Bank (6-0).

Middletown South (6-0) and Brick Memorial (5-1) both won big this week to set up a big game this week as the Eagles make a trip to Mustang land.  We will broadcast that game on News Talk Radio WOBM-AM 1160 & 1310 as our Jersey Mike's Game of the Week. South beat Manalapan 42-7, while Brick Memorial beat Jackson Memorial 28-7.  Both teams have high power offenses and whoever plays the best defense might decide this one.  The gig matchup of the night will be LB Dylan Rogers vs. QB Tim Santiago - I'm looking forward to that.

TR South (4-1) took a huge playoff step on Saturday afternoon when they shutout Southern (2-4) 21-0.  With only Hammonton (5-0) unbeaten in SJG 4, the Indians are in the hunt for a bid to the dance.  It does get a bit more difficult for the Indians from now to the end, as they play Jackson (3-3), Brick Memorial (5-1), Brick (6-0), and Lakewood (5-0) with some possible playoff games after the Brick game.

TR North (5-1) remains on a collision course with Brick on Oct 30th for the A-South title. North's 1 loss was to Brick Memorial, who lost to Brick.  A North win over Brick could create a 3-way tie for the division championship - that's assuming all take care of business the rest of the way.

Lakewood's Amir Tyler ran for 300 yards and 3 TDs and ran a punt back for another TD in Lakwood's 46-20 win over Donovan Catholic.  Meanwhile a little further north, Rumson (4-1) was cruising past Manasquan 49-6. The Dog defense forced 3 turnovers on Squan's first 3 possessions to make it a very successful homecoming night in Rumson.  The leader of the Bulldog defense is LB Mike Ruane and the reason why I put these two games together is that Rumson travels to Lakewood and they get to see Amir Tyler up close and personal.  A big non-conference game with many power points involved.

Point Boro (6-0) gets 140 yards from QB Noah Husack in its shutout win over Barnegat.  It's about time you start to notice the Panthers.

SJV (6-0) continues to roll and put up points as they do so.  With QB Anthony Brown making Boston College happier each week he plays, the Lancers are looking to go into the playoffs unbeaten and get the home field advantage for the first 2 rounds. This week Brown threw for 297 yards and 5 TDs (3 to Mike Stapert) and also ran for 108 yards.  This kid can play and he may be the most exciting player in the State - yes, I said State!

Asbury Park (4-1) is another team you must take a look at as they may be Shore's main threat in the B-Central as they beat Keyport this week 28-21. Shore (5-0) beat Mater Dei Prep 45-6 as they continue to be impressive each week. The 2 will meet on Nov. 6th at Shore.

Congrats to Neptune who picked up their first 'W' of the year.

Watch out for Matawan (3-3) who won their 3rd straight.  Now that QB George Pearson is back from his hip injury, the Huskies just want to continue to win, make it into the playoffs and defend the title they won last year.  This week RB Makiya Ceasar ran for 3 TDs in the 42-7 win over Holmdel.

If you want to sharpen up your passing attack, take in a practice session with Corey Davies and his Freehold Township team.  He has rejunivated the Patriot's who are now 3-3.  QB Jack O'Brian threw 4 and scored 2 more on the ground as he had a huge day in the 42-7 win over Marlboro.

In summary of this past week, 11 teams scored 40 or more points. Where are the defensive coordinators?  Or is it the year of the offense?

Middletown South-49 pts/game
SJV-38 1/2 pts/game
TR North-37pts/game
Brick Memorial-35 pts/game
Shore-34 1/2 pts/game
Central-31 pts/game
Lakewood-30 pts/game

Join us Thursday from the Water Street Grille in Toms River as we talk football from 7PM-8:30PM.  This week in house will be Walt Currie and QB Tim Santiago from Brick Memorial discussing their upcoming big game with Middletown South.  Also, we will talk with Rumson's head coach Bryan Batchler and SJV outstanding QB Anthony Brown.  Of course we have our regular guests: Bobby Badders from the Shore Sports Network and Monmouth University head coach Kevin Callahan.  Can't make it down?  Listen on News Talk Radio WOBM-AM 1160 & 1310AM or online at shoresportsnetwork.com.

Our Jersey Mike's Game of the Week takes us to Brick Memorial in a homecoming game against #1 Middletown South this Friday at 7PM.

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