Shore Sports Network Football Players of the Week, 9/23/14

Overall Shore Conference Players of the Week

Offense

Jake Curry, Jr., QB, Freehold

The Colonials’ junior dual-threat quarterback, who was also voted the Sport Clips Player of the Week by the fans, made plays all over the field in Freehold’s 41-21 victory over Howell last Saturday. The junior ran for a career-high 143 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries, including an 80-yard touchdown run. Curry also tossed a 40-yard touchdown pass in the win while adding a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown on defense to help the Colonials start 3-0 for the first time since 2008.

Defense

Khaleel Greene, Sr., DB, Toms River South

Greene was a playmaking machine in the secondary during the Indians’ 42-6 victory over Toms River East. The senior had three first-half interceptions, including one he returned 82 yards for a touchdown. Offensively, he also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass.

Special teams

Matt Cuppari, Jr., K, Brick Memorial

After missing an extra point earlier in the game that had the Mustangs trailing by one late to Toms River North, Cuppari completely redeemed himself by blasting a career-long 40-yard field with 5.2 seconds left in the game to give Brick Memorial a thrilling 16-14 victory over the Mariners.

Divisional Players of the Week

Class A North

Offense

Cole Rogers, Jr., RB, Middletown South

Rogers ran for a career-high 198 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-0 win over Neptune for Middletown South’s ninth straight win over the Scarlet Fliers, helping the Eagles bounce back from a loss to state-ranked South Brunswick.

Defense

Ben Sieczkowski, Sr., DE, Manalapan

Sieczkowski led a shutdown defensive effort in a 51-0 win over Freehold Township with 10 total tackles that included three for loss, along with two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Class A Central

Offense

Anthony Brown, Jr., QB, St. John Vianney; Khalil Haskins, Jr., WR, St. John Vianney

Brown threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns in a 42-13 victory over Holmdel to lead the Lancers to a 2-0 start for the first time in over a decade. Haskins had 6 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown and also had a strong game on special teams.

Defense

Rumson-Fair Haven's entire unit

The Bulldogs shut down a Matawan team chock full of offensive weapons with a collective effort in a 31-10 victory. Junior linebacker Butchy Clark had a strong game that included two sacks and a pair of tackles for loss, senior Ben Eisenstadt had a fumble recovery and sophomore Mike Murdock added a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Class A South

Offense

Ja’Sir Taylor, So., WR, Brick

Taylor had a monster all-around game in Brick’s 41-6 victory over Southern by catching eight passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns and running for 34 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Defense

Jackson Memorial’s entire unit

The Jaguars suffocated Lacey in a 27-0 win and completely shut down the Lions' offensive attack by allowing just 32 rushing yards and 67 total yards. The defensive line wreaked havoc throughout the game and linebackers Zach Tetro and Tyler Towns, and defensive back Aaron Curet each played strong games individually.

Class B North

Offense

Dahmiere Willis, Sr., RB, Long Branch

The Green Wave bounced back from a season-opening loss to No. 1 Red Bank Catholic with a 31-6 win over a Carteret squad that knocked them out of the playoffs last season, and Willis led the way with 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Also deserving mention: Tommy Spernal, Sr., RB, Red Bank Catholic

Defense

Jimmy Ferrogine, Sr., DL, Red Bank Regional

Ferrogine was a force for the Bucs in their 38-6 victory over Colts Neck with four tackles for loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery to help Red Bank start 2-0 on the heels of a 1-9 season.

Class B Central

Offense

Tysaun White, Sr., WR, Mater Dei Prep

The Seraphs lost a 50-38 shootout to Dunellen despite a huge game from White, who had two short rushing touchdowns and receiving touchdowns of 74 and 24 yards. He finished with 51 yards rushing and two touchdowns on six carries and three receptions for 96 yards and two scores.

Defense

Dylan Alt, Sr., LB, Keansburg

Alt recorded 11 tackles and recovered a fumble, and also scored two 2-point conversions to help the Titans edge Highland Park, 22-20.

Class B South

Offense

Mike Bickford, So., RB, Central Regional

Bickford ran for 120 yards and two touchdowns - both in the fourth quarter - to lead the Golden Eagles to a stunning 21-15 upset of then-No. 5 Barnegat. His 21-yard touchdown run with 1:47 left in the game stood as the game-winning score.

Also deserving mention: Ryan Van Wickle, Jr., QB, Jackson Liberty.

Defense

Matt Aires, Jr. DB, Central Regional

After Central grabbed the lead on Mike Bickford’s touchdown run with 1:47 left, Aires intercepted Barnegat quarterback Cinjun Erskine with 1:05 left in the game to seal the Golden Eagles’ 21-15 upset of defending division champion and previously-ranked No. 5 Barnegat.