Central Regional’s Football Team Bounces Back

The low point of Central Regional High School’s football season came during a 42-0 win over Toms River East on September 9^th.  Despite the blowout victory that improved their record to 2-0 there was little joy among the Golden Eagles because a fight during the game resulted in three of their players (and three from East) being ejected.  That meant they would be ineligible for the NJSIAA Playoffs and no matter what their season would end on November 4^th.

Well it’s November 4^th and tonight Central plays its biggest football game in years when they host high-powered Toms River North in a game that will decide the Class A South championship.  Both teams come in with 6-0 division records and there is so much on the line when they meet at Joseph J. Boyd Field.

Under first-year coach Justin Fumando the Golden Eagles have been one of the shore’s biggest surprises and he’s done an amazing job of keeping his team focused in the wake of the early-season news that the playoffs were out of the picture.  Led by the school’s career rushing leader Mike Bickford this game tonight is their one and only chance to win a championship and emotions will be high.

Meanwhile the visiting Mariners are working on their own legacy including an undefeated season, the pursuit of a second straight state sectional title and possibility of being the top-ranked team in New Jersey.  Expect plenty of fireworks in a winner-take-all meeting.

This is the final weekend before playoff teams and pairings are made official so there is much at stake around the shore.  Among tonight's other key games is Point Borough at Barnegat with the visiting Panthers looking to secure the outright Class B South championship.