Jackson Memorial Wins Shore Conference 7-on-7 Title
LONG BRANCH - Jackson Memorial has built its reputation on being able to bury teams with the running game, but the Jaguars showed on Thursday night that they can do more than just ground and pound.
Junior Dan Barker, who will step in for graduated standout Joe DeMaio at quarterback for the Jaguars this fall, threw three touchdown passes to lead them to a 20-6 win over Monmouth County champion Wall in the Shore Conference 7-on-7 championship game that preceded the U.S. Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic.
"I think it gives us a lot of confidence,'' Barker said. "They're used to Joe from last year, so this is a good chance to give me some work with them."
Barker missed just about all of last season with a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He takes the reins of a unit that produced two 1,000-yard rushers in one season for the first time in school history last year on the way to winning the Central Jersey Group IV title and finishing No. 1 in the Shore.
Both of those running backs, senior Vinny Lee and junior Mike Gawlik, return this fall. The 7-on-7 showed that the versatile Lee will be incorporated much more into the passing game this year.
"(Lee) can do anything,'' Barker said. "He's just really athletic and can make any play.''
Senior standout Kyle Johnson returns at wide receiver, but standout Matt Castronuova, who was the offensive MVP in Ocean County's victory with two touchdown catches on Thursday night, has to be replaced along with the graduated Aaron Curet. Senior Kyle Lona and junior Trevor Louro are expected to play much bigger roles.
Barker is also filling the shoes of DeMaio, a two-year starter who is headed to Iona to play baseball. DeMaio threw a touchdown pass in Ocean County's win on Thursday night.
"I learned how to be a leader by watching him,'' Barker said. "He was a great leader. He's really athletic, and he never seemed to get nervous in big spots. It was good learning from him."
The bull's eye will be on the Jaguars' back from Day One as the defending state champion and top team in the Shore.
"It's definitely a lot of pressure, but I think once I go out and make a couple plays, I'll be fine,'' Barker said.
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