Scanning the Scene with Ed Sarluca: Championship Title

As high school football enters its 7th week of games, champions are stepping up. Southern Reg.(5-1) has won the Constitution Division with their 21-14 victory over runner up Middletown North(3-3). It’s their first championship since they won A-South in 2011. Again it was Sophomore Jaiden Brown with 156 yards rushing and a TD who led the Rams to victory. Senior QB Cole Robinson threw a TD pass and had the clinching interception to also lead the Rams. Nice job by HC Chuck Donahue and his staff and team for securing the win and championship. Southern will be the featured team on the Asylum Sports Center Coaches Corner on Wednesday night from the Office Lounge in Toms River. Joining us will be HC Chuck Donahue along with QB Cole Robinson and two-way lineman Colby Saxton. Join us live at 7 p.m. or listen on 105.7 the Hawk. We are also streamed on ShoreSportsNetwork.com.

Ocean(5-0) has clinched at least a tie in the Patriot Division with a thriller up at Raritan. The final was 42-37 with Ocean coming back from 21 points in the second quarter and 17 points at halftime. Outstanding RB Trebor Pena ran for 263 yards and 3 TDs and also caught 2 TD passes from QB Robbie Nungesser. Those two just happened to be our guests last Wednesday night at the River Rock in Brick on the Asylum Sports Center Coaches Corner. Pena has verbally said he is going to Temple University.  Raritan put up a great fight, but couldn’t hold the lead.  QB Steve Caponi threw for 235 yards and 3 TDs and ran another one in to have a big game.

TR East(6-0) clinched at least a tie in the Freedom Division with a 14-13 victory over Neptune. A home game this Friday against winless Lakewood will give them the championship outright. I especially like the way the Raiders have played on the road with big wins at Colts Neck(5-1) and Neptune(2-3). That’s the true sign of a championship team. After Lakewood, the Raiders have a big non-divisional game against 5-1 Toms River North in 2 weeks.

Donovan Catholic(6-0) has clinched at least a tie in the Liberty Division with another dominating win against Manasquan.  The final was 42-6.   Donovan plays a very tough Lacey (5-1) team this week at home for a chance to win the title outright. In 2 weeks, in a non-divisional game, the Griffs will be severely tested against RBC. That’s a game we will stream for you on the ShoreSportsNetwork.com. DC has only given up 20 points all year on defense while scoring 243 points. RBC is also a possible opponent in the upcoming Non-Public Group 3 playoff so it's possible that they play twice this year. Mater Dei Prep (4-2) is also in that section...they've lost 2 straight after sitting in the #1 spot since pre-season, and the first 4 weeks.

Asbury Park (3-2) has clinched at least a tie in the National Division even though they lost to Keyport. They can win it outright with a win over Manchester. The Blue Bishops got some help last week when Point Beach(4-2) was beaten by Manchester.

Rumson(4-2) has clinched at least a tie in the toughest Division at the shore, the American. They beat Mater Dei 21-16 and earned their share of the title with TR North’s victory over Middletown South. TR North(5-1) can get a piece of the crown with a win over Long Branch(1-4) and can win it outright combined with a Middletown South win over Rumson.

Wall (6-0) is rolling along as the #1 team in the Shore and have their eyes on the Colonial Division crown. Wall must still play St John Vianney (3-2) and Brick(3-3) in the division. Wall is also ranked #6 in the state and one of only 2 teams in the Shore currently ranked in the top 20. Donovan Catholic is #15.

This is a special week in New Jersey as we celebrate referees around the state.  It is referee appreciation week so at your games thank a referee for the outstanding job they do.   It is a thankless position that they put themselves in, for little compensation...and they deserve a pat on the back. Not only in football but the many other sports they officiate. They are regular men and women who have the best interest of the student-athletes in mind.

Our Friday Night Jersey Mike’s Game of the Week takes us to the home of the Indians as Toms River South entertains the Scarlet Fliers of Neptune. 7 p.m. Friday, streamed on the ShoreSportsNetwork.com.

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