Shore Sports Network Football Top 10, 9/11/18

Just one full week of the season has been played but there is already some seismic activity within the Shore Sports Network Football Top 10.

Three teams that were ranked in the SSN Preseason Top 10 have been bounced out thanks to an eventful Week 1. St. John Vianney had a 38-game Shore Conference winning streak entering the season and was ranked second in the Shore, but after two blowout losses, the Lancers are on the outside looking in. With SJV going down in both Week 0 and Week 1, the Shore’s next longest conference winning streak was Manalapan’s 16-game stretch. Well, that is no more, as well, as Toms River North stunned the Braves with a last-minute rally. Middletown North had a tough season-opening matchup with Freehold and it was the host Colonials who came away with an impressive Colonial Division victory.

So, who are the three new teams in the rankings? Find out below in the latest edition of the Jeep Store Top 10.

1. Red Bank Catholic (2-0). Last week: No. 1             

Senior quarterback Steve Lubischer had a 4-yard touchdown run and senior defensive back M.J. Wright had a 45-yard pick-6 as the Caseys rolled past Ocean, 40-7. This week: Friday vs. Toms River South (0-1).

2. Mater Dei Prep (2-0). Last week: No. 3

Clarence Lewis had a touchdown catch and an interception return for a touchdown and Izaiah Henderson returned a fumble for a touchdown as the Seraphs (2-0) cruised to a 35-0 victory over Matawan. This week: Friday at Jackson Liberty (0-1).

3. Rumson-Fair Haven (1-0). Last week: No. 6 

Senior fullback Alex Maldjian had a career day with five touchdowns (four rushing) and Rumson’s defense shut down St. John Vianney in a dominant 43-6 victory. Junior quarterback Colin Coles had a sparkling debut by going 12 of 15 for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including one to senior tight end Ian O’Connor. This week: Friday vs. Middletown North (0-1).

4. Brick (1-0). Last week: No. 4

The Dragons’ defense was suffocating in allowing just 130 yards and forcing three turnovers in a 30-7 win over Brick Memorial. Senior linebacker Rich Tallmadge made 16 tackles and returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown, senior defensive back Mike McGuigan had two interceptions and senior quarterback Jimmy Leblo had a touchdown run and also a touchdown catch. The win was the sixth straight for Brick over Brick Memorial. This week: Friday at St. John Vianney (0-2).

5. Long Branch (1-0). Last week: No. 5

Junior running back Jermaine Corbett had another big game with 220 yards rushing and four touchdowns while senior quarterback Marc Dennis tossed touchdowns to Zahdieer Blueford and CheCzar Lovett in a 41-6 win over Toms River East. This week: The Green Wave have a bye and will return to action on Oct. 21 at Ocean.

6. Manasquan (1-0). Last week: No. 7

Senior running back Canyon Birch ran for 176 yards and four touchdowns and senior fullback Rashid Tuddles added a pair of rushing touchdowns as the Warriors rallied past rival Point Boro, 42-28, to earn revenge for a playoff loss to the Panthers last season. This week: Friday at Neptune (0-1).

7. Toms River North (1-0). Last week: not ranked

On the heels of a 1-9 season, Toms River North made an early statement by stunning Manalapan, 15-14, to end the Braves’ 16-game Shore Conference winning streak. Dashawn Wilder returned a kickoff 94-yards for a touchdown and then caught the go-ahead 2-point conversion with 30 seconds left. This week: Friday at Howell (1-0).

8. Middletown South (1-1). Last week: not ranked 

Following a lopsided season-opening loss to Pennsylvania power Coatesville, the Eagles returned home and delivered a blowout of their own in a 37-0 shutout of Freehold Township. Senior Matt Tardy had a big game with three sacks, a safety and a touchdown catch and senior quarterback Trevor Brey ran for three touchdowns and totaled 215 yards. This week: Friday at Manalapan (0-1).

9. Freehold (1-0). Last week: not ranked 

Senior quarterback Matt Krauss picked up right where Ashante Worthy left off by rushing for 305 yards and two touchdowns and passing for 169 yards and a touchdown as the Colonials held off Middletown North, 22-20. Sha’kim Shuler ran for 71 yards and caught seven passes for 106 yards and Quincy Davis had eight catches for 63 yards and a touchdown. This week: Saturday vs. Brick Memorial.

10. Jackson Memorial (1-0). Last week: No. 10

Senior running back Leo Shimonovich ran for two touchdowns and linebacker Joe Maffei made 11 tackles to lead the way in a 14-0 shutout of Southern. This week: Friday vs. Wall (1-0).

Dropped out: St. John Vianney (No. 2 last week), Manalapan (No. 7 last week), Middletown North (No. 9 last week).

Teams to watch

Wall (1-0) 

Shore (1-0)

Barnegat (1-0)

Donovan Catholic (1-0) 

Holmdel (1-0)

Lacey (2-0)

Archive

Preseason

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