By Mike White
Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER — Jackson High School’s Nick Castellano wasn’t going to let a nagging injury prevent him from finishing the game. Castellano had his heart set on playing for the Ocean County All Stars in last Sunday’s All Shore Football Classic at Toms River North High School. He never figured he might be sidelined with an injured groin.
"I wasn’t coming out of the game," Castellano said. "Playing in this game means everything to me. I used to come and watch this game when I was in grade school. I knew I needed to fight through the injury and keep playing."
Castellano put the pain aside to spearhead the Ocean County All Stars to a 10-7 overtime win against Monmouth County in the silver anniversary of the event.
On a night when outstanding defensive plays were at a premium, it was a 35-yard field goal by Lacey’s Carl Pennauchi’s that proved to be the game winner.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Castellano proved one more time why he was the most feared defensive player in the Shore Conference this past season.
His dogged pursuit of ball carriers, combined with a couple of bone crunching hits, resulted in Castellano being named Ocean County’s Defensive Player of the Game.
"I’m happy I had a chance to contribute to our victory," said Castellano, who will play football at Monmouth University this fall. "I’ve been looking forward to this game for a while. We had a lot of talent on this team. I think it was a great game by both teams. I think we gave the fans a pretty exciting finish."
Castellano injured his right groin early in the first half chasing Matawan’s Kevin Davis. But he would not let the injury interfere with his goal of winning the game.
"I hurt it when he turned a corner and I was in pursuit," Castellano said. "It has been a little tender all week. It popped again when I tried to bring down Davis. But I knew our defense was going to be a key in the second half."
Castellano finished the game with eight solo tackles and assisted on a handful of others. His most devastating hit occurred late in the first half when he busted through the Monmouth County offensive line and leveled Davis for a three-yard loss.
"He got in there real quick," Davis said. "Before I knew it he was on top of me. It was like he was lined up on our side of the line of scrimmage."
Castellano was a key part to the resurgence of the Jackson High School football program. A two-way player the last two seasons, Castellano was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Shore Conference along with teammate Joe Serratelli.
Castellano finished the year with a total of 136 tackles and 11 sacks. He is hoping to make an impact on Monmouth University’s team.
"I love to play," Castellano said. "I play this game for fun. I’m going there with very little expectations. I’m going to play hard and let things work itself out."
Castellano turned down an offer to play in the Governor’s Bowl so he could participate in the All Shore Classic.
"My heart is in Ocean County," Castellano said. "I wanted to be here and play with the guys I grew up with one last time. There was never any doubt I was going to play in this game."