Friday’s game has
playoff implications
for both teams
By Mike White
Staff Writer
Lakewood High School football coach Dave Oizerowitz doesn’t believe the bye week leaves a team rusty and stale. In fact, Oizerowitz said having last week off is exactly what Lakewood needed following a disturbing 21-14 loss to Brick two weeks ago.
"Mentally that was a difficult loss for us," Oizerowitz said. "We felt that was a game that got away from us. I think we were tired emotionally following that loss. Having the past week off gave us a chance to regroup and reflect. I think it came at a good time. I think this team learned something from that loss."
Lakewood, which owns a record of 5-1, is hoping to keep its playoff chances alive. The Piners travel to Jackson 7 p.m. Friday to take on the Jaguars in a Shore Conference matchup that will feature two of the best running backs in the league — Lakewood’s Dwayne Jones and Jackson’s Jeramy Edwards.
"This is an important game for both teams," Oizerowitz said. "Jackson needs this game to keep its playoff hopes intact. We need it to help gain legitimacy as a football program. I think, until we are capable of knocking off teams of Jackson’s caliber, people won’t see us as a top-notch program."
Jackson (4-2) is coming off a 26-10 win over Brick Memorial last Saturday. It’s been 13 days since the last time the Piners have seen game conditions.
Playing consistent football and capitalizing on mistakes is the key to his team’s success, Oizerowitz said.
"We feel we’re pretty evenly matched with them," Oizerowitz said. "I believe Jackson High School is one of the toughest places to play in the Shore Conference. We can’t afford to turn the ball over. We’re hoping to be able to hang around and have a chance to win in the fourth quarter. We’ve moved the ball on everyone we’ve played this season. The key for us is converting in the red zone."
Jones leads Lakewood’s ground attack. The junior has carried the ball 105 times for a total of 943 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is considered one of the top runners in the Shore Conference.
"He is an outstanding talent," Oizerowitz said, "but we feel, in order for us to be successful against Jackson, we need to get more people involved in the offense. We’ll look to spread the ball around and make sure everyone gets their touches."
Denroy Anglin is another threat on the ground for the Piners. Anglin, who also doubles at linebacker, has rushed for five TDs and more than 350 yards.
"He adds another dimension to the offense," Oizerowitz said. "If they key on Jones too much, this guy is capable of making some big plays."
Lakewood has defended the run well all season, and with Edwards spearheading the Jackson attack, Oizerowitz feels his defense will be tested.
"He is a very good running back," Oizerowitz said.
"He’s fast and hits the hole quick. This Jackson team may not have the big names of the past two years, but they are a good football team. If we think we can go in there and run over them, we are mistaken. We are going to have to play solid football for four quarters."
The last time Lakewood played at Jackson was in 1998. The Piners upset the Jaguars by a score of 18-0.
Oizerowitz said he realizes the importance of this game.
"We control our own destiny," he said. "If we can win one of the next two [games], we qualify for the playoffs. We still have a shot at winning a share of the divisional title with a win over Toms River South on Thanksgiving, but winning this game against Jackson would prove our program can win big games.
"This is a great opportunity. We want to leave with a win. We’re going to stand in there and slug it out toe to toe."