MHS football completes improved first half

Team much more competitive in 2005

By: Rudy Brandl
   
   The Manville High football team has hit the midway mark of the 2005 season with a 1-4 record.
   After opening the season with a 25-0 victory at Newark Central that broke a two-year, 20-game losing streak, the Mustangs have dropped four straight games. A loss to New Providence this Friday night will eliminate the Mustangs from state playoff contention. They entertained hopes of making the post-season for the first time in school history after that opening victory.
   Although they most likely won’t make the playoffs this season and appear a long shot to finish with a winning record, the Mustangs have made some major strides in the first half of the season. There are many reasons for MHS fans to take pride in the accomplishments of the team.
   Here’s a quick glance at how the Mustangs are better this year:
   1. More competitive. There haven’t been nearly as many blowouts. Manville has been in all but one game at halftime. The team trailed Middlesex big early, but the other three losses haven’t been ugly. Take away the Middlesex game and the Mustangs have outscored their opponents in the first half for the season. The Mustangs trailed Roselle Park 10-0 at the half and gave David Brearley an early scare Sunday, when they were behind just 7-6 at the break. Recent Manville teams have trailed by as many as three or four touchdowns at the half on those trips to Union County.
   2. More points. Shutouts are no longer a way of life for the Mustangs. They started the season by scoring 25 points in a victory at Newark Central. Since then, they’ve been blanked twice, but added three more touchdowns to make it seven scores for the season. Four different players scored in the opening win and balance has continued to prevail in the last two weeks. Also, the team has scored in many different ways, including runs, passes, special teams and defensive touchdowns. Manville has 44 points so far and has a great chance to go over 100 for the first time in many years. Even when a team doesn’t win on a regular basis, scoring points creates more excitement and a better overall feeling within the program.
   3. Better attitude. Starting with rookie head coach Brett Stibitz, the Mustangs are more positive. The work ethic has produced results, which is the lesson Stibitz is trying to teach. The Mustangs put in some serious time over the summer and it showed in their stellar performance in Newark. They’ve still got a long way to go, but if Stibitz can keep his guys believing in the system and working hard, this program will continue to improve.
   Here are some ways the team still needs to improve:
   1. Fewer turnovers. Most teams with losing records have the same problem – they give the ball away too often. Manville turned it over repeatedly at Middlesex and was blown out. A turnover cost the Mustangs the game against Princeton Day School, a team they should have beaten. PDS converted a turnover into the only points of the night in a 6-0 game the Mustangs would love to play again.
   2. More consistency. This team has shown flashes of brilliance in every game, including the losses, but hasn’t put four quarters of football together very often. The Mustangs played Roselle Park tooth and nail for a half, then fell apart in the second half and didn’t move the ball. The team was right there at halftime at Brearley but gave up 21 unanswered points in the second half.
   After a tough chore this Friday night on Homecoming Night in Manville, the Mustangs hit a much more manageable part of the schedule. They finish October with a Friday night home game against winless South Hunterdon. MHS will also be in the mix against North Warren and can’t wait until the Thanksgiving Day home game vs. rival Bound Brook.
   So far, the Crusaders have measured up better vs. common opponents, having beaten PDS and played Roselle Park closer in a 14-7 loss. But the Crusaders were hammered by 40 points against New Providence, so let’s see how Manville fares against the same foe this Friday night.
   No matter what, the Mustangs are much improved and more fun to watch in 2005.