Mustangs put on another big show

RUDE AWAKENING

By: Rudy Brandl
   I had to see for myself.
   There’s been a buzz in Manville about this undefeated football team. They run all over people. They score lots of points. They’re on pace to make the state playoffs for the first time in school history.
   I couldn’t take anybody else’s word or believe the accounts of other reporters. I had to see for myself.
   After spending a few hours at Ned Panfile Stadium Friday night, I can tell you the Manville High football team is legitimate. It’s no accident or fluke this team is 4-0 for the first time since 1968.
   The Mustangs have a versatile offense led by senior quarterback Mike Knitowski, a nasty defense fueled by senior linebacker Jamie Levine and a solid special teams unit that provided great field position all night against visiting Bernards. It’s not surprising that the Mustangs rolled to a 49-6 victory to finish September with a perfect record.
   These kids can play.
   I had heard and read all about senior running back Tommy Rock, who was averaging over 200 yards rushing per game and made state headlines with his scoring exploits in the first three weeks of the season. Rock had a decent game Friday night, but there were others who took their turn in the spotlight.
   That’s what impressed me the most about Friday’s lopsided victory. The Mountaineers clearly were fixed on stopping Rock, who took his act to the outside and did major damage as a receiver instead. Rather than force the issue with Rock on the ground, the Mustangs used some of their other weapons to score points.
   They even kicked a field goal. I remember the days when extra points were an adventure for this team. Now the Mustangs have enough confidence to kick 31-yard field goals. They’re also getting plenty of opportunities to kick extra points. Robert Wood, who booted the field goal Friday night, also did a good job punting.
   Manville’s defense was relentless, especially on the pass rush. Levine was a constant presence in the Bernards backfield. The Mustangs compiled seven sacks for minus 41 yards. Several MHS players were credited with sacks and tackles for lost yardage. The MHS defense held Bernards to negative yardage in the first quarter to set the tone and didn’t stop playing for 48 minutes.
   "They couldn’t stop us on defense," Levine said. "Their quarterback couldn’t do anything. We were blitzing every play and they couldn’t stop us."
   Manville is averaging over 40 points per game. I expected to see the Mustangs move it with a punishing ground attack behind a monster offensive line. Instead, I was treated to an air show in the first half.
   Knitowski showed off his athleticism and arm in the first half to power the Mustangs to a 30-6 lead. He opened the scoring with a seven-yard bootleg around left end. Knitowski connected with Rock on a 37-yard bomb on the previous play to set up the touchdown.
   Later in the first quarter, Knitowski hooked up with wide receiver Kyle Sopko for the game’s second score. The pass was a beauty but Sopko’s catch was even better. Sopko fully extended himself to haul in the spiral in the left corner of the end zone.
   Knitowski and Rock connected again in the second quarter to give Manville a 21-0 lead. The quarterback rolled out to his right and fired back to the middle where Rock grabbed a 23-yard completion for the score. Knitowski added a one-yard scoring plunge later in the first half.
   I enjoyed watching these guys dominate on the gridiron. I’ve seen Knitowski rule the jumps during the track and field season and watched Rock baffle opposing batters from the pitcher’s mound. It was nice to see them create some Friday night highlights, especially considering where this program has been during their scholastic careers.
   Two years ago, when these upperclassmen were sophomores, the Mustangs were in the middle of their second straight winless season under head coach Steve Gordon. Until last September, with Brett Stibitz on board as the new head coach, these members of the Class of 2007 didn’t know what it was like to win a high school football game.
   Stibitz started the turnaround with a 25-0 victory at Newark Central and guided the Mustangs to a 3-7 season in his first year. The second-year head coach is now at .500 after Friday’s lopsided win over Bernards.
   While he’s enjoyed the success of his football team, Stibitz is going through life with a heavy heart these days. It hasn’t been an easy time for the Manville head coach. His parents, Kay and Sonja, have passed away within the past two years. Sonja, his mother, died the night before this year’s opener at Newark Central.
   "It’s bittersweet," Stibitz said. "I know eventually I’m going to hit the wall."
   Stibitz credits his parents for instilling good values and a solid work ethic. They would want him to continue with his mission.
   "My parents brought me up to come to work every day," Stibitz said. "I love coming to work here every day. I just hope I don’t hit that wall until after the season."
   The way the Mustangs are playing, the end of the season might not come until December.