Mustangs overcome elements to stay unbeaten

Offense sputters in 15-0 win at South Hunterdon

By: Shawn Tyrrell
   WEST AMWELL — It was probably a lot closer than the Manville High School football team would have wished, but in the end the Mustangs outlasted poor field conditions, lousy weather and the determination of the South Hunterdon Eagles, to earn a 15-0 victory and keep the squad’s perfect season alive.
   Manville fans who made the trip were probably expecting the team to post another stellar offensive effort like the team had the past four weeks in putting over 40 points on the board in consecutive contests. But a stiff wind and almost non-playable field conditions helped keep the Mustang offense in check. The Eagles only trailed 9-0 going into the fourth quarter before the Manville offense came up with a touchdown to ice the game.
   The victory, which pushed the team’s record 6-0, sets up a Friday night showdown with Belvidere, a team most consider one of the top Group 1 schools in the state. But the Mustangs had to get by South Hunterdon first and as it proved to be no easy task.
   "It wasn’t pretty, but we did what we had to do," MHS head coach Brett Stibitz said afterward. "Offensively, we couldn’t find our holding but we were fortunate the defense kept us in the game. The field conditions were pretty bad, but we got a total team effort tonight."
   Leo Rodriguez led the impressive defensive effort with eight tackles. Tommy and Brian Rock made interceptions, Jamie Levine had a sack and Anthony Palovick produced a safety. Those were just some of the key plays the unit turned in. Overall, the Eagle offense managed only 42 yards rushing and 11 yards through the air.
   "The defensive unit was really disciplined tonight," Stibitz said. "They did a nice job handling the long counts that South Hunterdon tried against us. They really picked it up."
   Offensively, the Mustangs had some big moments, getting inside the South Hunterdon 20-yard line five times. So the offense did move the ball, but on four fourth down conversion attempts the Mustangs only managed to pick up a first down once.
   It was a scoreless first quarter as both teams attempted to move in the challenging conditions. MHS got the first break when Rodriguez stopped Eagle running back Kyle Hart cold on a fourth and one attempt. Nine plays later and on the first play from scrimmage to start the second period, Rock took it in from a yard out and Rob Wood’s point-after kick made it 7-0.
   It remained that way through the rest of the half, although the Mustangs moved the ball down to the Eagle 13-yard line with nine seconds to go. Mike Knitowski’s pass intended for Kyle Sopko sailed out of bounds and the Mustangs settled for a 7-0 lead.
   The sloppy condition started to really affect both teams. MHS committed three fumbles with one being recovered by South Hunterdon. Manville posted two sacks and two interceptions while allowing only 11 passing yards. The visitors made it 9-0 with Palovick’s safety in the third quarter.
   The final Manville points came with under six minutes to go when Knitowski completed a seven yard touchdown to Wood. Knitowski, like the rest of the Mustangs had a tough time with the field.
   "The conditions were pretty sloppy," Knitowski said. "We couldn’t do much because it was so muddy. It was hard for the backs because they couldn’t make their cuts. If conditions had been better we could have put some more points on the board."
   "Anytime you get a win on the road you take it," Stibitz said.
   Manville survived the elements and remained undefeated. A win against Belvidere will just about guarantee the team a playoff spot, but it won’t be easy.
   "They are big up front and have some big ends and linebackers on defense," Knitowski said. "A win on Friday night would be big especially for the seniors because this may be our last home game. Hopefully, we can win and make it a memorable one."