Mustangs win first football game

Rock, Palovick lead way

by Shawn Tyrrell, Sports Writer
   After two difficult losses in games it should have won, the Manville High football team made sure that the third contest of the season ended the way it was supposed to as the favored Mustangs routed St. Joseph’s of the Palisades 26-6 in West New York.
   The win improved Manville’s season record to 1-2, while St. Joe’s dropped to 1-2. It was a much-needed victory for the Mustangs after two tough losses vs. Newark Central and Jonathan Dayton.
   It could not have been scripted any better as the Mustangs relied on the running of senior back Brian Rock, who churned out 113 yards while scoring two touchdowns. The senior has had a fantastic start to his final year with close to 400 yards rushing in just three games.
   A solid offensive line has given Rock ample running room. One player who has been a solid fixture opening up holes for Rock is junior guard Joe Burnett.
   Burnett noticed a difference in the overall team attitude from the previous week, and it was pivotal in helping the Mustangs gain their first victory on the year.
   ”The coaching staff really got us pumped for this game,” Burnett said. “We came out to win this week, and all of us showed up. We really needed this win.”
   One of the keys is the health of the team, which up until this week was far from being 100 percent with several players nursing injuries and playing hurt.
   ”This was probably the first time we had everyone healthy in a game,” Burnett said. “Early on, we had some injuries to key players, but now we are starting to put it together. We also were able to cut down on our mistakes, and having no turnovers was really key for us.”
   Manville got on the board first on a six-yard run by Rock (the point after failed). The Blue Jays came back to tie the score at 6-6 on a three-yard run.
   The Mustangs took control scoring 12 points in the second period on short runs by quarterback Anthony Palovick who tallied 38 yards on the ground, while throwing for another 41 yards.
   The senior’s first touchdown came after the Mustang defense forced a fumble that was recovered by sophomore David Olmsted, putting the ball at the 5-yard line of St. Joe’s.
   Manville head coach Brett Stibitz was very pleased with the final outcome.
   ”For the first time all season we were healthy,” Stibitz said. “This can be a turning point for us. We were fortunate that no one got hurt and we were able to finish the game and get the win. We have dug ourselves a hole, but a win against Bernards can helps us get out.”
   If the Mustangs could get the victory against Bernards, they could very well win the next two against South Hunterdon and Newark Academy. Of course no game is a guarantee. But the team seems to have gotten its confidence back.
   ”We still have some fundamentals to work on,” Stibitz said. “We bent a bit against St. Joe’s but didn’t break. The kids are crunching the numbers and know we are still in it and could qualify for the playoffs.”
   NOTES — While every game the rest of the way will be a dogfight for the Mustangs, the upcoming contest against Bernards is very significant. A win for Manville against a Group 2 school means crucial power points for the playoff hunt. Although MHS defeated the Mountaineers 49-6 in 2006, the game will be a lot tougher this time around as Bernards is a much improved squad. Expect a defensive struggle and a 14-13 Manville win.