By Ken Weingartner, Sports Writer
On paper, the Monroe Township High football team’s game tonight (Friday) at Montgomery will have no bearing on the Falcons’ state playoff chances.
In reality, the contest might have a great deal to do with them.
Monroe (6-2) is virtually assured a spot in the Central Jersey Group III playoffs despite a 24-22 loss last week against South Plainfield. The Falcons have played their eight games that count toward power points, so the outcome against Montgomery cannot impact their position.
But after squandering a 22-point third-quarter lead against South Plainfield, a win over playoff-bound Montgomery could greatly impact the Falcons’ psyches.
"A win could do wonders for us," Monroe coach Pat Dowling said. "We’ll try to get them back on focus for Montgomery, get them used to winning again. That’s not going to be an easy task. They’re a Group IV team going to the states. We’ll try; we’ll try to get it back.
"It’s another challenge for us. If we’re really a playoff team, let’s prove it."
Monroe enters the weekend ranked sixth in the CJ Group III playoff picture, with 49 power points. The top eight teams in the section qualify for the postseason. The Falcons should hold the No. 6 seed if Wall and Nottingham both lose Saturday. Wins by either, or both, of those teams could drop MTHS into the seven or eight slots.
The Falcons didn’t expect to be in this situation after Ryan Meseroll’s 1-yard touchdown run gave Monroe a 22-0 lead over South Plainfield with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter last week. But the Tigers, sparked by an 85-yard kick return for a touchdown seconds later, clawed their way back into the game and pulled off a stunning victory.
At the time of Meseroll’s touchdown, Monroe had outgained the Tigers, 242-67. The Falcons managed only 35 yards on six possessions the rest of the way.
"The team that wanted it more got it," Dowling said. "We did everything right for two quarters and one drive into the third. Once we let them return that kick, it gave them the life they needed. And we never took it back."
Quarterback Brian Taylor scored on a 1-yard run for Monroe’s first touchdown and connected with Kyle Gigliello on an 81-yard pass play a minute prior to halftime that gave the Falcons a 14-0 lead. Gigliello shoved off two defenders on his way to the endzone as MTHS took advantage of South Plainfield’s safety cheating toward the line of scrimmage to offer support in stopping the running game on a muddy field.
With a win, Monroe might have finished as high as second in CJ Group III. In all likelihood, the Falcons would have at least guaranteed themselves a home playoff game.
"We’re bouncing back," Dowling said. "If we get a second chance in the playoffs, we’ve got to take advantage of it and show people what we’re made of."
Montgomery (6-1) is No. 6 in CJ Group IV, qualifying for the state tournament for the first time in history, and could get a home playoff game with a win over Monroe. The Cougars only loss was to undefeated Immaculata and they have outscored their foes, 197-34, in their six victories. They are led by quarterback Kevin Watson, who has thrown for 1,273 yards and 15 touchdowns, and running back Devon Saunders, who has rushed for 806 yards and five scores.
"They’re a real good football team," Dowling said. "Now maybe it’s just time for us to relax. All the pressure is on them; we’ve got nothing to lose. Maybe we play loosey-goosey. Maybe it’s just what we need. It would be a nice win for us getting ready for the state playoffs."
And that’s the reality.
