By Ken Weingartner, Sports Editor
Let the good times roll.
That’s essentially the message South Brunswick High football coach Rick Mantz had for his Vikings as they prepare to host Sayreville in one of the most consequential games in memory.
Tomorrow’s 7 p.m. clash of unbeatens pits the top two teams in both the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division and Central Jersey Group IV. The Vikings, coming off a 45-20 victory over J.P. Stevens, have been on a roll, starting the campaign 5-0.
Sayreville, which defeated Woodbridge 13-6 last week, also is 5-0. The Bombers lead South Brunswick by a single power point for the No. 1 spot in the CJ Group IV rankings.
”It’s exciting. The kids are having some fun,” said Mantz, the second-year coach who last season led the Vikings to their first playoff appearance in two decades. “This is uncharted territory for us. I just hope the kids relax and enjoy it. I think they will.
”We have to relax and just come out and play. I feel good about our chances.”
The Vikings have outscored their opponents 155-63 while Sayreville holds a 144-56 edge over its foes.
Sayreville has been led by Javon Hodges, who has rushed for 294 yards and four touchdowns in addition to catching five passes for 85 yards and a score. Curtis Davison has run for 255 yards and three TDs while Matt Gruytch has rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns.
Bombers quarterback Mike McLafferty has thrown for 315 yards and three touchdowns while being intercepted once.
South Brunswick got three touchdowns from Justin McClendon in last week’s win, including an 88-yard return of the game’s opening kick. McClendon leads the team in rushing with 390 yards and six touchdowns while Cody Shelcusky has 308 yards and three TDs.
Tim Doehler and Mike Muha have shared snaps at quarterback and have thrown for 202 and 194 yards, respectively, with two touchdowns each. Dan Acevedo has seven receptions for 236 yards and three touchdowns.
”How many teams would like to have two quality quarterbacks? We’re fortunate,” Mantz said. “I think they benefit from it because they take the pressure off each other and give each other a chance to catch their breath.”
Defensively, Devin Young and Jimmy Mikedes lead in tackles and have both returned a fumble for a touchdown this year. Brian Stonkus and Will Osley lead in tackles for losses while Mike Ferrara has three interceptions, one of which he returned for a score.
The Vikings have scored a defensive touchdown in four of five games this season. South Brunswick has seen 11 different players put points on the scoreboard this year.
”I think we’re jelling as a team,” Mantz said. “Balance has been important. We feel very fortunate to have the weapons we have. We’re trying to spread it around and we’re trying to rotate more guys in there. It’s a long season and we play in a tough conference. You’ve got to make sure you have enough people to make it through to the end of the road.”
Sayreville, which earlier this year defeated Red Division title contender Piscataway, 27-22, has posted a 28-8 record since the start of the 2005 season.
South Brunswick’s next opponent is Piscataway, which is 3-1.
”For years, Sayreville has been at the top of the heap,” Mantz said. “If you’re going to fight for the division lead, Sayreville and Piscataway are the two teams you have to go through. We’re going to find out pretty quickly how good we are.”

