Patriots off to 7-1 lacrosse start

BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer

Freehold Township High School’s tidy 14-2 lacrosse victory over Howell High School on April 23 was the perfect example of what teams are up against when they face the Patriots — a balanced attack.

JEFF GRANIT staff Freehold Township High School's Bryce Carroll (front) is pressured by Howell's Rob Hart during a lacrosse match between the Patriots and Rebels on April 23 in Howell. Freehold Township got goals from seven players and defeated Howell, 14-2. JEFF GRANIT staff Freehold Township High School’s Bryce Carroll (front) is pressured by Howell’s Rob Hart during a lacrosse match between the Patriots and Rebels on April 23 in Howell. Freehold Township got goals from seven players and defeated Howell, 14-2. While the Patriots possess one of the most productive lines in the Shore Conference in the trio of Mike Mango, Adam Miller and John Talamo, the team’s success does not depend upon their every move.

Seven different players scored goals in the Shore Conference A North Division win at Howell and counting assists, nine Patriots scored points.

It is a luxury, as Coach Steve Gibb said, “to have so many guys who can get the job done.”

The Patriots began the week at 7-1 overall and 6-1 in A North and in first place in the public school division (their only division loss is to non-public Christian Brothers Academy).

There was plenty of praise to go around following the win over rival Howell. Gibb pointed to defender Mike Herring and said he was “all over the place” and to midfielderAndrew Berkowitz, the Patriots’ forgotten player who the coach said is “unselfish.” Berkowitz scored five points in the win over Howell.

Dan Zara has anchored a steady defensive unit and goalie Mike Luongo, although only a sophomore, continues to make the tough saves that frustrate shooters. Luongo ranks among the Shore Conference leaders in saves (52) and save percentage (.521).

“I’m pleased with the way our guys are playing,” Gibb said. “They’ve been nothing short of terrific and their attitude is great.”

Practice time is the only thing that has suffered with the recent rain.

“We haven’t had time to work on clearing the ball, wing play and face-offs, things you go over in practice,” Gibb said. “I’m always looking to improve. It’s those scenarios that we are looking to work on (in practice).”

Gibb’s biggest concern is how the players will react in close games. Can they make a clearing pass under pressure? Can they be as smooth on offense when they need to score a goal?

In the Patriots’ one test this year, the loss to CBA, Gibb said his players learned that small mistakes they may make in one-sided victories are magnified against good teams. The Patriots were tied with state-ranked CBA, 6-6, in the fourth quarter before the Colts pulled away late.

Gibb said everyone on the team knew what he did wrong that day and does not want to let it happen again. He said he liked the way his team responded after trailing all game and came fighting back to tie the Colts in the fourth quarter.

“I think we can play with anyone in the Shore Conference,” said Gibb.

The Patriots will have their rematch with CBA on May 2 in Lincroft. The game is set for 3 p.m.

The line of Mango, Talamo and Miller is as good as any in the Shore Conference. Mango has 28 goals and 13 assists. Talamo has 21 goals and 14 assists and Miller has 11 goals and a team-high 20 assists.

With a 7-1 overall record, the Patriots are well on their way to returning to postseason action.

Coach Derek Reichenbacher’s young Howell Rebels rebounded from the loss to Freehold Township to defeat Ocean Township on April 24, 14-6, and climb back to .500 (4-4). Nine Rebels tallied goals led by Kevin Scott, who scored three goals. Buster Handy had two goals and two assists.

Coach Jeff Rosenberg’s Colts Neck Cougars are 5-3 overall and they boast a high-scoring line of their own in Robert Tamas (20 goals, 4 assists), Nick Bisignano (17 goals, 5 assists) and Austin Smutko (5 goals, 15 assists). Goalie Travis Sandin is having a big season with 82 saves and a save percentage near 60 percent.

Teams must have at least a .500 record after play on May 11 to qualify for the state tournament. The Marlboro Mustangs have a record of 3-6 and need to make a run to qualify for the states.