Manalapan High School fullback Chris Maksimik, middle, is dragged to the turf by a pack of Middletown High School South defenders during the Shore Conference A North Division game on Oct. 16 in Middletown. The Eagles soared to a 42-7 victory that all but ended Manalapan’s five-year reign as division champion. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP
When coach Cory Davies brought his “Air Raid” offense to Freehold Township High School, he knew he had the one central ingredient: quarterback Jack O’Brien.
Davies has a seasoned veteran in the three-year starter who is capable of running his pass-happy offense.
“He had experience under the gun as a three-year starter and very good football knowledge,” Davies said.
O’Brien is getting more comfortable with each game, and the Patriots offense is taking off. He was responsible for all six Patriots touchdowns in their 42-20 win at home against Marlboro High School in a Shore Conference A North Division game Oct. 16.
The senior quarterback connected with Tyler Von Nessen, Adrian Rybaltowski (twice) and Nick Galanti on his scoring passes. He also used his legs to run for the Patriots’ other two scores.
O’Brien had his most efficient game of the season, completing 18 of his 23 passes for 286 yards.
“He was very sharp,” Davies said.
As he gets more comfortable with the Patriots offense, O’Brien is taking advantage of his best weapons: his array of receivers.
“We have very capable receivers who can make plays,” Davies said.
O’Brien has used 11 different receivers thus far, with five having caught double-figures, led by Rybaltowski with 22 receptions.
O’Brien has 14 touchdown passes. Anthony Lottin leads the way with four touchdown receptions.
With the win against Marlboro, Freehold Township evened its record at 3-3 and improved its state playoff prospects.
Freehold Township is sixth in NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group V with 46 power points.
It’s been more than a decade since the Patriots made their lone playoff appearance, and Davies has them on the cusp in his first year.
Davies noted the Patriots were in this position a year ago and lost their final two games to miss the playoffs. Looking ahead to what the club needs to do to secure a playoff spot, Davies pointed out the Patriots need to have a little stronger running game, and the defense needs to play the run better and get off the field more.
Freehold Township steps out of division play Oct. 23 and travels to New Brunswick High School (6-0), which is second in power points in Central Jersey Group IV with 77. A win against the undefeated New Brunswick team would almost assure the Patriots a spot in the postseason.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” Davies said.
FREEHOLD BOROUGH
Freehold High School head coach Dave Ellis knew he had one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the Shore in senior Jake Curry, who helped lead the Colonials to the state playoffs in 2014.
Curry accounted for both touchdowns Oct. 17 when Freehold beat Wall High School, 14-7, in a non-division game at Freehold. The senior threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Matt Krauss and then ran 23 yards for the winning score in the win that lifted Freehold to 4-2. Curry has scored touchdowns running and passing, as well as on defense by returning an interception for a touchdown.
Markee Gill and Mendelle Tims each had an interception for a Colonials defense that held the Crimson Knights to one touchdown.
Freehold, which has moved to Central Jersey, Group IV this fall, is third in power points with 67. The top eight teams in each section qualify for the postseason tournament.
The Colonials stay out of A North again this week when they host winless Toms River High School East Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.
MANALAPAN
Middletown High School South vented its frustration over five straight losses to Manalapan High School and second place finishes to the Braves Oct. 16 at home, smashing the defending champion, 42-7.
The Eagles left no doubt they are the class of the division and the Shore with their convincing triumph over a Braves team (4-2) desperate to hold onto its championship reign.
The Eagles beat the Braves by land and by air, as Cole Rogers ran for 190 yards and three scores, and quarterback Matt Mosquera ran for one score and threw a touchdown pass to Tom Coffey for another.
The Eagles held the Braves’vaunted running game to under 100 yards, as Marcus Salinas ran for 56 yards on 19 carries. He scored the Braves’ lone touchdown on a 3-yard-run.
Braves quarterback Luke Corcione was 12-for-21 with 147 yards passing. L’Jeron Holder was on the receiving end of six of those passes for 78 yards.
WithANorth behind them, the Braves’ focus will be on the state playoffs and defending their Central Jersey, Group V title. Manalapan is fourth with 65 power points.
It doesn’t get any easier for Manalapan this weekend, as the Braves return home to play once-beaten Red Bank Catholic High School Oct. 23. Kickoff in Manalapan is at 7 p.m.
HOWELL
Howell High School (2-4) lost to Middletown High School North, 21-7, at home Oct. 16.
The Rebels, who are ninth in South Jersey, Group V with 42 power points, leave the Shore Conference Oct. 23 to take on Monroe Township High School (2-4). The Rebels will need a victory to stay alive in the state playoff hunt.
MARLBORO
Marlboro (0-6) will try to pick up its first win of the season at East Brunswick High School Oct. 23. The Bears (2- 3) are coming off a 41-6 loss to J.P. Stevens High School.
COLTS NECK
Colts Neck High School (0-6) lost to Neptune High School, 14-9, Oct. 14. Steven Barsky scored the Cougars’ touchdown on a 1-yard plunge. Nick Gargiulo (10) and Vincent Gargiulo (12) combined for 22 tackles for the Cougars.
Next up for Colts Neck is undefeated Brick Township High School Oct. 23. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Brick.