The Manalapan American Youth Pee Wee Football team is headed back to the national championships.
A come-from-behind win in the New Jersey American Youth Football (NJAYF) playoff finals sent the Braves back to Florida, where they seek a second straight national title. This group of players won at Jr. Pee Wees in 2014.
Manalapan defeated Matawan, 16-14, after trailing 8-0 at the half in the NJAYF championship game Nov. 15 in Hazlet at Raritan High School.
The Braves rode the running of the game’s Most Valuable Player, Francesco Barone (110 yards on 18 carries), and Anthony Matrone (95 yards on 19 carries). They helped Manalapan control possession. Matrone scored both Manalapan touchdowns.
Chris Marzo provided the winning margin, booting both extra points, which are worth two points in AYF.
Defensively, Marshawn Ferguson made a key interception that led to a Manalapan score. He had three tackles and two pass deflections as well.
“It’s a great team, and we have been on a great ride,” head coach Pat Marzo said. “The experiences for the players, coaches and parents will be cherished for a lifetime.”
Coach Marzo noted that Ferguson was injured in the second week of the season and worked extra hard to get back by the title game.
“He is a tremendous player and person. To see him make the play of the game with that interception was fitting,” Marzo said. The coach also pointed out that Matrone outworks everyone and is a born leader who the others look up to. Barone, who also missed some time during the season, plays with a big heart that helps him rise above, according to the coach.
The Braves are 12-0 heading to Florida. They were the regular season Jersey Shore American Youth Football Big East Division champions.
For this group of Braves, this was their third consecutive state championship, and they sport a 40-2 mark over that period. They are riding a 27-game win streak heading to the nationals.
Matrone (running back), Ray Vender (linebacker) and Alex Claro (defensive tackle) were First Team All-State picks from Manalapan.
Chris Marzo and Mike Spinelli made the AYF Academic All-American Team.
The 2015 AYF Pee Wee state championship players are Mike De- Mayo, Joey Fratacci, Anthony Esposito, Francesco Barone, Dante Barone, Justin Nyers, Ray Vender, Vincenzo Rea, Chris Marzo, Jon Gelb, Nick Santana, Joe Sauchelli, Anthony Matrone, Calvin Burke, Zion Cruz, Jake Heitzner, Andrew Roginski, Ben Pirozzi, Gavin Claro, Corey Holowach, Spencer Cusumano, I’shawn Pitts, Mario Chierchia, Marshawn Ferguson and Mike Spinelli
The assistant coaches are Vin DeMayo, Frank Barone, Ray Spinelli, Paul Rea, Frank Roginski, Brian Holowach and Frank Matrone.
The AYF National Championships are in Kissimmee, Florida, and will run from Dec. 5-13.