The mindset for football players and coaches at Toms River High School South is to never stop competing.
Toms River South fell to Neptune High School, 31-10, at Detwiler Stadium in Toms River on Nov. 1. But the loss did not dampen the positive feelings expressed by coach Ron Signorino of Toms River South.
“What is great about our guys is that they will play to the last whistle. I’m just proud of the way we kept battling and fighting. If we go down, we are going down swinging,” Signorino said.
Toms River South headed into the Neptune game on a two-game winning streak. The Indians had defeated Jackson Liberty High School and Barnegat High School before they fell to 2-7 with the loss to Neptune.
“Neptune is a good team we knew that coming into this game. We had a hard time matching up with them. We battled the last two weeks and we found a way to win. We just were not good enough tonight,” Signorino said.
Toms River South’s only touchdown came in the fourth period when senior quarterback Sam Conover connected with senior slotback Matt Carlson for a 17-yard scoring pass.
The other score was a 22-yard field goal provided by Billy Zykowski in the opening quarter.
“The team has to put a few more days of hard work in, which we have done all year. We just have to stick together to finish the season on a high note. This will be the seniors last shot. I believe the guys will come out and play hard to end the season,” Signorino said.
Toms River South’s senior running back Sam Akinlolu led the offense when he carried the ball 13 times for 70 yards. He also ended with one reception for 10 yards.
“Our defense needs to keep doing what we are doing. We have to make every play. Offensively we need to score and keep our composure. The team needs to be able to convert and run the ball,” Akinlolu said.
He said the team needs to be positive and keep its head up to finish the season on a high note.
“As a senior I want to close out the season strong, leaving this team and the underclassmen with something to look forward to next year,” Akinlolu said.
Toms River South’s sophomore running back, Travis Squire, is hoping the running attack gets the offense rolling.
“For the offense to finish out the season strong, we have to move the ball more. That is our biggest flaw right now. When we finish drives we get into the end zone more,” Squire said.
He said this team will never stop battling and will continue to fight hard.
Toms River South is slated to play on the road at Central Regional High School in Bayville on Nov. 8. But the game is still uncertain to be played. Central Regional must make a decision if it wants to play the game.
What is certain is the Toms River South Thanksgiving Day game against Lakewood High School on Nov. 22 at Detwiler Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m.