Toms River High School East has struck first.
Toms River East is the early possessor to the ownership of bragging rights on the football field in Toms River.
Toms River East chalked up that claim when it beat Toms River High School South, 35-24, before a packed Detwiler Stadium at Toms River South on Sept. 21.
The victory lifted Toms River North to a 1-2 record this season while Toms River South slipped to 0-3.
The loss did not hurt the attitude of coach Ron Signorino of Tons River South.
“We are getting better. It was a great game for a fan. Give East credit they battled back. We squandered it. It was a really well-played game. We fought, 22 guys out there giving everything they have. We just fell short,” Signorino said.
The coach had to be pleased with a ground attack that produced over 200 yards of rushing offense. Senior running back Sam Akinlolu gained over 100 yards rushing to lead the Indians.
According to Signorino, his Indians need to execute against their next opponent, Long Branch High School. Toms River South will travel to play Long Branch on Sept. 28.
He said that the team will have to tackle and take care of the edge defensively. Signorino said the offense will have to also score more points.
His running back, Akinlolu, agreed.
“We need to mentally prepare. We all need to mentally prepare and that is it. Not a lot of guys were expecting what just happened on the field tonight, because we were not right mentally. That is what really hurt us,” Akinlolu said.
According to Akinlolu, the team needs to strive to gain momentum.
“If you have momentum, you can have a drive and score almost every time. After you score you do not lay your head down, because we are winning. We need to not take plays for granted. We left plays for granted on the field tonight,” Akinlolu said.
Akinlolu said he will show his teammates positivity wins.
“I just have to love them man. Show them love. Next time we are at practice shake it off and bounce back. What I do sets an example for younger guys. I have to lead them and be positive. We will be alright,” Akinlolu said.
Toms River South’s senior quarterback, Sam Conover, said the team has a strong bond and chemistry.
“We just have to play as a unit. We will bounce back. It sucks. Give kudos to East they out played us. We will learn from our mistakes and just go get Long Branch.”
According to Conover, to continue the offensive momentum his teammates will have to keep playing their roles.
“The flex-bone is an intricate offense. If everyone does their job everything works out. For most of the game we did that. Certain mistakes led to issues,” Conover said.
Conover said the team will continue to battle on during the season.
“We do not give up on ourselves. We are a good unit. We have heart. That is one thing we pride ourselves on. We are not going to start quitting. We will stay as a unit and go get Long Branch. We need to keep the bad taste in our mouths to motivate us going against a good Long Branch team. Now let us really shock people,” Conover said.
Toms River South’s loss to Toms River East snapped a six-year winning streak for the Indians over the Raiders. Toms River East leads the series, 21-18.
Toms River East will seek to win a second straight game when it plays at Red Bank Catholic High School on Sept. 28.