On the evening when the senior football players were honored, Toms River High School South claimed its first victory of the season.
Toms River South relied on a sturdy defense and pitched a 7-0 shutout over Jackson Liberty High School on Oct. 19 at Detwiler Stadium in Toms River.
The victory on the school’s Senior Night enabled the Indians to move to 1-6 on the year.
“Defense was huge tonight. Jackson Liberty is a good football team. We played well. We did not hurt ourselves. The team concentrated on executing. Offensively, we moved the ball a little bit. We did what we had to do. The team just has to score some points. We will be alright,” Toms River South coach Ron Signorino said.
He said his team is having fun right now.
“We had a good week of practice. This is a good group of boys. I love them. They have been hanging in there. This season has not been easy. I am so happy for them, the coaches and the fans. This win is just great,” Signorino said.
On Jackson Liberty’s third series of the game, which came midway through the second a strip fumble by Toms River South at the visitor’s goal line was recovered in the end zone by senior middle linebacker Kenney Johnson. That fumble recovery resulted in the lone touchdown of the game.
Senior running back and linebacker Sam Akinlolu said that Toms River South was prepared for the game due to a solid week of practice.
“We followed through with what we did in practice. Our team’s mentality and strength to stay together came out tonight. This team really revved it up in practice. We were able to get the shutout and that is what it is all about,” Akinlolu said.
He said he just felt happy that Toms River South earned the victory on the school’s Senior Night.
“I am just happy. I am happy for my family, for my brothers, and for my coaches. I love my coaches. I am just happy that is all,” Akinlolu said.
Sophomore Travis Squire was also thrilled that the Indians came through on the night when his senior mates were honored.
“We started off the season 0-6. The team has been preparing all week. This week we executed well. I am just so proud of my team right now,” Squire said.
Squire said that he had hoped that the victory will spark Toms River South.
“It is just so fun to get the win with my brothers. Going forward we hope to execute in the next couple games, especially homecoming game,” Squire said.
Toms River South’s Homecoming Game will be played this Friday, Oct. 26, when Barnegat High School pays a call to Detwiler Stadium. The game will kick off at 7 p.m.