Running Away From Steven

By Josh Cohen
9/23/04

Edison -- The objective was clear - run like wood, and cross the bridge.  The result was compelling - they ran like steel, and they crossed the ocean. 
Woodbridge running backs Garrett Mozolic, Stefan Alexander, and Damien Mangine rushed for a combined 262 yards with three touchdowns on Thursday night to lead the Barrons to a 33-16 triumph over the John P. Stevens Hawks.
       The offensive line opened the red sea for the trio, building huge holes for polished rushing. 
       "We really picked it up in the second half," said Ken Siano, co-captain and key enforcer on the line.  "It was about intensity, and we knew we were able to move the line."
       For the first 20 minutes, however, the hawks were on a vengeance like lunch aides without aid.  The milk was stale, the pizza was tasteless, and the aides were fuming. 
       A 29 yard TD reception by Omari Nelson with 4:49 remaining in the first half gave the Hawks, who earlier scored on a 32 yard field goal by Eric McCutcheon, a 10-0 lead. 
       But quarterback Joe Skibar, who compiled 107 yards passing, found Shamar Graves on a slant for a scintillating 81 yard TD play with 2:42 remaining in the half to give Woodbridge some momentum. 
       An ensuing turnover by the Hawks led to an impressive nine yard TD scamper by Skibar -- giving Woodbridge a 13-10 lead at the half. 
       The revitalized Barrons, who incorporated tremendous intensity, potency, and eagerness, delivered forcefully in the second half.
       Justin Hinds and Matt Bouchard, along with their fellow linemen, gave room for Mozolic and Alexander to each score in the third.  Mozolic dashed for 20 yards for a TD with 7:40 left, while Alexander pounded in from four yards out with 4:01 to go to extend their lead to 26-10. 
       A 25 yard TD run midway through the fourth by Mozolic shut the concession stand down to improve Woodbridge's record to 2-1 with Sayreville up next.
       "We want to make a statement next week," said Graves, who earned 107 yards receiving on three catches. 
       Hawks quarterback Greg Sica threw for 106 yards on 10 completions, while running back Tamar Robinson rushed for 114 yards. 
       Josh Felton and Robert Herre each made indispensable tackles in the second half - including a stop on a two-point conversion late in the third to keep Stevens two possessions down. 
Woodbridge rushed for 315 total yards, and committed three less turnovers than the Hawks.