Woodbridge Football - 2017, The 94th Season!

By: WoodbridgeFootball.com  October 8, 2016 0730

By: WoodbridgeFootball.com  October 8, 2016  0720

Friday, Oct. 7

Freehold Township 42 - Perth Amboy 22

Carteret 55 - Colonia 32

J.P. Stevens 23 - North Brunswick 14

St. Joseph 37 - South Plainfield 0

Woodbridge 52 - J.F. Kennedy 20

Greg Tufaro , @GregTufaro 12:16 a.m. EDT October 8, 2016

Senior Keshaun “Scooby” Henry scored six touchdowns as the Woodbridge High School football team posted an impressive 52-20 victory over J.F. Kennedy on Friday night.

The Barrons (2-3) scored 40 points over the middle two quarters to pull away and snap a three-game losing streak.

After quarterback Donovan Tabon connected with Quaasim Glover for a 26-yard scoring strike, Henry scored his first touchdown on a 10-yard run as the Barrons took a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Tabon connected with Henry on a 25-yard touchdown pass before Henry made a 63-yard scoring grab to give Woodbridge a 26-7 lead with 1:41 left in the opening half.

Henry scored three more touchdowns in the third quarter before giving way to the second team including Jose Leon, whose first varsity touchdown helped produce the final margin.

Woodbridge fumbled twice deep in its own territory and the Mustangs took advantage of the short field each time, scoring touchowns.

J.F. Kennedy (3-2) scored its final touchdown against the second-string defense.

Marcus Borden, @bordenfb4ever  11:32 a.m. EDT October 6, 2016

MARCUS BORDEN'S WEEK 5 PREDICTIONS 

(picks in bold)

FRIDAY

Perth Amboy at Freehold Township, 6:30 p.m.

Colonia at Carteret, 7 p.m.

Dunellen at Bishop Ahr, 7 p.m.

Edison at South Brunswick, 7 p.m.

Freehold Borough at Monroe, 7 p.m.

North Brunswick at J.P. Stevens, 7 p.m.

Sayreville at Piscataway, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.

Woodbridge at J.F. Kennedy, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

Middlesex at Keyport, noon

East Brunswick at Marlboro, 1 p.m.

Highland Park at Spotswood, 1 p.m.

South River at Metuchen, 1 p.m.

Greg Tufaro , @GregTufaro 12:40 a.m. EDT October 6, 2016

Woodbridge (1-3) at J.F. Kennedy (3-1), 7 p.m.: The Barrons, who endured heartbreaking defeats to Manasquan (7-6) and South Plainfield (15-12), look to break a three-game losing streak. Woodbridge fell 28-7 last weekend to undefeated St. Joseph. The Mustangs, who have not defeated their crosstown rivals since posting a 38-0 win in 2013, have closed the gap with Woodbridge. J.F. Kennedy’s wins have come against schools with a combined 1-8 record. Woodbridge has played a more challenging schedule. J.F. Kennedy quarterback Kyle Heaney is one of the GMC’s top newcomers. He is the league’s leading rusher with 537 yards and seven touchdowns on 64 carries. Heaney has also completed 12 of 35 passes for 118 yards and two scores to keep opponents honest. Brian Santana (199 yards on 37 carries) and Anthony Shirley (99 yards on 21 carries) complement the signal caller. DeAndre Carter tops the Mustangs with 51 receiving yards. David Lee (30), Michael Matusz (21), Damon Washington (18) and Steve De La Cruz (18) anchor a J.F. Kennedy defense that has allowed just 24 points in its last three wins. The Mustangs have registered 12 sacks and forced eight fumbles. Mustangs’ placekicker Gianfranco Tiseo (8 of 8 PATs and a field goal) is a difference-maker. Woodbridge has been balanced offensively with a trio of backs complementing signal caller Donovan Tabon (31 of 56 for 360 yards). Da’Avian Ellington, a transfer from Carteret, leads the Barrons on the ground with 271 yards on 57 carries. Keshaun Henry and Messiah Daniels have rushed for 152 and 112 yards, respectively. Quaasim Glover (169 yards) remains one of the league’s most dangerous receivers. Nick Nyers has recorded a league-leading 55 tackles to anchor Woodbridge’s defense. Teammates Antoine Hall (29), Alex LaGrippo (26), Glover (22), Dylan Leone (21) and Marquan Payne (20) are also among Woodbridge’s leaders in tackles. Pick: Woodbridge 19-17.

By: Charles McDevitt WoodbridgeFootball.com  October 4, 2016  0815

1.             St Joseph (5-0)  Close game that SP will drop.

2.             South Plainfield (4-1)  Can’t keep pace with STJ.

3.             Carteret (4-0)  Will ease by COL on home grass.

4.             Woodbridge (2-3)  Cruises past JFK on their turf.

5.             Kennedy (3-2)  Meets a quality team and drops one to WOOD.

6.             Colonia (1-4)  Struggling and CART isn’t going to give it up.

7.             JP Stevens (1-3)  Should get by NOB.

8.             Perth Amboy (0-4)  FT will drop tonnage on them.

9.             North Brunswick (0-5)  JPS will prevail at home.

By: WoodbridgeFootball.com  October 4, 2016  0810

Woodbridge at Kennedy – Analysis: 

Let us be clear.  There is no room for error. Another loss will not be helpful to Woodbridge’s chances of securing a 2016 NJSIAA Playoff appearance.  There are four games remaining on the calendar, and running them might just get Woodbridge an 8th seed.  But before we jump too far ahead, Kennedy stands in the path.

Kennedy is sporting a (3-1) record, having defeated Red Bank Regional (1-2) 27-3, Perth Amboy (0-3) 42-7, and JP Stevens (0-3) 19-14, and losing to Carteret 28-7.  Their wins have come against teams with a combined (1-8) record, while their loss came at the hands of a much improved Carteret (3-0). 

Pros and Cons:   The offense has scored 95 PF, 23.8 PPG average.  The defense has allowed 52 PA, 13.0 PPG average.  To date, the level of competition they have played against is sub .500.  A definitive evaluation is subjective as there is no common opponent. But there is this. The Mustangs dropped 69 PF in two blowout games against two very weak teams, and then struggled to pull out a victory against JP Stevens with a 4th quarter comeback.

Woodbridge has a record of (1-3), having defeated cross town rivals Colonia (1-3) in game one.  Game two, they lost to Shore Conference Manasquan (3-1) by one point 7-6, and in game three, South Plainfield (4-0) by three points 15-12.  Both games were there for the taking.  Last week, the Barrons were defeated by the team I believe is going to run the table in the GMC White Division, St Joseph 28-6.  Woodbridge was in the game at the half, trailing 14-6, but the Falcon’s un-relenting  power offense coupled with the Barrons’s  inability to put points on the board, sealed the deal. 

Pros and Cons:  The Defense.  Against opponents with a combined record of (12-4) through four games, they have allowed 64 PA, a 16.0 PPG average.  Decent numbers.  The defense has been what has kept the Barrons in games and are led by Nick Nyers LB, Alex LaGrippo DT, Antoine Hall LB, Marquan Payne DE, Christian Figueroa LB, and Dylan Leone LB.   The Offense.  Shows signs of a good balanced attack, followed by periods of ineffectiveness.  The offense has scored 43 PF, 10.8 PPG average.  Weak numbers.  Turnovers have been a thorn in their side.  The offense does have some dynamic tools led by Quaasim Glover WR, Da’Avain Ellington RB, Keyshaun Henry QB / RB, Messiah Daniels RB, Jacob Mankowski LT, and Donovan Tabon QB, but they need to get a full 48 minutes of consistency.  The Special Teams.  Some work is needed to improve their PAT/FG kicking game.  Hard working players Al-Kadir Hunter KO, and Jose Leon KO have done some good things here..

With that said:  Kennedy playing on their home turf is going to bring their “A” game, but they haven’t faced an opponent with the abilities of Woodbridge yet this season.  I anticipate a breakout day offensively for the Barrons with a dominant defensive effort.  Could be the game the defense puts more points on the board.  One play at a time, one game at a time. Kennedy is next!

Woodbridge (1-3) over Kennedy (3-1) (x)

St Joseph (4-0) over South Plainfield (4-0) (x)

Carteret (3-0) (x) over Colonia (1-3)

JP Stevens (0-3) (x) over North Brunswick (0-4)

Freehold Twp (x) over Perth Amboy (0-3)

Home Team (x)

Season Record:  13-5   .722

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 11:56 a.m. EDT October 2, 2016

Friday, Oct. 7

Perth Amboy at Freehold Township, 6:30 p.m.

Colonia at Carteret, 7 p.m.

Dunellen at Bishop Ahr, 7 p.m.

Edison at South Brunswick, 7 p.m.

Freehold Borough at Monroe, 7 p.m.

Middletown North at New Brunswick, 7 p.m.

North Brunswick at J.P. Stevens, 7 p.m.

Sayreville at Piscataway, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph at South Plainfield, 7 p.m.

Woodbridge at J.F. Kennedy, 7 p.m

Saturday, Oct. 8

Middlesex at Keyport, noon

East Brunswick at Marlboro, 1 p.m.

Highland Park at Spotswood, 1 p.m.

South River at Metuchen, 1 p.m.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 1:52 p.m. EDT October 2, 2016

1. Piscataway (3-0):The Chiefs had a bye following a 26-14 win over South Brunswick. Next: vs. Sayreville, Friday, 7 p.m.

2. Sayreville (4-0): The Bombers posted their first shutout over a Greater Middlesex Conference foe since Sept. 20, 2013 with a 28-0 blanking of winless Brick Memorial. Running backs Michael Liberti and JaQuae Roberts each rushed for two touchdowns and more than 100 yards on a rain-soaked grass field.  Brick Memorial, which had not run much triple option in its three previous games, employed that offense against Sayreville, but was unable to catch the well-prepared Bombers off guard. Quarterback Jayson DeMild, who may be the league’s best signal caller, made a visit to Virginia Military Institute following last Friday night’s win. Next: at Piscataway, Friday, 7 p.m.

3. Old Bridge (2-1-1): The Knights rebounded from a 41-0 loss to Manalapan by salvaging a 42-42 tie with Edison in a triple-overtime thriller. Placekicker Jon Sammarco, who booted a game-winning field goal in the closing minutes of a 28-25 season-opening win over South Brunswick, missed a 40-yard field goal attempt by mere inches in the second overtime. His attempt came after the Knights were penalized five yards for a false start. Highly touted junior quarterback Artur Sitkowski scored on a 1-yard keeper in the first overtime for a 42-35 lead. Sitkowski completed 10 of 19 passes for 165 yards and rushed for two touchdowns including a 40-yarder on the game’s second play from scrimmage. Nick Sodano rushed 18 times for 162 yards and three touchdowns for the Knights, who extended their undefeated streak against Edison to seven games. Next: Bye.

4. South Brunswick (1-2): The Vikings had a bye following a 26-14 loss to Piscataway. Next: vs. Edison, Friday, 7 p.m.

5. Edison (1-1-1): The Eagles lost a fumble on first-and-goal from the 1 on the game’s final play and had to settle for a 42-42 triple-overtime draw with Old Bridge. Senior quarterback Justin Turner was absolutely brilliant, completing 17 of 27 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns. Running back James Stewart, limited to a mere 29 yards on his first 12 carries, broke off scoring runs of 64 and 29 yards on consecutive touches to help the Eagles erase the 21-14 deficit and take a 28-21 lead with 9:35 left in regulation. He finished with 173 yards and three touchdowns – including a 25-yard scoring jaunt in overtime – on 27 attempts. Dominic Kurtyan booted five PATs. He and Keanu Reed each had a touchdown catch. The Eagles played much of the game without skill position standout Sincere Williams, who was nursing an injury. Next: at South Brunswick, Friday, 7 p.m.

6. South Plainfield (4-0): Quarterback Charles Lovett completed 3 of 6 passes for 40 yards as the Tigers rolled to a 26-13 victory over winless North Brunswick. South Plainfield’s wins have come against foes with a 1-13 combined record. Sophomore running back Zach DelVecchio had two rushing touchdowns. Teammate Jean Sapini, a tight end, had a touchdown receiving. South Plainfield, which led 26-0, pulled its starters in the third quarters to keep them healthy for an upcoming battle for first place in the White Division. Next: vs. St. Joseph, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. St. Joseph (4-0): In the absence of starting quarterback Paul Cocozziello (injured) and playing for much of the game without star tailback Manny Resto (shoulder), the Falcons used a complete team effort in a 28-6 win over Woodbridge. Bruising fullback Luke Yakely, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, burdened much of the load, carrying 25 times for 146 yards and a score. Backup signal caller Mitchel Epstein efficiently managed the offense, rushing five times for 30 yards and completing 1 of 3 passes – a 41-yarder to tight end Roderic Carson – that set up a score. St. Joseph has outscored opponents 150-33. Those foes have a 2-13 combined record. Next: at South Plainfield, Friday, 7 p.m.

8. Carteret (3-0): The Ramblers followed a 40-0 win over North Brunswick with a bye. Next: vs. Colonia, Friday, 7 p.m.

By: WoodbridgeFootball.com  October 2, 2016 1115

By: WoodbridgeFootball.com  October 2, 2016  1100

St Joseph  28 – Woodbridge 6

Kennedy 19 – JP Stevens 14

Red Bank Catholic 35 – Colonia 0

South Plainfield 26 – North Brunswick 13

Carteret (BYE)

Perth Amboy (BYE)

Andy Mendlowitz, @andy_mendlowitz 11:46 p.m. EDT September 30, 2016

WOODBRIDGE - Pound, pound, pound.

For the most part, the St. Joseph High School football team didn’t use too many fancy plays in its 28-6 win Friday over Woodbridge

“It doesn’t need to be if you’re moving them,” Falcons running back Luke Yakely said.

Indeed, Yakely is that gritty fullback who just keeps plowing ahead, as a big and talented offensive line creates space. The 5-foot-10, 215-pounder filled in at tailback for the injured Manny Resto, who hurt a shoulder apparently toward the end of the first quarter. St. Joseph head coach Casey Ransone wasn’t sure the extent of the injury.

READ: EDISON, OLD BRIDGE BATTLE TO 42-42 TRIPLE OT TIE

Enter Yakely, who unofficially rushed for 146 yards on 25 carries and scored a 9-yard touchdown. He broke for runs of 29 and 23 yards, but most of his carries were in the single digits. St. Joseph already was without starting quarterback Paul Cocozziello, who suffered a hairline fracture of his right tibia in last week’s 41-6 win over Colonia. Senior Mitchel Epstein took over, and superbly managed the game. He threw three passes, but rushed for three first downs and a two-yard score.

Resto added a 4-yard touchdown before he got hurt, and Brian Reilly rammed ahead for a 3-yard touchdown. Kicking star Jon Sot nailed four extra points. The Falcons’ Christopher Starkweather and Epstein, who doubles as a DB, both got interceptions. Defensive end Roderic Carson had an active game for St. Joseph (4-0), which has now outscored opponents 150-33.

“It wasn’t the prettiest win that we’ve had all year,” Ransone said. “But we also had some guys go down. Obviously, we’re missing our starting quarterback. I’m very proud of Mitch Epstein who stepped in, who hasn’t taken a snap at quarterback since a freshman. He steps in and did a great job controlling the game for us. Then we have another injury with Manny Resto, our starting tailback. Those are two big holes to fill. And I was very proud of how our kids were able to fill those holes. It’s a sign we’re a good team.”

The win sets up a showdown next week against fellow unbeaten South Plainfield (4-0) for first place in the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division. St. Joseph is ranked No. 6 in the Home News Tribune Top 10 and South Plainfield is No. 5.

First, the Falcons had to get past Woodbridge (1-3), which won last season’s meeting 27-25. Each team scored on its first possession, as St. Joseph led 7-6 with 6:30 remaining in the first quarter.

Then St. Joseph’s running attack took over. In the second quarter, the Falcons put together a 14-play, 71-yard drive that lasted just over eight minutes. Every play was a run with Yakely getting the last eight carries in a row for 39 yards. That included a short gain on fourth-and-one from Woodbridge’s 33-yard line. He ended the drive with a nine-yard touchdown with 2:43 remaining in the first half with St. Joseph opening its lead to 14-6.

“They had the time of possession,” Woodbridge coach Kevin Coleman said. “Just three yards, four yards and a cloud of dust. They stuck to their game plan. They ran the ball.”

In the rainy weather, it was more like three yards and a splash. Yakely, who also plays linebacker, isn’t exactly a rookie. The senior has been a workhorse for the Falcons the past two seasons.

“He’s a program kid,” Ransone said. “He’s a face of the program. Back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher. Hasn’t gotten as many carries this year just based off of our personnel. But here he is, filling a void. Guy goes down, and it’s time to give the ball to old Number 31 and he gets the job done.”

He said he simply saw the holes and made the needed cuts. The offensive line includes Bucknell commit P.J. Barr (RT), John Olmstead (LT), David Barattucci (LG), Starkweather (RG) and Steven Springer (C).

After the Yakely touchdown, Woodbridge responded with its own drive that started on the Barrons’ 38-yard line. Quaasim Glover made an athletic 19-yard catch when he leapt for the ball over the middle to keep the drive going. But on the last play of the half, St. Joseph’s Epstein intercepted the pass in the end zone.

The Barrons (1-3) had some highlights, as sophomore quarterback Donovan Tabon threw a 67-yard pass to Messiah Daniels in the first quarter. Later in the drive, Tabon connected with Daniels for a 16-yard touchdown pass.

Woodbridge entered having lost its two previous games by a combined four points. Now, the Barrons have another defeat in which they played well at times. Coleman said, “Going forward I just think we need to stay the course and execute in practice during the week. … I’m proud of my guys for playing hard.”

Friday, it was St. Joseph’s night.

“It was a great team effort,” Yakely said. “Everybody all around. The line was pushing. The defensive ends were making plays. The secondary were making plays. It’s all about the team. We work hard. We always say one. And we are one.”

ST. JOSEPH (4-0) 7-7-7-7-28

WOODBRIDGE (1-3) 6-0-0-0-6

SCORING SUMMARY

SJ – Resto 4 run (Sot kick)

W – Daniels 16 pass from Tabon (kick failed)

SJ - Yakely 9 run (Sot kick)

SJ - Reilly 3 run (Sot kick)

SJ - Epstein 2 run (Sot kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Rushing - SJ: Yakely 25-146, Resto 8-42, Epstein 5-30, Davis 5-16, Reilly 1-3; W: Henry 7-34, Ellington 10-1, Ellington 1-1, Tabon 2-minus 10.

Passing - SJ: Epstein 1-3-1-41; W: Tabon 10-18-2-156.

Receiving - SJ: Carson 1-41, Yakely 1-0; W: Daniels 3-86, Glover 4-53, D. Tabon 1-13, Henry 2-4.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 12:44 p.m. EDT September 29, 2016

Junior quarterback Paul Cocozziello will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the year with a hairline fracture of his right tibia, an injury he suffered during the fourth quarter of St. Joseph’s 41-6 victory over Colonia last weekend.

“I don’t think there’s a kid who loves football more than Paul,” St. Joseph head coach Casey Ransone said. “He lives, eats and sleeps it. You could tell how bad it’s hurting him that he’s not able to get on the field. He’s very disappointed. I’m more disappointed for the kid. The kid is absolutely the best quarterback we’ve had in the program. He’s a big reason why we’ve gotten off to a quick start.”

The Falcons (3-0), ranked No. 6 in the Home News Tribune Top 10, have outscored opponents 122-27 this season and are regarded as a favorite to win the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division championship.

Backup signal caller Mitchel Epstein, who has started at wide receiver and safety, will take over behind center when St. Joseph travels to Woodbridge on Friday night. The eighth-ranked Barrons (1-2) rallied for a late 27-25 victory in last year’s meeting between the schools.

“He’s played quarterback in the past,” Ransone said of Epstein, who played the position before high school. “He’s taken snaps in practice. He just hasn’t gotten any live reps in a varsity game. But I will tell you this – I don’t think we are going to miss a beat because that’s just the kind of football team we have.

“I think this is a group that can find a way to take a square peg and stick it in a round hole. It’s just a testament to who they are. I have full confidence in Mitchel. He’s a very smart kid. He commands the huddle well and that’s because he has the respect of his teammates.”

Ransone said Cocozziello will be in a hard cast for six week, a soft cast for two weeks and will have to rehab for four weeks. He suspects Cocozziello, who completed 66 of 144 passes for 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, will be sidelined for a maximum of 12 weeks.

“He’s doing everything that he can to heal quicker,” Ransone said. “You name it, he’s doing it. He’s going to help us a lot. He’ll be at practice every day. He’s going to help out the backup quarterback. He’s handling it like a man.”

Cocozziello was injured while being tackled at the end of a long run. He was helped off the field, walking gingerly on his right leg. Ransone said he did not believe the injury was serious at the time, a testament to Cocozziello’s toughness.

“When we went out to the field (after the tackle), he said he felt fine,” Ransone explained. “He thought it was a bone bruise. You saw him walk off the field. He iced it down and as the night progressed, the pain started to set in, and that’s when he went to the emergency room.”

St. Joseph boasts one of the conference’s best offensive lines and has a talented backfield tandem featuring tailback Manny Resto and bruising fullback Luke Yakely, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.

The Falcons also have a host of skill position players including A.J. Murray, Jordan Davis and Jon Sot.

End Roderick Carson, one of the conference’s best, anchors a stout defense.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 11:40 p.m. EDT September 28, 2016

No. 6 St. Joseph (3-0) at No. 8 Woodbridge (1-2), 7 p.m.: The Falcons have offensive balance with gifted quarterback Paul Cocozziello and the running tandem of Manny Resto and bruising fullback Luke Yakely. The trio benefit from the play of an outstanding offensive line that features Bucknell commit P.J. Barr and John Olmstead, both of whom stand 6-foot-4 and weigh 270 pounds. The Falcons have several outstanding skill position players including A.J. Murray, Jordan Davis and Jon Sot. The latter’s biggest contribution to the team, however, is in the placekicking department, where Sot has already booted field goals of 55 and 45 yards. He also routinely booms kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks. St. Joseph has outscored three opponents who have combined for a 1-8 record 122-27. Roderic Carson is one of the league’s best defensive ends. Woodbridge is coming off a heartbreaking 15-12 loss to South Plainfield, which scored the winning touchdown in the game’s final minute. Woodbridge fell 7-6 to Manasquan the previous week. The Barrons opened the year with a 19-14 win over Colonia, which fell 41-6 to St. Joseph last weekend. Woodbridge quarterback Donovan Tabon has completed 22 of 39 passes for 209 yards. Da’Avian Ellington, a transfer from Carteret, has rushed 47 times for 268 yards and two touchdowns. Quaasim Glover remains one of the league’s top receivers with 14 catches for 136 yards. Nick Nyers, son of former head coach Bill and younger brother of Woodbridge’s all-time leading receiver Anthony, paces the defense with 33 tackles. Antoine Hall (22 tackles), Dylan Leone (19 tackles) and Alex LaGrippo (19 tackles) also shine on defense. The Barrons dealt St. Joseph a heartbreaking 27-25 loss last year. Pick: St. Joseph 24-17.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 12:15 a.m. EDT September 29, 2016

Our team of MyCentralJersey.com high school football reporters will be covering Greater Middlesex Conference action this weekend, with sports writers staffing five league games and providing write-ups of the remaining eight contests.

All of our game coverage can be found at MyCentralJersey.com and in the Home News Tribune.

We'll also provide Twitter followers via @MyCJ_Sports with live scoring updates from as many games as possible.

In addition, our staff photographers will be deployed to at least two games.

MyCentraljersey.com gridiron analyst Marcus Borden will tweet live scoring updates, video highlights and photos from Friday night’s St. Joseph at Woodbridge game. Follow his coverage on Twitter @bordenfb4ever.

MARCUS BORDEN'S WEEK 4 PREDICTIONS

Keyport over South River

Point Pleasant Beach over Middlesex

Mater Dei over Highland Park

Asbury Park over Metuchen

Spotswood over Dunellen

Shore Regional over Bishop Ahr

Red Bank Catholic over Colonia

South Plainfield over North Brunswick

St. Joseph over Woodbridge

J.F. Kennedy over J.P. Stevens

Sayreville over Brick Memorial

New Brunswick over Monroe

Old Bridge over Edison

By: WoodbridgeFootball.com September 27, 2016  2100

Week 3 Record: 3 - 1     .750

·         Colonia over Red Bank Catholic (x)

·         Kennedy over JP Stevens (x)

·         South Plainfield over North Brunswick (x)

·         St Joseph is sporting a 3-0 record. They defeated North Brunswick, Perth Amboy and Colonia, a combined 1-8 record. They average 40+ points a game and are led offensively by PJ Barr, John Olstead on the OL (both are 6’4” 270), Paul Cocoziello at QB and Manny Resto at RB.  They enjoy a huge threat in the name of John Sot, their PK. He hasn’t missed a PAT all season and has connected on a 55, 45, and 29 yard FG. Their defense is led by Rodiric Carson at DE, an absolute beast and D1 prospect, allowing a stingy average of 9 points per game against. They are well coached and disciplined, and have a ferocious desire to excel.    

Woodbridge 1-2, defeated Colonia in game one, and then suffered two losses that very easily could have gone into the win column. Down 7-6 against Shore powerhouse Manasquan, with time in the 4^th quarter and driving toward a go ahead score, they put the ball on the ground and it was recovered by Manasquan ending the opportunity. A failure to run the clock out with under 3:00 left and a 12-7 lead against South Plainfield opened the door for the Tigers to get into the endzone.  The offense is led by Keyshawn Henry at RB / QB, DaAvian Ellington at RB, Quaasim Glover at WR, and junior Jakop Mankowski on the OL (6’3” 290). They average 12.3 points per game and are a lighten strike type offense.  Defense though, is Woodbridge’s strength, with a 12 points per game against average. Led by Alex LaGrippo at T, Dylan Leone at LB, and Marquan Payne at DE, Nick Nyers at LB, and Al-Kidir Hunter on special teams, they will ring someone’s bell.

In 13 years, I have never picked anyone over Woodbridge. There is always a path to a win. For the Barrons, that would be through their defense. I believe Woodbridge may be superior in that regard. There is a quote that I’ve used over and over… “If you score, you may win. If they don’t score, you can’t lose!” If the Barrons play a defensive gem with no errors, and then, produce some electricity on the offensive side, the outcome will be positive. If they don’t, the Falcons are going to drop some tonnage on them and it wouldn’t be pretty. With that said…

Woodbridge (x) over St Joseph

·        Perth Amboy and Carteret – Bye

 (x) Home Team

Season Record: 11 - 3     .786

ANALYSIS: In the GMC White Division, the cream is coming to the top and I believe will remain there for the duration of the season. Here are my rankings after Week Three for the White Division.
1. St Joseph  3-0;  A premier team with great coaching. Prediction: 7-1 in the Division. Playoffs.

2. South Plainfield 3-0; Three easy wins left on the schedule. Prediction: 6-2 in the Division. Playoffs.

3. Woodbridge 1-2; Gave it away to Manasquan and South Plainfield. Prediction: 6-2 in the Division. Playoffs.

4. Carteret  3-0; Four top tier opponents left. They will defeat one. Prediction: 5-3 in the Division. Playoffs.

5. Colonia 1-2; Four wins left on the schedule. Prediction: 5-3 in the Division. Playoffs.  

6. Kennedy 2-1; One win left on the schedule. Prediction: 3-5 in the Division. Consolation.

7. JP Stevens 0-2; Two wins left on the schedule. Prediction: 2-6 in the Division. Consolation.

8. North Brunswick 0-3; Toss up with Perth Amboy. Prediction: 1-7 in the Division. Consolation.

9. Perth Amboy 0-3; Toss up with North Brunswick. Prediction: 1-7 in the Division. Consolation.

Unless there are upsets, I don’t see much movement.  

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 10:05 p.m. EDT September 25, 2016

Piscataway 26, South Brunswick 14

East Brunswick 48, Monroe 7

Carteret 40, North Brunswick 0

Sayreville 54, New Brunswick 28

Manalapan 41, Old Bridge 0

South Plainfield 15, Woodbridge 12

Bishop Ahr 40, South River 20

Highland Park 37, Dunellen 16

J.F. Kennedy 42, Perth Amboy 7

St. Joseph 41, Colonia 6

Spotswood 14, Middlesex 3

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 1:54 p.m. EDT September 25, 2016

Friday, Sept. 30

Bishop Ahr at Shore Regional, 7 p.m.

Colonia at Red Bank Catholic, 7 p.m.

Edison at Old Bridge, 7 p.m.

JFK at J.P. Stevens, 7 p.m.

Linden at Elizabeth, 7 p.m.

Mater Dei a Highland Park, 7 p.m.

Metuchen at Asbury Park, 7 p.m.

New Brunswick at Monroe, 7 p.m.

Rahway at Voorhees, 7 p.m.

Sayreville at Brick Memorial, 7 p.m.

South Plainfield at North Brunswick, 7 p.m.

Spotswood at Dunellen, 7 p.m.

St. Joseph at Woodbridge, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 1

Keyport at South River, 2 p.m.

Point Pleasant Beach at Middlesex, 3 p.m.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 9:53 a.m. EDT September 25, 2016

1. Piscataway (3-0): Senior running back Elijah Barnwell carried 17 times for 161 yards and two touchdowns including a tide-turning score that lifted the Chiefs to a 26-14 win over South Brunswick, the team’s first over the defending Central Group V champion Vikings since 2002. Behind a veteran offensive line, Piscataway amassed 269 rushing yards. End Ibn Robinson (two sacks), strong safety Brevin Donerson (interception return for a touchdown) and linebacker Jevon Buckmire recorded nine tackles apiece. Next: Bye.

2. Sayreville (3-0): Offensive balance propelled the Bombers to a 54-28 victory over New Brunswick. The points were the most Sayreville scored since posting a 56-26 win over Monroe in November 2013. Quarterback Jayson DeMild completed 6 of 11 passes for 133 yards and threw touchdowns to three receivers (Andrew Wille, Michael Liberti and Jahsim Floyd). Liberti rushed for 151 yards and two scores on 27 carries. Jaquae Roberts also had two rushing touchdowns. Sayreville amassed 337 yards from scrimmage. Linebacker Mike Germann (seven tackles) anchored the defense, while teammate Antwan Golson made six tackles. Ciyro McMoore had an interception. Next: at Brick Memorial, Friday, 7 p.m.

3. Old Bridge (2-1): The Knights were blanked for the first time in the regular season since 2014 as quarterback Artur Sitkowski, a major Division I recruit, was limited to 38 yards through the air on 4 of 13 passing in a 41-0 setback to undefeated Manalapan. Nick Sodano eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the third consecutive game with 143 yards on 21 carries including a 49-yard jaunt. He also had an interception. Old Bridge was outgained 447 to 213 in yards from scrimmage and converted just 3 of 11 (27 percent) third-down attempts. The Knights committed two turnovers. Next: host Edison, Friday, 7 p.m.

4. South Brunswick (1-2): Quarterback Josh Liao completed 12 of 17 passes for 125 yards and a score, but the Vikings never got their running game on track in a 26-14 loss to undefeated Piscataway. Jayson Lawson amassed 101 all-purpose yards. He had a touchdown rushing and receiving. Dylan Kriz recorded nine tackles including one for a loss. Next: Bye.

5. South Plainfield (3-0): Charles Lovett’s 2-yard touchdown run and ensuing two-point conversion pass with 36 seconds remaining capped a 90-yard drive and lifted the Tigers to a thrilling 15-12 comeback victory over Woodbridge. South Plainfield’s other score – Zach DelVecchio’s 11-yard run – came after Deshai Smith returned the game’s opening kickoff 75 yards. DelVecchio finished with 98 yards on 14 carries, while Lovett added 84 rushing yards on 13 attempts. South Plainfield amassed 227 yards on the ground. Next: at North Brunswick, Friday, 7 p.m.

6. St. Joseph (3-0): The Falcons, who are averaging more than 40 points per game, rolled up 355 yards from scrimmage in a 41-6 win over Colonia. Manny Resto (three touchdowns) rushed for 176 yards and Paul Cocozziello passed for 118 more and one score. Roderic Carson recorded two sacks, anchoring a defense that limited the potent Patriots to 153 yards (Colonia averaged more than 300 in its first two outings). Jon Sot booted field goals of 45 and 29 yards. Luke Yakely had a touchdown rushing and Jordan Davis hauled in a 72-yard touchdown pass. Next: at Woodbridge, Friday, 7 p.m.

7. Carteret (3-0): The Ramblers amassed 442 yards from scrimmage and six players scored one touchdown apiece as they rolled to a 40-0 win over North Brunswick. Carteret rushed for 354 yards. A stifling defense limited the Raiders to one first down in the opening half. Kahir Raymond had two interceptions and Jalen Harris also picked off a pass. Next: Bye.

8. Woodbridge (1-2): The Barrons allowed a touchdown in the closing seconds and endured a heartbreaking 15-12 loss to South Plainfield. Long touchdown runs from Messiah Daniels (84 yards) and Da’Avian Ellington (71 yards) accounted for Woodbridge’s scoring. The Barrons, who were shut out in the second half, rolled up 259 yards from scrimmage. Next: host St. Joseph, Friday, 7 p.m.

9. Edison (1-1): Idle. Next: at Old Bridge, Friday, 7 p.m.

10. Spotswood (3-0): Ryan Szatkowski had a touchdown receiving, set up another score with a long reception, intercepted a pass, recorded a tackle for a loss on a third-and-goal, booted two extra points and landed a punt inside the five-yard line while leading the Chargers to a 14-3 victory over Middlesex. Quarterback Nick Mohr completed 9 of 17 passes for 157 yards and two scores. The two-time defending Blue Division champions also rushed for 83 yards. Next: at Dunellen, Friday, 7 p.m.

Greg Tufaro, @GregTufaro 2:04 p.m. EDT September 25, 2016

WHITE DIVISION

SCHOOL (Overall W/L) GMC White Division W/L

South Plainfield (3-0) 2-0

Carteret (3-0) 2-0

St. Joseph (3-0) 2-0

J.F. Kennedy (2-1) 1-1

Woodbridge (1-2) 1-1

Colonia (1-2) 1-2

J.P. Stevens (0-2) 0-1

North Brunswick (0-3) 0-2

Perth Amboy (0-3) 0-2