Another Week Of Football

As September turns into October the high school football schedule gives us a weekend of big matchups and when it’s over the picture will be much clearer in several of the divisional races.

Toms River East comes into Brick tonight in a battle of the only teams to win their first two Constitution Division games. The Raiders have averaged 30 points a game and there are many who feel Brick is the last team that will pose a threat to them in the division. With its upcoming schedule East could even be on their way to an undefeated record before the State Playoffs begin
but first they must get past a Green Dragons team that has been offensively-challenged but found ways to win.

Also tonight will be a huge contest in the Federal Division as Middletown South hosts Freehold in a game we’ll broadcast on the Shore Sports Network, including 105.7 The Hawk and 1160 WOBM AM. In starting the season 3-0 Middletown South has allowed just six points and they’ll try and exact some revenge on a Colonials team that has beaten them three straight times, including a state final showdown at Rutgers last December.

As expected Manasquan is the favorite to win the Shore National but face an interesting trip south this evening when they head to Pinelands Regional where the Wildcats are off to a 2-0 start with the help of junior running back Matt McLain. The fans will be out in Tuckerton looking for an upset.

The most talked about game this weekend will be played Saturday night as Toms River North hosts Howell. Not only are they, along with Brick Memorial considered the upper tier of the American Division but the winner could stake a claim as the top team in the shore. Jimmy Ryan leads Howell’s spread offense which averages nearly 30 passes per game and features a stable of talented receivers. However they will face a defense that’s already returned three interceptions for touchdowns and is led by safety Drew Kollman and linebacker Steve Barosso.

Other interesting matchups tonight include Brick Memorial at Jackson Memorial, Jackson Liberty visits Barnegat, Point Boro seeks its first win at home against Raritan and in a battle of winless teams, Southern heads to Freehold Township.