Middlesex County Players Leave Impact As South Beats North 23
Transcription
Middlesex County Players Leave Impact As South Beats North 23
Middlesex County Players Leave Impact As South Beats North 23-21 In All-Star Game UNION –Middlesex County certainly made its presence felt in leading the South to a 23-21 victory in the 37th Annual Phil Simms North-South All-Star Football game on Monday night at Kean University. Terence Young of John F. Kennedy, Ra’Keem Bennett of Carteret, Charles Mitchell of Piscataway and Myles Williams of Old Bridge all played very well overall in addition to making big plays down the stretch to preserve the victory. Middlesex County players taking a breather from left Terence Young from Kennedy, Charles Mitchell of Piscataway and Jim Becker from Colonia Offensive linemen Jim Becker of Colonia and Sean Edwers of J.P. Stevens all started on the offensive line and had an impact along with Mitchell, who may have played the most of any player in the game since he went both ways and rarely came off the field. Dontae Strickland of South Brunswick played solid at free safety, Elorm Lumor of Piscataway was a force at defensive end, while Jason Griggs of Highland Park played a role on the defensive line. Young, who played running back, receiver and defensive back for a resurgent Kennedy program, caught five passes for 63 yards and had two rushes for 18 yards. All of his receptions and one of his rushes went for first downs. A 16-yard reception from Connor Davies of Lacey to Young set up the South’s first score, a 45-yard field goal. With 1:15 left in the third quarter, Davies did some scrambling before finding Young in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown on a third-and-10 play. Young, whose reception gave the South a 23-14 lead at the time, did a back-flip to celebrate the catch. Ra’Keem Bennett of Carteret “This felt great and it was such a relief because in our practices, sometimes things were clicking, sometimes they weren’t,” said Young, heading to Bakersfield Junior College to join high school teammate Anthony Roberts. “But tonight, we had it going. Some plays broke down, so we had to become athletes and make things happen.” Bennett, who played running back and defensive back/linebacker at Carteret, recorded a huge interception, leaping high and hauling in a two-handed grab. The pick came with 5:25 left in the game and the North on the move deep in South terrirory, trailing 23-14. Bennett’s big play came right after he had committed a pass interference penalty. “I got beat, so I had to take the penalty rather than giving up the touchdown,” said Bennett, heading to Hudson Valley Community College. “So I knew I had to make up for it with a big play. I was telling the coaches all week I was going to make a big play. It felt great because if they scored there, it’s a close game.” After the North scored in the closing 4:00 to make it 23-21, it got the ball back on its own 34 with 1:00 left. After advancing to the South 41, a deep pass went to the end zone, but it was broken up by Williams of Old Bridge. Williams, a RB/DB whose senior season ended early with a fractured leg, is committed to Rowan. Then, on the final play of the game, Mitchell came in for the sack. “They told me I was going to play offense, but I’m going to Maine for defense, so I was politicking during the week to play defense,” said Mitchell. “I started sneaking in with the defense during the week and I wound up playing both. I knew I had to get mine, so better late than never on the sack to end the game.” Piscataway in the house. from left, Mr. Mitchell, Charles Mitchell, Elorm Lumor and Piscataway defensive coordinator John Bizzell NOTES: * Former long-time Colonia coach Benny LaSala and former New Brunswick coach/current Elizabeth coach John Quinn were both inducted into the New Jersey Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame at halftime. * The South won for the second straight year and leads the series, 18-16-2. * Former J.P. Stevens head coach and current Roselle assistant Mike Ryan was on the North coaching staff. * The South scored its first 16 points on special teams — three field goals by Vincente Mota of Long Branch — 45 yards, 37 yards and 38 yards. Mota had missed his first try, from 26 yards. The South also opened the second half with a 102-yard kickoff return by Matt Castranova from Jackson. * Mota was the South’s Offensive MVP. Justin Thompson of Palmyra (DE) was the South’s Defensive MVP. Juwan Dolbrice of Linden (QB) was the North’s Offensive MVP, Tevaughn Grant of Paterson Eastside (DE) was the Defensive MVP. Benny LaSala with his wife and children after being inducted into the NJ Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Benny LaSala (left) and John Quinn after being inducted into the NJ Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Former New York Giants Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms (left) and former Dallas Cowboys defensive star Jim Jeffcoat before the game Nine From Middlesex County To Play In North-South All-Star Game PISCATAWAY — The 37th Annual Phil Simms New Jersey North-South All Star Football Game will take place on Monday, June 29th at Kean University at 7 p.m. The South roster hasn’t been finalized yet, but the Middlesex County representatives will be: Shawn Edwers, J.P. Stevens: OL/DL 6-2, 240 Dontae Strickland, So. Brunswick: RB/DB 6-0, 185 Zaire Gibson, So. Brunswick: OL/DL 6-0, 300 Charles Mitchell, Piscataway: OL/DL 6-1, 255 Ra’Keem Bennett, Carteret: RB/LB 5-10, 180 Myles Williams, Old Bridge: RB/DB 5-10, 170 Terence Young, Kennedy: WR/DB 5-11, 180 Jason Griggs, Highland Park: OL/DL 6-2, 270 Jim Becker, Colonia: OL/DL 6-3, 285 Former New Giants quarterback, now NFL broadcaster Phil Simms, who has become very active with the game as a coach and spokesperson, has recently added his name to the title of the game. Simms had back surgery on Friday and could not attend Sunday’s press conference at Piscataway High School, but he did put together this video: NORTH ROSTER NORTH QB’S Jack Walsh, St. Joe’s (Mont) 6-3, 205 Ryan Panghorn, Lenape 6-1, 214 RUNNING BACKS Lucas Faria, Sparta, 5-11, 190 Juwan Dolbrice, Linden 6-0, 195 Devell Jones, Lincoln 6-1, 210 Angelo Gallego, Parsippany Hills 5-6, 170 WR’s Justin Stewart, Union 6-1, 180 Isaiah McLean, Shabazz 5-11, 160 Vincent Nisivoccia, Seton Hall Prep 5-9, 170 Jordan Lorenzo, Kittatiny 6-4, 190 Matt McFadden, Morristown Beard 5-10, 170 Willie Barr, Irvington 5-8, 175 OFFENSIVE LINE Mike Adrima, Bergen Catholic 6-3, 290 David Vargas, Randolph 6-2, 290 Scott Black, Pope John 6-4, 280 Deonte Walker, East Orange 6-2, 310 Ian Davidson, Caldwell 5-10, 220 Ryan Jackson, Morris Hills 6-2, 250 Peter Lejawa, Wallington 6-2, 325 Daniel Clifford, Hoboken, 6-4, 320 Steve Rainero, Summit 6-1, 245 DEFENSIVE LINE Lloyd Jackson, Elizabeth 6-1, 275 Chris Mangrum, Montclair 6-3, 285 Zach Marini, Livingston 6-2, 230 Marc McDonald, West Essex, 6-2, 235 Cheyenn Robertson, St. Peter’s Prep 6-2, 220 Wes Hartgers, Ramapo, 6-4, 220 Tevaughn Grant, Paterson Eastside 6-3, 220 Leonard Watts, Barringer 6-3, 220 Tyler Bryant, Orange 6-2, 250 LINEBACKERS Darryn Canady, Roselle 6-1, 220 Amir Arrington, DePaul 5-9, 190 Jackson Simcox, Westfield 6-0, 210 Drew Lindsay, Passaic Tech 5-11, 195 Bryce Jacob, Paramus 5-11, 225 DB’S Jonathan Castellano, Union City 5-9, 180 Al-Kadair Ports, Weequahic 6-2, 205 Brian Berges, Wayne Hills 5-10, 185 Noah Provenzano, West Milford 6-0, 175 Oliver Molano, Weehawken 6-1, 175 Dekyri Mims, Paterson Kennedy 6-1, 170 KICKER Matt Ferrara, Creskill 6-2, 190 McCarrick Guards McCombs, Cue Lead Hard-Fought Victory Over Carteret, 60-55 MCCARRICK COACH BEN GAMBLE’S PRE-GAME SPEECH: SOUTH AMBOY – Cardinal McCarrick head coach Ben Gamble made a bold statement before the season saying he felt he had the best backcourt in the GMC. The backcourt duo of 5-10 juniors NyQuan McCombs and Gilberto Cue certainly presented a good case when the two took over as McCarrick, No. 2 in The Authority Sports Top 10, improved to 19-0 with a hard-fought, 60-55 decision over No. 6 Carteret in GMC Blue Division action on Wednesday night before a large, enthusiastic crowd. The Eagles finished a clean 12-0 in division play. Carteret (15-5) had an eight-game winning streak snapped. In fact, the last time Carteret lost, it was to McCarrick, 36-33. Gilberto Cue (3) of McCarrick going glass (Photo by Cliff Ross) McCombs, a transfer from St. Anthony, finished with 23 points and Cue, a transfer from Bergen Catholic, scored 16. But in the fourth quarter with the game in the balance, Cue scored 10 and McCombs eight. With McCarrick trailing 48-46 with 5:49 left to play, the two scored every point in a 10-0 run which put the game away. Sophomore guard Elijah Mitchell also a had a steady game, recording 11 points and seven rebounds, while forward Hodari Bazemore chipped in with eight points and five boards. Brandon Gilder pumped in a career-high 27 points for Carteret, giving him 935 for his career. Jaquan Robertson, the school’s second leading scorer with 1,363 points, recorded 13 points and seven rebounds, including 10 points and all of his rebounds in the second half as he sat most of the first half with fouls. FIRST QUARTER BUZZER BEATER BY MCCOMBS: “Nike and Cue were able to make some plays in the fourth quarter to stop Carteret’s run,” said Gamble. “And were able to get some key defensive stops.” In the opening quarter, McCarrick shot 5 of 5 from 3-point range – Cue and McCombs were both 2 of 2 – to claim a 19-13 lead. The Eagles were so hot, McCombs beat the buzzer with a 28-footer. In the second quarter, the Ramblers played most of it without Robertson, one of the most versatile players in the GMC, who picked up two fouls. But Gilder scored nine points to hold down the fort as Carteret trailed 31-24 at the break. In the third quarter, Gilder hit two 3’s to begin the session and Ra’Keem Bennett followed with a drive to the goal as a quick 8-0 run produced a 32-31 Carteret lead. The Ramblers would go up by as many as four in the third quarter before McCarrick settled down and claimed a 42-38 lead as Bazemore scored six in the frame. In the fourth quarter, Gilder remained hot and Robertson got going as Carteret re-gained the lead, 48-46 with 5:49 left on a drive by Robertson. Brandon Gilder of Carteret on his way to a 27-point night (Photo by Cliff Ross) At that point, the Eagles went on a 10-0 run. After McCombs tied it with a baseline J at 5:12, Cue hit on a jumper from the line at 3:59, followed by a drive at 3:27 for a four-point lead. Then Carteret was hit with a technical foul after a foul call. McCombs hit both on the foul call, then Cue hit one of two on the technical. Cue would add another foul shot with 2:23 left for an eight-point McCarrick lead. The Ramblers made it a one possession game with eight seconds left on a long banking 3 by Robertson, but when Carteret fouled, McCombs hit both to seal it. Hodari Bazemore (10) of McCarrick banking one in (Photo by Cliff Ross) With coaches from St. Joseph, Colonia and Rutgers Prep, McCarrick’s next opponent, in the stands, Gamble was hoping for a better performance. “This was a tournament atmosphere, the place was packed and everyone in the county was here,’’ said Gamble. “But they probably left thinking we have some chinks in our armor. I was hoping for a little better overall performance.’’ CARTERET (55): Gilder 6-(3)-6-27, Robertson 5-(1)-0-13, Montgomery 1-0-2, Merz 0-0-0, Alford 1-(1)-0-5, Bennett 3-0-6, Jordan 0-0-0, Kennedy 1-0-2. Totals 17-(5)-6-53 CARDINAL MCCARRICK (60): McCombs 2-(5)-4-23, Cue 3-(2)-4-16, Mitchell 3-(1)-2-11, Bazemore 4-0-8, Dervishaj 0-0-0, Green 1-0-2, Menard 0-0-0. Totals 13-(8)-10-60 CARTERET (15-5): 13 11 14 17 – 55 MCCARRICK (19-0): 19 12 11 18 – 60 REBOUNDS CARTERET: 25 (19 defensive, 6 offensive) Carteret’s Vincent Montgomery has McCarrick’s Santiago Dervishaj blanketed (Photo by Cliff Ross) Robertson 7 (2 offensive) Gilder 6 (1 offensive) Kennedy 4 (1 offensive) Montgomery 3 (1 offensive) Alford 3 Bennett 2 (1 offensive) MCCARRICK: 24 (17 defensive, 7 offensive) Mitchell 7 (3 offensive) Bazemore 5 (3 offensive) Green 4 (1 offensive) Referee Jeff Angerbauer making the call (Photo by Cliff Ross) McCombs 4 Cue 2 Dervishaj 1 Menard 1 TURNOVERS CARTERET: 12 MCCARRICK: 8 FREE THROW SHOOTING CARTERET: 6 of 9 MCCARRICK: 10 of 14 3-POINT SHOOTING CARTERET: 5 of 14 MCCARRICK: 8 of 16 Amir Alford of Carteret with the sweet stroke (Photo by Cliff Ross) BIGGEST LEAD CARTERET: 4 MCCARRICK: 9 TIES: 4 LEAD CHANGES: 6 FACES IN THE CROWD: Dave Turco Joe Lewis Shonda McCombs McCarrick’s Hodari Bazemore with family and head coach Ben Gamble on Senior Night (Photo by John Haley) Jose Rodriguez George Krzyzanowski Bill Kilduff Eric Lemberakis Donnie Reid Mike Zirpolo Matt Ross Cliff Ross Mike Pavlichko Tom Ortuso Joe LaSala McCarrick’s Santiago Dervishaj with his mother Flora on Senior Night (Photo by John Haley) Tyler Jackow Mike Byrnes Lakiesha McCombs Anthony Rivera Fred Mitchell Flora Dervishaj Rich Geishemeier Michael Havain Carteret Responds To Woodbridge Run, Wins 59-54 Behind Robertson, Gilder WOODBRIDGE – Basketball is truly a game of runs, but the response to ‘the run’ is what usually determines the outcome of a game. Both teams responded to huge runs when Carteret, No. 6 in The Authority Sports Top 10, battled No. 9 Woodbridge in a GMC crossover matinee on Saturday, but it was Carteret getting off the canvas last and responding positively as the Ramblers posted a 59-54 decision. Senior forward Jaquan Robertson, the school’s second all-time leading scorer closing in on 1,300 points, led the way with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Senior guard Brandon Gilder, who could also reach 1,000 career points, added 12 points and nine rebounds as the two combined for 35 points and 23 rebounds, including 23 and 14 in the second half. Point guard Amir Alford added 11 points, all coming in the first half before he left the game in the second half with a knee injury. Zahneer Shuler recorded 21 points and eight rebounds for Woodbridge, including 12 and six in the third quarter when the Barrons (9-6), from the White Division, outscored Carteret 28-10 to turn a 14-point halftime deficit into a four-point lead. “I thought Woodbridge showed a lot of character coming back like they did in the second half,’’ said Carteret coach Herman ‘Mugsy’ White. “But I thought we showed some character too being able to withstand their big run big run.’’ Carteret (11-4), from the Blue Division, took the momentum early and led 13-12 after one quarter despite turning it over eight times. But its defense would force six Woodbridge turnovers in the second quarter and the Ramblers cashed in on the other end. Zahneer Shuler, Woodbridge Behind a dizzying flurry in the final 1:00 of the half, Carteret led by 14, 32-18 by holding the Barrons to six points in the second quarter. A long halftime ceremony took place to honor the Woodbridge team of 1974-75, which turned in the school’s best record ever at 29-2 and won its only Group 4 state crown. The Barron players sat in their seats and watched intently, cheering on the team which was celebrating a 40-year anniversary. Perhaps inspired by past royalty, Woodbridge responded and had the 74-75 cheering them on by outscoring Carteret by 18 points in the third quarter to claim a four-point lead after Robinson beat the buzzer to the session. But now it was Carteret’s turn to respond. Amir Alford, Carteret By scoring the first nine points of the fourth quarter, the Ramblers were back in control just like that, 51-46 with 5:56 left to play. Woodbridge crept to within 51-50 with 2:29 left, but a 6-1 run finished by a Ra’Keem Bennett layup with 48 seconds left proved to be the difference. “I like the way our kids responded in the fourth quarter,” said White. “It was a team effort, especially on the boards and on defense. We showed some depth too when Matt Merz came in for Amir Alford, who hurt his knee, and gave up some great minutes.” CARTERET (59): Robertson 5-(3)-4-23, Gilder 3-(2)-0-12, Alford 2-(2)-1-11, Bennett 3-1-7, Montgomery 3-0-6, Jordan 0-0-0. Merz 0-0-0, Kennedy 0-0-0. Totals 16-(7)-6-59 WOODBRIDGE (54): Robinson 3-(2)-1-13, Smith 0-0-0, Shuler 3(3)-6-21, Cole 2-0-4, Hatcher 0-0-0, Glover 3-(1)-1-10, Henry 2-0-4, Rutkowski 1-0-2, Thermitus 0-0-0. Totals 14-(6)-8-54 CARTERET (11-4): 13 19 10 17 – 59 WOODBRIDGE (9-6): 12 6 28 8 – 55 REBOUNDS CARTERET: 39 (31 defensive, 8 offensive) Jaquan Robertson 14 (2 offensive) Brandon Gilder 9 (2 offensive) Vincent Montgomery 7 (2 offensive) Jamar Jordan 4 (1 offensive) Ra’Keem Bennett 4 (1 offensive) Amir Alford 1 WOODBRIDGE: 31 (25 defensive, 6 offensive) Zaire Robinson 8 (3 offensive) Zahneer Shuler 8 (1 offensive) Keshaun Henry 4 (2 offensive) Charles Cole 4 Tyler Smith 4 Quaasim Glover 2 Dante Hatcher 1 TURNOVERS CARTERET: 17 WOODBRIDGE: 17 FOUL SHOOTING CARTERET: 6 of 13 WOODBRIDGE: 8 of 20 THREE-POINT SHOOTING CARTERET: 7 of 14 WOODBRIDGE: 6 of 13 LARGEST LEAD CARTERET: 14 WOODBRIDGE: 4 TIES: 1 LEAD CHANGES: 3 FACES IN THE CROWD: Tim Olah Mark DiDonna Randy Aldleman Ed Etzold Rich Kazimir Dorothy Zimjewski Kelly Fitzhenry John Eberhart Nancy Drum Marie Anderson John Golden Daniel Harris Enzio Tamburel Paul Patten Don Provost Ed Barcellona Robert Morecraft Kevin Balog Steve Orlick Arlene Futy Mike ‘Zip’ Zirpolo Brian Cherepski Lou Urbano Robert Zega Charlie Mohr James McCarthy Tom Chmiel Stew Jago Ronnie Holled Mike O’Hara Mike Gigliello Mrs. Gigliello Glenn Lottman Joe Ward Lee Warren Kyle Anderson Sr. Derek Anderson Brian Kaelber Brian Flaherty Nick Sardone Jack Frost Jason Calhoun Bill Leahy Alex Bosch Bill Kovacs Kevin Van Dyke George Ryan Mr. Pearson Boys Basketball For Wednesday, Jan. 28: No. 6 Carteret Avenges Loss To Spotswood SCORES Perth Amboy Tech 65, East Brunswick Tech 53 Piscataway Tech 71, South River 55 Carteret 43, Spotswood 40 Timothy Christian 58, Highland Park 45 South Amboy 58, Keansburg 43 Metuchen 44, Middlesex 39 St. Joseph 64, Piscataway 36 SPOTSWOOD — Buckets down the stretch by Ra’Keem Bennett, Brandon Gilder and Vincent Montgomery provided Carteret, No. 6 in The Authority Sports Top 10, with a 43-40 comeback victory over Spotswood to avenge an earlier-season, GMC Blue Division loss. Carteret (9-4), which led 16-8 after one quarter before trailing 25-23 at the half and 36-33 after three, claimed a 39-38 lead with 3:13 left to play on a layup by Bennett, his only basket of the game. Gilder’s layup with less than 3:00 gave Carteret a 41-38 lead, then Montgomery’s foul line jumper provided the Ramblers with a 43-38 lead with 2:17 left. Spotswood (10-4), which scored just four points in the final quarter, made it 43-40 with 1:52 left on a layup by sophomore center Matt Ciaccio, who finished with 12 points and 16 rebounds. That would be the end of the scoring as Carteret, which missed two straight one-and-one situations, posted four straight stops, including a 24-footer at the buzzer. Jaquan Robertson scored 17 to lead Carteret, Gilder finished with 10 and Amir Alford eight. Eric Dadika added 11 points for Spotswood, Marlon Hart had 10 points and five rebounds. METUCHEN 44, MIDDLESEX 39 Metuchen celebrates win over Middlesex, from left: Thomas Chalker, Evan Collier, Matt Volpe, Artie Flaherty Jr., Danny Flaherty MIDDLESEX — Artie Flaherty Jr. recorded 15 points and six rebounds to lead Metuchen, which beat Middlesex for a second time this season in GMC Blue Division action, the first one by a point at the buzzer, 51-50. Metuchen (4-8) saw a 15-point lead shrink to three points when Marcus Evans-Little hit a 3-pointer, but Metuchen freshman Matt Volpe caught a baseball pass and converted the lay-up as he put the game out of reach with seven seconds left in the game. Thomas Chalker added six points, four rebounds and four steals for the Bulldogs. Middlesex fell to 2-10. NO 1. ST. JOSEPH 64, PISCATAWAY 36 Marcus Ashamole Breein Tyree METUCHEN — Breein Tyree posted 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds and four steals, Marcus Ashamole had 15 points and 15 rebounds and Branislav Vujandinovic also scored 15 points to lead a balanced attack as St. Joseph beat its GMC Red Division rival for the second time this season. St. Joseph (10-2) set the tone early by leading 14-3 after one quarter and never eased up to win its 35th straight game against a Middlesex County school and 25th against a Red Division opponent. Donzell Cunningham scored 11 points for Piscataway (3-10), D’Ondre Dent scored 10. Breein Tyree of St. Joe’s going for the dunk against Piscataway (Photo by Marlo Williamson) TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN 58, HIGHLAND PARK 45 Josh Decker William Clemons PISCATAWAY — Josh Decker, the lone upperclassmen in the 22-man program, led a balanced attack as Timothy Christian won its first game of the season, avenging a 58-47 Gold Division loss earlier in the season. Sophomore William Clemons had a busy day with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals for Timothy Christian (1-12), which led 13-12 after one quarter, 24-19 and 38-30 after three quarters before pulling away. Robert Saydee added 10 points for the Tigers, Pierce Kokosinski scored eight. Highland Park fell to 2-12. PISCATAWAY TECH 71, SOUTH RIVER 55 Letrell West Marc Fychok PISCATAWAY — Playing without its top scorer in Aziz Austin, Piscataway Tech relied on 25 points by Letrell West, several offensive contributions from others and stellar defense in beating Gold Division rival South River for a second time this season, the first being a two-point decision. Piscataway Tech (10-4), which held South River to 10 points under its season average, led 15-12 after one quarter and 32-23 at the half before opening things up. Marc Fychok added 17 points for Piscataway Tech, Kyle Wider had eight, while Herman Pimentel (7 points) grabbed 12 rebounds and Hussein Hussein (4 points) had 11 boards. Ali Austin had four points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Sean Darrar led South River (7-7) with 14 points. He had 33 in the first meeting between the two teams. PERTH AMBOY TECH 65, EAST BRUNSWICK 53 Pedro Gonzalez PERTH AMBOY — Senior center Jordan Little recorded 26 points and 15 rebounds to power Perth Amboy Tech to its eighth straight win, its second over Gold Division foe EBVT this season (the first one was by five points). The Patriots (11-2) methodically built its lead — 11-10 after one quarter, 30-24 at the half and 49-36 after three quarters. Pedro Gonzalez added 10 points to the balanced attack and Noel Garay and Kyrie Byers scored nine each. Josh Brody led East Brunswick Tech (5-9) with 14 points. SOUTH AMBOY 58, KEANSBURG 43 Ryan O’Leary SOUTH AMBOY — Ryan O’Leary pumped in 21 points and added five rebounds and four assists to power South Amboy, which reached .500 after beginning the season 1-5. Kahare Ford added nine points, five assists and three steals for the Guvs (8-8), Tim Kales had eight points and five boards. Keansburg fell to 0-13.’ Engel Sparks No. 4 South Brunswick Past No. 9 Carteret, 55-49; Faces In The Crowd CARTERET – Jack Engel was there in the first quarter when his South Brunswick Vikings needed him to keep things close, he was there in the middle quarters when his team was in the process of building a lead as high nine and he was there in the end with the big points needed after Carteret had fought all the way back. Engel, a 6-1 senior guard, matched a career-high with 23 points, which included 5 of 7 shooting from three-point range, to lead South Brunswick, No. 4 in The Authority Sports Top 10, to a 55-49 victory over No. 9 Carteret in a Saturday matinee. Carteret (7-3), which had a six-game winning streak snapped, led by as many as seven in the opening quarter, but Engel scored nine points on three 3’s as the Vikings (9-2) trailed 15-11 after one. Engel scored seven points over the middle quarters as South Brunswick took control of the game and led 41-34 after three quarters and 43-34 after opening the final quarter with a bucket. But the Ramblers, who won the turnover battle, 15-11, came all the way back to tie the score at 49-49 on a jumper in the lane by Ra’Keem Bennett with 2:30 left. But one foul shot by South Brunswick’s Eric Savage gave his club a one-point lead with 1:40 left, then Savage nailed a 3 from the left side with 39 seconds left, then sealed the deal with two foul shots as the Vikings captured their fifth straight win. JACK ENGEL: South Brunswick played its third straight game without 6-1 starting power forward Terrence Wong (injury), who was averaging close to a double-double in his previous five games. Ty Juan Dugger, a 6-3 forward, filled in admirably with eight points and 10 rebounds, including four offensive. South Terrence Wong at the game Brunswick won the rebounding battle 24-21, but the Ramblers won the offensive glass battle 10-6. Carteret played without 6-8 starting center Ahmad Kennedy (sick). Michael Ugarte added 12 points for South Brunswick and Eric Savage recorded eight rebounds. Jaquan Robertson led Carteret with 17 points, Brandon Gilder had 13 points, Amir Alford scored nine on three 3-pointers. The Ramblers came out on fire, forcing six turnovers out of their active zone and led 15-8 before Engel beat the buzzer with a 3. Michael Ugarte In the second quarter, South Brunswick turned the ball over just twice, while forcing Carteret into seven miscues as it claimed a 32-26 lead at the break. Both teams were solid with the ball in third quarter – two turnovers each – and defense was stepped up as South Brunswick held a 9-8 advantage to lead 41-34 heading into the final eight minutes. South Brunswick built its biggest lead at nine to open the fourth quarter, but with South Brunswick turning the ball over five times and with Robertson nailing two 3’s and Alford one, the game was suddenly tied with 2:30 to go. Over the final 2:30 when Carteret tied the score, it only had the ball once where it had a chance to take the lead. SOUTH BRUNSWICK (55): Garrett 3-0-6, Savage 1-1-3, Engel 2(5)-4-23, Ugarte 5-2-12, Dugger 3-2-8, Nally 0-0-0, Moran 0(1)-0-3. Totals 14-(6)-9-55. CARTERET (49): Alford 0-(3)-0-9, Gilder 4-(1)-2-13, Jordan 1-0-2, Robertson 3-(3)-2-17, Montgomery 3-0-6, Bennett 1-0-2, Merz 0-0-0. Totals 12-(7)-4-49. SOUTH BRUNSWICK (9-2) 11 21 9 14 – 55 CARTERET (7-3) 15 11 8 15 – 49 REBOUNDING SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 24 (18 defensive, 7 offensive) Dugger 10 (4 offensive) Savage 8 (2 offensive) Ugarte 3 Engel 2 Nally 1 (offensive) CARTERET: 21 (11 defensive, 10 offensive) Jordan 6 (3 offensive) Gilder 5 (4 offensive) Robertson 4 Alford 3 (1 offensive) Bennett 2 (2 offensive) Montgomery 1 TURNOVERS SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 15 CARTERET: 11 FOUL SHOOTING SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 9 of 12 CARTERET: 4 of 4 3-POINT SHOOTING SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 6 of 19 CARTERET: 7 of 21 BIGGEST LEADS SOUTH BRUNSWICK: 9 (7:30 left in 4th quarter) CARTERET: 7 (0:31 left in 1st quarter) TIES: 3 LEAD CHANGES: 4 COACHES: Carteret coach Mugsy White (left) and Joe Hoehman of South Brunswick FACES IN THE CROWD Jason Worilds Cishra Alston Mark Nichols Marcus Ashamole Eric Lemberakis Justin Munoz Nick Scheno Grace Cunha Corey Jones Mike Kushner Dan Morvay Billy Merz Vic Dudka Mike Nowak Kevin Van Dyke 2014-15 Boys Basketball Preview: Carteret HEAD COACH: Herman ‘Mugsy’ White, 6th season, 83-49 record. Carteret coaching staff, from left Brian Hennessy, Herman ‘Mugsy’ White (Head), Chris Kenney STAFF: Chris Kenney: JV/Varsity assistant Brian Hennessy, Volunteer LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-13 LAST YEAR’S JV RECORD: n/a LAST YEAR’S FRESHMAN RECORD: No freshman team. PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: Amir Alford (SR., PG, 5-10) Jaquan Robertson (SR., SG, 6-3), 20.5 ppg., 1,006 career points, 3rd Team All-County. Ra’Keem Bennet (SR., G, 5-11) Brandon Gilder (SR., SF,6-1), 13.3 ppg., 650 career points. Vincent Montgomery (SR., PF,6-4) TOP RESERVES: Amaad Kennedy (JR., C, 6-8) Jemar Jordan (Soph., SF, 6-3) Matt Merz (SR., SG, 5-10) Victor Spencer (JR., SF,6-2) Kahir Raymond (Soph., PG, 5-10) James Hart (Soph., G, 5-10) OTHER PLAYERS: Ubaldino Velez (SR., G, 5-9) Denali Byrd (Soph., PF, 6-4) TRANSFERS IN: Amaad Kennedy (JR., C, 6-8) Kahir Raymond (Soph., PG, 5-10) SCRIMMAGE VS. J.P. STEVENS: COACH’S COMMENTS: TEAM STRENGTHS: “Athleticism, experience, speed, depth.” TEAM WEAKNESSES: “Bench is very young with limited experience on a varsity level. Will take time to learn the system and develop into solid role players.” OUTLOOK: “With a solid nucleus coming back we should have improvement with our cohesion this year. Scoring shouldn’t be much of an issue with potentially two 1,000 point scorers on the team. Solid play within the interior (rebounding) will be crucial. If we can defend at a high level we should at least compete for the division and hopefully go farther in the county’s and state’s (North Jersey Section 2 Group 3).” GOALS: “To Compete and defend at a high level every game. Continue to build on the fundamentals as the season grows. Focus on the details to become a strong tournament team.” SCRIMMAGE VS. J.P. STEVENS: HISTORY: ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER: Keith Hughes 1,742 points (1983-1986) 1,000-POINT SCORERS Keith Hughes 1,742 (1986) Jose Rodriguez 1,227 (2001) Omar Alston 1,185 (2002) Corey Lowe 1,178 (1998) Robert Jackson 1,060 (2009) Ron Helley 1,035 (1955) Jacquan Robertson 1,0006 (2015) Dennis Burney 1,001 (1993) MOST POINTS ONE GAME Jose Rodriguez 51 (2000-2001) Joe Medwick 47 (1929-30) MOST CAREER 3’S Jose Rodriguez 137 Willie Negron 132 MOST 3’S IN ONE GAME Jose Rodriguez 8 COACHES Francis McCarthy 1927-1934 (8 seasons) Joe Comba 1934-1942 (8) Herman Horn 1942-1945 (3) Joe Comba 1945-1951 (5) Wes Spewak: 1951-1965 (14) Howie Rozelle: 1965-69 (4) Pete Kindzierski: 1969-1978 (9) Bill Karatz: 1978-1987 (9) Bob Molarz: 1987-1996 (9) Dave Turco: 1996-2002 (6) John Dolan: 2002-2005 (3) Keith Hughes: 2005-06 (1) Jose Rodriguez: 2006-2009 (3) Herman White 2009-2013 (6th) COACH’S RECORDS McCarthy (unknown) Horn: 38-18 Comba: 54-25 Spewak: 104-73 (missing 6 seasons) Rozelle: 12-50 (missing 1 season) Kindzierski: 116-93 Karatz: 139-73 Molarz: 108-99 Turco: 116-36 Dolan: 25-39 Hughes: 2-18 Rodriguez: 35-40 White: 83-49 Note: Missing Comba’s first stint (1934-42) BEST SEASONS 26-4: 1999-00 25-3: 1985-86 23-3: 2001-02 22-4: 1959-60 22-5: 1977-78 22-8: 1987-88 21-5: 2000-01 21-6: 2011-12 21-6: 1982-83 20-2: 1944-45 20-4: 1958-59 20-5: 1978-79 20-8: 2012-13 19-4: 1941-42 19-7: 1975-76 GMC BLUE DIVISION TITLES 1985-86 (tie) (Coach Karatz) 1997-98 (tie) (Turco) 1999-00 (Turco) 2000-01 (Turco) 2001-02 (Turco) 2011-12 (tie) (White) 2012-13 (White) Note: The GMC was formed in 1985 MIDDLESEX COUNTY/GMC TOURNAMENT TITLES 1985-86 (Karatz) 2001-02 (Turco) CENTRAL JERSEY SECTIONAL TITLES 1931-32: Central Jersey 2 (McCarthy) 1933-34: Central Jersey 2 (McCarthy) Harper Perry was a captain on the 1944-45 club. 1944-45: CJ 2 (Horn) 1949-50: CJ 2 (Comba) 1952-53: CJ 1 (Spewak) 1953-54: CJ 1 (Spewak) 1956-57: CJ 1 (Spewak) 1959-60: CJ 2 (Spewak) 1987-88: CJ 2 (Molarz) 1999-00: CJ 2 (Turco) STATE GROUP TITLES 1933-34: Group 2 (McCarthy) ALL COUNTY SELECTIONS (Since 1989-90) 1989-90: Honorable Mention: Anthony Northington 1991-92: First Team: Dennis Burney Honorable Mention: Donnie Smith, Brian Torre 1992-93: Third Team: Dennis Burney Honorable Mention: Anthony Rogers, Bob Andrijov 1993-94: Honorable Mention: Anthony Rogers, Phil Stragapede, Jaime Poythress 1994-95: Honorable Mention: Rich Sabosik, Andujar, Jason Dell’Aquila Bill Tharrington, Sam 1995-96: Honorable Mention: Rich Sabosik, Damion Stevens, Corey Jones 1996-97: Honorable Mention: Mike Morton, Damion Stevens 1997-98: Honorable Mention:Mike Orlando, Marelle White 1998-99: Honorable Mention: Jose Rodriguez, Mahdi Pettus, Dale Johnson 1999-00: First Team: Jose Rodriguez Honorable Mention: John Caldwell, Mahdi Pettus, Omar Alston 2000-01: First Team: Jose Rodriguez Second Team: Omar Alston Honorable Mention: Freddy Hill, Andrew Hill 2001-02: First Team: Omar Alston Honorable Mention: Andrew Hill, Wilfredo Fuerte, Lamarr Morris, Rob Carter 2002-03: Honorable Mention: Alfredo Rodriguez, Michael Liquori 2003-04: Honorable Mention: Willie Negron, Mike Collier 2004-05: Honorable Mention: Kahmell Broughton, Willie Negron 2005-06: Honorable Mention: Mike Crudup 2006-07: Honorable Mention: Anthony Basilici, Brian Williams 2007-08: Third Team: Robert Jackson Honorable Mention: Brian Williams, Al Tampa, Byron Merricks 2008-09: Third Team: Robert Jackson Honorable Mention: Rene Godfrey 2010-11: Third Team: Avery Carter 2013-14: Third Team: Jaquan Robertson Note: I moved on to The Star-Ledger in 2009 and now The Authority Sports and have discontinued Honorable Mention. ALL MIDDLESEX COUNTY/GMC TOURNAMENT TEAM (Began in 1964-65) 1976-77: L.J. Caldwell Wiley Tharrington 1977-78: Bob Charma 1982-83: Luis Mendoza 1984-85: Keith Hughes 1985-86: Gary Smith Keith Hughes 1987-88: Corey Lowe 1999-2000: Jose Rodriguez John Caldwell 2000-01: Omar Alston 2001-02: *Omar Alston Wilfredo Fuerte Rob Carter *-MVP Thanks to Mike Lynam for his help. Freshman QB Pearson Leads Matawan Past Carteret, 27-7 UNION – One of the greatest football players ever to come out of Middlesex County was Drew Pearson, a standout at South River in the late 1960’s who went to be a Super Bowl hero with the Dallas Cowboys known for his circus catches in the end zone. A wide receiver in high school who was catching passes from Joe Theismann, another prolific NFL player with the Washington Redskins, Pearson moved to quarterback his senior year and went on to set records, some of which still stand today. There’s another Pearson on the scene now with the same blood, but he does his thing at Matawan. He is on his way to shattering records as well. A 6-0, 185-pound freshman who has a face like a freshman, but the body and ability of an upperclassman, George Pearson put on a show and let his defense take over in the second half as the fifth-seeded Huskies defeated third-seeded Carteret 27-7 in the championship game of the Central Jersey, Group 3 playoffs before a rain-soaked crowd at Kean University on Friday night. Both teams finished the season 8-4. Matawan is now 6-0 all-time vs. Carteret, including 4-0 in the playoffs. Matawan improved to 7-3 in sectional finals, winning its second in four years. Carteret fell to 5-3 in title games. “The theme of this game was big plays,’’ said Carteret coach Matt Yascko. “The opportunities for big plays were there all night and they made more of them. They are a very good football team, hats off to them.’’ As for Pearson, he finished 10 of 15 for 198 yards and four touchdowns, including 8 of 11 for 160 yards and two scores in the opening half when Matawan led 13-7. Pearson saw spot duty in the team’s first two games – two losses – then was named starter. He finished the season 118 of 223 for 2,953 yards and 16 touchdowns and an 8-2 record. Rakeem Bennett, Carteret, 100 yards, TD “When I found out I was going to be the starter, I knew I had to step up and be a leader,’’ said Pearson. “I know that’s not normally what freshman do, but I took it as a challenge and things worked out.’’ Pearson said his cousin Drew tried to make the game, but was held up in Texas with the weather. “I know he was going to try to make it, but I guess the weather held him up,” said Pearson. “I know he’s coming home to New Jersey for Christmas, so I’ll see him then.’’ With Matawan ahead 13-7 at the half, the teams drove into each other’s territory to open the second half, then proceeded to swap turnovers from there as Matawan took over on the Carteret 49 with 4:15 left in the third quarter and the game still up for grabs, The Huskies then used up all the time remaining in the quarter and then some before Pearson flipped to the ball forward with two hands to Shawn Ramcheran, who was coming in motion, for a nine-yard score conversion. and a 21-7 lead after the two-point With just under 9:00 to play, Carteret faced a fourth-and-one on its own 49. Ra’Keem Bennett (18 rushes, 94 yards) took the hand-off but linebacker Aliem Shaw and defensive back Justin Ferrara met him at the line for no gain as Matawan took over, essentially sealing the game. “We saw them against Long Branch and figured that was the play they were going to run,’’ said Ferrara. “So we were ready for it. That was the turning point for us.’’ FIRST QUARTER Carteret went up top on the first play of the game, but the pass was incomplete. Then Bennett took over from there as Carteret drove from its own 20 to the Matawan 20 with Bennett carrying eight times for 59 yards. But the first of eight crucial procedure calls forced Carteret into a fourth-and-13 from the 25 and Matawan took over on an interception. “You can’t have that many penalties in a championship game and expect to win,’’ said Yascko. Pearson then went to work and drove from the 6 to the Carteret 25. Then, on third-and-17 from the 32, Pearson dropped back and threw a jump ball into the end zone with a series of players awaiting. Hassan Williams batted the ball up in the air for Carteret, but the ball landed in the arms of Matawan’s James Pierce. The snap on the PAT was botched as Matawan led 6-0 with 2:07 left in the first quarter. “That was such a big play,’’ said Yascko. “We drove on them and they intercepted near the goal-line. Then they drive on us and our kid has the ball in his hands in the end zone before it gets knocked out. That one hurt.’’ Following the score, Carteret answered as it drove 65 yards to take a 7-6 lead with 10:10 left in the half after the extra point by Carlo Lopez. After a 17-yard screen to Justin Taylor from Nelson Baez (8-for-18, 103 yards) to begin the drive, Carteret converted a third-and-nine and eventualy scored on an 18-yard run by Bennett after making a cut on the left side. Matawan then used the big play to take a 13-7 lead with 8:25 left in the half. After a three-yard gain to begin a drive on its own 16, Ramcheran got to the edge on the left side and busted off a 56-yard run. Two plays later, Pearson hit Ferrara in the end zone with a 17-yard strike. “We’re have a multi-facted offense,’’ said Matawan head coach John Kaye, a former offensive lineman at Piscataway. “We can run inside or outside and we have a freshman quarterback who can throw it. Today we were able to get to the perimeter, which was the key.’’ MATAWAN (8-4) 6 7 0 13–27 CARTERET (8-4) 0 7 0 0–7 M – Pierce 32 pass from Pearson (kick failed) C – Bennett 18 run (Lopez kick) M – Ferrara 17 pass from Pearson (Elliot kick) M – Ramcheran 8 pass from Pearson (Pierce pass from Ferrara) M – Ramcheran 32 pass from Pearson (kick failed) RUSHING: CARTERET: Bennett 19-100, Baez 1-20, Irving 1-6, Kamara 1-1 MATAWAN: Ramcheran 2-56, Midtlyng 2-20, Rogers 1-11, Pearson 6-0, Spann 19-27, Pierce 4-20, Phillip 2-14 PASSING: CARTERET: Baez 8-18-103, Bennett 0-1 MATAWAN: Pearson 10-15-198 RECEIVING: CARTERET: Gilder 2-27, Bennett 1-24, Taylor 2-26, Irving 2-14, Nowak 1-13 MATAWAN: Rogers 3-55 , Gopaul 3-51, Pierce 1-32, Spann 1-37, Ferrara 2-23 Central Jersey, Group 3 Championship Preview: Carteret vs. Matawan Starting linebacker at Carteret High School is a glorious title to have. Quarterback or running back is the glory position at most schools, but the linebacker position at CHS has produced names that people at the school still talk about in highlyrespectful tones. There was Mark Easterling, Gary Greenberg and Ronnie Zaccardi from back in the day, there were names like Rich Sheerin, Conrad Hinds, Nick Bandoni, Dan Butraco, Dan SanFilippo, Charles Faulkner and of course Jason Worilds, who now plays the position for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those were the names the opposition game-planned for. The 2014 Ramblers do not possess a name like Easterling or Worilds, but they have a group of athletes who have been playing at the top of their game as the Ramblers search for their second sectional championship in the last three seasons. When Carteret takes on Matawan in the Central Jersey, Group 3 championship on Friday at Kean University at 7 p.m., senior linebackers Ra’Keem Bennett, Tim Irving, Mario Roman and sophomore Justin Taylor will have a tough task on their respective hands in trying to contain a multi-talented, balanced offense averaging over 300 yards per game. Bennett (5-10, 180) has recorded 111 tackles, Irving (5-8, 185) has posted 103, Taylor (6-0, 200) has 94, while Roman (5-8, 175) has come off the bench to post 52 tackles. “This year has been more of a team effort at linebacker,’’ said Carteret coach Matt Yascko, who rotates four players into three linebacker spots out of a 4-3 alignment. “Rock (Bennett) is the leader, he’s a two-year starter. “The way is game is played now with all these wide open offenses, we want to get our best athletes there, so a lot of these kids have played defensive back and on each side at linebacker, … they’ve all played multiple positions. We feel confident with these kids because they don’t have to play in one spot, we can put them in different spots of the field depending on the other team.’’ Rakeem Bennett, Carteret When the season began, Carteret struggled at times at linebacker, especially Taylor, the sophomore who needed time to adjust to the varsity level. At the midway point of the season, Yascko could see the bond developing among the group. For example, when Carteret played an athletic Long Branch team on Sept. 20, the Green Wave posted a convincing 31-6 victory. Fast forward two months, CJ 3 semifinals back in Long Branch, it was Ramblers 21, Long Branch 17. “Our linebackers were outstanding,’’ said Yascko. “The Willis kid averaged over 200 yards per game, he’s a First Team AllState kid in my ,book and I thought we contained him. He had 130 yards, but they were tough yards.’’ Facing a wide-open team in Matawan, this group will be tested once again. Freshman quarterback George Pearson (6-0, 185) has passed for 1,755 yards, 187 per game, and 12 touchdowns. He has three receivers who have combined for just under 1,700 yards. The ground game, led by 6-1, 180-pound senior Devon Spann (799 yards, 10 TD’s) is averaging 124 yards per game. “I think our line-backing corps is the key,’’ said Bennett. “We’re going to have to stop the run which we’re capable of, we’re going to have to locate receivers, find the ball and our line is going to have to pressure their quarterback on every play.’’ “We will be challenged that’s for sure, not only at linebacker, but all over,’’ said Yascko. “Matawan has tremendous athletes all over the the field, they run, throw, they’re fast … There’s no way to stop them, we just want to slow them down and have a shot in the fourth quarter.’’ TWO-TIME STATE CHAMPION?: Offensive lineman Brandon Williams and free safety/wide receiver Brandon Williams are the only two seniors who started on the Ramblers’ 12-0, Central Jersey, Group 2 championship team. Their thoughts on the big game: WHAT: CENTRAL JERSEY, GROUP 3 CHAMPIONSHIP WHO: (3) Carteret (8-3) vs. (5) Matawan (7-4) WHEN/WHERE: Friday, Dec. 5 at Kean University, 7 p.m. DEFENDING CHAMP: Hopewell Valley. SERIES HISTORY: Matawan is 5-0 lifetime vs. Carteret. Matawan won regular season games in 1961 (25-7) and 1970 (14-6) and in the opening round of the CJ 2 playoffs in 2001 (36-14), 2002 (18-15) and 2011 (28-14). Matawan has outscored Carteret, 121-56. BEGAN PLAYING FOOTBALL: Carteret 1925, Matawan 1934. All-TIME RECORDS: Matawan is 455-261-27, Carteret is 455-344-32. CARTERET VS. SHORE CONFERENCE: 30-21-1. MATAWAN VS. MIDDLESEX COUNTY: 36-20-2 (not including a 6-0 loss to the New Brunswick JV in 1934). COMMON OPPONENTS: Matawan lost to Colonia 10-7 on a last-second field goal. Carteret lost to Colonia, 28-15. Matawan lost to Long Branch 40-28, Carteret lost to Long Branch 31-6 Week 2, then won 21-17 in CJ 3 semifinals. DID YOU KNOW?: Matawan head coach John Kaye was a starting offensive lineman for Piscataway in the mid-1980’s. CARTERET HEAD COACH: Matt Yascko, 8th season, 65-32, 10-4 in the playoffs and 2-0 in sectional finals. STAFF: Keith Kapinos (Defensive Coordinator), Justin Munoz (Linebackers), Dan Farrar (Defensive Line), John Dolan (Receivers), Jerry Derillo (Offensive Line), Rich Martinez (Running Backs, Head Freshman), Mahdi Pettus (Quarterbacks), Dan Morvay (Defensive Assistant), Mike Kushner (Offensive Assistant), Anthony Sanfilippo (Freshman). STREAKS: Carteret has won three games in a row. AVERAGES: Carteret averages 22.0 points per game and gives up 13.6. The Ramblers average 285 yards per game: 158 rushing, 127 passing. CARTERET STATS KNOWN ALUMNI: Jason Worilds (starting linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers); Joe ‘Ducky’ Medwick (Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, last triple crown winner in the National League) GAME BY GAME Woodbridge L 14-7 Long Branch L 31-6 New Brunswick W 26-2 Colonia L 28-15 South Plainfield W 33-14 St. Joseph W 17-14 (OT) Bishop Ahr W 27-3 John F, Kennedy L 22-13 *Nottinghamn W 33-0 *Long Branch W 21-17 Perth Amboy W 35-13 *-Playoffs MATAWAN HEAD COACH: John Kaye, 3rd season, 19-11. STAFF: Jay Bellamy (Def. coord./spec. teams/QB); Sam Turner (OL); Nick Christathakis (LB/FB/TE); Charlie Marsh (LB); Nick Citro (DL); Ken Mandeville (RB); Justin Bloss (TE); Buddy Scott (WR); Scott Davis (WR); Dave Monro, Nick Vasilenko, Bobby Carnovsky (freshman). STREAKS: Matawan has won four straight. AVERAGES: Matawan averages 24.9 points per game and gives up 17.8. The Huskies average 311 yards per game: 187 passing, 124 rushing. MATAWAN STAT LEADERS FAMOUS ALUMNI: Jim Jeffcoat (NFL), Jay Bellamy (NFL), Charlie Rogers (NFL). FAST FACT: Jay Bellamy, former NFL safety, is the Huskies defensive coordinator. GAME BY GAME St. John Vianney L 31-10 Rumson L 31-10 Raritan W 26-21 Monmouth W 28-7 Colonia 10-7 Holmdel W 52-7 Long Branch 40-28 Manasquan W 23-6 Barnegat W 40-17 *Raritan W 27-6 *Ocean W 23-20 *-Playoffs FAST FACT: Both programs have 455 victories. PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE: Matawan is making its 25th playoff appearance. The Huskies are 24-18 in all playoff games, including 6-3 in championship games. Matawan’s last championship was in 2011, winning Central Jersey 2. Balanced Carteret Pulls Away From Perth Amboy In Second Half, 35-13 PERTH AMBOY – Tied at 13-13 in the third quarter against a much improved Perth Amboy team, Carteret scored 22 unanswered points to post a 35-13 victory on Thanksgiving in Perth Amboy. In a series dating back to 1925, Perth Amboy leads 45-41-2, but Carteret has won three in a row. Carteret will take an 8-3 record into the Central Jersey, Group 3 championship game on Friday, Dec. 5 against Matawan at Kean University (7 p.m.). Perth Amboy had a three-game winning streak snapped and finished 3-7. Michael Nowak, Carteret Brandon Gilder The Ramblers turned in a balanced attack as five different players scored – Ra’Keem Bennett, Hassan Williams, Mike Nowak, D’Avian Ellington and Sam Kamara. Quarterback Nelson Baez got into the act by completing 7 of 9 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. And receiver/free safety Brandon Gilder chipped in with 61 total yards and three interceptions. Carteret opened the scoring quickly when Bennett (25 carries, 71 yards) plunged over from one yard out and a 7- 0 lead after the PAT by Carlo Lopez. Gilder would intercept his first of three passes on the day and the Ramblers would quickly strike again. Baez hooked up with Williams on a gorgeous 26- yard pass for a touchdown. The kick was blocked and the score stood at 13-0 after the first quarter. Perth Amboy would not go away. The Panthers inched closer on a Larry Johnson 2-yard TD run and the score stood at 13-7 at the half. Rakeem Bennett, Carteret Carteret would fumble on its initial possession of the second half and Amboy would capitalize when Tristan Rock found Evan Medina for a 23-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked by Bennett and the score was tied early in the third quarter, 13-13. That was when Carteret took over. First Baez found Nowak all alone in the middle of the field and the senior raced untouched for a 38-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was run in by Kamara and the Ramblers reclaimed the lead, 21-13. The fourth quarter was all Carteret as sophomore tailback Ellington raced for a 10 yard touchdown and Kamara bulled his way for a 10-yard score, shaping the 35-13 win. CARTERET (8-3) 13 0 8 14–35 PERTH AMBOY (3-7) 0 7 6 0–13 C – Bennett 1 run (Lopez kick) C – Williams 26 pass from Baez (kick blocked) PA – Johnson 2 run (Rock kick) PA – Medina 23 pass from Rock (kick blocked) C — Nowak 38 pass from Baez (Kamara run) C — Ellington 10 run (Nowak Kick) C — Kamara 9 run (Lopez Kick) CARTERET STATS PASSING: Baez 7-9-100 Golino 1-2-20 Gilder 0-2 RUSHING: Bennett 15-71 Gilder 3-41 Ellington 9-36 Irving 2-8 Kamara 3-10 RECEIVING Williams 2-56 Irving 1-6 Nowak 2-44 Gilder 3-20 ALL-TIME SERIES (Perth Amboy leads 45-41-2) 1927: Perth Amboy 13-0 1928: Perth Amboy 7-6 1929: Carteret 13-0 1930: Carteret 7-6 1931: Carteret 7-6 1932: Perth Amboy 12-7 1933: Perth Amboy 7-0 1934: Carteret 13-0 1935: 1936: 1937: 1938: 1939: 1940: 1941: 1942: 1943: 1944: 1945: Perth Amboy 13-6 Perth Amboy 7-6 Tie 13-13 Perth Amboy 14-13 Carteret 14-0 Carteret 20-0 Perth Amboy 16-0 Carteret 16-14 Perth Amboy 20-6 Carteret 13-6 Perth Amboy 19-7 1946: 1947: 1948: 1949: 1950: 1951: 1952: 1953: 1954: 1955: 1956: 1957: 1958: Carteret 25-0 Perth Amboy 26-7 Carteret 18-7 Perth Amboy 25-7 Carteret 19-6 Perth Amboy 34-13 Perth Amboy 7-0 Perth Amboy 14-12 Carteret 13-12 Perth Amboy 20-13 Perth Amboy 26-0 Perth Amboy 26-20 Carteret 25-0 Sam Kamara, Carteret 1959: Carteret 34-0 1960: Perth Amboy 2-0 1961: 1962: 1963: 1964: 1965: 1966: 1967: 1968: 1969: 1970: 1971: 1972: Carteret 29-13 Carteret 14-0 Carteret 40-0 Perth Amboy 14-0 Perth Amboy 41-6 Perth Amboy 45-0 Perth Amboy 26-8 Carteret 21-12 Carteret 14-6 Tie 6-6 Carteret 29-2 Perth Amboy 16-8 1973: 1974: 1975: 1976: 1977: 1978: 1979: 1980: 1981: 1982: 1983: 1984: 1985: 1986: 1987: Perth Amboy 26-7 Carteret 20-0 Carteret 54-0 Carteret 40-12 Perth Amboy 14-13 Carteret 18-0 Perth Amboy 26-20 Carteret 27-8 Perth Amboy 8-7 Perth Amboy 15-6 Carteret 30-18 Perth Amboy 12-0 Perth Amboy 40-0 Perth Amboy 46-6 Perth Amboy 18-7 1988: Perth Amboy 19-7 1989: Perth Amboy 34-0 1990: Perth Amboy 22-12 1991: Perth Amboy 14-6 1992: Carteret 26-0 1993: Perth Amboy 21-0 1994: Carteret 26-0 1995: Perth Amboy 28-26 1996: Perth Amboy 42-41 1997: Carteret 24-0 1998: 1999: 2000: 2001: 2002: 2003: 2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: Perth Amboy 27-22 Carteret 15-6 Carteret 16-7 Carteret 20-0 Perth Amboy 35-20 Carteret 35-7 Carteret 39-28 Carteret 43-7 Carteret 39-12 Carteret 33-22 Perth Amboy 14-7 Perth Amboy 21-14 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: Perth Amboy 26-24 Perth Amboy 29-26 Carteret 41-0 Carteret 33-8 2014: Carteret 35-13