Jaguars' offense stalls vs. tough TRE squad
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Township high school football coach Mike Smith was concerned about the speed of the skilled position players on the Toms River East football team.

What he didn't figure on was the Raiders' defense using its own quickness to contain the Jaguars' rushing attack.

Following a first-quarter touchdown, Jackson's offense had a difficult time mounting any kind of attack, as Toms River East rallied for a 16-6 win last Thursday in a Shore Conference American Division game at John J. Munley Field.

It marks only the second win for TRE in the last nine meetings with Jackson, and it snapped a 14-game home wining streak by the Jaguars. More importantly, it gave the Raiders control of the division.

"We knew this game had a lot of meaning," Jackson coach Mike Smith. "Whoever came out on top was going to take command of the division. They're a well-coached team. We knew it was going to be a tough game."

The loss drops Jackson's record to 2-1 overall. TRE improved to 3-0. The Jags travel to Freehold Township 7 p.m. Friday.

Jackson's offense was led by senior running back Mark Schiavone, who rushed for a team-high 75 yards on 16 carries. The Jags' ground game only amassed a total of 80 yards, way below season average.

Jackson drew first blood. Jags quarterback Dan Hopkins connected with Maurice Taylor for an 8-yard TD pass to put the Jags ahead, 6-0. Unfortunately for Jackson, TRE blocked the extra point.

Toms River East, which scored the majority of its points in the second half, cut the deficit to 6-3 on a 27-yard field goal by kicker Frank Cermatori.

In the third quarter, the Raiders engineered a drive that covered almost 75 yards. Brady capped the scoring march with a 27-yard TD run. Doyle put forth an outstanding effort, gaining 110 yards on 18 carries.

The final scoring of the night took place in the fourth quarter. Following a stalled Jackson drive, TRE put the finishing touches on the Jags.

After a 59-yard pass play, TRE used its ground game and Jason Canella scored on a three-yard run with just over three minutes remaining.

Warriors lose to Pope Paul VI

Starting the game down three starters, the New Egypt High School football team battled valiantly against a sizeable and physical Pope Paul VI squad.

Unfortunately, Pope Paul VI got the better of the scrap and posted a 17-7 victory over the Warriors last Saturday.

With the loss, New Egypt falls to 1-2 overall.

Pope Paul VI registered 17 points in the first half before New Egypt's defense stiffened. The warriors didn't allow another point.

The lone offensive highlight for New Egypt was a 64-yard touchdown by wide receiver Davion Clanton.