‘Threepeat’ In The Shore Conference

Saturday was quite a day for Shore Conference Football as for the second year six of the 23 state sectional champions come from Ocean and Monmouth County with Jackson Memorial, Shore Regional and Rumson-Fair Haven repeating as sectional champions.

In the case of the Rumson “Bulldogs” its three consecutive titles after an impressive win over previously undefeated Red Bank. Jackson avenged a regular season loss and dominated Brick Memorial as junior Mike Gawlik turned in an epic performance by rushing for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass. Shore completed the first 12-0 season in school history as they continue to dominate Group 1 programs.

Other winners on Saturday were Toms River North, Middletown South and Raritan with the Mariners claiming their sixth title in school history and first since 2007 with a close win over Williamstown. Middletown South coasted past Phillipsburg to finish 12-0 and will end up as not only the #1 team in the shore but in the state as well. In the case of Raritan they might be the most unlikely sectional champion to ever come out of the shore as they were 3-5 before the playoffs began and completed a miraculous run with a last-second upset of previously undefeated Lincoln.

Rutgers is expected to make it official today when they name Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash as their new head football coach. The 41-year old has built a pretty impressive resume and maybe the fact he has no ties to New Jersey is a good thing. He certainly knows the Big Ten and what it will take for Rutgers to compete with the likes of Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State year in and year out.

Through several of its service organizations the Manchester Township School District is looking to collect and donate 500 boxes of cereal to the Peoples Pantry which serves all of Ocean County through its relief center in Toms River. The district’s Key Club, Interact, Impact and Junior Impact clubs are spearheading the collection efforts through December 18th. Donations can be dropped off at any school in the Manchester Township district and they will personally deliver to the Peoples Pantry.

Congratulations to WOBM morning news anchor Dianne DeOliveira for her second place finish in the women’s division of the Jingle Bells 5K held in downtown Toms River Sunday and sponsored by the Toms River Police Foundation.

Note to Giants fans: stay away from sharp objects and ledges today.