Shore Conference Football Scores and Recaps
WEEK 11
Friday, Nov. 15
Public School NJSIAA Sectional Finals
South Jersey Group 5
1-Toms River North 42, 2-Rancocas Valley 27
In a dramatic showdown, sophomore sensation Cole Garrison showcased his prowess by rushing for an impressive 124 yards and scoring three pivotal touchdowns. Senior standout Nasir Jackson made his mark on both sides of the ball with two electrifying pick-6s and a touchdown run, helping the Mariners dramatically overturn a two-score deficit. With a flurry of 35 unanswered points in the second half, Toms River North triumphed over Rancocas Valley to claim their third consecutive sectional title.
Facing a 13-7 halftime deficit and trailing 20-7 early in the third quarter, the unbeaten Mariners (12-0) surged ahead thanks to two rushing touchdowns from Garrison before the game took a decisive turn, highlighted by back-to-back interception returns for touchdowns from Jackson measuring 20 and 40 yards. Garrison sealed the victory and Toms River North’s ninth sectional championship in history with an exhilarating 62-yard touchdown run with just over five minutes remaining.
Looking ahead, Toms River North will host Central Jersey Group 5 champions Washington Township next Friday in the state semifinals, following the Minutemen’s 27-6 victory over Atlantic City that marked their first sectional title since 1995.
Central Jersey Group 4
1-Millville 48, 2-Brick Memorial 7
Central Jersey Group 2
1-Rumson-Fair Haven 38, 2-Wall 14
Senior quarterback Owen O’Toole delivered a stellar performance, throwing for 207 yards and a touchdown while also showcasing his mobility with a rushing score. Junior running back Kellen Murray contributed significantly with 153 rushing yards and a touchdown, propelling the Bulldogs (11-0) to their third successive sectional title and a total of nine in program history against a resilient Crimson Knights (8-2) squad.
Key contributors included senior wide receiver Jordan Angstreich, who racked up five catches for 86 yards along with a touchdown, while O’Toole added three short touchdown runs in a commanding display that accumulated a total of 408 offensive yards for Rumson.
Meanwhile, Wall’s offense saw contributions from sophomore quarterback Franny Scaramellino and junior running back Dylan Cohen, who each ran for a touchdown. Junior Heath Reinhardt rounded out the effort with six receptions totaling 103 yards.
Next week, Rumson is set to host South Jersey Group 2 champion Point Boro in the semifinals, building on their prior face-off where Rumson triumphed over Point Boro 42-28 in Week 1.
South Jersey Group 2
2-Point Boro 15, 1-Camden 7
Sophomore slotback Nick Spanola and senior fullback Dylan Reitmeyer emerged as key figures, each running for touchdowns, as Point Boro’s defense delivered a stellar performance on the road against Camden. This victory not only secured the Panthers’ fifth sectional title but also marked their first since 2021.
Spanola ignited the scoring with a dynamic 30-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, granting Point Boro an early 6-0 lead. Reitmeyer extended the lead with a 4-yard touchdown run in the first half. Camden responded with a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Makhi Brunson to Ibn Muhammad, but that proved to be their only score as Point Boro’s defense stifled the offense, applying relentless pressure and forcing two crucial turnovers. Senior defensive lineman Nick Albanese delivered multiple sacks, while sophomore defensive back Jake Clayton intercepted a pass. Spanola also forced a fumble, which was recovered by junior James Bradley late in the game. Additionally, senior linebacker Colin Obser made an impactful play by recording a safety after Point Boro’s defense halted a 4th-and-goal attempt from the 1-yard line, finalizing the score at 15-7.
Point Boro is scheduled to face Central Jersey Group 2 champion Rumson next, a rematch where both teams previously competed in Week 1, resulting in a 42-28 victory for Rumson.
Central Jersey Group 1
1-Woodstown 31, 2-Shore 0
Non-Public B Quarterfinals
7-St. John Vianney 31, 2-Red Bank Catholic 27
Sophomore running back Abdul Turay showcased his exceptional talent by rushing for 177 yards and scoring two touchdowns on 25 carries, while junior quarterback Zach LaBarca contributed effectively with 176 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Senior kicker Brendan Allen added a pivotal 30-yard field goal, helping the Lancers achieve a stunning playoff victory against the defending state champions, Red Bank Catholic.
Turay’s explosive 4-yard and 60-yard touchdown runs were instrumental as St. John Vianney (9-3) built a commanding 28-14 lead at halftime. RBC (6-4) attempted to mount a comeback led by senior quarterback Frankie Williams, who rushed for 110 yards, scored three touchdowns, and threw another to junior wideout Johnny Williams. Williams managed to run in touchdowns from both 11 and 10 yards in the second half; however, a missed extra point after the Caseys’ fourth touchdown left the Lancers hanging onto a 28-27 lead with just over six minutes remaining on the clock.
Contributing to the victory, Allen’s late 30-yard field goal ensured the Lancers maintained their edge, propelling them into the Non-Public B semifinals. St. John Vianney will now travel to Sparta to battle against the No. 6 seed Pope John, following their narrow 14-10 victory over No. 3 seed Paramus Catholic.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Regular Season
Nonconference
Lakewood at Hamilton West, 11 a.m.
Steinert at Manasquan, 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Nonconference
Westfield 28, Middletown South 7
How do you plan to adjust your game plan for the upcoming semifinals against Washington Township?
**Interview with Toms River North Football Head Coach, Mike Caggiano**
*Editor: Good evening, Coach Caggiano! Congratulations on Toms River North’s thrilling victory over Rancocas Valley, marking your third consecutive sectional title! Could you share your thoughts on the game?*
**Coach Caggiano:** Thank you! It was an incredible game, and I’m so proud of my players. The way they responded in the second half shows their determination and resilience. We faced some adversity, but our young guys stepped up big time, especially Cole Garrison and Nasir Jackson. Their performances were nothing short of phenomenal.
*Editor: Absolutely. Cole Garrison had an outstanding game with 124 rushing yards and three touchdowns. What did you see in his performance that stood out?*
**Coach Caggiano:** Cole’s maturity and vision on the field were key factors. He didn’t let the early setbacks get to him—he just kept pushing forward. His ability to break tackles and find the end zone at crucial moments really ignited the team and changed the momentum of the game.
*Editor: You also mentioned Nasir Jackson’s impact on both offense and defense. How vital was his contribution in the comeback?*
**Coach Caggiano:** Nasir’s influence cannot be understated. His two pick-6s not only shifted the momentum but also energized the entire team. Those plays fired up our defense, and they were crucial in keeping Rancocas Valley at bay when they were surging. Having a player who can excel in both roles gives us a huge advantage.
*Editor: Looking ahead, Toms River North is set to face Washington Township in the state semifinals. What are your thoughts on that matchup?*
**Coach Caggiano:** Washington Township is a solid team, and they have some talented players. We need to focus on what we do best and prepare thoroughly. Our team has shown that we can overcome challenges, and we’re excited for this opportunity. It’s all about executing our game plan and playing our style of football.
*Editor: Thank you, Coach Caggiano. We wish Toms River North the best of luck in the semifinals!*
**Coach Caggiano:** Thank you! We appreciate the support. Go Mariners!
