Holy Spirit, Mainland Face Challenges on Saturday
Holy Spirit (11-0) is ranked No. 1 in South Jersey and seeded No. 1 in Non-Public 3. The Spartans will face Immaculata (11-0) for the championship at Rutgers University Saturday at 2 p.m. Immaculata (also the Spartans) eliminated Spirit, 35-6, last year. Saturday’s game can be heard live on ESPN 1450-AM.
Mainland (10-1), which has won 10 straight since losing its opener to Spirit, travels to Toms River to take on the Mariners from Toms River North (11-0). That game kicks off at 1 p.m. and can be heard live on 98.7-The Coast FM.
Holy Spirit has one of the most successful one-two punches in its backfield in South Jersey history. William Washington holds a bunch of CAL records and his 212 points this season is the fourth highest total in South Jersey history. Nick Hall is a perfect compliment, scoring 20 times himself, including three times with punt returns. Quarterback A.J. Holland is an efficient passer, most often to junior Jason Smart-el. Place kicker Joe Farrell has set a school record with 46 extra points. And Bill Walsh’s team has a defense anchored by Michigan recruit Marcus Witherspoon.
Spirit also has a big line, both on offense and defense. It has been a major factor in all of its games. But Immaculata can match them in size. Its offensive line includes T.J. Hoppe (6-2, 260), Andrew Haney (6-5, 240), Robert Gorgy (6-0, 260), Mark Brazinski (6-5, 300) and Cody Bohler (6-8, 280). Immaculata also has a featured back – junior Theo Riddick (5-10, 185) – who has scored 14 TDs, including one kickoff return, and rushed for 1,154 yards. He is complimented by Mike Kuhn (5-11, 195) with 574 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The quarterback, Frank DeNick (6-3, 190) has completed 58 percent of his passes for 906 yards, 10 TDs and just two interceptions. His top targets are wide receiver Richard Dupras (6-0, 175) and tight end Jimmy Fisher (6-4, 210). Immaculata has won 23 straight games since losing to Delbarton in the 2005 playoff semifinals.
This is Holy Spirit's fifth straight year in the playoffs, making Walsh the first Spartans coach to accomplish that. Onle xxxx other CAL coaches have reached the playoffs five straight years - Paul Sacco, Pete Lancetta, Gary Degenhardt, Bob Coffey and Tony DeRosa.
Mainland has had two terrific comeback victories in the first two rounds of the Group 4 playoffs. Bob Coffey’s team was dominated by Toms River East in the first half of its playoff opener but rallied in the second half. The Mustangs beat Eastern, 17-14, on Mark Slotoroff’s field goal with four seconds left to reach the final. Mainland’s shotgun offense evolves around junior QB Brent Caprio (11 TDs and 12 TD passes) and senior running back Ron Moody (16 TDs and over 1,100 rushing yards). Junior receivers Troy Brennan and Kyle Davis have each caught four touchdowns. But, as much as anything, the Mustangs play tough defense, led by Lance Miller, Chris Cabahug, Max Trotman and Kevin McGuigan.
They played without three injured starters on Thanksgiving and they will need to be at full strength on Saturday. Toms River North boasts an offensive line that includes William Eldridge (6-3, 230), Jon Power (6-2, 225), James Cavanaugh (6-0, 230) and Evan Regas (6-5, 315). Like Caprio, the TR North offense centers on its quarterback, senior Anthony Penna (6-0, 180), who transferred from Toms River South. Penna has completed 65 percent of his passes for over 1,400 yards, 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions. His favorite receiver is Adam Carey (5-10, 177), who has caught 31 passes for 455 yards and six TDs. Running the ball is Marlon Brinson (5-10, 185), who has 844 yards and 13 TDs. And the Mariners have a solid defense, anchored by linebacker Zach Kane (6-3, 215).
Championship Saturday is a great way for the CAL football season to come to a close. And isn't it interesting that the same two teams that opened the season on Sept. 8 are wrapping it up on Dec. 1.
Mainland (10-1), which has won 10 straight since losing its opener to Spirit, travels to Toms River to take on the Mariners from Toms River North (11-0). That game kicks off at 1 p.m. and can be heard live on 98.7-The Coast FM.
Holy Spirit has one of the most successful one-two punches in its backfield in South Jersey history. William Washington holds a bunch of CAL records and his 212 points this season is the fourth highest total in South Jersey history. Nick Hall is a perfect compliment, scoring 20 times himself, including three times with punt returns. Quarterback A.J. Holland is an efficient passer, most often to junior Jason Smart-el. Place kicker Joe Farrell has set a school record with 46 extra points. And Bill Walsh’s team has a defense anchored by Michigan recruit Marcus Witherspoon.
Spirit also has a big line, both on offense and defense. It has been a major factor in all of its games. But Immaculata can match them in size. Its offensive line includes T.J. Hoppe (6-2, 260), Andrew Haney (6-5, 240), Robert Gorgy (6-0, 260), Mark Brazinski (6-5, 300) and Cody Bohler (6-8, 280). Immaculata also has a featured back – junior Theo Riddick (5-10, 185) – who has scored 14 TDs, including one kickoff return, and rushed for 1,154 yards. He is complimented by Mike Kuhn (5-11, 195) with 574 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The quarterback, Frank DeNick (6-3, 190) has completed 58 percent of his passes for 906 yards, 10 TDs and just two interceptions. His top targets are wide receiver Richard Dupras (6-0, 175) and tight end Jimmy Fisher (6-4, 210). Immaculata has won 23 straight games since losing to Delbarton in the 2005 playoff semifinals.
This is Holy Spirit's fifth straight year in the playoffs, making Walsh the first Spartans coach to accomplish that. Onle xxxx other CAL coaches have reached the playoffs five straight years - Paul Sacco, Pete Lancetta, Gary Degenhardt, Bob Coffey and Tony DeRosa.
Mainland has had two terrific comeback victories in the first two rounds of the Group 4 playoffs. Bob Coffey’s team was dominated by Toms River East in the first half of its playoff opener but rallied in the second half. The Mustangs beat Eastern, 17-14, on Mark Slotoroff’s field goal with four seconds left to reach the final. Mainland’s shotgun offense evolves around junior QB Brent Caprio (11 TDs and 12 TD passes) and senior running back Ron Moody (16 TDs and over 1,100 rushing yards). Junior receivers Troy Brennan and Kyle Davis have each caught four touchdowns. But, as much as anything, the Mustangs play tough defense, led by Lance Miller, Chris Cabahug, Max Trotman and Kevin McGuigan.
They played without three injured starters on Thanksgiving and they will need to be at full strength on Saturday. Toms River North boasts an offensive line that includes William Eldridge (6-3, 230), Jon Power (6-2, 225), James Cavanaugh (6-0, 230) and Evan Regas (6-5, 315). Like Caprio, the TR North offense centers on its quarterback, senior Anthony Penna (6-0, 180), who transferred from Toms River South. Penna has completed 65 percent of his passes for over 1,400 yards, 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions. His favorite receiver is Adam Carey (5-10, 177), who has caught 31 passes for 455 yards and six TDs. Running the ball is Marlon Brinson (5-10, 185), who has 844 yards and 13 TDs. And the Mariners have a solid defense, anchored by linebacker Zach Kane (6-3, 215).
Championship Saturday is a great way for the CAL football season to come to a close. And isn't it interesting that the same two teams that opened the season on Sept. 8 are wrapping it up on Dec. 1.
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