As in last week's shutout win against Toms River South, the offense was also impressive. Again for the second week,
Joe DeFranco piloted the team and showed poise and confidence at quarterback. He completed 4 of 9 passes for 80 yards
and used all of his receiving core to keep the Marlboro defense off guard most of the night. Defranco completed
three passes for 55 yards to wide receiver Kevin Borden. One was for a touchdown. Mike Mullen also came up
strong this week at full back. Mullen had a number of strong runs from scrimmage for over 45 yards and a touchdown.
He also caught a 10 yard pass coming out of the backfield for a touchdown. Tailback, Matt Intile also had another strong game.
He ran hard all night, breaking down the Mustang defense with another one of his strong performances. Matt had
140 yards on 16 carries. On his first carry from scrimmage, he took the ball 45 yards down to the 5 yard line
where Joe DeFranco eventually took it in for the opening score. In the fourth quarter, Matt Intile took a
punt return and raced 62 yards down the side line for a touchdown.
The Patriots end their season with two impressive shutout wins. Playing in the NJSIAA consolation
game, on Monday 11/16, the Patriots took on their neighboring town of Marlboro and played one of their best games of the season.
The defense, again came up strong this week by not allowing the Mustangs to get on the scoreboard and posting their second
straight game shutout. Again the constant pressure from the defensive line and the hard hitting linebacker core took
total control of the game.
Freehold Twp. Patriots 10 Toms River So. Indians 0
Game Highlights
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots offense also showed their determination and desire to show that they are really
a much better team than their record shows. Joe DeFranco led the offense at QB with some spectacular hard running sweeps
and options to go along with some well placed short passes which he spread out among a number of different receivers.
Kevin Borden caught 4 passes for 26 yards. Mike Mullen playing full back not only rushed for yardage but also coming out of
the backfield, caught 2 passes for 40 yards. Zach Cestero & Anthony Maak were also part of the
receiving corp, each making receptions from DeFranco. On an end-around option play, previous Patriot's QB, Cameron Beatty,
took a toss from DeFranco and threw a 26 yard pass perfectly down field to Mike Mullen.
The Patriots ground game also came to life with 176 rushing yards combined between backs, Intile, Pola and Mullen.
Sharing some of the tailback plays, Raul Palo had 12 carries for 46 yards with some hard fought runs. The other tail back,
Matt intile, who scored the only Patriots TD on a 25 yard play from scrimmage, had a great day rushing with 19 carries for 111
yards and 1 reception for 12 yards. In the 4th quarter, Matt Intile broke through the line and raced 60 yards before
he was brought down on a touchdown saving tackle on the Indians 20 yard line. This set up the 30 yard field goal by Jeff Kurczeski
to make the final score 10-0 and give the Patriots their first victory of the 2009 season.
The Patriots enter the win column with a shutout victory over TRS. With
the 2009 season coming to a close and after loosing all their previous games, this team was determined to right
the ship and get a victory. From the opening whistle to the final kneel down, the team played with heart and pride.
The Patriot defense was relentless in stopping the Indians running game. The Pats allowed only 27 yards on
the ground in 13 carries and only 7 first downs for the Indians. The Pats constant pressure on the QB caused multiple
sacks and hurried throws for incompletions. The Patriots defense also caused 5 fumbles due to their hard hitting and aggressive
play.
October 30, 2009
Manalapan 35 Township 6 (Game Clips to follow)
October 23, 2009
Toms River North 35 Freehold Twp. 0
October 16, 2009
Jackson Jaquars 28 Patriots 6
On a cold rainy night in Jackson, NJ, the Jackson Jaquars found it difficult to hold on to the football for most
of the first quarter. The Jaqs, fumbled the ball on four occassions and were limited to a minus 7 yards rushing.
They also committed 12 penalties for 90 yards in the game. However, after completing a 76 yard pass play, for a touchdown, late
in the first quarter, their offense came alive. Tailback Drew Murphy, who gained 146 yards on the night and three
TD's overcame the conditions and handled most of the offensive attack for the Jaquars from that point on. Quarterback
Garret Dorsey also helped the offense by completing 5 of 6 passes. Two for touchdowns.
The Patriots offense, led by QB Joe DeFranco, was unable to get anything going throuout the night. The Pats
rushing game was held to under 15 yards between their backs Pola, Intile and Glantz. Their passing game was also held in
check with DeFranco throwing two passes for a total of 45 yards. One pass was to Kevin Borden for 30yds and
the other one to Marino for 15yds. These completions led to the both first downs the Patriots gained in the game. He
also threw one interception. The Patriots score came late in the 4th quater when the JV squads were in the game and Andy
Amakihe ran a kickoff return 82 yards for the TD.
Sayrerville's first score wasn't until the 2nd quarter. It was a result of a mishandled snap by the Patriots
kicker in their own end zone. Punter Jeff Kurczeski recovered the ball and ran it out to the 3 yard line.
The Patriots dug in and held the Bombers from scoring for three downs. They even pushed them back to the 6 yard line
to end the first quarter. On the first play of the 2nd quarter, Bombers QB bootlegged the ball and threw a pass
into the corner for their first TD.
Although the Bombers were unable to move the ball against the Patriots defense, their scoring was mostly
a result of a few Patriot's miscues. On the second play of the 2nd quarter, with the Patriots on offense,
Cameron Beatty was intercepted by the Bombers who returned the ball 22 yards to the Patriots 16 yard line. Two plays
later they scored on a 2 yard burst through the line. The score was now 14- 0, Bombers.
The Patriots scored their TD in the 3rd quarter when Brian Lewis recovered a Bomber's fumble on their 40yard.
On the first play from scrimmage, the offense used some trickery in their play calling. The "flea flicker" was executed
to perfection, when QB Cameron Beatty handed off to running back Matt Intile, who tossed the ball back to Beatty, who
in-turn passed the ball into the waiting arms of Allreal Rosa, who ran in for the 40 yard score. At that point in the
3rd quarter the score was 14-7, Sayerville. Still anyone's game.
The Patriots defense was still dominating the rushing game of Bombers, giving up very fews yards on the ground.
The Patriot's offense were able to move the ball via a combination of their rushing and passing but often found themselves
with with terrible field position. This was a result of the excellent kicking of the Bombers punter. The Patriots
were holding their ground and making some advancements on offense up until the ending minutes of the 4th quarter. With
5:49 left in the game, a Bomber receiver snuck behind a Patriot's defender in the end zone for their final score. The
extra point was missed and the final score of the game was Sayreville 20, Freehold Twp. 7. Great comeback
Patriots.
Note: For those of you that thought that last week's recap was "too
harsh," you should have read the attached article from Saturday's Asbury Park Press before you voice your concerns.
In a well played game, the Bombers from Sayreville, NJ, had to do all they could on offense to move the ball against
a much improved Patriots defense. The Patriots defense held the Bombers offense to only 84 total yards for the first
half of the game. The defense continued their attack well into the third quarter. The Patriot's defense was
the cause of 5 Bombers fumbles during the game.
Note: For those of you that thought that this recap was "too harsh," you should have read the
attached article from Saturday's Asbury Park Press before you voice your concerns.
Asbury Park News, Saturday, October 3, 2009
Click on image for large view of news article
October 2, 2009
Patriots Go Down to Yet Another Defeat
Southern Rams 40 Patriots 13
The Rams defense was overwhelming for the Patriot offense throughout the entire game. They applied constant pressure
on the Pats quarterbacks throughout the entire game.
In the first half, the Pats tried a change in their normal QB routine by starting their other QB, Joe DeFranco.
After only seven plays and one interception and one sack the Pats returned to their regular QB, Cameron Beatty. He faired
no better. He also found himself scrambling for time and threw for a couple of interceptions. The second interception
was run back 40yards for the score, making the score in the first quater 14-0. Alternating between two running backs
the Patriots couldn't get their running game on track neither. They were in the backfield before the ball was even handed
off on a number of occassions. It seemed that the Rams had the Patriots playbook and signal calls on every snap.
As one of the Rams players was quoted " Our coaches did a great job scouting their team knowing their running plays and pass
routes. They always run the same offense and we were well prepared for all their plays". "Every thing they did,
we seen in practice and were ready for". The Patriots did however manage to sneak in score on a 4 yard dash from FB Glantz
before halftime.
The second half continued as the first with the Patriots unable to move the ball against Southern's defense and Southern
scoring twice more in the third quarter. By now the score was 40-13 and both the JV squads finished the remainder
of the game. .... Not a very pretty game.
Patriots Go Down to 2nd Defeat
Brick Mustangs 24 Patriots 12
The Patriots traveled to Brick Memorial HS on Friday, Sept. 25th to face the Mustangs. On the opening kickoff ,
Matt Intile returned the ball 82 yards for a Patriots TD. The Patriots took a 6-0 lead. The point after was missed.
On their first possesion, the Mustangs fumbled the ball on their 30yard line and Joe Devlin of the Patriots recovered.
Unfortunately, the Patriots could not take advantage of the turnover or move the ball and were forced to punt.
The Mustangs then took over. Using their option offense, they proceeded to move the ball downfield and scored.
Making the score 7-6. They converted their extra point. Again, the Patriots were unable to move the ball on their next
possession and were forced to punt again. Although Brick's offense moved the ball readily downfield, this time
the Patriots defense was able to hold the Mustangs to only a field goal, making the scored 10-6. The Mustang defense
was playing hard and again stopped any Patriot attack on offense. Continuing their offensive attack, the Mustangs scored again.
Making the score now 17-6. Just before half time the Mustangs scored again making the score 24-7 at the half.
In the second half the Patriots were able to mount somewhat of an offenseive attack and scored another TD on a 1yd QB
sneak by Beatty. However, again they were unable to convert the PAT.
With the score 24-12, a weary and tired Patriots defense mounted enough energy to contain the Mustangs from scoring
again for the remainder of the game. Making the final score Mustangs 24- Patriots 12
Patriots loose opening game to East Brunswick 34-6
On the next two E. Brunswick Possesions, the Patriot defense was able to hold them to 3 and out.
After takning over the ball on our own twenty yard line, with 1:34 seconds on the clock, Cameron Beatty's pass was picked
off and two plays later, E. Brunswick scored again and converted the extra point . They lead at half time. 14-6.
With the exception of the interception for the second score, the Patriots seemed to still be very much in the game.
The second half was a different game. The Patriots defense was unable to handle the quickness
of the quaterback's and running backs. They consistently rolled around our defense with options and runs around the
end. They sustained long drives on each possession in the second half, culmenating in touchdowns. These drives
kept the Patriot defense on the field for long durations and eventually wore them down. The Patriot offense, showed
some moments of greatness but for the most part were usually on the field for three plays and out. A different and tired defense
from the first half was not able to contain their offense in the scond half resulting a second half E. Brunswick
34-6 runaway.
September 17, 2009
On their initial possession, E. Brunswick marched the ball from their 40 yard line, down the field and scored
the first TD. The Patriot's offense then answered back by moving the ball down field on running plays by
Matt Intile and receptions by Kevin Borden. With the ball on the twenty yard line, Cameron Beatty connected with Borden
again, this time for a Patriots TD. With the extra point blocked the score was 7-6 E. Brunswick.
Summer mini-camp is in full swing with players running drills and becoming familar with new assignments. Last year's
freshman class are now sophomores and trying to get a feel for the complexity of varsity football. Full camp
does not begin until mid August when the players put on the pads. Then the real fun begins.
July 6, 2009
Patriots 2009 Football Season Begins.
School may be closed for summer vacation for many of the students at Freehold Twp. HS but
not for the many student athletes that compete in fall sports. The high school is a blaze of activity with athletes,
both boys and girls, preparing for the 2009 fall sports season. Soccer, baseball, basketball and yes, football.
The conditioning camp for the Patriots football teams, varsity, JV and freshman started on
Monday, July 6th and will continue throughout July and into the first week of August. All the athletes are working on
strength, conditioning and agility excerises to help get their bodies game ready for the rigerous season that lie ahead.
This year in addition to the standard skills and drills for the varsity/JV, Coach Lepore has enlisted the aid of a professional
strength and conditioning coach to not only get the team physically ready but also nutitionally sound. (Read the article on Scott Paltos below)
Check back often for updates and phots from the Patriots Football Traing camp
Scott Paltos
Scott Paltos... Bodygoals
Coach has always felt that proper conditioning and strength training is the key to any team's
success. That's why anytime of the year you will see many of the football players in the school's weight
room with him and the other coaches. He is big proponent of having his team physically fit to withstand the toughness
and endurance required to keep them playing at top performance levels throughout an entire game. Proper
strengh, conditioning and nutrition is therfore key in making this happen and in order to prevent serious injuries.
In order to acheive his objective, he has hired one of the areas best strength and conditioning
trainers, Scott Paltos of "BODYGOALS" to hold a special "Summer Performance Camp" here at the high school. This
camp will consist of 5 weeks/10 sessions where the athletes will not only get the proper training and conditioning, but will
also guide the athletes in proper nutrition. Eating habits play a very important part in any athlete's conditioning.
Eating the right foods for strengh and engery in lieu of steriods or other performance enhancing methods will help build strong
muscle and energy when required.
More information on BODYWORKS and their staff of trainers can be found on their web page:
http://bodygoals.com
The dates for this camp are: July 6,9,13,,16,20,23,27,30, August 3,6
The cost is $100.00 per player. You can download the application form by clicking on
the download link.
****VARSITY PLAYERS ONLY***
June 20th 2009
Monmouth University 7on7
2008 Season
Patriots End Season With A Win Over Howell HS Rebels 27-13
Freehold Twp. traveled to Old Bridge, NJ on Friday, November 14th to play in a consolation
game against Old Bridge. On a cold and rainy night, the Patriots were able to shake off their defeat from last week's
Manalapan game and come ready to play. Throughout the game the Patriots controlled the ball on offense and were able
to minimise any run game that the Old Bridge team mounted. Spadola and Beatty teamed up for a couple of TD pas/catch
combinations, Bennett pounded the yards away on the ground. The defense dominated the Old Bridge offense allowing very
few first downs and under 100 yards total offense.
Final score
Township 20 Old Bridge 7
Freehold Twp. vs Manalapan
Varsity goes down to defeat in last homegame of the season.
In a divisional match-up which pitted both teams with
similar records of 2-5 neither team was headed for the playoffs but a win in the last week of the
season would be an uplift to end the season by.
After getting on the scoreboard first, with a pass
play from Spadola, who started the game at quarterback, early in the opening series of the game, it looked like
the Patriots were on there way to victory. Spadola had his extra point blocked making the score 6-0 Patriots. However, after a number of turnovers and Manalapan's stepped up play, the
Patriots again would fall to defeat to its crosstown rival 27-6.
The Patriots usually sound defense seemed unable to get it going throughout the game. On the
second Manalapan offensive series, Jimmy Gilburn ran up the middle of the Patriots, ususally solid defense and carried
it 43 yards to the 5 yard line before being tackled. He then scored on the next play. On Manalapan's next offensive
series Gilburn this time, on a hlfback option play, tossed a 30 yard pass downfield to open receiver Kevin Cruz who caught
it and ran to the 2 yard line before being forced out of bounds. Gilburn scored again on the next play.
With the lead only 14-6 the Patriots offense still seemed like they could mount drives of
their own and get back on top. But on a blocked punt from the tPatriots's thirty yard line, Manalapan picked up the
ball and ran it in for another touchdown. The score was now 21-6 going into half time.
The third quarter, Manalapan scored early on a 25 yard pass play from Gilburn to Cruz. After
a missed extra point, the score was now 27-6.
A number of interceptions and fumbles by the Patriots going forward, allowed Manalapan to
coast the rest of the way to their 27-6 victory and end their regular seaon with a 3 an 5 record.
Toms River North showed why they are ranked near the top of the conference.
The Mariners put together a strong showing both on offense and on defense. On offense, quarterback, Nick Zara, mounted an
aerial attack with four touchdown passes, all in the first half against the Patriots.
On their first possession, the Mariners move the ball downfield on three straight short passes
and then with the ball on two yard line, after two running plays were stopped, Zara threw his first of the four TD passes,
a two yard TD throw into the corner of the end zone.
After the Patriots fumbled the ball on the 30 yard line on their next series of downs, the
Mariners took only seven plays to run it in for their second TD in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, with only six minutes on the clock, Zara threw three more TD passes
to make the score 35-0 at halftime. The Patriots seemed to come alive, just as in previous weeks, in the second half. The
defense was able to hold off any more scoring from the Mariners. They also were able to score on a TD pass from Cameron Beatty
to Kevin Borden. That, however, was the extent of their offensive attack. The Mariners held the Patriots to no first downs
and only 17 yards in the first half.
PATRIOTS POST A VICTORY AGAINST RIVAL JACKSON MEMORIAL AT HOMECOMING GAME
PATRIOTS 22 - JACKSON 19
Patriots 22 - Jackson Mem. 19
The start of this game was begining to look like a replay of some of the earlier games the Patriots played
this year. They were playing hard but just couldn't put it all together. As soon as they had the momentum going
their way, they would loose it either on a penalty, fumble or big play from the opposition. On the opening series, Jackson
pushed downd field for their first score, but missed the extra point. Later-on, after a fumble by Twp., Jackson's QB
connected with wideout, Devon Cheatam, on a 24 yd pass play making the score now 13 -0 after missing the extra point
again. Going into half time it looked as though the Patriots were again going down the same path as in previous games.
In the second half a rejuvinated Patriot team wanted to show their fans, in a packed stadium for homecoming, what
"Patriot Pride" really was about. They came out on fire. On the opening series Cameron Beatty connected with Vinny
Verdolino for a 65 yard TD pass run to put the Patriots on the board for the first time. Jackson then responded by
connecting a pass from QB Dorseyto his wide receiver, Tyler Distefanoto pu another TD on the board. The extra point
was blocked and the score was now Jackson 19 - Twp. 7. Township answered back immediately with a 61 yard kickoff return by
Matt Intile which took the ball down to the Jacson 35 yd line. Then with skill of a surgen, the running of Bennett,
Intile and Faiella cut through the Jackson defense and Matt Faiella capped it off with a 9 yard TD run. The score was
now Jackson 19 - Twp. 14.
The Pariot defense was also motivated and could smell a win if they could only hold Jackson and give the ball back
to the offense so that could score again. The defense took the challange and stopped Jackson giving the ball back
to the offense. After another long punt return by Matt Intile, the Patriots now had the ball on the Jackson 23 yard
line with 1:40 on the clock. Behind some phenomenal blocking, Matt Faiella carried the ball, along with some defensive
players on his back, down to the 4 yard line. Again with the great blocking of the offensive line, Jonathan Bennett
took the ball into the endzone, untouched, for the final Patriots touchdown with less then a minute on the clock. Successfully
completing a short pass over the middle from Beatty to Faiella, Twp. tacked on two more points for thei extra point. the score
now was Twp. 22 - Jackson 19. With less then a minute on the clock the defense held off any chance that Jackson could score
and take away this well earned victory. This was extra special since Twp. had not beaten Jackson in 10 years.
Video Clips of Jackson Game To Be Posted Soon
Patriots 14 Neptune 20
Click on slideshow for larger version
Too Little Too Late. During the first quarter, the Patriots defense, again showed their
strength by stopping the opposing team's run attack. Early in the game the Patriots were able to contain the explosive
running of Neptune's running back Michael Peavy. Seeing that Peavy was unable to advance the football, Neptune decided
to use another attack. Quarterback, Lem Walker was now running sweeps and options around the ends. It seemed to
work, On one of these QB keepers, Walker found a hole and burst through the middle of the line for their first
touchdown. The Patriots were also unable to mount any meaningful offensive attacks. Patriots QB, Ryan Spadola completed
a few short passes to Matt Faiella, Kevin Borden and Anthony Maak but couln't move the team consistantly downfield. Running
back Jon Bennett also made some postive yardage; again not enough to consistantly move the chains.
Neptune scored again late in the second quarter and took a 14 - 0 lead into half time.
With only 20 seconds into the 3rd quarter, Michela Peavy showed his explosive ability
and finally broke through the Patriots line for a long touchdown run, making the score now 20 - 0 due to a missed extra point.
The Patriots seemed to come alive in the second half. Spadola moved the team downfield
showing his own athletic abilities. On a combination of sweeps, runs and passes, Spadola moved the team down to Neptune's
eleven yard line. On a second down play, Ryan combined with Anthony Maak for a touchdown pass into the corner of the
endzone. After Spadola successfully kicked the extra point, the score was now 20 - 7.
Fourth quarter. The defense again stepped-up, putting pressure on the opposing QB and
causing miscues and fumbles. On a fumble recovery, the Patriots again started to march downfield. However, this
time, with a different QB, Cameron Beatty. Ryan Spadola went to wide receiver where with his height, speed and abilty
to catch the football, made him a another threat that Neptune had to defend. Jon Bennett also was a threat of his own.
Picking up yardage with his runs from scrimmage. With the running of Bennett and after a few incomplete passes, Beatty found
his range and completed a number of short passes and moved the team downfield. Time was running out. With only 41 seconds
remaining in the game, Beatty connected with Kevin Borden for a 18 yard touchdown. The score now was 20-14.
Given a little more time the results may have been different.
Southern Regional 34 Freehold Twp. 0
Click on image for more gameday photos
The Patriots go down to defeat at the hands of the Eagles.
The Patriots started the game very impressively. The denfense was very strong, allowing only minimal
rushing yards for the Eagles explosive offense, with their star back Glenn Carson. The Patriot line held the
Eagles for most of the first quarter. The offense, also looked impressive, behind their new QB, Ryan Spadola. Tailback,
Jonathan Bennett continued to gain rushing yards on the ground while Spodola found a number of receivers to pass to for more
Patriot yardage.
Then late in the second quarter the Eagles found success in their passing game. On an out pass, the
Eagle's QB Brian Sullivan tossed his first of four TD's of the game to Glenn Carson who beat the Paroit defender down
the sideline and ran 70 yards to score their first TD.
After an interception from Patriots QB, Spadola, the Eagles moved the ball downfield late in the second quarter.
With less than one minute on clock until half time, Sullivan again matched up with Carson who scored on another five
yard pass, making the score 14-0 at half time.
Finding more success in their passing game than in their running game, the Eagles opened up on their first
possession of the second half, by throwing another long pass from Sullivan to wide receiver Nick Tampone, again,
over the head of the Patriot defenders for a 61 yard touchdown. This made the score now 21-0.
The eagles defense also came alive in the second half and stopped any momentum that the Patriot offense enjoyed
in the first half. The Patriots were unable to move the ball very much in the 3rd quarter either on the ground or in
the air. After being on the field for most of the 3rd quarter, the Pariot defense was wearing thin. The eagles
took advantage of this and Sullivan again hooked up with wide reciver Tampone for another 25 yard TD, making the score now
28-0.
The Eagles did score again on anothe short pass in the fourth quarter, to make the score at this point 34-0. Eagles
quarterback Brian Sullivan ended the day with a school tieing record of 4 TD passes in one game.
The remainer of fourth quarter was played by most of the second string players for both teams. The Partiots almost
scored late in the 4th quarter when they moved the ball down to the eagles 3 yard line but on a 4th and goal, threw an
intercetion at the goal line.
Next week the Patriots are at Neptune High School.
BRICK MEMORIAL- 14 PATRIOTS -7
The Patriots' defense held the the Brick Mustangs for most of the first half. The Patriots scored
first on a 55 yard yard run, through the middle of the line, by Jonathan Bennett.
The begining of the 2nd quarter both defenses dug in and played hard. Late in the 2nd quarter,
the Mustang's offense finally ermerged and drove down the field to tie the score at 7 a peice going into half time.
At the start of the 3rd quarter it was the the Patriots offense that seemed to kick in, with
a few rushing yards and a couple of short passes to advance the ball to the Mustangs 40 yard line. Then, on a mishandled
completed pass by the Patriots, that squirted out of the receiver's hands after a long completion, the line backer
for the Mustangs picked up the fumble and scurried 50 yards for the tie breaking TD. This now put the Mustangs ahead
by the score of 14 to 7. The Mustang defense was putting pressure on quarterback Cameron Beatty all night, but in the second
half, the Mustang defense turned it up a notch.
The Mustang offense also seemed to kick it into high gear in the third and fourth quarters.
The spread-flex offense, with Mustang quarterback option, along with the running of their Fullback, Vinnie Sabbata
and halfback, Glen McGinnes, allowed Brick to consistenty move down field and control the ball for most of the second half.
They scored again late in the 3rd quarter after pounding their way down field. The Mustangs gained 242 yards rushing
to the Patriots 104 yards, which the Patriots gained mostly in the first quarter.
Middletown So. 21 Freehold Twp. 14
Patriots Play Tough Against A Shore Conference Powerhouse
Patriots vs Mid So
In a very well played game, in which the Patriots rebounded from a 14-0 deficit, Township went down to defeat in the
final quarter. After controlling the ball for almost the entire 3rd quarter, the 4th quarter went to Mid So..The Mid So Eagles pounded
the ball against the Patriots defense and eventually scored the winning TD in the 4th quarter.
Marlboro Game Highlights
Rainy Opening Game
Patriots & Marlboro
This year's Patriot Varsity football team has done something that hasn't been accomplished since 2001. Won their season
opener. This year the team seems more confident and feels they will be competitive. According to the coach from Marlboro,
"the Patriots have a good power football team"
Patriots 12 Marlboro 0
Due to the inclimate weather, there were no photos taken at this weeks game.
Preseason Game Sept 5th vs Monmouth Regional
Click on slide show for larger images
Excitement was in the air during Friday night's preseason game against Monmouth Regional High School. Starting
on the opening series, the Patriots defense stalled the Falcons on their own 20 yard line for a three and out. Then,
the offense, on their first series, saw Jonathan Bennett scurry for a 20 yard run and score impressively.
The highlight of the game, however, was the Patriots' goal line stand. The Patriots held off a four down
surge by the Falcons, not allowing them to score from the one yard line. This year's players are "bigger than most teams",
stated coach Lepore. It showed on this opening defensive series.
Aside from an experienced and big "D" line, this year's Patriots team is packed with talent in all areas. The
offensive line is big and strong.
Running backs Bennett, King and Intile found big holes and were able to gain impressive yards on the ground behind
the great blocking from fullback Paul Amakihe and the offensive line that averages 230 lbs.
Special teams showed their talent and strengths when the players opened a hole in the defense on the 2nd
half kickoff, that looked like the parting of the seas, and allowed Ramier Wright to run 80 yards down the middle, for
another Patriots touchdown.
Quarterbacks Cameron Beatty and Joe DeFranco both took turns at the helm. Both horned-in on their wide
receiving targets Ryan Spadola and Kevin Borden, who promise to make a couple of game breaking plays this year, no matter
which QB throws the ball.
There were, however, a number of preseason miscues along with too many unnecessary penalties. The coaching
staff will address these during this week's practices. A Patriot TD was called back on a 40 yard run from sophomore
Mike Mullen, on a penalty for blocking in the back.
Friday marks the start of the 2008 season. Many people around the Twp. are cautiously optimistic about this
year's Patriots football team. A win in the season's opener can go a long way to keep this confidence high.
Matawan Scrimmage 8/30/08
Click on slideshow to see more action shots of the Patriots and Matawan Huskies in this second scrimmage of the season.
Scrimmage at Manasquan High School
Click on the slide show, then
"view album" to see the complete
photo album or the slideshow in a
larger format.
Click the "Size" button to view index of photos in a different sizes.
Football season officially began for the Freehold Twp. High School Patriots football
team on August 15th. Although all the teams have been working out since early July with "skills & drills" conditioning,
August 15th marked the first day of real football practice. This year, the Varsity and JV teams started their first
few days of practice by going away to a three day sleep away camp at Pine Grove Day Camp in Brick, NJ. The grueling three
day camp was mixed with conditioning drills, football practice and much hard work.
Although the players were pushed to physical exhaustion, the camp found ways to mix some fun in with the the training. With
the assistance of the Pine Grove staff, teamwork and exercised were intertwined during the boy's agility course challenge.
Click on slideshow for a full screen version
All through the weekend, and going forward throughout the season, the coaching staff stresses
the importance of working together as a team and relying on your fellow teamates. This three day mini camp was a method
of bringing this point across while also providing an undisturbed atmosphere for the team to practice. Amongest
themselves, the boys showed that they are creating that camaraderie. Learning to depend on each of your teamates is
very important for any team that wants to learn to play together ...as a team.
A complete practice and game schedule can be found by going to the "Event Calendar"
on the menu bar.
Directions to all away games, from the school, can be
found on the "Event Calendar" by clicking on the date and then "map".
