Red Bank Catholic 41 Manasquan 7
Red Bank Catholic touchdowns on their first five drives, jumping out to a 35-0 lead and defeating Manasquan 41-7.
First Quarter: Red Bank Catholic’s Joe Diorio intercepted on their 30 and the Caseys went on a 13-play drive, ending with a 1-yard run by quarterback Alex Brown. The big play on the drive came on a 28-yard pass from Brown to Emanuel Ross. They came right back, going nine plays and scored on a 2-yard run by Sabino Portella on the first play of the second quarter. The big play was a 61-yard run by Brown to the 15 that was brought back to the Manasquan 41 because of a holding penalty. RBC stayed on the ground for a majority of their two drives, featuring runs by Portela and Rajahn Cooper.
Second Quarter: Manasquan was at midfield when Diorio intercepted again for RBC and the Caseys had the ball on their 42. This drive had more passing and Brown found Alex Bauman for a 20-yard score. After a Manasquan punt, Brown found Najih Rahman for 58 yards down the right sideline to the 5 and Cooper scored on the following play – a result of second effort getting his way to the end zone.
Third Quarter: After a couple of Cooper runs gained 20 yards, Brown completed three straight passes before Portella scored from eleven yards out. The game turned to a running clock at this point.
Fourth Quarter: Manasquan got on the board when Brett Patten found Robert Pendergist for a touchdown.
Summary: Red Bank Catholic gained yards whether they were running or passing. Brown showed mobility and the RBC receivers were open. The alternation at running back of Portella and Cooper was very effective. On defense, Diorio was the playmaker with his two interceptions and they were able to generate a strong pass rush.
Patten also showed good mobility at quarterback, sometimes out of necessity. The Warriors have some good skill players, but were overwhelmed up front. In addition, they missed too many tackles on defense. However, against public school opponents, they are a competitive team.