Aiming For 2-0: Central Regional Football Takes On Pinelands Tonight

When Central Regional's football team takes the field tonight at Joseph J. Boyd Stadium, it will have the opportunity to do something that has eluded the team for at least nine years: Go 2-0.

For a team that won just one game last year, that will be a huge boost to its confidence.

Central takes on Pinelands Regional tonight at 7 in the Shore Conference Class B South opener for both schools. Pinelands is coming off a 56-14 loss at the hands of Monsignor Donovan last week. But don't expect head coach Vinny Casale to be taking that score lightly; the sting of that loss will likely have the Wildcats fired up.

Central surprised many with its 21-12 victory over Red Bank last Friday. Make no mistake, however, there were some rough spots for the Golden Eagles. Coverage on passing plays was inconsistent, with the defense forcing Red Bank's Terrance Scanlon to throw the ball away on some plays, but allowing him to complete long passes for first downs on others. Central will need to pressure the Pinelands quarterbacks, Dan McFee and Gerald Grimes and not allow them to throw downfield.

Weighing in Central's favor is the fact that the Wildcats gave up more than 250 yards rushing last week. That should bode well for senior running back Kalyph Hardy, who rushed for 138 yards last week. If he and junior Vinnie Davis get on a roll, it could be a long night for the Wildcats.

Check back with Patch later tonight for a complete wrapup of tonight's game.