Braves Shut Out Toms River North from Playoffs

Toms River North tried valiantly, but in the end it could pull off the victory the Mariners so badly needed.

scored 21 fourth-quarter points to overcome Toms River North in Manalapan on Friday night. Manalapan's victory secured homefield advantage for the Braves, while ending any hope the Mariners (4-4) had of sneaking into the NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV playoff picture.

Toms River North was one of five teams within striking distance of the final playoff seed going into Friday night's game. And for a while it looked like the Mariners, behind a three-touchdown performance (two passing, one rushing) from quarterback Scott Buxbaum, might pull off the upset.

Manalapan running back John Sieczkowski, however, found another gear. He finished with 236 yards and all five of the Braves' touchdowns. It is the second straight year that Manalapan eliminated Toms River North from the playoffs.