Manalapan Braves 10u Capture State Championship

Football in Manalapan has reached a new level over the past decade. The youth program has emerged as the strongest the state has to offer and that same success has spilled into the high school ranks. Manalapan HS is going for a state championship on Dec 2nd. If the Braves come out with a win, it will be their second title in the school's history (the first coming in 2014). The high school has one of the strongest staffs in the state and constantly support the youth program.

The Manalapan youth program (MYFA) had a huge year and showed the strength and skill the Braves have in the pipeline. Six competitive teams made the post season with the 12u squad falling in the semi final and both the 10 and 11u teams making it to Championship Sunday (Nov 19th). The 10u Braves won the program's 10th State Title since 2010 - across the four competitive age groups the league offers each year.

These young Braves did not have an easy task. After going 9-0 in the regular season, the playoffs were a battle. Point Pleasant came into Brave's country in the second round (Brave's bye in first) and threw everything at them. An Andrew Mucciolo 36 yard td along with a Luca Minardo 2 pt kick was all the Braves could muster in a defensive battle and 8-0 win. In the semi final the Braves got a 10-1 Asbury team. Manalapan was down 13-0 in the first 9 minutes but the coaches on the sideline didn't panic. A game plan in place, the Brave's stayed the course and the offense put up three scores (Ah'sere Woolfok 2 runs and a Frankie Tackett to Johnny Williams 20 yard pass play). Minardo ran in an extra point and kicked two while the defensive adjustments by (coordinator) Joe Brand worked wonders the rest of the way, 23-13 Manalapan. In the State Championship, the Toms River Indians (11-0) squared off against the Braves (11-0) and the battle of the undefeated did not disappoint. The Braves were down 13-0 at the end of the first quarter, again. Game MVP, Ah'sere Woolfolk, scored late in the second quarter and in the mid fourth quarter on touchdown runs. Johnny Williams set up the second score with a 20 yard run into the Indian's red zone. Luca Minardo hit a clutch two point kick in that fourth quarter to put the Braves up 14-13, where the game stayed. The defense was lights out for three quarters behind the pressure and play of Nick Monteleone and A.J. Mucciolo.

Next up for the Braves are the Nationals in Florida (Dec 4th-9th) where they will face the nation's best to compete for a National Title.

Head Coach, Anthony Mucciolo, has done a tremendous job in year one at the competitive level with a perfect season and state title. Running his offense is Pat Marzo, no stranger to AYF titles, as this is his 8th straight state title (an AYF record). Coach Brand also has a state title prior to this season. The rest of Mucciolo's staff are: Kameron Williams (defense), Dom Minardo (specials), Vinny Difilippo (quality control), Allen Dikker (line), Jimmy Graham (receivers), Rob Osmun (monitor), Chris Hammel ( sideline coordinator), and Nick Marzo (assistant defensive coordinator). Nick, a MHS junior football player, hopes to have two state titles this year (one as a coach and player).

The Players:

Patrick Marzo, Connor Brand, Ryan Graham, and Lorenzo Barone are all a part of a receiving core that had 14 catches for 200 yards with 5 touchdowns. All four players had critical roles in the defensive backfield.

Steven Katchikian, Chase Enlow, and Luca Minardo dominated defensively this year from the defensive end positions. Katchikian and Enlow also combined for over 300 yards on the ground while Minardo was second on the team in scoring with 68 points.

Jarrett Barber and Frankie Tackett combined for over 250 passing yards, 4 touchdowns in the air, and over 300 yards on the ground with a few scores as well. Both were defensive standouts.

Vinny Difilippo, Justin Repetti, and Anthony Hammel were versatile players who played multiple spots on defense. Offensively, the trio amassed over 400 rushing yards alongside 5 touchdowns.

Chris Fratacci, Landen Dikker, Nick Monteleone, and Lorenzo Tartamella had huge years on the offensive and defensive lines. Really these four and the two mentioned below are the core of Brave's power football. The group paved the way for more than 3,000 Braves rushing yards.

Alex Osmun and Christian Macaluso were also a part of the offensive line and the team's massive success. Osmun had a critical role as a center, whose shotgun snaps were near perfection, and "Big Mac" was the go to/behind guy all year. These two also made some noise with the ball, the duo had a combined 120 yards via the ground with 5 touchdowns.

Andrew and A.J. Mucciolo. The twins had different roles but both were vital to the team's success. A.J. has a touchdown on the year and played some QB, but he made his huge contribution by being a no nonsense middle line backer, who lead the team in tackles. Andrew had a great year at corner with three interceptions and contributed heavily in the ground game with 300 plus rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

Johnny Williams and Ah'sere Woolfolk. This duo was devastating for opponents. Both had monster defensive years and were huge offensive stars. Williams has 100 yards receiving with a touchdown with 300 plus rushing yards and three more tds. Woolfolk was over 800 yards on the ground with 13 touchdowns and the team's leading scorer.

Best of luck to these young Braves in Florida and in their football careers.