Manalapan Youth Football State Champs X 2

The Manalapan Cadet and Jr Midget teams have a lot in common. Both finished their NJ seasons as undefeated, state champions. They both sought out the toughest Pennsylvania teams to add to their already competitive and full New Jersey schedules. And last, they both had explosive runners, shutdown pass defenders, and the very same offensive and defensive coordinators.

The current Jr Midgets won their record setting fourth straight state title via a 27-24 win over the Howell Rebels. This marks head coach, Pat Marzo's, 6th straight state title. For the last four titles, Coach Frank Barone has been by Marzo's side. Marzo does double duty as head coach and offensive coordinator while Barone is the defensive coordinator. The duo has found their teams behind, at halftime, in the last three championships but their in game adjustments are as good, if not better, than anyone's. They had to outscore Freehold (2014) 11-0, Matawan (2015) 16-6, and Howell (2016) 11-0, all in the second half for come back victories.

The Braves relied on Chris Marzo's arm (85 yards and a touchdown) along with Marshawn Ferguson and Anthony Matrone's legs (200 combined rushing yards). Matrone received MVP honors due to his three touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving) and 11 tackles from his line backer position. Vincenzo Rea (2014 MVP) came up huge once again, as his 30 yard FG from the hash with just 51 seconds to go proved to be the game winner. Ferguson, Matrone, Marzo, Francesco Barone, and Mike DeMayo all had crucial runs in the last few drives to push the Braves to victory. Coach Marzo made special mention of offensive lineman, Joe Fratacci, and his special efforts all game long. Ray Vender had 10 tackles on defense, Mario Cheirchia made a huge tackle for a loss that stalled a late Howell drive, and DeMayo secured the game sealing interception with 12 seconds left on the clock. Regarding the multiple championships, Marzo stated, "we have so many people to thank in the development of these boys. Nick Appice is a long time program guy that helps us a lot while Vin DeMayo (offensive assistant), Ray Spinelli and Paul Rea (special teams), and Brian Holowach give a tireless effort to make sure we are always prepared."

Mike Palmer (Cadet head coach) and Mike Zdziarski (Cadet assistant and Manalapan association president) watched the current Jr Midget team win titles for years. Coach Palmer's first move was to get Marzo and Barone on board to run his offense and defense. Marzo, in turn, brought Appice in to help with this team as well. Palmer's oldest son, Stephen, played on Coach Marzo's 2012 state and national championship squad. Stephen is now the offensive line coach for the Cadets. Zdziarski has built a program where both teams now feed off each other, both players and staff. Palmer is a coach who knows how to plan and knows how to win. In his first year, Palmer and Zdziarski have assembled a staff and team that capped off a dream season (12-0) with a 26-20 win over Asbury Park.

Mark Augello was the story of the day. Coach Marzo went to him again and again, to the tune of 269 yards and four touchdowns. Marzo said, "I have had very special players come through the program for the past ten years, but I have never seen one take over a game the way Mark can." Cameron Sandowsky and Colton Schuler lead the way in the trenches for Augello and his crew. Adam Vender added a gritty 70 yards on the ground. On defense, Ashere Woolfolk, Mateo Barone, and Joe Cosentino all made big plays. The defensive game ball went to Barone. Mateo stopped two Asbury drives that were key to his team's victory. One with a pass breakup and the second with an ESPN highlight style interception over a leaping Asbury wide receiver, at the Brave's 10 yard line, with just a minute to go.

Both teams will head down to Florida for the American Youth National Championships on Dec 2nd for a week long tournament. All the regions of the country will be represented.

Jr Midget roster:

Head Coach Pat Marzo, Assts- Franks Barone, Vin DeMayo, Brian Holowach, Ray Vender, Paul Rea, Ray Spinelli, Greg Dey, Frank Matrone

PLAYERS: Damien Henderson, Marshawn Ferguson, Chris Marzo, Mike Spinelli, Tom Guidice, Anthony Esposito, Mike DeMayo, Nick Santana, Anthony Matrone, Ben Pirozzi, Troy Dey, Francesco Barone, Gavin Claro, Justin Nyers, Mario Chierchia, Jordon Gravesende, Stephen Kennedy, Corey Holowach, Joey Fratacci, Bryce Enlow, Ray Vender, Matt Defelice, Vincenzo Rea, Sean Kaplan, Bobby Caron

Cadet roster:

Head coach: Mike Palmer, Assts- Pat Marzo, Nick Appice, Frank Barone, J.T. Thomas, Lenny Tartamella, Mike Zdziarski, Stephen Palmer, and Seth Horowitz

PLAYERS: Mark Augello, Monte Krkuti, Carmine Tartamella, Collin Meyer, Tony Macciola, Trevor Tansey, Mateo Barone, Christian Zdziarski, Chase Enlow, A.J. Cirlincione, Noah Michaels, Colton Schuler, Joe Cosentino, Joe Palmer, Ashere Woolfolk, Cameron Sandowsky, Christopher Manzolillo, Joe Kaminski, Hunter Romano, Jake Horowitz, Matthew Thomas, Jacob Scanish, Logan Bresnahan and Adam Vender.