Youth Football State Championships

On Sunday, at the Toms River East high school complex, different ages of young football players will fight for state title bragging rights in the American Youth Football League (AYF). AYF has the largest membership nation wide and the biggest presence in Jersey Shore. There are six competitive divisions ranging from 18 teams per all the way up to 44 teams and the Braves of Manalapan have two squads (Cadet and Jr. Midget) still in the hunt for the state ring.

The Jr. Midget group (7th/8th graders) are coached by Pat Marzo. Marzo is no stranger to state title games as this will be his 6th in a row and has won the previous five. For this team, it is their fourth consecutive trip. These boys have set state records with their three straight state titles, 42 consecutive NJ wins, and ten shutouts this season. The Braves (12-0) are averaging an outstanding 30.2 points per contest while giving up just 1.16 ppg. They face Howell (10-1) who have peeled off 9 straight wins and have given up just 44 points over those 11 games. Manalapan hopes to win their fourth straight and then go on to Florida, with the hopes of adding another National Title to their trophy case (they won one in 2012 as Jr Pee Wee). The game is being played at 1 pm.

The Braves are lead up front by center, Justin Nyers, and guards, Joe Fratacci and Stephen Kennedy. Chris Marzo has thrown for 900 yards and 12 touchdown passes with receiver, Tommy Guidice (320 yards, 4tds), as his main target. Anthony Matrone, Marshawn Ferguson, Francesco Barone, Ben Pirozzi and Damien Henderson are a part of a Brave's rushing attack that has compiled over 1800 yards on the ground. Ferguson and Matrone lead the team in touchdowns with twelve each. Bryce Enlow, Corey Holowach, Jordan Gravesende, Sean Kaplan, and Bobby Caron are key members in the trenches for the Braves. On defense, middle linebacker, Ray Vender, leads the team with 65 tackles. Ferguson has five interceptions while Guidice and Gavin Claro lead the team in sacks. Mario Chierchia is a two way star on the line and Troy Dey, Mike DeMayo, Mike Spinelli, Anthony Esposito, Nick Sanatana, and Marzo round out a fantastic defensive backfield. Vincenzo Rea is the league's leading kicker and key Braves weapon.

The Cadets of Manalapan are following right in the Jr Midget's path. They are 11-0 on the season under first year head coach, Mike Palmer. The Braves are averaging 28 ppg and are giving up right around 4 ppg. The Asbury Park Bishops (10-1) are their opponent and their defense is just as stout with 4 ppg as well. This game is being played at 11:15 am, right before the Jr Midget contest.

Mark Augello has lead a strong Brave's ground game with over 1000 yards rushing this season along with 20 touchdowns. Mateo Barone and Monte Krkuti have combined for 9 touchdown passes with Christian Zdziarski and Joe Palmer being the primary targets. Cameron Sandowsky, Colton Schuler, and Chase Enlow have been an integral part of the offensive line while Adam Vender, Trevor Tansey, and Ashere Woolfolk have been the defensive leaders in the Brave's seven shutouts. The Cadets also have a weapon in the form of a kicker. Jake Horowitz has converted 70 percent of the extra 2pt PATs. (in youth the kick is 2, to promote the critical area of play for high school)

Manalapan has won two state titles at the Cadet level (2011,2013) but neither team was able to take home the National title as the N.J. representative. These young Braves will give their best to become the third ever State champ and first ever National champ for Manalapan, at this level.

The Cadet roster is as follows: 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, Caemron Sandowsky, Christopher Manzolillo, Joe Kaminski, Hunter Romano, Jake Horowitz, Matthew Thomas, Jacob Scanish, Logan Bresnahan, and Adam Vender.