Triumph: Trio of Eagles' Stars Look to End on a High Note in Gridiron Classic

When you have had the kind of impressive run in the state playoffs that Middletown South’s football team has had in the past few seasons, there are two ways to look at it.

Either you can fault the Eagles for falling just short of a state championship for three straight years, or marvel at the fact that not too many players can say that their team made three straight state championship games.

Middletown South has reached the last three NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III championship games, only to be knocked off twice by Freehold and once by Monroe.

As he prepares for one final game alongside a pair of his teammates, Middletown South defensive tackle Tom Masi definitely takes the brighter view. Masi, offensive lineman Alex Lehr and wide receiver Taylor Rogers will all be part of the Monmouth County squad of senior all-stars that will take on Ocean County in the 34^th annual U.S. Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic at 7 p.m. at Toms River High School North on Thursday.

Middletown South's head coach, Steve Antonucci, is also a member of the Monmouth County staff under head coach Shane Fallon of Rumson-Fair Haven.

After three straight seasons that ended with a loss, the Eagles' trio is hoping to end their careers on a high note.

“It’s sad that it’s over, but it’s good to represent South one last time,’’ Masi said. “A lot of people will look and say, ‘You lost three championships in three years,’ but I enjoyed every minute of it. I don’t regret anything.’’

Masi is part of a star-studded defensive line that also includes players like Keyport’s Greg Velasco and Matawan’s John Faccas that Masi did not have a chance to play against during the season. Even a player who was named the Shore Conference Class A North Defensive Player of the Year said that there are still things he could learn from his fellow all-stars.

“I had heard a lot about Velasco, and it’s been good to learn from him,’’ Masi said.

He also renewed a rivalry with Freehold offensive lineman Mike Kasten, a Georgetown University recruit whom he battled multiple times over the past three seasons, twice in the state finals. Masi has gone up against Kasten during the practices at Rumson-Fair Haven this week, while Lehr has played alongside him on the offensive line.

“He’s always a good challenge,’’ Masi said. “We’ve made a fun rivalry out of it.’’

Also up for a challenge is Rogers, who finished with 47 catches for 838 yards and 8 touchdowns this past season for a team that employs a run-heavy, flexbone option offense. He also has adjusted to catching passes from Freehold quarterback Sterry Codrington, who is one of two quarterbacks in the game for Monmouth County.

Codrington also happens to be a player whose play helped put Freehold over the top to win the Central Jersey Group III title at Middletown South’s expense in the fall.

“It’s definitely been interesting playing with guys like Sterry, Kasten and (Freehold’s Derrick) Bender,’’ Rogers said. “I’m excited to play. It’s going to be a great atmosphere and a great opportunity.’’

Rogers, who will continue his career at Bentley University, has had to adjust to a new offense, as Monmouth County will employ Rumson’s spread shotgun attack. However, he also looks forward to the ball being put in the air a little more than the average Middletown South game.

“I'm looking forward to seeing a couple new quarterbacks and a different offensive style with more balance between pass and run,’’ he said.

He also will battle with some Ocean County defensive backs like Brick Memorial’s Shane Panuska and Mike Acquaviva that he faced during the regular season in the Eagles’ win over the Mustangs.

“It’s going to be more challenging than most weeks, but I think I’m up for the challenge,’’ Rogers said.