12/05/2009 – East Brunswick 9, Brick
Memorial 0 – NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV Championship
East
Brunswick won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV State Championship for the
second time in 5 years. The game was even more memorable for being played in a
winter storm. A morning rain changed to heavy snow at the start of the game and
by half time the field was covered and the cheerleaders were having snowball
fights. This East Brunswick team has proved all season long that they are tough
and that they respond to adversity and this was demonstrated beautifully in this
state championship victory. East Brunswick started the game off with an
explosive 64 yard run by Jared Lynch, but on the very next play Mauro Tucci lost
his grip on the slippery wet football and Brick Memorial recovered. East
Brunswick got another chance a few plays later when a bad snap on a Brick
Memorial punt gave East Brunswick the ball. The Bears were not able to move the
ball, but turned to Tyler Yonchiuk as they have all season and he kicked a
school record 10th field goal in the season. The rest of the first half was
mostly a defensive battle with both teams struggling literally to gain
traction. Brick Memorial did have some opportunities, but were not able to
convert them into points. After a blocked East Brunswick punt, the Mustangs
drove down to a first and goal at the 5, but a fumble recovery by East Brunswick
stopped that drive. East Brunswick was unable to move the ball and after a short
punt, Brick Memorial drove back down to the Bears 15 yard line. The defense held
and Brick Memorial attempted a field goal, but a bad snap eliminated that
threat. East Brunswick took a 3-0 lead into the half time break. In the third
quarter, East Brunswick mounted a 47 yard scoring drive highlighted by 4 carries
by Mike Weber including a 12 yard dash for the touchdown. With a 9 point lead,
the Bears defense could take over – completely shutting down the run. When the
Mustangs then tried the air, that was even less effective. East Brunswick got
interceptions from both Anthony Gudzak and Nick Gudzak. This was East
Brunswick’s year and a snow storm was not going to stop this fine East Brunswick
football team. Congratulations to all!
East Brunswick is now 8-4 for the season.
