By Jimmy Allinder
Following a crushing 46-30 loss to Bishop George Ahr High School Oct. 22, Spotswood High School’s football team (5-1 division, 5-2 overall) felt like its world had imploded.
The Chargers are two-time defending Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Blue Division champions and were convinced their destiny was to capture a third title, which a victory over the Trojans (5-0 division, 5-2 overall) would have assured. But it wasn’t to be — at least not on the field.
A recently passed league by-law prohibits teams that request a switch to a different division to be eligible for the championship. Bishop Ahr, a White Division member since 2009, was granted a request to move to the smaller-school Blue Division earlier this year, thus eliminating the Trojans from title contention.
“[As it now stands], if we beat Metuchen [High School (1-2 division, 1-5 overall)] Nov. 5, the conference will award [us] the Blue Division title,” Spotswood coach Andy Cammarano said. “If that happens, I assure you none of us will be wearing jackets with that [proclamation on the back]. Winning the division on paper is nice for those who are interested in that, but we’re not.”
The loss to Bishop Ahr was not only disheartening because of the 46 points the usually defense-minded Chargers surrendered, but they also couldn’t bridle Trojans running back Andrew Brazicki the entire game. The senior, who is one of the best backs in the GMC, galloped through and around Spotswood for five touchdowns covering 44, 84, 52, 50, and 11 yards, amassing 327 yards overall. He declared his performance his best ever.
A positive Cammarano says he took from the otherwise bitter defeat came on the last play of the game. With the score 46-24, quarterback Nick Mohr threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jack Keenan as the gun sounded to end the contest.
“I told the kids a team with less heart wouldn’t have found a way to drive for a touchdown in those last few moments with the outcome already decided,” Cammarano said. “That showed me they still believe in themselves.
“I said to my seniors, ‘You can count the number of games left in your career on one hand and if you stick together, I’ll stick with you, and we will finish the right way.’ ”
Spotswood is currently ninth in power points in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group II standings and likely needs a victory Oct. 28 at Raritan High School (3-3) to remain alive for a spot in the playoffs. It is the Chargers’ eighth and final game that counts toward playoff qualification, although Spotswood can gain residual points from opponents it has met who have yet to play their eighth contest.
In other area games, South River High School (2-3 division, 2-5 overall) suffered a 20-12 loss to Keansburg High School Oct 22, which also put a damper on the Rams’ hopes of squeezing into the Central Jersey, Group I playoffs. South River desperately needs a win Oct. 29 at Mater Dei Prep (7-0), which could give the Rams the necessary power points to qualify.
East Brunswick High School (1-4 Red Division, 1-5 overall) will also have difficulty earning a spot in Central Jersey, Group V. The Bears are mired in 12th place and need to move up four spots in order to qualify for the playoffs with two games remaining before the cutoff.
East Brunswick is at home the next two weeks with Freehold Township High School (6-1) paying a visit Oct. 28 and New Brunswick High School, which is much better than its 2-5 record might indicate, coming to town Nov. 4. The Bears close out the regular season on Thanksgiving Day at Old Bridge High School.
Monroe Township High School (0-6 Red Division, 0-7 overall) hopes to gain its first win with a visit to Colts Neck High School (1-6) Oct. 29. The Falcons, who also compete in Central Jersey, Group V, conclude the regular season Nov. 4 when they host South Brunswick High School (4-2).
If Spotswood, South River, East Brunswick or Monroe don’t qualify for the playoffs, they will play state consolation games Nov. 11 or 12 against opponents to be determined.
