For a second week in a row, the game plan worked for Toms River High School North football.
And for the second week in a row, Toms River North knocked off a rival from town.
In the final matchup this season between the Toms River Regional Schools in football, Toms River High School North defeated Toms River High School East, 48-7, on Oct. 19 at Toms River East.
The victory enabled Toms River North to claim bragging rights for the year.
Toms River North has beaten both Toms River High School South and Toms River East this season.
On Oct. 12, Toms River North defeated Toms River High School South, 42-0.
“Offensively, we just came out firing on all cylinders. We hit Toms River East with the pass. Sophomore quarterback Jake Kazanowsky continues to get better and better,” Toms River North coach Dave Oizerowitz said.
Oizerowitz said he liked that his Mariners, who improved to 5-2, on the season, played against a rival who was determined to gain some bragging rights.
“Most of the games we played, the teams got along a little bit. This is a rivalry that goes on for 365 days. Even though we have dominated the series. East kids want to beat the North kids. Our kids were fired up tonight. The second half of the game we were able to get back to playing football,” Oizerowitz said.
He said the next game, which is against Southern Regional High School, will be a battle. That showdown will be played this Friday, Oct. 26, at Toms River North.
Kazanowsky threw for five touchdowns to steer Toms River North past Toms River East.
“I trust my guys out there on the field. I know when I put the ball in the air, my teammates will catch it,” Kazanowsky said.
One of those Mariner teammates who caught a pass from Kazanowsky was junior wide receiver Dominick Jacob, who grabbed two touchdown receptions.
“In practice, Jake (Kazanowsky) and I have great chemistry,” Jacob said.
Senior wide receivers Will Marsh, Aaron Craig and Dashawn Wilder contributed to the scoring connections with Kazanowsky by catching a touchdown apiece. Junior running back Jarrod Pruitt scored a rushing touchdown in the victory. Sophomore Jordan Grey capped the scoring when he ran into the end zone.
Coach Kyle Sandberg said he is looking for his Toms River East squad to bounce back.
“We have one more regular season game. Senior night for these guys. The team has to keep grinding away and make corrections,” Sandberg said.
Sandberg said that he and his players have to make some corrections. He said that those corrections will be made before their final matchup of the regular season with Colts Neck High School on Oct.26 at Toms River East.
Toms River East is 2-5 on the season.
Toms River East junior fullback Frankie Giannetti plowed into the end zone for the lone TD for the Raiders.
“There is nothing like playing on that field. East versus North it is by far our most important game of the season. It is fun to play them but at the same time the rivalry is just huge. We want to see who is better and whose best. It was just an amazing atmosphere tonight,” said Giannetti, who also plays linebacker on defense.
