MAINLAND, NJ — Mainland’s undefeated streak continued as they overwhelmed Manalapan 56-20 in the South Jersey, Group 4 NJSIAA Tournament quarterfinals on Friday night. The win pushes Mainland to a 10-0 record for the season.
The game started with Mainland taking early control. In the first quarter, Jamie Tyson caught a 30-yard pass from John Franchini for the first score. Cohen Cook followed with two rushing touchdowns, one from 35 yards and another from 27 yards, all extra points successfully kicked by Nate Kashey. Mainland led 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Mainland extend their lead, despite Manalapan finally getting on the board. Lucas DeBiaso rushed for a 33-yard touchdown, before Manalapan’s A’shere Woolfolk caught a 37-yard pass from Ryan Dougherty for their first score. Mainland continued to pour it on with Tyson and Hunter Watson each grabbing a touchdown pass from Franchini, making it 42-7 by halftime.
The third quarter featured less action from Mainland but included a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown by Tyson. Manalapan answered with a 20-yard pass from Dougherty to Jackson Pfister, but the extra-point attempt failed.
In the final quarter, Stephen Ordille of Mainland ran for a 24-yard touchdown, solidifying the win. Manalapan managed one more score, a 70-yard pass from Dougherty to Jarrett Barber, closing the game at 56-20.
Kicker Nate Kashey was consistent for Mainland, successfully converting all eight extra-point attempts. In contrast, Manalapan’s Jake Horowitz succeeded in only two of three attempts.
The win allows Mainland to advance to the semifinals, while Manalapan concludes their season with a 4-5 record.