Full coverage of Manalapan’s 21-7 win over South Brunswick at Rutgers in the Central Jersey Group 5 Championship

PISCATAWAY – Imamu Mayfield had 134 all-purpose yards and the Manalapan defense pitched a shutout in the second half to give the Braves a 21-7 win over South Brunswick at Rutgers Highpoint Solution Stadium.  It’s the Braves first ever sectional title after losing in the finals the previous three years.  South Brunswick held the ball for most of the first quarer, but would miss a field goal after a 14 play, 61 yard drive that took up 8:13.  Manalapan leaned on its outstanding offensive line to mount a long drive of its own.  Imamu Mayfield capped off a 14 play, 80 yard drive with a one yard TD to make it 7-0 Braves.  Dontae Strickland, committed to Syracuse, evened the game at 7 on a 6-yard TD run with 1:33 to go in the half.

The biggest play of the game came when Dan Anarella rolled right and threw back across the grain to an open Mayfield, who galloped 61 yards to the 1-yard line.  Ben Siezckowski cashed in from one yard out with 19 seconds left to make it 14-7 at the half.

South Brunswick outgained Manalapan 251-243, but the Braves defense came through when it mattered the most.  A key stop on 4th and short at the 19 yard line late in the 3rd quarter and two Dan Debner interceptions in the 4th were keys to victory.  Manalapan was able to close out the game on Anarella’s 13 yard toss to Kyle Mullen.  Anarella was an effective 6 of 8 for 126 yards through the air.  Mayfield had 19 carries for 73 yards to go along with his 61 yard reception.

SCORING SUMMARY

Manalapan 21 South Brunswick 7

2nd Quarter – Imamu Mayfield 1 yard TD run (Manalapan 7 SB 0)

2nd Quarter – Dontae Strickland 6 yard TD run (7-7)

2nd Quarter – Ben Sieczkowski 1 yard TD run (Manalapan 14 SB 7)

4th Quarter – Dan Anarella 13 yard TD pass to Kyle Mullen (Manalapan 21 SB 7)

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Imamu Mayfield celebrates

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Linebacker Joe Mendez shares an emotional moment with a Braves coach

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Manalapan’s senior football players

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Manalapan fans celebrate at Rutgers

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Shore Sports Zone thanks db Orthopedic Physical Therapy with offices in Manalapan and Lincroft for sponsoring our Manalapan Braves coverage.  It’s because of Dr. David Bertone that we are able to bring you complete coverage of special moments like the Braves historic state championship!

 

SSZ State Championship Coverage

We have full highlights and post-game reaction of every state title game on SSZ – plus we update scores all weekend long

State Sectional Scores
Central Jersey Group 3
Matawan27
Carteret7FINAL
Central Jersey Group 5
Manalapan21
South Brunswick7FINAL
Central Jersey Group 1
South Hunterdon12
Shore Regional42FINAL
Central Jersey Group 4
Jackson Memorial21
Middletown South18FINAL
Central Jersey Group 2
Delaware Valley0
Rumson-Fair Haven21FINAL
Non-Public Group 3
Red Bank Catholic45
Delbarton20FINAL

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Don’t forget to vote for the 2014 high school football Plays of the Year.  Six categories featuring the top plays captured by SSZ cameras in 2014!  Winners will receive an invite to our first annual SSZ All-Zone football banquet on December 16th at IPlay America in Freehold.  Click HERE to see all the nominees and cast your vote – ballots stay open until this Wednesday.