TOMS RIVER — The Toms River North High football team (9-0) is going into the postseason riding a high.
The defending state champs are the top-ranked team in the Shore Conference, ranked third in the state, and just blew out crosstown rival Donovan Catholic (2-5) Friday night, final score 31-0.
“They’re a team that’s pretty easy to coach,” said TRN head coach Dave Oizerowitz. “And they want to win a championship, they want to be a championship team, the way they practice during the week they keep getting better. And this was an intense rival for us, they were the only team we really haven’t beat in the Shore Conference and we overcame that obstacle.”
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On offense, the Mariners were lethal on both the ground and through the air. Quarterback TJ Valerio scorched the Griffins secondary with his 8 of 9 passing for 201 yards, two passing touchdowns and one he ran in for a six yard touchdown.
“The receivers, Cam(ryn) Thomas, you never know how they’ll bring it down, it’s a mystery every time, it’s amazing, said Valerio. “Mordecai (Ford) can rip it off anytime, Nas, Cole, they’re all special. It’s a quarterbacks dream come true.”
Friday night’s win clinched the an outright Shore division title for the Mariners, their second in the last three seasons. The last time the Mariners suffered a defeat was over a year ago against Red Bank Catholic, who also went on to win a 2023 state title.
It’s been a lot of winning for the Mariners, and they hope to continue the tradition. Now, the quest for another state title enters the postseason phase.
“The division is important,” said Oizerowitz. “It’s on the board, it’s something you want, but it’s on the road to the big prize and we want to be sectional champs and have a chance to win a state title.”
No. 10 Donovan Catholic was seen as a formidable opponent, having scored over 30 points in a loss to No. 2 Rumson-Fair Haven last week. Star perimeter player Michael Thomas III, a Rutgers commit, rushed for 278 yards against Rumson.
But Toms River North held Thomas to 30 yards on 6 carries and 1 catch for 17 yards.
The first half went the Mariners way thanks to their offensive playmakers. Valerio began running the ball well and delivering strikes to his wide receivers next to him. Nasir Jackson, Mordecai Ford, and Eddie Slosky all made impact plays whether on special teams or offense.
Defensively, the Griffins weren’t able to move the Mariners defensive line from the point of attack. Donovan Catholic had a staggering 10 plays where they either gained no yards or went backwards. TRN held teams scoreless four times this season.
“I think the defense is a very underrated part of our team the last few years… We’re versatile defensively,” said Oizerowitz.
Scoring plays
