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Shore 41 Burlington City 12

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Devils save the best for last

By Walter J. O'Neill, Jr.

Playing their last football game of the 2007 season on a cold, wet rainy Friday night, the Blue Devils of Shore Regional played their best game of the year. Shore hosted the Blue Devils of Burlington City in a NJSIAA Consolation game.

Shore does not have a Thanksgiving Day game this year, and did not qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament. However, teams that do not qualify are given a consolation game against an opponent that is supposed to be equal in skill and record.

Burlington City was matched up against Shore Regional; however, the Blue Devils of Burlington City were no match for the Blue Devils of Shore Regional. Both schools use have the same mascot.

Going into the game Erik Chiarella, the senior running back for Shore needed 47 yards rushing to reach the elusive 1,000-yard mark. On the first offensive series Chris Riley, the sophomore quarterback, handed the ball to Chiarella who raced 51 yards untouched for the first of four touchdowns. “I told everyone that I wanted to get the yards on one carry,” said Chiarella. “It is a great feeling reaching 1,000 yards. I have to give credit to my offensive line for making the holes.”

Shore Regional defeated Burlington City 41-12, scoring at will. “We played one of the best games of the season,” said Mark Costantino, head coach. “We had 461 yards of total offense. I think the school record is around 515 yards, we came close.”

Costantino stated that he knew going into the 2007 season, it was going to be difficult. A team not heavily loaded with seniors, Shore was young and inexperienced. “We started off with our quarterback hurting his knee playing summer basketball and not being able to play this year,” Costantino said. “We were fortunate that Chris Riley was able to step in and play.” With the win over Burlington City , Shore ended the season with a 4-6 record.

Costantino stated that Shawn Metz, another senior at Shore, had a great game against Burlington City . “Shawn had 116 yards on 8 carries and 1 touchdown,” said Costantino.

The coach stated that his team played two great games this year; the first was a big win over Neptune and the second was the victory over Burlington City . “We should have had a few other wins, but we made some mental mistakes that cost us wins,” said Costantino. He also added that four of the teams that Shore Regional lost to this year had only 1 loss each.

With only a few seniors on the roster Costantino praised them for their contributions and work ethic. Kenneth Carroll and his cousin John Carroll did a great job on the offensive line. “They were two workhorses for us,” said Costantino.

Max Springman was the linebacker who called the defensive schemes. “Max had a great year for us on defense, he was a real leader on the field,” Costantino said. “Tom Porowski and Parker Crawford were on our defensive line and also played hard all year.” The coach also credited his two senior running backs. Another of the big defensive players that Costantino praised was Frank Maggio, the 6’1” defensive guard who weighs 225 pounds.

Chiarella ended the season with 1,149 rushing yards and Metz had just under 500 yards. “The season went so fast. It seems just like last week we were out in the heat getting ready for the season,” said Costantino.

With a team loaded with sophomores and juniors, the Blue Devils of Shore Regional should have a better season next year. “They gained valuable experience this season and I will expect more out of them next year,” Costantino said.

Shore will have two new opponents next year, St. John Vianney and Manchester . And for the first time in over a decade Shore will have a Thanksgiving Day game. Costantino stated Shore would play Keyport on Wednesday night next year. “We have been working very hard for a Thanksgiving Day game and now we have it back,” said Costantino.