Good evening everyone. Here is the first installment of highlights from Sayreville’s win over Manalapan in the semifinal round of the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs at Bomber Stadium last Friday night. The Bombers fell behind early as Manalapan struck on its first possession with a 78 yard pass from Rutgers bound, Michael Bimonte to Anthony Firsker, and then Josh Firsker ran the ball in from two yards out for a 7-0 lead.
Sayreville would wake up though as Syd Holt sacked Bimonte on the Braves next possession, and then tackled him in the end zone for a safety when a long snap for a punt sailed over the Manalapan QB’s head. Then, in the second quarter with the score still at 7-2 and Manalapan driving, Delon Stephenson intercepted a Bimonte pass on fourth down, and returned it all the way back for a touchdown, and an 8-7 lead. Stephenson had another interception that set up a 15 yard TD pass by Joe Geiger to Holt, and then Darryl Stephenson added a 38 yard field goal just as time ran out for an 18-7 lead at the intermission.
Alex Yanuzzelli then ran in a touchdown in the third quarter for a 25-7 lead before Manalapan rallied with two TD passes from Bimonte to Anthony Firsker and Mike Bravaco to close the gap to 25-20 late in the fourth. However, the Braves couldn’t get any closer as Delon Stephenson ran in a touchdown to wrap up the 32-20 victory. Enjoy.