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Sports

Huskies Leave it all on the Field in All-Shore Gridiron Classic

Monmouth County lost 6-3, but the four Huskies in the game made many strong plays

The Monmouth County All Stars fell short this year against the Ocean County All Stars in the US Army All Star Gridiron Classic, losing the game in a defensive battle 6-3. However the four Huskies that battled it out in the game left with some good memories. 

Running back Keith Beaty, cornerback McArthur Underwood, defensive end Jon Faccas, and center Andrew Lazar stood out in the game, making many strong plays on the field.

After a three and out on Monmouth County’s first drive Beaty and Underwood made their presence known on the first punt by gang tackling the runner for no gain. With a lackluster offensive game for both teams, punting was a common theme for the night.

Not to be out done, Faccas forced the quarterback out of the pocket on second and long for Ocean County on the following defensive possession. He forced an intentional grounding by the quarterback, setting up a third and very long. 

On Monmouth County’s second drive, with Lazar at center, the team went on to have its most productive and only scoring drive of the game. 

The offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage for the entire drive for Monmouth County, led by Lazar making perfect snap after perfect snap, with his quarterback in the shotgun. The drive would have been picture perfect if it weren't for a dropped touchdown pass. Unfortunately it ended with a field goal after a stalled drive inside the 10 yard line. 

Mid-way through the second quarter, Underwood lined up for a punt return and nearly broke it off for a touchdown. At the end of the run he changed field position around for the Monmouth County team and gave them what seemed to be a much needed jump start to their offense. However, like the other drives for Monmouth County it stalled and they were left to punt. 

Two huge defensive plays were made inside the ten yard line by Huskies. The first came with under two minutes left in the first half of the game on a third and goal from the seven yard line.  Faccas lead a mass of pressure at the quarterback to force an incompletion and a field goal attempt by Ocean County which tied the game at 3 going into halftime.

The second huge defensive play of the game came by Lazar an offensive lineman.  After Ocean County sniffed out the screen play for an interception, it seemed as if they were going in for a touchdown - but a hustling Lazar made a touchdown saving tackle at the three yard line. 

The defense kept their momentum after Lazar’s touchdown saving tackle and forced Ocean to kick a field goal, keeping the game within reach. 

The Monmouth County offense however could not pull together to tie or take the lead and the game ended with a score of 6-3. 

With the site of the Gridiron Classic turning back over to a Monmouth County field next year, Athletic Director Joeseph Martucci is hopeful that he can get the game back to Matawan Regional High School. 
   

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