Mustangs trample Jackson Memorial 42-28
Staub leads potent Memorial offensive attack
BY WAYNE WITKOWSKI Staff Writer
Brian Staub recently said he wanted to start passing the ball better to open up things more for Brick Memorial's triple-option offense.

ERIC SUCAR staff Brick Memorial's Brian Staub (No. 5) breaks through the Jackson Memorial defense during his team's 42-28 victory on Oct. 3. The next game for the Mustangs is on Friday night against Toms River North.

The senior quarterback followed through on his words in what was the most dominant performance by a Mustang football player in a long time.

Along with rushing for 302 yards and scoring four touchdowns, Staub also completed three of five passes for 138 yards and two scores as Brick Memorial beat rival Jackson, 42-28, for its first victory over the Jaguars since it beat Jackson in the semifinals of its 2003 NJSIAA Group IV Central Jersey championship season. And four of those six touchdowns came on Brick Memorial's first seven offensive plays as Jackson slipped to 1-2.

"That's what the option gives you, big plays with big yardage," said Staub. "We knew we couldn't lose this one and go 2-2. "We wanted it real bad for the conference, and also with the rivalry. I just wanted to do everything in my power, and the line stepped it up and opened up holes, so I was getting eight yards into the secondary before anyone actually hit me."

After bolting 66 yards on his first run of the game, Staub sandwiched touchdown pass plays of 72 yards on a seam pass to Glenn McGinnis and 54 yards to Anthony Lepore on a fade pattern around his own 47- yard touchdown run.

"It was just crazy how fast everything was happening," said Staub with a laugh, as he finished off the scoring with touchdown runs of 53 and 12 yards. Jordan Loiodice kicked all seven extra points and has yet to miss one this season.

It was the first reception of the season for Lepore.

"He threw a perfect pass to me and everything fell into place for us. It definitely makes us feel confident," said Lepore, whose brother, Mike, plays for Stony Brook.

"He's been a good receiver for us since last year," said coach Walt Currie. "I told him on the bus back from a game this season that we're trying to get him the football," said Currie.

"I remember that conversation," said Lepore. "But it didn't bother me as long as we win. I'm still out there blocking just the same."

Currie also recalls a conversation in which Staub said he wanted to work on his passing.

"Brian said over the summer that one of the things he wanted to improve was his passing accuracy and he really worked on it in the preseason," said Currie, who said he could not remember seeing such a dominant performance by one player or a team starting out like the Mustangs did. "It really starts up front with the offensive line not just picking up things in blocking but in pass protection for the quarterback to read the play and have the room to operate. And that continues downfield with them and our wide receivers blocking."

"Teams knew we could run and now they have to respect the pass," said Staub.

Currie said the game plan was no different for throwing the ball, as it is part of the play action package off the run option. The coach hailed the play of tackles Russ Clayton, the lone new starter up front, and Anthony Spanola; guards Nick Alvarez and Anthony D'Elia; and center Bill Brunner.

"As far as chemistry, they've done a great job from day 1," said Currie.

McGinnis later in the game suffered a leg injury, and his status for Friday night's game at Toms River North is uncertain. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

"They're a team that's just getting started," said Currie of his next opponent. "Their first game they lost to Middletown North was an aberration and, since then, it's clear they've been extremely dangerous and starting to click. Their defense returns nine of 11 starters and was one of the best in the Shore and their offense is starting to jell. They're the toughest team we're playing so far."