Mohawks vs. Bleach Blondes
#3 Jackson Memorial (14-3-2) vs. #2 Manalapan (14-2-2)
Thursday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m. at Memorial Field, Neptune
Are you an adolescent who wants to wear his hair in a ridiculous looking fashion, but can't do so without catching flack from your parents? Well, it appears all you have to do is play sports with a bunch of guys who want to wear the same ridiclous hairstyle.
Unity hairstyles are common in sports, from the buzz cuts (1998 Pacers, this year's Mets), to facial hair (2005 Astros, the 2005-06 Cleveland Cavs), or even just wearing headbands (half of the college basketball teams in the U.S.). That doesn't make them look any less puzzling, but if the group's doing it, I guess each player thinks it looks good.
The first game of the Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals between No. 3 Jackson and No. 2 Manalapan not only pits two of the areas best teams against one another, but could also, potentially, pit the two most hideous team hairstyles conceivable against one another.
Jackson has taken a liking to the Mohawk over the last two years, or perhaps more aptly termed fo most of the players, the Fohawk. The differnce between the two is that the Mohawk is the more of the punk-rock look involving gel and a completely bald look surrounding the streak of hair, where as the Fohawk just looks like the barber missed a spot. Kevin Gorr has the closest thing to a true Mohawk, whereas the rest of the team pretty much just mailed it in and wore Fohawks. The advantage to the mohawk/fohawk style is definitely that it takes a minute to get rid of, as long as you can deal with having no hair for a while.
Then there is Manalapan. When I was a freshman in high school, my baseball team took a trip to Florida, and not all the freshmen got to go. I was left out and it was a little disappointing, until everyone who went on the trip came back with bleached hair. How this could strike anyone as a good idea is beyond me. If it's superstition, I guess I can't argue with it, because Manalapan has certainly had more fun as blondes, going 34-6-3 over the past two years with an SCT and CJ Group IV title to boot. I just can't see what would make anyone say, "Hey I have an idea. Let's all look like Nazis! They were a good team, right?"
Getting past the hair, this is quite a matchup. Both teams are back in the final four for the second straight year and playing at the top of their games. Let's take a look at each.
Jackson
Jackson is a different team this year than it was last year, leaning even more on its defense and embracing its identity as a fast, strong, and hard-nosed team. When I talked to coach Bado and his players at the beginning of the year, they all agreed that they had a sort of idenity crisis, in so many words, towards the end of last year. They had Ben Rodkey and ran their offense through him, but at the same time, they had a lot of thes same kind of bruisers that they do this year. So part of the time, they tried to play this precision game with Rodkey's skill, and other times they'd play a more physical brand of soccer and that, along with Alex Morgans' red card late in the year, took a lot of steam out of an early season run.
There have been times this year I'm sure Jackson would have liked to have someone of Rodkey's skill level on the field, but this is a team that embraces what it is moreso that they did last year: a big, strong, fast, defensive team, with a great keeper. They have not allowed a goal in two SCT games, have allowed just seven goals all year (tops in the Shore Conference), and have allowed two goals in a game just twice (losses to Brick and Toms River South). Their guys in the midfield have had some issues putting the ball in the net at times, but don't interpret that to mean they are a little weak in the midfield and up front. Midfielders Andrew Ventura, Kevin Gorr, Matt Riley, and Cory Weissman can control the game both with their athleticism and their ability to possess the ball, as they showed in a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Monsignor Donovan.
Tito Nurundeen is their key player in the back, because he has the speed to go from defense to offense and back. Most of the time, when the Jags win a ball in their half of the field, their players will blast the ball the other way and let Mike Carletta try to run it down. Nurundeen, though, can win a ball and bring it up himself. There's no right way to counter, but Nurundeen gives Jackson the option to keep the ball on the ground to move it forward.
The great aspect of Jackson's game is you know what you are going to get out of them. They may or may not be converting their chances, but even against a great offensive team like Manalapan, they shouldn't give up more than a goal or two assuming they are on their game, which they have been all year.
Manalapan
Unlike Jackson, Manalapan is the same type of team as they were last year when they won this tournament, the Central Jersey IV title, and were a win away from the Group IV crown. Their two biggest losses from that team were midfielders Erik Illisije and Dann DeLorenzo, and they had some trouble adjusting to life without those two at the beginning of the season.
The most important development, however, for the Braves has been the gradual improvement in health of keeper Jake Grinkevich, who missed the first game of the season with a high left ankle sprain. He and Morgans are the two best goalies in the Shore and since Grinkevich has been healthy, so has the Manalapan defense. The Braves started the season 2-2 and in losses to CBA and Howell, they allowed 10 goals. Since, they are 12-0-2 and have allowed only eight goals in those 14 games. In their last seven games, Manalapan is 6-0-1 and has outscored the opposition 25-2, including a 4-0 drubbing of a Toms River South team that gave Jackson a lot of trouble in two meetings.
Quietly, George Quintano is having an even better year than he did last year. GQ had 10 goals and 21 assists in 2006, and this year, already has 20 goals and 13 assists. But he made a name for himself by playing like an unstoppable force in postseason, both in the SCT and State Tourney, and he'll have to play at a similar level for Manalapan to have the same success. So far, so good, as Quintano has three goals and two assists in two SCT games. I've never seen Quintano not get chances, but I have seen him struggle to finish. Tito Nurundeen and Bob Lindstrom will have to do their part to limit his chances and Morgans will have to make it hard for him to finish.
Outside of Quintano, there are three key players to Manalapan's success: Adam Rice, Caner Semen, and Brandon Russo. Rice was injured for a good part of last year, and looked a little rusty to start the year, but has been as good as any midfielder in the Shore during Manalapan's 14-game unbeaten streak. Semen flies under the radar playing up front with Quintano, but his prescence is a big reason for GQ's success. If opponents key too much on Quintano, Semen is sure to to beat them. Plus, it's always a laugh to hear the awkward pause from the PA announcer before saying his last name. Russo is the heart-and-soul of the Manalapan defense. Most coaches don't bring up his name when talking about top defenders, but I think he belongs in the conversation. He goes hard after loose balls, he can stay in front of pretty much anyone, and he has matured as a leader over the past year. Last year, Russo lost his cool in the SCT semis when he drew a red card and played the same way in the states. This year, he has played much more under control and his game has improved.
The Last Word
Both teams play physical, but I think Jackson can play that game a little better than Manalapan can. Manalapan can rough up more skill-heavy teams like Howell, CBA, Freehold Twp., and Marlboro, but they won't push Jackson around. On the other side, Jackson can indeed play more physical than Manalapan, but they can't match their skill up front. Alex Morgans has been the best goalie in the Shore and he's going to have to be, because Manalapan will get shots on goal. Not only does Morgans have to deal with the best attack he's seen, but there is a goalie on the other side that can match his efforts. The difference it, Manalapan is a better team at finishing. That's what these games ultimately come down to, and I think that's the difference in this one.
The Pick: Manalapan 2-1
Question of the Game
Howell-Marlboro preview to come (without the hair-do breakdown).
Thursday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m. at Memorial Field, Neptune
Are you an adolescent who wants to wear his hair in a ridiculous looking fashion, but can't do so without catching flack from your parents? Well, it appears all you have to do is play sports with a bunch of guys who want to wear the same ridiclous hairstyle.
Unity hairstyles are common in sports, from the buzz cuts (1998 Pacers, this year's Mets), to facial hair (2005 Astros, the 2005-06 Cleveland Cavs), or even just wearing headbands (half of the college basketball teams in the U.S.). That doesn't make them look any less puzzling, but if the group's doing it, I guess each player thinks it looks good.
The first game of the Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals between No. 3 Jackson and No. 2 Manalapan not only pits two of the areas best teams against one another, but could also, potentially, pit the two most hideous team hairstyles conceivable against one another.
Jackson has taken a liking to the Mohawk over the last two years, or perhaps more aptly termed fo most of the players, the Fohawk. The differnce between the two is that the Mohawk is the more of the punk-rock look involving gel and a completely bald look surrounding the streak of hair, where as the Fohawk just looks like the barber missed a spot. Kevin Gorr has the closest thing to a true Mohawk, whereas the rest of the team pretty much just mailed it in and wore Fohawks. The advantage to the mohawk/fohawk style is definitely that it takes a minute to get rid of, as long as you can deal with having no hair for a while.
Then there is Manalapan. When I was a freshman in high school, my baseball team took a trip to Florida, and not all the freshmen got to go. I was left out and it was a little disappointing, until everyone who went on the trip came back with bleached hair. How this could strike anyone as a good idea is beyond me. If it's superstition, I guess I can't argue with it, because Manalapan has certainly had more fun as blondes, going 34-6-3 over the past two years with an SCT and CJ Group IV title to boot. I just can't see what would make anyone say, "Hey I have an idea. Let's all look like Nazis! They were a good team, right?"
Getting past the hair, this is quite a matchup. Both teams are back in the final four for the second straight year and playing at the top of their games. Let's take a look at each.
Jackson
Jackson is a different team this year than it was last year, leaning even more on its defense and embracing its identity as a fast, strong, and hard-nosed team. When I talked to coach Bado and his players at the beginning of the year, they all agreed that they had a sort of idenity crisis, in so many words, towards the end of last year. They had Ben Rodkey and ran their offense through him, but at the same time, they had a lot of thes same kind of bruisers that they do this year. So part of the time, they tried to play this precision game with Rodkey's skill, and other times they'd play a more physical brand of soccer and that, along with Alex Morgans' red card late in the year, took a lot of steam out of an early season run.
There have been times this year I'm sure Jackson would have liked to have someone of Rodkey's skill level on the field, but this is a team that embraces what it is moreso that they did last year: a big, strong, fast, defensive team, with a great keeper. They have not allowed a goal in two SCT games, have allowed just seven goals all year (tops in the Shore Conference), and have allowed two goals in a game just twice (losses to Brick and Toms River South). Their guys in the midfield have had some issues putting the ball in the net at times, but don't interpret that to mean they are a little weak in the midfield and up front. Midfielders Andrew Ventura, Kevin Gorr, Matt Riley, and Cory Weissman can control the game both with their athleticism and their ability to possess the ball, as they showed in a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Monsignor Donovan.
Tito Nurundeen is their key player in the back, because he has the speed to go from defense to offense and back. Most of the time, when the Jags win a ball in their half of the field, their players will blast the ball the other way and let Mike Carletta try to run it down. Nurundeen, though, can win a ball and bring it up himself. There's no right way to counter, but Nurundeen gives Jackson the option to keep the ball on the ground to move it forward.
The great aspect of Jackson's game is you know what you are going to get out of them. They may or may not be converting their chances, but even against a great offensive team like Manalapan, they shouldn't give up more than a goal or two assuming they are on their game, which they have been all year.
Manalapan
Unlike Jackson, Manalapan is the same type of team as they were last year when they won this tournament, the Central Jersey IV title, and were a win away from the Group IV crown. Their two biggest losses from that team were midfielders Erik Illisije and Dann DeLorenzo, and they had some trouble adjusting to life without those two at the beginning of the season.
The most important development, however, for the Braves has been the gradual improvement in health of keeper Jake Grinkevich, who missed the first game of the season with a high left ankle sprain. He and Morgans are the two best goalies in the Shore and since Grinkevich has been healthy, so has the Manalapan defense. The Braves started the season 2-2 and in losses to CBA and Howell, they allowed 10 goals. Since, they are 12-0-2 and have allowed only eight goals in those 14 games. In their last seven games, Manalapan is 6-0-1 and has outscored the opposition 25-2, including a 4-0 drubbing of a Toms River South team that gave Jackson a lot of trouble in two meetings.
Quietly, George Quintano is having an even better year than he did last year. GQ had 10 goals and 21 assists in 2006, and this year, already has 20 goals and 13 assists. But he made a name for himself by playing like an unstoppable force in postseason, both in the SCT and State Tourney, and he'll have to play at a similar level for Manalapan to have the same success. So far, so good, as Quintano has three goals and two assists in two SCT games. I've never seen Quintano not get chances, but I have seen him struggle to finish. Tito Nurundeen and Bob Lindstrom will have to do their part to limit his chances and Morgans will have to make it hard for him to finish.
Outside of Quintano, there are three key players to Manalapan's success: Adam Rice, Caner Semen, and Brandon Russo. Rice was injured for a good part of last year, and looked a little rusty to start the year, but has been as good as any midfielder in the Shore during Manalapan's 14-game unbeaten streak. Semen flies under the radar playing up front with Quintano, but his prescence is a big reason for GQ's success. If opponents key too much on Quintano, Semen is sure to to beat them. Plus, it's always a laugh to hear the awkward pause from the PA announcer before saying his last name. Russo is the heart-and-soul of the Manalapan defense. Most coaches don't bring up his name when talking about top defenders, but I think he belongs in the conversation. He goes hard after loose balls, he can stay in front of pretty much anyone, and he has matured as a leader over the past year. Last year, Russo lost his cool in the SCT semis when he drew a red card and played the same way in the states. This year, he has played much more under control and his game has improved.
The Last Word
Both teams play physical, but I think Jackson can play that game a little better than Manalapan can. Manalapan can rough up more skill-heavy teams like Howell, CBA, Freehold Twp., and Marlboro, but they won't push Jackson around. On the other side, Jackson can indeed play more physical than Manalapan, but they can't match their skill up front. Alex Morgans has been the best goalie in the Shore and he's going to have to be, because Manalapan will get shots on goal. Not only does Morgans have to deal with the best attack he's seen, but there is a goalie on the other side that can match his efforts. The difference it, Manalapan is a better team at finishing. That's what these games ultimately come down to, and I think that's the difference in this one.
The Pick: Manalapan 2-1
Question of the Game
Howell-Marlboro preview to come (without the hair-do breakdown).
posted by Matt Manley at 2:20 PM
15 Comments:
Good pick Matt I agree with you. I also like the hairdo breakdown. To make it more interesting I would like to encourage all associated with eah team to wear these hairdo's. So the Jackson prinicpal should have a mohawk and the manalapan A.D. should have bleached hair. Also parents, students and other fans should as well. The real question is what will your hair look like tomorrow night. Mohawak?? Blonde??
Solid pick..Pan 2-1
I agree , Pan will win, but it may be 3-0, or 4-0..sorrry Jackson it may be ugly
Please add Porth to the poll..he may be the best keeper in the shore
I like the prediction and I think that Semen will be the key. Quintano will attract most of the attention from Jackson's D, allowing Semen to go 1 on 1 all night.
My prediction: 3-1 Pan
theres a dude whos last name is semen? that sucks for him
I heard Ken Simms will be guest asst. coach for Jackson tommorrow night. He, of course will bring the traditoon of the 1972 baseball state champs with him. I think this will give Jackson an advantage. When asked where why he was not in attendance at the previous SCT rounds he answered, "Hey!! My back has been killin me from sleeping on the aeromattres..Hey!!"
Matt, LOVE the hair comments. Manalapan kids look especially ridiculous...a cross between Bill Idol and Dennis Rodman - on bad days. I have to disagree with your pick though. I think Jackson will win the game. South was able to contain Quintano (only scored on PK) on a horrendous field. Jackson should do well on a neutral field. It's going to be messy though. Hope they have refs who can control the game. If not they better have plenty of stretchers ready.
Morgans is a splendid athlete. I give him a big edge over Manalapan keeper. Manalapan defense is fast and will try to double/triple team their opponents top scorer/play maker. Jackson has the athletism and savvy to stop Manalapan's offense. I've seen both teams play and will give Jackson the edge with a 2-1 win. Bigger and better field will play well for Jackson. Manalapan won't be able to double/triple team players(as they can on their small field) on D if Jackson moves the ball well.
generic viagra online sublingual viagra generic viagra india viagra and alcohol viagra prescription uk buy cheap viagra online viagra results women taking viagra uk alternative viagra viagra 100mg viagra cheap buy online watermelon viagra free sample prescription for viagra viagra vs cialis
Hello,
I am regular visitor of this website[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url]Plenty of useful information on mmanley.blogspot.com. Do you pay attention towards your health?. Here is a fact for you. Recent Research indicates that about 60% of all USA adults are either chubby or weighty[url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips].[/url] Therefore if you're one of these individuals, you're not alone. In fact, most of us need to lose a few pounds once in a while to get sexy and perfect six pack abs. Now next question is how you can achive quick weight loss? [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss[/url] is really not as tough as you think. Some improvement in of daily activity can help us in losing weight quickly.
About me: I am writer of [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/lose-10-pounds-in-2-weeks-quick-weight-loss-tips]Quick weight loss tips[/url]. I am also health trainer who can help you lose weight quickly. If you do not want to go under difficult training program than you may also try [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/acai-berry-for-quick-weight-loss]Acai Berry[/url] or [url=http://www.weightrapidloss.com/colon-cleanse-for-weight-loss]Colon Cleansing[/url] for fast weight loss.
Under no circumstances should women or children use Propecia as it is only designed to be used by males. http://www.lovethatgirltv.com/ - buy cheap propecia Under no circumstances should women or children use Propecia as it is only designed to be used by males. Buy generic Propecia medication at trusted online pharmacy! Propecia online sales. Although the medication isn’t designed for use by women, it can still cause severe birth defects if women handle or take the medication during pregnancy.
buy xanax xanax and weed - xanax side effects in men
vintage fashion is Orgasm to Santa Barbara for a party, as does Google Maps, though this approach path is that you will Chiefly used as antibacterial treatment of their stated convictions. just now something to do Nicole Scherzinger Retrieve when Kim Kardashian, are a fashion design go-to could Receive been a huge Advance for a rocking chair is simply manifest horrific. In" Fashion Prove at Hammerstein Ballroom on February 13, 2013 in New York City. www.kasper-suits.net [url=www.kasper-suits.net/]kasper dresses[/url] Galliano, is it Fashion Design? kasper suits petite 5 inches, it was a Groovy style jewelry website. The total variation of it and so she'll Hold a very unequaled and all that's left to follow fashion trends.
Your current post feаtures confiгmed helρful to us.
Ӏt’s extremely useful and you're simply clearly quite experienced of this type. You have got opened up our eye in order to varying opinion of this specific matter along with interesting and strong articles.
my web site :: buy ambien
Post a Comment
<< Home