East Brunswick High School Football

12/05/2009 - East Brunswick 9, Brick Memorial 0 - NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV Championship

East Brunswick won the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV State Championship for the second time in 5 years. The game was even more memorable for being played in a winter storm. A morning rain changed to heavy snow at the start of the game and by half time the field was covered and the cheerleaders were having snowball fights. This East Brunswick team has proved all season long that they are tough and that they respond to adversity and this was demonstrated beautifully in this state championship victory. East Brunswick started the game off with an explosive 64 yard run by Jared Lynch, but on the very next play Mauro Tucci lost his grip on the slippery wet football and Brick Memorial recovered. East Brunswick got another chance a few plays later when a bad snap on a Brick Memorial punt gave East Brunswick the ball. The Bears were not able to move the ball, but turned to Tyler Yonchiuk as they have all season and he kicked a school record 10th field goal in the season. The rest of the first half was mostly a defensive battle with both teams struggling literally to gain traction. Brick Memorial did have some opportunities, but were not able to convert them into points. After a blocked East Brunswick punt, the Mustangs drove down to a first and goal at the 5, but a fumble recovery by East Brunswick stopped that drive. East Brunswick was unable to move the ball and after a short punt, Brick Memorial drove back down to the Bears 15 yard line. The defense held and Brick Memorial attempted a field goal, but a bad snap eliminated that threat. East Brunswick took a 3-0 lead into the half time break. In the third quarter, East Brunswick mounted a 47 yard scoring drive highlighted by 4 carries by Mike Weber including a 12 yard dash for the touchdown. With a 9 point lead, the Bears defense could take over - completely shutting down the run. When the Mustangs then tried the air, that was even less effective. East Brunswick got interceptions from both Anthony Gudzak and Nick Gudzak. This was East Brunswick's year and a snow storm was not going to stop this find East Brunswick football team. Congratulations to all! East Brunswick is now 8-4 for the season.