Tyler Douglas powers Spartans over Fliers 43-14

By Walter J. O’Neill, Jr.

In two weeks the Spartans of Ocean Township varsity football team have put up 70 points and only allowed a total of 28 to be scored against their defense. They also have back-to-back wins, which equals their entire total of the 2021 season.

Don Klein, who is in his 16^th season as Ocean head coach, knew that this group of players were going to be special. He stated that they work hard, and have the desire and skills to win.

Leading the Spartans is 6’2” senior quarterback Tyler Douglas. He has dramatically increased his skill levels from last season, as his arm strength is amazing and throws with accuracy. His legs are so solid he is able to run through tackles.

Another big offensive weapon for the Spartans is senior CJ Flannigan, who is 5’9” and 160 pounds. He is not the biggest player on the field, but he has blistering speed and powers his way through opposing defensive lines.

Mateo Andrews, senior wide receiver, is a new addition to the Ocean program. He transferred in this school year from Neptune, who were the Spartans opponents on Friday night. Andrews wanted to make a big impact in the game, and didn’t disappoint.

On the first play from scrimmage, Douglas dropped back and fired a bullet to Mateo who was covered closely by a Neptune defensive back. Mateo caught the ball high in the air with his forearms. He pulledit in, hit the ground and took off for the end zone. which resulted in a 71-yard pass and reception for six points. The extra point kick was good and Ocean was up 7-0 with 10:12 left in the first quarter.

Neptune didn’t fold, as they worked the ball 80 yards on several plays that was capped by a short touchdown run. The extra point kick failed and Ocean had a one-point lead.

Next offensive series for Ocean had Tyler working the ball quickly up field, putting the ball on the Neptune 30. Douglas kept it himself and ran to the three-yard line for a first and goal. Next play, Douglas ran it in giving Ocean a 14-6 lead with 3:31 left in the first quarter. With 59 seconds left, Neptune had the ball on their own 3-yard line. Ben Trench, senior linebacker for the Spartans, sacked the Neptune QB for a safety, putting Ocean up 16-6.

Starting the second quarter, Ocean had a third down and nine from the Neptune 30-yard line. Douglas handed the ball to Flannigan, who blasted untouched into the end zone for another Ocean touchdown. Spartans were now up 23-6 with 11:52 to play in the first half.

On their first possession of the second quarter Neptune went backwards. They were forced to punt from their own 17-yard line as they faced a fourth and 15.

Several plays later, Douglas handed the ball again to Flannigan, who ran 34 yards for the touchdown. The Spartans were up 30-6 with 7:31 left in the first half.

The only flaw in the Spartan game on Friday night occurred with 2:50 to play in the first half. Ocean had a first and ten at the Fliers 39, when Douglas was intercepted at the two-yard line. The Fliers were unable to move the ball and had to punt.

With 30 seconds left in the first half, Ocean had Douglas run in for another touchdown from three yards out. Going into the halftime break, Ocean had an impressive 37-6 lead.

The third quarter started with a bang for Ocean as Mateo returned the kickoff 99 yards for the final Ocean touchdown of the game. That gave them a 43-6 lead and according to NJSIAA rules, the game clock would now run.

Neptune did get in the end zone one last time with 6:45 to play, and converted on the two-point try giving them 14 points. The Fliers are 0-2 on the season as they lost 42-0 to Point Pleasant Boro to open the season.

Douglas had a impressive night completing 7 of 10 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown. On the ground he had 11 carries for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Flannigan had three touches for 83 yards and three touchdowns. Nick Iacuzzi had nine carries for 38 yards.

Receiving, Flannigan had two catches for 31 yards, Michael Sorrentini had one reception for 22 yards and also getting one catch was Caleb Thompson for five yards. Mateo had two catches, but the big one was 71 yards for the score.

“I’m really excited about the start to the season,” said Klein. His squad was 2-8 last year, 3-3 in 2020, and 8-1 in 2019. “I’ve been around for a long time and this team had the feel that we have had with our better teams. Hard working group that loves to compete and is fun to be around.”

09-16-22               Host Brick Memorial                       7:00 p.m.

09-23-22               At Toms River South                       7:00 p.m.

09-30-22               At Raritan                                          7:00 p.m.

10-07-22               At Brick Township                           7:00 p.m.

10-14-22               Host Middletown North                 7:00p.m.

10-21-22               Host Red Bank Regional                7:00 p.m.