Jim Rosa | October 19, 2018
One week after a devastating loss to Ocean Township, Point Boro is eager to show that despite their record, they deserve to be a playoff team. At 2-4, the Panthers know just how crucial these final two games will be. It’s been three straight years in which Point Boro has qualified for the NJSIAA playoffs.
Week 7 is already here and there is still plenty optimism surrounding the team as they host former B South rival Barnegat in their annual senior night/homecoming game. Two games separate the Panthers from a fourth straight playoff appearance as they are currently the 15th team to qualify out of South Jersey Group II. Low margins of defeats paired with a high margin victory in Week 2 has kept the Panthers in the playoff race.
Looking forward, you can essentially say that the final two upcoming games are in fact win or go home games. Point Boro will conclude their regular season schedule at Donovan Catholic the following week. Therefore, today's final home game is one that must end with a W. The Panthers have not finished the season under .500 since 2013. A win against Barnegat would then give them momentum heading into that final game. Conversely, 2-5 would probably make it very difficult for the team to get into the postseason. Point Boro is confident, however, that they can finish the regular season strong and have an impact in the playoffs.
With a strong team bond, the team believes that we have an opportunity to make plenty of noise.
“We’ve been doubted since the beginning of the season. It’s amazing that after everything that has happened this season that we still have a shot at the playoffs,” Scott Franceschini said.
Izzy Wilson also talked about the game saying, “Even with the tough losses the past few weeks, the team comes out to practice everyday and is working to reach the playoffs. It is always a great feeling to come back home in front of our crowd and put on a show for everyone. We represent our community and with this being senior night, the emotions are high right now. We are ready to come out and play.”
Point Boro will also have some help back on the line as Chris Boud is coming back from an injury that has sidelined him for the past couple of weeks. “Getting Chris back on the line is huge,” Scott Franceschini explained. “He is a very reliable and tough player who gives the team plenty of depth.”
Boud is also very excited to back with the team as they will be looking to put up plenty of points against Barnegat. “ I am feeling a lot better and I can’t wait to be back on the field with my team,” Boud said.
Jim Rosa is a 2013 graduate of Point Pleasant Borough High School, and a 2017 graduate of Georgian Court College. He began photographing and covering local high school athletics while he was pursuing a business degree at Georgian Court. Point Pleasant Borough remains a large part of his life, and you can often find him at different sporting events throughout the year … especially the football field.