Jim Rosa | October 26, 2018
The Panthers have suffered four straight losses by a combined total of 15 points to stand at 2-5 going into Week 8. In previous years, Point Boro would almost certainly be out of the playoff conversation. However, with the implementation of the 1st year UPR system, the Panthers are still on the bubble in terms of being seeded in the playoffs. If Point Boro were to get in, it would be certain that they would be the 8th seed and have to travel to Hillside to take on the defending Central Jersey Group II champions. Needless to say though, getting into the playoffs would require a win at Donovan Catholic Friday evening.
A few years removed from a winless season, the Griffins have rebuilt for 2018, led by Quarterback Ryan Clark. Point Boro’s last win at Donovan Catholic was in 2016 where the Panthers won by a score of 34-14. It could be a much different game for Point Boro this time around as the Griffins have shown consistent ability to win this season. Their only losses have been to Mater Dei Prep and Holmdel as they stand at 4-2.
With such an up and down season, Point Boro is happy that they have an opportunity to still reach the postseason.
“The mindset right now is that we are 0-0. We played a very difficult regular season, but we survived. All we need to do now is win one game and we are in. We know what we are capable of if we are to reach the playoffs. With that in mind, everyone is pretty excited,” said Scott Franceschini.
"Our mind frame and goal is to play to the best of our abilities with minimal mistakes. We know how good we can be if we execute our plays and stick together. We just have to go out there and play our hearts out because good things can happen from a big win,” Christian Aurin said when asked about the tomorrow night’s game.
If the Panthers are able to take a lead late into the game they know that it will come down to their execution. Setbacks such as penalties and turnovers have made it hard for the offense to consistently get the ball downfield. With the season basically on the line, executing every play will be a huge determination of where Point Boro plays next week.
The Panthers have not missed the postseason since 2014. Additionally, with Point Boro being defending State finalists, it would be a great opportunity if the team was at least given the chance to get into the playoffs.
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.