A Strong Showing

by Marc Narducci | Dec 9, 2024

After Mainland’s team went 14-0 and won the state Group 4 championship in 2023, the Mustangs were expected to still be competitive, but not really be competing for a sectional or state championship.

The Mustangs were hit hard by graduation, plus in the annual two-year realignment of the West Jersey Football League, they were put in the toughest division in South Jersey, the WJFL American. That includes Group 4 heavyweights Millville and eventual state champion Winslow Township.

Mainland lost 45-24 to undefeated Winslow Township, but nobody scored more points this year against the 14-0 Eagles. In fact, Mainland was one of just two teams (with Highland the other) who scored more than one touchdown against Winslow Township.

Mainland received a break this season by dropping from Group 4 to Group 3.

The Mustangs benefited from playing the difficult regular season competition and when the postseason arrived, they were playing their best football of the season.

Mainland won the South Jersey Group 3 championship, beating Barnegat, Holmdel and Seneca by a combined score of 139-41.

Then in the state semifinal, the Mustangs defeated previously unbeaten Somerville, 36-35 in overtime. After Somerville went up 35-28 in OT, Mainland on its possession, scored on a 7-yard run by Rocco DeBiaso to cut the lead to 35-34. (Each teams gets a possession in OT).

Instead attempting a PAT to tie the game, coach Chuck Smith went for a two-point conversion and the win.

The gamble paid off when junior quarterback John Franchini hit classmate Jake Blum on a two-point conversion pass for the win.

The dream season ended with a 28-16 loss to Old Tappan in the state Group 3 championship game at Rutgers.

Thus, the Mustangs finished the season 10-4 and winners of a sectional championship.

This is a Mainland team that doesn’t appear ready to go away. The Mustangs have several talented current juniors led by quarterback-receiver combo of Franchini and Blum.

Franchini threw for 2,221 yards and 21 touchdowns. Blum had arguably the best season as a receiver in the rich football history of Mainland. He caught 52 passes for 1,287 yards and 15 touchdowns. Another current junior, Nate Kashley, is among the top kickers in South Jersey. He made all four field goal attempts and was 48 of 49 on PATs. Sophomore Lucas DeBiaso and junior Chase Hoag combined for nine rushing touchdowns and should keep the potent ground game formidable.

There will be some key seniors to replace, especially DeBiaso, who rushed for 1,199 yards and 17 touchdowns and defensive back Khaleeb Foster, who had four interceptions.

Yet Mainland has a rich tradition. Since the advent of NJSIAA playoffs in 1974, Mainland has made 23 appearances and won nine sectional titles and the one state championship. (The NJSIAA has only been conducting public school state championships for three years).

This is a proud program that in a so-called rebuilding year was able to still be among the top teams in South Jersey and nothing should change next year.

Photo: Mainland No. 3 Chase Hoag / Marc Narducci

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Author: Marc Narducci

A Strong Showing

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