Jersey Mike’s Week 9 Shore Conference Football Team of the Week: Long Branch
Every week this fall, Jersey Mike’s and Shore Sports Network will be teaming up to select the Shore Conference Football Team of the Week based on its performance over the past weekend.
The Jersey Mike’s Team of the Week for Week 9 is Long Branch, which went on the road and knocked off undefeated, state-ranked Pennsauken, 13-6 in overtime, to advance to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 semifinals. Shore Sports Network stopped by practice on Tuesday to present the Green Wave and first-year head coach Chad King with a special game ball and a $500 Jersey Mike's gift card.
Long Branch earned the No, 7 seed for the Central Jersey Group 4 state playoffs and was tasked with traveling west to face an undefeated Pennsauken squad that was ranked No. 17 in the state by NJ.com. A talented Indians team that was 8-0 and winning games by an average of four touchdowns was held in check by a Long Branch defense that forced five turnovers, including three interceptions. They also held Boston College recruit Kahlil Ali to just 17 yards from scrimmage.
Senior defensive back Akeel Gaines helped lead the way with two interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a key tackle for loss in overtime among his six total tackles
Long Branch is now 5-3 on the season and has overcome a 1-3 start to win four straight games. The Green Wave will travel to third-seeded Mainland (8-1) on Friday night with a trip to the sectional championship on the line.
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