GMC Football: Middlesex cruises to win over Shore in Central Group I quarterfinals

A month ago, Middlesex High School needed a late rally to nip Shore Regional in overtime.

Friday, it was mostly the Blue Jays in a surprising rout. Fourth-seeded Middlesex defeated No. 5 Shore 28-6 in a NJSIAA Central Group I quarterfinal at Memorial Stadium. Middlesex (8-1) advances to next Friday's semifinal at top-seeded Burlington City (8-1), which beat eighth-seeded Asbury Park 28-6 in a quarterfinal Friday.

Middlesex led 21-0 at halftime and 28-0 with just under six minutes remaining en route to its seventh-straight win. Senior quarterback John Kressbach rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the first quarter and threw a 43-yard scoring pass to Brad Kaplan, who jumped for the ball, in the second quarter.

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The Blue Jays increased their lead to 21-0 when Tom Rau rushed for a 9-yard touchdown later in the quarter. In the third quarter, Matt Semon recovered a fumble in the end zone to give Middlesex the 28-0 advantage.

Kressbach, who entered the game with 694 rushing yards, finished with 95 yards on 20 carries. Devin Lanza and Rau each rushed for 51 yards on eight and 11 carries, respectively. Josh Ramirez rushed for 20 yards (5 carries) and Anthony Mason kicked in 19 yards (5 carries).

Shore (4-5) has been a small school power, making the playoffs 10 straight seasons and winning the sectional title in three out of the last five years. On Oct. 13, Middlesex beat host Shore 22-21 in overtime. In that game, the Blue Jays tied it 14-14 on a 66-yard halfback option pass from Lanza to Zack Godfrey with two minutes left in regulation. In overtime, Kressbach threw a 25-yard TD pass to Godfrey on fourth down. Middlesex coach P.J. Jankowicz elected to go for the win and Kressbach’s two-point conversion run gave his team the win.

Since that victory, Middlesex outscored its three opponents 80-12.

Friday, the Blue Jays kept rolling, and this time, no dramatics were needed.