NJSIAA football: Middlesex-Point Pleasant Beach CJG1 final preview

The groundwork for the Middlesex High School football program’s remarkable turnaround from a one-win campaign to an appearance in this weekend’s Central Group I final was laid during the offseason.

Fourth-seeded Middlesex, which finished 1-9 a year ago and takes a 10-1 record into Saturday’s sectional championship against seventh-seeded Point Pleasant Beach at Kean University’s Alumni Stadium at 4 p.m., is looking for its first NJSIAA title since 1984.

“Our kids worked extremely hard,” Middlesex head coach P.J. Jankowicz said of his players’ commitment during the offseason. “We said this is what we are going to do in the weight room during the year and offseason practices. Whatever we’ve asked them to do, they’ve done.”

READ: Middlesex beats top-seeded Burlington City in Central Group I semifinal

Jankowicz’s theme of “Tougher Together” enabled the unit to function as a whole, a component that has been integral to Middlesex’s success, especially on offense, where the Blue Jays’ triple option operates like a well-oiled machine.

Middlesex has amassed 3,406 rushing yards. Quarterback John Kressbach (967 yards), halfback Devin Lanza (908 yards) and fullback Tom Rau (741 yards) have combined for 29 touchdowns.

Rau rushed for a season-high 216 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries in a 28-12 victory over Point Pleasant Beach on Sept. 29.

READ: Middlesex's Rau sweeps GMC Football Player of Week and Borden's Baller awards

The Garnett Gulls (7-4), however, are a vastly improved team since that defeat. Point Pleasant Beach has won four of its last five, with the lone setback coming to defending state champion Mater Dei, which will compete this weekend for its second consecutive Non-Public Group II title.

Jankowicz said he believes Middlesex, which already has defeated Shore Regional twice this season, edging the Blue Devils 22-21 in overtime during the regular season and defeating them 28-6 in the opening round of the playoffs, may benefit from having already played Point Pleasant Beach.

“It’s a bit of an advantage just because you are familiar,” Jankowicz said. “The biggest things is the personnel. We know how big kids are, how aggressive kids are, how athletic kids are. So that definitely helps out in that regard.”

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

Quarterback Luke Frauenheim, grandson of former Rutgers University star and former Immaculata coaching legend Pierce Frauenheim, leads Point Pleasant Beach with 1,278 yards through the air, 760 yards on the ground and a combined 17 touchdowns rushing and passing.  John Nista anchors the Garnett Gulls on defense with 75 tackles including 16 sacks.

Jankowicz said Middlesex’s scout team has done a phenomenal job all season of helping the Blue Jays prepare for each opponent, adding that the scout team epitomizes how all of his players have embraced their roles in contributing to a sectional championship run.

“We won the (Point Pleasant Beach) game but it was closer than the score indicated,” Jankowicz said. “We know we are going to have to play our best game of the season to win our last game. It all goes back to putting our kids in the best position. (The coaching staff) does a lot of work from Friday night (postgame) to Friday night game time to prepare the kids. I hate to sound simple, but it’s all about execution. Our kids have done a great job (executing).”

Jankowicz said Middlesex, which dropped four games in 2016 by an average of 7.7 points, finished with a deceptive record last season. The coach believed the Blue Jays could be a title contender this season.

“Even though last year wasn’t the year we wanted, we were still in some games,” he said. “With our offense, it’s the great equalizer. It’s very difficult to prepare for. The kids have done a great job embracing (the offense). When a plan comes together, the kids are able to execute at a high level and score a lot of points.

“It’s a good thing. Everyone is having fun — the kids, the coaches, the fans. It’s a lot better than 1-9, I’ll tell you that."