THE ALL-STUMPY TEAM
Published: 12/10/2007
And finally....The All-Stumpy Team.
This is for players who exemplify what the game is about. It's fun, remember?
Billy Slocum (Middletown South): After surviving a brain tumor
and being told he could never play again, he came back and became a
practice player who was happy to help the team. I want that kind of
person on my side.
Travis Patterson (Long Branch): Just fun to watch. Old-fashioned, I-formation football right in your face with Patterson steaming up the middle.
Anthony Valle (Keansburg): Five-feet-seven-inches of dynamo, running and passing all over the place.
Chance Carrick (Howell): A winner and a clutch player, just like his whole team.
Knowryl Hammary (Asbury Park): The undisputed leader and post-game chant provider for the best story in the Shore.
Derrell Bell (Asbury Park): Pure excitement at wide receiver.
Nick Foukarakis (TR North): Didn't care about the spotlight at linebacker. Cared a lot about making plays and getting wins.
Ryan Kirchner (Rumson-FH): Maximized his potential at wide receiver and did whatever it took to win, without worrying who got the credit.
Tom Sozzi (Manalapan): A quiet leader on the line who has made his family proud through some tough circumstances.
Kenny Laplante (Holmdel): Had some exciting plays on defense and was an unsung part of one of the best Holmdel teams ever.
Scott Pillar (Keansburg): An underrated player who battled to the end no matter what the score. The Laguna brothers also will be missed for their will and determination.
Brian Battaglia (Howell): Known more as a baseball player, but one who should be remembered as a key to Howell's success.
Rob Boutote (Freehold): When it's time for the All-Stumpy team
to take a knee for victory, I'd put him in for one play for his
dedication to a sport he can't play any more because of a freak injury.
Tiim Wright (Wall): A star in the classroom as well. Hope to see him making plays for Rutgers on my TV soon.