By Jim Hintelmann
KEYPORT – “It was a sloppy game, but a win is a win and we’ll take it,” said Shore Regional football coach Mark Costantino following Shore’s less than artistic 21-6 B Division Central opening game victory over Keyport.
The win also spoiled the debut of Keyport’s new coach, John Paczkowski, who has replaced longtime coach Mike Ciccotelli, who stepped down this year after 34 years as head coach.
While the Shore offense sputtered at times, the defense was solid, except for Keyport’s lone touchdown, a 61-yard scoring pass from quarterback Desmon Underwood to Chase Bright late in the game.
“The defense was very good,” Costantino said. “(Linebacker) James Bedell and (end) Mitch Candito were outstanding. Our quarterback, Ryan Campi, was also good.
Shore set the tone of the game early when it took the opening kickoff and rolled 75 yards in nine plays with Devin McLaughlin scoring the first of his two touchdowns with a 6-yard run. Jake Monteiro kicked the first of three extra points while Campi had 35 yards rushing in three carries to spark the drive.
Penalties and turnovers hurt Shore the rest of the half, but the Blue Devils came out strong in the third quarter with another 75-yard drive following the kickoff with McLaughlin scoring on a 5-yard run.
Shore appeared to break open the game early in the final quarter when Campi intercepted a short Keyport pass in the flat and returned it 10 yards to make it 21-0.
“I saw it coming,” said Campi, who was making his first varsity start. “The coaches did a good job of scouting and we were working on that play all week.
“I was in the right place and right time,” he said. ”I anticipated the pass, stepped in front of the receiver and picked it off. We were a little sloppy in the first half and may have eased up a bit in the second half, but we’ll get better.”
Keyport’s big moment came with 5 minutes remaining when Underwood avoided a sack, got free and threw his touchdown pass to Bright, but Shore kept the ball the rest of the game.
“I think our defensive backs thought the kid (Underwood) was sacked and may have let up a bit,“ Costsantino said.
Shore plays host to Spotswood Friday, Sept. 19, and Costantino will see a familiar face across the field as former Shore star Nick Cammarano is the head coach of Spotswood.
“He did a good for me when he played here,” Costantino said. “They have a good team.”
