By Scott Stump - Senior Editor
E-mail: stump@digitalsports.com

     While Asbury Park may be at the top of the DigitalSports Top 10, the people's champ right now is the Southern Rams, who nipped the Blue Bishops for the top spot this week after posting a 28-7 win over Brick Memorial on Friday.
     The Rams received 47 more first-place votes than Asbury Park but ended up being very close in the average ranking because the Rams also received a lot of third- and fourth-place votes whereas Asbury Park had a ton of second-place votes. We'll see on Friday where Asbury Park stands when it takes on a tough Rumson-Fair Haven team on the road in what looks to be inclement weather.
     Also, look how close the teams are bunched from 8 to 15, which shows you that there are still a lot of teams jockeying for position.
     Below is the Fans' Top 10 for this week with some comments sprinkled throughout and below. The average of all the votes for each team is in parentheses, and the ranking under "last week'' is where they ranked in last week's Fans' Top 10.
     Click here to see last week's Fans' Top 10 if you missed it.

     1. Southern (2.54) - Last week: No. 3. A 28-7 win over Brick Memorial was enough for the people to jump the Rams up to the top spot.

     "Ibelieve Southern should be Number One. Even though their schedule does not really give them many tests, due to graduation of many of the teams' top players that they play this year. But Coach Donohue works hard and the players work hard so what ever they get they deserve . . . But class of 08' started it all!!!! After beating up a strong Brick Memorial team on their own turf, it's hard to argue the Rams' position at #1. Asbury Park although strong would never stand a chance against a Group IV powerhouse like Southern." - Tom from Manahawkin.

     "Southern's 1-2 punch of Stroffolino and Carson is the best in the Shore on both sides of the ball!! Maybe the best in the state! Add Sibona and Bonsky and it is lights out for the competition! The O-line and quarterback questions seem to be answered as well. Go Rams!'' - Joe from Manahawkin.

    2. Asbury Park (2.75) - Last week: No. 1. The Blue Bishops have won 13 straight and are out to prove the No. 1 spot should be theirs.

     "Asbury Park at #1, what the heck, let them enjoy it, they are not gonna have too many opportunities to be #1. Freehold deserves #2 based on the preseason rankings, but Middletown South might not be as good as people thought and Neptune is very overrated to me." - "The Unsilent Majority" from Neptune

     "Howell and Asbury Park have got to be No. 1 and No. 2. They are state champs and still have yet to lose.'' - Mary from Brick.

    "Asbury Park should not be in the top 5. They have not faced a challange and they won't with any Group 1 team. I wish they played Howell and the score would show that they are not that good.'' - "PDA'' from Howell.

     "Asbury Park is the best. I don't care if they are Group 1 or not. They have no control over the fact that they are from a small town.'' - Darren from Asbury Park.

    "Asbury looks pretty solid so unless somebody beats them they should remain Number 1 regardless of what group they are in because they earned it.'' - Mike from Long Branch.

     "Asbury stays at #1 because of their winning streak and their weapons on offense. George Stephens didn't even play (against Mater Dei) and all they did was put Will Johnson, the starting QB, in the backfield and brought Jamar Small off the bench and put him in at QB and the offense was still productive. AP hasn't played to their full potential yet, and it's going to be scary for those teams when they do. Freehold Boro deserves the #2 spot. If Asbury didn't have that winning streak, Freehold would be the #1 team. They are the only team to beat two teams that were ranked in the preseason Top 10." - Rob from Neptune.

     3. Freehold (3.12) - Last week: No. 4. The Colonials jump up a spot and received only two less first-place votes than Asbury Park after a 35-14 win over Neptune.

     "Asbury Park vs. Rumson on Friday night will let the Shore know where the Blue Bishops stand. Talk about impressive - Freehold had wins vs. Middletown South and Neptune in consecutive weeks. Could be the surprise team of 2008." - Corey from Neptune.

     "How about Freehold knocking off the #2 and #3 teams in a row to open the season? This team has proven a lot during this early season, especially that they haven't fallen off from last year's division championship." - Anonymous.

     4. Red Bank Catholic (4.61) - Last week: No. 9. The Caseys take a big jump up after a 28-0 win over Long Branch in their opener, as they just nipped Lacey for the fourth spot.

    "RBC has looked dominant is all of their scrimmages, including crushing an Elizabeth team that was ranked #9 in the state and holding one of the best backs, Raymond Graham (Pitt commit) to minus rushing yards. Then look what they did to Long Branch. Seventeen yards rushing? That's impressive. They seldom get credit for their defense, because the offense has been so good over the years. The 'D' was great last year, but didn't get much attention. They are very well balanced on both sides of the ball." - Steve from Oceanport.

    "Yes, RBC is my #1 for the fact that this team beat Long Branch on the road in a hostile environment and held LB to 16 rushing yards. When was the last time LB only rushed for 16 yards in any game? RBC beat up on an Elizabeth (game scrimmage) team that is ranked in the top 20 in the state. They returned almost all of the defensive starters from last season after ending the year as the fifth-best defense in the Shore Conference. The offense speaks for itself." - John from Long Branch.

    "RBC did not play up to their potential on O (against Long Branch). They had a lot of players slipping on new field, dropped three easy catches, and had some penalties. They are still a game behind everyone else. Watch out when they are hitting on all aspects of the game! First Elizabeth, then Long Branch - RBC has more speed on 'D' then given credit. - "All for Your Son'' from Matawan.

     5. Lacey (4.67) - Last week: No. 2. The Lions' close 20-14 win over Toms River East apparently wasn't enough for the people, who dropped them three spots.

     6. Middletown North (6.56) - Last week: No. 5. The Lions drop a spot coming off a 21-14 win over Toms River South, but still are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2001.

     7. Howell (6.65) - Last week: No. 10. The Rebels didn't even have to play and they jumped up three spots. They face a good test in Jackson Memorial after coming off their bye week.

    "I never thought the day would come when a game between Howell and Freehold would be one of the biggest match-ups at the shore. Just crazy." - Dave from Long Branch.

    "Howell has got to be the team to beat coming off of a state championship and a big comeback win. They will show everyone what they have in the upcoming weeks.'' - "Ya Boy'' from Howell.

    8. Manasquan (8.77) - Last week: Unranked. The Warriors' 3-0 win over Point Boro was enough to send them sailing into the rankings.

    9. Matawan (8.79) - Last week: Unranked. Literally almost tied with Manasquan, the Huskies make their debut after a 2-0 start.

    "The Matawan Huskies aren't getting the spotlight, which they need greatly! They've been working hard and playing harder. The underdogs are on top this year.'' - Anonymous from Matawan.

  10. Neptune (8.98) - Last week: No. 6. Down, but not out, the Scarlet Fliers are in the 10 spot after a 35-14 loss to Freehold.


The next five: 11. Rumson-FH (9.22); 12. Brick Memorial (9.25); 13. Raritan (9.28); 14. Manchester (9.56); 15. Toms River North (9.59).

General comments:

"This wil be the year of the weekly rotating top 10.'' - Anonymous.


"I think any team in the American Division could be a top 10 team because no division is nearly as deep. It's almost like the SEC of the Shore Conference. And Manalapan churns out winning seasons and playoff appearances every year, so show some love." - Pat from Manalapan.

"Manchester is not up there but they will be, because as (Hawks RB D'Andre) McFadden puts it WE ARE GOING TO SHOCK THE SHORE!!'' - Karen from Manchester.


"Freehold is a must at #1 based on two quality W's vs. good teams. Southern is big, strong and talented, just like last year's Toms River North team. Lacey is just a tremendous program that is senior-laden and talented. Asbury is blessed at the skill positions, and has speed and toughness. A lethal combination for a small school. Midd. North, welcome back and it's very apparent that you are back. It's been a while. RBC? Yes. For now. Can't downplay the domination of Long Branch last week. Howell reloads again as they install a new QB who just moves the ball downfield at will. Matawan is big, fast and skilled. Ocean looks very tough "D"-wise again. Good athletes. Tough athletes. May move up as they have horses." - Northshore from Ocean Twp.

I agree much with the top four, but if Southern keeps rolling like they are, you have to move them in front of Asbury. Freehold's win becomes stronger if Neptune rebounds against Central. Do not be surprised to see a solid Barnegat team move up over the next three weeks. Also, Manasquan's win over Pt. Boro makes Ocean look even better. Lacey is doing a solid job, playing Lacey football with one of its top players out." - Tom from Ocean County.

"Freehold played impressive defense in holding (Neptune's Michael) Peavy to only 159 yards despite the fact that they started out in the wrong defense. Lacey is still holding strong, despite playing some pretty good programs. RBC is still one of the top performers in the Shore in being able to shut down Long Branch, especially in their first home game after 5+ years. Asbury Park is up there, and it was hard to give them a lower spot because they are showing people what they are made of, but they are a smaller school playing in a smaller division.'' - Anonymous.


"I think what we are finding out this year is our traditional powerhouse teams are down.
1. SOUTHERN - Right now they are the biggest and the baddest.
2. LACEY - All they do is win, week after week, year after year.
3. RBC - It is a shame they don't play a Group 3 or Group 4 schedule so they would be better prepared for the playoffs. A 28-0 win over Long Branch. I'm impressed.
4. HOWELL They lost a lot to graduation but this might be the best offensive system in Central Jersey, let alone the Shore. I saw Brick this week and they have a damn good defense, for Howell to put those kiind of numbers up is very impressive. Hats off to Coach Davies, he is probably doing the best job of maximizing his talent in the Shore after years of people calling for his head.
5. FREEHOLD BORO - Another coach (Mark Ciccotelli) doing a hell of a job. I think they beat two vastly overrated teams, but they won, and I think they are a top 10 team, but not sure they can finish this high.
6. ASBURY PARK - My preseason No. 1. Hate to drop them for winning but I think the top four would beat them. Still a lock for the Central Jersey Group I title.
7. MIDDLETOWN NORTH - The ONLY team in the Shore to beat two Group 4 teams, they have earned top 10 status.
8. OCEAN - The win over Manasquan looks a lot more impressive, but a tough Manchester is next.
9. BRICK - The 'D'-line looks good. Might be a short stay with Toms River East and Lacey coming up.
10. MATAWAN - They have earned it but they have to keep winning big or they will fall out.
Teams most likely to move into top 10: Middletown South and Toms River North.
Most impressive win: 1.Red Bank Catholic; 2. Central; 3. Manalapan
Best bounce back win: 1. Manalapan; 2. Manasquan; 3. Brick.
Most underrated team: 1. Manchester; 2. Barnegat; 3. Freehold Twp." - GV3 from Colts Neck

And last, but certainly not least, back after Week Two, Michen from Matawan.

    "Well, well, well. There's stability in the penthouse of this week's Top 10 while we have some issues going on with those who want to get their foot in the door. And let me know whether or not you see some similarity between a certain someone's Top 5 last week and a certain someone's Top 5 this week (ahem, Stumpy's copying me, ahem, just messing with you! Great minds think alike).
    On with it:

1. Anyone else hear that? That's the Asbury Park #1 train pulling out of the station! "Oh, but they're a Group I school." So what? They moved their starting QB to TB and brought in their back-up and still doled out some punishment. Mater Dei may not be up to par, but you'd think with a major change like that, especially at QB, there would be a little slowdown on their part, right? Nope, business as usual. They have some major weapons down there! This week they get the chance to earn their No. 1 ranking against division foe Rumson. Game of the Week, boys and girls. Go see it!

2. Southern: Thanks for making me look good. They have a great defense and they can put some points on the board, which helps a million. Hey Glenn Carson, can you please sign the letter of intent to Rutgers (my alma mater)? We need someone who can tackle. Disregard the 0-3 stuff. Do you know that we went to TWO STRAIGHT BOWL GAMES?! TWO?! Fat Sandwiches to die for (Fat Darrell, #1 in America according to Maxim!). Casual Harmony is there (self-titled CD coming in November, go get it!). Did I mention 2 straight bowl games?

3. Freehold: Dear Shore Conference, you may not know us, but we're a talented football team. We have more players than that guy who wears No. 4 (who is that kid anyways?) who can play this game. (Editor's note: It's Brandon Brown). I mean, all we did was beat Midd. South and Neptune soundly in back-to-back weeks. All we're asking for is to have someone notice us. Is that too much to ask for? Sincerely, The Freehold Borough Colonials. Dear Freehold, YES! I notice you and so should the rest of the Shore. You are not going to be a one-hit wonder this year. I see big things in your future. Heck, I don't even know who #4 is (WHO IS HE?!). All I know is that when you beat up two good football teams, you deserve to be amongst the elite. I mean, I had you in the top 3 before Stumpy decided that you guys deserved to be there (just kidding, Stumpy). I respect you. Sincerely, Mich.

4. Lacey: "The Anvil" did a lot on Friday, but Lacey did have guys step it up a whole lot to ensure their hard fought victory over TR East. That defense is fierce, but they must have more offensive production besides Rickmers to really solidify their chances to get to their 300th straight sectional final. Pandorf coming back soon could help a whole lot.

5. Midd. North squeaked out a win against TR South, but that should not take them out of this spot. You have to win the close ones in order to become part of the upper echelon in this conference as no game is too easy especially for an up-and-comer like North. They have the talent to do so. They're making the case to stay around for a while.

6. RBC: WOW! Did you have to go in and ruin Long Branch's party like that, RBC? I mean, I picked you to win and everything, but jeez! You didn't have to beat them up AND take their lunch money too. In their first home game in 5 years, too?! You guys are bullies. Seriously, they looked pretty good and welcomed back Coach Edgerly in style on the road. They keep playing like this, and that Liberty Division is theirs for the taking.

7. Howell: What a game this weekend by Howell and Jimmy Ryan. They looked spectacular against...wait...they didn't play? Oh man, this is awkward. Well, they move up 3 spots. My bad. Can't punish anyone for doing nothing. Not their fault teams ranked 7-10 this week folded like a cheap suit. Just don't fold.

8. Rumson (yes, Rumson) gets my nod at #8. They beat two state playoff teams (albeit ravaged by graduation) quite handily with their new "punch you in the face" approach. Now, it gets tough. The #1 team in the Shore comes knocking. This is the chance to establish yourselves as the team to beat in the Patriot Division (and keep the pundits talking about how a small school shouldn't be #1 in the Shore). Did I mention this was my pick for Game of the Week? This is going to be a war! I can't wait!

9. Raritan vaults up to #9 by matching their win total last year. But to say they didn't look impressive would be doing a total disservice to them. They earned their victories and beat the teams they're supposed to beat. It doesn't get easier. They have two weeks to prepare for an angry Point Boro team, coming off of a grueling loss to Manasquan. This could say a lot about Raritan.

10. My alma mater rounds out the top 10. Matawan has some talent at the skill positions, but they really have to show that they can be the contenders in order to really solidify their place a team that is on the up and up in the Shore Conference. Always and ever, I'll uphold your name, Matawan! Now go out and win so I can keep you here. It's bad enough I had to put Raritan ahead of you (no offense, but you were my rivals back in the day). Go, fight, win! The tests will come for these teams as they continue to show and prove that they belong here, but that is what makes it fun.  

    Who will have that proverbial "chip on the shoulder" when they take the field? I suggest that it would be the small schools in this top 10. They are not going to get the respect they deserve because of their school size. But talent is talent and if you can show it on the field, then you deserve to be here. Win and everything else will fall into place.