Point Beach Football Rolls past Cardinal McCarrick in Season Opener 53-6

In his debut as Point Beach head coach, John Wagner’s first game was simply as good as it gets for the Garnett Gulls.

Wagner’s Point Beach squad dismantled Cardinal McCarrick 53-6 at the G. Harold Antrim Elementary School Field on Saturday afternoon.

Although the past two games against Cardinal McCarrick were within seven points, today’s outcome was never in doubt for Point Beach.

The Gulls received contributions from a multitude of players on the offensive side of the ball. Seven different Point Beach players were able to strike for touchdowns in the convincing victory.

“The kids did exactly what we wanted to do,” said Wagner. “We tried to spread the ball around, we got scores from our split ends, three backs, and a tight end. It was just an all-around great effort.”

Point Beach wasted no time pounding the football down the Eagles' throats.

After each team traded scoreless opening possessions, the Gulls capitalized on excellent field position, with a 3 play 26-yard drive capped by a nine-yard Andre Cochran rushing touchdown.

Following the score, Point Beach went right to work offensively after another stop by its defense.

The Gulls scored their second touchdown of the day on a 4 play 65-yard drive courtesy of a Cody Coleman 20 yard TD run, which stretched the lead at the end of the quarter to 14.

The Beach continued its onslaught in the second quarter, but this time it was through the air when quarterback Christian Martino hooked up for a 21-yard strike to Mark Jurowski, which stretched the lead to 20 points.

Following the lone passing touchdown of the day, Point Beach went right back to work with its ground and pound offense.

Tailback Kyle Samartino broke a run of 60 yards to pay dirt, which turned out to be the longest run from scrimmage on the game.

Junior running back Danny Tighe capped the scoring for the Gulls, with a 10-yard touchdown run, which gave Point Beach a 33-0 lead heading into the locker room.

“I saw the blockers in front of me, and I was thinking to myself that I have to find a way to get in the endzone,” said Tighe. “We were all fired up ready to play and I’m happy I was able to help the team.”

Tighe was not done helping his team in this contest. The junior returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown.

Point Beach’s defense was equally as dominant as the offense. The defense held the Eagles to a late meaningless touchdown and allowed negative yardage on the afternoon.

For a team that won all of two games last season, it was a picture perfect first game and birthday present for the first year head coach.

“The honeymoon is still on I guess,” said Wagner. “Everyone is pretty excited around school, we hope it’s a new era around here. We understand in two weeks we have a very good Asbury Park team to worry about, but today is a great present.”

Point Beach will have a full week to enjoy the season opening victory, and will prepare for a matchup with high-powered Asbury Park on September 24.