This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Hardy's 5 TDs Lift Central Past Brick 35-20

The senior running back rolled up 415 yards rushing as the Golden Eagles improved to 3-1

 

Kalyph Hardy rushed for more than 400 yards and scored all five touchdowns as Central Regional ground out a 35-20 victory over Brick Township in the mud and rain at Brick Township High School on Friday night.

“There was a rumor going around that I couldn’t run in the mud,” Hardy said after the game. “I think we showed that’s not true.”

Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

And he showed it from the beginning of the game. On the third play of the game, Hardy took a pitch and swept left, turned the corner and sprinted up the sideline for a 54-yard touchdown 44 seconds into the game.

It was a preview of things to come, as Hardy ripped off touchdowns of 95 yards and 55 yards, as well as a 51-yarder that was called back on a holding penalty. Hardy, who finished with 415 yards rushing, also scored on runs of two yards and three yards that capped off drives.

Find out what's happening in Berkeleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hardy also was able to keep going despite the fact that the field conditions deteriorated rapidly over the course of the game, which was twice interrupted by lightning delays and finished in a steady downpour.

Hardy credited his offensive line with opening the holes that sprung him on the big runs.

“They set the blocks,” he said. “All the touchdowns go to them.”

“We needed to win the battle up front this week,” Central head coach Vinnie said. “And we did.”

But Central’s victory wasn’t just the Kalyph Hardy Show. Central kept Brick off-balance by having sophomore quarterback Javon Hardy – Kalyph’s cousin – throwing the ball as well. Javon Hardy threw just three passes, completing one of 35 yards, but showed an ability to get the ball deep downfield – an ability that Brick was forced to respect. Javon Hardy had a 40-yard pass to the end zone that looked to be on target until Central’s receiver lost his footing on the wet, muddy surface.

“We figured this was the time to use Javon,” Casale said. “He does a good job.”

Central’s defense also withstood the challenge of Brick quarterback Brandon Kieslor, who broke some big runs against Central when the Golden Eagles’ pass coverage prevented him from throwing the ball. Kieslor ran for two touchdowns, including one of 24 yards, and hit Kevin Matthews with a 20-yard pass for Brick’s other score.

And just when it seemed Brick was rallying for victory again – the Dragons trailed Manchester by 20 points last week before rallying for a victory – the Central defense turned up the intensity, sacking Kieslor and getting a hand on his passes repeated. Jon Azaceta twice knocked down pass attempts late in the game, and the linebacking crew, including Keith Stokes, Albert Labagnara and Blake Jambor, were in his face consistently.

“I’ve been waiting eight months for this,” Labagnara told his teammates after the game, “This feels awesome.”

“We knew coming in they were going to be a tough team,” said.

But Central, which improved to 3-1 with the victory, 2-1 in Shore Conference Class B South, proved tougher. Next up is a meeting with Manchester, which has a win over Barnegat as well as the loss to Brick, making the Class B South race up for grabs.

One thing is for certain: if Central has to play in the rain again, the Golden Eagles will be well-versed in how to deal with it.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?