Local players highlight Snapple Bowl XV

When discussing a humid evening and a long rain delay, baseball is the sport that comes to mind. But those were the conditions when All-Star teams composed of graduating seniors from Middlesex and Union counties competed on the gridiron in Snapple Bowl XV on Friday.

ERIC SUCAR staff Monroe High School's Ryan Meseroll carries a Union County defender as he runs the ball in Snapple Bowl XV at East Brunswick High School on July 17. The game pitted all-star players from Middlesex County against all-stars from Union County. Meseroll scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:52 remaining to life the Middlesex squad to a 14-7 victory. The annual game, which East Brunswick coach Marcus Borden helped to establish, returned to the Bears' home field for the sixth time. The game was last played in East Brunswick in 2004.

Two of Borden's players, defensive end Ray Bryan and tackle Kevin Norris, got to play in front of a packed house at home one last time. They helped Middlesex edge Union 14-7 in a hard-fought defensive game.

Union took the opening kickoff and began moving down the field, but with just over four minutes elapsed, officials halted the game for more than 30 minutes as a thunderstorm swept past.

When the game resumed, the Middlesex defense held tight, setting the stage for a hard-hitting game. The big play came late in the fourth quarter when Carteret's Al Tampa connected with Edison's Josh Williams for an 85-yard touchdown pass to put Middlesex ahead for good.

The game also marked Michael Knight's return to the field of play. The Sayreville star missed the entire 2007 season after suffering a torn ACL. Nevertheless, Knight was still named a Bombers captain and he was present for every practice and game, and he returned to play a key role on Sayreville's wrestling team. Knight is planning to play at Kean University in the fall.

"It was great to see Michael on the field again," Sayreville coach George Najjar said. "He missed his senior year and that was very difficult, but everyone knew he belonged in the all-star game. It was an uplifting moment."

Knight was one of four Bombers to play in the game. Linebacker Frank Velardi and wide receiver Reinaldo Rodriguez both started for Middlesex, and defensive tackle Augustine Sesay saw plenty of action.

"All four of our guys played a lot and they played well," Najjar said. "They did an excellent job of representing our school. I'm very proud of them."

Old Bridge coach Bob DeMarco also attended the game, since the Knights' Chris Suozzo represented his team and played free safety. Suozzo was in the mix throughout and played on despite a bruised sternum. He also did the punting and kick-offs for the Middlesex squad.

"Chris did a good job in a tough game," DeMarco said.

Other area athletes who played included: tight end Kyle Gigliello, running back Ryan Meseroll and tackle Frank Olexson, of Monroe; running back Jarvis Crandell and defensive tackle Dan Litz, of South River; and linebacker C.J. Mooney of Spotswood.