Freehold Boro Falls to Barnegat in Gridiron Classic 7-on-7 Championship

Article by Bob Badders, All Shore Media

The annual Shore Conference 7-on-7 tournament is arguably more important to Barnegat High School’s football team than any other squad in the conference.
With a pass-first offense in place under head coach Rob Davis the mid-summer skills tournament gives the Bengals a chance to hone their craft before training camp and build momentum heading into the season.

Led by rising junior quarterback Cinjun Erskine, Barnegat defeated Freehold 22-7 to capture the Shore Conference 7-on-7 championship, which took place prior to the US Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic Thursday night at Toms River North. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Erskine tossed three touchdown passes to give the Bengals their first victory in the tournament, which is in its fourth season. 

“It proves we can be the best and we can be where we want to be,” Erskine said. “The momentum is great, and the fact that the best part of our team isn’t here is unfathomable.”

Erskine was speaking about the team’s offensive line, which he feels will be the team’s strength this coming fall. Led by 6-foot-3, 310-pound rising senior Zach Andrews and 6-foot-7, 330-pound rising junior Sam Madden the Bengals hope their sizable offensive line will lead to an improved and more consistent running game.

“We really have to work on the running game,” Erskine said. “The best part of our team is the line. They’re huge, so we have to get the running game going a little bit.”

Erskine sat out the first four games of his sophomore season after playing his freshman year at Holy Spirit in Atlantic County. In six games and starts he threw for 589 yards with one touchdown and nine interceptions. He did most of his damage on the ground with 316 yards and seven touchdowns, including a career-high 93 yards and three touchdowns in a win over B South rival Lakewood. The 7-on-7 gave him and his receivers and chance to continue to develop chemistry and fine tune the passing game for what they expect will be an improved aerial attack.

“I’m glad our offense worked,” Erskine said. “A lot of teams come in here and put in their 7-on-7 plays but we don’t do anything different. It proves coach Davis’s schemes really do work.”

With attractive measurables Erskine is expected to field multiple FBS offers as he moves through his junior season. Increased production will only enhance that, and he has already received offers from the University of Miami and UMass. 

“It’s been humbling,” Erskine said of the recruiting process. “I’m just trying to do the right thing with my talents.”