From Rock Bottom to Division Champions: Monmouth Takes Down Barnegat

BARNEGAT TWP. — Two years ago, Monmouth Regional was coming off a 1-9 season, with a young group of players hoping to build the foundation for something bigger.

On Friday night, those same players delivered one of the program’s most significant victories in recent memory.

In a highly anticipated showdown between two undefeated teams with the Class D North championship on the line, Monmouth overcame an early 10-point deficit to defeat Barnegat, 35-17, improve to 7-0 and clinch at least a share of its first division title since 2021.

Barnegat wasted little time establishing itself, receiving the opening kickoff and marching down the field for a touchdown on a 42-yard run from freshman quarterback Zach McCrohan on its first possession.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Monmouth when the Falcons fumbled the ensuing kickoff, giving the Bengals excellent field position. Barnegat capitalized with a field goal from 30-yard field goal from senior kicker Anthony Dringus, who set the program record for career kicking points, extending the Bengals’ lead to 10-0.

With momentum firmly on Barnegat’s side, Monmouth needed a spark.

Senior defensive back Samuel Jackson provided it.

Jackson intercepted a deflected pass from Barnegat quarterback Zach McCrohan and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 10-7 and completely changing the complexion of the game.

“You know, we were down 10-0, but we knew we were in this game the whole time. The preparation, the work we put in practice the whole season, it led to that moment. So, we just knew that when someone had a chance to make a play, we were going to make it, and we were going to get that game back.” said Jackson.

The Falcons continued to capitalize on Barnegat’s mistakes when a bad snap on a punt attempt gave Monmouth possession at the Bengals’ 1-yard line. Junior quarterback Ryan Corwin punched it in for a two-yard touchdown, giving the Falcons their first lead at 14-10.

Barnegat responded when McCrohan connected with Justin Fitzpatrick for a 25-yard touchdown, putting the Bengals back in front.

That would be Barnegat’s final lead of the night.

Corwin found Jackson for a 20-yard touchdown pass to put Monmouth ahead for good, and the Falcons steadily pulled away in the second half.

Junior running back Brandon Thompson broke free for a 40-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to extend Monmouth’s advantage to 11 points. Corwin later connected with junior wide receiver Liam Faulkner for a 46-yard touchdown to seal the victory.

Corwin, Jackson, Faulkner and Thompson were all part of the Monmouth program that endured a 1-9 season two years ago. After improving to 5-5 last fall, the Falcons have emerged as one of the Shore Conference’s top teams this season.

Corwin has been at the center of that transformation, directing a Monmouth offense that has taken a significant step forward this fall.

The junior quarterback completed 11 of 16 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns against Barnegat while adding another score on the ground.

After the victory, Corwin reflected on how far the program has come.

“It means a lot to finally be undefeated because our first two years we weren’t that good, and like we really built it up and started off the season really good, and we hope to continue doing that.” said Corwin.

Monmouth head coach Dan Wendel praised his quarterback’s performance, noting that improved health allowed Corwin to play to his strengths.

“Listen, Ryan, I think, got healthier this week, and it showed. He was able to do the things that make Ryan special” said Falcons head coach Dan Wendel.

Thompson provided another important dimension to the Falcons’ offense, rushing for 69 yards on 11 carries, including his pivotal 40-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

The junior running back credited his offensive line for creating opportunities.

“My O-line, if I didn’t have my O-line, I would not be able to do these things I’m doing right now. And yeah, the O-line just made perfect holes. I saw a gap; I just took it.”

Wendel said Thompson’s consistency throughout the season made him confident the junior would deliver when Monmouth needed a big play.

“He made the play we needed him to make. He made an unbelievable cut, I believe it was in the third quarter and then took it to the house.”

While Monmouth’s offense delivered several explosive plays, its defense played an equally important role in the comeback.

The Falcons intercepted three passes and recovered a fumble, repeatedly disrupting a Barnegat offense that entered the game having dominated its previous opponents.

Jackson’s interception return was arguably the defining play of the night, transforming what had been a difficult opening stretch into a competitive game.

Jackson credited the Falcons’ preparation for their ability to respond under pressure.

“I mean, to be honest, it just comes down to preparation during practice.” said Jackson on how the defense performed.

“You know, no messing around, just straight business, and that’s what we came here to do, and that’s what we did.”

Faulkner also made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, recording an interception in addition to his touchdown reception.

The Falcons made important defensive adjustments after Barnegat’s strong start, with their secondary becoming increasingly effective as the game wore on.

“Well, our secondary was doing pretty bad in the first half, not going to lie. But they basically told us to just, like, play back, watch the pass, and we did that. And then in the second half, we just got multiple picks and closed out the game.” said Faulkner.

Monmouth’s ability to overcome adversity was particularly significant given the stakes of Friday night’s matchup.

The Falcons entered the game having already survived a defensive battle against Brick, earning a hard-fought 5-0 victory that tested their composure. Against Barnegat, they faced a different challenge, falling behind by double digits before their offense had an opportunity to establish any rhythm.

Jackson pointed to the Falcons’ experience in close games as a major factor in their ability to remain composed.

“I mean, obviously, last week we had a 5-0 win against Brick. You know, that’s not the way you want to go. You know, we had a lot of ups and downs, and it was the same today. But we knew that when the downs came, it was a way to rally back, stay together, and come win this game.” said Jackson.

For Wendel, the performance was another example of the maturity his players have developed throughout the rebuilding process.

“I mean, to be honest, the good thing is we’ve been battle-tested before. They learned how to gut out a win a week ago against a tough Brick team, and I think they carried that over tonight. They just continued to battle each play, and it was great to see the maturity they’ve shown over the last couple of years to get to this point.” said Wendel.

For the players who endured that difficult 1-9 campaign, Friday night’s celebration carried an added sense of accomplishment.

“It’s awesome. I mean, freshman year we were 1-9, last year we were 5-5, and this year we’re 7-0.” said Faulkner.

Jackson, who has experienced the program’s transformation firsthand, said the Falcons entered the season determined to prove that their rebuilding years had prepared them for something special.

“I mean, it’s great. You know, two years ago, as a sophomore, we were 1-9. You know, we got embarrassed, but we just knew that we needed to keep our heads down and keep working. And we knew coming into this year that this was our year, and we were not going to be denied by anybody.” said Jackson.

For Wendel, the championship was the culmination of years of development, patience and commitment from a group that never lost faith in the direction of the program.

“They trusted the process. They stayed to what we were talking about. They got better at the details every year, and it showed. Last year, we were 5-5. We figured we were closer in some games that could have gone either way.”

The Falcons will look to keep their undefeated season rolling next Friday when they host Keansburg, while Barnegat will attempt to bounce back at home against Pinelands.

For Monmouth, Friday night’s victory represented the culmination of a remarkable turnaround, as a group that won just one game two seasons ago now finds itself undefeated, holding a division championship and with even bigger goals still within reach.