EWING -- Brick Memorial was rolling heading into Saturday's NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV championship. The Mustangs had taken the hard road to the final by beating Hunterdon Central and Howell on the road and would be facing an East Brunswick team it had already beat with a monstrous offensive performance. Even as the No. 6 seed the Mustangs were favored to win their second straight sectional championship, but Mother Nature had something to say about that.

During what proved to be a bizarre day for Shore Conference teams at The College of New Jersey, defending champion Brick Memorial had its title taken from it by East Brunswick in a heavy snowstorm as the Bears won the Central Jersey Group IV championship with a 9-0 victory. Brick Memorial had one of the most productive and consistent offenses in the Shore Conference and was averaging 26.1 points per game, yet couldn't get its offense going in the snow and was shutout for the first time since a 24-0 loss to Jackson Memorial in 2006.

"It was pretty tough in these conditions but we just didn't execute our game plan," said junior quarterback Mike Diguilmi. "I don't know if it was the weather, we just didn't play our game. We're a second-half team and we always feel like we can come back and pull it out, but it didn't work out today."

A 24-yard field goal by Tyler Yonchiuk in the first quarter was the only score the Bears (8-4) would need as their defense rose up and held Brick Memorial's offense to 100 total yards, including zero passing yard, while forcing four turnovers. The snow was a definite factor because it limited the triple-option attack of both teams. There were very few big plays made in the game, but East Brunswick made just enough to put points on the board.

"We still tried to run the option but we just couldn't get it done," said Brick Memorial head coach Walt Currie. "I didn't do a very good job calling plays today and that's something I have to work on. I'm shocked. Personally, I'm embarrassed about putting a zero on the board, but as far as our kids I couldn't be more proud."

Brick Memorial dodged the first bullet when Jared Lynch broke free for a 63-yard run down to the Brick Memorial 12-yard line, but on the next play Glenn McGinnis recovered a fumble to end the drive. The Mustangs weren't able to do anything on the ensuing drive and things got worse when the snap on the punt sailed over the head of punter Jordan Loiodice. Loiodice was able to pick up the ball and run it out of the end zone to avoid a touchdown or safety. East Brunswick got the ball deep in Mustangs territory, however, and made the great field position worthwhile with Yonchiuk's 24-yard field goal.

In the second quarter, Mike Aquaviva blocked a punt for Brick Memorial and gave the Mustangs the ball at the East Brunswick 30-yard line. Vinnie Sabba was able to convert on a fourth-and-one from the eight-yard line, but on the next play Diguilmi fumbled while trying to take the ball around left end. Brick Memorial was able to force a three-and-out and take over after the punt at East Brunswick's 35-yard line. After moving down to the 15-yard line, the Mustangs wheeled out Loiodice to attempt a game-tying 32-yard field goal, but the snap was high and could not be handled by the holder.

The Bears held a 3-0 lead at the half and with the snow having more time to fall and settle after halftime, the field conditions became even worse at the start of the third quarter. The teams traded punts on the first two possessions and East Brunswick took over at the Mustangs 47-yard line. Five plays later, Mike Weber was in the end zone on a 12-yard touchdown run as the Bears made it 9-0 after the extra point was no good. Weber had an outstanding second half with 53 yard on 11 carries in wretched conditions. Brick Memorial couldn't get anything going the rest of the way against both the weather and East Brunswick's defense. Despite Brick Memorial's defense, which was led by a great effort from senior defensive lineman Billy Miller and allowed just 153 yard of total offense and surrendered the fewest points in a game all season, the Mustangs had this Cinderella run to the state championship halted.

"That's football, whoever makes the most big plays wins and you have to give credit to the East Brunswick kids and staff," Currie said. "I havn't been around a group that has rose to the occassion like this has played with more pure heart, and I couldn't be more proud to be their coach."

Box Score

Central Jersey Group IV Final

(4) East Brunswick 9, (6) Brick Memorial 0