Marisa Rose Bowl: Standout Performers from Middlesex County’s ASG
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On June 29th at Woodbridge High School some of the top graduating seniors from Middlesex County played in their last high school game – The Marisa Rose Bowl. A charity game, the bowl’s proceeds benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which…
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Continue ReadingOn June 29th at Woodbridge High School some of the top graduating seniors from Middlesex County played in their last high school game – The Marisa Rose Bowl. A charity game, the bowl’s proceeds benefit The Marisa Tufaro Foundation, which aims to aid pediatric patients in need throughout the county. Since the game began in 1994 it has raised nearly $750,000.
The game is named in honor of the late Marisa Rose Tufaro, a survivor of six open-heart surgeries and a heart transplant. Sadly, Tufaro ultimately passed at the age of 13 years old due to of a rare form of cancer.
In the game’s 2023 rendition Team Rose defeated Team Marisa by a score of 37-15. There were several storylines and standout performances throughout the game and those players, along with Marisa, are honored below.
The older Garbolino, brother of Jack Garbolino Jack Garbolino 6’2″ | 205 lbs | WR North Brunswick Township | 2025 State NJ , went out in fashion for his final prep career game. Garbolino was named the game’s MVP as he threw for 182 yards and 2 TDs, while rushing for 84 yards and 2 TDs in the victory for Team Rose. On the first play of the game, Garbolino connected with fellow former Raider Alani Ajigbotosho for a 43-yard strike. The two hooked up once more to open the scoring a few plays later on an 8-yard pitch-and-catch about 3:30 into the game.
Highlights
Garbolino’s favorite target was Ajigbotosho. The dynamic receiver proved difficult for Team Marisa to stop, as he made big plays downfield and was his quarterback’s favorite redzone target. On the first play of the game, Ajigbotosho hauled in a long 43-yard reception. Later on that same drive he caught an 8-yard touchdown pass that would break a 0-0 tie game. The Garbolino-Ajigbotosho connection hooked up again later in the game on a 12-yard score as well.
Omar Rackley
Omar Rackley
Omar Rackley may not be your typical ball carrier. Yes, you read that correctly – ball carrier. Team Rose seemed to have considered Rackley a short-yardage specialist. Throughout the game he a handful of opportunities to tote the rock. In the first quarter on a fourth-and-one, Rackley picked up a critical first down to keep Rose’s drive alive. Later on Rackley was trusted again with a first-and-three near the goal line. The mammoth lineman, with the extra push of his teammates, blowed ahead for his first career touchdown score.
Perez was another standout from Team Rose. The safety, albeit small in stature, came up with big plays. Defensively, the standout safety picked off one pass while also recovering two fumbles on defense. Serving as a spark plug on special teams, Perez also returned a long punt. This punt return helped give Team Rose ideal field position, which set them up nicely for their final scoring drive of the game.
Edison Football
Edison Football
Representing for Team Marisa were an entire flock of Edison Eagles. Quarterback Matt Yascko, Jr. connected with two of his longtime favorite targets, receivers Jon Baio and Michael Strachan for respective touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion plays. Linebacker and Kicker Selbin Sabio had an immeasurable impact on defense making numerous plays, while also sinking his only PAT, and flipping field position when he kicked off.