The playoffs were within grasp. Southern Regional’s football team was in the classic “win-and-you’re-in” situation as it played its final regular season game against Brick Memorial High Schoollast Friday. At first, it seemed like the football gods were gracing the Rams.

On the first possession of the game, Brick Memorial committed a false start on first down. On second down, the Rams’ defense forced a fumble and cornerback Nick Simonelli recovered the ball.